Lifelong Learning Strategies and Application

The assignment delves into the significance of lifelong learning, outlining its growing importance in today's world. It examines various goal-setting strategies and self-regulated learning techniques to facilitate effective lifelong learning. Furthermore, the assignment encourages the application of these strategies in both personal and expert contexts, emphasizing practical implementation for continuous growth and development.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT
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Introduction
Self-Managed Learning (SML) is a holistic approach whereby an individual take
ownership of their learning (Bembenutty, 2011) It is a method whereby an individual
takes the initiative and the responsibility for their own learning activities at any time in
any place through self-development based on increasing self-awareness which allows
the person to responsibility for relevant, flexible and continuous experiential learning
(Bembenutty, 2011).The ongoing process of learning and development represents the
learning cycle. Bolton (2011) describes learning cycles as model of how people learn
from experience and it usually consists of number of stages. For instance, Kolb’s
experiential learning cycle represents a cyclical model of learning, which comprises of
four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and
active experimentation (Simon, 2010). The learning cycle helps individual to form the
basis for reviewing, drawing conclusions and planning future learning.
The purpose of this report is to demonstrate how self-managed learning can be used to
plan and acquire learning experience that will be relevant to personal and professional
development.
TASK 1
AC 1.1Evaluate different approaches to self-managed learning.
Self-managed learning is an approach whereby an individual committed their energy
and ability towards increasing their competency especially in a particular field or job in
order to improve their knowledge or skill. Self-managed learning helps individual to
evaluate their capability in terms of skill, knowledge and ability in order to identify areas
of improvement that will enable them to acquire the skill and experience needed to
undertake to perform their task effectively or learning experience. The researcher aim is
to acquire managerial, effective communication and interpersonal skill that will enable
the researcher to have the ability to network and communicate with al level of
management. Self-managed learning is all about individual in managing their own
learning. It is responsibility of people to take decision on the basis of what, how, when,
where to learn. The different approaches of self-managed learning style also include
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internet, which are nowadays using in vast amount. It will give to individual to learn
something new from different styles. But the disadvantage is that while using internet it
contains lots of wrong information so it can waste the time of individual. Another
approach is social network; it is that services which are using by organisation in
facilitating the building of social relation with other people. It includes; online services ,
social media sites and many more. The advantage of this is that, organisation can easily
communicate with their customers but disadvantage is that managers have to resolve
the issue of individual at the same point of time which is not possible for them. Last one
is, team work, it is applied when organisation is paying attention to individual skills and
their ability. The advantage of this approach is that, it creates healthy working
environment and goals are also achieved in time period. But disadvantage is that, it will
create conflicts between employees. There are different approaches to self-managed
learning, the following approaches were identified by the researcher
 Visionary approach to self-managed learning
 Goal setting approach
 Networking approach
 The use of technology
 Opportunistic approach
 Learning from others around them
Visionary approach enables an individual to understand the future trend which can be
incorporated into their self-managed learning structure (Cunningham, 2010). For
instance, a teacher may start learning how to use mobile applications to enhance
students learning ability because learners are fascinated with the ideas of using their
mobile phones. The visionary approach will allow the teacher to understand that in the
future, more people including learners will be using their Smart phones for various
activities.
Advantage
The advantage of this approach is that it the educator to gain the skill and experience
on how to incorporate the use of mobile devices into their curriculum. Hence, through
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visionary approach, an individual or organisation will be able to identify future trend
which will enable the person to gain the competency needed to perform the task
(Cunningham, 2010). It will help to individual in learning some new things in visionary
approach.
Limitation
The limitation is that too much emphasis is centred around the future trend. The pace of
change in the environment and technology makes it difficult for learners to focus on too
much on the future. Self learning approach should focus on how to engage with the
current situation and environment in order to capitalise and take ownership of their
learning. So, individual should focus on those technologies which will help them to learn
the things in easy way.
Goal setting approach to self-managed learning is an effective method for thinking
about future and the motivation to turn vison into reality (Alessandra, 2006). The
difference between goal setting and visionary approach is that goal setting approach
focus on predetermined target, while visionary is more futuristic
Advantage
This approach enables individual or organisations to set goals they want to achieve in
certain period of time. Through this aspect, resources and ability are devoted to
achieving this goal. In regard to self-managed learning, Action plan is implemented with
specification when certain criteria will be met in order to stay focus. According to goal
setting approach, it will help to individual also in developing their skills and knowledge
about their task.
Limitation
According to Locke (2004), getting goals can lead to poor performance compared to
specific and challenging goals. In theory setting goals without the right motivation can
be vague. Students may need people that will motivate them to meet the set goals and
objectives towards their learning. And goals that are not properly crafted can become
demotivating. Hence, goals getting has to be specific. It can also lead impact on the
skills of individual and out pressure on them to perform all task according to
organization needs.
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Networking approach
People tend to learn more when they attend conferences, seminars or use the social
network to communicate with their peers. For instance, seminars and conference gives
people the opportunity to learn from each other. Individual with lack of presentation or
communication skills can learn the act by watching other people presenting in
conferences.
Advantage
This approach helps people to become more confident in speaking in public as well as
developing their presentation skills. Likewise, the use of social media enables individual
to learn directly by watching videos on how to gin managerial or presentation skills. For
instance, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram presents the opportunity for individual to
learn various skills without attending any course or training. It also helps organisations
and individuals to self-managed their learning and improve their knowledge and skills in
different aspects.
Limitation
The use of networking approach without discipline can lead to huge distraction for a
learner or people that are actively engage in using the social media for networking.
People make forget the important thing and get distraction from using the social media
like Face book or Snap chat.
The use of technology: The emergence of the internet as made it easier for people to
learn new skills at their own pace. Victual learning portal is a common platform where
people can self-managed their learning. It enabled individual to learn at their own pace
especially for people with families and needs to balance work and wellbeing. For
instance, Learning Direct is Government portal that enables organisations or individuals
to learn basic skills needed to start a business or get into employment.
Advantage
Technology is an essential tool for self-managed learning; it makes it easier for people
to manage their learning process and also the ability to have access to materials at real
time.
Limitation
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Equipment and services that are related to technology are expensive, and not everyone
can afford such luxury. For areas may not have better internet service that will enable
people to search the web or internet for their project, assignment or course work.
Learning from others around makes it easier for people to acquire skills and
knowledge that can be difficult to acquire in the classroom. For instance, shadowing and
reflecting on what is learnt is an effective approach to self-managed learning. People
tend to learn faster by watching people that already have the skills or knowledge. For
instance, teachers are usually told to watch their peers or experience tutors in order to
gain the skill to be a competent teacher. Watching videos on how to gain interpersonal
and communication skills enables individual to gain the confidence to do it at their own
time.
Opportunistic approach to self-managed learning is more of an individual taking
opportunity of their environment. People learn from what they read, travel to, projects
they have been involved or shadowing. This approach enabled individual to self-
managed their learning process or process. People reflect on what they have read or
travel to and use the experience to manage their own life or work. People that self-
managed their learning through their environment and interaction with other people.
The approaches mentioned above will enable the researcher to gain managerial,
communication and interpersonal skills as well as increasing the level of confidence and
motivation.
AC 1.2 Different ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional
context could be encouraged
Lifelong learning can enhance individual understanding of the world around them, it
provides people the opportunities and ability to improve their quality of life (Ates and
Alsal,2012). Lifelong learning requires self-motivation. Savin-Baden (2008) describe
lifelong learning as a learning activity undertaken throughout life either for personal or
professional development. Ates and Alsal (2012) indicated that learning to see learning
as mediation of the ability to cope with problems becomes itself a learning goal of prime
importance.
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There are various approaches to ways personal and professional learning can be
encouraged by an individual. The following points were identified by the researcher;
Long and short term goals: In order to encourage lifelong learning, individual have to
set short and long term goals which will encourage people to continuously improve their
skills and knowledge as well making their skills relevant in the work environment.
The short term and long term goals enable an individual to have direction and the path
to lifelong learning for a longer period. The teaching profession is a dynamic and
interesting career path that requires lifelong learning, hence, it compulsory for a
professional teacher have continuously review their career development plan in order to
meet the needs of their learners and the criteria of the awarding bodies.
Motivation is what drives an individual to achieve a goal (Spaulding, 2008). Lifelong
learning requires self-motivation to make most of the opportunities available. The
willingness and the ability to learn as well as the interest in discovering new things is
crucial to lifelong learning. One of the effective approach to motivation is reward and the
use of visualization. Rewarding oneself may sound odd but it helps towards achieving
objectives. Once a particulate task is achieved, a token of reward for oneself will help to
motivate the individual to do more task or set more goals. Another method is
visualisation. Visualising success ahead will help the individual to build of a mental
picture of what success can taste like
Health and constructive competition: We all live a competitive world and having a
constructive competitive attitude is actually a weapon for success. Most successful
businessmen are very competitive and it part if the motivation for them. Either at work or
learning environment, having a constructive competitive tendencies will enable an
individual to remain focus and also have the will to learn more.
Acquire and Search: The will to search and acquire new skill or knowledge are the
characteristics of lifelong learning. Individual that have propensity for acquiring new
knowledge or skill will continuously seek for such opportunities. Hence, lifelong learning
becomes part of life for the person.
Reflection is an essential tool of lifelong learning. The ability to reflect on past
experience, new acquired skills and identify areas of improvement encourages lifelong
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learning. Human beings will continue to learn as long as they are alive and education
itself is an inseparable part of living and it was what shapes our everyday life. Reflective
practice is an essential part of career minded people because it enables people to
reflect an identify their next line of action (Knott and Scragg, 2010). As the researcher
intend to gain learning experiment in teaching, the use of reflective practice will enable
the researcher to increasing self-awareness and have the ability to make a constructive
judgement of their own assessment.
Conclusion
The approached mentioned above will encourage the researcher to improve their
personal and development program which will further boost their lifelong learning.
AC 1.3Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to yourself and organisation
you work for currently or the one you wish to work for in the future.
Benefits of SML to an individual
 More is learnt and learned better than those who wait passively to be taught.
 Learning is entered into more purposefully and with greater motivation
 One tends to retain and make use of what is learnt better and longer
 Increase confidence in one’s ability and also capacity to learn in ‘novel’
situations.
 It enables one develop independent learning skills and a sense of accountability,
responsibility and assertiveness.
 Self-directed learners demonstrate a greater awareness of their responsibility in
making learning meaningful and monitoring themselves
 Enlarged awareness for individual strengths and weaknesses
 Increased ability to define and set measurable goals
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 Help to improve interpersonal skill, giving rise to creativity and flexibility
 Help individuals take on board their weaknesses, and how to overcome them
 Individuals set their targets assessing their own shortcomings
 It helps to achieve increased level of self-confidence among participants due to
the ability to acquire new skills
 Helps to create ability to work more effectively with colleagues
 Self actualisation
Benefits of SML to an Organisation
Decision Making: SML help individuals acquiring decisional making skills through
various learning experience they have that could be from education or work experience.
Ethical Values: An individual can learn about moral judgement from personal
experience that could be an advantage to the organisation in a professional manner.
Problem solving,: The skills an individual acquired through self-learning are
transferable skills that a person can acquire them from work, education, hobbies or
interests on how to solve various problems practically that could be applied in the
organisation.
Flexibility: People that have been engaged in self-learning tend to acquire flexible in
their work pattern. They can multitask and are not limited to one role, it will be an asset
to the an organisation to have an employees work in different department within an
organisation. In addition, other employees can learn through self-learning by focusing
on organisational objectives.
SML help employees to be focus on meeting their organisational goals and to know and
under their role better which in turn can lead to high productivity. It helps employers to
promote staff to take ownership and management of their learning, and also help to
create a dynamic working environment for all staff. This will in turn lead to low labour
turnover, higher job satisfaction and an increase in performance
Benefits for myself Benefits for the organisation
Ability to be self sufficient and
independent learner.
Help staff to take ownship of
their learning
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Help to improve my research skills
Improvement in analytical, problem and
critical analysis skills.
I will be bale to work better within a
team because I can develop some
ideas and share with my peers
I have learned how to work in team and
to motivate others. It helps me to
increase my skills as well as
knowledge which provides me
opportunity to achieve my goals. But
sometimes, conflicts have also been
occurred when in am working in team.
Increase innovation and
creativity
Helps to create a dynamic
environment where people are
encouraged to share their ideas
Improve decision making
process because people are
able to generate ideas
It gives advantage to to
organisation in solving the
problem of individual by brining
innovative ideas. But sometimes,
it gives negative impact on
organisation because different
views of employees are
regarding regarding one topic
which can create problem for
company.
For an individual, the benefits of self-managed learning in priceless, most importantly it
can help to increase self-actualisation. Oxford dictionary define self-actualisation as the
achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a
grasp of the real world. People that can take ownership of their learning tends to be able
to take ownership of their life. The ability to do what I like at my own pace without
pressure makes has made me happier and creative person. Furthermore, self-
managed learning has brought constant development which is directly linked to my
career advancement and job satisfaction.
In addition, self-managed learning approach helps enable the researcher to tackle his
weaknesses and overcome it through constructive reflective practice. It also helps to
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increase my confidence level due to the new skills I acquired through shadowing,
networking and appropriate use of technology. The ability of the researcher to identify
his weaknesses such as lack of interpersonal skill and presentation skill as helped to
create the ability to work more effectively with the colleagues. Self-managed learning
principle has enabled the researcher to short term and long term goals in order to
encourage lifelong learning.
The benefits of Self-Managed learning to an organisation
The key survival for any organisation is to encourage their employees to continue to
acquire new skill because of the past face of change in the business environment.
Business organisations needs employees with up to date skill that can give their
enterprise competitive advantage. Hence, encouraging staff self-managed their learning
will enable the workforce to continuously learn about new skill and knowledge needed in
the organisational settings. In addition, it helps to create a healthier and good working
environment as employees learn how to work effectively with others which tend to
reduce staff turnover. The ability for an employee to search and acquire new skills will
inevitably increase profitability and growth of an enterprise. Through, the use of
shadowing, liaising with experienced tutors and social media has enabled the
researchers know and understand his job better. Lastly, self-managed learning
enhances the workforce focus which helps the organisation to achieve its goals and
objectives
Self-managed learning can be a tremendous asset to business organisation if the
management can ensure that employees understand the need of continuous learning
and the need for self-direction in adult learning (Pedler, 2011).
TASK 2
Skills Audit
Skills which I have to considered for achieving my task and my ability rating between
one to five.
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Time management- It is important for to
manage time while performing any task in
organisation. So, individual have to maintain
their schedule on regular basis to meet out
with their objectives.
3 – I am managing my time on regular basis.
But sometimes it become difficulty for me to
manage time when there is a work pressure
on me. So I have to prioritize my time that
which work I have to done on prior.
Communication skill – It is essential for
individual to properly communicate with
manager or team leader. If they are not talking
properly, then it can become difficult to
understand their task.
3 – When I am performing any task and having
some problem, I am easily communicating with
the term leaders or seniors. But in front of
higher authority it become difficult for me to
properly communicate with them.
Organisational skills – It is important for me to
perform my all duties on regular basis. It
provides clear picture to me what is needs to
be done and how it can be achieve.
3 – I am managing my work according to m y
duties which I have to perform properly. It
gives me a clear that what I have to do and
helps me to complete my all task in time
period.
Leadership skills – When I am working in a
team, it increases my knowledge and skills
which help me to perform my all work in time
period. Leaders are also encouraging me to
complete my work in time period.
4 – While working in a team it increases my
skills as well as knowledge and gives me
strength to complete my work in time period. In
this, knowledge about new topic are increase
which can also help to achieve my own
personal aim of life in specific period of time.
Research skills – It is significant to find new
things. Nowadays, so many new technologies
are their which also save the time mine in
completing my work in easy manner.
3.5 – Nowadays, I am searching for a new
things and ability to use new technologies
which are available in market.
Knowledge and skills which I consider to be
important for my current studies
My ability rating (1-5)
Building and develop working relationships with
academic staff, peers and colleagues.
Interacting well with others and work co-operatively
as a team member
Understanding how to gain the attention of others in
a team or group when required
Making good use of verbal reasoning skills, able to
handle complex data and make selective use of
information
3
3
2
2
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Exploring more than one solution in order to solve a
problem
The use of range of ICT packages to support work
Working without supervision and use own initiative
3
4
3
Knowledge and skills which I consider to be
important for my future career
My ability rating (1-5)
The use of range of ICT packages to support work
Interacting well with others and work co-operatively
as a team member
Exploring more than one solution in order to solve a
problem
Building and develop working relationships with
academic staff, peers and colleagues.
4
3
3
3
Rating:
1 = No current knowledge or skill
2 = Some awareness, but not sufficiently competent to use it
3 = Familiar with and able to use the knowledge or skill
4 = Proficient in the knowledge or skill and able to show others how to use it
5 = Expert, with a high degree of skill and/or comprehensive knowledge
SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
Ability to work without supervision and use
own initiative
Not having the ability to apply theory to
practice where appropriate
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Effective critical thinking ability
Ability to devise own approaches to
projects
Prefer to work independently as I find
people that not prudent in their work
boring.
Lack of not been able to pay attention to
details for a longer period.
Lack of ability to multitask
Opportunities Threats
What opportunities are available to you? What threats could damage your ambitions
or career prospects?
Opportunity to develop cognitive ability by
through higher education
The use of resources available to me to
improve my knowledge.
Opportunity to develop presentation and
communication skills through the use of
mentors available to me at the college
Competition from other students entering
employment
The threat of globalization as the UK
economy is more open than ever to
competition from multinational companies
and migrants from the EU.
Not having the right skill sets required by
employers
How can you turn your strengths into
opportunities?
What threats arise because of the personal
areas of weakness you have identified?
Take a course in increasing my critical
thinking ability
Learn different theories that can be applied
to solving problems at work place
Build my leadership skills as I have the
ability to work without supervision and use
own initiative.
Not having the ability to multitask
Lack of attention to details
Lack of Team management
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Personal and Professional Development (PDP) Steps and Activities
Discussion
AC 3.1Discuss the processes and activities required to implement the
development plan
The implementation of personal and professional plan requires drive, commitment and
motivation to see it through to a successful conclusion. Conducting personal
development plan activities will involve the following;
Learning from others, e.g. mentoring/coaching
In order to learn and develop it is crucial to get mentored by a more experienced
colleague. In this way I can learn while working and be influenced by, and gain
experience from, someone who may have already undertaken the role. It important to
choose appropriate mentor that can work with an individual effectively. In my own case,
having some with vital experience in my subject area will be able to guide, advise and
move me steadily forward in my development.
Learning through research
Undertaking some independent research can be beneficiary to my learning process. It
enables me to gain organisational skills on how to conduct research as well as
developing independent research skills. Self-managed learning involves using my PDP
and a timeline to manage my developmental learning. However, this method relies
heavily on a detailed development plan so I can manage my time effectively, as I will not
be able to rely on a mentor or lecturer to do this for me or to monitor my progress.
Seminars
Seminars are useful tool in the personal and professional development plan. It enables
learners to develop interpersonal and communication skills as students have to interact
and work together to solve a problem or a particular task. It also helps to gain
presentation and problem solving skills which prevalent in work environment. Seminars
allows learners to develop skills that are not taught in the class and it is a great way of
improving personal and professional ethics.
Conferences
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Conferences are often held by professional associations or suppliers and
manufacturers. They contain current developments that are attractive to attendees and
often have demonstrations of new equipment or processes. Conferences are a great
way of networking within my career pathway as I will meet a variety of people within my
specific area who can help with development work. Attending conferences can help
learners to develop their presentation and networking skills which is useful in the work
place.
Implementing personal development plan
Secondments
Secondments are in effect ‘job trials’. A secondment means that you leave your current
position on a temporary basis and move into another role which might not necessarily
be with your current employer. This will help you to learn about another post and to
bring back ideas and processes that could be used effectively within your organisation.
Secondments need to be carefully negotiated with external organisations in order to
protect the confidentiality of the processes and procedures that you observe. It
obviously cannot be a competitor, but needs to be an organisation where there are clear
benefits for both parties. Secondments are a great way of learning and enhancing your
current post and role. Interviews Interviewing colleagues who are on the next
progression level of management (one you would like to reach) has lots of benefits. You
can gain a detailed insight into what qualities, skills and qualifications they needed for
their posts. You can also find out which development work benefitted them, and what
did not, so you do not waste valuable resources and time.
Using the Internet
The Internet offers many opportunities for enhancement and professional development.
Each professional organisation has a members’ area with a variety of CPD resources
that can be undertaken using self-directed study. For instance, there many student
related websites where I can liaise with other students in my subject area or course.
You Tube, Facebook and other related website presents opportunities for student to
manage their self-learning at their own pace.
Social networks
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The rise in this type of media has produced social networks such as Facebook and
specific sites such as LinkedIn. It offers an opportunity to join groups that are
profession- or industry-specific. This allows a degree of networking and development
work to be undertaken using this media. For example, an accounting problem can be
posted onto a website so that a solution can be discussed and found. By using this
method, I can utilise a range of expert knowledge to develop my own understanding of
specific topics.
Newsgroups
Similar to social websites, newsgroups allow professional and technical users to interact
with new ideas and facts about their industry. All the professional websites have news
features that gives learners information about what is required to be a professional in
that field. The use of Newsgroups gives students the opportunity to liaise with
professionals and understand the requirement and criteria needed to enter the
profession.
Bulletin boards
Bulletin boards allow a topic to be ‘posted’ onto the board to which subscription
members can add comments. They can be used to gain information for any
development work I am undertaking and it is quite similar to using a social network.
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Personal Development Plan (PDP)
What are
my
objectives?
(short &
long term)
Success
criteria
What
activities/actions
do I need to
undertake to
achieve my
objectives?
Implementation –
how activities will
be applied to
achieve
objectives
What
support/res
ources do I
need to
achieve my
objectives
Target date for
achieving my
objectives
To improve
communicat
ion skills
Ability to
communica
te
effectively
with my
peers, staff
and
manageme
nt
Shadowing, the
use of mentors,
self-managed
learning and the
use of the
internet
Communicating
with peers and
presentation in
the classroom
Internet
resources
from the
college
(Mentor and
Shadowing)
15th of
November 2016
Critical
thinking
ability
Ability to
analysis
project
using
critical
thinking
skill
Self-managed
learning
The use of social
media and
Internet to learn
different
techniques of
critical thinking
application
Applying critical
thinking on
projects to filter
facts from
jargons
Internet
Motivation
Dedication
20th of
November 2016
Improve
detail
analysis
skill
Attention to
detail
Self-managed
learning
Internet
Online course to
improve skill
Measure how
effective I can
pay attention to
details
Resources
with the
college
Self-
managed
learning
27th of
November 2016
Learn how
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to embed
theories in
daily task
Practical
application
of theories
to projects
Resources within
the college
Internet
Self-managed
learning
Using theories to
back evaluate or
solve projects
Learning
from peers,
Self-
managed
learning
30th of
November 2016
Learn how
to delegate
Effective
manageme
nt skill
Tutors
Self-managed
learning
Special media
Internet
Team
management skill
during seminars
or group activities
Self-
managed
learning
Mentor
Shadowing
10th of
December 2016
Review Date: 11th of December 2017
Reflective statement (250 words)
Make a reflective statement whether you need to reset or change your initial objectives of
your personal development plan after critical reflection of your learning experience.
The critical evaluation and reflection of my initial personal development plan and objectives has
changed because I discovered that I lack some primary skills that will enable me to succeed in the
work place. Firstly, I discovered that my initial assessment of skills and knowledge was not
conducted effectively because I have not used or learn about the importance of having such skills
in the first place. For instance, I need to develop a critical thinking ability in order to be able to filter
out what is irrelevant from what is useful. In addition, I need to develop different problem solving
skills that will be practical to use in the work place or environment.
Secondly, I discovered I need to be able to work effectively with others as well as learning to share
my ideas with my team when needed. Team management is crucial to the success of any
organisation and having the skill gives employee an added advantage. I intend to develop this skill
by liaising with my peers during seminar or group activities in order to gain the skill and the
knowledge to delegate task. Leadership skills is another aspect of knowledge that I need to
develop. I have the ability to develop work without supervision and use own initiative when needed
to support task or project. Developing leadership skill will enable me to manage teams and groups
effectively in the future.
Lastly, I have the ability to devise my approaches to projects, however, I lack the knowledge to
apply theories to back up my argument. I have to be able to convince my supervisor or managers in
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the future that some of these management theories have been tested and useful in the workplace.
TASK 3
3.1 The processes and activities required to implement the Personal development plan
Personal and professional development skills are very essential in order to
achieve strategic goals and objectives of company. Along with this, managers can
perform his responsibilities and duties properly by using these skills and competencies.
The person should be capable to manage overall business environment and provide
training and development assistance to employees as they can produce quality
products and services.
The process of personal and professional development which is designed in
order to enable the readers to take responsibility for their learning and acquiring needs
for meeting organizational goals and objectives from target market.
Managers can achieve them by analyzing and defining current skills as well as
preparing and implementing personal growth and development plans.
PPD skills are helpful for the learner as well as preparing training and development
assistance for an individual or a group as well.
Apart from this, personal and professional development plan is also beneficial for
the business organisation in order to establish cooperation and coordination among
employees. through which they can produce better and effectively. This will help in
company to achieve its mission and vision from target market. At last personal and
professional development plan, also helps managers as they can give a healthy and
positive working environment in their business organisation.
What are my
activities
Success criteria What actions I will
take to achieve
my objectives?
Resources to be
used
Target Date
To improve my To pay attention Reading Writing reports on 30th July 2017
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academic skills on writing skills
and prioritised the
project which I
have to complete.
newspaper,
magazines.
Attending
seminars,
conferences to
increase my
skills.
regular basis
To improve my
communication
skills
Attending
seminars,
conferences,
communicating
with my higher
authorities
Regular
communicating
with my team
leaders,
supervisor which
motivate me to
complete my task
in time period.
Attending
conferences,
seminars which
gives me strength
to speak in front
of public also.
5th August 2017
Learning skills It will help to
complete work in
different ways
and to
communicate my
problems on
regular basis.
Reading
newspapers,
gaining
information
through social
network and
convening to
others which
shows that how
much I have learn
the things.
Gaining
information
through
supervisors,
newspaper and
many more.
30th July 2017
3.2 undertake and document development activities as planned
The employees have to collect all documents which are performing by them. The
manger has to conduct proper training session which help to them to know about rules
and regulations which are following by individual. Following are some activities which
are to be considered at the time of collecting document.
 Information regarding the activities which are collected at initial level should also
enhancing the plans which are made for individuals.
 Employees have to continuous monitor their activities which are performing by
them. if any pitfall is found, then manager have to take appropriate actions for
achieving organisation objectives.
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 If any deficiency is not found, then manager can apply development plan in
accomplishing the aims and objectives of organisation.
It is responsibility of employees to work according to planned activities which are
implemented by manager. Along with this, have to do continuous monitoring on these
activities so that if any deficiency is found then alternative action can be taken to
complete the task.
3.4 PDP is based on feedbacks and evaluation
While developing my plans it is based on evaluation and feedbacks which I have
taken from other people who are working with me. Following are some process which is
helping me to make my personal and professional development plan again to achieve
my objectives.
Workforce analysis – This analyse is giving short and complete scenario about
the functions of organisation which I have to perform in organisation. It will help me to
known about my core competencies about my task.
Forecast needs – It will be convened when evaluation of plan is done properly
according to my skills. Through this, I have to identify probable needs for forecasting
my future plans and targets.
Analysing required gap – In this, I have to properly analyse required gap
among standards and actual actions which I have performed in organisation. So, for this
I will take some steps to overcome with such problems.
Developing contingencies and implementing plans – The plans needs to be
properly developed which will also support me to make some contribution in
achievement of organisation objectives.
Monitoring and evaluation – In last, monitoring and evaluation of all activities
should be done properly and it should be done on regular basis. Along with this take
feedbacks from other people whether plan is good or not. If not good, then make again.
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Appropriate solutions to work-based problems.
Global link UK’, a London-based advertising Company has identified following problems
work based problems below. My role as the new business consultant is to recommend
and implement appropriate problem solving and time management strategies in order to
deal with the following work-based problems and motivate staff for effective and efficient
performance.
High staff turnover
High staff turnover is usually due to job dissatisfaction, poor working condition or poor
salary structure (Hope and Mackin, 2007). As the new business consultant, the first step
will be to review compensation and benefits packages of the employees. This will
enable the researchers to evaluate the pay structure and compare it with market rate or
similar company in the same industry. In addition, business consult can improve
employee engagement as well as been part of the decision making process. This will
enable them to have a sense of belonging and as part of the team. Employees need
respect and recognition from managers as well as challenging position that will enable
them to learn and move up the career ladder. Paying attention to employees, good
working conditions and flexible working arrange can help Global link UK to reduce their
labour turnover. High employee turnover hurts organisation’s bottom line and research
has shown that it costs upwards of twice an employee’s salary to find and train a
replacement (Hope and Mackin, 2007).
High level of absenteeism
High absenteeism in a workplace is bad for the progress of any business. Hence.it is
crucial that Global link have an immediate solution to the problem before the impact
become immensely bad. As the business consult, first priority is to formalise the
enterprise’s expectations for attendance by writing an attendance policy. For instance,
excessive absenteeism will carry a sack and punishment for an employee with
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excessive tardiness. Pitts (2010) indicated that “Tardiness” is when an employee arrives
to work 30 minutes late, while excessive absenteeism is when an employee has 6 or
more unplanned absences in a six-month period of time. Formalising this in writing and
communicating to all employees and management will make staff understand what is
expected of them. In addition, setting clear attendance expectations will enable
employee to understand what constitute a sack or punishment. Attendance will also be
linked to performance. The attendance policy will be communicated to employees.
Furthermore, employees with good attendance record will be rewarded to motivate
other to emulate the employee behaviour. Also, support will be provided for employees
are experiencing challenges in their life or family. This is important because some may
not voluntarily be missing at work, hence, Global Link should provide avenue where
staff struggling or experiencing challenges can have access to help and support needed
for them to get back to work. One of the method to foster commitment and engagement
is good communication of expectations, empathetic employee support and a structured
process to reward good performance (Pitts, 2010).
Low level of employee motivation
The level of employee motivation is paramount to the success of any organisation. As
the business consultant with Global Link, I will improve communication, I will create an
avenue whereby employees will be able to have access to their managers as well as
senior management. Setting aside time to interaction with the employees can make
them get more involved. In addition, employees who meet and exceeded their target will
be recognised and rewarded This will help to boost ability of the employees to work
harder as they will be rewarded for good work. The others methods the Business
consultant plan to initiates are increase responsibility for employees to make their work
interesting and challenging, offering employees training opportunities to improve their
skills and the introduction of flexible working environment. Herzberg theory of motivation
indicated that employees get motivated to work harder by motivators such as more
responsibility, recognition and more interesting work, in contrast, staff can become de-
motivated if hygiene factors are not met such reward pay, working conditions,
relationships with other employees (Subba Rao, 2010).
Very little opportunities for employee training and development
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Employees wants to improve their knowledge and skills through training and
development. Lack of this incentive will alienate employees and look for organisation
with opportunities to acquire new knowledge through training. As the business
consultant, I will initiate flexible learning options whereby staff will be able to balance
their work-life. Global link can respond to the issue of low training opportunities by
adopting on-demand and mobile solutions that make learning opportunities more readily
accessible for the workers. Providing an avenue whereby workers can have access for
training will help Global Link to achieve their organisational goals as well as other
stakeholders (Hope and Mackin, 2007).
Low levels of employee engagement and involvement as a result of lack of
communication between the top management and the employees.
According to Gallup's study of employee engagement, only 13% of employees
worldwide are engaged at work. Measuring and increasing employee engagement is
crucial to any organisation. Employee engagement measurement tool focus on the
transformation of a business to create sustainable growth (Cervai, Kekäle and Claxton,
2014). The business consultant of Global link can improve employee engagement
through recognition and rewards. Employees give their best when they are motivated
and this can be enhanced whey they know their effort will be well rewarded. Celebrating
accomplishments, rewarding and recognising employees in ways that are meaningful to
the business is an important tool of motivation (Bridger, 2014).
Successful businesses that reap the benefits of an engaged workforce understand that
people are their greatest asset. Helping employees to balance work and home life will
encourage them to be more involved or engaged in the affairs of the organisation.
Global link can encourage their employees to balance hard work with socialising and
fun. It can also encourage employees to promote the sharing of ideas, suggestions and
improvements. A work environment in which people feel valued, heard and a sense of
camaraderie is critical to employee engagement (Bridger, 2014).
Time management issues such as poor time keeping and missing project
deadlines by the employees are evident throughout the company.
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Time management in the workplace is a real challenge. Distractions, disruptions or
emails are some of the attributes of time management issues (Cheema, 2009). First rate
time management in the workplace can make the difference between success and
failure of an organisation. Business managers need to have time management in order
to be able to implement any model or approach applicable to the organisation. As the
new business consultant for Global link UK, I will eliminate any form distraction.
Employees will be allocated task with a reasonable time frame to finish. Those who
cannot finish their task will create extra time to finish either coming early or leaving late.
The consultant can also initiate training on organisational skills. Employees can benefit
from specific training on personal organisation including effective use of their time in the
work place. Providing specific office organizational skill training for the workforce can
help to reduce or eliminate this waste (Cheema, 2009). Other approaches that the
business consultant can implement is providing clear direction on priorities. Employees
need clear direction on priorities and due dates for specific tasks in order to manage
their time effectively. Finally, the workforce may need time management training as poor
time keeping is evident in the Global Link.
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3.2 Formal letter to the CEO of Global link UK to organise meeting for all staff
members and management team in order to communicate solutions to the
identified work based problems at Global link.
Global link UK
123 John and Andrew Street
London SW11 1OO
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Date: 4th of September 2016
Dear CEO,
Solutions to the identified work based problems at Global link.
The purpose of this letter is for you to organise a meeting with all staff members and
management team to communicate solutions to identified work based problems in the
company.
As a newly appointed business consultant, I have managed to conduct extensive
research on what based related issues at the company and outlined some workable
solutions to the problem.
As the CEO of Global link UK, I will appreciate if you can organise a meeting with staff
members and management to communicate the solutions to them.
Yours faithfully
Catia Gomes
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3.3 Reflecting own learning which are required at different stage
Own learning or self-assessment plays a vital role in the growth and development of an
individual. Learning is an act of acquiring new or modifying knowledge or behaviour of an
individual so that one can gain mastery in its subject. The impact of own learning or self-
assessment can be seen in the form of growth and development, increase in the reputation,
enhancement in skills and many other areas.
The progress at various stages required are:
At personal level: at personal level own learning by an individual reflects the skills,
personality, features, atmosphere, etc.
At professional level: at professional level the individual reflects its growth and
development in the professional skills, increase in the knowledge, coverage in the
diversified areas of profession.
3.4 Evaluate how you have effectively used time management strategies to
communicate solutions to the work based problems. (AC 4.3)
In order to maximise and use time effectively at Global Link UK, I encouraged staff to
delegate task. Delegation is a crucial tool for time management that can really help save
time. I trained employees how to break their job into small steps that are easy to
manage. The idea is that if an employee work alone, they will spend more time
achieving the goal compared to when other task has been undertaken by some
employees.
Procrastination is common with people who fear that they can accomplish a task or
assignment (Reuben, Sapienza and Zingales, 2007). Indecisive employee with
disorganized personalities tend to procrastinate. For effective time management, I
taught such employee the danger of procrastinating and why they should not even think
of procrastinating their work. Procrastinating will not only consume a lot of time, but will
also lower the productivity of the company (Reuben, Sapienza and Zingales, 2007).
The business consultant also encouraged employees to prioritise their work according
to their urgency or importance. Some employees spend considerable amount of time on
things that are not priority at that particular moment hence lowering the productivity of
the company.
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Lastly, the business consultant encouraged management to reward employees with
exception time keeping record. This is an approach used to encourage other employees
to emulate employees with good time keeping record. Reward is a motivational tool and
people appreciate when their effort is recognised by the management.
Finally, the business consultant started kept a log for a week of everything that each
employee did throughout the day, analysed the log that they have kept and looked at
ways of improving time used on their daily task. The idea is to to keep wasted time to a
minimal level.
In conclusion, time management is very crucial especially for business organisation that
to improve productive and efficient in service delivery. Some employees may not
understand the importance of time management, however, it is left for the management
to empower them with the skill.
TASK 4
4.1
FORMAL LETTER TO THE CEO OF GLOBAL LINK UK
[e-mail]
[phone]
Martyna Malaga
High Street, Stratford
E15 2JB
London
March 4, 16
[e-mail]
[phone]
To the CEO of Global Link UK
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Global Link UK
Liverpool Street,
E11 2XZ
London
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to organise an assembly for all members of staff, managers and key
persons of Global Link UK in order to communicate an innovative solution to problem
arose at work place.
We highly have value that our representative is Global Link UK and we make regular
efforts to meet the expectations of staff members and management due to change in
market and increment in prices. as discussed earlier, I sincerely believe that production
process can really be increased by innovative remuneration system. I would like to bring
me and my team members forward to meet managers and staff members. We would
like to give them a descriptive overview of our services and discuss the plans that can
be proved best to meet an company's needs. Face to face meeting would allow us to
assess the needs of Global Link UK. Please let me know at your soonest convenience,
when you and your team members will be available.
thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to your replay.
Yours Faithfully,
Martyna Malaga
4.2
In organization manager can use different types of communication process in
order to convey message to employees. It is responsibility of manager to monitor
communication process on regular basis in order to determines what goals and
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objectives should be achieving by organization. Through this they can identify the
problems which are facing by employees at workplace.
Following problems were identified at workplace:
 high turnover of staff
 high absenteeism
 low motivation of employees
 lack of opportunity for training of employee and development.
There are different types of communication which can be used by organization
such as
 Passive – It does not need any opinion of employees. In organization managers
are not respective others. There is eye to contact of employees with the manager
which shows confident of both regarding their work.
 Aggressive – In this manager do not apologize for things which has been
performed by employees. They are also avoiding not comforts and conflicts
which are facing workers.
 Assertive – The managers are trying to respect each other. It is essential for
organization to each make proper coordination with each other so that they can
achieve objectives in time period. Along with this; dealing with conflicts which are
facing by employees.
 Passive Aggressive – The managers are trying to take opinions of other people
but not dealing with them properly.
Various levels for communication:
1. to colleagues: problems can be communicated orally to the colleagues. Oral
communication consists of communication by a person to another face to face by
sounds and using words and communication on over the telephone.
2. To managers: problems can be communicated by writing an email and sending
them regarding the problem identified to managers.
3. To HR department: problems that are identified can be sent to the HR
department by sending them a written formal letter requesting them to solve the
problems.
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4.3
Being a business counsel for Global Link UK there are the accompanying strides
taken to guarantee that I utilized compelling time administration abilities in conveying
answers for the work based issues at Global Link UK.
Firstly, I needed to comprehend what I need to accomplish toward the finish of
my consultancy what enabled me to perceive the reason for issues at Global Link UK so
I organized, sorted out, distributed and executed things that must be made strides.
Regarding mission, I composed a formal letter to the CEO of Global Link UK to arrange
meeting with the group to viably impart the answers for the work based issues at Global
Link UK to all individuals from Staff. In view of the reaction gotten for the CEO who
imparted the time took into account the introduction I could appoint errands, organize,
sort out work and channel the data to incorporate into my energy point slides for the
meeting. Because of my powerful time administration procedures which I completed by
successful utilization of 4D's (Do, Delete, Delegate and Delay) and defining clear
objectives I could viably and proficiently impart the important work based answer for the
staff and administration of Global Link UK. The confronted impediment was the time
dispensed for the introduction what was tranquil testing yet was capable because of the
time administration systems adopt.
CONCLUSION TO THE ASSIGNMENT
This project clearly demonstrates how critical is close to home and expert advancement.
It pondered self - administration learning and that it higly affects long lasting learning in
individual and expert setting. This investigation helped me comprehend my qualities and
shortcomings by clarifying it in the SWOT ANALYSIS and Personal Development Plan. I
had extraordinary involvement with Task 3 and Global Link UK publicizing organization.
It was trying to exhort and find compelling answer for the work based issues of Global
Link UK however learning with respect to this project helped me to effectively resolve
the issues to help Global Link UK as their business expert. I trust that I will utilize this
learning once a day in my own and expert life.
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