Interesting times ahead

It is the end of another week with work and LBS matters. This week, I studied the decision processes and procedures of Analysis of Business Problems (ABP), and I can say I mastered the criteria option rules of writing an essay on decision analysis. Using the case study in e-learning, I was able to write an essay on decision analysis while at the same time working with numbers in the case study. On matters affecting Management Communication, I started an online course on information, but I would have to go over the course again actually to grasp the intent and the purposes of the course.  On Data Analytics, we were introduced to software programming languages such as python, power BI etc.

An in-depth review of the case study reveals the processes of decision-making, you commence by studying the case and then deep dive into working the numbers. Thereafter, you write down the criteria for choosing the options.  Then, you build in the evidence for each criterion, which entails basically explanations supporting the criterion.  The option you choose is made known from the beginning of the essay; after providing the evidence for each criterion, you comment on the option(s) not taken, explaining briefly why these options were not selected.   You then lay down the action plan for the decision you have chosen and the risk if any.

Learning the financial ratios in the Corporate Financial Accounting (CFA) course has proved difficult. It is challenging in terms of understanding what the ratios mean and memorising the formulas simultaneously.  Remembering the formulas has proven difficult (but not impossible); it is just a matter of applying more time to the learning process.

Work was hectic during the week, and little from the learning process was applied. The Management Communication course entailed an exchange of Memos between Tasha and Dimitri. In the memos, Tasha applied the decision analysis process in the memos seeking new hires for the customer call unit.  This was the first time I encountered a connection between Management Communication and Analysis of Business Problems. I have decided to adopt this writing style in my future Memos at work on decision analysis. 

Still, on work-related matters, I obtained data on sales and advert costs, a possible run of regression analysis and correlation as taught in Data Analytics using Excel.  The data must be cleaned and any subversions removed to minimise misrepresentations.  I plan to run a regression and correlation analysis during the week on the data and hopefully be able to interpret the results.  

The week ahead entails work and deadlines in preparation for the annual financial closure of the accounts and calls for cost data from various departments to build in accruals and cut off time for payment of suppliers.  The Corporate Reporting team will publish the report and apply financial ratios to the financial statements.  They will be showing the profitability ratios of the company for the year and this would form the basis of discussions at the Finance end-of-year review forum.

Modeleola Jegede

#MEMBA 12