Answer

Reflection

I have to admit, I really loved and enjoyed learning the entire course, from induction all the way to completing my dissertation. As I reflect on the experience of writing the thesis, I would confidently conclude that my great passion for learning and research really helped in completing the study. As far as I can remember, reading ahead and conducting further research on a topic has been my secret for success in my academic journey. However, I have to admit that completing this specific dissertation has seen me through several challenging situations that ranged from acquiring the right resources to gaining approvals from supervisors and associates. Specifically, getting my ethics approval from the ethics committee was a devastating process that required great willpower and collaboration from my supervisor. I feel that completing this dissertation is accredited to my fear of getting it right, and obtaining the right support system that guided me in identifying the right resources and applying them effectively.

COMPLETEING THE DISSERTAION

At the beginning, I was aware that choosing the right advisory and supervisory committee was key in finding the right topic and researching on it thoroughly. Also, an early start helped build my confidence during the whole process. At first, I ensured that I enrolled myself in courses and subjects’ compatible to my interests and in most assignments, I ensured that I choose topics related to my dissertation goals. I conducted most of my research in the university library where I was able to access several databases and searched for useful journals and documents related to my topic of interest. After compiling my research resources, I thoroughly went through each and every article, highlighting important information that is associated with my topic. I was keen to grasp ideas and strategies that small businesses like Jantino may contemplate before venturing into the global market. After several attempts, I successfully compiled my final plan which was approved by my supervisor, hence allowing me to produce to my introduction. With consideration of the few comments made by my supervisor and further research, I began my introduction that represented an outline of the global market and how it works.

When it came to research methodology, I had to study on every aspect, that is, approaches, methods of data collection, and philosophy to ensure that I was in the right track. Following the great knowledge acquired form methodology based books like (Joyner, 2018) I was in a better position to choose the case study research.  At this point, my main challenge was on analysing the data at hand. At this point my advisory team came in handy as they helped me come up with the best data analysis methods. Further, reviewing on lesson learnt in class and group discussion guided me into identifying several strategies like macro factors and internationalism principles that compelled me into completing my methodology.

DATA COLLECTION

Due to limiting factors such as time and financial constraints, data collection was a far more perplexing area in the completion of my dissertation. I first had to access my ethics approval document to allow me to proceed to assembling my questionnaires and interview request letters. My supervisor was committed into helping me come up with an efficient questionnaire and interview form as evident with the various changes comments upon review. Additionally, we arranged to meet on the 31^st of January whereby we effectively came up with a list of potential organizations to approach for the interviewing process. Succeeding the meeting, I went to hunt for interviewee’s based in Hatfield, Watford, London and Cambridge, handing over interview letters to corporate managers. I have to admit that this was the most stressful time of my entire research period. I remember that the first fifteen letters I gave out I my first week did not get any response. My next move was to contact trade organisations, specifically the Federation of small Businesses and Chambers of commerce, confederation of British industry (CBI).  Unfortunately, my mission was unsuccessful.

My advisors continuously encouraged me to keep pushing and tipped me on different approaches that would help me get their attention. Finally, after a long search, I got interviews from John Lewis (Cambridge), London Collections (Cambridge), GAP (Hatfield), H and M ( Watford) and Marks and spencer’s (Watford). While finalizing on the interviews, I was enlightened to view my dissertation in a more practical approach and was able to finish my analytical chapter of my study.

LESSON LEARNT

On completing my dissertation, I would confidently conclude that I have vastly added to my academic understanding. For instance, I can now confidently tackle any other dissertation and successfully complete it. I have also gained valuable skills and teachings that will greatly help and guide me through my career journey. Actually, am planning to help my parents expand our family business back in my home country as I believe that I have the knowledge it takes to transform small business to international worth enterprises.  Finally, my prospects have been developed on the approaches, research methodologies, business ethics and the general techniques of conducting research making me a better candidate in future careers. I believe that I will someday such skills will come in handy specially in solving business related problems.

The paramount lesson I learnt on methodology is that strategizing on methodology techniques is vital when introduced to a situation that requires to make decisions or come up with an ultimate solution (Gillespie, 2015). I believe that my great understanding on appropriate methodology will guide me into making effective decisions and solving professional problems in the future.