emil1107

[emil1107]

Skill development

Throughout my time of studying Business Foundation program I feel that my knowledge has progressed excessively in many ways and that I have enhanced my skills in different areas and continue to do so.

Generally, if we reach our goal, for this will be needed tools. What are the tools? Tools are our skill are improved with education, trainings, and work life. For instance, the house is my goal. Just as I need the right tools to build a house, I need the right skills to build my goal. Without the right skills, I will only frustrate myself, waste my time, and spend a lot of time dealing with rudimentary issues caused by the lack of knowledge or lack of skills, as opposed to progressing in my goal.

During the course, I have developed hard skills and soft. Hard skills are relating to any specific task; they are usually easily quantifiable. They tend to be knowledge-based, such as proficiency in a subject, certification, and technical skills. Soft skills are relating to personality and tend to be transferable, such as communication, leadership, time management, stress management, decision making, adaptability, ability to deal with adversity, and networking.  

 Background

First of all, I would like to write about my background. I graduated Bachler degree within Legal Regulation of Economy where I have enriched my legal knowledge and economy knowledge. In my professional career I have worked as Financial Sales Consultant and Internal Auditor where I have improved finance skills, risk assessment, fraud investigation, and audit skills.

During the course, I have exactly improved and carry on to enhance below skills:

·       How to write a great research paper;

·       Critical writing and thinking skills;

·       How to write reflective essays;

·       Data analysis;

·       Presentation skills;

·       E-learning skills;

·       Managing online information for academic study;

·       Research planning;

·       Positivist and Interpretivist approaches to research;

·       Quantitative research: Surveys and Closed Questionnaires;

·       Qualitative research: open questions, participant observation and content analysis;

·       Evaluating research design;

·       Writing and Managing a research project;

·       Computers skills: PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

·       Time Management;

·       Reading skills;

·       English language skills.

I would like to begin with MFP/MQP Research Project lessons. Because I had never written research project in my previous life. Firstly, I had a doubt that Could I learn this? How could I write this? However, when I was starting the lessons, day by day I saw that nothing is complicated as I thought. Due to two brilliant teachers, I have loved this lessons. They always motivate me. Consequently I love to do my research project. In addition, I have read two books related to research project which are called as “Doing Your Research Project” by Judith Bell and Stephen Waters and “Research Methods for Business Students” by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill.

Research Project based on 6 chapters:

·       Project formulation;

·       Research Methodology;

·       Literature review:

·       Sampling framework;

·       Result evaluation;

·       Conclusions and Recommendation.

In project formulation stage, I have improved my decision making and planning skills because for good research project I had to determine the proper questions and objectives. If I do not prepare properly these I cannot complete my research project in a good condition and on the time. For this I prepared 10 topic and made 3 questions for each topics. Consequently, I should choose one topic from them which should be measurable because I have mere 4 weeks for completion of research project. In the same time it should be familiar. Therefore I chose topic related to insurance. Because I have experience more than 3 years and I know that what is the main problems regarding the insurance in my country (Azerbaijan). So, I can confidently write that my decision making and planning skills improved sharply.

In the second chapter, I have been doing plethora of research and been reviewing a lots of books, journals and websites. In addition, I have learnt constructed a literature review and have learnt to split my topic into sub heading linked to my areas of research. These activities enhance my reading skills and analyze skills. Also I have strengthened my English language. Because I have read a lots of material in English. In addition, I have learnt many useful internet sites related to academic research such as www.llrx.com, www.academia.edu, htts.scholar.google.co.uk, www.google.co.uk/alerts and so on. For instance, Google Scholar is a highly recommended research site which is a search engine that enables you to search for digital or printed copies of articles, books, reports, theses and other documents that are available both online and offline. It is estimated that there are over 200 million documents on Google Scholar, covering approximately 90 per cent of all articles published in English. While many of fee is required to read the article or report, there are sufficient links to freely available resources for the first time researcher. Google Scholar has a cited by feature that searches for articles that have quoted the article you are reading. This is useful, because those articles will be linked by topic, theme or research results to the one you are reading. In conclusion, these kind of websites have improved my searching skills.

In the third and fourth chapters of research project, I have prepared the first questionnaire in my life. It was very interesting, simultaneously it was a challenging. Firstly, I prepared ten questions related to my research topic. Afterwards, I designed my questionnaire. For this, I used Microsoft Word and www.surveymonkey.com. In this stage, my communication skills have improved as well because during the filling of questionnaire I have contacted many people. In addition, I have strengthened my process management skill. For instance, I prepared questionnaire for Azerbaijan and the UK. In the UK, people who filled printed questionnaire and in my hometown people filled questionnaire by using their email addresses. In that time, I followed up all process I have got all answers within two days. In addition, I would like to use interview method, because for valid data gathering we should use two or more data collection methods. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time for using more than one data collection method. If we use more than one method it is called as triangulation. However, I have already know what is it, Interviews are used to collect data from a small group of subjects on a broad range of topics. You can use structured or unstructured interviews. Structured interviews are comparable to a questionnaire, with the same questions in the same order for each subject and with multiple choice answers. For unstructured interviews questions can differ per subject and can depend on answers given on previous questions, there is no fixed set of possible answers. Therefore, I will use interview method and other methods during the Master Degree program. Generally, when I have decided on a topic, refined it and specified objectives, I have been in a position to consider how to collect the evidence I require. The initial question is not ‘which methodology?’ but ‘what do I need to know and why?’ Only then do I ask ‘what is the best way to collect information’ and ‘when I have this information, what shall I do with it’? After to answer these questions then I have made my questionnaire. I think that if someone did not answer above questions before to prepare his questionnaire or other selecting method of data collection their data collections could be useless at the end.

Furthermore, I have enriched my excel skill. So, I have rare used charts making tools in excel, before came to foundation program. I have used “Excel 2013” in order to analyze all my collected data. As I wrote above I have not been familiar before I was unsure on different tools to use and their functions; therefore when it came to creating charts process of using tools, I was not very good at it and it took me a long time to understand the tools well. Yet I feel that I have continuously improved throughout AS, as I have had more practice. MFP/MQP course has taught me how to use the program ‘Excel’ in great detail allowing me to explore and develop my skills as a student. By learning the use of the tools on the program, I have been able to analyze my data in an effective way and to a good standard that I was not able to do before I had access to the program. I have created different types of charts in excel such as pie chart, column chart and bar chart which have been used all of them in my research project. In addition, I will include them in my presentation. These charts make all of data presentable and they help us to understand the situation better. After collecting data when we go to the insert section there is shown recommended charts which gives you the best choice and you can use the chart. Then I learnt that how I can change its color.                           

How I can add elements such as axes, axis titles, chart titles, data labels, data table, error bars, gridlines, legend and trend lines.

Consequently, I will use the excel skills in my future career.

 According to fifth and sixth chapter which is related to result evaluation. Initially, I will try to describe what is it? So, data collected by means of surveys, interviews, diaries or any other method mean very little until it is analyzed and evaluated. Gathering large amount of information in the hope that something will emerge is not to be recommended in any small or smallish investigation, especially not for new researchers as me. Those of we who have a limited statistical background cannot attempt highly complex surveys involving advanced statistical techniques, but that does not mean that a worthwhile study cannot be carried out. It is all a case of working within our level of expertise, selecting research methods which are suitable for the task and which can be readily analyzed, interpreted and presented. In this stage, I have developed my situation assessment skill. This part was really challenging for me, because it has been interesting for me result of my work. This part which is proved that you work properly or not. If you show the finding you will need viable proofs for each findings. Therefore, this part taught me to work with evidences which help to support to our findings. So, I have inserted 10 charts within my questionnaires where I have analyzed my results based on the charts. In addition, I have improved my future planning skill in this section, because I have to write what I would like to improve more regarding my future research projects.

In the final stage of my research project which is the writing of the report. After all my hard work planning my research topic, using research tools to gather information and analyzing my data, I now need to shape this into a written report that summarizes my findings and does justice to my efforts. This final chapter taught me how to approach the task of writing my report step-by-step where I have learnt that how to structure the report. During the report writing I have strengthened my self-discipline because writing requires discipline, and even the most experienced of researchers needs to impose some sort of self-control to ensure that the writing task is completed on time. There are no hard and fast rules about when and how to write. Everyone has distinguish ways of working and what suits one person may not suit another. Some people are firm that it is the best to write according to a strict schedule. I have tried to do that, but I just do not seem able to keep to such regular pattern. I have to be quiet and alone to write, with all my source material around me. On the other hand, other people say that they cannot write in silence. They need music in the background.

In addition, the writing of research project has improved my planning skill as well. So, I do make plans to complete particular sections or eve paragraphs at one sitting. And if I am in the middle of a good writing session and come across an incomplete reference, I now do not stop to look it up. I make a note or highlight it, and then return to it later. If I try to correct immediately, the time it takes might break my concentration. I might then feel I need a break anyway and that is absolutely the right time to make a cup of coffee, make calls, and do some cleaning. So that, one job might lead to another and then that is end of the writing session.

As far as I can, I try to work to an agenda and if I can achieve more than one item, I have been known to give myself time off for good behavior. Furthermore, I try to set aside writing days or half days when I know I can be more or less alone  and free from distractions, but I write two hours at a time, I have learnt that if I press on hour after hour, I begin to write rubbish. Therefore, after two hours, I can have a coffee, wander around, check my messages – anything to give myself a break before I move on to the next stage.

From my MFP ASD lesson, I have learnt that how should be created online portal and how should be written academic profile. Firstly, I have opened online portal on www.tumblr.com where I have added my profile and background pictures. Also, I have added post about my academic profile. During the writing of academic profile, I have enhanced self-assessment skills, because I have written about all of my academic successes on the post such as my first job, my current job, my study and my certificates. In addition, I have to write about what learnt during the course. This part has improved my concentration and responsibilities, because if I learnt anything during the course I could not write anything about this task. And actually, I am writing now related to the task. Finally, I will learn to write reflective essay the next week. I think that it will be very challenging for me and I am looking forward to learn to it. Generally, I know that I must write and assess the journey travelled for my goals and identify a plan for future development of my academic skills.

To sum up, I have leant plethora of useful skills in the program. I am sure that they will be useful in my future academic career as well.      

[emil1107]

Academic Profile

My name is Emil Alishov. I was born in 07.05.1990 in Azerbaijan. After the school graduation I got into university which is called Azerbaijan State Economy University. My faculty name is Legal Regulation of Economy where I learnt plethora of subjects related to legal and economy which has been really affective in my professional career.

I have started the first in 2012. I worked as an assistant financial sales consultant in the heavy equipment and trucks seller which is called Grand Motor LLC. After a period of one year I promoted from assistant to specialist position. I held the entity 3 years and during this period I had done and have got following skills:

·       Managing all of leasing process;

·       Debtors control;

·       Prepare daily, monthly and annual financial reports;

·       Negotiations with internal and international leasing companies and banks;

·       Negotiations with internal insurance companies;

·       Financial and credit analysis of the new projects;

·       Contracts checking;

·       Control of project cash flow;

·       Enforcing adherence to requirements;

·       Advising management on needed actions.

Then, I made a decision and altered my profile to audit and I started to work as Internal Audit for AXA insurance company. I worked here more than 3 years and I strengthen my audit and analyze skills and so on due to this entity. Because we were doing all of our audit assignment based on international audit standards. In this company my key competencies were following action:

·       To review accuracy and timeliness of Audit Reports and monitor status of implementation of Internal Audit recommendations) in Group companies in respect to IT and IS on regular basis. To provide quality assurance of it;

·       To provide support for preparation of AUC reports in Group companies in respect to IT and IS;

·       To coordinate overall status of projects performed by Group Audit Department (GA) and report on their status;

·       To coach junior team members in GA and Group companies in respect to IT and IS;

·       Performance of individual engagements in Group companies in respect to IT and IS;

·       To provide assurance on IT environment of all Group companies in respect to IT and IS based on international best practices and standards;

·       To provide assurance effectiveness of IT and IS related regulations;

·       To provide advisory service for IT, IA and IS functions of Group companies in respect to IT and IS;

·       Attending meetings with auditees to develop an understanding of business processes;

·       Conduct risk assessment of assigned department or functional area in established/required timeline;

·       Providing ad hoc advice and guidance to managers and staff at all levels, sometimes by delivering courses and training sessions;

·       Performing risk assessments on key business activities and using this information to guide what to cover in audits;

·       Anticipating emerging issues through research and interviews and deciding how best to deal with them;

·       Providing support and guidance to management on how to handle new opportunities;

·       Agreeing recommendations with relevant staff members to make improvements to operations and helping to secure backing for them in meetings;

·       Preparing reports to highlight issues and problems and distributing the reports to the relevant people;

·       Participate in preparation of risk based Audit Plan;

·       Make follow-up of audit findings and prepare follow-up report on monthly bases;

·       Prepare Quarterly Audit Committee reports, present prepared report and participate in Audit Committee Meetings;

·       Prepare quarterly and monthly reports for AXA Group Solutions (France);

·       Evaluate risk exposure relating to achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives;

·       Report significant risk exposures and control issues, including fraud risks, governance issues, and other matters needed or requested by the Board;

·       Assessing how well the business is complying to rules and regulations and informing management whether any issues need addressing;

·       Participating in audit walkthroughs, assessing the internal control environment and performing controls and substantive testing for complex areas;

·       Managing a variety of stakeholders and their expectations through regular communications.

Meanwhile I have improved my excel skills for this I have taken part advanced excel seminars and I have passed successfully. In addition, I have taken IELTS certificate which was overall 6 band.

Currently, I work for Absheron Hotel Group as a Group Internal Audit from March 2019. During this period I have built a proper audit structure based on international audit standards which are leaded all of audit within the standards. Hotel sector is so much interesting and challenging for me. There are plethora of operational programs such as Opera, Fidelio, iScala etc. I can already use these programs.      

However, I personally think that if I want to the top manager such CFO, CEO, Audit Director in my future career I have to complete my Master Degree program. Therefore I have taken study vacation for improving my financial skills and I have come to Sunderland for foundation program where firstly, I am going to refine my English knowledge and researching skills. Then I will apply for MBA Finance. MBA Finance will develop me in the both sides finance and management. After the graduation of master degree I am planning to take Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. CIA is one of the most powerful certificate for internal auditors. After that I will take another exams such as CFA, CISA etc.

I always ask myself in any time “what can I strengthen?”, “What do I need to alter?” because if I do not do anything or I just do the same thing over, and over again I stay the same and staying the same means going backwards, because the other people, are working harder, and improving, So I always need to find ways to improve my skill as well.