Arden University BUS3003: Academic Skills Audit and Action Plan

This assignment presents a student's self-assessment of their academic and professional skills, conducted as part of the BUS3003 module at Arden University. The student completed a skills audit, evaluating their proficiency in various areas such as information, planning/writing, independent study, and IT skills. They identified their strengths, particularly in communication and interpersonal skills, and pinpointed areas for improvement, including team working, time management, and technical skills. The assignment includes a detailed action plan outlining steps to enhance these areas, specifying actions, and timelines for improvement. The student aims to enhance their team working, time management and technical skills. This document provides valuable insights into self-assessment and the development of academic and professional capabilities.

BUS3003: Academic Skills Practice
1: Draft Formative Task Submission
During this module, you will study nine key topics. You will then complete the following tasks which
are linked to the Learning Outcomes for this module. This will make up your portfolio of evidence.
You will have the opportunity to revise your work throughout the module before submission of the
final portfolio submission.
TASK 1: Introduction to Academic Study Skills
`,. / 7˙ ´Complete the Skills Audit provided.
Academic Skills Audit - Self Evaluation Checklist
Find below is a list of the skills that you will need to facilitate your studies at university level and in your
professional career. Tick (✓) the appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you think you can
do them.
You can discuss some of these skills in your Writing Task 4 (reflective writing) in Part A of your portfolio.
Skills Choose the appropriate response based on your level
of proficiency
Information skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can
partially
do this
Can do
this
well
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Evaluate the credibility of sources ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Cite sources using AU Harvard ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create a reference list using AU Harvard ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Maintain Academic Integrity ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Planning / writing skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can
partially
do this
Can do
this
well
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Reflective writing ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Informal and Academic writing ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction & conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Independent study skills
Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Work independently (without tutors) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use effective note taking method ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use effective time management method ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Navigate iLearn to find resources ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use PowerPoint ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Create a list of your strengths and areas of improvement, with reference to Arden University’s Graduate Attributes
(as show in Session 1).
communication skill- This is my strength which makes me capable in communicating effectively and
exchanging of information & thoughts. This skill helps me in leadership as by making better communication. This skill is
needed by me in order communicate with different people and helps ion resolving conflicts.
Interpersonal skills- I am good in this skill which is strength for me as this provides the opportunity in
understanding needs and requirements of other people. This skill helps in interaction and communicating with others
which builds effective relationships.
Areas of Improvement
Team working skill- I want to develop this skill as it is important to work in team together with other
members as everyone have different opinions in which I lack to organize work effectively.
Time management skill- This is my improvement ares in which I am lacking for completing my all important
task on time.
Technical skills- This skill is threat for me as I not good enough to work with tools and software. This skill is
needed to perform practical tasks in several areas of technology, arts etc.
What are three key things you can do to improve the areas of improvement identified?
 To improve the team working skill I will clarify goals, establishing team rules and purposes, exercising
together.
 To improve time management skill I will make schedules, making priorities for important task.
 To improve technical skill I will take course of three moths.
Design a short action plan of how you would improve these areas in the short, medium and long term.
SKILLS Importance of key areas Actions to improve areas Time scale
Team working skill This is important which
helps in working together
with collaboration.
The positive mindset.
Managing time effectively,
establishing of rules all this
helps in developing skills.
2 months
Time management skill This skill is important for
completing the task in
effective way.
By making schedules and
giving time to important
task will helps in
development.
4 to 6 months.
Technical skill This is important in the
business which helps me to
perform jobs successfully by
acquiring knowledge on
software.
I will identify my favorite
tech related media outlets,
reading online tutorials,
taking classes, working on
software to enhance my
technical knowledge.
1 to 2 years