1. Look for two (2) operational problems or issues in the Banking &Financial Services sector that you may be interested in making the subject of your Practicum.

2. Conduct a preliminary review of literature, case studies, news articles, etc. on both of the operational problems or issues that you identified in (1) above 3.

Based on your preliminary research findings, choose ONE of the operational problems/issues and:

(a) Explain in your own words why you are concerned about or interested in looking at that operational problem/issue.

Please note that when completing Journal 1, the process is embedded in Action Research. It will therefore be useful to be guided by the following when completing Journal 1.

Using Action Research

The action research approach is expected to emphasize identification of problems/issues in the operational areas of the sector or aspects of professional practice that are cause for concern to the learner and that he/she is interested in investigating. The guiding principles that the learner will be required to consider are:

• The nature of the work related problem/issue that you are concerned about or interested in investigating/developing;
• The aspect(s) of professional practice you are concerned about or interested in investigating/developing;
• The reason for your concern or interest in the particular problem/issue or practice;
• The type of information/evidence that will be useful for making an assessment of what is happening;
• The most effective method that can be used for collection of such information/evidence;
• The relevant evaluation tools that can be used to ensure that the assessment of the issue/problem or professional practice is reasonable, fair and accurate;
• How the findings will be reported;
• The types of solutions and/or recommendations that will be appropriate to and be accepted by the sector.

no less than 1200 words

Include references