Developing Management Skills: A West and Co. Assessment

This assignment assesses management skills through knowledge questions, case studies, and role-playing. It explores how performance measurements, staff behavior identification, and personal development plans contribute to effective management. The case study focuses on a marketing manager position at West and Co., requiring the student to identify current skills, skill gaps, and development opportunities. Students prioritize skill development, research relevant courses, and participate in a role-play to discuss their development plan with a manager. The assignment culminates in the creation of a personal development plan, including career objectives, timelines, and networking opportunities. It emphasizes the practical application of management principles and the importance of continuous professional development, including team engagement and development.

Assessment task 1: Knowledge Questions and
Practical Skills
Information to students:
This assessment task will enable you to demonstrate understanding of skill in managing
priorities at work, organise your own professional management development and
demonstrate your ability to:
 develop a personal development plan and set goals and timelines to develop
management skills gaps
 demonstrate understanding personal self-awareness and identification
 discuss management development opportunities and options for yourself
 describe methods for achieving a healthy work-life balance
 outline organisation’s policies, plans and procedures
 explain types of learning styles and how they relate to the individual
 describe types of work methods and practices that can improve personal performance.
To complete this assessment task you are able to research your answers using books
provided or the Internet but your answers must be in your own words.
At the end of this task your assessor will give you feedback. Your assessor will also check all
your answers; if your answers have been copied from other students from your current or
other classes you will be required to resubmit this task again.
Questions:
Read all discussion points below in class with your colleagues and your trainer and assessor,
and provide answers to each question below.
Answer guide: This assessment task is to be typed up when presenting to your assessor for
marking. In most questions you are expected to answer in approximately 1 to 2 paragraphs
unless advised otherwise
1.1. Organisations use various techniques and management principals to ensure that their
departments work efficiently. Review the following points and explain how each point
assists managers with running their organisations.
(Guide: 3 sentences for each)
a. How do performance measurements assist managers in operating more
efficiently?
The performance measurement allows the manager to align the day to day activities of the employees
It also helps the manager to measure and evaluate the performance of the employee so as to take
particular decision to enhance their performance (Yates et al., 2017).
It also enables the managers to set goals for the employees such that their performance is enhanced.
b. How does identifying
o staff behaviors,
o personality traits, and
o self-awareness contribute to good management?

Identifying the staff behavior contributes to good management as it helps to maintain a strong
relationship between the manager and employee and lead to progress as well as development of the
employee.
The personality traits help in clear understanding of the employee’s perspective and characteristic
which help them adjust according to the organizations and managers could also assist them in a better
way (Cottrell, S., 2015).
Self-awareness helps the employees to act in a proper professional manner that leads to proper
management.
c. How do personal development plans assist managers?
The personal development plans helps the employees to optimize their work and enhance their
performance so as to increase their productivity, hence it assists the managers to perform their work
easily.
d. How does personal goal-setting and time-management assist managers?
Personal goal setting and time management assists the manager as the main target of manager is to
supervise and enhance the performance of the employee’s. The goal setting and time management helps
the manager to supervise the work more abruptly (O'Donnell et al., 2017).
1.2. Case Study
Form small groups and review an organisation you understand well. This
organisation may be one which you are currently or have previously worked for.
Select a management position within the organisation. Complete each activity
point below as advised.
(Guide:Read the instructions and case study below and complete activities below. Although we
encourage you to work in small groups, you must identify and list your own management
development opportunities and options.)
You have been a valued employee for your organisation. The organisation has grown
since you have started working there and management is now looking into
employing new staff members and a new manager to manage them.
The new manager will be required to start working in approximately 6 to 8 weeks
and the new staff members will be employed soon after. The new manager will be
assisting the organisation with the recruitment of a new team.
Naturally the organisation wishes to get someone into the new management
position and employ someone from within the industry so that the new manager
understands current industry processes and trends.
Since you have been a valuable employee and understand the organisation and
industry well you wish to apply.
However, you understand that you may need to obtain some extra management
skills and knowledge to be successful.
Your manager suggested for you to identify your own developmental needs and list
opportunities and options available in the market place, which you can investigate
and discuss them with the management of the organisation.
a. Complete the following table to provide an overview of the organisation including
information about the industry, services and products the organisation provides,
job titles the organisation has in place, and also the job role you are applying for.

(Guide: This activity can be handwritten or typed up):
Organisation’s name: West and Co.
Industry sector: Fishing
Employee numbers: 50
List the job roles:
(e.g. you may be able to
develop and supply an
organisation chart)
Fishing boat captain, Fishermen, Sea food processing job, fish and sea food
brokers.
Management
position you are
applying for:
Marketing manager
General job
description and task
requirements of the
position:
(e.g. a job description)
The marketing manager serves the duty of marketing the products and
developing the marketing strategy for the company such as to improve and
manage the marketing standards of the organization. It also helps in measuring
the sales of the organization.
b. Use the space below to describe your current skills which are required by the new
position you are applying for and use the table below to list the skill you will need
to develop for the position.
(Guide: complete the following table)
Current Skills Skills I need
Good communication skills.
Proper understanding of the current
marketing strategy.
Good knowledge about the marketing
condition of the company
Analytical skills
Proficiency in budget management
Decision making skills.
Ability to identify the trends and challenges within the
company
c. Select the skills from your table (above – 1.2b), which you believe you will need to
develop. Use the table below to prioritise these skills.
(Guide: complete the table – most important on the top – bottom least important)
Priority number and skill Improvement needed
1. Understanding the current marketing
strategy of the company
More detailed information of the marketing strategy
is required.
2. Analytical skills Deeper insights of the sales data and deeper
analysis skills in order to analyze them properly
3. Decision making skills Better decision making strategies should be
incorporated
4. Budget management skill Proper budgeting details should be implemented by
the manager
d. Select two skills you listed (above -1.2 c) and research some ideas, courses and
units of competency study so you can demonstrate how you can gain these skills.
Your assessor will advise you to use your own electronic / internet devises or
utilise one of the SBTA computers to assist you with your research.
(Guide: complete the following table)
Skill 1 Skill 2
Analytical Skills
There are numerous courses such as Analytical
Skills Development course to enhance the analytical
skills.
Moreover, the other option is to enhance the
mathematical skills, statistics, algebra and calculus
as all utilize logic and analysis. These options can
be considered as the best options for the
development of the Analytical skills.
Decision making skills
The decision making skills can be developed by
completing a course on the Business and
management. Moreover, the decision making
skills can also be enhanced by eliminating ego
and emotion, consultation with the expert can
also lead to the enhancement of the skill,
reviewing the data and planning for the future
also helps in enhancing the decision making
skills of the manager.

1.3. Role-play 1
Read instructions for each role-play carefully and complete each point as indicated
by guides. Speak to your trainer / assessor if you need clarification prior to starting
each role-play. Your assessor will advise you when to start each role-play and with
whom.
(Role-play guide: Refer to Scenario 1 and complete this activity with a colleague or your
assessor - the role-play should take approximately 20 minutes)
Hold a meeting with your manager to discuss management and professional
development opportunities and options for yourself. During the meeting refer to
the job description – refer to your answers for question 1.2 (above). The aim
Remember to list good selling points and arguments, which will assist you to gain
approval to attend your chosen management and professional development
activities.
a. During the meeting you will be required to explain to your manager how:
 you can fulfil the role of the new manager and explain your current existing
skills and the skills you need to have to be a successful manager
 the management and professional development opportunities e.g. coaching,
training and other, will assist you in the skills development
 the organisation will benefit from approving these opportunities for you to
attend
 you can learn these skills and discuss your preferred learning style
 some work methods and practices you have researched which you can adapt
and learn can improve your own personal management performance that are
suitable for your personal needs and personality
 why you believe that participating in work networks (at your workplace or out
of the workplace) to will assist you with gaining required management
knowledge and skills
Prior to participating in the role-play you must use the space below and design an
agenda or a list of steps and arguments, which will demonstrate how you have
prepared for the meeting. When you have finished your meeting swap your roles.
Your assessor will provide you feedback once your role-plays are completed.
(Guide: provide an overview, agenda and the list of discussion points in the space below)
The meeting would comprise for 30 minutes. It would be held between two members, the appointed
manager and the manager from within the company. The main discussion would be held on the
marketing standards and strategy of the company. It would also be based on showcasing the current
skill posed by the contender for the post of marketing manager. There would also be a discussion on
the skills that are further required and to be developed in future. The details of the course and
techniques for the development of the skills would also be described. It would also be mentioned
that developing mathematical skills as in algebra and calculus would also enhance the skills.
Moreover, prior to the meeting the current marketing analysis of the company was done that
provided the deeper knowledge of the changes required. The data of the past revenue collection in
the previous years. The activity update is also to be provided. The meeting would also provide the
details of the various skills development techniques.
Feedback of the assessor:
The purpose of the meeting was clear; the content was properly explained. The analytical study of
the revenue collection and the current marketing strategy was also clearly explained. Moreover, the
techniques stated for the future development of the skills were rather impressive.

b. With your manager discuss, (during the role-play), and then design and complete
an individual personal development plan for yourself in which you will be able to
demonstrate how you will gain skills required including:
 Career objectives including skills and knowledge to improve
 Timelines for the development of the skills
 What accredited training and assessment (e.g. unit of competency) would you
undertake to gain skills
 How you will measure your continuous work performance
 List and plan networking opportunities which will assist you to enhance skills
and knowledge of your organisation and to gain management skills
(Guide: develop an individual and professional development plan – students can design
their own or use the template provided)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
What are my
development
objectives?
Priorit
y
What
activities
do I need
to
undertake
to achieve
my
objectives
?
What
support/resource
s do I need to
achieve my
objectives?
Target
date for
achieving
my
objective
s
Actual
date of
achieving
my
objectives
.
Team development 1 Engagement
with the
team and
providing the
necessary
techniques to
develop the
employee’s
skills
Various coaching and
lecture materials
incorporating the
techniques needed
for the development
of the employee’s
skill.
21/03/2018 21/03/2018
Handling conflicts 2 Learning
about the
individual
grievances
and
differences in
the
objectives of
different
employee’s
Getting feedback
from the employees
and holding
meetings for coming
to a solution using
negotiation methods
are necessary.
22/03/2018 22/03/2018
Review date: 23/03/2018
c. In small teams, or with your role-play partner, discuss and outline the types of
organisational policies, procedures and plans that an organisation should have in
place to assist new staff with their new positions so they feel supported and are
led to gain required management skills and knowledge.
(Guide: List as many policies, procedures or plans relevant and explain what they will offer
and why they are needed – minimum of 3)
Marketing strategy techniques should be enhanced in the new employees so as to increase the
market and gain revenue.
The newly appointed employees should be provided with the appropriate knowledge of the quality
of the deliverables such that quality control can be maintained.
Benefit policy and feedback would also enable the employees to gain benefit for the work done and
would also get motivated in order to enhance thei performance. The feedback form would allow
them to provide their understanding about the company and also can share their grievances.

d. In small teams, discuss the importance of networking to enhance development
opportunities for personal learning and identifying ways to improve competence.
(Guide: 3 points)
Networking is an essential concept in business so as to enhance development opportunities and
also improves the competency in the organization. The importance of networking are described
below:
 Leads to innovation as networking incorporates new and fresh ideas.
 It also provides new opportunities.
 It also helps to boost the self-esteem and confidence.
1.4. Role-play 2:
Read case study below and complete activities as instructed.
You are Mauricio’s supervisor. Mauricio has been working for your organisation since
he was 21 and has always worked very hard. He is used to working long hours but
now that Mauricio is married he has been not so happy at work anymore. You
overheard him saying to a colleague that his new wife, Cecilia, is not happy because
she never sees him. He tries to explain to her that his overtime is helpful because he
is saving up to buy them their first home.
You remembered that when you started your first management job that you were the
same and in fact you are still working long hours till today. Long hours at work has
become such a normal thing in your life that you don’t know any different any more.
You became worried about Mauricio’s current situation and asked him to come and
see you to discuss his work / life balance.
a. Research and list below any available learning opportunities, which you and
Mauricio can access so that you have good work-life balance.
(Guide: 1 to 2 paragraphs explaining ideas and opportunities available)
The misbalance of the work life balance occurs due to the overstress and overworking conditions of the
organizations. It occurs mostly because the employees are not organized in a proper way. We both
should start the day by organizing ourselves in a proper way such as to meet the daily target. Moreover,
the usage of intelligent apps that could set the goals and also makes decisions of the meeting. This
prevents the wastage of time in planning the meeting so that the employee can focus on more important
task and meet the daily target.
b. Use the space below to write down points to prepare for your meeting with
Mauricio and list points which you will discuss with him to ensure the meeting
covers all necessary points. Refer to your research above (1.4a)
(Guide: minimum of 5 points with good explanations about why each point should be
discussed at the meeting)
The following points would be discussed with Mauricio regarding the importance of work life balance:
 Work life balance is essential for maintain the mental health as, if an employee is overstressed
he/ she may suffer from chronic stress
 It is also essential for maintain the physical health and for the well-being of an employee as it
can lead to serious physical issues such as heart disease and high blood procedure
 It is basically aimed at enhancing the performance of the employees as continuously working
for hours greatly hampers the performance of the employees.
 The imbalanced work life structure hampers the physical as well as mental condition of an
employee thus, it is of utmost importance.
 A proper work life balance enables the employees to enjoy the work and hence, that enhances
the business

c. You are required to hold meeting with a classmate who will play Mauricio’s role.
During the meeting you must explain to Mauricio how important it is to achieve a
good a work / life balance and discuss consequences if he does not listen.
Assessment task 2: Research and Discussions
Information to students:
This assessment task will enable you to demonstrate understanding of managing
program time which includes:
 Developing program schedule using technical skills and techniques
 Implementing monitoring processes of project schedule
 Reviewing of project schedules and recommending improvements
Assessment task 2 has five (5) discussion points. Your will be required to complete each
discussion point with different teams so you are able to demonstrate your networking
abilities with different individuals and to gain information from others to advance your
learning (for example you will be completing discussion points 2.1 with one group and then
completing point 2.2 with another group and so on).
To complete this assessment task you will be required to conduct a research on the internet
or use library books available.
It is important that you use your own interpretation of each discussion point you have
participated in.
Please note:we recognise that you may have similar answers to other students who
participated in the same discussions as you however you must demonstrate your own
understanding and write answers in your own words.
Your assessor will check your answers and if you have copied directly from other students
you will be required to resubmit this task to your assessor again in your own words. Your
assessor will provide you with feedback.
Questions:
Read all discussion points below in class with your colleagues and your trainer and assessor,
and provide answers to each question below.
Answer guide: This assessment task is to be typed up when presenting to your assessor for
marking. In most questions you are expected to answer in approximately 1 to 2 paragraphs
unless advised otherwise
Group discussions and networking activity
In small groups read each question (discussion point). Please ensure that your answers
are in line with guidance provided.Your assessor will advise you when and how to
separate into your discussion groups.
Please speak to your trainer and assessor if you need any clarification.

a. Discuss best time management practices a manager can use to ensure workflow of
tasks and workplace projects are running on time.
The clear understanding of the pattern is the key in managing the time. The project
and tasks with higher priorities should be completed first. Moreover, the initial
planning technique can also ensure the project is completed on time without any
overheads involved. Furthermore, setting a milestone also helps in completing the
work on time. In addition to these, the adoption of the project management strategy
also enable that the workflow is proper. For example, creating a to do list, developing
the plan for carrying out work, prioritizing the work, setting of goals, and breaking
down of large projects in to smaller content can help on time management.
In the spaces below list:
a. time management methods and key tools that can be used for project scheduling
and then explain;
b. what time management systems can be used and explain their application,
limitations and outcomes regarding scheduling and monitoring projects’ timelines
and progress.
(Guide: provide approx. 3 to 5 examples or time management for a) and then complete the
table)
a) List of time management methods
Time
management
System and
key tools for
project
scheduling:
Application Positives Limitations Output
Schedule
Analysis
It consists of Gantt
chart and PERT chart
and it is a graphical
representation of the
time the activities take
to complete the task
It defines the
sequential steps to
perform the task and
is easy for the
stakeholder to
understand the
progress of the
project and also
shows the priority of
the task.
The regular
update makes the
tool a tedious one
and it get complex
for big projects
It incorporates
efficiency and
makes sure
that the project
is completed
on time without
any overheads.
Critical Path
Analysis
This tool is based on
searching the best
path available to
complete the task on
time.
It clearly describes
the dependency
among the task and
represents the
impact of
rescheduling the
tasks.
It does not
represent the
resource
allocation and
representation of
the network
diagram becomes
difficult.
It provides the
best path for
the completion
of the project.
b. List and summarise lifecycle phases of project management and describe each phase.
(Guide: minimum of 4 phases with good explanations for each)
Phases Explanations
1 Project Initiation In the initiation stage the objective of the project is determined. A feasibility
study is also carried out which justifies whether the project can be
progressed with or not (Kerzner and Kerzner 2017). The deliverable is
identified and the team is appointed for carrying out the project.
2 Project Planning This is the second phase of the project [planning method, in which the cost
estimation is done. It also identifies the task, activities and the
dependencies of the tasks and the plan is presented to the stakeholders.
3 Project Implementation This phase is also known as execution phase. In this phase the actual
project construction takes place (Stark 2015). Moreover, the stakeholders

are kept updated regularly about the progress of the project.
4 Project closure This is the final stage of the project construction as the deliverable is given
to the customer and after the formal approval of the project, it is closed.
c. Research, discuss, explain and demonstrate how manager can:
a. monitor critical path of a project and
b. provide an example of a procedure the manager can put in place to ensure the
project stays on schedule
(Guide: 2 to 3 paragraphs, you can add a screen shot of system that monitors critical path)
a. The manager can monitor the critical path of a project through the network diagram. The critical path in a network
diagram is the longest path that must be followed so as to complete the project on time. In this technique the activities
cannot be started until the previous task is complete. If the completion of one task is delayed the completion of the entire
project would get delayed. The path highlighted with red shows the critical path.
b. Time blocking
It is a time management tool that is used to prioritize the time of performing tasks. It assigns higher priority to those task
that need to be executed soon and is of utmost importance (Otley, D., 2016). It provides the to do list as well as with the
report of the weekly progress such that the manager could effectively review the progress of the work done and take
certain decisions that would be vital for the proper completion and execution of the product.
d. Research, discuss and list examples how a project manager would be able to
determine (techniques the manager can use) task duration and resources needed.
(Guide: approx. 4 paragraphs and list 4 techniques the manager would use)
There are various techniques that the project manager utilizes to determine the task duration and the
resources required some of them are described below
 PERT Method: The Project Evaluation and Review Technique is used widely to plan the task due to
which the task becomes much more easy to plan and implement. It gives the exact dependency and
the resources required for the completion of the project. It also defines the critical path for the
completion of the project and decides which resources are required and are used by other resources.
Such tasks will depend on the tasks using it (Zareei 2018.).
 Delphi Technique: This technique gathers information and opinions of several experts and then again
reverting it back to them for further reviews regarding the duration and the resources required. During
reviewing their responses, the experts may change the views. This is a tedious procedure as it involves
several numbers of rounds for reviewing the responses (Peeters et al., 2015).
 Work breakdown structure: this technique also helps to break down a large task into small sub projects
such that the tasks can be completed on time and the resources used could also be free for other
resources for utilization (Fitzpatrick 2016). The task becomes more manageable once it is broken
down.

 Expert judgment: This technique is utilized on the cases when the project is too complex to be
resolved by the manager, he may seek for the expert judgment. While using the expert judgment
project manager should be cautious as they may take decisions that would be biased and influence
their judgment.
e. Discuss and explain how manager would manage the:
a. establishment of a project,
b. baseline and
c. variances.
(Guide: 2 to 3 sentences for each)
a. The project manager controls and supervises the overall progress of the work by
taking certain supportive and important decisions. He can also monitor the task by
querying the team members about the progress of the task.
b. For the baseline management a change control process should be implemented using the
three steps of identification, evaluation and responding to the changes (Portny 2017
). A baseline can be created by creating the work break down structure.
c. Variance is a slight variation from the product standard or the baseline. The
project manager measures the deviation from the standards and supervises and
coordinates the employees work so as to achieve the target.

References
Cottrell, S., 2015. Skills for success: Personal development and employability. Palgrave
Macmillan.
Fitzpatrick, B.J., 2016. Determining the Optimal Work Breakdown Structure for Defense
Acquisition Contracts. Air Force Institute of Technology WPAFB United States.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
O'Donnell, M., Horne, R., Carey, M., Davies, M. and Dinneen, S., 2017. Evaluation of goal-
setting/action planning in a diabetes group self-management education programme for people
with type 2 diabetes (DESMOND) in Ireland and England. International Journal of Integrated
Care, 17(5).
Otley, D., 2016. The contingency theory of management accounting and control: 1980–
2014. Management accounting research, 31, pp.45-62.
Peeters, S.H., Akkermans, J., Westra, M., Lopriore, E., Middeldorp, J.M., Klumper, F.J., Lewi,
L., Devlieger, R., Deprest, J., Kontopoulos, E.V. and Quintero, R., 2015. Identification of
essential steps in laser procedure for twin–twin transfusion syndrome using the Delphi
methodology: SILICONE study. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 45(4), pp.439-446.
Portny, S.E., 2017. Project management for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
Stark, J., 2015. Product lifecycle management. In Product Lifecycle Management (Volume
1) (pp. 1-29). Springer, Cham.
Yates, L., Woelert, P., Millar, V. and O’Connor, K., 2017. Performance Measurement and
Management. In Knowledge at the Crossroads? (pp. 183-195). Springer, Singapore.
Zareei, S., 2018. Project scheduling for constructing biogas plant using critical path
method. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81, pp.756-759.