1.COMPILING A LITERATURE REVIEW

When compiling a literature review critical reading is important. One should never take at face value something one reads. A typical example of this is Wikipedia. It can be a very reliable source of information on any topic you wish. However, it can also be edited by anybody, and some writers can be biased. Checking sources for points is the best way to get an idea of the reliability of a statement. If it can be linked to peer reviewed journals or articles it is more likely that the information is reliable.

It is of vital importance to keep an un-biased attitude towards your readings, in order to find out the true meaning behind them. A literautre review can be quite challenging when first introduced to the idea. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, or become confused about exactly what is expected in a literature review, which I found to be a problem personally when I began compiling my own.

A literature review is a review of various credible information sources on a certain topic. The information should be critacally analysed by the individual and all the literature should be put together in summary. My literature review was based on "why employers are looking for a skilled workforce". This was a topic I found quite easy to research as there was a huge selection of information available on the web, in books and journals. However the obstacle that confronted me was searching out credible information which had been backed up by a reliable source. I also had to make sure that the information backed up the statement given. It was then on to structuring my assignment and pulling everything together in an academic way- I would strongly advise a template layout before you complete the review, with step by step check points to keep on track.

If I was given the oppourtunity to re-sit my literature review I would be more critical when reviewing literature and make more of an effort to keep personal bias from it: It is all too easy to take ones own preconceptions and then try to find sources to back that up. This isn't a very critical way to go about compiling a literature review, but rather the review should be an unbiased account of each aspect of the literature. It is an easy trap to fall into, as when considering what information to be included I first thought about my own preconceptions. I would also advise anybody compiling a literature review to familiarise themselves with Harvard referencing style, as it can be confusing and time consuming for those who are not used to it.

2.TIME MANAGEMENT

Time management is a key element for maximising efficiency both in one’s personal life and career. Effective time management leads to better use of a person's time, as they learn to balance tasks and priorities.The many distractions available literally at the touch of a button in our modern world, makes it much easier to become distracted from the task at hand and in turn diverted onto more trivial and less stressful activities.

 However, in my view it then becomes a question of whether we will allow ourselves to be distracted from our goal, or whether we choose the route of self-discipline, sticking to a schedule to complete a task? Creating a time schedule for important activities can help a person focus on a particular objective for a set amount of time. This can have an advantage over a less structured system, where not nailing down an exact time goal for completing a task can lead to meandering and procrastination...and before you know it a simple task has taken hours to complete. Here are some other time management tips which I have found useful!

• Use all the time available- studying in between lectures and not just in a block of time is something I tend to do.
• Structure your environment- I find an area you like with little distractions which is always available works best for achieving goals.
• Establish a routine- I study at set times briefly and regularly and really find this useful.

From previous experience I found it’s much easier to complete a task if you have an allocated time to start and finish. I believe it is of vital importance to ensure you also allocate time for socialising and activities you enjoy i.e. exercise, going out etc... This can also act as a great motivator, when the hope of a reward in the future can push you toward your goal.