Reflective Journal
1. Define entrepreneurship. Use Harvard Referencing appropriately.
About entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is described in different ways. The business process includes the identification and assessment of opportunities, the decision to exploit them oneself or sell them, efforts to obtain resources and the development of the strategy and organization of the new business project (Eckhardt and Shane, 2003 cited in Cuervo García et al, 2007).
Entrepreneurship is “a process by which individuals – either on their own or within organizations– pursue opportunities” (Stevenson and Jarillo, 1990:23 cited in Cuervo García et al, 2007).
References
Cuervo García, Á.C.G., Ribeiro, D.R., Roig, D.R., 2007. Entrepreneurship: concepts, theory and perspective. New York: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
[February 23, 2011]
2. Look at the definition that you provided in (1) and determine the role that entrepreneurship plays in your life right now?
I am an enthusiastic B.Sc. IT MCAST student, with a driven personality, who enjoys being part of, as well as leading, a successful and productive team. One of my strongest virtues is the ability to quickly absorb new ideas and concepts, and to develop innovative and creative solutions to problems. I am willing and eager to learn new ideas and technologies, am able to work well on my own initiative and can demonstrate the high levels of motivation required to meet the tightest of deadlines. Even under significant pressure, I possess a strong ability to reason clearly and perform effectively.
With my formal education up to degree level almost complete, I am now eager to start in my endeavors working in industry.
As defined above, Entrepreneurship is a process by which individuals (on their own or within and organization) pursue opportunities. My primary aim and goal at the moment is to conclude my current course and successfully graduate with a recognized degree, at the same time it is important for me to manage my time by working and getting familiar with IT related companies, thus gaining experience and earning a salary, nevertheless seeking outsourced projects and freelance work, to build up my portfolio and strengthen my connections within the industry.
3. In what way will entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship play a role in your life in the future?
My on-going busy life style now is the first step needed to start planning my future goal. With the right skills, education and experience gained by engaging in freelance software development and a fast growing portfolio of clients and software products, I will be able to start off my own freelance business in tailor made software development and off the shelf software packages. Building up a list of pioneer partners and outsourcing IT solutions.
Entrepreneurship taught me that:
• Any idea is a valid business idea
• Failure is okay as long as you keep improving
• A profitable business requires continuous learning and tweaking
• Creativity is what counts
• Being innovative makes you stand out from your competitors
Entrepreneurship showed me how to:
• Be Self Confident
• Take the Initiative
• Be Self-directed
• Be Committed
• Be Selling
• Have drive and determination
• Be a Leader
I believe that all the qualities mentioned above will aid me to be the person steps ahead of others; nevertheless having plenty of energy with a positive approach, maximum dedication, being enthusiastic and ready to take risks – to believe in an idea, which will play an important role in my near future.
[March 16, 2011]
After completing the Johnston’s & Dainton’s learning connections Inventory; my highest learning combination added up to: Sequential Processing – with a score of 27/35.
A sequential processor involves the use of logic and common sense. Sequential Processors are organized people with good management skills. Need to know all the goals confidently before starting a new task.
Some characteristics that reflect my personal learning/working style are:
• Attending every group meeting.
• Keeping track of what the whole team is doing.
• Rechecking teams work.
• Organizing tasks so that deadlines are met.
• Manage the group time, by bearing in mind what tasks are left to be done.
When delegating tasks, I am usually the main person who brainstorms the whole scenario, having a clear picture of the type of company we have to deal with thus scheduling a list of objectives and goals.
During group meetings, I would usually take notes of the ideas that team members come up with and relate them to tasks being given to each team member. I also take certain decisions about when and how we should distribute work load.
According to Belbin’s team roles I am a Coordinator. A Coordinator directs the group and follows goals. Supports all team members and make sure that the group is in control.
Below are the reasons why I think I fall under the Coordinator category:
• I keep the group together when conflicts rise.
• I directed the group members with tasks.
• I make sure work is finished in time, so other processes may continue.
• Coordinate on how to distribute work.
I admit that sometimes from past experiences, I did get a bit nervous with team members who were very lazy or not willing to do work. Therefore in my defense, I always follow a detailed contract, to push the whole team to work all together, scheduling strict deadlines and commencing penalties if deadlines are not met.
[March 25, 2011]