Exploring the Role of Experience-Based Learning in Professional Development

This assignment content consists of a list of academic journals and books that explore various topics related to experiential learning, work-based experiences, and professional development. The articles and books discussed cover themes such as engagement, mindfulness, design thinking, and character strengths in the workplace. Additionally, an online resource on work-based experience is included. Overall, this collection provides a comprehensive overview of research and best practices in experiential learning and its applications.

WORK
PLACEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Researching the industry which can give industry experience .............................................3
1.2 Negotiate with college tutor and the business supervisor ....................................................3
1.3 Recognizing business constraints on experience offered .....................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Prioritizing responsibilities which are involved in work experience ...................................4
2.2 Producing plan for work based experience ..........................................................................5
2.3 Benefits of proposed activities to business and learner ........................................................6
TASK 3 ...........................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Fulfilling placement requirement and complying with code of practices ............................6
3.2 Maintaining the systematic record of work undertaken .......................................................6
3.3 Revising the above plan .......................................................................................................7
3.4 Making suggestions for the improvement ............................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Monitoring progress against original proposal .....................................................................7
4.2 Evaluating quality of own performance ...............................................................................8
4.3 Learning taken place during the experience .........................................................................8
4.4 Making recommendation how experience can be enhanced ................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................10
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Work based experience is considered as a paid or unpaid opportunity which helps the
person to enhance their skills in order to get successful career in the future. There are different
types of work based experience which individuals can have in the form of part-time job,
rendering projects, voluntary work and internship (Pohl, 2010). By considering the above topic
into consideration, organisation undertaken for the present study is 99p store which is a family
run retail business that deals in products like grocery, consumer goods, electrical, etc. This
present document will focus on understanding the roles and responsibility of an individual at
workplace. This report will also showcase the monitoring performance against work so done.
TASK 1
1.1 Researching the industry which can give experience
For getting suitable work experience, I have researched on different UK based retail firms
which will enhance my working experience in this sector. For finding a suitable organisation, I
have collected data from different secondary sources and with that; I came to know different
retail firms that have their effective operations in UK. From all, I have chosen 99p store which in
my sense is the best retail store to work in around because organisation is much dedicated to
satisfy the needs and demands of individuals in an effective manner.
Further, from the research, I have found that working environment in the following
enterprise is also very cooperative and employees work with their best efforts and capability to
achieve their individual and organisational goals and objectives (Stephenson and Yorke, 2013).
My role in the mentioned store will be in a way that store manager which will help me in getting
knowledge of each and every bit of it. Further, theoretical knowledge which I have got in my
study will help me in practically implementing the same so that I will be able to have much
knowledge which I have gained.
1.2 Negotiate with college tutor and the business supervisor
For getting placement in 99p store, I will be in need of negotiating things with my college
tutor and also with supervisor of the mentioned store. In order to do this successfully, I will focus
on different negotiation techniques. Further, for convincing the tutor in order to get placed in 99p
store, I will give him basic information about the corporate so that he will give permission to me

for working in company. Apart from it, I will also convey him the opportunity which I persist
while working in this firm. With this way, I will be able to negotiate with my college tutor.
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On the contrary, with the supervisor of 99p store, I will tell him that I will work with the
highest level of my efforts to achieve organisational goals and objectives. I will also not create
any sort of fraudulent things which influence the performance of corporate. Further, I will also
assure him that working style and practice followed in the mentioned enterprise will not be
leaked to any outside parties or to the competitors (Bakker, 2011). In this way, I will be able to
negotiate things with the supervisor of cited retail firm.
1.3 Recognizing business constraints on experience offered
By getting placement in 99p store, I will be able to learn all the major roles and
responsibilities of a store manager. Further, I will also come to know the way to transact day to
day operations in an effective manner. I will be able to learn things like caring staff and focusing
on their well being, recruitment, workplace scheduling, solving problem and unusual
circumstances, etc. Hence, major aim of working is to get full-fledged information regarding the
work done by store manager in the retail firm (Work based experience, 2016).
However, generally, there exist different constraints which can influence and create
problem in getting the work experience in a positive manner. Major problem is the workload
which exists in this sector (Kolb, 2014). Due to this, I will not be able to get much time from the
trainer so that he can teach me. Because of this, my all doubts of mine relating to the role of store
manager will be unclear.
TASK 2
2.1 Prioritizing responsibilities which are involved in the work experience
There exist many roles and responsibilities which have to be fulfilled by the retail or
general manager of 99p store. I am keen to learn the role of store manager within cited business
venture. I will also focus on learning new tasks and duties on daily basis. Further, I will also
focus on segregating my responsibilities as per the priority of work to be done first. For instance,
main role of store manager is to keep the store clean, to see that whether the shelves and racks
are properly stocked, store is well ventilated and give positive ambience to customers or not, etc
(Ferreira, Sharp and Robinson, 2011). All these tasks will be done on routine basis.
On the other hand, work like to see the safety and security of employees, recruitment,
training and development, etc. will be done by me on non-routine basis. Further, I would like to
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clear all my doubts regarding the position on which I am working in mentioned retail store with
the help of manager.
2.2 Producing plan for work based experience
By having an aim to get specific work experience in the 99p store, I have developed an
effective plan for myself and will consider the same with an aim to schedule the whole task and
duties in an efficient and effective manner (Kuyken and et.al., 2010).
 Firsty, I would like to know the entire information regarding the work done as a store
manager within cited firm with the help of retail manager. This will take approximately 3
weeks.
 On the basis of same, I will start working accordingly which will take almost 2 weeks.
 Further, I will start major activities in the form of recruitment, training and development,
taking feedback from customers, etc. This will also take the duration of 2 weeks.
 Lastly, I will take response from manager regarding the work done in store.
Plan Implementation
Task / Duration in weeks 1 -3 Weeks 4-6 Weeks 7-9 Weeks 10 Weeks
Major information regarding the
work done as a store manager
within cited firm with the help
of retail manager
On the basis of same, I will start
working accordingly
I will start the major activities in
the form of recruitment, training
and development, taking
feedback from customers, etc.
I will take response from the
manager regarding work done in
store.
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2.3 Benefits of proposed activities to business and learner
Activity of getting retail based work experience from 99p store will give immense benefit
to both the learner as well as the business venture. Organisation can get benefit in form of work
done by the candidates by considering the mission and vision of the firm. Further, the individuals
who are gaining work experience from the firm can also give them necessary feedback regarding
the changes firm can implement in order to stabilise their operations and get a competitive edge
over the rival competitors who are working in same industry (Mahmood and Ahmad, 2010).
Considering the same in effective manner, retail store manager can work on the same in
order to improve their efficiency, profits and productivity. Further, I will also get many benefits
apart from the routine work as I will be able to enhance my communication, negotiation,
leadership skills which will help me in my growth and development.
TASK 3
3.1 Fulfilling placement requirement and complying with code of practices
At the time of getting the work based experience in following venture, I will focus on
complying all the placement affiliated code of practices. This placement code of practice states
that individual who is selected in venture should not reveal the confidential information of
organisation to third party. I will follow this strictly and do my work with the best positive
attitude which will enhance firm's performance. Further, I will also focus on following all the
ethical practices which is followed by 99p store.
Further, firm is also following some strict code of conduct which is implemented by the
government body of UK (Coulson and Harvey, 2013). Firm has implemented different acts like
Equal opportunity, sex discrimination, equal pay, etc. so that the interest of workers is not
discriminated.
3.2 Maintaining the systematic record of work undertaken
I have systematically maintained the record which has been given to me at the time of
training in 99p store. At the first day of training, induction session was given which has helped to
know the working of the firm and areas where I will be working. The necessary things which has
been told by manager, I have recorded in my diary. On the second day, core working of store
manager has been told where I have given my best efforts to know each and every bit of the
same.
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Further, a written booklet has also been given by my manager which contains all the
major areas where I will be conducting my operations and also the authority whom I will be
responding. By implementing all these things into practice, I have grasped and gained many a
new thing (Crane and et.al., 2010).
3.3 Revising the above plan
Everything requires a change and therefore, I have also revised my plan which I have
prepared in order to get the work based experience. The plan which has formed earlier states the
basic of my functioning and the things which will focus on. The starting 2 steps were effective
but in 3rd step I would like to modify something and would also like to add something more. I
will focus on learning some core skills with the senior's which will generally he;p in my future
growth and development (Hanington and Martin, 2012.).
I will also focus on getting right feedback from the customers in order to know what was
their experience in the mentioned store. Whether their needs were fulfilled or not. To develop
these skills, 4 weeks will be more required.
3.4 Making suggestions for the improvement
Their exist number of suggestions which is given by my supervisor so that I can improve
my performance in effective manner. Further, I can also take feedback from other employees as
well regarding the work done by me in enterprise since the time of my arrival (Dane, 2013). I can
improve my performance by taking necessary suggestion from customer's that what they are in
need of and what certain changes they want to see in the retail store.
By knowing their perception, I will be able to capitalise on their valuable suggestion and
will focus on giving them utmost satisfaction so that they become loyal customers of enterprise.
With this, firm's sale and revenue will also be enhanced.
TASK 4
4.1 Monitoring progress against original proposal
While working in 99p store, I have monitored my own progress against the original
proposal. The plan which I have developed in above topic will be considered as my original
proposal. Further, for evaluating my own performance, I have taken help of different techniques
which has generally helped me in comparing my performance before and after the training
program (Orr and Simmons, 2010).
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Earlier, I was only having theoretical knowledge regarding the concept of a store
manager, but by implementing the same in mentioned store, I have grasped my skills on the
same. Further, now I have much practical knowledge which will certainly help me in my future
growth and development (McNamara and et.al., 2012). Further, the gantt chart also states that
my performance is also going on the right track.
4.2 Evaluating quality of own performance
I have evaluated the quality of performance which I have rendered in 99p store. I have
found that in order to give firm competitive advantage over the rival competitors, I have to put
much more efforts in quality of working (Gander and et.al., 2012). Further, I have to work on
different other skills as well so that firm get maximum output from my performance.
Although I have much of the knowledge, but still have to focus on learning new things as
what different role staff manager can also play to be productive in the retail venture.
4.3 Learning taken place during the experience
While performing different roles and responsibilities in 99p store, I have enhanced much
of knowledge and cleared my concept as a store manager. Apart from it, I have also learned
many skills which will help in growth and development for my future career. Further, I have also
enhanced my negotiation skills upto great extent. With this skill only I have got placement in the
mentioned retail organisation (Lange, 2014). Further, I have done significant improvement in my
decision making skills. These improvements certainly place a crucial role in my future
development.
4.4 Making recommendation how experience can be enhanced
My experience as a store manager can be definitely increased if I get continuous
supervision and feedback from my manager. By getting their suggestions effectively, I will come
to know that whether I am doing correctly in my job or not. Further, getting valuable suggestion
from the workforce as well I will be able to improve my performance (Morris and Blaney,
2010).
CONCLUSION
From the above document it is clearly evident that work based experience plays an
important role for the individual to enhance their skill by getting practical knowledge in business
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enterprise. This document is also evident of implementing the theoretical knowledge in practicle
manner. While working in 99p store I will enhanced different skills in form of negotiation,
decision making, team working, etc which will help me in my future growth and development.
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REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Bakker, A.B., 2011. An evidence-based model of work engagement. Current Directions in
Psychological Science. 20(4). pp. 265-269.
Coulson, D. and Harvey, M., 2013. Scaffolding student reflection for experience-based learning:
a framework. Teaching in Higher Education. 18(4). pp. 401-413.
Crane, R.S. and et.al., 2010. Training teachers to deliver mindfulness-based interventions:
Learning from the UK experience. Mindfulness, 1(2). pp. 74-86.
Dane, E., 2013. Things seen and unseen: Investigating experience-based qualities of attention in
a dynamic work setting. Organization studies. 34(1). pp. 45-78.
Ferreira, J., Sharp, H. and Robinson, H., 2011. User experience design and agile development:
managing cooperation through articulation work. Software: Practice and Experience.
41(9). pp. 963-974.
Gander, F. and et.al., 2012. The good character at work: An initial study on the contribution of
character strengths in identifying healthy and unhealthy work-related behavior and
experience patterns. International archives of occupational and environmental health.
85(8). pp. 895-904.
Hanington, B. and Martin, B., 2012. Universal methods of design: 100 ways to research complex
problems, develop innovative ideas, and design effective solutions. Rockport Publishers.
Kolb, D.A., 2014. Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.
FT press.
Kuyken, W. and et.al., 2010. How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?. Behaviour
research and therapy. 48(11). pp. 1105-1112.
Lange, J., 2014. Social Enterprise Work Placements: Connecting Competence to International
Management Experience. The Palgrave Handbook of Experiential Learning in
International Business. 322.
Mahmood, N. and Ahmad, Z., 2010. Effects of cooperative learning vs. traditional instruction on
prospective teachers’ learning experience and achievement. Ankara University, Journal of
Faculty of Educational Sciences. 43(1). pp. 151-164.
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McNamara, J. and et.al., 2012. Work-integrated learning as a component of the capstone
experience in undergraduate law. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education. 13(1).
pp. 1-12.
Morris, C. and Blaney, D., 2010. Work‐Based Learning. Understanding medical education:
Evidence, theory and practice. pp. 97-109.
Orr, K. and Simmons, R., 2010. Dual identities: the in‐service teacher trainee experience in the
English further education sector. Journal of Vocational Education & Training. 62(1). pp.
75-88.
Pohl, K., 2010. Requirements engineering: fundamentals, principles, and techniques. Springer
Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Stephenson, J. and Yorke, M., 2013. Capability and quality in higher education. Routledge
Online
Work based experience. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.mid-east.k12.oh.us/Work-BasedExperience.aspx>. [Accessed on 24th June
2016].
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APPENDIX
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