Employability Skills Analysis: Arcadia Group's Performance

This report provides a detailed analysis of employability skills within the Arcadia Group, focusing on the responsibilities and performance of employees. It examines the role of an HR manager, including recruitment, selection, and employee management, and evaluates performance against set objectives. The report explores motivational processes, time management policies, and team dynamics, offering solutions to work-based problems and recommendations for improvement. It emphasizes the importance of communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning in enhancing business performance. The study also delves into tools and techniques for problem-solving, and the influence of strategy on business corporations. The report concludes with a review of how motivational processes can be used to improve performance quality and the significance of employee satisfaction. The report is aimed at providing insights for business enhancement.

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
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Executive Summary
The study focuses on employability skills of employees of an organisation and in what way, such
skills assists in bringing reformation in work structure. It shows that there are certain
responsibilities that need to be followed by employees in order to attain good performance in the
business sector. The effectiveness of those responsibilities of employees is clearly described in
the course of this study. In order to make improvements in employability skills, several
recommendations are provided in the study. The study shades light upon the significance of
motivational processes for enhancing quality performance. It portrays several work-based
problems and provides solutions for such problems. Different communication styles are
discussed in this study so that perfect communication process is adopted for ensuring better
results in business. Different time management policies are described and its effectiveness is
clearly stated in the context of this study. Team working spirit of employees and its importance
are elaborated in this study. The study reflects team dynamics and suggests alternative processes
of completion of tasks. This helps in attaining goals of organisations in the long run of business.
Several tools and techniques are described for making a solution for problems that occurs in the
business process. Strategy and its influence on Business Corporation are also mentioned in this
study.
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................5
LO1..................................................................................................................................................5
AC 1.1 Developing a set of own responsibilities as well as objectives of performance.................5
AC 1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives...................................................6
AC 1.3 Making recommendations regarding improvement............................................................7
AC 1.4 Reviewing in what way, motivational processes need to be used for improving
performance quality.........................................................................................................................7
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................8
LO2..................................................................................................................................................8
AC 2.1 Developing solutions based on work problems..................................................................8
AC 2.2 Communicating in several styles and also in proper manner..............................................9
AC 2.3 Identifying effectiveness of time-management policies...................................................10
LO3................................................................................................................................................10
AC 3.1 Explaining roles played by people in a team and in what way, they work together to
attain their goals.............................................................................................................................10
AC 3.2 Analysing dynamics of team.............................................................................................11
AC 3.3 Suggesting alternative techniques of completing tasks in order to achieve goals............12
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................13
LO4................................................................................................................................................13
AC 4.1 Evaluating tools and methods for making solution for issues...........................................13
AC 4.2 Developing a perfect strategy for solving problems.........................................................13
AC 4.3 Evaluating potential influence on business of incorporating strategy..............................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................15
Appendices....................................................................................................................................18
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Introduction
Employability skills are such skills that help employees of different organization create their own
identity in their individual sector. Communication, team working spirit, problem-solving
characteristics, organizing and planning as well as managing work themselves are some of the
skills that are required to be present within employees of ventures. These skills will help in
developing their own self in an appropriate manner. It is essential that employees need to be very
efficient in their place of work. This will help them to attain goals of venture suitably. Specific
skills of staffs in an enterprise support them to be a reason behind success of such enterprises.
That is why; employees can be considered as an integral part of every business sector. When
staffs or workers of ventures function suitably in their place of work, growth is sure to come in
the name of those ventures. In this study, Arcadia Group is taken as an example for better
understanding regarding employability skills and its effectiveness. Arcadia group is a
multinational organisation of UK that has headquarters in London.
This company is owner of several cloth retailers like Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge Topman,
Topshop and Wallis. This corporation has several numbers of outlets in different area of world. It
was founded in the year 1903 by Montague Burton. This company was positioned in top of list of
London Stock Exchange. In 1990s, there was a decline in sales of clothing market. This led
several companies to undergo losses. However, this entity was found to open up more than 1600
stores in region during that time. As a result, rise in business of this retail sector was seen
thereby, displaying enhancement in profit. It started e-commerce in early days of 1999 and
acquired European market without any problem. A Large number of customers were indulged
under their service thus, expanding its business overseas. Arcadia Group became most desired
company among users because of its unique and creative products. It has conducted its business
properly as years passed by thereby making huge profit in retail sector (Arcadiagroup.co.uk,
2017).
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Figure 1: Logo of Arcadia Group
(Source: Arcadiagroup.co.uk, 2017)
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Task 1
LO1
AC 1.1 Developing a set of own responsibilities as well as objectives of
performance
Wesley et al. (2017, p.80) mentioned that roles and responsibilities of employees are set in such
a way that it would prove beneficial for their individual organisation. Arcadia Group is one of
most prestigious retail sector of UK. Learner, being an HR manager of that firm has to perform
different roles in order to bring efficiency among employees in workplace. Recruitment and
selection, managing employees and work as well as supervising entire work environment come
under responsibilities of HR manager. It is essential that proper employees are recruited in
venture so that competition in business sector can be sustained suitably. That is why; learner had
to encounter with different individuals in order to find perfect candidate, who can meet
objectives of Arcadia Group. Messum et al. (2017, p.73) stated that decision-making is an
important role of every manager because accurate decision will aid in bringing success for
organisations. (Refer to appendix for SWOT Analysis)
Novice had to take suitable decisions that will help in adding profitable advantages for this firm.
Information regarding every task and activity need to be gathered from initial stage of those
tasks. This will help in conducting performance in workplace suitably. Communication needs to
be maintained in proper manner with employees. This will lead to bringing serenity in work
environment and staffs will feel satisfied when they work under such manager. This leads to
bring more efficiency in every task. Handling of emotions of staffs needs to be done
appropriately so that they cannot raise any complaint against an HR. Performance objectives of
learner include meeting financial objectives of firm, providing proper training to employees and
engaging staffs in every task positively. These qualities need to be present within HR of Arcadia
Group as it will aid in performing far better in meeting objectives of this business house
(Arcadiagroup.co.uk, 2017).
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AC 1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives
As stated by Nickson and Baum (2017, p.540), performance of employees against set objectives
needs to be of very high level because it will aid in enhancing performance of business units.
Being an HR manager of Arcadia Group, it is essential that proper training needs to be provided
to newly joined candidates. This will bring more effectiveness in every task. Learner can ask for
feedback from those employees in order to know more about employees work. It is essential that
managers need to be friendly with staffs so that they can open up and discuss their problems with
HR without any hesitation. Skills of staffs need to be mapped properly for polishing their
strengths suitably in place of work. Scheduling of work will be possible if such skills are present
within HR of Arcadia Group. This will assist in bringing great change in every activity of this
venture. Meeting can be arranged by managers for interaction between top management and
employees of business ventures (Gribble et al. 2017, p.16). Learner could be able to initiate a
spark within employees for working a better way by undertaking such techniques. This will
assist in bringing more closely both employees and top management of this retail sector. Here
lies effectiveness of objectives that are set by HR of Arcadia Group. Along with that,
performance of employees in every individual task will improve if such techniques are
incorporated in workplace.
AC 1.3 Making recommendations regarding improvement
Cooke et al. (2017, p.2) opined that not every task performed by an individual always remains
perfect, some recommendations are required to be make for bringing more effectiveness in such
tasks. Though objectives set by HR are inclined towards bringing positivity in workplace yet
some reformation can be done for attaining better results. HR manager can keep a record of
performance of every employee. This will help in understanding of growth of employees and in
what way, they are comfortable to perform every task. It is recommended that motivation need to
be provided to staffs in every task. This will help in bringing more enthusiasm of such
employees. HR of this entity can set a benchmark in performance of every internal stakeholder.
This will lead to meet level of standard for both employees and business ventures. Discussion
can be done with staffs of Arcadia Group regarding any changes in work atmosphere. As a result,
employees can speak up their own desires and wishes suitably. Satisfaction of employees should
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be present because it leads to bring huge advancement in process of work (Alzahrani and Kozar,
2017, p.82). If these recommendations are followed, satisfaction level of employees will reach
another level. This will bring productive results for this company thereby, maintaining immense
competition in market.
AC 1.4 Reviewing in what way, motivational processes need to be used for
improving performance quality
According to Aziz and Pangil (2017, p.10), motivation can be defined as a process of
implementing huge mental strength within employees for ensuring better performance in every
task. Proper motivation assists employees to reach height of success that are never imagined by
them. HR manager of this venture can use this technique of motivation in order to employees
towards right path and providing a correct platform for them. Motivation would help HR
manager to encourage employees to participate in every difficult task. As a result, efficiency as
well as working techniques would be learned by them without facing any issues. HR manager of
Arcadia Group can communicate with staffs in a regular basis. This will lead them to know about
their problems and take steps accordingly. Humburg and Van der Velden (2017, p.202)
commented that rewards and recognition in workplace can be considered as a suitable means of
motivating employees towards work. HR manager of this retail sector can use this technique of
motivation because it will lead to bring constructive outcomes for this enterprise. Feedback
session and examining work of employees need to be present after completion of task of this
venture. Employees then will feel their importance in this entity and will try to work in a much
better way. However, suggestions can be asked from employees before planning any task. This
will help staffs to provide their full effort in bring profit for this entity in competitive market.
Task 2
LO2
AC 2.1 Developing solutions based on work problems
Namuddu et al. (2017, p.60) commented that interpersonal skills and transferrable skills need to
be present within every employee so that efficiency in work can be enhanced in large amount.
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Being an HR manager of Arcadia Group, it is required that problems are identified conveniently
in order to take proper steps for resolving those work based issues. It is identified that employees
are not able to interact with their team members properly and are not able to generate proper
skills during work. These problems might hamper activities of this retail unit. That is why;
solutions are required to be made for resolving such problems duly. HR manager initially
conducted a meeting with employees and tried to listen to all of their issues one by one. This
made manager understood that coordination problem is main reason behind creation of such
nuisance.
As a result, HR developed a training session for all staffs of Arcadia Group and informed them to
attend training sessions in time. During training period, transferrable skills and interpersonal
skills were developed within employees by making them participate in group tasks and by
debating regarding any current market issues. All these tests helped HR to bring great change
within employees and indulge them in tasks of this venture. Jones et al. (2017, p.228) explained
that training can lead to develop several skills of communication within people, which proves
profitable for those shy individuals. Therefore, such solution would help in resolving every
conflict regarding work among employees of this retail house.
AC 2.2 Communicating in several styles and also in proper manner
Communication can be of four types like organizational communication, intra-personal
communication, mass communication, inter-personal communication as well as extra-personal
communication (Cacciolatti et al. 2017, p.558). Organisational communication takes place in
Arcadia Group for executing its retail business appropriately. This means that communication
takes place in every level of organisation. As a result, any flaw can be easily detected if such
process of interaction takes place in venture. However, sometimes, communication in between
hierarchy needs to be efficient for excelling in business properly. Intra-personal communication
and inter-personal communication can be followed in entities for ensuring better results.
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Figure 2: Communication styles
(Source: Nickson et al. 2016, p.952)
Arcadia Group has to deal with large customer base. It is important to satisfy purchasers and
meet their desires eventually. Communication process needs to be very strong for maintaining
proper work process in business houses (Lloyd and Cheshire, 2017, p.110). That is why;
different styles of communication can be developed in this enterprise in order to operate
constructively in this enterprise. Inter-personal communication will enhance communication
process between different staffs of firm. This will bring positive impact upon work of this entity.
It is required that intra-personal skills need to be inculcated within individuals of this entity. This
will lead to bring great change in course of work and bring more efficiency in business
processes. Moreover, assertive communication can be developed within individuals of this entity
so that confidence can be brought in every task of this retail sector.
AC 2.3 Identifying effectiveness of time-management policies
Jackson (2017, p.15) demonstrated that management of time need to be done in a proper manner
within different entities for ensuring better performance in place of work. HR manager of this
company has prioritized work suitably for bringing more efficiency in work. Priority of work
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needs to be given in every task. This will help in bringing great efficiency in workplace. Task
that is not much important can be kept for completion in latter period. This will bring great
efficiency in work. Important task need to be done properly so that proper outcomes can be
gained by this enterprise. HR manager can keep a record of important task. This will help them
to take appropriate decision for completing those tasks. Moreover, time interval between every
activity need to be set properly by manager so that no issue can be formed while performing such
tasks. Tang and Shi (2017, p.270) informed that learning period need to be set suitably so that
employees do not waste time because time is precious. If employees of Arcadia Group learn and
develop reasoning skills within themselves then they can bring magical aftermaths in workplace.
In addition to this, knowledge regarding every significant factor of task can be adopted by staffs
properly. Short term as well as long term aims need to be set in every task of this retail company.
Records of every task can be enumerated in a list so that aims of business can be achieved
thereby, immense competition in market.
LO3
AC 3.1 Explaining roles played by people in a team and in what way, they
work together to attain their goals
Walker and Fongwa (2017, p.160) mentioned that teamwork is the main reason behind success
of every enterprise because collective work leads to achieve every aim of business enterprises.
Being an HR manager of this retail unit, team need to be guided in a proper direction for
maintaining better execution of work. Employees of this venture can become a great reason
behind growth of this entity. Employees understand work initially in a proper manner. If they
discover any difficulty, they discuss that with their manager so that they can get proper guidance
in workplace. Every member of team of this company supports each other greatly. This has
resulted in bringing great immense coordination in workplace. Every member undertakes
responsibility of bringing profit for the firm and tries to deliver their best performance in ever
activity. As a result, huge furtherance in work areas is developed in every new task. For example,
leader of Arcadia Group leads their individual team in a proper direction. If leader finds any
issues with work, then leader immediately reports to manager. Manager, then, takes right steps
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for resolving every conflict regarding work. All these help in better execution of work processes
in this venture.
AC 3.2 Analysing dynamics of team
In the opinion of Faridi et al. (2017, p.165), team plays a severe role in accomplishing objectives
of business enterprises so that it can gain paramount position in competitive market. Dynamics
of team of this entity is to use every skill that would aid in bringing success in this entity. Some
of team dynamics of this enterprise includes creativity and innovation in every task,
understanding role and responsibilities of work properly, communication openly, guiding them
in a right path, concentrating upon outcomes and resolving conflicts properly. All these attributes
will help in gaining profit for this entity thereby, guaranteeing massive growth in market. Méda
and Vendramin (2017, p.95) stated that team of enterprises should be such that they would
become pillar of success for those enterprises. Each team of Arcadia Group can be considered as
a pillar for this entity. Employees provide their best efforts to create a revolution in every
activity. This will assist in adding a competitive advantage for this venture in present market.
However, manager needs to provide their effort in guiding staffs in right path so that they can
pave way of success for this retail company. It is required that employees need to be focused on
outcomes of business sector. This will help greatly in taking the retail firm to a gigantic height of
success.
AC 3.3 Suggesting alternative techniques of completing tasks in order to
achieve goals
In order to complete task, it is essential that Arcadia group can up take a new objective of close
monitoring and assessing work of employees so that better understanding regarding their work
techniques can be gained.
Specific This objective is specific because it will lead to
bring more effectiveness in place of work.
Moreover, employees’ arena of comfort can be
understood if such alternative objective is
incorporated in business.
Measurable This objective is measurable because it will
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