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Introduction

Coursework Header Sheet 214316-17 Course CATE1149: Conference/Exhibitions/Corp Ev Course School/Level BU/UG Coursework Individual Reflective Report Assessment Weight 50.00% Tutor KB Malik Submission Deadline 25/03/2014 Coursework is receipted on the understanding that it is the student's own work and that it has not, in whole or part, been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has been used from other sources it has been properly acknowledged in accordance with the University's Regulations regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. 000725334 Smaranda Alecu Tutor's comments Grade Awarded________For Office Use Only______Final Grade______ Moderation required: yes/no Tutor_______________Date ____________ ________________ Contents Executive Summary I: Introduction II. Project Management Perspectives III. The Stages of Team Development IV. Teamwork and Effectiveness V. Personal Reflection Conclusion References Executive Summary This report defines the value of teamwork from the project management perspective, focusing mostly onto events as projects. Therefore, it suggests the link between teamwork strategies/approaches and effectiveness within the events management industry. It also illustrates the empirical elements of the concepts by exemplifying using personal experience and reflections, followed by suggestions for improvement. Chapter one presents different definitions of teamwork, compares and contrasts them, in order to highlight the interpretable character of the concept. Also, it presents the importance of teamwork and Chapter two analysis the project management perspectives and the overall management approach taken by the group. Chapter two introduces some of the most well-known elements and strategies of effective team work such as key team roles, role balance and co-operation. it highlights the most significant characteristics of effectiveness and how these can be meet with insights into personal experience. Chapter three describes the actual working and results of the activity and the barriers encountered by organisers during the planning process. A reflection on personal and overall learning experience follows as well as recommendations on how the obstacles could have been exceeded. I: Introduction Human beings have worked in teams for 200,000 years. From childhood games and sports, to organisations and institutions, teamwork has been proven to be indispensable and utterly important, with a direct impact on the success of any organisation. ...read more.

Middle

The power of authority has been misused by forcing ideas and concepts that have not been discussed with the team. The unsuccessful management and rejection of team members views and ideas lead to introversion, poor team cooperation and feedback. Meetings are thought to be ? another key indicator of teamwork?, and are used with the purpose to ?utilise the collective skills of a group of people whilst working on common problems and opportunities? (Woodcock,1989:10). Another issue that may arise when the conditions of personal freedom, support and security are not met is the lack or dearth of creativity. If not listened to and offered help, most team members will have a sense of inhibition and will not express their ideas, from an intrinsic fear of rejection (Woodcock, 1989). A common agreement has been reached in the beginning stating that all team meeting are mandatory and therefore, even if inhibition was present, the team members were attending. However, Woodcock(1989:13) has identified the ?raw materials of effective teamwork?. These ?building block? represent the foundation of any successful team: Balanced roles, Clear Objectives and agreed goals, Openness and confrontation, Support and trust, Co-operation and Conflict, Sound Procedures, Appropriate leadership, Regular review, Individual development, Sound inter-group relations, Good communications. IV.2. Balanced Team Roles Woodcock(1989) believes an effective team is a blend of different talents and abilities which are used to suit differing situations. The mix of team membership, in terms of personalities and approaches, must be balanced for optimal results. When referring to balanced roles, there must be considered the fit between the person and the role. Woodcock(1989) has defined a series of different roles and responsibilities a team should comprise of such as team leader, expert, challenger, ambassador, judge, innovator, diplomat, conformer, output pusher, quality controller, supporter and reviewer. A leader is indispensable to any team as his main duty is to form the team, determine contributions and identify strengths and weaknesses. ...read more.

Conclusion

Katie took charge of the concept of the event, the constant monitoring and the final review of the presentation. On a personal critical analysis, I (Smaranda), correspond to plant and the shaper, since I see myself as individualistic, with a broad imagination and power of creation, but in the same time social and dynamic, with a drive to challenge the inertia and ineffectiveness. However, exposed to irritation and impatience as well as unpractical. I have been assigned the role of Financial, Health, Safety and Risk Director for the overall project and presentation. IV.4. De Bono?s Six Thinking Hats Concept V. Personal Reflection During the course of this activity I have learned numerous things about working in groups and conflict management. I have also discovered a few potential strengths and weaknesses of myself. I have realised that in order to carry out an efficient activity/presentation, one must take in account many factors and has to activate within certain limits. At a first glance I thought the task would be easy to achieve successfully, however, it proved to be more complex than I could perceive it. This made me more precautions when anticipating a situation and less like to underestimate it. Working in a group for this presentation has developed my communication and cooperation skills. I have learned to analyse all options and choose the viable one through brainstorming. I have been exposed to new concepts and ideas as well as forced to support my ideas with strong arguments. I have also learned how conflicts can sabotage the group performance, how they arise and how they should be managed and solved. On a personal level, I gained confidence when speaking in public and I realised I need to improve my non-verbal communication so I can be more effective. However, this project gave me a goo opportunity to realise the difference between working in collaboration or as a sole individual. Conclusion In conclusion the presentation and preparation of the pitch was an overall successful, enjoyable and constructive experience with many learning outcomes. ...read more.

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