Professional Development for Strategic Managers for SIME DARBY Berhad

This document discusses the personal and professional development theories with company strategic goals using Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programmes for SIME DARBY Berhad. It also assesses individual skills and competencies against organizational and personal objectives.

Running head: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Professional Development for Strategic Managers for SIME DARBY Berhad
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Table of contents
1. Introduction (LO1)..............................................................................................................2
1.0 Describe the field and industry of your company operation............................................2
1.1 Contribution of the skills in fulfilling the strategic goals................................................2
1.1.1 Methods for assessing the personal skills.................................................................3
1.2 Contribution of professional skills in fulfilling the strategic goals..................................4
1.2.1 Methods for assessing the professional skills...........................................................4
Personal and professional development theories with company strategic goals using
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programmes.................................................5
Component theory of human development........................................................................5
2. Body (LO2)........................................................................................................................6
- LO2: Assessing individual skills and competencies against organizational and personal
objectives................................................................................................................................6
Part 2:.................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Assessment of skills and competencies against the organizational strategic goals.........6
2.1.1 Assessment of personal skills and competencies......................................................6
2.2 Individual learning styles.................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Kolb learning style....................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Honey Mumford learning style.................................................................................8
2.2.3 VARK learning style ..............................................................................................10
2.2.4 Myers Briggs Test Indicator (MBTI)......................................................................10
2.2.5 Contribution of the learning styles towards the organization in achieving the
strategic goals...................................................................................................................11
2.3 Comparison of the strategic organizational goals and personal learning styles and
objectives..............................................................................................................................12
3.Implementation of personality development plan.................................................................12
3.1 Personal Development Plan (PDP)................................................................................12
3.1.1 Skills and competencies based on the prepared personal development plan..........13
3.1.2 SMART Action plan for the learning the skills......................................................14
3.2 Monitoring and controlling the progress of personal development plan.......................14
3.2.1 Monitoring the progress..........................................................................................14
3.2.2 Controlling the progress..........................................................................................15
3.3 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................15
References................................................................................................................................17

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Bibliography.............................................................................................................................19
Appendix..................................................................................................................................20

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1. Introduction (LO1)
1.0 Describe the field and industry of your company operation
Sime Darby is considered as one of the effective choice partners for the brands
operating in industrial, motors, logistics, healthcare and other business sectors. With its
headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the company conducts its operation in Malaysia along with 18
countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region. The company takes pride in accumulating
a major share of the Bursa Malaysia Securities Barhad market (Simedarby.com, 2019).
Consideration of the benchmark level of performance helps in generating productive value to
the clients and the customers. Adherence to the legislative requirements is one of the good
practices for the company, indicating standardized corporate governance. The mission of the
company is to develop winning portfolio for assisting the businesses in attaining sustainable
development. For this, the company focuses on the delivery of superior financial returns
through the exposure of productive performance, according to the standards.
The strategic goals and objectives of the company include:
 To promote integrity, transparency, accountability and responsibility
 To ensure appropriate checks and balances between Divisions and Group
 Implementation of ethical code of conduct within the business practices for enhancing
the cultural diversity (Simedarby.com, 2019)
1.1 Contribution of the skills in fulfilling the strategic goals
Positive attitude from the team members is assistance in terms of exposing proper
approach towards the business operations. This positivity enhances the confidence of the
personnel of Sime Darby regarding the value generation for the clients and the customers.
This positivity is authenticated in terms of practising stable communication with the clients.
Stability, in this case, reduces the chances of the conflicts, discriminations and harassments in

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the workplace. Along with this, this communication mitigates the chances of
misunderstanding, which degrades the public relations. Apart from this, Bryson, Ackermann
and Eden, (2016) mentions that self-management support the personnel in evaluating the
feasibility of the exposed performance in terms of the identified and specified requirement of
generating value for the investments made by the clients for achieving sustainable
development. Consciousness towards practising self-management drives the personnel
towards attaining personal development for enhancing professionalism.
Justification for selecting the skills
According to the arguments of Williams, (2017), the skills of positive attitude,
communication and self-management is vital in terms of polishing the professional skills,
preparing them for adjusting with the workplace conditions.
1.1.1 Methods for assessing the personal skills
Taking practical tests of the employees is one of the ways to judge their competency
towards the allocated tasks and responsibilities in the given workplace conditions. In this, the
managers of Sime Darby would be able to assess the capability of the employees to make
practical application of the learnt skills for executing the allocated duties and responsibilities.
Asking the personal to make self-assessment is one of the effective ways in which the
personal skills can be assessed. Within this, questionnaires about the personality can be
provided, which is effective in terms of the gaining acquaintance with the personal skills
(Falkheimer et al., 2017). Apart from this, feedback from the other departments and teams is
helpful in assessing the character of the personnel in the workplace. These feedbacks are
crucial in terms of altering the workplace conditions, productive for enhancing the
professionalism of the employees along with managers. One of the productive method is
placing them in various situations for judging their approach.

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1.2 Contribution of professional skills in fulfilling the strategic goals
Among the professional skills, critical thinking is the most important for Sime Darby
in terms of coming up with something innovative in the competitive ambience of the market.
Along with this, analytical problem solving skills is helpful in terms of preventing the
instances of discrepancies, conflicts and unwanted situations and challenges. Apart from this,
Eskelinen and Pakkala-Weckström, (2016) states that effective communication skills is also
needed in terms of exposing the command over expression. These skills create good
impression about the personnel in the minds of the clients and the customers. Positive
impression indicates prospective projects for Sime Darby, which reflects the possibility of
growth and development.
Justification of selecting the skills
Critical thinking is needed in the current competitive scenario in terms of fulfilling the
strategic goals through the preservation of the core values and organizational culture.
Emerging capable in critiquing the strategies of the contemporary brands is assistance in
terms of earning respect, trust, loyalty and dependence from the clients and the customers
(Schaafsma et al., 2015).
1.2.1 Methods for assessing the professional skills
Mentoring the performance of the personnel helps in making estimates about the
future progress with the current scenario. He also assumes the role of a guide, advisor for
clarifying the doubts of the employees. Mentoring also proves effective for identifying the
areas, in which the employees lack the essential professional skills. Coaching is one of the
other means for assessing the drawbacks, which persist in the performance of the employees.
Providing guidance and support to the employees seem beneficial for polishing the
preconceived skills, expertise and knowledge of the personnel of Sime Darby. Scoring the

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performance can be one of the means for identifying the gaps, which persist between the
exposed performance and the benchmark level of performance. As per the opinions of Green
and Piel, (2015), these scores shape the performance and personality of the employees.
Conducting meetings on the awarded score is helpful for deducing relevant conclusions
regarding upgrading the standards and quality of employee performance.
Personal and professional development theories with company strategic goals using
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programmes
Component theory of human development
Nature is the witness towards the development and transformations, which come
within humans. The elements, which are taken from the nature and nurtured helps the
individuals in attaining personal growth and development. In the process of this nurturing,
the individuals undergo the process of cognitive and social learning. The typical components
of this learning are observation, classical conditioning and continuous improvement. This
process also involves maturation for the emotions, which enhances the personality of the
individuals. Davis et al., (2016) is of the view that the path of attaining personal development
gains weightage upon consciousness towards enhancement of the professional skills,
competencies and abilities. Within this, mention can be made of the capability analysis, gap
analysis and journey mapping, which are crucial for assessing the gap, which lies in the
performance. For this, attending professional development programs like seminars, lectures
and presentations are beneficial.

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2. Body (LO2)
- LO2: Assessing individual skills and competencies against organizational and
personal objectives
Part 2:
2.1 Assessment of skills and competencies against the organizational strategic goals
One of the identified objectives of the company is the promotion of honesty, integrity,
accountability and transparency in the business operations. For this, I have taken the
responsibility to expose clarity in my performance. Whenever, I encounter doubts, I would
approach my supervisor for getting it clarified. As per the propositions of Sparrow, Hird and
Cooper, (2015), this approach would project transparency in my performance. Within this,
my emphasis would be to adhere to the ethical code of conduct. Consciousness towards this
direction would help me to earn respect from the clients and the customers. For example,
before approaching the supervisors and trainers, I would check whether they are busy in some
work or not. One of my other objectives would be to polish my communicative skills. This
would add value to my expression of thoughts, emotions, ideas and feelings.
2.1.1 Assessment of personal skills and competencies
Cognitive
I think problem solving and decision making skills are needed in the current scenario
for averting the instances of high turnovers. On the contrary, North and Kumta, (2018) opines
that critical external challenges make the experimentation process difficult. This necessitates
the need for upgrading the cognitive learning skills. According to the propositions of
cognitive learning theory, brain is considered as an effective source or network for processing
and interpreting the gathered information.
Interpersonal

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Interpersonal skills are crucial for enhancing the stability in the relationships. I think
assessment questionnaires is assistance for delving deeper into the areas, which needs
modification for upgrading the personality. Within this, I can cite the reference of listening
skills, teamwork and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for creating positive image in
the minds of the managers.
Competencies
I think that unpredictable situations helps in enhancing the thought processes,
creativity and imagination. Personal autonomy for the allotted tasks and responsibility aligns
with the objective of promoting the transparency, accountability, honesty and integrity
(Cohen, 2015). I feel rationality in this approach assists in stabilizing the competencies
related to effective handling of the project related activities.
Key analysis
What am I good at?
I am hardworking. Until and unless I get the desired results, I keep on trying.
According to me, this persistence, dedication, commitment are essential for upgrading the
standards and quality of my performance.
Areas in which I need to improve
I easily become nervous on exposure to challenging situations. I lack effective
communication skills, which aggravates the complexities towards effective management. I
also need to improvise on the area of critical thinking.

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2.2 Individual learning styles
2.2.1 Kolb learning style
The experiential learning model, proposed by Kolb, is an effective tool for examining
the effectiveness of the preconceived learning styles. The main components of this learning
style are: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active
experimentation. According to Shields et al., (2015), concretization is essential in terms of
gaining awareness towards solving the problems in an efficient and effective manner.
Experiences gained in the past adversely influences the means of gaining tacit knowledge
(refer to appendix 1).
2.2.2 Honey Mumford learning style
The learning styles developed by Honey and Mumford states the four different kinds
of learning styles and preferences: activist, theorist, pragmatist and reflector. There is a
usual preference for these learning styles, as it offers the opportunities to seek out avenues for
upgrading the standards of the preconceived skills, expertise and knowledge. Dayan, Heisig
and Matos, (2017) opines that understanding of these avenues and sources is important in
terms of enhancing the personality.
Learning style Attributes Key activities
Activist Experimenting with
different kinds of tasks is the
key towards upgrading the
learning styles
 Problem solving
 Group discussions
 Role play
Theorist Theoretical considerations
of the actions helps in
learning the things in an
efficient and effective
 Models
 Statistics
 Logical approach
towards the

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manner background
Pragmatist These kind of learners focus
on making practical
application of the learnt
skills into the real business
activities
 Time management
 Problem solving
 Discussions with the
peers
Reflector Observation and reflection
on the exposed performance
helps in learning the
concepts better
 Questionnaires for
self-assessment
 Feedbacks
 Interviews
Table: Characteristics of learners in Honey Mumford learning styles
(Source: Peterson, DeCato & Kolb, 2015)

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2.2.3 VARK learning style
According to VARK model of learning, there are four different types of learners:
visual learners, auditory learners, reading/writing learners and kinaesthetic learners. Solving
self-assessment questionnaires can help one to analyse their skills, abilities and competencies.
Figure 1: Results of my VARK questionnaire
(Source: Created by the author)
According to the projected results, I have a strong preference for aural learning style.
In this style, the learners get to learn better by hearing information from others. According to
my opinions attending lectures and seminars on different concepts seems to be a productive
option for enhancing their learning styles.
2.2.4 Myers Briggs Test Indicator (MBTI)
Myers Briggs Personality tests proves to be an effective option for the individuals in
gaining an insight into their personality types. Identification of the personality type is helpful
for making career progression plans, which suits the personality (Labib, Canós & Penadés,
2017).

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Fig 2: Results of my Myers Briggs Personality Test
(Source: Created by the author)
According to the test results, my personality type is ESFP. Here, extrovert nature is
apt with my personality. However, I do not agree with the score related with the preference of
intuition over sensing, as I am in a hurry to complete the allocated tasks within the stipulated
time.
2.2.5 Contribution of the learning styles towards the organization in achieving the strategic
goals
My hardworking nature would act assistance for Sime Darby to achieve productive
labour. However, if the managers assign me challenging and enduring tasks, I would be
nervous. But learning and practice would make me competent towards these tasks. Aligning
with the arguments of Cuevas and Dawson, (2018), I have gained awareness about the fact
that feelings has no place in the workplace conditions, only targets and deadlines matter. This
would reflect compromise with the welfare of the clients and the customers.

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2.3 Comparison of the strategic organizational goals and personal learning styles and
objectives
For this comparison, the gaps within the performance needs to be identified at the
initial stage. These gaps would enhance the awareness about the areas in which I am lacking
and the extent, which I have to reach for reaching to the benchmark level specified by the
company. Cognitive learning style is helpful for me in terms of improvising on these areas.
For this, consideration of the scores of the personality tests is vital. Reflecting on the gathered
experience would seem fruitful for me in terms of concretizing the achieved experience
(Stein & Swan, 2018). Here, I can say that my score for the VARK learning style is effective
in terms of enhancing my visual skills. This is in terms of the reflective observation, which
would contribute towards upgrading my grasping power.
Observation and learning can be improved through the execution of the journey
mapping. This is in terms of assessing the feasibility of the experiences gained and the
requirements of the company.
3.Implementation of personality development plan
3.1 Personal Development Plan (PDP)
Areas for
development
Time
till
when I
will
improv
e
Process of
achieving the
goals
Current
status
Measurement
for success
Progress
Communicati
on
6
months
 Attending
Spoken
Medium
productivi
Communicati
ng with the
Regulatio
n and

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English
classes
 Presentatio
ns
ty peers,
relatives and
friends
through
incorporation
of ornamental
words
control of
the
speaking
skills
Handling
tasks in
pressure
3
months
 Undertaki
ng
challengin
g and
enduring
tasks
 Setting
time limits
to the
tasks
Low Completing
the tasks
within the
stipulated
time
Confiden
t
approach
towards
the task
allocation
Table 1: Personal development plan
(Source: Created by the author)
3.1.1 Skills and competencies based on the prepared personal development plan
According to the plan, I need to improve on the skills of communication and handling
tasks in the ambience of pressure. For these skills, I can project the competencies of fluency
in English and hardworking nature. Along with this, I can point out the competency of
adjusting skills within the handling of the duties and responsibilities. In case of the speaking
skills, I think the competency of flexible command over the languages application is also apt.

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3.1.2 SMART Action plan for the learning the skills
Attending spoken English classes would make me conversant with the latest means of
communication. Along with this, giving presentations would enhance my confidence
regarding facing large audience. Through these presentations, my body language would
improve, enhancing my personality. Measurement for the achievement of these goals would
reflect from the usage of ornamental words while speaking with the peers. Positive feedback
from the clients regarding the exposed communication would make the competency
achievable. Capability towards making use of standardized language makes the competency
realistic. The time frame of 6 months is apt for upgrading the current communication skills.
In case of handling the tasks in an ambience of pressure, setting time limits to the
tasks is important in terms of enhancing the confidence regarding performing any kind of
tasks. Completing the tasks within the stipulated deadline reflects the measurability of the
competency, making it realistic and achievable. The time of 3 months is apt for improvising
on the approach towards completing the tasks and duties.
3.2 Monitoring and controlling the progress of personal development plan
3.2.1 Monitoring the progress
For improving the communication skills, I would score my performance on the tests
in the spoken English courses. Along with these scores, I would consider the scores of the
personality tests for mapping my progress in the parameter of communication. In case of
handling the tasks in the ambience of pressure, I would set time limits for monitoring my
progress. Calculation of the time taken for completing the task would be one of the
components, which I would consider for monitoring the progress. However, I would consider
the time taken for understanding the task, which would determine my approach towards
completing the task.

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3.2.2 Controlling the progress
Controlling the emotions while communicating would be important in terms of
improving on the current communication skills. Along with this, feedback from the clients
would help me in detecting the communication areas, which I need to focus for upgrading the
standards and quality of the current communication skills, abilities and competencies. In case
of performing in the ambience of pressure, calculating the time taken for understanding the
tasks would help me in controlling my performance. Evaluating on the time would be helpful
for me in terms of reducing the time taken for understanding the tasks and commencing with
the activities. The scores of the personality tests would assist me to judge the effectiveness of
my personality in terms of the identified and the specified requirements. Discussing the
personality type with the superiors would support me to make plans for improvising.
Maintaining consistency in the execution of evaluation would seem fruitful for standardizing
my performance according to the requirements of the Company. In this evaluation, the main
aim would be to synthesize the competencies and the current skills for deducing strategies
regarding the enhancement of personality.
3.3 Conclusion
In the beginning of the course, I learned the ways and means of identifying the
strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats, which lays in my performance. Within this, I
gained knowledge regarding the professional skills, which the companies and organizations
look for, while recruiting candidates for the vacant posts. Along with this, I also learned
about various learning styles and its application on the achievement of personal and
professional development. After conducting the tests and learning styles, I found that I am
weak in communication skills and handling of the tasks in an ambience of pressure. I learned
about the creation of personal development plan, which proves effective in terms of altering
the current performance levels.

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In the performance development plan, creation of short and long term goals is crucial
for adding focus into the performance. In this, the measurement process is vital. Within this,
the ways and means for controlling the progress is effective in terms of assessing the
approach in terms of the requirements. In the process of developing the personal development
plan, I learned the basic ways and means for conducting gap and capability analysis. While
developing the gaps, I considered the requirements imposed by the company, which enhanced
my awareness about the extent to which I need to work, for upgrading the standards and
quality of my performance. Synthesizing the organizational requirements and my personal
performance resulted in the formation of competencies like Advanced Professional Award
level 7. This competency involves various contexts, which are unpredictable. Uncertain
situations reflects the approach towards performing the tasks. This approach can be related to
the behavioural theory of planned action and reasoned behaviour. This is because
consideration of the requirements and expectations is helpful for assessing the current
performance levels and the required modifications.
Proper assessment of the current performance levels is helpful for exposing
appropriate approach towards completion of the project related activities. For this assessment,
prior planning is necessary in terms of averting errors in the phase of completing the
activities. Herein lays the effectiveness of the phase of controlling, as mentioned in the
PDCA cycle. Typical evidence of this controlling lies in the plan for attending spoken
English courses for polishing the current speaking skills. Along with this, participating in
various presentations reflect the measurability of gaining competency and command over
communication skills. Setting time limits for the tasks make the competency of performing in
the ambience of pressure, achievable.

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Appendix
Concrete
experience
Reflective
observation
Abstract
conceptualization
Active
experimentation
Involved (4) Impartial (3) Discriminating (2) Practical (1)
Receptive (3) Observing (4) Analytical thinking
(2)
Risk taker (2)
Concrete (2) Reflecting (1) Evaluative (3) Productive (3)
Present oriented (2) Perceptive (2) Logical (4) Active (4)
Experience (1) Reserve (3) Future oriented (2) Practical (3)
Open to new
experience (4)
Tentative (1) Rational (4) Competent (2)
Total (16) Total (14) Total (17) Total (15)
Fig 1: Scores for the components in Kolb reflective learning styles