Employability Skills Report: Improving Performance at ASDA Retail

This report delves into the crucial realm of employability skills, focusing on their application within the retail environment of ASDA. The introduction establishes the significance of transferable skills for individual and organizational success, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of a retail store manager's responsibilities, performance objectives, and the strategies to enhance them. The report meticulously examines the manager's self-assessment of skills, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and proposes actionable recommendations for improvement, including training programs, time management techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Furthermore, it explores motivational techniques, addressing solutions to work-based problems, effective communication styles, and time management strategies. The report also examines the roles within a team, team dynamics, and alternative methods for achieving team goals, providing a comprehensive framework for enhancing overall performance and achieving business objectives. This report offers a practical guide for improving skills and boosting overall business success.

Employability Skills
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Own responsibilities and performance objectives.....................................................................3
1.2 Own effectiveness against performance objectives...................................................................4
1.3 Recommendations for improvement..........................................................................................4
1.4 Review of motivational techniques in order to amend performance.........................................4
2.1 Solutions to work based problem...............................................................................................5
2.2 Communicating in a variety of styles in an appropriate manner...............................................5
2.3 Time management strategies......................................................................................................6
3.1 Roles that people play in a team and their working to achieve the shared goals.......................6
3.2 Team dynamics..........................................................................................................................7
3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals.....................................................7
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Tools and methods for developing solutions to problems.........................................................8
4.2 Appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem............................................................8
4.3 Potential impact on business of implementing the strategy.......................................................8
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................11
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INTRODUCTION
Employability skills are those proficiencies that are necessary for every individual to work in
the organization. These kinds of skills can be transferred among people in order to improve their
capability. In this support, it can be said that these kinds of skills provide better understanding about
the need of qualification so that responsibilities of participant’s job can be accomplished in a better
way (Albahussain, 2006). It is necessary for every individual to have enough skills and expertise to
match up with the business environment.
This report will focus on the work culture of ASDA in order to have better understanding about
the concepts of employability skills. It will focus on various techniques in order to have effective
determination of responsibilities and performance. It focuses on the key factors which can facilitate in
the development of interpersonal and transferable skills. It will also have spot light on the key factors
which can impact the working of individuals in a team. Furthermore, it will also focus on effective
development of various ways and strategies that are beneficial to overcome the issues and will lead
business to impressive success.
TASK 1
1.1 Own responsibilities and performance objectives
Being a retail store manager at ASDA, it is necessary for me to have clear understanding about
my responsibilities so that goals can be accomplished in an effective manner. In support of this, it is
necessary for me to have improved execution of all actions so that the best quality of retail services can
be provided to customers. It is essential for me to ensure that the goods and services provided to
customers are according to their needs and expectations so that business can have impressive success
(Beasley, 2004). Being a retail store manager, I have number of tasks to be performed. So, it is also
significant for me to have proper allocation of resources and time in order to accomplish all tasks in the
most desired manner. Moreover, it is also essential for me to have improved focus on my performance
related objectives so that I can have career opportunities as I want to become the area manager of
ASDA (Luo, 2009). In order to have effective accomplishment of this objective, it is significant for me
to make sure that the quality of services provided to guests is premium and executives are assisting the
users as per their desires.
Other than this, it is also one of my responsibilities to have effective coordination with sales
manager and other departments so that business operational actions can be measured effectually.
Numbers of customer service codes are also needed to consider for customer satisfaction and for
contributing effectively in various activities (Russell, 2012). Moreover, in order to have effective
accomplishment of performance objectives, it is necessary for me to have enhanced focus on total
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quality management tool and techniques as it will enhance the effectiveness of services and will lead
business to impressive success. Improvement in services of store will also facilitate me to attain meet
my performance objectives.
1.2 Own effectiveness against performance objectives
In order to have effective accomplishment of performance objectives, it is necessary for me to
have improved focus on the development of personal skills. Numbers of skills are required in order to
meet my performance objectives. In this respect, it can also be stated that I have good knowledge about
computer skills which facilitates me in effective arrangement of information regarding store and
products. I also have good communication skills which helped me to have better communication with
all my colleagues and subordinates (David, 2009). I can easily share my ideas with my team members
with an assistance of communication skills. It also assists in dealing with number of customers so that I
can meet their needs in a proper way. I am also capable of doing work in a team which facilitates me to
accomplish my task in a better way. I am also good at leadership which assists me to accomplish my
goals in an effective manner and would lead my team to get developed (Henderson, 2011). The key
barrier in this is lack of problem solving skills, time management skills and motivational skills.
1.3 Recommendations for improvement
In order to have improvement in skills, the retail manager of ASDA can focus on number of
actions which can amend its services. It is necessary for the manager to have improved focus on
training and development program so that skills can be developed in a better way. Moreover, the
management can also focus on conferences and group discussion in order to amend the time
management and motivational skills (Baker, 2010). Professional can also focus on various time
management techniques such as listing in order to enhance the effectiveness of time management
skills. Other than this, retail manager can also access the number of sources to amend the time
management and motivational skills. The classification of sources can be as watching videos, reading
books and journals, etc. At last, it can be stated that the number of case studies can also be referred by
the manager in order to have improvement in problem solving skills (Holbeche, 2009).
1.4 Review of motivational techniques in order to amend performance
It has been identified that there are number of ways which can be used by ASDA in order to
amend the services and to overcome the key issues. In this respect, retail manager can focus on various
motivational techniques in order to have improvement. In order to meet the performance objectives, it
is necessary for the manager to have various skills. Moreover, organization can focus on financial
motivational techniques in order to amend the performance of manager (Houston, 2005). Firm can
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provide monetary benefits to the manager on effective accomplishment of goals or tasks. It will
increase the morale of employees and would prompt them to make fruitful efforts. Financial incentives
can be provided in the form of bonus, medical reimbursements, etc. (Leat, 2012).
Other than this, factors like status, recognition, participation, job security, etc. can also help in
the improvement so that personal and professional objectives can be met in a proper way. If an
individual is having improved focus on these kinds of factors then he will feel satisfied and accomplish
the goals in the most appropriate manner. Work performance can also be enhanced by giving them
more challenging tasks on the basis of experience and skills.
2.1 Solutions to work based problem
Management of ASDA faces number of problems which impacts the overall operational actions.
It has been spotted that the workers are not having effective concentration on their work which is
impacting the quality of retail services in a negative manner (McQueen, 2005). Employees are not
having improved level of coordination which also influences the overall activities of business. In order
to overcome these issues, it is necessary for the management to focus on few steps such as
identification of issue, assessment of issue, formulation of standards and implementation.
In this support, it can be stated that management will firstly identify the key reason behind the
issue so that business can reduce its impact in a negative manner. It will also make the firm understand
about the key factors which affect the overall operational activities. The issues will be analysed in an
appropriate manner so that business can overcome those conflicts. In this, number of strategies will
also be analysed as per the needs of business (Baker, 2010). In the third stage, number of standards will
be formulated as per the consideration of needs in order to defeat the issues. It will facilitate
management to lead the business towards impressive success. Furthermore, environment conditions
can also be improved in order to provide satisfaction to employees (Griffin, 2013). Company can also
focus on communication channels and would improve the internal communication system.
2.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner
Communication plays a key role in the success of organization. So, it is necessary for ASDA to
have improved communication system. The diverse styles of communication are present which can be
adopted by the firm at different levels. In support of this, it can be said that the manager can focus on
informal environment or communication when he is having conversation with an employee in any
party or place other than workplace. Moreover, the email conversation can also be used by the retail
manager of ASDA when he or she wants to convey an official message with colleagues and
subordinates (Orner, 2009). He can easily have effective identification of employee’s needs by
focusing on various verbal communication channels such as meetings and group discussion. The
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manager can communicate with employees and ask them about the key issues which is impacting their
work performance. In order to flow the information about training and development session and
organizational policies, the management can use the way of email (Poon, 2012). It will convey the
message in an appropriate manner and would help the organization to meet its goals.
2.3 Time management strategies
It has been spotted that there are number of time management strategies which can be adopted
by the management of ASDA in order to have improvement in the organizational process. The
classification of time management strategies can be as setting up priorities, time scheduling and avoid
multitasking. In this respect, it can be said that the manager of ASDA can have effective allocation of
all its activities by listing them with consideration of their priorities (Rao, 2014). The most prior
activity will have more time so that goals can be accomplished in an effective manner. It is also
necessary for the manager to have focus on time scheduling approach in order to have better
development. In this, manager will have decision regarding the allocation of time to each activity (Yen,
2008). Here, manager will decide the time that he is going to spend on each activity so that work can
be managed in a suitable manner. Moreover, in the support of avoiding multitasking, it is also
necessary for business organization to become ensured that he is not performing multiple tasks at a
time. Improper time allocation in multitasking affects the effectiveness of operations.
3.1 Roles people play in a team and their working to achieve shared goals
There are number of roles which are needed to be performed while working in a team so that
goals can be accomplished in a better way. It is necessary for the team members to have improved
focus on collective working so that shared goals can be accomplished in an appropriate manner while
working in a team. With an improved focus on different roles of members, company can also have
effective measurement of team member’s behaviour towards work (Sanders, 2004).
Shaper: It is a person in a team who focuses more on accepting challenges as it increases the
level of morale and facilitate in the development of skills. It has a positive impact on the overall
performance of organization thus; group goals can be met easily. These kinds of people have improved
focus on extrovert, dynamic, manipulator and stimulator factors in order to meet the objectives (Rao,
2014). These individuals also take challenges as new exciting opportunities which will amend their
skills for effective development.
Implementer: It is an individual in a team who makes sure that the plans and strategies are
properly developed as per the needs of organization. He also ensures that whether the designed policies
and plans are properly implemented and followed by the team members in order to have effective
accomplishment of team goals or not (Jackson, 2014).
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Coordinator: He is an individual who have key motive to coordinate with other members so
that efficiency in teamwork can be enhanced. In this support, it can be said that chairperson of ASDA
can be considered as a coordinator as he provides number of guidelines to the team members. He also
encourages the team members so that performance of team can be improved for better achievement of
organizational objectives (European commission, 2010).
3.2 Team dynamics
It is necessary for every organization to have improved focus on team dynamics as it plays a
key role in its success. It has been spotted that the group dynamics can be changed with changes in
time and skills of individuals. If the skills of individuals would have been increased then it will have a
positive impact on the behaviour of team members (Communication, 2014). In support of this, it can
be said that the team dynamics of ASDA is not much effective and staff members are not performing
their work in a proper manner. It has impacted the overall performance of organization. Moreover, few
members within team are not having proper communication skills which create miscommunication
within team. It impacts the flow of information and lead business to some negative outcomes
(European commission, 2010). It has also been spotted within team dynamic evaluation that some of
the employees have personal disputes which influence the overall organizational performance. In group
meetings, due to personal disputes, the members generally disagree with other’s perception or idea
without any reason.
3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals
Teamwork plays a key role in the success of every organization. Thus, it is necessary for the
business firm to have improved focus on some alternative ways which can improve the effectiveness of
teamwork. With an assistance of participative leadership, management can motivate its members so
that performance can be improved in order to have better accomplishment of goals. It is a one of the
most critical aspects which can enhance the morale of employees (Jackson, 2014). In this, manager will
ask its subordinates for effective participation in the decision making process that will provide number
of innovative ways to overcome the issues. It also increases the morale of employees because it makes
them feel valued. Moreover, with an assistance of this leadership style, the retail manager can easily
share his responsibilities and duties with other members so that they would have effective participation
in diverse managerial tasks. It will also enhance the quality of work by modifying the work
environment through healthy practices (Rao, 2014).
Other than this, manager of ASDA can also focus on communication in order to have better
interaction with all team members. The improvement in internal and external factor will provide
correct information about diverse factors and would reduce the chances of miscommunication.
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TASK 2
4.1 Tools and methods for developing solutions to problems
It has been identified that there are number of problems which are impacting the overall
performance of ASDA. In this respect, it is necessary for the management to have improved focus on
various tools and methods which can assist in effective development of ways in order to overcome the
issues. The classification of methods can be like employee review, group assessment and risk
assessment (Sanders, 2004). In the support of employee review, it can be said that the employees are
one of great sources who can provide correct information about the issues and key factors. It is because
they have day to day interaction with customers so they can provide correct information about
customer’s needs which is beneficial for the sustainable improvement. Management can have group
discussion with all the members so that issues can be identified in a better way and find out new ways
which can resolve those issues (Yen, 2008). Moreover, the management can also observe day to day
actions of employees in order to have effective assessment of business activities. It will facilitate in the
effective identification of issues and would render the most suitable way to reduce its effectiveness.
4.2 Appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem
As per the above discussion, it has been spotted that ASDA is facing key issues due to personal
conflicts between all team members and the communication system. It is impacting the overall
performance of organization and leading business to some critical issues. It has also been spotted that
the lack of communication is creating number of miscommunication incidences within organization
(Rao, 2014). In order to overcome the communication issues, management can focus on various
communication techniques. It will amend the communication system’s effectiveness and would help in
overcoming the issues in a suitable manner. Other than this, company can also have transfer of
employees so that work environment can be changed. It will also facilitate in the resolution of various
issues which impact the overall performance (Poon, 2012).
4.3 Potential impact on business of implementing the strategy
The improved focus on implementation of strategies will have a great positive impact on the
operational development. With an assistance of transfer technique, company can reduce the issues
regarding gossips and personal disputes among team members. The strategies will improve the
performance of employees and improve their focus on providing better services to the customers
(Orner, 2009). It will amend the success level of organization and would provide satisfaction among
employees. In the support of this, it can be said that the work place environment can also be improved
which is beneficial for the enhanced level of success factors.
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C.V.
Name: Xyz....
Age: Xyz...
Contact: XXXXXXXXXX....
Career objective:
To present my skills in the optimised way with an improved focus on transformation in fast
moving world.
Qualification:
 Graduation in business management.
 Diploma in marketing. Masters in business administration.
Skills:
 Good communication skills
 Self motivated
 Basic computing skills Time management skills
Hobbies:
 Music
 Sketching Reading
Career achievements:
I have participated in marketing conference which is arranged by all the retail firms of UK.
Work experience:
 Worked as sales executive for 2 years in Tesco
 1 year experience as a store manager in Walmart
Application letter
To,
HR department of ASDA.
Subject: Job application for area manager
Respected sir/madam,
I have acknowledged that ASDA is looking for its new area manager and I think I can meet the
organizational needs. The requirements of job profile meet with my characteristics so I would like to
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join ASDA as an area manager. I have also attached my C.V. with the job application.
Thanks and Regards,
XYZ.....
CONCLUSION
As per above study, it can be said that the employability skills play a key role in the success of
every organization so, it is necessary for the manager of ASDA to have effective interpersonal skills. In
other words, it can be said that the employability skills must be developed within ASDA and its
employees so that business can gain impressive success. It has also been spotted that the organization
is facing number of issues which are having the direct negative impact on its overall performance. In
this respect, it is important for the management of firm to have improved focus on various alternative
ways to resolve the issues. The classification of alternative ways can be like communication methods,
training and development as well as transfer of employees to reduce the personal disputes that can be
adopted by the organization in order to run in the long run with sustainability.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Albahussain, A. S., 2006. Employability Skills Required by Private Saudi Employers and the Role of
Higher Education System in Delivering Them: A Field Study. Journal of Economic and
Administrative Sciences. 22(1). pp.1 – 24
Baker, G., 2010. Promoting employability skills development in a research-intensive university.
Education + Training. 52(1). pp. 62–75.
Beasley, T., 2004. The characteristics of performance management research: Implications and
challenges. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management. 53(4). pp.
334–344
David, L., 2009. Human Resource Management, India: Pearson Education.
Griffin, M., 2013. Employability skills in practice: the case of manufacturing education in Mississippi.
International Journal of Training and Development. 17(3). pp. 221-232.
Henderson, A., 2011. Developing Learning Professionals: Integrating Experiences in University and
Practice Settings. Springer.
Holbeche, L., 2009. Aligning Human Resources and Business Strategy. Routledge.
Houston, D., 2005. Employability, skills mismatch and spatial mismatch in metropolitan labour
markets. Urban Studies. 42(2).pp 221-243.
Jackson, D., 2014. Self-assessment of employability skill outcomes among undergraduates and
alignment with academic ratings. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education. 39(1). pp.53-
7.
Leat, M., 2012. Exploring Employee Relations. Routledge.
Luo, Y., 2009. Matching organizational justice with employment modes: Strategic human resource
management perspective. Journal of Technology Management in China. 4(2). pp.180-187.
McQueen, R. W., 2005. The concept of employability. Urban studies. 42(2).pp 197-219.
Orner, M. M., 2009. Employability Skill Acquisition of Career and Technical Education Students.
Duquesne University.
Poon, J., 2012. Real estate graduates’ employability skills: The perspective of human resource
managers of surveying firms. Property Management. 30(5). pp. 416–434.
Rao, M. S., 2014. Enhancing employability in engineering and management students through soft
skills. Industrial and Commercial Training. 46(1). pp. 42–48.
Russell, M., 2012. Employability skills development: strategy, evaluation and impact. Higher
Education, Skills and Work-based Learning. 2(1). pp.33 – 44.
Sanders, J., 2004. Training, task flexibility and the employability of low‐skilled workers. International
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Journal of Manpower. 25(1). pp. 73 – 89.
Yen, F. Y., 2008. A model to explore the mystery between organizations' downsizing strategies and firm
performance: Integrating the perspectives of organizational change, strategy and strategic
human resource management. Journal of Organizational Change Management. 21(3). pp. 367-
384.
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<http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/interpersonal-skills-in-the-workplace-examples-
and-importance.html#lesson>. [Accessed on 30th October 2015].
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