Skills for Personal and Professional Growth

The provided assignment requires students to create a report discussing skills necessary for personal and professional growth. The report should include references to relevant books and journals on the topic of sustainable development, specifically focusing on corporate social responsibility and communication skills. The assignment aims to help students understand the importance of developing these skills in their future endeavors.

FOUNDATIONS OF
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
Analyzing different approaches of corporate business.................................................1
Reflective on key skills learning...................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................. 9
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Sustainability refers to current growth and development of business without sacrificing
future capabilities of the business (Ait Sidhoum and Serra, 2018). This project discusses about
sustainable practices used by corporate business to minimize cost of operation and increase
profitability. Further, this report discusses about importance of strategic planning for growth and
development of organization. This project various approaches like sustainable approach,
strategic planning and corporate social responsibility used by corporate business. There are
certain skills which an individual must have like communication skills, team work, ICT, numeracy
skills and problem solving skills in order to grow and develop.
Applying different approaches of corporate business
Sustainable Approach
This is known as a fundamental approach of maintaining sustainability in
business operations. It is significant to maintain balance between all groups of
stakeholders like customers, employees, partners and communities. Business
synchronize the interest of all stakeholders in a common direction. Employees’
engagement is an official contract between employees and organization which
describes both qualitative and quantitative aspects of work. Engaged employees is the
one who is fully concentrated towards their work. Sustainable approach helps in
achieving long term objectives of a business. Management encourages and motivates
employees to actively participate in decision making process (Ait Sidhoum and Serra,
2018). Companies share their financial and other information with clients.
Coca cola understood the importance of water stewardship and conserve water
resources efficiently. They have reduced water content up-to 40% in their beverages
Active participation of employees in business process help in establishing team.
Organization critically evaluates the business environment and select the best
opportunity from all available alternatives. It is important to collect feedback from both
internal and external stakeholders. Sustainability of business is the proactive technique
used by enterprise to assure long term viability and optimally utilize resources of
organization. It is significant for management to take up responsibility for environment
and society. Organization may use unethical approaches when the environment crisis
affects business operations.
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Corp-orates like coca cola have realized the significance of sustainable
development (Sachs, 2015). There are series of policies and procedures like water
stewardship, employee engagement that are implemented by business in order to
enhance quality of products and services without affecting the environment (Sustainable
development, 2018). Management motivate employees to actively participate in
decimation making process and express their opinions. This will create feeling of
belonging among staff and they will work effeciently. Organization should not sacrifice
future potential in order to meet the present requirements of society.
Coca cola also comprehended the importance of cooperate and ethical issues in
sustainable growth and development. This company delivers beverages globally; and
they fulfill the present demand of customers without affecting future resources.
Being the world’s largest beverages' company, Coca Cola published a
sustainable policy on the environment in 2014. They have implemented different
corporate policies and strategies to deal with ecological issues. Organization follow all
rules and regulations of Eco friendly business and actively participate in regulatory
discussions. On the basis of above legislation, organization has applied sustainability in
internal procedures of firm. in order to minimize wastage (Pearce, 2014). For example,
coca cola has reduced energy consumption of energy, water, etc. along with regular
auditing assures that they follow the ethical policies which are required for smooth
functioning.
Coca cola policies are drafted according to feasible environment, which is
required in performing all activities of business. Protection of nature and surroundings is
an important part of corporate, in order to meet up viable requirement of business, Coca
Cola has implemented policy across the entire business. In order to conserve natural
resources they have installed water treatment plants that has minimized consumption of
water used in production of beverages.
Coca cola uses biodegradable plastics in its packing process. Sustainability
policy like employee engagement is beneficial for both stakeholder and society; this
helps in delivering quality products to customers without affecting potential for future
generation.
Sustainable approach for SME and micro organization
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These organizations aim at delivering quality products and services without
affecting future capabilities. Entrepreneur makes effective use of resources and do not
waste them. This is a proactive approach which suggest to use Eco friendly approaches
in manufacturing process. Small organization generally use renewable resources
Strategic planning: This is a strategy which helps an organization in allocation of
resources. In order to perform all business operations effectively management plan and
control every activity of business. Effective planning helps in application of tactics to
increase productivity and profitability of an organization (Carley and Christie, 2017).
Managers critically evaluate business environment and make modifications and
changes in existing procedures and plans.
Organizational structure: There are various employees working together, to carry out
business operations effectively every organization needs a structure. Working process
and hierarchy of communication is mentioned in an organizational chart. Corporate are
owned and managed by shareholders, it is responsibility of directors to look after their
requirement.
Coca cola considers all departments like production, manufacturing before
setting of any target. Supervisors continuously monitor movement of goods from
warehouse. For smooth functioning of product supply, the production department
analyses the demand of customers. The Top level management manages and controls
all business operations and look after resources of organisation.
Understanding issues and problems: Strategic planning plays a very crucial role in
success of an organization. Management effectively utilizes their resources in drafting
and implementing corporate strategies. In order to implement plans and procedures, the
management should suitably allocate budgets (Günzel-Jensen and Holm, 2015).
Operational manager is responsible for designing and executing of plans.
Mission, vision, values and goals of coca cola company
Their mission is to deliver quality products and services to customers and
establishing good relations with them. Management’s aim is at providing better
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beverage experience to customers. For developing a good brand image, it will increase
revenue generation for coca cola company. Flexible working environment will lead to
growth and development of a business system. Vision of coca cola company is to
satisfy customers requirements.
Reducing operation cost will maximize profit of an organization. Management
motivate employees to direct their efforts in common direction. Coca cola company is
guided by the values which are beneficial for both employees and employer. Leaders
take initiative to direct and motivate employees to work together as a team.
Innovation is a continuous process which will take coca cola to the next level of
excellence. Passionate employees will deliver quality products and perform
outstandingly in business activities (Dyllick and Muff, K., 2016). CEO of Coca Cola
company will communicate goals and objectives to middle and lower level management.
They will implement strategies and policies to promote minority workers.
Strategic plans of an organization define objective and policies which will help in
growth and development. Coca Cola focuses on key areas of improvement and draft
plans to modify existing business process and procedures. Coca cola is involved in
continuous development of plans and policies. There are various tools which are used
in the process of drafting policies like PEST Analysis, scenario planning, SWOT, Porters
five forces etc.
Corporate social challenges (CSR) facilitates clear vision of accountability of an organization
towards society and environment. It works for the welfare of workers and community and also
protect surroundings. Any business aim at satisfying the current demands of customers and at
the same time, they have to look after the health of consumers (Kendall and Laszlo, 2014). In
order to meet up the current trend, Coca Cola has conducted a survey in which, 80% of people
said that they want beverages that are less fattening. Company has reduced amount of calories
by 76% in its beverages. They have taken initiatives to reduce calorie intake for people and
provide them with healthier option.
The concept of CSR is based on the idea that business is dependent and connected to
society. The Coca Cola company has implemented all variables of CSR and does not apply any
dishonest practices in manufacturing process. Organization’s aim at maximizing its profit, but
without affecting prosperity and harmony of the society. There are various challenges faced by
Coca Cola companies while implementing CSR. Effective management can control and manage
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these barriers to some extend. Coca Cola has developed ethical code of conduct and has
communicated to all stakeholders. Main objective of CSR is to maintain sustainability in an
organization (Corporate social responsibility, 2018).
Important challenge for Coca Cola is that it needs to grow and develop and follow
corporate social strategies.
Lack of resources like human capital, knowledge and finance, may affect the implementation
process of CSR. Coca Cola had less resources to carry out a project which will deliver
maximum benefit and high rate of return. Organization do not have highly educated managers
to perform all business operations effectively. Shortage of qualified workforce is the biggest
problem faced by Coca Cola in the process of implementing CSR.
Lack in commitment: Coca Cola’s top level management lack in commitment, they fail to
implement sustainable policies in business procedures. Superiors were more focused towards
short term goals and profits of the business. It is significant that top level management should
be highly qualified and capable for implementing corporate social responsibility in business.
Lack in Measurement system: it helps in identifying the quantitative aspects of corporate
social responsibility (Pearson, 2016). This is an effective tool used by management in
controlling and managing performance of CSR. Coca Cola lacks in measurement techniques
and because of this, management cannot evaluate sustainability of business.
Increase in cost: Implementing of CSR in manufacturing process will increase the cost of
production and many big organizations are not willing to pay that cost. Coca Cola was mainly
concerned with the increasing packaging and transportation cost, and delivering of quality
services was a secondary objective of business. Manufactures were continuously pressurizing
transportation sector to be cost efficient and provide the cheapest mode of transport.
Implementing and maintaining of CSR is lengthy and complex procedure, this may result to cost
competitiveness (Chen and et.al., 2018). Organization has to maintain balance between quality
product and profits. Top management were not willing to pay for CSR because of low pressure
of stakeholder.
Stakeholders are concerned about the environmental safety because food and beverage
industry is highly regulated industry and. Coca Cola failed to capture the benefits of CSR and
focus on creating goods that will derive maximum profits. In order to maximize their revenue
they adopt unfair practices, which prevented Coca Cola to implement CSR in business
procedures. Employees of the organization effectively utilize the natural resources like water
and electricity. They use renewable sources in manufacturing process to deliver quality
services to customer' Management should aim at covering long term cost of business. They
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have obligation to provide maximum benefits to stakeholder and minimize economic risk. No
business decisions can be taken without considering sustainability, the top level executives
should priorities their work.
In order to maximize their profits and operate in an ethical way, this company follows various
strategies and procedures. Coca Cola aim at covering the cost of operation and provide
maximum benefits to shareholders.
Coca Cola company reduce consumption of natural resources like electricity, water and
raw materials. They implement environmental friendly techniques like water stewada in
manufacturing process (Woodward, More and Van der Heyden, 2016).. Coca cola company has
improved its efficiency of its water plant up-to 30% and managers continuously evaluate and
monitor the water management approaches of the business.
Company follow ethical strategies to render quality products and services, they design
beverages after considering environmental issues like global warming. Top level management
design strategic plans to cut down consumption of natural resources Coca Cola maintains
transparency from their customers as they mentioned all their ingredients.
Reflection on key skills learning
Communication skills play crucial role in delivering right information and messages, this
is a two-way procedure. There are generally two types of communication like verbal and written.
Sender encodes the key message and deliver it to receiver by using effective channel of
communication. This helps people to connect with each other and express their ideas and
opinions (Reid and Plank, 2016). Human being perform this process every day to exchange
message. Communication provides individual ability to interact and influence in various types.
According to Maslow communication theory good interpersonal skills help in establishing
friendly relations with stakeholders. This will help me to develop in both personally and
professional. My peers suggested me that I am not able to convey messages orally but by my
written communication is strong. I am planning to attend vocational seminars and workshop to
develop this skill. According to my superiors, I don't have confidence to acknowledge public and
employees in the meeting. Due to this, I am not able to effectively interact with them.
Communication process is significant in performing day to day tasks of life. Good listening skills
will help individuals in understanding thoughts and opinions of others.
Numeracy skills deals with proper usage of numbers and approaches in all aspects of
life. It helps person to understand numerical and graphic information's (Cenere and et.al., 2015).
This skill defines mathematical knowledge of a person. This is skill is used to perform all
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important functions of life . My numerical skills are weak as I am not able to apply numerical
concepts to solve variety of problems. I cannot interpret data using charts or diagrams. This is
used to solve real life problems and issues. People can easily understand the problem and
provide effective solutions to it. This skill provides people to think logically and reasonably. My
superiors have told me that I am not capable of taking economic decisions. I cannot perform
simple mathematical calculations and comparisons between numbers.
Information and communication skill is significant for growth and development of
individuals. In current world this skill is expanding and developing very fast. This skill plays
crucial role in today working world, this skill helps in enhancing performance level of individual.
ICT helps in maintaining secure network connects and reduce cost of operations. This is an
advanced skill which will save time and energy and people will get more time to focus on other
important work. My tutor has provided positive feedback related to his skill. I have good
knowledge of computer and software and I can perform my work efficiently and effectively.
Problem solving encourages people to deal with difficult situations and issues. This skill
motivates individuals to stay calm and peaceful even in negative situations of life. People
resolve complex issues and problems by using their experience and knowledge. Problem
solving skill will reduce frustration level and increase performance level of individual. According
to my superiors I am inadequate because I don't have confidence to deal with difficult problems.
I lack in creative ability which is required in providing effective solutions.
Team work skill help me to carry out all operation in a smooth and efficient way. Team
members motivate each other to grow and perform better. This will boost up confidence level of
individual and develop friendly attitude. Communication skill play crucial role in maintaining
coordination and cooperation between team members. This skill provides individual with
opportunity to understand and respect each other point of views. Working together as team will
lead to maximum benefit. According to my superiors, my team work skill is not strong, I feel
quiet shy and uncomfortable while talking with others.
Basis Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timely
Verbal
communication
skill
My clear
objective is to
improve my
verbal skills by
joining
language
It can be
achieved by
attending
classes and
learning basic
of
Yes, I can
achieve this
by being
more
confident.
I want to
become
manager and
this skill is
useful for my
professional
I will improve
this skill within
3-4 months.
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classes. I
need to be
more
confident
while
presenting
information in
front of public.
communication
and asking for
honest
feedback from
audiences. I
can use power
point
presentation to
create long
term impact on
others.
career. My
goal is valid as
I can achieve
this easily.
Numeracy skills My definite
aim is to
achieve
numeracy
skills by
joining
mathematical
classes and
learning basic
fundamentals
of maths. This
will help me to
improve my
understanding
related to
numbers and I
can solve
personal and
professional
problems
easily.
I am improving
my
mathematical
calculations by
attending
abacus and
maths classes.
Yes I can
achieve the
set target
This skill will
help me in
solving my
problems and
I can perform
better in my
profession.
Being a
manager, I
have to keep
record of bills,
accounting
etc.
I will develop
this skill within
3 to 4 months.
Problem solving My target is to I am able to Yes I can This will help I will improve
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solve
problems of
subordinates
and team
members.
solve my
problems and
issues as this
will help to
improve my
relations with
others.
develop this
skill by
reading auto
biographies
of great
leaders.
me in creating
positive
working
environment
and reduce
labour
turnover. It is
significant for
my
professional
career of a
manager.
this skill within
1 to 2 months
Team work
skills
My purpose is
to work
together as a
team and
direct efforts
of individuals
in a common
direction to
accomplish
goals and
objectives.
I can work
effectively with
team members
and I have
developed
friendly attitude
towards my
collegues. This
skill has helped
me to reduce
my work load
and achieve
targets within
prescribed
time.
Yes, I can
attain the
given target
by attending
seminars and
workshop
organised by
supervisors.
As a manager
my
responsibility
is to
coordinate
efforts of team
in one
direction to
achieve
targets. I need
to guide my
team
members to
perform work
effectively and
efficiently.
I will develop
this skill within
3 to 4 months.
CONCLUSION
This project explains about sustainable approach which are required to achieve long
term objectives of a business. Coca Cola has increased profit without sacrificing future
capabilities of organisation. Sustainability in business procedure play crucial role in growth and
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development of organisation. Strategic planning allocate the resources business in order to
increase productivity and profitablity. Flexible working environment will lead to sustainable
business environment. Coca Cola had a Vision to satisfy current and future requirements of
customers. Coca Cola company has faced various challenges and problems while implementing
CSR in business procedure. They consider all environmental issues like pollution, water
contamination before designing products. Coca Cola maintain transparency with their
customers, company mention all ingredients used in the products. At the end, this report discuss
about skills which are required by individual for personal and professional future growth.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ait Sidhoum, A. and Serra, T., 2018. Corporate Sustainable Development. Revisiting the
Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Dimensions. Sustainable
Development .26(4). pp.365-378.
Ait Sidhoum, A. and Serra, T., 2018. Corporate Sustainable Development. Revisiting the
Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Dimensions. Sustainable
Development, 26(4), pp.365-378.
Carley, M. and Christie, I., 2017. Managing sustainable development. Routledge.
Cenere, P., and et.al., 2015 Communication Skills for Business Professionals 7. Cambridge
University Press.
Chen, S., and et.al., 2018, July. A Comparative Testing on Performance of Blockchain and
Relational Database: Foundation for Applying Smart Technology into Current Business
Systems. In International Conference on Distributed, Ambient, and Pervasive
Interactions (pp. 21-34). Springer, Cham.
Crane, A. and Glozer, S., 2016. Researching corporate social responsibility communication:
Themes, opportunities and challenges. Journal of Management Studies. 53(7). pp.1223-
1252.
Dyllick, T. and Muff, K., 2016. Clarifying the meaning of sustainable business: Introducing a
typology from business-as-usual to true business sustainability. Organization &
Environment. 29(2). pp.156-174.
Günzel-Jensen, F. and Holm, A.B., 2015. Freemium business models as the foundation for
growing an e-business venture: a multiple case study of industry leaders.
Kendall, L.D. and Laszlo, C., 2014. The Business Sector Path Towards a Civilization of
Oneness with Diversity a Research Study on Behalf of the Goi Peace Foundation.
Pearce, D., 2014. Blueprint 3: Measuring sustainable development. Routledge.
Pearson, R., 2016. Beyond ethical relativism in public relations: Coorientation, rules, and the
idea of communication symmetry. In Public relations research annual (pp. 77-96).
Routledge.
Reid, D.A. and Plank, R.E., 2016. Fundamentals of Business Marketing Research (The
Foundation Series in Business Marketing).
Sachs, J.D., 2015. The age of sustainable development. Columbia University Press.
Wheeler, S.M. and Beatley, T. eds., 2014. Sustainable urban development reader. Routledge.
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Woodward, I., More, E. and Van der Heyden, L., 2016. 'Involve': The Foundation for Fair
Process Leadership Communication.
Online
Corporate social responsibility. 2018 [online]. Accessed through ;
<http://www.corporatesocialresponsibility.com/>
Sustainable development. 2018 [online]. Accessed through ;
<https://www.acciona.com/sustainable-development/>
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