Employability Skills Report: Evaluating Performance and Improvement

This report analyzes employability skills, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of an HR manager in a retail setting, specifically for Premier Products and Timbacourt. It details the development of performance objectives, evaluating effectiveness through techniques like SWOT analysis, and recommendations for improvement, including better time management and knowledge updates. The report also explores motivational techniques, such as creating a positive environment, setting time-bound goals, providing incentives, and fostering competition to enhance employee performance. The report emphasizes the importance of communication, recruitment and selection processes, orientation, training, and leadership skills for effective HR management, aiming to improve efficiency and productivity within the organization and help students develop their professional skills.

Employability Skills

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Develop a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives......................................1
1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives.....................................................2
1.3 Recommendations for improvement.....................................................................................3
1.4 Use of motivational techniques to improve quality of performance.....................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Solutions for work based problems.......................................................................................4
2.2 Communication style and manner at various levels..............................................................5
2.3 Identify effective time management strategies.....................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Roles of people in a team and working together to achieve shared goals.............................7
3.2 Analysis of team dynamics...................................................................................................7
3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals.................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions to problems.......................................9
4.2 Develop an appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem.....................................9
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy.....................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
The bunch of essential attributes and qualifications required for several jobs for an
individual to acquire employment, are termed as employability skills. These are necessary to
develop knowledge and expertise in the workplace to gain success (Lowden and et.al, 2011). The
skills which enables a person to perform better at a task with more efficiency and productivity
such as learning, communication, teamwork, problem solving, etc.
The employability skills required for the retail business are explained here. The type of
skills a person need to have and develop to be recruited for the retail store as a clothing retailer
for high end fashion clothes, Premier Products is opening a new flagship store in UK. Along with
the successful online business the company needs to open another store which shows the growth
and scope for the retail industry. The HR manager needs to prepare a document for the proper
recruitment and selection process. This will also include the training and orientation for the
junior managers to help new employees understand their job profile and develop skills
accordingly.
TASK 1
1.1 Develop a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives
The human resource manager of a company needs to cater the needs and demands of the
company for skills in the employees to attain its objectives as well as of the employees in the
organisation to maintain a positive work environment (Wilton, 2011). The manager needs to
have a certain set of skills in order to manage all the functions at different hierarchy levels in the
company. The common skills observed are leadership, management, communication, multi
tasking, etc. To develop a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives as a HR
manager identifying the tasks related to the job profile are required. These objectives are in
association with human resource training and development in the organisation. To develop
recruitment and selection plan for the company's new store, the skills required as HR manager
are:
Effective communication: The company requires employees for the new store which will
include the process of recruitment and selection through various techniques and methods to
choose the right candidate. As a HR manager I need to develop effective communication in order
to maintain coordination and clear transfer to messages across departments.
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Recruitment and selection: To create and develop a plan for recruiting the desired
candidates for the job is one the most important task of the HR manager (Wickramasinghe and
Perera, 2010). This requires to have knowledge of latest technology to search a wide range of
applicants and planning a proper set of evaluation process as per the job profiles. I need to
identify the present and future staffing needs for every department in the organisation to plan the
recruitment process accordingly.
Orientation and training: The new employees so selected are provided orientation to
introduce them with the tasks they will be working on along with their responsibilities and
guidelines. I need to create a proper training and orientation program for the new employees as
well as the managers to guide them.
Leadership: To coordinate with the different departments in order to manage the
processes for achieving company's objectives (Baker and Henson, 2010). I need to provide
proper guidance to the subordinates as well as to managers for proper support and guidance to
improve efficiency and performance of the employees.
I am working in the Timbacourt company as HR executive. My performance objective is
to develop my communication skill so that I can make effective coordination with staff members
of cited firm. It will support me in building strong relationship with employees and they will
share their feeling and innovative ideas with me. Another performance objective of mine is that
to hire talented candidates in the workplace and to analysis their skills effectively. So that
Timbacourt can work with skilled employees and can enhance its operational efficiency. My
another performance objective is to improve my technical skills so that I can perform better
when I deal with the latest equipments.
Being a HR executive in the Timbacourt, it is my responsibility that to recruit skilled
employees hose who can perform better in the organization. I have to test their skills and then
have to select eligible candidate in the workplace. It is my duty to train the employees and
arrange development session for them so that they can get improved and can enhance their
performing performances.
1.2 Evaluating own effectiveness against defined objectives
Evaluating own effectiveness is crucial for a person in order to identify his own strengths
and weaknesses. The HR manager of a company needs to evaluate own effectiveness in order to
change the perspective and working methods to improve performance and efficiency. I can
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evaluate these factors through different self evaluation techniques in order to formulate a proper
plan of recruitment and selection process, present goal for the company.
Identifying skills: The skills required for the planning process are having knowledge of
different media to search for the right candidate for the job, using proper techniques to identify
staffing needs, to keep the objective of the company as the main goal while planning, etc.
Accepting responsibilities: The process of accepting responsibilities and accountability
for the self as well as other's work shown the level of commitment and growth in a person. This
provides an overview for development and training needs of a person to accomplish his tasks.
Comparing result: The comparison of result achieved with the expected results can help
to measure the variation. This can provide an insight of self capabilities and effectiveness of the
person and ways to improve that (Stoner and Milner, 2010).
As the HR manager of Premier Products, I need to evaluate these skills required to
perform the further tasks effectively. The shortfall in effectiveness to perform the task should be
analysed before and required training and knowledge needs to be acquired so the company
objectives can be achieved. I have developed my leadership skills as well as knowledge about the
latest technology used for searching and advertising for the applicants to justify my roles and
responsibilities.
SWOT analysis
Strength:
 Good communication skills
 Good management skills
 Good time management skills
Weaknesses
 Lack of technical knowledge
 Poor monitoring skills
Opportunities
 If I improved my leadership skill then I
would get chance of promotion or to be
in the position of manager.
 Good relationship with staff members
will help me in performing my job
Threats
 Changes in technologies
 Changes in market condition and HR
policies
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effectively.
My objective is to improve my communication skill more, I am good in it but for
developing strong relationship with the staff members it is necessary for me to interact more with
them. So that they can share their need and I can motivate them accordingly. I have to improve
my technique knowledge. Technologies get changes continuously and for that it is essential for
me to be updated so that I can deal with these equipments easily. I am very poor in technical
knowledge and I have to work hard for improving this skill.
1.3 Recommendations for improvement
While working on the same job profile an employee needs training at regular time
intervals to improve the performance and effectiveness. This helps to attain better results and
higher position in the hierarchy level leading to better lifestyle and self development (Saunders
and Zuzel, 2010). As a HR manager in the retail company, I need to keep working on improving
the skills and knowledge in order to improve performance. The various improvements that can
be attained are:
Better time management: To improve the quality of services and products more detailed
and accurate evaluation is required by the departments. To increase the overall productivity and
performance of the company, effective working processes are needed. I need to develop skills
and use techniques for better time management in order to achieve targets effectively in the
limited time period.
Knowledge update:The latest knowledge regarding various techniques and methods
being used in the market as well as the competitors are crucial for the organisation to adopt for
matching the performance level with others. For the process of recruiting and selecting
applicants for the required jobs, proper methods are to be used for acquiring the people with
desired talent, knowledge and experience. Therefore, I need to obtain the information regarding
latest technology and digital media being used in the market.
I have poor technical knowledge so it is essential for me to eliminate this weakness
within me. For that I have to join training sessions, have to take guidance from professional
persons so that I can resolve this problem.
I have poor monitoring skill, I want to be in the position of HR head for that it is
necessary for me to monitor performance of each staff effectively. So hat I can promote them
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accordingly. For that I should read internet articles of the best leaders, I can take guidance of my
seniors in this respect. This will help me in improving my monitoring skill.
1.4 Use of motivational techniques to improve quality of performance
To improve the performance in the company various motivational techniques can be
used. As all employees have different needs so to address needs as per each individual can be a
challenging task, hence some common motivation techniques are used by the companies to
encourage the employees to perform better and increase efficiency (Husain and et.al, 2010).
Positive environment: The employees in every organisation require a positive working
environment in order to perform their tasks and duties with efficiency. The HR manager is
responsible for creating and maintaining the positive environment in the company for the
employees.
Time bound goals: The goals provided to the staff on a regular basis can create a sense of
monotony and tedium which can lower the efficiency and productivity of the company. The HR
manager should create time bound goals for the every department which enables the employees
to perform better and maintains the efficiency but at times if the time allotted for a task is not
according to the requirement it can also create an environment of chaos (Benson, Morgan and
Filippaios, 2014).
Incentive: Individual incentives to employees can also encourage them to increase the
efficiency and performance. The manager needs to plan create incentives as per tasks and
requirements such as, financial incentives which includes cash prizes, gift cards or bonus
whereas, the non financial incentives can be performance recognition, appraisals, promotion, etc.
Competition: A few companies use competition as an performance improvement tool. A
set objective is provided to a team of employees where no individual tasks are decided and
everyone can perform as per their skills and efficiency to achieve the objectives earliest and with
better results. The manager can create such goals in order to maintain a healthy competition
environment (Andrews and Russell, 2012).
In addition to this, it can be said that Herzberg motivational theory is also a method which
can be employed by the business entity. By having an effective consideration of motivational
factors the morale can be advanced in critical manner. It has been noticed that by considering
hygiene and motivator aspects the issue can be resolved in critical manner. It means by offering
salary as per needs and job security aspects the motivation among members can be advanced. It
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might lead overall business to impressive level of success. It is necessary for management to
ensure about general satisfaction so that key aspects can be advanced effectively. Along with
this, work recognition is also a key aspect which need to be referred effectively in order to have
sustainable development. Allocation of responsibilities can also be beneficial to have better
motivation.
TASK 2
2.1 Solutions for work based problems
The problems in a working environment are common which can be overcome by use of
proper methods and approaches. The problems can occur inter department, between two
departments or in various departments simultaneously. The process of solving these problems
and restoring the stability and harmony in the working environment is one of the responsibilities
of the HR manager in the company. The steps to be followed:
 Identify: The first and foremost step required to be taken by the HR manager of
Premier Products should be towards identifying the problem which has hampered
the working process. To follow this step all views regarding the problem of the
parties involved should be considered.
 Interest: To identify the interest of different people not getting satisfied due to the
problem. The solution to be found should be based on these interest that needs to
be fulfilled (Ju, Zhang and Pacha, 2012).
 Alternatives: A list of various possible solutions should be made in order to find
the appropriate one. The pros and cons of every solution for employees as well as
for the Premier Products should be pointed out clearly.
 Selection: The alternative solutions after being evaluated should be selected. This
can also involve selecting more than one solution in combination to satisfy needs
of all the employees involved.
 Contingencies: A contingency plan should be made in case of similar dispute
arises in future to save time and cost of the organisation for searching solution of
the same problems again. The HR manager of Premier Products needs to keep the
organisational objective as base while selecting any solution in present as well in
future, as it should not deviate the process for the main goal (Belt, Drake and
Chapman, 2010).
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2.2 Communication style and manner at various levels
Communication is the most important part of the working of an organisation. It affects
the decision making and performance of every individual in the company. Effective
communication is the basic skill of the HR manager in the company to help him coordinate and
manage different departments and levels. The communication style in an organisation can be as
following:
Strategic level: This includes top management level of the company which consists of
CEO,COO, etc. who are responsible for the decision making process in the organisation. They
cater the financial needs, corporate image and social responsibilities of the business and
communicate the same for achieving it to the middle level managers. The method of
communication at this level is via team meeting, memos, intranet, etc. In addition to this, it can
be said that by having an effective use of personal meeting tactic the information can be
communicated effectively. Along with this, by having a regular interaction with members the
flow of communication can also be advanced effectively. It might lead to impressive level of
success.
Middle level: The next step of communication is at middle level where after decisions by
top level are made the process of procurement of resources and facilities begins (Jones, 2013).
The communication between top and middle level is vertical as the feedback is given by the
managers and between same level managers is horizontal. The methods of communication used
are presentations, meetings, etc. It has been witnessed that use of feedback process is beneficial
to have better communication. Along with this, use of email is also an impressive aspect which
might be referred by the management in order to have better communication. It allows to have
better sharing of information and ensure that key aspects are properly measured.
Operational level: The lowest level in the hierarchy structure above workers where the
implementation of strategies starts through, production, marketing, financial management, etc.
Delegation of authority is required at this level for smooth operation of the functions. This
process is important at this level as all departments need to inter communication (Maxwell and
et.al, 2010).
2.3 Identify effective time management strategies
Time management is one of the most crucial skill for the HR manager in Premier
Products retail store chain. This feature allows the manager and the employees to achieve the set
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target in the given time frame which ultimately increases the production of the firm. The
strategies that I can use for effective time management are:
Setting priorities- In order to manage time effectively, difference between urgent and
important task is necessary, as urgent task needs to be done immediately weather it is important
or not and while a task is of importance it might not be urgent and can be done later. This can be
done by making a list of task and prioritizing them.
Planning tool- The use of appropriate tool in order to achieve effective time management
depends on various factors. To record the daily plans and activities can help to create a time
frame in which it can be achieved. Updating and reviewing the plans helps to keep the person on
track (Baumann, Ionescu and Chau, 2011).
Organising- The process of organising is most important tool for time management as it
helps to identify the next step and task to be done. The HR manager needs to apply the process of
organising for his effective time management.
Delegate- To ask for help is not considered as a weakness any more when it is done to
manage the time for the given task. Delegation process involve not only sharing the work but
also sharing of authority and responsibility.
TASK 3
3.1 Roles of people in a team and working together to achieve shared goals.
Team in an organisation signifies the employees working together to help and support
each other towards a common set target in a given time frame. In Premier Products, managing
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the working of a team and deciding different tasks to be performed is role of the manager. Belbin
identified team roles in nine categories and classified them into three groups as follows:
Action oriented: The first category of shapers take the initiative through motivating and
solving problems in the team, while the implementers gets the thing done by practically applying
the ideas and plans. Whereas, the complete finishers check the task after its completion in order
to prevent any errors and omissions.
People oriented: The coordinators takes on the role of team leaders and guides the
towards objective. Wherein the team workers provide support and ensure effective working with
negotiating and diplomatic skills, on the other hand the resource investigators explore options
and develop contacts and help external stakeholders accomplish objectives (Omar and et.al,
2012).
Thought oriented: The creative innovator coming up with new ideas is the plant in the
team, the one evaluating and analysing the the new ideas and considering pros and cons before
deciding are monitor evaluator. Whereas, the specialists have expert knowledge about their field
which helps to get the task completed (Rao, 2014).
3.2 Analysis of team dynamics
Team dynamics are the factors which control the working and direction of the team. They
depend on the nature and personalities of the team members and their working relation with each
other as well as the external environment. As a HR manager, I need to identify these team
dynamics in order to promote the positive effects and prevent the negative ones. Tuckman's
model to understand these dynamics:
 Forming- This first stage includes guidance from the team leader at large and
no clarity of the individual task is yet established. Storming- The next stage is storming where team members starts discussions and sharing
opinions with each other. Norming- The stage of norming the misunderstandings and conflicts are minimized
establishing more stability and maturity in the team, which enable them to contribute and
understand their roles and responsibilities.
 Performing- The last stage of performing creates a sense of agreement and autonomy
which helps the members in completing the task while supporting each other and taking
guidance form the leader.
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3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals.
The alternative methods used to complete tasks and achieve team goals depends on the
philosophies and ideologies of the team members and are considered as more accurate. This
process helps only in the case of effective communication and interaction. It mainly focuses on
the specialisation process which includes performing of the task repeatedly and specialising in
the activity. Other factors are also responsible in alternative ways to complete tasks which builds
healthy relationships between team members, better understanding of opinions and ideas. If a
conflict arises in such cases, it becomes tough to resolve that as no proper process is being
followed (Gravells, 2010).
In addition to this, it can be said that by having an effective development of communication
aspects the overall task can be accomplished. Communication plays a crucial role while working
as a team. It facilitates coordination and integration between the team members. It has been
noticed that application of impressive leadership style is also beneficial to consider because it
assist in meeting key goals and objectives. Leader must ensure that team members are having
consideration of work standards effectively so that positive environment can be created. Setting
benchmark is also a method which can be employed in order to have analysis of performance. In
the basis of standards evolution the competitive values can be created for achieving team goals.
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TASK 4
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions to problems
The manager of Timbacourt’s have to identify all the issues that their employees are
facing. Tools and methods are developed so that all the issues can be resolved in an efficient
manner and they will be able to sustain their position in the market. Some of the problems are
misunderstanding among workers, employee retention and their motivation level. In order to
resolve these issues the manger can use algorithm, heuristic, trial and error methods. Algorithm
is a mathematical tool that is used by the organisation so that they can get the solution of their
problem. Along with this, they uses the concept of standard algorithm so that an efficient
outcome can be achieved. In another heuristic method, manager should have some knowledge
and experience then only they can resolve the issues among all the staff members. In trial and
error method, manager try to solve the problems multiple times so that overall performance can
be improved.
It is significant for members to have appropriate selection of tools such as feedback
process. It helps in make sure that long term key aspects are being identified effectively. By
having a personal interaction and interview with members the issues can be resolved. It allows to
identify the issues and ensure that key goals and objectives are being accomplished. In order to
resolve the problem the selection of tool is significant so manager need to develop strategies for
continuous development.
4.2 Develop an appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem
Timbacourt’s can use a strategy in order to resolve all the problems that are faced by the
workforce of the organization. Issues can be resolved in an efficient manner through this process:
 The manager has to identify the problem that is occurred in the Timbacourt’s so that they
can solutions can be developed. In order to resolve these problems he has to gather all the
facts and figures so that an effective decision can be made (Messum, Wilkes and Jackson,
2011).
 After collecting the information, the manager of Timbacourt’s can set the objectives in an
appropriate manner. Along with this, he can use many tools and technique in order to
resolve the issues.
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 In the next step, manager can implement the plan so that overall satisfaction can be
increased among all the employees. Before implementing the plan, he can select the a
best solutions out of many alternatives.
 At last, evaluation can be done by the manager of Timbacourt’s through continuous
monitoring. Through this, he will be able to identify the satisfaction level of the worker
(What are employability skills?, 2017).
Along with this, it has been noticed that company need to ensure about training process so
that key aspects can be advanced. By having an effective application of such values the issues
can be resolved because it assist in analysing the practice. Company provide training to
employees to improve the workplace experience. Job analysis tactics can also be employed in
order to have impressive development. Standards need to be set out for proper analysis of
information so that long term goals and objectives can be accomplished.
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy
The manager of Timbacourt’s can implement the plan in their business organization so
that their overall performance can be improved in an efficient manner. This will positively affect
the Timbacourt’s because through this overall performance can be improved as conflicts among
workers get reduced. If these issues get resolved then trust can be established them they will
perform well so that overall objectives can be improved. Along with this, the turnover and
absenteeism is get reduced in the firm. Further, Timbacourt’s will be able to retain their
employees in the firm by providing them rewards, incentives and promotion (Employability
Skills, 2015). The entity will be able to get many benefits such as low cost on training programs
and through this people can understand the culture of the firm so that they feel comfortable while
doing their task. On the basis of these strategies, the business can get success in the market than
their competitor.
CONCLUSION
In the above report, the factors contributing tot he employability skills of a person are
described. These includes responsibilities and performance objectives of a person and
effectiveness against defined objective. Being a HR manager in the Premier Products, I need to
evaluate the own set of skills and effectiveness and recommendations for improvement and
motivation. The methods for evaluating work based problems and developing solutions for the
same, time management styles and strategies are explained. The value of team work and working
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in the team dynamics along with the strategy for solving a particular problem is described.
Hence, proving the importance of team work, time management and other employability skills.
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