Academic and Research Skills: Personal Development Plan and Analysis

This report presents a student's personal development plan, focusing on academic and research skills. It begins by identifying the student's strengths, such as communication and note-taking, and weaknesses, including negotiation and focus. The report outlines SMART objectives for self-improvement, detailing how the student plans to develop negotiation and focus skills through case studies, feedback, and meditation. The student then explores key aspects of note-taking, including active listening and reading, and the importance of paraphrasing and summarising information. The report includes a market research plan for launching a new product, discussing data collection methods and targeting the health-conscious young generation. Finally, the report presents a detailed personal development plan with short- and long-term goals, outlining activities and support needed to achieve targets such as teamwork, time management, and research skills.

ACADEMIC AND
RESEARCH SKILLS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Identifying strengths and weaknesses..............................................................................1
1.2 SMART plan for self-improvement.................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................2
3.1 key points like active listening and reading in note taking..............................................2
3.2 Paraphrasing and summarising information.....................................................................3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................3
Market research for launching new product...........................................................................3
TASK 5............................................................................................................................................4
6.1 Personal Development Plan..............................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Personal development plan helps individuals in identifying the skills that will enhance
their efficiency and productivity (Votruba‐Drzal and et.al., 2016). It is a lifelong process that
involves both formal and informal activities required in the achievement of goals and objectives.
This project identifies about personal strengths and weaknesses which help in designing of
personal development plan. Further, it discusses about secondary and primary data which helps
in meeting the targeted market. End of this project identifies factors required for designing
personal development plan on the basis of self-reflection.
TASK 1
1.1 Identifying strengths and weaknesses
Strength
Communication skill is an effective process used by individuals to express their feelings
and opinions. This helps in resolving all problems. Individuals can clearly express themselves
and their needs through effective communication (Harmeyer and et.al., 2016). In order to
understand other person’s point of views, we should listen to them and discover flaws. My
communication skills are strong. I can establish strong relations with others and create a positive
impact with my good vocabulary.
Note taking is a skill which is used by individuals in summarising information in a
systematic way. This consists of complete relevant information. It is the record which helps in
recalling everything captured using secondary resources. Due to self-discipline, my note taking
skill is strong enough. This has helped me to grow and develop professionally
Weaknesses
Negotiation is a term which is used by individual to settle down their issues and
grievances. According to this, people try to achieve the best possible outcomes with mutual
consent. I lack in negotiation skill. I find it difficult in maintaining good relations and interacting
with each other.
Focus and attention depend upon individual’s capacity of brain which helps in
concentrating towards the work. Tasks can be accomplished effectively and efficiently by
utilising the above mentioned skill. It is important for both personal and professional
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development of individuals in order to achieve success. I have insufficient focus and attention
skill. I cannot focus on activities that are performed to achieve particular target.
1.2 SMART objectives for self-improvement
Basis Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely
Negotiat
ion
My specific
goal is to
develop my
negotiation
skills as it will
enable me to
solve conflicts
in effective
manner.
 Will be
achieved by
considering
case study
 Gathering
adequate
knowledge
regarding
issues or
problem.
 I can
accomplish this
target by
effectively
communicating
with others.
 By
understanding
the main
reason that
caused
problem
 Significant
for my
personal and
professional
development.
2-3
months.
Focus
and
attention
Main focus is
on developing
my focus and
attention as it
will enable me
to perform the
given work in
effective
manner.
 By taking
feedback from
peers
 Friends
 Subordinates.
 This target is
achievable
through
meditation
 By doing
regular
exercise
through which
brain can focus
on important
issues.
 It has
reliability
and will help
me to
complete the
tasks within
speculated
time period
1-2
months.
Action Plan
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Basis How to achieve? Time
Negotiation I will develop this skill by continuously
interacting with my co-workers and team
members. This will help me to understand other
person’s point of views and opinions.
2-3 months
Focus and attention Focus and attention skill can be improved by
doing regular meditation and physical exercise.
After development of focus and attention skill, I'll
be able to concentrate on my work and complete it
on time.
1-2 months
TASK 2
3.1 Key points like active listening and reading in note taking
According to academic research, note taking skill is significant for individuals in order to
stay focused towards the important points. This skill helps in recording of important message
with the help of own writing skills (Miletzki and Broten, 2017). Note taking has helped in
remembering all important points related to the topic.
I have attended a seminar which was related to healthy and positive working environment
in organisation. Effective taking of note enhances my performance and efficiency level. In note
taking, I have mentioned and highlighted importance of ethical working environment.
In seminar, reading materials were distributed. Active reading skill has helped me to
understand and evaluate the importance of healthy working environment. During note taking
process, I have mentioned all important points which will help me in recalling things back. This
skill has helped me to stay focused and retain complete important information of seminar.
3.2 Paraphrasing and summarising information
In note taking, I have summarised that ethical and healthy working environment will
build up a positive image and reputation. Organisation which is currently operating according to
business ethics, is growing and developing themselves. Effective note taking skill has helped me
in presenting and delivering all the relevant information to my team members and co-workers. I
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should have effective communication skills in order to resolve all disputes and issues regarding
data collection. I must effectively utilise the secondary data to gather useful information required
to carry out market research.
TASK 3
Market research for launching new product
Investigator develops the plan known as market research as per which goods and services
will be sold in targeted market segment. It should include aim of research and resources from
where data is collected, etc.
Aim: Launching of flavoured ice tea
Research plan:
Marketing research plays a crucial role in introducing new product in the market. On the
basis of observation, I have targeted young generation because they are more concerned about
their health. I will conduct primary and secondary research to achieve my target.
Outline of the process
Data collection is significant in this present research plan. It is essential to collect
information from right resources (Melzer and Schoop, 2016). The main target is population of
London that is concerned about their health.
It is significant to analyse and evaluate market circumstances in order to target particular
segment for marketing. In order to satisfy the demand in market, business will design products
and services on the basis of above research. I have gathered all relevant information using both
secondary and primary data.
Secondary data: Active reading of journals and books has identified importance of ice and the
procedure of making it. I have conducted secondary research using websites and social media.
Primary data: I have collected information from people of local areas by using questionnaire.
Above procedure has helped me to discover that people are conscious about their health and
avoid drinking milk tea.
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TASK 5
6.1 Personal Development Plan
From the above research conducted, I have identified that there are certain skills which
are required to be developed. Personal development plan is a lifelong process which helps
individuals in assessing skills that maximizes their potential.
My personal
developmen
t target
Short or
long term
target
How will I
achieve my
targets?
What
activities do
I need to
undertake to
achieve my
objectives?
What
support do I
need?
Date of
review
Progress
made
towards
target
Further
action
required
Actual date
of achieving
target
Team
Working
Developmen
t of this skill
is a short
term
process.
In order to
achieve this
target, I will
organise
meetings on
regular basis
and interact
with each
other,
regular
collection of
feedback
from each
5th July Teamwork
skills have
helped me
in resolving
disputes and
issues. It has
increased
my
efficiency
and
productivity
. My
workload
N-A
7th August
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member will
help me to
identify key
areas of
improvemen
t (Team
work, 2018).
has been
reduced and
targets are
achieved in
prescribed
time.
Time
Manageme
nt
Achieving
this target is
a time
consuming
process.
Prior
planning of
schedule
will help me
in
minimising
wastage of
time and in
continuous
monitoring
of time
management
in order to
assure that
every task is
completed.
20th May Time
management
skill has
helped me
in managing
extra
workload. I
can
accomplish
my activity
in limited
time frame.
N-A 4th
September
Research
skill
This is
technical
and it is
long term
target.
I can
develop this
skill by
reading
books and
attending
developmen
4th May This skill is
significant
for me
because
they help in
developmen
t of new
N-A 7th
September
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t workshops. knowledge
and
critically
evaluate
different
situations
and provide
solution to
it.
Handling of
difficult
situations
This can be
easily
achieved in
short time.
Effective
communicat
ion plays an
important
role in
handling of
difficult
situations.
5th June I can handle
difficult
situations
regarding
any
conflicts
and issues in
my team.
N-A 6th July
Focus and
attention
I can
develop this
skill in long
term.
I will
achieve this
skill by
doing
regular
meditation,
physical and
mental
exercise.
25th May I am able to
work with
full
concentratio
n and
complete
my work
easily
without
delay.
NA 8th
September
Negotiation This can be
achieved in
long term.
This skill
can be
developed
4th June After this
skill, I can
understand
NA 8th August
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by actively
participating
in group
discussion,
seminars
and
workshop.
the opinions
and
problems of
others.
CONCLUSION
This project concluded that communication skill is an effective tool used by individuals
to express their feelings and opinions. It has been assessed that note taking skill is significant
according to academic research which helps individuals to stay focused towards their goals and
objectives. This report explains that personal development plan is a lifelong process which helps
individuals in assessing skills that will maximizes their potential.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Behnia, O., Hossein Pour, M. and Zarea, K., 2016. The Analysis of the Team Working
Facilitating Factors among nurses Working in Training Centers affiliated with the
University of Jondi SHapour in Ahvaz. Scientific Journal of Hamadan Nursing &
Midwifery Faculty .24(4). pp.247-255.
Ellis, P. and Bach, S., 2015. Leadership, management and team working in nursing. Learning
Matters.
Harmeyer, E. and et.al., 2016. Predicting self-regulation and vocabulary and academic skills at
kindergarten entry: The roles of maternal parenting stress and mother-child
closeness. Early Childhood Research Quarterly. 37. pp.153-164.
Matos, J., 2018. International Negotiation Competitions: Benefits and Adaptability to the
Humanitarian Sector.
Melzer, P. and Schoop, M., 2016. The Effects of Personalised Negotiation Training on Learning
and Performance in Electronic Negotiations. Group Decision and Negotiation .25(6).
pp.1189-1210.
Miletzki, J. and Broten, N., 2017. Development as freedom. Macat Library.
Ollivere, B., 2017. Team working, ethos and the uncomfortable conversation.
Votruba‐Drzal, E. and et.al., 2016. Poverty, urbanicity, and children's development of early
academic skills. Child Development Perspectives. 10(1). pp.3-9.
Online
Team work. 2018. [Online]. Accessed through: <https://the-happy-manager.com/articles/define-
teamwork/>.
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