Developing Employability Skills: A Travelodge Hotel Case Study

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This report analyzes employability skills at Travelodge.

Employability skills
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................6
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................6
Introduction..................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Develop a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives.......................................6
1.2 Evaluate own effectiveness against defined objectives........................................................7
1.3 Make recommendations for improvement.............................................................................8
1.4 Review how motivational techniques can be used to improve quality of performance......10
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................11
Task 2.............................................................................................................................................11
Introduction................................................................................................................................11
2.1 Develop solutions to work-based problems. You need to develop solutions to at least two
work-based problems identified during your work experience or in your role as a manager at
Travelodge Hotel.......................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................12
2.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels. You need for
example to write a formal letter to senior management of the hotel to inform them about the
problem and a memo to all staff................................................................................................12
2.3 Identify effective time-management strategies in relation to the work-based experience or
in your role as a manager at Travelodge. Present your evidence as a written report to your line
manager......................................................................................................................................13
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Explain the roles people play in a team and how they can work together to achieve shared
goals...........................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Analyse team dynamics.......................................................................................................14
3.3 Suggest alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals...................................15
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Task 4.............................................................................................................................................16
Introduction................................................................................................................................16
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions to problems with reference to your
chosen organisation or Travelodge Hotel..................................................................................16
4.2 Develop an appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem of labour turnover with
reference to your chosen organisation or Travelodge Hotel......................................................17
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy. You should
consider both financial and non-financial impacts on the business...........................................17
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................18
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................18
References......................................................................................................................................19
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Maslow's need hierarchy................................................................................................10
Figure 2: Time management strategies..........................................................................................13
Figure 3: Tuckman theory.............................................................................................................15
Figure 4: Ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals............................................................16
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Self-evaluation and set objectives.....................................................................................7
Table 2: Recommendations for skills improvement........................................................................8
Table 3: Letter................................................................................................................................12
Table 4: Memo...............................................................................................................................13
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Introduction
In the present competitive business environment, the hospitality industry demands efficient
management who have the capability to carry out the tasks and responsibilities in an efficient
manner (Moss, 2018). Employability skills are the competencies that are required by the business
firms for any job role. Thus, it is important for an individual to possess various skill set and
competencies to fulfil the responsibilities of the job role.
The present writing is based on identifying the skills and abilities that are needed for the manager
of a hotel, Travelodge. Further, it also outlines various motivational techniques that influence the
employees of the organization to work better. Also, the report is concerned about various work-
based problems that interrupt the performance and quality of work within the organization.
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Task 1
Introduction
This task is carried out in order to develop a set of responsibilities while working as a manager of
Travelodge. The major role of a manager of Travelodge is to identify and satisfy the needs of
customers, taking feedback and meeting the standards of the hotel.
1.1 Develop a set of own responsibilities and performance objectives
In order to meet the standards of the company in this competitive business environment, it is a
very challenging task for the manager of the company. Being a manager of such a renowned
organization, Travelodge it is essential to have some set of own skills and responsibilities to meet
the specific criteria. Some of the specific skills which I am required to develop in order to work
as a manager in the cited organization are:
 Problem solving
 Effective communication
 Team work
 Creativity
 Leadership
 Commercial awareness
The first and foremost competency or responsibility of a manager is to know how to handle a
particular situation and problem (Collet, et. al., 2015). Hospitality industry emphasizes on
satisfying the needs and demands of the customers. Thus, the manager must have such skills to
resolve the issues and problems of the customers as well as subordinates in a creative and
effective manner. To deal with such kind of situations within organization, the manager is
required to possess good communication skill. Along with to guide and inspire the employees of
Travelodge in attaining the predetermined goals, leadership skills play a vital role. Performance
objectives can be set by using the SMART model. It refers to specific, measurable, achievable,
and realistic and timeliness. The performance objectives as a manager of the Travelodge are time
management skills, improved feedback of customers, enhance communication, increasing
productivity and supporting and managing change and improving retention rates.
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1.2 Evaluate own effectiveness against defined objectives
Self-evaluation or assessment helps an individual in identifying the key strengths and
weaknesses (Cottrell, 2015). Self-analysis can be done on the basis of evaluating job
responsibilities and requirements. The below table is the self-assessment against the
requirements and competencies needed for the manger of Travelodge.
Table 1: Self-evaluation and set objectives
Defined objectives Description of activities
undertaken
Result
Problem solving skills To work as manager in
Travelodge, it is essential to
have such skills to resolve
the conflicts and various
issues. So that smooth
functioning of the work
operations can be done.
This skills needs
improvement
Effective communication To deal with the employees
as well as customers in an
effective manner and to
create a good impression of
the organization,
communication skills are
significant
I am quite good at
communicating with others.
Leadership Being a manager of the
cited organization, this is
the most required skill i.e. to
inspire, guide, influence,
and motivate employees.
High improvement is
required
Commercial awareness It is the most important skill
and attribute, a leader
Work needed
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should possess (Taylor,
2016). It is the
understanding and
knowledge of the market
place and environment in
which the business operates.
Customer feedback This is essential for
identifying the performance
level and required
improvements
Up to the mark
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1.3 Make recommendations for improvement
In order to improve certain employability skills that is required for working as a manager at
Travelodge:
Table 2: Recommendations for skills improvement
Responsibilities and performance objectives Recommendations for improvement
Problem solving skills  Emphasizing on solution instead of
problem
 Simplifying things
 List out various solutions
Leadership  Identifying strengths and competencies
and utilizing them
 Motivating others
 Practicing discipline
 Develop situational awareness
Commercial awareness  Know the organization
 Know the competitors
 Practice “big picture thinking”
 Decision making
 Considering extracurricular activities
 Meeting with professionals
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Creativity  Trying something new everyday
 Finding creative inspirations
 Finding new ideas
 Having fun
Time management skills  Making a schedule and stick to
it
 Prioritizing things
 Set limits and boundaries
 Staying away from distractions
 Delegating tasks
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1.4 Review how motivational techniques can be used to improve quality of performance
Motivational techniques are very helpful in achieving the objective of the company (Messum, et.
al., 2016). These are the tools and methods that encourage and inspire the employees in the
organization to perform better and attaining the objectives. There are several methods and
models that can be adopted by the cited organization. These motivational theories include
Maslow’s need hierarchy theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theories, McGregor’s X and Y theory
etc.
Concerning the cited organization, Maslow’s need hierarchy theory is effective in accomplishing
the goals and objectives of the hotel. The theory states that human needs are categorized at
different levels such as (Guilbert, et. al., 2016)
Figure 1: Maslow's need hierarchy
Some other techniques to improve work quality and morale of the employees to enhance
productivity are creating a positive work environment, financial rewards, recognizing
achievements, appreciating efforts, facilitating open communication etc. (Jackson and Oliver,
2018).
Establishing a positive work environment and work culture creates a healthy employment
relationship that positively impacts on the work performance of employees (Valero, et al. 2018).
Apart from this, providing incentives and monetary rewards also encourages the enthusiasm
level of employees to perform tasks in a better way.
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Self-actualization needs
Self-esteem needs
Social needs
Safety needs
Physiological needs