Comprehensive Report on Personal and Professional Development Plan

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of a student's personal and professional development plan, focusing on self-managed learning approaches, skill evaluation, and the identification of development opportunities. The report evaluates various learning styles, including Honey and Mumford's and Kolb's experiential learning theory, to understand how individuals can enhance their skills and competencies. It assesses the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations, emphasizing the importance of communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. The student identifies current skills and weaknesses, setting specific development goals in areas such as time management and marketing, with a focus on the travel and tourism sector. The report outlines a detailed development plan with activities, timelines, and strategies to improve skills, communication, and time management. The report also discusses problem-solving techniques and communication strategies within a work environment.

Personal and professional
development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Evaluating approaches to self-managed learning..................................................................3
1.2 Evaluating ways in which lifelong learning and professional context can be encouraged....4
1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individuals and organization............5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluating current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives.............................................................................................................5
2.2 Identifying own development needs and activities required..................................................7
2.3 Identifying development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs................7
2.4 Devising personal and professional development plan in development objective travel and
tourism.........................................................................................................................................7
Task 3...............................................................................................................................................8
3.1Discussing the way in which implementation of personal and professional development
plan will be proceeded.................................................................................................................8
3.2Undertaking development activities identified in task 2.........................................................8
3.3 Reflecting on achievements against expected aim and objectives and discussing the way of
reviewing......................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Updating the plan based on expected outcomes....................................................................9
Task 4 ............................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Selecting solution to work based problems.........................................................................10
4.2 communicate with employee at different level in tour and tourism sector..........................10
4.3 Evaluate and use time management strategies....................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
The personal and professional development a formal means by which an individual sets
out goals and strategies and make himself able to achieve them by developing personally and
professionally with respect to improving existing skills, abilities and knowledge (What is the
difference between personal and professional development. 2014). The present report is based on
personal and professional development of an employee. It is required to have a good knowledge
and understanding of personal and professional skills by which future goals of an individual can
be achieved in an effectual manner. The report shows various benefits of self-managed learning
in organization. It is also important to identify the skills needed to develop for working
professionally and to identify personal development opportunity.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluating approaches to self-managed learning
By adopting the different approaches of self-managed learning I improved my skills in
following way: Seminars and conferences: It is the best way of self-managed learning as through
attending seminar and conferences, I can share my ideas and experience with others
(Desimone, 2011). It also helps me in improving my personal skills and develop my
personality as well. Confidence of speaking in front of public is also improved through
this which is an essential skill to work in an organization. Social networks: To get socialize through social networking is another way of self-
managed learning. From my experience, virtual community such as Facebook, Twitter,
My year book and many more plays a significant role in making an individual learn.
Through research, I come to know that many people spend more than two hours a day for
sharing their ideas with other people and learn new skills (Fink, 2013). Through this way,
communication gets improved. Internet: Through internet, I can gain knowledge by surfing different websites related to
management studies or any other field. This knowledge can be shared with coworkers at
the work place.

 Theorist: From this style, I learn many things, my experience it is important to think
problems step by step manner. Such as lectures, systems, case studies, and reading
(Floyd, 2012). It is not helpful to communicate with experts.
1.2 Evaluating ways in which lifelong learning and professional context can be encouraged
Theory of learning and professional life can be encouraged by using:
Honey and Mumford learning styles:
To understand the particular learning style, Honey and Mumford style is proves to be the
best which includes: Reflector: People who fall in this category learn from watching others and thinking the
way to perform work and review what happened. For these individuals, lectures prove to
be helpful as they provide complete explanation to them. Pragmatist: These people like to apply their learning to actual practice to see if it works
like in laboratories as well as through the way of observation and field work.
 Activist: These people love taking challenges and get always ready to take risk (Gilbert
and Bell, 2014). Their choices are generally problem solving, and small group discussion.
This model has improved my learning style and encouraged me to learn in a way in
which I am the most comfortable.
Kolb’s experimental learning theory
Kolb’s experimental learning theory works on two levels (Gravill and Compeau, 2008). It
has four stage cycle of learning with separate learning style.
 Concrete experience: From this stage, my experience by learning is that I will work
with new ideas and get experience for self-managed learning.
 Reflective observation: It is necessary for me to review and reflect on the experience.
 Abstract Conceptualization: Reflection gives rise to new ideas for me (Hay, 2010).
Also, adopt an existing concept and learn them by experiencing proves to be helpful for
self-managed learning.
 Active Experimentation: My experience by learning this activity is that it is important
that whatever I have learned should be applied on work to see the final results.

1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individuals and organization
Through my experience, I can say that there are many benefits of self-managed learning
on individual as well as on organization. It can be stated in the following ways:
Basis Individual Organization
Team work skills I got experience from
discussion on matter and ideas
in a team.
Company get success through
a good team by dividing
complex work in a group. It
also helps in reducing the work
load of employees.
Communication skill Through self-managed
learning, communication and
writing skill has developed
(Huber, 2011). It helped in
working independent and
coming up with new ideas.
Through better communication
with employees, management
gets new ideas and they share
it with others. It creates a
healthy working environment
in company which helps in
attaining the specified goals of
business.
Presentation skill Individuals can give
presentation which offers them
chances to express their
knowledge in front of others.
Through presentation skill,
company can present the report
on any information related to
business work in the best
manner.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating current skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational
objectives
My current skills and competencies against standards and organizational objectives are:

 Personal skill: I possess good writing, listening and researching skills. All these
proficiencies that I have mentioned are useful for working in the organization effectually
(McLeod and John, 2014). Through this skill, I can work with other employees and will
be invent to invent new things and bring new ideas in company.
 Communication skill: I have capability to convert ideas into words and performance.
Along with that, by listening and asking questions on any topic or on any issue, I can
present ideas with proper communication in front of others. Through communication
skill, I can manage all the problems related to employees by properly listening their
issues.
 Interpersonal skill: I also have interpersonal skills like training and mentoring as well as
performing with different personalities. I can handle the work of different departments at
the time when employees of respective divisions are not present so that company would
not face any difficulty due to absence of employees.
Strengths
 I am good and effective in areas like
listening, writing and researching.
 Another skill of mine is that I am
innovative and creative.
Weaknesses
 I am not good at decision making and it
has emerged as one of my biggest
weaknesses.
 My time management skills are weak
and this has created obstacles in my
overall success.
Opportunities
 I have an opportunity to convert my
weaknesses into skills by using various
approaches to self-managed learning.
 I have an opportunity to learn new
things and enhance my skill set by
visiting seminars and workshop.
Threats
 One of the biggest threats for me is my
short tempered attitude. I am not able to
control my anger.
 High demand of competitive employees
in industry has become another threat
for me.

2.2 Identifying own development needs and activities required
Own development needs and activities required to meet the organizational goals are:
 Time management skill: It is required to have time management skill as I cannot
manage my time which is my weakness. I can improve my time management skill by
making proper schedule (McNiff, 2010). By improving this weak point of mine, I can
manage the work effectually to attain organizational target on time.
 Personal strategy: There are some personal strategies which I have adopted in my
personal and professional life. I had done this by reading books and newspaper such as
financial time and Times of India to increase the scope of my knowledge. It also helps in
the development of communication skill which is also important for the organization.
2.3 Identifying development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
I need to identify my development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.
For the same, following measures will be taken:
Development opportunities are required for adopting new skills. I have the ability to
adjust myself with people of different culture in a company. Still I need some skills like inspiring
others, strategic planning, leading people, etc. It is required to improve the working of employees
in company.
Future defined needs are required to develop leadership quality in me. It is very important
to become successful in future (Webster-Wright, 2009). I need to identify future needs including
employee’s development, balancing personal life, managing changes, etc.
2.4 Devising personal and professional development plan
Personal and professional development plan in travel and tourism and for development of my
skill are in this sector is as follows:
Skills Activities Time period
Marketing Among employees, marketing
skill should be improved so
that they can advertise their
tour package properly. By
Within 1 month

gaining marketing tips for my
senior in company I can
improve my marketing skill
Communication I will give proper training to
employees so that they can
communicate properly with
customers and would be able
to solve customer’s issues
related to package. I also
improve my communication
skill by reading books and
writing. By listening others in
organization.
Within 2 months
Time management Work is required to be done on
time so that customers would
not face any problem. Every
employee is required to
manage his assigned work on
time so that delay in work will
not be there. I can manage my
time by making a to d list of
my work. I can also manage
my work by doing important
work first. First I focus on
complex task in company then
then give rest time to simple
task.
Within 3 months

TASK 3
3.1 Discussing the way in which implementation of personal and professional development plan
will be proceeded To implement the personal and professional development plan, following
ways need to be adopted:
I need to hire skilled employees who can easily use developed technology. Employees are
required to be provided with proper training so that they can learn the way to communicate with
customers. If any customer would face any issue regarding tour package, employees will be
required to solve it without charging any additional amount (Desimone, 2011). In tour package, I
will provide discount on seasonal time so that customers would get satisfied with the package. I
will also provide unparalleled services to the tourists that are local as well as international in
order to gain repeat business and build trust among them. All superior services will be provided
on time for customer satisfaction. Along with that, I will also try to build a positive image and
awareness through consistency service provision. I will implement PPD plan by using the skill
which I learned by training and developed by reading books and gain from internet.
3.2 Undertaking development activities identified in task 2 Many external factors which affect
company with changes of time should be kept in mind such as political, social, economic and
technological. Time management skills are required in travel and tourism sector. I have
developed this skill in myself. In Tour Company, it is required to work on time for rendering
customer satisfaction (Fink, 2013). I also need to manage complete work on time because in tour
sector, time management is important for taking actions on their tour plan. In this sector, proper
communication skill is required to effectually deal with the customers. For the same, I have
improved my communication skill by taking training and learning multiple languages for
customer comfort. In tour sector, customers from different cultures are there and to handle them
effectively, it is necessary to understand and speak their language.
3.3 Reflecting on achievements against expected aim and objectives and discussing the way of
reviewing
My objective is to get better employment opportunity and work at the top management
in travel and tourism sector within next 5 years. My achievement against expected aim is that I
am working as a leader in Tour Company. I am required to focus on my skills for working at the

top management. For that, I need to focus on my team working as well as on my personal skills
(Hay, 2010). It is also important for me to manage the team work and take quick decisions on
time. I am also required to make healthy relations with other team members so that employees
can share their ideas and views with me.
3.4 Updating the plan based on expected outcomes
Skills Activity Time period
Marketing There is no development in
marketing plan. It is required
for me to advertise tour
package and services on high
level. By advertising them
through internet and social
media, it can be done.
Within two months
Communication Proper communication skill is
not developed (Huber, 2011).
So, I need to focus on
improving it for
communicating properly with
others.
Within four months
Time management I am not performing work on
time. It is important for me to
take training for managing
work as per the schedule.
Within six months
TASK 4
4.1 Selecting solution to work based problems
Problems arise in company are like improper communication, ineffective leadership as
well as conflicts between employees.

In company, there are many people working who belong to distinct cultures. All
employees’ nature is different from each other. So, it takes time to get adjusted with others.
Sometimes, employees cannot communicate properly with others due to differences as well as
because of ego. I need to organize a group discussion activity between employees so that they
can talk freely and would not hesitate in communicating with each other. Many employees are
not satisfied with the ideas and views of others and thus, many a times, they do not respect them.
It is important for me to resolve conflict between employees (Scott and Scott, 2010). It can be
done by listening all employees and by taking proper solution for the same. I will give training to
the workers and make them learn the way to respect each other and treat people that are from
different culture effectually without making any kind of discrimination. Needs required to
develop if any one in company are facing problem in work or communication I can conduct a
training program for them. I can also motivate employee by enhancing their skills.
4.2 Communicating with employees at different levels in tour and tourism sector
It can be stated that communication process plays an important role in the growth and
success of business enterprise. In simple terms, it can be defined as the process in which ideas,
messages and information is passed from one person to another in the organization. However, it
can be argued that in order to communicate with employees at different levels, different ways
can be adopted by business. Furthermore, it is not necessary that same type of communication
channels at the time of passing information within different levels will be used (Scott and Scott,
2010). Different ways of communication at different levels are mentioned as below: Top level- In order to communicate any kind of information at this level, businesses or
employees can make use of emails. People working at this level are generally associated
with developing action plans, policies and strategies. Therefore, it can be stated that the
use of emails is more suitable way to communicate with employees working at the top
level (Maskit, 2011). Middle level- Employees working at this level are responsible for carrying out strategies
and action plan formulated by the top management. Notice, meetings and phone calls are
the key ways in which employees working at middle level can be communicated.

 Lower level- People working at this level are generally indulged in carrying out day to
day operations and activities of business (Webster-Wright, 2009), Thus, notices can be
termed as the best and most effective way which can be used for carrying out
communication with people at lower level.
It can also be argued that instead of following direct channels, business can also make use
of some indirect communications channels to pass information and carry out smooth flow of
operations and activities.
4.3 Evaluating and using time management strategies
Use of effective time management strategies are:
 Set priorities: For managing the time in an effectual manner, it is required to
differentiate between what is important and what is urgent (Zhao, 2010). I need to make
monthly, weekly or daily list depends on my activities that I need to perform daily. I rank
tasks as per their priority and make to do list.
 Schedule time appropriately: I have found that disorganization results in poor
management. Scheduling is not just recording activities that have to be performed by
assigning the time as well to each task within which it has to be completed.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that it is important to develop the skills for
achieving success in organization. Also, different approaches are required for self-managed
learning. There are distinct self-managed learning styles which are required to improve skills like
personal and communication skill. Along with that, report shows that it is required to implement
plan for the success in organization.