I've been reading: Using desired outcomes to guide (study) Strategy

I located this book and decided to purchase it as part of my develop myself  in a tertiary education environment or develop myself at a tertiary educational level. While the reasons for pursuing the study programmes which I am currently involved in (Certificate in Financial Planning and MBA- Heriot Watt) have been varied, every so often I come across something which offers so much potential that it is like a diamond before it has been carved or shaped. One of these diamonds is "Using desired outcomes to guide (study) Strategy" from Palgrave Study Skills "The Study Skills Handbook" by Stella Cottrell. Here are some excerpts from the page on this topic:

"Your reasons for studying and your desired outcomes can guide the way you proceed with your study, as in the following examples:

Outcome A: to learn about the subject
If learning about the subject is the most important outcome for you, hen reading around the subject and doing what interests you may be more important than following the curriculum.

Outcome B: to get a good grade
If your chief priority is getting a good grade, then it  is likely to be important that you"play the game" and find out exactly what is required.

Outcome C: just to get through
If  you have many other demands on your time or gaps in your education, you may have to limit yourself to conveying essentials. What is important is that you know how to find and use information to get you through - you can fill gaps in your knowledge later in life.

Each of the following statements precedes a short paragraph on the topic which can be used in a thought provoking way:

Stating your desired outcomes: This covers positive outcomes versus negative outcomes
Analyse desired outcomes in detail:
The following questions are based on an approach known as Neuro - Linguistic Programming (NLP). Some examples of questions are:

Are your desired outcomes "well formed"?
What are the implications of having these desired outcomes?
What are the potential gains?
What are the potential losses?
Visualise yourself in the future, having achieved the outcome"

I realised that the above approach, concept can be used in so many different scenarios such as where a person may be conducting training sessions for a company or where you are encouraging others in the art of journaling.

I did some more research on the publisher and I found that there are several publications which look like they  may make a good read and offer business development opportunities such as:

How to Write your Undergraduate Disssertation

Description: Examining each essential stage of research and writing a dissertation, this book teaches students across all disciplines how to generate ideas and develop them into original research projects. 
It clearly explains the best way of planning and conducting research using qualitative and quantitative techniques and primary and secondary material; enabling the student to successfully plan and write a clear and concise dissertation.

Content:

PART I: EXAMINERS AND SUPERVISORS

PART II: GENERATING AND DEVELOPING ORIGINAL IDEAS

PART III: DECIDING ON YOUR PROJECT

PART IV: ORGANISING YOUR WORK

PART V: DOING YOUR RESEARCH

PART VI: PLANNING YOUR DISSERTATION

PART VII: ORGANISING YOUR THINKING

PART VIII: WRITING YOUR DISSERTATION

PART IX: PLAGIARISM, REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES

PART X: EDITING

e-book:

Students:  Want instant access to this book?  Rent a copy at CourseSmart today <How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation ebook>

Lecturers:  Access a free inspection copy of this book quickly and easily 
at CourseSmart <How to Write your Undergraduate Dissertation ebook>

Presentation Skills for Students

Description:
A practical, useful guide for all students in further or higher education. Topics covered include speaking effectively in seminars and tutorials, delivering formal presentations and succeeding at a job interviews. Regular checklists and the friendly, down to earth style make this an ideal reference tool

Content:
Preface
Personal Development: Speaking to an Audience
Delivery and Non-verbal Communication and Nerves
Choosing and Using Visual Aids
Speaking as Part of Your Course
Speaking as Part of a Group
Speaking as a Student Representative
Speaking at Elections and Meetings
Job Searches and Job Interviews
Further Reading
Index

Critical Thinking Skills

Description:

The second edition of this leading guide helps students to develop reflective thinking skills, improve their critical analysis and construct arguments more effectively. Written by Stella Cottrell, leader in the field with over 1/2 million book sales to date, this text breaks down a complex subject into easily understood blocks, providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations and practice activities to develop understanding and practise your skills at each stage.  Essential for students who are mystified by tutor comments such as 'more critical analysis needed', this is an invaluable tool for anyone wishing to develop advanced skills in this area and learn to apply them to tasks such as reading, writing and note-taking. 

Content:

Introduction
Glossary 
Acknowledgements
What is Critical Thinking?
How Well Do You Think? Develop Your Thinking Skills
What's Their Point? Identifying Arguments
Is it an Argument? Argument and Non-Argument
How Well Do They Say It? Clarity, Consistency and Structure
Reading Between the Lines: Recognising Underlying Assumptions and Implicit Arguments
Does it Add Up? Identifying Flaws in the Argument
Where's the Proof? Finding and Evaluating Sources of Evidence
Critical Reading and Note-Making: Critical Selection, Interpretation and Noting of Source Material
Critical, Analytical Writing: Critical Thinking When Writing
Where's the Analysis? Evaluating Critical Writing
Critical Reflection
Texts for Activities 
Practice Activities on Longer Texts
Appendix 
Bibliography
Index

The Work Based Learning Student Handbook.

Description:

This book will help work-based students to successfully navigate academia. It is a hands-on guide for learners, helping them to get the most out of their university experience. Real-life case studies and useful activities are embedded throughout, illuminating the routes to university qualifications based on workplace activity.

Contents:

Introduction
Adapting to HE: Academic Skills 
Make your Learning Count
Learning to Learn: Practical Advice for Work-Based Learners
Making the Most of your Assessment Opportunities: Thinking Beyond the Grade
Work-based Projects
Support for Work-based Learning Students 
Online Support for Work-based Learning
Foundation Degrees 
Appendices 
Index 


e-Learning Skills

Description:
Including new material on blogs, wikis, podcasts and e-portfolios, the second edition reflects the increasing number of e-learning courses.  This practical, flexible text helps students enhance and develop their existing skills whether they are a distance learner, or at an institution which has e-learning integrated into their programmes.

Contents

What is e-Learning
Traditional Skills
Computer Skills
Learning Environments
e-Learning skills
Developing Skills
e-Portfolios
Communication Skills
Group and Co-operative Learning
Further Information and Resources
Appendix 1: Assessing Your Learning Skills
Appendix 2: Tips for the Successful e-Learner
Appendix 3: Assessing Your ICT Skills
Appendix 4: Main Sources of Dissatisfaction
Appendix 5: Referencing electronic sources
Glossary
Index

Here is the link to the site in case any of the above is of interest to you... I may be doing some shopping in the near future.
http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/studyskills/general.asp