Personal Development and Learning

This assignment delves into the realm of personal development and its impact on professional growth. It examines various aspects such as personal development plans, employee motivation for development, and the role of self-directed learning in enhancing skills and knowledge. The provided resources encompass books, journal articles, and online materials that explore these concepts in depth.

PPD

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Evaluating approaches to self managed learning...................................................................2
1.2 Ways through which encouragement can be provided to personal and professional contexts
.....................................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Evaluating benefits of self managed learning to the individual as well as organization.......3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Evaluating own current skills and competencies against organisational objectives and
professional standards..................................................................................................................4
2.2 Identification of own development needs and the activities required ..................................4
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs........5
2.4 Personal and professional development plan on the basis of identified needs......................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Description of process and activities for implementation of development plan....................8
3.2 Documentation of development activities.............................................................................9
3.3 Critical reflection of own learning in against aim and objectives described in development
plan...............................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Updated development plan on the basis of feedback and evaluation..................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Resolving work based problem............................................................................................12
4.2 Communication in variety of styles in appropriate manner at various levels......................12
4.3 Evaluation and use of effective time management strategies..............................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
2

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional Development (PPD) encompasses of several facilitated
learning opportunities by which individual can attain their career goals in an effective manner. It
is a continuous procedure which is used for acquiring new knowledge in order to enhance skills
and efficiencies of individual (Dealy, 2007). Present study focused on description of approaches
of self managed learning along with the strategies that can be used for the development of an
individual. Described approaches will be applied for self evaluation in order to prepare PPD plan
for growth and development in professional career. In addition to this, interpersonal and
transferable skills will be discussed by considering work based problem and effective time
management strategies.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluating approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning provides lifelong development opportunities to the individual
because it motivates for continuous learning by acquiring new skills and knowledge. This
approach is beneficial in present competitive and dynamic era. It is because; organization recruits
candidates by considering practical knowledge along with the theoretical aspects. Following
approaches can be used by individual for self managed learning: Internet- In present era, internet is significant source for learning and development as it
carries immense information by which learner can enhance their knowledge of various
subject matters. With one click, individual can gain knowledge regarding changing
environment (Eisele and et. al., 2013). With this approach, they will be able to get better
work opportunities. In addition to this, web browsing provides information of various
case studies by which analytical skills of learner can be improved. Workshops- It can be attended by individuals in order to make improvement in their
skills and efficiencies. These programs are time and cost effective as individual can learn
lot of things in minimum time by spending nominal amount (Throop and Castellucci,
2009). These workshops improve managerial and interpersonal skills of a person by
which they are able to act in a proper manner in their respective teams.
3

 Seminars and conferences- Seminar and conference are an effective approach for self
learning. It is because; in such programs, individuals share their ideas and experience by
which immense learning can be gained (Wu and Passerini, 2013). Further, attending such
program also improves personal skills and provides idea for personality development. In
these programs, individual learns to deliver presentation to the viewer in an appropriate
manner.
 Social networks- Another effective approach for self managed learning is getting
socialized either with local community or with virtual community. By making use Social
networking sites, individuals can share their views and ideas on trending aspect and
similarly they can get aware about opinions of other individual.
1.2 Ways through which encouragement can be provided to personal and professional contexts
Life long learning or self managed learning is all about contribution of an individual in
their professional context. For this aspect, individuals are required to do their self assessment in
order to determine their strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. With this assessment,
they can determine the area on which they are required to work to attain their career goals and
objectives (Leach, 2010). In present competitive environment, all individuals are starving for
success and making efforts for the same. Due to this aspect, individual are required to develop
habit of self managed learning to get success in their professional career. Further, they must be
provided with the opportunities for meaningful personal interaction and collaborative team
learning.
Life long learning can also be implemented through habits such as reading commercial
newspaper and visiting business blogs regularly. With this habit, individual become aware about
changes that are taking places in industry, current affairs and other economic issues. This habit
will also enhance their curiosity on particular subject matter through which they will consider
academic journals and articles in order to gain further information.
1.3 Evaluating benefits of self managed learning to the individual as well as organization
Benefits to the individual
Self managed learning assists individual in enhancing their skills and knowledge by
which they can avail better opportunities in their career. With this approach, individuals will be
able to improve their interpersonal skills and consequently can present their thoughts in a better
4

manner (Zepeda, 2011). In addition to this, individuals will get opportunities to have interacting
session with the experts on economic issues by which they can solve their queries. This learning
approach is not time or place bounded due to which individuals do not have to make major
efforts for it.
Benefits to the organization
Approach of self managed learning keep staff motivated to learn new skills in order to
enhance their efficiencies. This approach provides productive employees to the organization by
which they can attain their aims and objectives in an effective manner (Nutley, 2008). In addition
to this, employees do not resist to change policies in work environment. It is because; this
approach influences employees to cope up with the changing environment at workplace.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating own current skills and competencies against organisational objectives and
professional standards
Success of an individual depends upon its skills and competencies. I am planning to
become a marketing manager in retail industry. Main responsibility for that is to promote
products and services in order to enhance sales and profitability of business. They are also
required to analyse market environment in order provide optimum supply as per the demand. To
become a successful marketing manager, an individual must have leadership and interpersonal
skills (Rodrigues, 2006). It is because; they are required to manage team members in order to
attain sales targets. For this aspect, they have to allocate job and guide their subordinates in order
to assure standard performance. They are also required to manage information in a proper
manner to make viable decisions for business. I am well verse with communication skills as I am
able to communicate message in a proper sense. Furthermore, I can establish good coordination
between by team members and guide them accordingly. I have knowledge of various marketing
software and tools. Through this knowledge, I will be able to do good market analysis in order to
determine demand in the market. On the basis of this analysis, I will set targets for subordinates.
2.2 Identification of own development needs and the activities required
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
 I have good communication  I am not good in multitasking due to which
5

skills; through which I am able
to guide my team members.
 With my leadership skills, I can
motivate team members to
operate in an effective manner
to attain aims and objectives.
 By making use analytical skills,
I can make good decisions for
my team.
I am not able to meet provided deadlines.
 I do not have work experience of
marketing management in retail industry.
 I am not able to make quick decisions in
emergency situations.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
 By implementation of approach
of lifelong learning, I can
enhance my skills and
capabilities.
 By learning new marketing
software, I will be able to uplift
my CV.
 By attending workshops, I can
improve my interpersonal and
managerial skills.
 Urgent deadlines provided by senior
management.
 Increasing competition in market.
 Work experience.
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
Skills Level of skills Examples Ways for the
enhancement of these
skills
Knowledge of
marketing
principles and
theories.
I have good
knowledge of
marketing theories
and principles.
My major subject in
MBA is marketing
and Human Resource
(HR).
In order to enhance my
knowledge in marketing, I
will attend seminars and
conferences. Furthermore,
I will read blogs of
6

marketing experts in retail
industry for learning new
tools and techniques.
Technological
skills
I have knowledge of
marketing software
and I am also
confident to make its
operational use in
business.
I am not able to make
practical use of
marketing software.
To improve my
technological skills, I will
attend workshops. Further,
I will gain knowledge of
internet websites by
watching related videos.
Interpersonal
skills
I have good
interpersonal skills
by which I can lead
my team members in
an effective way.
In various college
activities, I had
directed my team and
had provided good
performance.
In order to enhance my
interpersonal skills, I will
attend workshops and
group activities.
Team
management
skills
With my
communication and
coordination skills, I
can manage my
team in a proper
manner.
In various group
activities, my team
had shown good
example of
coordination and
team work. However,
I am still not able to
manage multitasking
and handle urgent
deadlines.
For making improvement in
my team management
skills, I will attend
workshops and schedule
my daily activities to
manage multitasking.
Furthermore, I will work on
my time management skills.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan on the basis of identified needs
Learning
objective/go
al
Current
Proficienc
y
Target
Proficie
ncy
Development
opportunities
Criteria
for
judging
success
Time
scale
Evidence
1 Team At present, To learn In order to Improve 1-2 By
7

. management
skills
I am not
able to
manage
multitaskin
g in team.
In
situation
of making
urgent
decisions,
I face
various
issues.
time
manage
ment and
act
calmly
in urgent
situation
s.
attain target
proficiency, I
will attend
workshops.
ment in
skills will
be judged
by
superviso
rs of
workshop
and my
efficiency
in
meeting
deadlines.
weeks comparing
after and
before
performanc
e.
2
.
Communicat
ion and
listening
skills.
I have
good
communic
ation skills
but I am
required to
work on
my
presentatio
n skills.
Improvis
ation in
Vocabul
ary and
grammar
in
commun
ication.
For the
attainment of
the target I will
develop habit
of reading
literature and
business
newspaper.
I will
participat
e in
debate
competiti
on and
activities
where
presentati
ons are
required.
3-4
weeks
On the basis
of opinion
provided by
mentor in
activities.
3
.
Knowledge
of marketing
principles
and theories.
I have
good basic
knowledge
of
marketing
concepts.
To learn
practical
applicabi
lity of
these
theoretic
In order to
enhance my
knowledge, I
will attend
conferences.
I will
apply
concepts
in various
case
studies to
1-2
weeks
By
assessing
my skills in
solving case
studies.
8

al
concepts
.
assess my
analytical
skills.
6 Leadership
skills
Coordinati
on and
motivation
skills.
To
solving
dispute
in team
for
effective
coordina
tion.
In order to
develop
leadership
skills, I will
join group
activities in
which I will
focus on
coordination of
team and
resolving
dispute.
By
consideri
ng
performa
nce of my
team, I
will
assess my
leadershi
p skills.
3-4
weeks
By
comparing
after and
before
performanc
e.
TASK 3
3.1 Description of process and activities for implementation of development plan
In order to get recruited at the post of marketing manager, it is essential for me to develop
my skills and competencies as per organizational needs and objectives of retail industry. For this
aspect, I am required to conduct various activities. Initially, I should work on my technological
skills to gain knowledge of marketing software and tools. By this learning, I will able to
complete provided work in a better manner and can provide competitive advantage to my team.
Further, I will read case studies on marketing management in order to deal with issues in an
effective manner. By this approach, I will be able to act wisely and can also improve my
analytical skills. In addition to this, I can deal with work issues with more positive attitude. For
making improvement in my time management skills, I will attend workshop and complete my
daily activities as per set schedule. In this manner, I will develop habit to meet deadlines.
9

3.2 Documentation of development activities
By implementation of prepared personal and professional development plan, I was able to
make to improvement in my skills and capabilities. Training of technical software had upgraded
my knowledge of practical use of web programs by using information of business. By making
use of this software, I can also learn to give good presentation in meeting in order to express my
viewpoints. Workshops and group activities had assisted in improvement in interpersonal skills.
Now, I am able to provide presentation in a formal manner. In addition to this, I can submit by
work in provided time frame and I do not have to face issues in managing multitasking. By
continuous reading of case studies, I had made improvement in my analytical skills.
3.3 Critical reflection of own learning in against aim and objectives described in
development plan
Aims and objectives Actions for development Critical reflection of learning
Improvement in team
management skills
In order to attain target
proficiency, I had attended
group activities and
workshops.
With this training, I had learned new
strategies for team management and
resolving conflicts. In addition to this,
I had improved by coordination skills.
Improvement of
communication and
presentation skills.
I had developed habit of
reading to improve my
vocabulary and grammar.
Further, I had participated
in debate and presentation
activities.
With this activity, I was able to
enhance my confidence and improved
my gestures and postures. This had
supported me in delivering message in
a more effective manner.
To learn upgraded
techniques
To learn upgraded
techniques, I had attended
workshops of marketing
software.
With this course, I am able to
accomplish marketing tasks on
software in a better way and in
minimum time.
Learning of advanced
marketing approaches
In order to achieve this
objective, I had attended
conferences hosted by
By attending these conferences and
seminars, I get opportunity of
interaction with the experts with
10

marketing experts. changing marketing approaches in
retail industry. I had learned about
increasing scope of marketing
management.
3.4 Updated development plan on the basis of feedback and evaluation
Above described professional and personal development plan had assisted me for the
attainment of various objectives. However, I was not able to attain all the goals. By considering
this aspect, my updated development plan is enumerated as below:
Learning
objective/g
oal
Current
proficiency
Target
proficiency
Developm
ent
opportuni
ties
Criteria for
judging
success
Time
scale
Improveme
nt in team
managemen
t skills
With the
previous PPD
plan, I am able to
improve my
team
management
skills.
Still, I am
required to work
on resolving team
conflicts by using
suitable
strategies.
I will
actively
participate
in group
activities
where my
role will
be to solve
conflicts.
Opinions of
supervisors in
team
activities.
4-5 weeks
Efficiency
to operate
critical
account
software
By attending
workshops, I am
able to make
practical use of
marketing
software.
To learn usage of
software in
practical context.
I will join
internship
program in
retail
entity and
will make
use of
such
Feedback
provided by
seniors and
supervisors
2-3
months.
11

software.
Learning of
advanced
marketing
approaches
I had learned
various advances
marketing
approach by web
browsing and
attending
conferences.
I am required to
learn practical
applicability of
these concepts in
business
practices.
I will
apply
these
approache
s in my
internship
duration
under
supervisio
n of
seniors.
For this
purpose, I will
take feedback
from my
mentor.
2-3
months.
TASK 4
4.1 Resolving work based problem
During internship program, the main issues faced at the work place were stress and work
pressure. This factor had made significant reduction in the productivity of performance of
employees. In addition to this, this problem had demoralized employees due to whom they were
not able to meet deadlines provided by their supervisors (Throop and Castellucci, 2009). It is a
common work place problem which is faced by various commercial entities. It is because; with
the increasing competition in the market, there is also rise in expectations of employers.
In order to resolve this issue, various strategies can be used by management at workplace.
Stress and work pressure can be reduced by conducting informal activities at work place. These
activities will provide break to employees from daily hectic routine (Clampitt, 2010). For proper
management of work, training can be provided on regular basis by considering performance
assessment of employees. In this manner, organization will be able to enhance skills and
efficiencies of employees (Jain, 2013). In addition to this, they will be able to support employees
for the completion of work in an effective manner.
4.2 Communication in variety of styles in appropriate manner at various levels
Organizations are required to make use of suitable form of communication while
conveying messages at various levels. By making use of suitable manner, there will be less
12

possibility of miscommunication and receiver will interpret message in a proper way (Cooke,
2012). Following different styles of communication strategies can be used by management at
various levels- Meetings- Management can held meetings for discussions and presentations on business
matter (Ahamiojie, 2008). This method is suitable for horizontal communication as all
individual are present at similar place to express their opinion. Email- It can be used by organization for conveying information in which one way
communication is required (Cottrell, 2010). Generally, this method is used for circulation
of common notice or information.
 Video conferencing- This method of communication is used in situation where all parties
are not available at similar place (Robinson and Carrington, 2002). This tool reduces the
gap in communication and assist in preventing delays in decision making due to absence
of parties.
4.3 Evaluation and use of effective time management strategies
Time management is crucial skill for effective performance at work place. It is because;
usability of work is reduced, if it is not submitted in stipulated time frame (Professional and
Personal Development, 2013). Following time management strategies can be used by individuals
for their professional development: Prioritization- Individuals are required to prioritize provided tasks as per the deadline or
urgency. In this manner, they will be able to complete task as per the set priority and can
prevent unnecessary delay (Smith and et.al., 2007). Schedule- For effective time management, scheduling can be done by individuals for the
provided work. With this strategy, standard time will be allocated in which, individuals
will be required to complete the provided task.
 Allocation of task- Organization can allocate task as per the skills and capabilities of
employees. In this manner, task will be completed in minimum time with less possibility
of errors.
CONCLUSION
Present study is based on the evaluation of contribution by self managed learning
approaches in personal and professional development of individual. By considering the present
13

study, conclusion can be drawn that individual are required to make continuous improvement in
their skills and competencies to attain career goals in this competitive era. Implementation of
these approaches had assisted me in resolving by weaknesses and provided me opportunities for
attainment of professional goals.
14

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ahamiojie, O. G., 2008. Professional Development. AuthorHouse.
Clampitt, P. G. 2010. Communicating for Managerial Effectiveness: Problems, Strategies,
Solutions. 4th ed. SAGE.
Cooke, N. A., 2012 Professional development 2.0 for librarians: developing an online personal
learning network (PLN). Library Hi Tech News. 29(3). pp.1-9.
Cottrell, S., 2010. Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave
Macmillan.
Dealy, M. D., 2007. Managing by Accountability: What Every Leader Needs to Know about
Responsibility, Integrity--and Results. Greenwood Publishing Group.
Eisele, L. and et.al., 2013. Employee motivation for personal development plan effectiveness.
European Journal of Training and Development. 37(6). pp.527 – 543.
Nutley, T., 2008. The Little Book of Personal Development. 2nd ed. Lulu.
Robinson, R. and Carrington, S., 2002. Professional development for inclusive schooling.
International. Journal of Educational Management. 16(5). pp.239 – 247.
Rodrigues, M. J., 2006. The Lisbon Strategy after the mid-term review: implications for
innovation and life-long learning. Corporate Governance. 6(4). pp.349-357.
Smith, P. J. and et.al., 2007. Leadership and learning: facilitating self-directed learning in
enterprises. Journal of European Industrial Training. 31(5). pp.324–335.
Throop, K. R. and Castellucci, B. M., 2009. Reaching Your Potential: Personal and Professional
Development.: Personal and Professional Development. Cengage Learning.
Wu, D. and Passerini, K., 2013. Uncovering knowledge-based time management practices:
Implications for project management. International Journal of Managing Projects in
Business. 6(2). pp.332 – 348.
Zepeda, J. S., 2011. Professional Development: What Works. 2nd ed. Eye On Education.
Online
Jain, G., 2013. Work based problems. [Online]. Available through:
<http://cat.learnhub.com/lesson/5007-work-based-problems>. [Accessed on 18th
February, 2016].
Leach, L., 2010. Self-Directed Learning: Theory and Practice. [PDF]. Available through:
15