Employability Skills Report: Business Associate, Marks & Spencer

This report delves into the employability skills essential for a business associate at Marks and Spencer, covering various aspects such as responsibilities, performance objectives, and self-evaluation. It explores areas for improvement, including continuous training and feedback from line managers....Read More

Employability Skills

Table of Content
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1....................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 set of responsibilities needed to be developed along with the performance objectives.............3
1.2 Evaluation of self effectiveness against the defined objectives...................................................3
1.3 recommendations and probable imporvements.........................................................................4
1.4 motivational tools and their reviews for quality performance....................................................4
TASK 2....................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Develop a solution to work based problem.................................................................................5
2.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at different levels.........................5
2.3 Time-management strategies .....................................................................................................6
3.1 Roles of people played in team to achieve the targets of company............................................7
3.2 Analyse team dynamic.................................................................................................................7
3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals.......................................................8
TASK 3....................................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Evaluation tools and methods for developing solutions to problems..........................................8
4.2 An appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem.........................................................9
4.3 Evaluation the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy..........................9
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Employability skills are the skill set that an employee needs to get success in an
organisation. It’s the potential that they need in themselves to grow in the organisation. Every
job requires different skills sets and all have different job responsibilities. These
employability skills are important as the market outside is very competitive and very other
person is talented, so it very important for an individual to have some specialised
employability skills (Wilton2011). Here in this report employability skills of a business
associate of Marks and Spencer has been explained in a detailed and efficient manner. Apart
from the roles and responsibilities and effectiveness of own evaluation, the ways for
improvement has also been discussed. The dynamics of team has been beautifully explained
here. He communication process has played a very strong role in managing the team
dynamics. The techniques of motivation like Maslow’s need hierarchy has improved the
morale of the employees and the quality of the work performed by them.
TASK 1
1.1 set of responsibilities needed to be developed along with the performance objectives
In marks and spencer’s and being in the position of a business associate , there are lots
of specific responsibilities and duties that are needed to be fulfilled by an associate in a
proper and efficient way. Being a business associate the functions and duties are related to the
managing of works and assessing and evaluating files (Yusoff, Omar and Muhamad2012).
The associate needs to fulfil the tasks as per the requirements of clients. The mentor needs to
guide along the mentee about the work and the primary duty of the associate is to abide by
the need of the customer/client. The responsibilities of a business associate includes to help
the business grow they need to complete the work allotted to them. The improvements
needed in the work of business associate is that to improve the quality of work he is offering
to the client(Senior and Cubbidge 2010). The client satisfaction must be its utmost objective.
The work done by the associate should be original and it should not be copied from
somewhere else. All the requirements of the customers must be taken care of very carefully
and they should not give any chance of complains to them and be honest in their work.
1.2 Evaluation of self effectiveness against the defined objectives
For achieving the objectives of the organisation certain training and development
programs has been conducted by marks and spencer, so that the manager can adopt the
environment and can understand the roles and responsibilities. There is an induction program

in which the training has been provided about the work that he has to o and they are made
familiar with the organisations culture, it results in increasing effectiveness in regards of
desired objectives. My communications and writing skills are very good that helps me in
doing my work effectively and efficiently. I know how to manage my work and submit it
within the deadline. My habit to never say no to work makes me a diligent employee. Being a
business associate it’s my responsibility to satisfy the client by giving them the work they
need and by abiding by their guidelines and specifications. Though there are certain areas in
which I lacks an employee and these are where there is lots of work I feel pressurised and
generally unable to handle it. Apart from this as per my own self evaluation I am able to
complete every task effectively and efficiently. I have learned various things from my
mentors and my guides that helps me I doing my work properly.
1.3 recommendations and probable imporvements
There are various techniques can help me in improving my skill set and to enhance my
effectiveness in the Marks and Spencer’s. It is clear here that the role of continuous training
of an employee could be huge for the same purpose. While dealing with the customers it can
help on the ground of bringing the improvement into the current skill and competency
level. The training can help me in increasing the learning about my job title, my position
in Marks and Spencer’s and in future it could result in achievement of performance
objectives. For generating positive results on bringing the possible improvements the
meetings or sessions with the line manager could also help(Zhu, Iles,and Shutt 2011). It is to
be noted that the line managers do understand the small aspects and strengthening feature of
every employee. The minor issues could be dealt in a proper way by doing honest discussions
with them; also it can help immensely on the ground of nurturing the strengthening element.
The discussions can also work as feedback about the performance of the employee within the
particular period. Along with the excellent job performance, through feedback, the mistakes
and errors could become into notice. Other than this, the most motivated factor that can help
in moving towards the right direction is the incentives.
1.4 motivational tools and their reviews for quality performance
Above on inheriting the motivation within the performance the role of incentives and
proper remuneration has been depicted. For immensely increment of the motivational level of
employees the motivational technique or methods has lots of practices that can help. The
Maslow’s need hierarchy theory can determine the basic needs of the employee of Marks and
Spencer’s as it motivates them to perform well( Hinchliffe and Jolly 2011). It helps to the

ground of motivating the staff and the healthy relationship could be developed among the
employer and employee if the supervision style or managerial style is functional. The
housekeeping team of the Marks and Spencer’s should get proper support and guidance from
the line manager. After that the crew chief manager should appraise his team and is required
to provide the opportunities for them. As it leads towards the job security, it is something that
might help immensely in increasing the motivational level. By doing that the employees
works with full dedication and determination.
TASK 2
2.1 Develop a solution to work based problem
In Mark and Spencer there are many employees who are belonging from different
departments. It is the responsibility of the human resource managers to maintain the strong
relation with them (Wilton, 2011). The following are some steps which can solve the various
problems in organisation.
Identify the problem – In this the managers has to find out that what exactly is work
based problem and how it has been occurred in organisation.
Make the alternatives – In this step the managers have to find out the various
alternatives through which they can solve the problems.
Evaluate and choose the best alternatives – The manager has to choose best
alternatives from the view point of company and must resolve all the issues of employees.
Implement the solution and monitor – Finally, managers has to apply the plan and
monitor them on regular basis.
From the above step, it helps the managers to maintain the strong relation with
employees and provide the best quality of products and services to customers. The manager
has to properly convey the problem to higher authority so that they can make appropriate
plans to resolve the problem. The solution should be based on the recommendations so that
the managers can implement the plans in appropriate manner.
2.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at different levels
There are various types of communication technique which can be used by the
managers of Mark and Spencer at different levels of organisation. At different level of

organisation the following are the communication which takes the place and also help the
managers to resolve the conflicts of employees with in time period only.
Direct communication – This communication is used when the managers have to
communicate with higher authority. This communication is held when discussion is done
between the two people (Wickramasinghe and Perera, 2010). In this boss gives instruction to
employees so that it will be easy for them to communicate with them. Though this any
confusion will not arise between the employees.
Indirect communication – In this managers are communicating with employees in
rude, loud or in aggression manner. At lower level when managers have to communicate with
the employees then they are talking with them in this manner.
Oral or written communication – In Mark and Spencer when the managers have to
convey the important messages then they are using this technique. It also saves the time of
managers as well s of employees.
Formal or informal communication – Formal communication is best method which
is using by the managers. Through this the managers can convey the message in appropriate
way and resolve the conflicts which are arising at any level of organisation.
2.3 Time-management strategies
In Mark and Spencer it is very important to make the time management strategies
which help the organisation also to complete the task in time period. Is the responsibility of
managers to set that which has to be performed first? As there are many store of this
company so it is important for them to make proper time management so that they can
achieve the targets (Hind and Moss, 2012). The managers have to use proper tools and
techniques which help them to perform the roles and responsibilities in appropriate manner.
The following are the time management techniques which must be made by the managers.
Prioritising the work load – As it is the responsibility of managers to allocate the task
which has to achieve on priority basis. The manager has to maintain the dairy on regular basis
so that they can divide the work load among the members.
Time for learning – It is important for managers that not to waste the time. They have
to manage the time to perform the task in appropriate manner. It will be essential for them to
increase their knowledge and skills regarding the work (Stoner and Milner, 2010). The

employees have to manage their time to complete the work in time period and increased their
learning regarding what task has to be performed in what manner.
3.1 Roles of people played in team to achieve the targets of company
To work in team it plays significant role in organisation. While working in a team it
will be beneficial for the company to achieve the targets in appropriate manner. But
sometimes it also a difficult to make coordination with each other because every employees
has its own capability to perform the task (de Guzman and Choi, 2013). The employees of
Mark and Spencer are working in team and it also combines their efforts to achieve the
targets of company. Here are some following ways in which the role of team work is defined.
 While working in the team it encourages and motivates other employees to perform
their task in appropriate manner and it will also increase their skills and knowledge.
 The roles and responsibility which are assigned to employees as are discussed by the
means and it also helps other to achieve the targets.
 Proper directions and guidance is given to employees to perform their roles and
responsibilities in appropriate manner. On other side, support, delegation shows the
attributes for the team members (7 Essential Time Management Strategies, 2017).
3.2 Analyse team dynamic
Working in a team is important to accomplish with the goals of company. In Mark
and Spencer the managers and leaders have to find out core competencies of every employee
so that they can provide appropriate training and development programme. Through this the
employees will able to work in dynamic environment. Here are some following characteristic
of team dynamic in which it helps the employees to make coordination among them.
 In team mission, vision and objective of the company are clearly defined by the
managers and leaders.
 It clearly defines the roles and responsibility of every employee that which task is to
be performed in which manner.
 In team there is always one leader who is strong and guide the members to work
perfectly handle all the problems which are facing by the team members.

 Most of the team members are focusing on the outcomes that what will be result
whether good or bad to achieve the targets of company (Saunders and Zuzel, 2010).
 The leaders make the strong relationship with employees so that they resolve their
problems.
3.3 Alternative ways to complete tasks and achieve team goals
It is essential for the company to use alternative to attain their organisational goals
and shared targets. So it is the responsibility of manager to make a lead on the situations, so
they have to make accurate alternatives which help to the team to manage their work
according to the objectives (Danial and Mohamed, 2014). Marks and Spencer is huge
structured company and they are having different department in the organisation so it is
essential for the company to make a proper communication in between the teams. If the
employees are facing any issues regarding to makes a perfectly communication in between
the team mates so it is essential or the managers to establish a proper communication process
which can be a alternative medium but it helps to them in that particular situation to make
communication. As the company is using formal communication process which help to them
to make a sensible and effective communication but in the case when formal communication
is can’t possible than managers has to allow to uses informal communication process which
can be phones to make a communication in between two department. It can help to them to
establish an alternative communication to avoid the hinders in the communication process.
TASK 3
4.1 Evaluation tools and methods for developing solutions to problems
Some of the tools are here which can be used by the Marks and Spencer to make a
solution of their problems. Here they are;
Heuristics; It is a process which help to the company to make a solution of their problems by
the emotional point of view and thinking, it is not possible for the company to consider each
and every situation to consider as a emotional pattern, so they have to make a proper decision
by a considering a problem on financials point of views. The Heuristics method can work in
every circumstances, it has their limitations.
Mathematical calculations: It is a systematic process which works on a problem on the
basis of the mathematical calculation which can make a hit on the main cause and it is highly

effective for the company to makes a solution on the finance related problems and issues
(Poropat, 2011). But it cannot work on the situations which are related to the relations and so
it is essential for the Marks and Spencer to make a proper use of these tools and methods
according to the situations.
Mistakes and test: It is a basic tool which is used by the various companies to make a proper
solution on the problems. Managers and leaders can make a solution for a particular issue and
they can implement it on the situation to analyse it’s impact on the situation.
4.2 An appropriate strategy for resolving a particular problem
It is essential for the managers and leaders of the Marks and Spencer to use an
appropriate strategy on the problems and issues which they are facing in the company. A
strategy is here which can be used by the managers in the company;
Analysing problem; In the starting it is essential for the managers and leaders to analyse the
problems, it can help to them to the managers to find out the basic cause of the problem
(Young and Chapman, 2010). After it they can make a discussion on it with the concern
employees to make an effective solution on it.
Developing a plan; It is the second step in which managers have to make an effective plan on
the for the particular critical situations. So it is essential for the manager that the solution plan
have to be effective on the problems.
Implementation; In this stage, the plan has to be implemented on the actual situation which
can help to the managers to make an effective implement of the plans. It is a process which
has to be done by the experienced person of the company to manage the effectiveness in the
process.
Evaluation of impact; It is essential for the Marks and Spenser Company to evaluate their
plans on the problems which is implied on the problematic situations. It can help them to
evaluate the effectiveness of the plan on the problem, as well as it can help to the managers to
make more better plan on the same situation in next time.
4.3 Evaluation the potential impact on the business of implementing the strategy
Each and every strategies are having a impact on the organisation so it is essential for
the managers and leaders to make a proper evaluation of the strategy on the business. A
marketing strategy is having a huge impact on the company’s business so it is essential for

the managers to make an effective marketing strategy for the Marks and Spenser (Margaret
Little, 2011). This marketing strategy can impact on their business and as well as it can help
to the company to improve the number of people in the targeted market which are affected by
their marketing activities. As well as it can help to the company to increase their criteria and
scope in which they can make their business activities. So the marketing strategy can be
judged on the basis of increased business, number of customers and market share of the
company. Changes in these factors can help to the company to analyse and evaluate the
effectiveness of the marketing strategy.
CONCLUSION
The above presented report has been concluded about the employability skills which helps to
a person to get a job opportunity in a huge structured company, as the Marks and Spencer is
having different departments so it creates a need for them to make a suitable selection of the
candidates which are having appropriate skills and qualification as per the requirements. It is
essential for the company to provide an appropriate training and development program to
their employees to increase their working efficiencies in the organisation. Managers are
having an effective role in the organisation to manage their employees so they have to make
appropriate solutions for their problems.

REFERENCES
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adaptability among technical school students. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 82(3).
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Online

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