OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

Skills and Learning Statement

BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting

(1810 words)

By
Chan Su Yen
ACCA Reg. num: 1511039
(1st May 2010)
Skills and Learning Statement

1. What did I learn from the meeting with your Project Mentor?
The mentor I selected is the lecturer in my college and he taught me T5 Managing and
People previously. Therefore, he is very equipped with knowledge regarding to
management.

First Meeting
Before the first meeting, my mentor actually asked me to prepare myself with some brief
notes on what project that I am interested in. He asked me to check in the ACCA
website to look at the topics beforehand so that he will be able to easily start the
coaching on how to do the project.

I had prepared a timetable for the project timeline and also issues to be discussed in the
meeting. The meeting started with a briefing by my mentor on what is expected from
me for the project and proceeded to move on to topic selection and company selection.
I agreed on my topic and selection of company with my mentor. My mentor asked me
why I had selected this topic and whether I would be able to gain access to conduct a
motivation study in the firm. I discussed on the data gathering approach and my mentor
agreed to my approach and suggested that I read up on other materials on motivation
and manners in conducting a survey.

Therefore, in the first meeting I learnt that I need to be able handle my time
management and be more prepared before attending the meeting. I realised after the
meeting I had to pen down the issues learnt or else I would not be able to remember
them later. I also learnt how to progress forward in the data gathering approach.

Second Meeting
In the second meeting, my mentor checked on my progress of the project. He corrected
my mistakes in analysing and he finds that I am having difficulty in my use of language
and I am unable to express the things that I wanted to express and therefore it is
misleading and hard to understand.

He also gave me some guidance on how to prepare questionnaires to meet with my

objectives. I discussed the ways in which analysis of data from the questionnaire would
be done. My mentor reminded me to use Excel to manage my data analysis so as to
meet requirements of the project.

I discussed problems in model selection as well as the appropriateness of the articles

that I was planning to conduct my research on. My mentor did question me about my
knowledge about these articles and whether I understood them.

Therefore, in my second meeting I have learnt how to prepare questionnaires and that
there is significant wealth of resources out there in the internet which I realised that I did
not really use. I also obtained some knowledge on how to use Excel to gather more
data. I learnt that I was required to defend my usage of model by arguing about the
relevance and validity of the articles.

Third Meeting

My third meeting is actually the presentation day, where I have to present my RAP to
my mentor using PowerPoint slide show. I was feeling nervous and worried that my
preparation was not good enough and I might make mistakes in certain area.

After presentation, my mentor gave me feedbacks on my presentation. He explained the

importance of presenting information as an important aspect of work flow. He then
started out by explaining to me that in overall, my presentation was good. There is flow
and also I am able to answer most of his question. He then explained my weaknesses
and that would be I forgetting my line half way presenting and loosing eye contact most
of the time.

However, he said this is normal due to this is the first presentation I ever had. He also
showed me how to use the PowerPoint application that can help present even more
interesting.

In this final meeting I learnt that my presentation skills can be improved and that I can
possibly improve my knowledge of power point.

2. How well do I think I have answered the questions?

I think I did answer the questions in a satisfactory manner. I am able to link back the
objectives to the final conclusion. By using Microsoft excel and also the technique of
analysis learnt from my mentor I was able to draw up a strong conclusion which I
believe could aid my work and improve the overall understanding of motivation in small
audit firms.

However, I believe that I could have done better if I had carried out an interview after
the questionnaire, I would be able to understand answers obtained from the
questionnaire. This would have allowed me to make a more meaningful interpretation of
my findings. I could have also improved the results if I had included other smaller firms
in my vicinity for the study.

Reflecting to the difficulty faced in doing this project, I realised that I lacked research
skills and being able to work independently. This is possibly due to the manner in which
the college where I have studied focuses more on exam rather than assignments or
projects.
Considering what I have gone through where I am unable to find relevant articles to fit
my objectives needs and unable to draw up a proper questionnaire, this shows that my
weaknesses are due to lack of knowledge in preparation of project.

Compared to my boyfriend who is currently doing accounting degree, his college is able
to provide him with relevant guidance and teachings on how to do research and for him
to prepare his assignment, it seems easier compared to me.

Besides, after looking back at my project, I also believe that if I am able to conduct an
interview with the management towards the determination of remuneration and others
sensitive staff related issue; I would be able to provide a more useful recommendation
to the firm.

Overall, I believe I have answered all my questions well. However, I believe if I have
more time I would be able to complete my project even better.

3. How well did I demonstrate my interpersonal skills and communication skills

during the project work?

Communication skill

Being an employee in the organization, its made it easier in communication. I had to

conduct a briefing to my fellow staffs regarding the questionnaire and the purpose of my
project. I also had to ensure them I was keeping all information gathered confidential. I
had to persuade them to believe that I was not going to report back to management. I
find that by doing this project I am able to build my confidence as I am able to stand in
front of all my colleagues to brief them on my project.

Besides, after I decide to choose Parker Randall Mea as my project, I had to get
approval from my management to conduct questionnaire. It also helps me build
interpersonal skill in communicating with my superior. I learnt to be more polite and also
shown my professionalism by ensuring all information gathered will not be shared with
others.

Listening skill

In this project, I am able to improve myself in listening and learnt how to hold a proper
discussion and manner in conducting a proper meeting. During the meeting, I have to
put in more concentration in listening to what my mentor comments toward my project
and at the same time I have to report to him on my current project’s status.

Confidence

This has not only improved my learning but at the same time I am able to learn how to
communicate well in English. I had also improved my confidence in speaking to others
to gain information as well as give information.
I also had to communicate using visual aids and present ideas to another party when
conducting my presentation. Besides, I am very happy that during the presentation I
have been asked questions regarding the project and I am able to answer without being
afraid. However, I do know there are some mistakes in my answered but at least I
conquered my fear in presentation.

4. How has undertaking the RAP helped me in my accountancy studies/or current

employment role?

Employment role

Overall, by undertaking the RAP, it had improved my performance in using computer

and managing meetings better. It had also improved my ability to manage time in my
future jobs more effectively.

Undertaking the RAP has once again helped me understand my current employment
role even better. Being full time students for few years and just started out my
employment, undertaking the RAP actually provided me a clear view on the complex
business world and working personnel can be.

Time management
To carry out this RAP, I am able to identify my weakness in time management. Due to
my laziness and also my office work load, I decided to delay my last submission date
and only handle it in this semester. This shows that I myself are very bad in time
management and resulted in me unable to finish my RAP. This not only upset my
mentor but even I am feeling disappointed in myself.

Planning is a very critical area and I had realized that I can improved my work
performance timetabling my work and establish and priority listing my work.

Objective

Besides, looking back at my RAP, it can be seen that I am an objective oriented and not
a perfectionist. Therefore, I find that my RAP is not perfect and the care free attitude of
mine will actually affect me not only in the RAP but also in my employment role.

My usage of analytical skills has improved my presentation skills and it will also result in
my audit work to become easier.

Information Technology skills

In this project, I am able to learn IT skills and this is able to improve my skills in
analysing data gathered. This not only able to help me in the RAP but also able to
improve my role as an employee due to being an auditor I also need to use IT skills to
analyse company performance.

Another valuable experience would be my presentation. Due to ACCA is an exam

oriented, I am unable to learn presentation skills as well. By conducting this project, I
am able to learn how to conduct a discussion and presentation. I can possibly use this
skill when presenting information to clients in future.

Before this I am also very poor in using Microsoft Office, but after undertaking the
project I am able to learn Excel, PowerPoint and Words by try and error. This would be
very helpful for me in the future.

In conclusion, I believe by undertaking RAP, it is really a worthwhile experience

although I have thought of quitting before due to lack of time and the difficulties I faced.