Research Methods and Professional Practice - Professional Skills Matrix
Research Methods and Professional Practice - Professional Skills Matrix
Research Methods and Professional Practice - Professional Skills Matrix, SWOT & Development Plan
This section provides a structured overview of the professional competencies I have developed throughout my MSc Enterprise IT Management programme, alongside a SWOT analysis and planned actions arising from these learnings. It serves as the capstone of my learning journey, bringing together insights and skills acquired across all modules, including research methodologies, enterprise IT, project management, data science, security and risk management and more. This comprehensive synthesis underpins the reflective narrative presented in the final 1000 word reflection.
📚 Table of Contents
Professional Skills Matrix
Skill Level Key
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Aware | General understanding and basic knowledge |
| Trained | Able to apply knowledge, able to work independently under certain conditions |
| Proficient | Broad and in-depth knowledge, able to work independently with very little supervision |
| Expert | Seen as a subject matter expert, able to lead and train others |
Professional Skills
Literacy, Communication, Language Skills
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Express information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences | Expert | link |
| Create documents to aid your communication (reports, diagrams, legal descriptions, plans, manuals and charts) | Expert | link |
Commercial Awareness
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Keep current with tools of the industry, as well as emerging technology | Proficient | link |
| Seek opportunities to improve and share knowledge of tools and technology that may improve productivity | Expert | link |
| Participate in scientific and professional organisations | Proficient | |
| Emphasise quality, customer satisfaction and fair application of policies | Expert | link |
| Demonstrate familiarity with codes of conduct for the Computing field | Proficient | link |
Subject Understanding, Research, Critical Thinking, Time Management
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Critically analyse complex ideas in concepts in the field of Computer Science | Proficient | link |
| Recognise inconsistencies and gaps in information, and search for additional information when needed | Expert | link |
| Explore complex real-world problems in a Computing context | Proficient | link |
Legal and Ethical Skills
Ethical Awareness
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Comply with the letter and spirit of applicable laws | Proficient | link |
| Maintain privacy and confidentiality of company, co-worker and customer information | Expert | link |
Social Skills (inc. Teamwork)
Cultural Awareness
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Act in the best interest of the community at large (Social/Community Responsibility) | Expert | link |
Teamwork, Leadership and Resilience, Time Management
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborate effectively in diverse teams to achieve team goals | Expert | link |
| Meeting team objectives using teamwork skills | Expert | link |
| Demonstrate skills in leadership and team building | Expert | link |
| Give and receive constructive feedback | Expert |
Creativity, Entrepreneurial, Problem Solving, Initiative, Decision Making
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Create, discuss and deliver strategies for sustainability for all stakeholders (company, community and environment) | Proficient | link |
| Able to make a decision on a complex matter/scenario using multiple sources of information | Expert | link |
Technical Skills
IT and Digital, Numeracy
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| SQL for database querying | Proficient | link |
| Python Programming | Trained | link |
| Gits (repository development and maintenance) | Proficient | link |
| Use of conferencing technologies and Moodle (VLE) | Expert | |
| Use of Word Processing tools and Spreadsheets | Expert | link |
| Effective use of e-library resources | Expert | link |
Subject Application
Global Citizen, Teamwork, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Take into account other people’s perspectives | Expert | link |
| Work constructively with differences in viewpoints | Expert | link |
| Actively participate in a range of community activities as an informed citizen | Proficient | link |
Decision Making, Initiative, Emotional Intelligence, Ethical Awareness
| Skill | Sill Level | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Develop, articulate and clarify your personal values and ethics | Proficient | link |
Adapted from BCS guidelines and Essex graduate
SWOT Analysis
As an IT Team Lead in the securities trading division of a Swiss banking institution, I balance operational leadership responsibilities with academic development through my MSc in Enterprise IT Management at the University of Essex Online. My dual role provides unique insights into implementing enterprise IT governance frameworks while navigating the fast-paced, highly regulated environment of financial services technology. This SWOT analysis examines my professional capabilities and development areas through the lens of both banking IT leadership and academic research excellence.
💪 Strengths
- Reflective Practice and Critical Thinking in High-Pressure Trading Environments
- Collaborative Leadership with Technical Proficiency
- Research Methods Foundation for Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Academic-Practitioner Bridge for Innovation
- Framework Implementation Experience (such as SAFe)
🩹 Weaknesses
- Statistical Modelling Gap in Trading Technology
- Entrepreneurial Exposure in FinTech Innovation
- Time Management Under Peak Trading Periods
- Knowledge Gap in AI Governance
- Balancing Academic Rigor with Operational Demands
🌟 Opportunities
- ISO 42001 Implementation in the context of Leadership in Banking
- Securities Trading Cybersecurity Specialisation
- Academic-Industry Research Publication
- Open-Source Contribution to FinTech/Compliance Tools
- Digital Transformation Leadership Programme
⚠️ Threats
- Regulatory and Technology Evolution Outpacing Learning
- Career-Academic-Personal Balance and Burnout Risk
- Ethical Complexity in AI Trading Systems
- Vendor Lock-in and Technology Debt in Legacy Banking
- Competition from FinTech Talent and Consultancies
Development Action Plan
| Goal | Action | Resources | Success Indicator | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop Statistical Modelling Skills for Trading Systems | Complete online Python for Data Analysis course (2-3 hours/week); Apply learning to one trading data analysis project at work | Coursera/edX Python course; Work trading data access; Jupyter Notebook | Completed course certificate; Successfully conduct one quantitative analysis of trading patterns or system performance metrics | 6 months |
| Gain ISO 42001 AI Governance Knowledge | Read ISO 42001 standard documentation; Complete 1 online webinar on AI governance in banking; Draft initial AI governance framework proposal for team | ISO 42001 standard (free access); Banking AI governance webinars; MSc research time allocation | Deliver presentation to management on ISO 42001 applicability; Draft framework document with 5-10 key controls | 4 months |
| Expand Professional Network in Securities Trading IT | Attend 2 virtual cybersecurity/FinTech conferences; Join one professional body (BCS/ISC2); Connect with 10 relevant professionals on LinkedIn | Conference registrations (virtual for time flexibility); Professional membership fee (£200-300) | Attended 2 conferences with documented key learnings; Active membership with CPD logged; Network grown by 25+ targeted connections | 12 months |
| Publish Academic-Industry Research | Submit one paper to industry journal or conference; Present findings internally | MSc dissertation research; University library access; 2-4 hours/month writing time; Internal presentation slot | One paper submitted for publication; One internal knowledge-sharing presentation delivered; Research added to professional portfolio | 9 months |
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