My name is Lucy Petronella Luke Chitenje and I was born in Malawi, a South-Eastern part of Africa. Before joining Dorset College Dublin, I had an Advanced Diploma in Business Management (ABMA, UK). I worked in the field of office administration for the United Nations & other International Organizations for years in local and international positions. Also, I am a widow with three grown-up children. I decided to further my education so that I can continue to assist the world using my knowledge.
Now that I have attained my degree, I am planning to apply for a suitable job. My sincere heartfelt appreciation goes to my Mum Delia, and late Dad Luke who put me into existence on this earth, who raised and educated me. Also, to my late husband Harry, who left me with memorable moments of a happy married life. My children; Appolonia, Alexander, and Aaron, who continue to love and support me. To the Dorset College lecturers, management and staff who supported me in every way possible to attain my degree.
Project description
Research and Analysis Paper, "A Critical Evaluation on the Role of Technology". The write up acknowledged that the world is very dynamic and constantly going through technological transformation.
The study demonstrated that this is the era of digital revolution, hence, technology is inevitable as it plays a major role in businesses and consumer behavior as well. In the automotive industry, some technologies are designed to reduce emissions, and at the same time provide increased fuel economy and innovative/improved products. These include Blue Motion, Electric and Driverless Cars. While business owners, including VW, recognize that technological changes pose challenges to businesses and consumers, the benefits of digital revolution in the automotive industry and all other businesses outweigh the challenges.
The Technology of Things (ToT) increases efficiency and effectiveness in products and services. Thus, businesses and consumers are required to be agile enough, and pace along with constant technological changes in order to be competitive, profitable and sustainable. Digital transformational trends include digital sources in the car buying process, connected supply chain and improved manufacturing, predictive maintenance, mobility-as-a-service, data security and protection.
What topic did you choose?
Volkswagen AG (VW), a leading multiple-brand group in the automotive industry, based in Wolfsburg, Germany. It produces passenger and commercial vehicles such as Golf, Audi A3, Lamborghini Scania, MAN and Buses. It also manufactures machinery including turbo and industrial turbines, among other products.
The literature review revealed that VW was founded in 1937 and started with manufacturing manual vehicles and machinery. The first car was the Beetle, made in 1945. Innovations started in 1950 that included installation of hydraulic brakes, automatic air cooling and noise mufflers for heating channels. Followed by automatic and hybrid vehicles, such as e-Golf 2016. Evidently, innovations, productivity, efficiency and profitability advanced so much, alongside with advanced technology and increased sales. VW acquired other companies, including Audi Union and Ferrari, and was listed on the stock market. The company has operations in more than 150 countries world-wide and produces vehicles at over 100 manufacturing and assembling locations across 27 countries.
VW TOGETHER Strategy 2025: Shaping the transformation together and making VW Group more open and efficient, more innovative and customer centric. The company plans to introduce cargo vans and robot taxis to three continents by the year 2025, with literally no human conduction, solely guided by computer systems. The group continuously provides new and improved models and invests a lot of money in R&D to conduct robust research periodically for continuous innovations and improvements.
How did you approach to the project?
Firstly, I read the assignment brief and understood what I was expected to do. Secondly, I selected a topic, followed by drawing a plan and an outline to guide me writing the paper.
Using secondary research techniques, I started searching for information and taking notes via the internet. Thus, a literature review was conducted through lecture notes and on-line VW Annual Reports for the years 2010, 2017, and 2018. An epistemology philosophical viewpoint was used since data was collected, findings interpreted and analysed in order to find the truth about the role of technology and critically evaluate it.
This was followed by an interpretivism approach because of my involvement in the research and access to many realities. Thus, relative, emic, and inductive due to the relationship between the study and myself (the researcher). (Saunders’, et al, Research Onion Guide (2009). Holistically, international academic writing of the research paper was adopted.
If you have to resolve a problem, can you describe it and mention what was the solution that you have found?Using the quote “To err is human, to forgive divine”, all people make mistakes and that causes problems in life. Coincidentally, I was elected as Vice-Class Representative for two consecutive years. Some classmates picked a quarrel so I called upon my fellow class representative that we needed to summon the two. Through collaboration, we listened from both sides, mediated and resolved their differences amicably. This was all done without involving college management. Therefore, I found out that collaborating is the best way in order to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
What did you discover?
I discovered that there is interaction in all the modules businesses or people cannot be successful in life. These are Personal and Professional Development (PPD), Corporate Governance and Ethics (CGE) and Technology. Using Daniel Golman's theory of 'Emotional Intelligence', PPD plays a major role in the workplace performance both professionally and socially. It is getting to know oneself, focusing on your own development, understanding your environment and your impact on others. The ability to learn, recall and apply logical reasoning in our daily lives in order to be successful. Whereas CGE, according to Greek philosophers, is a system by which a company is directed, controlled and involves a set of relationships between a company’s management and its stakeholders. While ethics are the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing individuals or groups. And technology is all about use of computers and internet technologies. Now, for businesses or individuals to become successful, competitive, profitable and sustainable, there must be a combination of knowledge of all other modules under the umbrella of the three mentioned above. Businesses and people need to be agile in order to be successful. For example, degree certificates attained before computers and internet technologies are not as competitive as those of nowadays. Hence, the need for further education.
What is the advice that you can give to someone that wants to study with us? Excellence Through Life-Long Learning for both young and older students, is provided by Dorset College Dublin. Lecturers, management and staff demonstrate team spirit for its own success and that of the students.
The team is very helpful and goes the extra mile to assist students in achieving their educational goals wherever necessary. The college provides students with the opportunity to build qualifications through a career path that meets individual interests and aspirations in your chosen profession. The qualifications are also internationally recognized.
I would encourage prospective students to apply for enrolment and study with Dorset College, whether part or full-time courses.
