Reflection

Reflection Paper

Introductory paragraph

I have learned several new and beneficial skills, tools, and techniques this semester in Managing Projects in the Workplace. I have already applied some of them in my current job, and in the projects on which I work and lead. I have also been able to apply these concepts to help build my future and work towards my career goals at my job.

In this reflection paper, I will be applying Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to my learning in Managing Projects in the Workplace and my application experiences in my job. The four stages of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle are: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation; Abstract Conceptualization; and Active Experimentation (McLeod, 2013).

Effective learning occurs when a person progresses through all four stages of the model. First, a person has Concrete Experiences, which are situations or circumstances that are experienced or felt by the person. Second, a person has Reflective Observations, where the person watches and observes their environment or situation. Thirdly, a person has Abstract Conceptualizations, where the person thinks about and logically analyzes the situation or idea. And, lastly, a person has Active Experimentations, where the person conducts or executes an action to apply what they have learned.

Concrete Experience

I have gained an understanding, in Managing Projects in the Workplace, of the process of project management and how to apply it to my career and life. I have learned the definition of project management, and the tools, components, concepts, and skill set needed for project management. I learned how to use tools, such as the project charter and the communication plan, that I was immediately able to successfully implement in my job.

In the course, a team project was required with a list of specific deliverables due upon submitting the project. I was part of an excellent five person project team, and we enhanced our team...