Group written work/Group Report

"The opportunities at Newcastle, allow not only for excellence in academia but also gives students an introduction to business awareness, team working, communication and enterprise, thus ensuring the best chance of success in the world of work."

Lisa Hyman, Graduate Recruitment, Accenture

It is worth remembering that in the workplace a large percentage of your time may well be spent working within a team, and that the transferable skills you can learn completing group work during your degree will be valued by employers.

Cognitive Skills

Critical Thinking
Being able to consider issues from a range of different perspectives and, using relevant concepts, to produce an analytical assessment of the subject
Data Synthesis
Being able to collate relevant information from a variety of sources and then to present this as a reasoned, coherent, argument
Numeracy
Being able to manipulate numerical data to present a reasoned, coherent argument
Literacy
Being able to construct well-argued and grammatically correct texts, to locate and retrieve relevant ideas from within academic debates, and reference these accurately
Information Literacy
Being able to identify, locate and retrieve books, journal articles and alike in both paper and electronic forms and to use these sources (including websites) to gather relevant information, which is then synthesised and presented using appropriate IT facilities

Self-Management Skills

Planning and Organisation
Being able to set objectives, plan actions and manage your time and resources effectively in order to achieve your goals
Decision-making
Being aware of, and being able to choose between, opportunities that enable you to achieve your goals, having gathered and evaluated relevant information
Innovation and Creativity
Being able to generate and visualise novel ideas and concepts - Initiative: being able to identify and make effective use of different types of materials, to initiate ideas and see them through to completion
Independence
Having the ability to work unsupervised, to plan effectively and to meet deadlines
Problem-solving
Being able to critically evaluate and analyse complex problems in order to reach a solution
Adaptability
Being able to respond readily to changing situations and priorities

Interaction Skills

Written Communication
Being able to use your writing effectively in order to present your opinions, ideas and information
Interpersonal
Using and responding to non-verbal behaviours, making use of active listening techniques, giving constructive feedback
Teamworking
Being able to work with others to establish and achieve common goals
Collaboration
Recognising and making best use of the knowledge, values, qualities and skills of individuals
Relationship Building
Creating and maintaining an environment in which risks and rewards are shared by all
Leadership
Being able to set direction, win the commitment of others, and take responsibility for actions and decisions
Negotiation
After identifying problems and desired outcomes being able to negotiate confidently and assertively, and having the ability to reach mature, mutually acceptable, decisions and conclusions
Peer Assessment and Review
Being able to give and receive constructive feedback

Application

Social, Cultural and Global Awareness
Through interaction with others, developing a critical awareness of social responsibilities, of the role of the individual as a member of a multi-national community, including racial and religious tolerance and respect, and develop an awareness of issues affecting the global economy, environment, diversity, equality and human rights