Action Learning Approach

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer details the implementation of action learning methodology to resolve the problem of recurring bugs, despite coding having passed verification by the quality assurance team, within a pension fund data cleansing company. Assumptions made prior to implementation and anticipated problems are reviewed in light of the physical collection of data and its analysis within the framework of an action learning set. The writer points out that data collection differed from the initially suggested format due to practical considerations which became apparent during the implementation of this project.

Outline:
Review of Assumptions
Problems in Implementation of Action Learning
Data Collection
Analysis of Data
Set Member Contributions
Suggestions for the Future
Reflection on My Learning
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Certain data and information were simply not available to the members of the set. This required a change in the planned method of data collection. A set member was now required to refer to members of other teams within the organization or receive clarification from management regarding the correct data to collect. Data was collected on notepads as communicated verbally, interview format, by members of the design and Quality Assurance teams. This data was then transferred to the shared electronic repository. The data included lists of legal statuses that a design request can hold as it moves through the software development life cycle. This data was transformed into information by integrating it within a logical process of legal changes between statuses. This process effectively forms a deliverable of this project by providing the set members with a procedure to follow to manage cross team change requests.
"Accuracy and relevance of the data was ensured by utilizing a central data repository in the form of a shared Excel spreadsheet."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Corley, A & Eades, E, 2006, Self-ethnography and the critically reflective practitioner: possibilities and pitfalls, Liverpool John Moores University, viewed 23 October 2008, http://www.liv.ac.uk/managementschool/ethnography_conference/papers%202006/68_A_Corely_&_E_Eades_-_ethnography_conference_paper.pdf
• Dilworth, R.L, 1998, Action Learning in a Nutshell, Virginia Commonwealth University, viewed 19 September 2008, http://www.itapintl.com/facultyandresources/articlelibrarymain/action-learning-in-a-nutshell.html
• Smith, Peter A.C & Peters, V. John 1997, Action Learning: Worth A Closer Look, Ivey Business Quarterly, Ivey Business School, Western University, viewed 19 September 2008, http://www.tlainc.com/ifalcivy.htm
• Turban, E, Rainer,Jnr. RK & Potter, RE 2005, Introduction to Information Technology, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc., NJ, USA. Technology Guide 3.
• Whetherly, J, 1996, Action Learning - Developing the person and the organization viewed 18 September 2008, http://www.junewhetherly.co.uk/Action%20Learning%20-%20Developing%20the%20person%20and%20the%20organisation.htm

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