First Reflection

BM is a conceptual yet application based subject. It thus appeals to me. I am fond of the hospitality sector, which persuaded me to take Marriott International which is the leading hotelier in the hotel industry and research on its assorted brands they have. Marriott has an extensive portfolio of brands which is aimed at different income groups and tried to get information about how they are segmented in the US market as this will help me get a clear idea and concept how does Marriott operate its different brands. The research leads to what marketing strategies they are considering and have already applied to get a higher market share and be in or above the line with its competitors.

During the consultation, I got to know mistakes and my hands with researching I didn’t understand my RQ correctly, and that is why the research was not robust.   I had many problems as my topic got rejected five times, but after continuous efforts, the supervisors approved it. The high point is that I was clear about the topic that was finalised and was useful in my research. The comments which I received from my supervisor helped me to clarify my RQ  and change it from assorted brands to growth strategies as the first RQ was restricting me to add some essential aspects of Marriott’s growth and then I worked upon it, and the research work was evident now.

Interim Reflection 

When I was researching, I faced difficulties in gathering information on assorted brands as there were some misleading sources and not making the RQ clear.  Altering my RQ was essential as assorted brands would not have made sense and limit me. After tweaking my RQ the research was effective as data gathered was reliable and it was focused on the specific tools which were answering the new RQ. Writing my EE was a difficult task, but I got an insight on how to use business-specific tools appropriate to the topic which helped me here by determining the effectiveness of the tools. Proper analysis and evaluation will be needed to undertake adequate research which will also build critical thinking skills, and extensive research will lead to a better research paper.

Final Reflection

I would make my RQ narrower and learn more about how to do adequate research which will help me write the research paper in a better way. As an amateur in research to make it more advanced would have helped me write a more productive extended essay. I would select an RQ which covers all aspects of analysing it efficiently e.g. a financial tool to give it a quantitative analysis. This makes the research robust overall.
The strategies were appropriate to an extent where I was able to fulfil every analysis and connect it to the RQ making sure that it goes inflow.
The questions emerging will help me to used mixed methods to different parts of my research which in turn will make my research better.