Understanding the Interplay between Theory and Practice in Employee Development

This assignment content highlights the practical knowledge gained through higher education and various techniques to increase technical and analytical skills. It emphasizes the importance of integrating practice-based experiences into higher education, as well as exploring factors promoting vocational students' learning at work.

WORK BASED EXPERIENCE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................4
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................4
AC 1.1 Evaluation of suitable organisations for providing industry experience.............................4
AC 1.2 Negotiate with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience.........5
AC 1.3 Business constraints on the work experience offered.........................................................6
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................6
AC 2.1 Tasks and responsibilities involved in work experience.....................................................6
AC 2.2 Plan for work experience.....................................................................................................7
AC 2.3 Analysis of the benefits of the proposed activities to me and The Landmark London.......9
TASK 3...............................................................................................................................................10
AC 3.1 Specified requirements of the placement conforming to all related codes of practices....10
AC 3.2 Systematic records of the work undertaken......................................................................10
AC 3.3 Revise of initial plan..........................................................................................................11
AC 3.4 Suggestions for improvement............................................................................................12
TASK 4...............................................................................................................................................12
AC 4.1 Monitor progress against original proposal produced.......................................................12
AC 4.2 Evaluation of own performance quality............................................................................13
AC 4.3 Analysis of the learning which has taken place during the work experience....................14
AC 4.4 Recommendations for enhancing experience....................................................................14
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................16
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INTRODUCTION
Work based experiences are considered as the biggest learning for the growth and
development of an individual. . In this, group of people apply their academic and technical skills
into the workplace with respect to concerned industry (Billett, 2015). This further increases person's
ability, skills, quality, knowledge and information as per their interest area. Work based activities
provide career awareness, exploration of opportunities, planning activities and ways to increase
competencies. Through these proficiencies, people can learn positive attitude and employability
skills at the work place. As per the given scenario, travel and tourism organisation is taken which
provides work based experiences of learning to the individual. It includes the manner to negotiate
industry experience in order to pursue career or business plan. This present report also cover and
prioritise the specific requirements of the task and responsibilities at the work place. Under the
guidance of professionals and experts, individuals can evaluate and monitor their performance in
order to increase the quality of doing job.
TASK 1
AC 1.1 Evaluation of suitable organisations for providing industry experience
In order to develop skills and knowledge to specific area of interest, individuals explore the
entire industry. They also understand work environment and allotted roles and responsibility in
different departments in company. Through this, they experience and evaluate the work based
learning within industry (Cunningham and Dawes, 2016). British Airways and London Landmark
are considered for the evaluation:
Different departments:
BRITISH AIRWAYS
(DEPARTMENT)
LONDON LANDMARK HOTEL
(DEPARTMENT)
Customers and communication
Flight operations
Customers
communication
Reception
Back office work
Front office work
Management board
Customers,
Finance
Sales and marketing
Operations departments
Restaurant manager
Communication
Finance
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Human resource
Marketing
(Billett, Sweet and Glover, 2013)
Working environment in British Airways:
British Airways is the largest airline in the United Kingdom based on fleet size. The airline
is based in waterside near its main hub at the London Heathrow Airport. It is evaluated that
organisation is trying to deliver the luxuries accommodation, quality food and the best
transportation services to their customers. The cited firm is concerned about its workplace
environment which is inclusive of trust, beliefs, motivation, loyalty, team spirit and development to
the customers. In addition, they also have concern on safety and health of employees and staff
members which support in increasing the contribution towards their work. This firm is highly
focused on customer services in which they take feedbacks and suggestions from their customers.
So, they can improve their services and performance according to the requirement of service users
(British Airways Plc Company Information, 2015).
Working environment in London landmarks hotel:
London Landmark hotel is a five star hotel on Marylebone Road on the northern side of
central London. After research, I found that the firm values and respect their employee in order to
take suggestions and views from respective team members. By conducting market research, the
company accepts new trends such as Wi-Fi facilities, spa and beauty therapy, art and culture
exhibition, wheelchair accessibility to old age people etc. By achieving the changes, the workers
also attract and perform well to their work within the luxurious environment (Landmark Hotel
company profile, 2016).
AC 1.2 Negotiate with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience
In respect of Landmark hotel and British Airways, the research and evaluation is done in
order to negotiate the work and academic supervisors. There are various types of proposed methods
that can be used such as telephone, letter or e-mails etc. By following all these methods, I prefer to
choose electronic mail in order to negotiate with work and supervisions for work experience in such
mentioned company.
Proposal for British Airways and Landmark London
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Internship in human resources department
Sir,
I am management student from the Institute of Management Services, UK. I am currently
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pursuing my last session of human resource management course. I am required to carry out relevant
work experience in your respective company. I am also looking for placement in an esteemed and
well known organisation. I hope that you are able to offer me a position which upgrades my work
experience in travel and tourism.
One of these reasons why I would like to complete my work experience from your
organisation is that through research, I found that the information regarding customer experiences
are highly satisfied. Other than this, I would like to work under experts and professionals who
would guide me to increase my skills and knowledge
I am very enthusiastic and dedicated individual who can work well under pressure and take
initiations at the workplace. I am looking forward for positive reply.
Thanks and regards,
Enrico.
AC 1.3 Business constraints on the work experience offered
Currently, every organisation has to provide products and services with high quality and
their own strengths. Due to this, there are various possible constraints which I consider in respect of
my placement offer in the company. The related constraints such as orientation, trainings,
development program etc. are provided by the enterprise. With the help of this method, I can
understand the work environment and culture followed by entity.
By induction, I will get familiar with the managers and employers that will further increase
my devotion at my own work. With the assistance of all the experts, I can evaluate my knowledge
and skills which increase my motivation and confidence level. Through training sessions, I can also
make myself productive for the organisation. This makes me understandable about policies and
procedures which are used by the institute. I will try to make a healthy relationship with service user
in order to handle the queries and complaints for following products and services. Due to this, I can
increase my confidence and performance level which is beneficial for plant. I can seriously follow
the safety and security policies which are already mentioned at the workplace. I will work on all the
allotted tasks with full contribution and responsibility. In this context, I can pursue my career in
order to understand the job responsibility.
TASK 2
AC 2.1 Tasks and responsibilities involved in work experience
For the post of HR Manager in The Landmark London Hotel, I have to prioritise the tasks
and responsibilities for managing my time and work effectively. For prioritising the tasks properly, I
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take advice of the supervisor so that I can segregate the work as per their importance. The tasks and
responsibilities with the priorities in hotel are as follows:
Staffing:
It is one of the most important tasks for the hotel to hire skilled, talented and knowledgeable
candidates who can contribute in the progress and success of The London Landmark Hotel. My
responsibility in this respect is to analyse the vacant positions, forming proper job description and
person specification, advertising the jobs, taking interview of the eligible candidate with the panel
and hiring the most suitable and desirable individual for the post. It is important because hotel needs
skilled and newly educated fresher who have knowledge about the latest techniques and working
styles. This helps in my development and enhancement in the organisation.
Employee Relations:
Another task is to manage and maintain the relationships among the workers. My
responsibility is to provide cooperative and friendly working environment to the staff so that they
can feel comfortable. Along with this, my duty is to handle and reduce the cases regarding disputes
or grievances with the help of appropriate strategies. It is essential to maintain valuable and ethical
environment at the workplace and for this; I develop same policies and procedures for the
employees without any discrimination. The reason behind prioritising this task at second place is
not possible to achieve the objectives of The London Landmark without the cooperation and
coordination of the staff members.
Training:
My last task is to offer training to the employees of the hotel for their development and
enhancement. My role and responsibility is to assess the needs of the staff members and then
providing them training accordingly. It also helps workers in accepting the implemented change
within the organisation. After the programmes, I have to evaluate the performance and results for
identifying any loophole and improvement in the trainees.
AC 2.2 Plan for work experience
For getting work experience, my plan is explained below with respect to the tasks:
SCHEDULE OF TASK DATE FOR REVIEW INPUT FROM THE
SUPERVISORS
Job Analysis
 Identification of the vacant
posts or determination of the
position which needs to add
For conducting this whole
process, I will require 3
months. In this time
period, I will able to
Supervisor will demand to do
proper and in-depth analysis for
the vacant jobs. He/she will
want me to develop appropriate
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new post (Cunningham and
Dawes, 2016).
 Analysing them properly
 Developing roles and
responsibilities for them
 Creating job description and
person specification
analyse each post properly. skills and capabilities which are
needed for conducting job
analysis effectively.
Recruitment and Selection of the
candidates
 Identification of proper
interview type
 Determination of venue for
the interview
 Selection of appropriate
member for the panel
 Advertising of the vacancies
 Conducting interviews for
the post
 Selection of the eligible and
right candidate
 Documentation for the
selection process (Doncaster,
and Lester, 2012)
For this process, I will
require 2 months. During
this period, I will conduct
each and every process of
this activity properly and
effectively.
My senior employee will expect
me to learn each and every thing
properly which is required to
conduct hiring and selection
process. They want me to recruit
right person for the right place
at the right time.
Induction Program
 To collect all the information
about the hotel.
 To prepare presentation with
focused and important
information.
 To inform new employees
about the achievements of
the organisation, their work,
etc.
Here, I will need 1 and
half month for developing
presentation and
communication skills for
doing this program
properly.
Supervisor will expect from me
to conduct proper research while
gathering information about The
Landmark London. He/she will
also need me to improve
personality and body language
for presenting appropriately in
front of the new workers.
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 To motivate them during the
program regarding their
tasks (Morgan and Barden,
2015).
AC 2.3 Analysis of the benefits of the proposed activities to me and The Landmark London
The above proposed activities will provide benefits to me and the hotel as well. These
advantages are explained as below:
Benefits for the Landmark London Hotel
 It will get skilled, talented and intelligent candidates for the vacant post.
 These activities will help in developing cooperative environment by organising various
activities.
 There will be increase in job satisfaction level of the workers due to regular training
programmes.
 Effective job analysis will help hotel in determining if there is need of internal recruitment
instead of external.
 Induction programmes will enhance the motivation level of the new employees and make
them to give their best for the growth of The Landmark London.
 Proper analysis of the job and recruitment process will lead to remove the loopholes and
improve them with the help of effective strategies. New skilled workers will improve the quality of services and increase the satisfaction level
of the customers (Mumford, 2016).
Benefits for me:
 The activities will develop my research, analytical and technical skills.
 All the processes will enhance and update my knowledge as per the current requirement of
the market and hotel.
 Induction programmes will improve my presentation and communication skills with the
good body language.
 Job evaluation will aware me about various posts and departments of the hotel which will
increase my information regarding it.
 All the activities will rise my self-esteem, confidence and motivation level which results to
improve my performance and work efficiency (Ross, 2015).
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TASK 3
AC 3.1 Specified requirements of the placement conforming to all related codes of practices.
While doing my work, it is essential to follow all the legislations, regulations and code of
practices regarding workplace. This helps in conducting all the activities in proper, right and legal
manner. Various laws and regulations are formed by the UK government for the welfare and
protection of the employees and it is important for The Landmark London to follow them
appropriately (Sirkka, Larsson-Lund and Zingmark, 2014). Various laws and code of practices
which I have to use during doing my work are as follows: Sex Discrimination act 1975: This act protects employees from differentiation on the name
of gender and marital status. I have to follow this act while conducting interviews for new
employees. I have to recruit individuals on the basis of their knowledge and skills regardless
of their sex. This will result to provide right opportunity to the right person. Disability Discrimination act 1995: This act provides equal opportunities to the disable
individuals and prevents them from any kind of inequality (Zeichner, 2010). I will use this
act while recruitment and selection process. Instead of neglecting disable candidate, I would
hire them on the basis of their abilities and work efficiency. This will help in hiring right
candidate regardless of his/her disabilities.
 Data Protection Act 1998: This act helps in keeping private and personal information of the
employees safe and secure. I will use this act at the documentation of the new employees.
This will lead to increase trust and loyalty of the new workers towards the hotel. Along with
this, I will keep the information confidential at The Landmark London safe so that third
person cannot access it (Virtanen, Tynjälä and Eteläpelto, 2014).
AC 3.2 Systematic records of the work undertaken
There are various methods with the help of which I can record all the information related to
by tasks and responsibilities. With the help of this documentation, I will able to use stored
information in future as well. This will also help me in making appropriate changes in the processes
by analysing the previous ones. Methods for systematic record of work is as follows: Log Book: This method is used by me for managing and maintaining documents related to
the employees. This is one of the crucial processes for storing all the data in effective,
accurate and systematic manner. I store the information with reference to employee details,
their position, address, contact number, roles and responsibilities and other important data. Work Schedule: This option is one of the best methods for collecting all the information
regarding the projects, processes and work on daily basis. I use this approach for scheduling
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my tasks and activities properly on the basis of their importance. This results to manage my
time and work as well.
 Weekly Review Schedule: This is broad tool which provides facility to maintain all the
documents and records regarding work effectively. With the help of this, I review all the
processes which have been undertaken in complete week. I identify the loopholes in the
activities so that appropriate changes can be made for improving them.
AC 3.3 Revise of initial plan
Revise of the above proposed plan of activities is as follows:
SCHEDULE OF TASK DATE FOR REVIEW INPUT FROM THE
SUPERVISORS
Job Analysis
 Identification of the vacant
posts or determination of the
position which needs to add
new post.
 Creating job description and
person specification
(Malpass and et.al., 2012).
For conducting this whole
process, I will require 3
months. In this time
period, I will able to
analyse each post properly.
Supervisor will suggest me to
identify the vacant positions
more appropriately and to
design job description and
person specification in the most
effective manner.
Recruitment and Selection of the
candidates
 Advertising of the vacancies
 Conducting interviews for
the post.
 Documentation for the
selection process (Shaffer
and et.al., 2012).
For this process, I will
require 2 months. During
this period, I will conduct
each and every process of
this activity properly and
effectively.
My senior employee will expect
me to learn types of
advertisement media used for
advertising vacant posts,
develop skills used for
conducting interview properly
and increase knowledge for
doing documentation.
Induction Program
 To collect all the information
about the hotel
 To inform new employees
about the achievements of
the organisation, their work,
Here, I will need 1 and
half month for developing
presentation and
communication skills for
doing this program
properly.
Supervisor will want from me to
conduct proper research and use
tools and techniques for
gathering information about The
Landmark London. He/she will
also need me to acquire
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etc.
 To motivate them during the
program regarding their
tasks (Billett, 2015).
information about the various
motivational theories and ways
to increase the confidence level
of the new employees.
AC 3.4 Suggestions for improvement
For making appropriate improvement, supervisor suggests me to follow some
recommendations which are as follows: Benchmarking: For improving the processes of The London Landmark, I will use this
approach. It is a process of comparing any method of the firm with the best process of the
similar company. I will use this method for making changes in the activities of recruitment
and selection, job analysis and induction programmes. This method will help me in selecting
the right and best strategy for the HR processes of the hotel. Business process re-engineering: With the help of this method, I can re-engineer the
processes and activities which will help me in identifying their weaknesses. This method
will help me in determining the competitive edge of The Landmark London for increasing
its effectiveness and efficiency as well. By making changes in the organisational culture,
working environment, policies and practices, etc. I will able to improve the functioning of
the hotel and its workers. SWOT Analysis: This method provides opportunity to identify the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats with respect to the processes of The Landmark London. By using
this, I will able to resolve the weaknesses of recruitment and selection process, job analysis
and induction programmes. Along with this, I will also get aware about the available
opportunities which can make all the activities more effective and efficient.
 Use of technology: There are various technologies available in the market which helps in
improving the HR processes. With the help of Information and Communication Technology,
Enterprise Resource planning, etc. I can do my work with respect to the recruitment process,
job analysis and induction programmes more effectively. Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) will provide me opportunity to prepare attractive and focused
presentation for the induction and proper documents for the selection process.
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TASK 4
AC 4.1 Monitor progress against original proposal produced
Individuals are required to evaluate themselves in respect to monitor their own
performances. It increases the quality and efficiency of the work through continue monitoring.
Monitoring and controlling are the process by which individual can understand the skills and
knowledge. Due to original proposal, monitoring of own performance will be done myself.
Through this, I have been used various approaches to evaluate my own performance. This
step took place after carrying out the training session which increases my skills and knowledge etc.
Through the various resources such as computer, upgraded technology etc., I will be able to
increase my technical and academic skills. From participating in different workshops and club
activities, I will be able to raise with the communication level. I understand the responsibilities by
following policies and procedure mentioned by company at work. Respective work makes me
creative and innovative in doing my regular activities. It also adds me unite work with team which
increases the work spirit and performance. To work under the professional, I explore very closely
that how professionals counsel their team during the problem or conflict. I learn how to motivate
and assure problem solving ways for them. I found that I am capable to accomplish the work in
more effective manner. Actively joining meetings and seminars helps me to contribute my ideas and
views to other members of the company. Through this, I will be able to improve my practical
knowledge in the best way possible.
AC 4.2 Evaluation of own performance quality
For evaluating the quality of my performance, I use method of self-evaluation. This
approach helps in identifying the changes, improvements, weaknesses and strengths of an
individual. One can enhance his/her skills and abilities by self-evaluating his/her performance on
regular basis (Hein, 2013). As per the results of evaluation of performance, I found a big and
positive change in my performance and work efficiency. All the processes of the HR department of
The Landmark London helps me in developing various skills, abilities and knowledge which results
to improve the quality of my performance. Along with this, I get positive feedbacks from the senior
employees of the hotel which motivates me to continue the process of developing new capabilities.
Now, I am able to take proper and right decisions for the progress of the organisation and its
workers as well. I get appreciation from my mentor due to improved performance and good quality
work. I use technologies properly for doing my work which results to enhance my work efficiency.
Along with this, I manage my time and work appropriately.
The reason behind my improved and enhanced performance is training and development
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sessions. I take active participation in the programmes conducted by The Landmark London hotel.
These sessions aware me about different skills and abilities which I need to improve for increasing
my performance. As per the results, I am now successfully achieving my objective of improving
quality at work.
AC 4.3 Analysis of the learning which has taken place during the work experience
As an HR Manager in Landmark London, I have been able to acquire professional earning.
This position aware me about the problems arises in the practical world. While playing my role and
fulfilling my responsibilities, I learnt about different skills and capabilities.
The recruitment and selection process of the hotel enhance my knowledge and inform me
about the manner in which this process is properly executed. I developed research skills while
conducting investigation for the job analysis and induction programmes. Formation of job
description and person specification informs me about the sincerity and perfectness at work. Any
mistake while this process can lead to affect the overall process.
Along with this, I learn communication and presentation skills while conducting induction
programmes. This helps me in dealing and handling employees with the help of effective verbal and
nonverbal communication. On the other hand, negative and positive feedbacks of the supervisors
increases my motivation and confidence level. Due to this, I am able to enhance the quality of my
work and performance. All the processes of the hotel make me aware about the different issues arise
during the work. This leads to develop problem solving and risk taking skills. In addition,
implementation of laws informs me about the necessity of laws and regulations in work.
AC 4.4 Recommendations for enhancing experience
I need to give some recommendations for enhancing my experience with respect to the
position at The Landmark London. These are as follows:
 I should plan and organise all the processes appropriately for improving and increasing
skills in travel and tourism sector.
 I have to read books, journals, articles, researches, newspapers, websites, etc. for updating
my knowledge on regular basis.
 I need to take active participation in the role plays, case studies, etc. for understanding the
problems of practical world and determining the proper solutions.
 I have to develop short term objectives before long term. With the help of this, I will able to
develop required skills and abilities in the area of my interest.
 I should practice communication skills on regular basis for making them more effective and
efficient.
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 I need to actively listen feedbacks provided by my senior workers for my professional
development.
CONCLUSION
As per the given case, through work based learning, individuals can pursue their career by
exploring different areas into the organisation. This also improves the personal and professional
skills which are required at workplace. Through proper research, individual can choose the
organisation where they want to work or grow themselves. This must increase the capability to
recognise the constraints which a company provide to build skills in their employee. The group of
people understand the practical knowledge which are studied in the college, school or higher
education. By using various technique, the people can increase their technical and analytical skills.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Billett, S., 2015. Integrating Practice-based Experiences into Higher Education. Springer
Billett, S., Sweet, L. and Glover, P., 2013. The curriculum and pedagogic properties of practice
based experiences: The case of midwifery students. Vocations and Learning. 6(2). pp. 237-
257.
Cunningham, I. and Dawes, G., 2016. The Handbook of Work Based Learning. CRC Press.
Doncaster, K. and Lester, S., 2012. Capability and its development: experiences from a work-based
doctorate. Studies in Higher Education. 27(1). pp. 91-101.
Malpass, A., and et.al., 2012. Transforming the perceptual situation: a meta-ethnography.
Morgan, A. and Barden, M., 2015. A Beautiful Constraint: How To Transform Your Limitations Into
Mumford, J., 2016. Understanding Work-Based Learning. CRC Press.
Ross, A., 2015. Building on Tinto’s model of engagement and persistence: Experiences from the
Umthombo Youth Development Foundation Scholarship Scheme. African Journal of
Health Professions Education.6(2). pp. 119-123.
Shaffer, M. A., and et.al., 2012. Choices, challenges, and career consequences of global work
experiences a review and future agenda. Journal of Management. 38(4). pp. 1282-1327.
Sirkka, M., Larsson-Lund, M. and Zingmark, K., 2014. Occupational therapists' experiences of
improvement work: a journey towards sustainable evidence-based practice. Scandinavian
journal of occupational therapy. 21(2). pp. 90-97.
Virtanen, A., Tynjälä, P. and Eteläpelto, A., 2014. Factors promoting vocational students’ learning at
work: study on student experiences. Journal of Education and Work. 27(1). pp. 43-70.
Zeichner, K., 2010. Rethinking the connections between campus courses and field experiences in
college-and university-based teacher education. Journal of teacher education. 61(1/2). pp.
89-99.
Online
British Airways Plc Company Information. 2015. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-
profile.british_airways_plc.928eb1e2e869dc06.html>. [Accessed on 15th June, 2016].
Hein, R., 2013. 10 Tips for Making Self-Evaluations Meaningful. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.cio.com/article/2386859/careers-staffing/careers-staffing-10-tips-for-making-
self-evaluations-meaningful.html>. [Accessed on 15th June, 2016].
Landmark Hotel company profile. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.landmarkhotelgroup.com/pages/company_profile.php#>. [Accessed on 15th
June, 2016].
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