FdSc Business Management BAM4008: Personal Development Portfolio

This portfolio provides evidence of personal and academic development within an FdSc Business Management program. It includes goal setting using Brian's seven-step method and the CREAM strategy (Creativity, Reflective, Effective, Active, Motivated). The VARK model (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) is used to assess learning preferences. The portfolio also reflects on the importance of teamwork, referencing Tuckman's team development theory. The document further includes reflective statements on becoming an effective business management student and how the module assists in achieving personal and future success. Two models of academic and personal development are explained to show improvement in learning. Desklib provides students access to similar solved assignments and resources.

FdSc Business Management
BAM4008
Academic and Personal Development Plan
Assessment 1
Personal Development Portfolio

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................3
Portfolio evidence (1)....................................................................................................3
Goal Setting:-................................................................................................................3
Seven goals created by BRIAN:-..................................................................................3
Portfolio evidence (2)....................................................................................................4
Portfolio evidence (3)....................................................................................................5
VARK Model:-...............................................................................................................6
Portfolio evidence (4)....................................................................................................7
Teamwork..................................................................................................................7
Role of teamwork importance of teamwork:.............................................................7
Reflective statement (including 2 x models).................................................................8
Reflect on being an effective student of Business Management in higher
education...................................................................................................................8
Reflect on how acquisition of skills through completion of this module would assist
me to achieve personal and future success.............................................................9
Explanation of two models of academic and personal development and how this has
improved my learning. ...............................................................................................10
Model 1 ...............................................................................................................10
Model 2................................................................................................................11
Reference List: ...........................................................................................................11

Introduction
Professional development refers to developing an individual in the role to understand
the job and the ways to improve it(Muszkat-Barkan, 2022). This will continue throughout the
working life and it includes enhancement of necessary skills to do the role effectively. It
involves knowledge and understanding the field of expertise. Personal and professional
development includes skills needed to accomplish the desired results. It is improving the
skills both in workplace and out of workplace. Through understanding is necessary of what
you want to achieve and how to attain it can develop the skills. When an individual is able to
determine the wants then they will work towards personal and professional development.
This report focuses on the goal setting and how Brian seven steps helps in achieving the goal,
what is CREAM strategy and how it can be used, what is learning preference and the way
individual uses this preference. This is explained through VARK model as different people
have various perception of understanding.
Portfolio evidence (1)
Goal Setting:-
It defines as an activity of selecting the objective an individual want to accomplish. It
involves preparation of action plan that are designed to motivate and guide a person towards

achieving a goal(Kuenze and et. al., 2021). Setting goal means person has committed their
feelings and action to attain that object.
Seven goals created by BRIAN:-
Brian has created seven step success formula that anyone can use it and achieve the
goals accordingly. The seven goals is as follows:-
 Decide what you want:- The first step is an individual should decide what they
want in life. It is necessary because without deciding individual does not achieve
anything in life.
 Write it down:- After deciding individual should write it down in detail and clearly.
If the goal is not written it is actually not a goal. It is just a wish and no efforts
behind it. This step increases the chances of achieving goal. Without writing it is just
an imagination in your mind and if the individual wants to achieve the goal then they
have to write it down.
 Set a deadline:- Individual should set a deadline for their goal. Deadline acts as an
forcing system in their mind. This motivates individuals to do the required things to
make goal comes true.
 Make a list:- Individual should make a list of all the things that they are going to do
to achieve the goal. They should write the activities that comes to their mind until
the list is complete.
 Organize your list:- Manage the list so prepared into plan. Individual have to decide
what they have to do first and so on. Decide what is important and what is not
important. Then write down the plan the same way the blueprint should create.
 Take action:- In this step individual should take actions on their plans. They have to
do something and keep doing but keeps them busy. Without taking action individual
cannot achieve the desired goal.
 Do something everyday:- Individual should do something every single day to
achieve their goal. They should develop a decision to do something that moves them
to attain their goal. The little efforts that individual makes on daily basis will lead
them to the path of achieving the goal.
Portfolio evidence (2)
CREAM Strategy:-

It is a helpful strategy in learning for students. This strategy helps in enhancing the
skills for study and form their studies effective. This helps the individual to become a
successful learner. CREAM stands for Creativity, Reflective, Effective, active and motivated.
This strategy is summarised below:-
 Creativity:- This strategy is helpful in enhancing creativity. Individual have to
develop new ideas and should enhance imaginations all the time. This helps them in
making learning pleasant. This also makes the work more flexible(Nash and et. al.,
2018). Creative person has confidence of using their own styles rather copying other
person style. To be creative always brain storm individually and always sketch your
ideas on a piece of paper. This makes the individual stand out of the gathering.
 Reflective:- This will help the individual in evaluating what they have attained. The
person should learn from their past experiences and should apply them in future. They
should learn from their mistakes and try to avoid them. Always try to show positive
attitude to show on others positively.
 Effectiveness:- An effective person organises his time, space and priority. Effective
person should set their priorities. Effective skills must be practised to organise and to
improve learning skills. Also use of resources and technology to maximum benefits.
To be effective one should always be determined. They should try to take full
advantage of their time.
 Active:- This means individual should involve themselves personally in work. They
should take part in projects, make group discussions, do research and keep moving to
attain desired results actively. They should engaged physically and mentally. They
should have their own vision and attempt to make it happen.
 Motivated:- To be an motivated person one should always try to make learning fun
and interesting. Motivated person always try to achieve goals. They should always
think about goals and keep on working and promote themselves to do the best. They
should be clear about their outcomes to be achieved. This strategy helps the individual
to do better and always think positive.
Portfolio evidence (3)
Learning preferences
It is all about how people learn. Various people learn in different preferences to
acquire new skills and knowledge. It can also be used to know the strengths and use them to

improve learning. People don't have a single style rather they use various styles in different
situations. The individual communicate with one other and interpret communication depends
on the way someone precesses(Folts, 2018). It is important that person should understand
how they learns best and after understanding they should utilise that to enhance the preferred
learning. This will give imagination how they will react in certain situations. Some
individuals think creatively and some thinks analytically.
VARK Model:-
This model classified as the four types of learning preferences. VARK stands for
Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic. Individual have a personalised experience of
gaining knowledge and it helps in effective learning. Different learning tools makes the
learners excitement and making the experience more attractive(Silva and et. al., 2020). They
are likely to become more active. This model provides learner flexibility to fit in the learning
environment. The model is summarised below:-
 Visual:- This preference depicts the information in maps, charts, diagrams, graphs, all
the arrows and other devices the people use to represent that could present in words.
This mode also be called as graphic because what it covers it better explains. It does
not includes pictures, videos, movies and power point. It is a graphical representation
of information. Individual rely on graphics, videos and written information to increase
knowledge(Singh and et. al., 2021). A person with visual content would grasp better
when something is written on paper as an explanation. It is the least common
preference.
 Aural:- This mode provides a preference for information that is heard. Learners who
have this preference report that they learn best from lectures, group discussion, radio,
mobile phone, speaking etc. This preference includes talking out loud or talking with
self. Other people in this preference wants to sort things by speaking rather than
sorting with ideas and then speaking. These learner pay attention to what other has to
say and collect new inputs just by listening. These people benefited from group
discussion as ideas are shared out loud.
 Read/Write:- In this preference information is displayed as words. Many learners
have strong preference for this mode. Learner should be able to write and read well.
People who opt this mode often habitual to power point, internet, list, diaries,
dictionary etc. when information presented in text format these learners opt to learn
new information. They also prefer taking notes and reading them to understand the

information provided to them in the discussion or in meetings(Tabatabei, 2018). This
preference is common among students and teachers.
 Kinesthetic:- This means learning through the senses in the variety of experiences
and daily practices. The persons who opt this preference are connected to reality. If
the information is given to them they learn better. They opt for trial and error method
of learning and learn through the mistakes. They learn from all their senses to
interpret. They do best when they are able to select hands on approach. People with
this form learn from the experience of doing something and also value their own
background of experiences. Doing an activity can be the easiest manner for them to
acquire. The best way to render new information to this kind of learner is through
personal experience and practice.
Portfolio evidence (4)
Teamwork
It is a process of working together with individuals in a group to complete a task or achieve
organizational objectives. Team work is often a crucial part of a business as it is essential for
fellow worker to work together and trying their best in any circumstances. Teamwork refers
to the people who try to cooperate by using their respective skills and provide creative
feedback despite of any conflict between them.
Role of teamwork importance of teamwork:
Teamwork plays an important role in an organization because people share their experiences
and know hows by working together where they can come to strategic and creative output or
solutions. Every employee brings different perspective, skills and multiple viewpoint that
helps the firm to find strategic concept to innovate constantly in today's fast paced world. So
here are the reasons of team working that are depicted below:
New and innovative ideas: Collaboration assists in bringing fresh and innovative ideas to
compete with the competitors. A unique perspective of group of people benefit the company
because of their different skills and experiences level where multiple voices are heard to
encourage or create perspective.
Problem solving: Team work helps group of people to solve difficult problems because each
member gets a lot of opportunities to exchange their ideas and come up with creative ways of

doing things. By working together, teams can find the best solution to work through
brainstorming.
Supportive: Team work creates a system to ensure that deadlines are met by providing high
quality work. When one members falls behind then other team members pick up the other
pieces. The work is divides among the team members to get it done faster and operate the
overall business more efficiently.
Builds morale: The cooperation of members boost the morale, confidence and build trust in a
team members because they offer different ideas which help them to improve their
productivity and efficiency. Each member has something special to offer whereby they feel a
strong sense of belonging and deep commitment to each other for attaining a conman goal.
Tuckman team theory
This is a model which explains the development of team members that focuses on the ways in
which a team is able to tackle the tasks from initial formation to the completion of the project.
Tuck man theory is relevant to team building challenges where he added some phases for
development which are mention as below:
Forming: This is a initial stage of team development where members are independent and get
busy in finding their place in a team. They members feel ambiguous and avoid conflict in
order to be selected in a group.
Storming: In this stage tasks are organized for which suggestions are given by the team
members that may also surface interpersonal conflict. Leadership , power and structural
issues dominate this stage.
Norming: After facing storming phase, the member move towards the norming phase to
work harmonious practices with team, agreeing on the rules and values by they operate. In
this situation the team begins to trust themselves as they accept the vital contribution of each
members of a team.
Performing: True independence is the norm of this stage of group development. The team is
flexible as individuals adapt to meet the needs of other team member. This is a highly
productive stage of personal and professional development.
Reflective statement (including 2 x models)

Reflect on being an effective student of Business Management in
higher education.
With the education of management, the skills of leadership and management can be
generated which aids the students to shape their career in the field of marketing. Further with
help of professional growth the self confidence of the student gets boost up which technically
lessens their dependability on others. It also helps in improving the confidence as well as
knowledge of an individual(Blum, 2018). But on the other side the lack of such skills can
hamper the growth of the individual. Moreover, such knowledge and skills must be relevant
as well as current. By this the workers gets updated with the movements of price and the
tasks of attaining the objectives becomes more easier. Further, I being an student of
marketing stand very concerned for my performances with respect to my academics reason
being I believe that higher education in the respective area plays a very major role in the
professional development. It also play major role for addressing the opportunities that come
along and also helps in learning the new skills which at later stage helps the individual in
excel;ling his field. In the following project it has been ascertained that there lies several
factors which stands helpful in my personal and professional development. Some of the major
things whi9ch has been analyzed by me are as here. It helps in determining the require
efforts. Also it provides assistance for setting the goals and further their achievements. It also
aids in increasing the knowledge of an individual along with learning professional talents.
Moreover, as an student in higher studies I have to keep my focus on mini9mizing my
weaknesses and building and strengths so that it can help in removing the upcoming barriers.
Also the ascertainment of said strengths and weaknesses can also be done with the help of
personal analysis. My strengths can be of good leadership skills as well as skills of effective
communication. My weaknesses can be the completion of projects on time. Further the
opportunities can be the learning new and advanced technologies to excel in my field. And
the is the threats, is that I lack at the usage of computer and its system.
Reflect on how acquisition of skills through completion of this
module would assist me to achieve personal and future success.
From the module it can be observed that the for every person in order to get succeed
must attain certain required skills and talents. Also one is required to examine the same so
that they can be subjected to modifications on timely basis. Further, mainly with respect to

the students they are required to have the positive approach as well as attitude in order to
achieve their desired goals on timely manner. Also students must try to form a connection
with the people having different backgrounds so that they can inculcate the knowledge and
thoughts of different backgrounds. Further the students who aims of achieving the success are
required and must evolve various skills and must also examine the fact that what they wants
to achieve so that the knowledge can be acquired accordingly. Also it is expected from the
students that they must demonstrate such actions which can aid the4m in wining the in order
to acquire the goals. Moreover I have also analyzed that there is required a proper plan based
on the aspect of personal development in order to acquire these skills. There are certain skills
which are subjected to certain improvements by me for the effective achievements of the
goals.
The very first being the skill of decision making, where it is required by the learners
to enhance their powers and ability of decision making. The other is of creating an optimistic
attitude, here the learners are require to have a positive approach while maintaining the strong
relation with other people of the organization. Further, with respect to the interpersonal skills,
the learners must have the good communication skills reason being it also helps in learning
the new procedures, theories, etc(Lillemoe and et. al., 2020). Further the last is of the
management abilities, where it is required for the learners to manage their time in effective
manner as it is the primary ground for ensuring the success.
Explanation of two models of academic and personal
development and how this has improved my
learning.
Model 1
VARK learning style, where by this model specifies the four categories with
respect to the learning which are the visual, listening, reading and kinetic. The said model
helps in enhancing the personal growth of the students. Further, the first being the visual
learners, by this approach the students who possess interest in visual medium shifts their
places to the foremost rows of the gathering. It is comprises of forms such as charts,

diagrams, color notes, etc. in audio learners, the learners comparatively pay more attention to
the speech as well as to the sound which can benefit them. In the other category which is of
the read/ write learners, usually the learners who are more into research tends to acquire this
learning style reason being they need to communicate via their writings. The last is of
Kinesthetic learners, generally comprises of the hands on learning. Also it has been observed
that learners as well teachers are required to be active so that they must inculcate Kinesthetic
learning styles. Therefore with the help of this model it helps in effective learning and thus
achieving of goals.
Model 2
With the help of personal growth model by the Mind Elevator which depicts the five
key processes relating to the personal self improvement which comprises of the action,
outcome, belief, plan, and assessments. With the application of this model it can be very well
ascertained that what improvements are required by the individual. This model also aids with
the aspects of personal learning as well as professional development. The very first aspect
which is of belief is the stage where certain new things are explored and then for the same
goals are set. The other is of the plan, in which it is required to outline the appropriate
strategies and policies for the effective learning. Here the plans are need to be formulated in
such a way by which the goals can be achieved. The other is of action It is considered as a
vital step in taking proper actions towards the achievement of goals because it also involves
responsibilities. I also need to have mentoring programs for making my plans beneficial for
me by completing them step by step. The last aspect is of review, where after receiving the
results, the review of the work is conducted in order to regain the model of personal growth
and development.
Reference List:
Blum, N.R., 2018. Professional development groups help physicians; why not
veterinarians?. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 253(6).
pp.704-708.
Folts, L., 2018. Student Learning Preferences in Nontraditional Degree Programs: A Look
toward the Future of Higher Education in America. Texas A&M University-
Commerce.
Kuenze, C. and et. al., 2021. Feasibility of a Wearable-Based Physical Activity Goal-Setting
Intervention Among Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Reconstruction. Journal of Athletic Training. 56(6). pp.555-564.

Lillemoe, H.A. and et. al., 2020. A preoperative educational time-out is associated with
improved resident goal setting and strengthens educational experiences. Journal of
Surgical Education. 77(1). pp.18-26.
Muszkat-Barkan, M., 2022. “Side by Side”: Nurturing Local Intercultural Competence in a
Professional Development Program for Palestinian¹ and Jewish Teachers. Teachers
College Record. 124(2).
Nash, M. and et. al., 2018. Learning biology through creative representation. Teaching
Science. 64(4). pp.32-39.
Silva, J.M. and et. al., 2020. Visual Diagnostic Strategy: Design Learning Strategy.
In Handbook of Research on Driving Industrial Competitiveness With Innovative
Design Principles (pp. 277-287). IGI Global.
Singh, P. and et. al., 2021, October. From Learning Styles to Multiple Modalities in the
Teaching of Computer and Information Literacy to First Year Students from Diverse
Backgrounds. In The 2018 International Conference on Digital Science (pp. 95-
106). Springer, Cham.
Tabatabei, E., 2018. Innovative, creative VARK learning styles improvement
strategies. Global Journal Of Foreign Language Teaching. 8(3). pp.87-93.