Unit 1.1. Why I Signed Up to The University of Derby Online

So, I’ve decided to take the plunge and start a Degree… kind of. I had applied for a couple of online degree’s, eventually deciding to go with the Double Awarded BSc in Business and Management at the University of Derby Online. In conversation with their helpful staff, they identified that I may be able to carry over some credits from applicable subjects taken in my Mechanical Engineering HNC. This sounded like music to my ears as I want to get my degree as soon as possible. From this I was offered a conditional position on their BSc top-up course, on the basis that I complete a Level 5 Module on Management Research Methods first.

Once you have logged into the website, it is nicely laid out and easy to navigate, with a modern, tiled format. There are loads of great resources such as the electronic library and a subscription to Office 365 (which I love!). Going through the Course Resource tile brings you to blackboard. This is still quite new to me as I haven’t used blackboard before as my previous colleges used Moodle. Whilst looking through the tabs and icons feeling my way through, looking for some kind of ‘Assessment Icon,’ I found my way to the discussion boards. There are threads for all different topics including one with the units it. Unit 1.1 is to write a blog post that answers the following questions, so here goes…

·         What do you want to achieve from doing this Management Research Methods module?

Reason I am taking the module is to get access to the degree level qualification. Taking this module, gives me enough credits to be entered on the Level 6 Top-Up Degree – this was my main inspiration to take this qualification. I also want to prepare for when I am taking that qualification. The insight into how all of the systems and processes work before actually starting a degree is appealing to me.

·         What do you want to learn?

I would like to learn about research methods in general, having not organised or participated in any management/business research before. I have an understanding of how research and studies are carried out, this is purely from my interest in science and business. I recently attended a lecture that was given by Professor David de Cremer of the University of Cambridge, which was very insightful. I would like to get to know the ‘do’s and do not’s’ of performing studies and research and how to keep studies unbiased and impartial. 

·         What skills do you want to test?

I would like to test my ability to write academic level work and assignments. I have not referenced anything since I was on my HNC and although this was good practise, it is a skill that requires repetition to ensure that it is done well. My HNC was taken part-time, this required a lot of self-motivation and energy put in around a full-time job and a hectic personal life. This did give me an 8 hour a week slot that was dedicated to the course and work. In this method of learning, I realise that the entire workload is dependent on me finding and setting aside time. My weeks are fairly full already, with a full time job, lead engineer for a start-up, governor of 2 schools, father of 2 girls (and one on the way) and all the reading and CPD I try and do. Working around all of this can be difficult at times, but it is something that I am not new to and am prepared for this challenge.

·         What are you looking forward to and what are you anxious about?

I am looking forward to:

-       The challenge: I am constantly trying to push myself and do and achieve more.

-       Degree level/Level 5 work: I would like to complete this and move on to an MBA at some point in the future.

-       Business and Management education: Having studied engineering until now, I am looking forward to transferring my focus to business.

I am anxious of:

-       Work load: As discussed, I do have a lot of things that require my attention.

-       No face to face time with a tutor: The way I have best grappled with complex concepts before is with explanation and many questions.

-       Navigating the system: Going around the website and submitting assignments on a system that I have not used before.

-       Unaware of the criteria: In previous courses I have been given the grades on which I am being assessed to enable me to keep my work focused and achieve the high grades I expect of myself.

On the whole I am excited for this latest challenge. I am under no illusions that it will be easy, I understand that I will have to push myself and remain focused and hungry.