Capstone course in Aalto Mikkeli is a 3 method or attempt to track progress and

week, intensive course focusing on team feasibility, or if the tracking of what has
management and business strategies. It been done is due to convenience instead
focuses on team financial decisions, of importance, teams will be average.
strategy planning and teamwork through Team members will not feel to be forward
the simulation website cesim. There are a thinking and will not seek to improve
few key aspect this article would touch on. oneself. Also, every team members must
They are namely the key takeaways for be spured and foster a good working
the process of decision-making, conflicts. environment for one another. This will
Discussions on the dos and donts will also allow team members to specialise and
be mentioned. excel in the task given and strive for the
very best. For first year taking Capstone
next year, there is this advice I would like
Decision implementation to impart: Decision making are key to this
game. However, there is no right or wrong
Implementing key decisions are important answers. The most important is to learn
in this course. The problem with some from mistakes in past rounds and to have
teams are the lack of communications a better strategy for the future. I would
within the team. This deters implementing encourage each groups to speak in a
and carrying out plans, rules and common language such as English so that
activities. For example, there was cultural team members will not be alienated.
differences in how different nationalities Speaking in a foreign language will
view a decision or dilemma. If a team prevent togetherness and bonding.
speaks using language other than
English, the minority would feel outcast
and do not understand how to contribute
Conflict and resolution
in a positive manner. Hence, the key
takeaway is to understand team members As teams in the universe are make up of
through bonding activities and icebreakers members with different Belbin scores,
at the start and reach a consensus by classes and nationalities, conflicts are
incorporating each and every difference in inevitable. It is important to understand
team members’ ideas. In cesim, we had to that individuals have different objectives.
analyse different aspect of the game, such Successful teams need to work towards a
as rivals, economic demand and the same goal. Without setting a common
amount to produce, etc. Hence, it is direction, individuals will believe
imperative to have proper and effective themselves to be correct and on different
communications to ensure that decisions page. For example, my team focuses on
implemented would be beneficial not to having fun and achieving stable profits for
individuals but to the benefit for all and the the team.
team.
The other factor that differentiate groups
The other factor is that there is an
that are successful, and average are the
unhealthy level of competition within the
tracking of progress and empowerment in
team. Individuals have different standards
team members. In cesim, there are many
and expectations and hence when
rounds. Scenarios in the game varies and
individuals who do not meet a standard
rivals’ decision do change. If there is no
that are realistic, they might be too serious
and create tensions within the team. working relationship in the teams and
Hence, this lead to conflict and have a fun time enjoying capstone course.
unproductiveness. There are some way to communicate
better with colleagues.
One of the method that my team did was
The last point pertains to poor
to listen actively. By listening actively, it
communications within the team. It is
shows that members are interested and
important to make sure all members
receptive to different viewpoints. Good
understand the role (Strategy, team
gestures include listening to them in
leader, finance, marketing) and their task,
proximity, orientating your body to face
(report, financial decision making,
the speaker and allow them to finish what
advertisement). It is also important to
they have to say. With this, we could
ensure all team members understand how
minimise any misunderstanding that was
they can contribute to the team and this
unintended. We also had the chance to
will make them feel valued and respected.
clarify and raise doubt with one another.
If roles are not clearly mapped out,
individuals will feel that other team Our team could perhaps be able to speak
members are not putting in effort or some and talk face to face. In this world of new
will be overly critical of another members. technology, we are able to communicate
via Whatsapp. Although this is a
convenient method, however, it might
Conflicts are unavoidable, not only in distort the meaning of the intended
Capstone but also in life. Dealing with message. For example, face to face
conflicts is no doubt a difficult and communication will show body language
unpleasant task for anyone. It is important and see the way how individuals reacts
to seek a resolution that is win-win for all. and feels. Face to face communications
The first aspect is to respect individuals are live feedback translated through body
with different views. It is important to find language and facial expressions which
out team members strength and whatsapp messages does not show.
weaknesses and help to find the best way Hence, face to face communications allow
for each team member to contribute for team members to foster trust and
the team. Most importantly, view every credibility with one another.
conflict as one that is a mutual problem to
However, our team do offer constructive
be solved rather than won. Aim for
feedback by leaving our personal feelings
collaboration with both parties rather than
and friendship out during team meetings.
defeating another party. Being open,
If there was a good result, our team would
receptive and willing to cooperate will lead
congratulate one another and offer
to collaboration and compromise.
positive reinforcement. Meanwhile if there
was a bad result, we would not be critical
of one another but rather, to seek ways to
Communication is key improve for the benefit of the team. Team
All in all, the issues above boils down to members share improvement tips in a
the effectiveness in communication. genuiene manner instead of trying to
Communicating effectively will minimise destabilise the team and demoralise team
misunderstanding and maximise work members.
efficiency. There would be healthy
Conclusion
In this Capstone course, team decisions
are key for progress and success. There
are many variations and universe specific
decisions that teams will have to decide.
This course is not science, there is no one
universal correct solution. However, to be
a successful team, we should aim to get
our basics rights. We have to have the
basic understanding of one another in the
team. Team spirit is important and can be
developed through teamwork,
empowering each individual and keeping
communication lines open. We have to be
open and let team members know what is
happening and be inclusive.