Developing Leadership Skills

This assignment is designed to help students develop their leadership skills through various activities such as reading books and journals related to leadership theories, participating in coaching classes for management skills, and reflecting on experiences. The goal is to enable students to prioritize peers' commitment, make plans before conducting work, and analyze how seniors influence team members.

Project Evaluation and Reflection-
Work Based/Related

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Task 1 – Reflective report................................................................................................................1
Task 1a – Reflection on a one week event.......................................................................................1
Introduction.................................................................................................................................1
Main Body...................................................................................................................................1
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................3
REFRENCES ..................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Once a project is executed, a common mistake that is done by individuals is not to carry
out a review of the performance and progress. To assist a person in personal and professional
development, it is essential that a project is undertaken as an effective initiative through which
skills and competence of personnel can be enhanced. Further, post the execution of project, it is
necessary that the outcome of activities is evaluated so as to ascertain whether the desired
objectives of project have been accomplished (Ocheni, Atakpa and Nwankwo, 2013). Monitoring
the performance against the sets standards helps personnel to identify the areas of improvement.
A project provides assistance only if it operates in practice. Evaluation and Reflection (EVRE)
aids an individual to get information about the manner in which the performance of project can
be enhanced and work based learning can be significantly improved (Cousins and Chouinard,
2012). EVRE process is not focussed upon excessive introspection but stresses upon illustrating
favourable results and success by ascertaining the weaknesses and problems and thereby
deciding upon future course of action to tackle the obstacles. In this regard, the present report is
divided into two tasks. Further, the first task is classified into two sections where the first section
is a reflection upon one week event while the second task is a summative reflection upon the 10
weeks. The second task consists of a Career and Personal Development Plan.
Task 1 – Reflective report
Task 1a – Reflection on a one week event
Introduction
This is a reflective section which takes into account the overall learning gained by an
individual while carrying out a project. It consists of a brief discussion about a number of
elements which were studied as a part of this project as well as a reflection based upon the
selection of a particular one week event.
Main Body
Project Placement Design and Implementation (PPDI) can be referred to as the simulation
of systems and/or processes (Spaulding, 2013). This can be said to be a method which is used to
determine the chances of outcomes that can not be anticipated due to interruption by way of
external variables. Thus, this can be said to be simulation. Such kind of learning experiences and
1

education applied in the context of a company and higher studies aims at gaining an adequate
and relevant understanding and comprehensibility of the practical aspects. In the university, I
was once allotted an assignment wherein I had to study a particular aspect of GIS by applying it
in context of an organisation. This assignment was allotted in groups of 10 persons and the
company that my group chose was INONI. GIS stands for Geographic Information System
which is an integrated system consisting of software as well as geo-referenced information for
the purpose of planning, analysis and decision making procedures. Sometimes it also includes
hardware like plotters, coloured printers, digitizers etc. (Cowan and George, 2013). Also, it
comprises of database systems wherein each record tends to have a spatial attribute.
The case study that we selected was based upon INONI which is a company providing
solutions for different entities on the basis of risks that they may face while executing a
particular project. The group had to study a specific aspect of GIS and taking this account, all of
us mutually agreed upon simulation. This is a model which strives to provide environment
wherein analysis and interpretation of data can be comprehended, communicated as well as
verified. This gives specific insights upon critical systems with a view to provide ways to deal
with various kinds of risks that may arise in context of an organisation. This project assisted me
in gaining knowledge about a number of key aspects associated with GIS such as Geographic
Data, Vector Data, Raster Data, Overlaying data, Spatial Queries and the various elements linked
to these aspects (Wadsworth, 2016).
This assignment was carried out in a group of 10 individuals where every member within
the team was allotted a particular task so as to ensure that the activities associated with project
are executed in a desirable manner and yield positive outcomes. Working in a collaborative
manner provided me with a wide range of knowledge about GIS and assisted me in taking into
account the views and opinions of every member so as to identify the most beneficial one. This
one week assignment assisted me in working with both type of persons, affirmative and
antagonistic and yet being able to ensure that a coordination is set among the team. Further, to
analyse the performance, I took feedback as well as reviews from my tutors and seniors. This
provided me with the opportunity to gain knowledge of the areas in which I needed
improvement. This assisted me to become skilled and competent to successfully execute the
process of decision making while undertaking and working upon a project. Also, with the help of
this project, I was able to make use of as well as enhance the adequate and relevant IT skills
2

which are key to carry out a project on simulation. When the tasks assigned to separate team
members are carried out feasibly, this ensures that the collaborative efforts lead to success and
assist the group in learning lessons. Such projects when formulated by making use of collective
initiatives strive at ensuring that coordination and cooperation is facilitated among the members
at all the times and conflict if arise between the team members can be resolved by undertaking
effective measures.
Further, Gibbs Reflective Cycle is used to carry out reflection upon the one week event in
GSM London. Within 1988, Graham Gibbs, an American psychologist and sociologist published
the reflective cycle model in the book “Learning by Doing” (Cottrell, 2017). This reflective
cycle is used to encourage personnel to think in a systematic manner about the experiences that
they have gained by way of sustaining a particular situation, event and activity. In this regard, I
have used Gibbs Reflective Cycle in relation to the above explained situation as follows:-
Description: In this stage of gibbs' model, a certain situation is described. In this context,
INONI has been taken as the company in the assignment based upon GIS analysis where the
particular aspect selected is simulation. This event has been occurred in GSM University. In this
a GIS project is carried out in which simulation is taken into account. Being a student of GSM, I
had to take class assignments. This assignment was given to me and a team which was
formulated by my tutor. This project team consisted of 10 members having different perceptions,
views and thoughts. Together, all of us carried out research upon the company to effectively
execute the project.
Feelings: In this stage, the experience of individuals is discussed, what they felt while
being in a team (English and Kitsantas, 2013). In this regard, the project based upon INONI was
carried out in a group where it is not easy to be a part of team whom we do not know. Students
within the team were have feelings of nervousness as they were not much aware about
simulation and tools or technologies which are used in this. Though they were hesitating but
simultaneously, they were happy as they were going to gain relevant as well as adequate
knowledge which will assist them to avail better career options in coming future. I think others
were also feeling the same as no one within the team possessed a lot of information about GIS
and simulation. At present, after being a part of this event, I have got a lot of experience and this
has made me learnt a lot in this aspect. Same is with others also.
3

Evaluation: The simulation project helped me to gain knowledge about the different
aspects which will provide assistance to me in present as well as in future context. Negative
about this situation is that some of the things were so quick that every aspect could not be
learned in a proper manner. We can not learn all things at same time as this leads to confusions
and when lots of tools were used by the team together, it was very difficult for me to learn how
to use them and to work on them. Everything was good as something is always better than
nothing. I have gained knowledge and learnt something from this not only in terms of technical
but also team work, communication skills and adaptive skills.
Analysis: On the basis of above evaluation, I have analysed that this assignment helped
me in developing a number of skills throughout the module owing to the learnings gained
through group work. Further, by looking deeply into the situation and the learnings, I analysed
that this assignment helped me to acquire technical skills as well as confidence to execute the
group tasks in an effective manner. Also, this task sometimes created difficulties for the group
also because, a number of times, conflicts got raised between the members. In addition to this, I
also analysed that the simulation assignment done upon INONI helped me in gaining research
skills using which our group could effectively carry out GIS analysis and executed the project
within a timely manner.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the assignment conducted upon case study of
INONI helped me to learn a number of things and gave a boost to my academic life which would
further assist me to enhance and undertake a good professional career. Further, it can be
comprehended that the situation helped me to gain adequate and relevant skills which are
necessary to work in group and execute the project by working in a collaborative manner
keeping coordination and cooperation as prime aspects.
Action Plan: By conducting the above discussed reflection, it can be said that the group
work done to execute this project yielded the desirable outcomes in terms of completion of
project within a timely manner. Further, it can be said that a better management approach could
have been utilised so as to ensure that less number of conflicts arise between the team members
in future course of time (Lennie and Tacchi, 2013).
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be said that simulation is an essential aspect of GIS and
organisations dealing in this sector provides assistance to other individuals and firms while they
4

are executing any particular project. Also, it has been analysed that post the execution of an
event (project), it is essential that an individual or group carries out evaluation of the outcomes
so as to find out areas where improvements can be brought about to ensure better performance in
future course of time. Gibbs Reflective Cycle is an effective model which assists an individual to
reflect upon the learning and experiences gained from a situation or event.
5

Task 1b – Reflective final summative report
In present time, it can be said that most of us basically go through a range of experiences
based on reflection which majorly impacts upon learning of an individual. In the same way,
when I started this project, I was unaware of the fact that there are ample number of things which
I do not know about. I can also say that experiences which an individual has gone through helps
in understand or gaining deeper knowledge related to a particular subject. It mainly consist with
ample number of values which can help me or any individual in improvising skills at
professional level. Based on the PPDI, I can say that reflection basically has ample number of
facets. This could be understood with a good example where, reflecting on work enhances its
meaning, which means while reflecting on a particular experience like at the time of conducting
GIS analysis of INONI, it helped me in encouraging the overall insights related to complex
learning. I can say that, we foster our own growth when we control our learning, so some
reflection is best done alone. Reflection is also enhanced, however, when we ponder our learning
with others.
Along with this, it can be said that reflection specifically involves linking a current
experience to previous learnings. Reflection also consist of drawing forth cognitive and
emotional information from several sources: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and tactile. In order to
reflect, it is required to act upon and process the information, synthesizing and evaluating the
data. Lastly, reflecting also means applying what we've learned to contexts beyond the original
situations in which we learned something.
Therefore, it can easily be said by me is that, reflection plays a crucial role when it comes
to learning upon a particular topic and it values in different ways and these are: Your data which
you have carried out for a particular topic like details related to INONI will stay in mind for a
longer time frame. Thus, reflection while learning on a particular topic will help in enhancing
knowledge which could be used for a longer time frame. For a long time learning, reflection may
aid in reaching to new heights in specified time frame where learner like me can grab knowledge
related to GIS.
Basically, the reflective model which has been chosen by me is Kolb's Experiential
Learning Cycle. This type of reflective learning theory specifically works considering a couple
of levels and these are: A four-stage cycle of learning and four separate learning styles. I have
6

used this model because this theory is specifically concerned with learner’s internal cognitive
processes.
Vital reason behind why, I have used this model while considering the case study of
INONI focusing upon GIS is that, particularly the model shows our own experience, which is
then reviewed, analysed and evaluated systematically in three stages. Once this process has been
undergone completely, the new experiences will form the starting point for another cycle. On the
other hand, this model specifically is enclosed with four stages which I have understood and
applied in present context and all of these phases are given beneath:
Concrete experience : This is being considered one of the crucial stage where
consciously and physically experience of a particular situation is being carried out. Based on this,
while focusing upon PPDI, I have realised that it will be needed for me to reflect systematically
so that I could learn something new and this can only be done through experiencing a whole new
concept in specified time frame. Along with this, learning contract which was placed under
PPDI, there were many experiences came in front where I have realised that company would
need to develop my own skills related to decision making, communication, presentation and
management skills. I have analysed this through all the suggestions which were given by my
lecturer. Away with this, I have also realised that GIS analysis is not easy thing to do not only at
small organisation but in a larger one as well. This basically helps in identifying the needs and
requirements of conducting the investigation in specified time.
Reflective observation : This is being considered as one of a crucial stage of Kolb's
reflective model because this basically consist with a good thinking about what an individual has
carried out or what things or values which has been experienced. Here, if it is talked about me,
than it can be said that I particularly not good at assuming things because I was not aware of the
GIS system but somehow when I discussed it with my peer, I finally went through it and trained
myself to become a much more deliberative about reviewing the overall experiences. While
performing a range of tasks in building relevant stages related to overall project that I have been
performing.
Abstract conceptualisation : Third stage, where concepts being built through thinking
about a range of experiences through interpreting them we enter into the realm of what Kolb's
termed 'conceptualization'. Based on the concept that I have learnt, while doing investigation
related to GIS in PPDI, I got confused in many situations but when I found out a good approach I
7

directly analysed that I have learnt many things which has helped me in building my own
concepts related to the subject.
Active experimentation : Third stage where to learn from the experiences that I have
realised that, I did not got satisfied with the results that I have pulled out. I found that, any
experience while performing a project requires to yield learning, but only if I pass through all
Kolb's stages by reflecting on our experiences, interpreting them and testing my overall
interpretations in specified time frame.
Apart from this, I have realised that the model was not totally but different from GIBBS
model which has helped me in focusing upon different areas as well. On the other hand, this
model was also a little typical to perform right amount of tasks which were required to do or
perform. But, somehow I managed to learn and gather knowledge related to the PPDI in depth.
While applying Kolb's Learning Cycle, it can be said that individuals tend to gain new
knowledge and experience as they reflect upon the past experiences with a view to learn what
was good and what was bad about the event (Boulmetis and Dutwin, 2014). Further, it assists
personnel to gain information about their existing level of performance and the variance that
exists between the current and desirable output.
By reflecting upon the learning and experiences gained while carrying out the event, new
knowledge can be gained by individuals. This knowledge provides assistance to individuals to
change their view of practice and carry out in an interesting manner rather than in the traditional
and rigid manner (Campbell, 2012). Further, this provides a scope for personnel to enhance their
existing set of knowledge by recollecting the learnings as well as experiences gained throughout
the PPDI module.
8

TASK 2
2a) Personal analysis
To seek proper learning skills, it is essential for learners to conduct personal analysis
also. For this purpose, by evaluating best strength capabilities of own, they can optimise the
same for completing an assignment on time (Boud, Keogh and Walker, 2013). In this regard, by
further evaluating the opportunities where they can show their strengths also helps in enhancing
own abilities. Furthermore, learners also need to develop short, medium and long term
aspirations for career development in a particular field. At last, they must also analyse what have
achieved after completing a learning course. As a learner in a university, to measure research
skills, communication abilities and more, I have evaluated my strong point in following manner:-
Self/Strengths Opportunities
 The creative skills of mine is much
good that brings creativity in
assignments.
 The best part of mine is influencing
abilities through which I can easily
influence team members to give their
best for completing a group-assignment
task.
 I am always committed to give support
to team members in completing their
part of task as well as convince them to
work more effectively. This has shown
the best inspirational and leadership
skills of mine that brings collaboration
in group-learners.
 Tend to move more quickly for
completing assignments on time
sometime affect quality and outcomes
of the same. Therefore, work on such
weak areas give me opportunity to
develop patience skills.
 To juggle with multiple responsibilities
I also required to learn how to reduce
stress level while working in a team.
For this purpose, I also work on
developing managing skills so that I
can handle work pressure and make
plans to complete entire responsibilities
within given period of time.
 Presenting yourself in front of
professionals and other learners is
really a big task. Therefore, for this
purpose, a learner needs to bring

confidence and present themselves in
an impressive manner. Therefore,
attending some lecture classes also aid
me to increase my confidence and right
attitude for presenting outcomes of
assigned tasks in front of large people.
2

Aspiration Result
 In order to make my career bright, I
need to work ion communication skills
more which requires near about 6
months.
 For presenting myself in attractive
manner and give details in front of
professionals what I have concluded
throughout the whole research, I will
also work on developing confidence
level. This would can only be possible
by working under seniors and
observing them how they interact and
share their thoughts with each other.
 To work in group-related task and
perform multiple responsibilities I also
need to work on developing effective
leadership and management skills. This
would can only be happened by taking
managerial classes and reading books
or journals of professionals.
 For measuring what I have achieved
after completing short term goals I will
participate in group-discussions within
class. This would help in analysing if
people influence towards my
viewpoints or not. Through this
process, I can measure effectiveness of
my communication and influencing
abilities.
 For analysing how I am presenting
myself in front of a large group, I will
take opinion of my peers and experts
present there. This would help in taking
their advice for enhancing my abilities
more.
 Furthermore, to check if I am able to
handle group-related tasks I will take
feedback of peers and colleagues to get
their viewpoints about my leadership
and managerial abilities.
2b) Objectives for career development
What do I want
to learn?
What do I have
to do?
What support
and resources
will I need?
How will I
measure my
success?
Target date for
review of results.
3

Communication
skills
I need to take a
crash course of
learning and
speaking classes
Personal
commitment
Skill-auditing 01/08/19
Presentation skills I need to attend
more lectures and
make
participation in
group-discussions
Guidance Skill-auditing 10/12/19
Leadership and
Managerial skills
I need to read
books and
journals as well
as take
management
classes from
affiliated
coaching class
Time
management
Skill-auditing 10/06/20
2c) Personal Objectives Goal/Objective
Goal / Objective
What is it that
you want to
Specific
What exactly do
you need to do to
Measurable
How will you
know you have
Achievable &
Realistic
Time bound
When, or within
what time period
4

develop or
achieve?
achieve your
goal?
achieved your
goal?
What resources,
time,
opportunity and
support do you
need to succeed?
will you achieve
this?
Short term
Communication
skills
I will attend
speaking classes
and participate in
group activities
Skill-auditing Personal
commitment
Within three
months
Interpersonal
skills
Work in group-
related activities
Skill-auditing Guidance Within three to
five months
Presentation skills Will work under
my seniors and
take their
guidance for
enhancing my
presenting skills
Take feedback of
peers
Guidance Within two
months
Medium term
Research skills Spent more time
on internet sites
to analyse view
point of others in
making a proper
investigation.
Along with this,
will work under
guidance of
seniors also
Research
outcomes
Personal
commitment
Within 6 to 8
months
5

Decision making
abilities
Will work with
seniors and
professionals who
are expert in
making quick
decisions
skill-auditing Guidance Within 8 to 10
months
Time
management
skills
Will prioritise my
work and make
plans before
conducting any
work.
Take feedbacks of
peers
Personal
commitment and
guidance
Within 4 to 6
months
Long-term
Leadership skills Read leadership
theories and work
within team to
analyse how
seniors influence
team members to
give their best
Skill-auditing Tutor's support Within a year
Management
skills
I will take
management
classes from
coaching classes
Skill-auditing Personal
commitment and
guidance
Within 1 and half
year
Team-
development
skills
Read books and
journals
Skill-auditing Guidance Within a year
6

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Boud, D., Keogh, R. and Walker, D., 2013. Reflection: Turning experience into learning.
Routledge.
Boulmetis, J. and Dutwin, P., 2014. The ABCs of evaluation: Timeless techniques for program
and project managers (Vol. 56). John Wiley & Sons.
Campbell, N., 2012. Promoting intercultural contact on campus: A project to connect and engage
international and host students. Journal of Studies in International Education. 16(3).
pp.205-227.
Cottrell, S., 2017. Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection.
Macmillan International Higher Education.
Cousins, J. B. and Chouinard, J. A., 2012. Participatory evaluation up close: An integration of
researchbased knowledge. IAP.
Cowan, J. and George, J., 2013. A handbook of techniques for formative evaluation: Mapping
the students' learning experience. Routledge.
English, M. C. and Kitsantas, A., 2013. Supporting student self-regulated learning in problem-
and project-based learning. Interdisciplinary journal of problem-based learning. 7(2).
p.6.
Lennie, J. and Tacchi, J., 2013. Evaluating communication for development: A framework for
social change. Routledge.
Ocheni, S., Atakpa, M. and Nwankwo, B. C., 2013. A Review of the Project Cycle and Project
Implementation at the Third Tier Level of Government in Nigeria: A Theoretical
Reflection. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 4(2). p.595.
Spaulding, D. T., 2013. Program evaluation in practice: Core concepts and examples for
discussion and analysis. John Wiley & Sons.
Wadsworth, Y., 2016. Everyday evaluation on the run. Routledge.
7