April 2016 HND Business: Personal and Professional Development Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of personal and professional development, focusing on self-managed learning approaches, lifelong learning, and the benefits to both individuals and organizations. The report delves into the evaluation of current skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, identifying personal development needs and outlining activities to meet them. It also explores development opportunities to meet present and future needs, culminating in a detailed personal and professional development plan. Furthermore, the report addresses work-based problem-solving, communication strategies for overcoming challenges, and the implications of effective time management. The document emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement within a professional context, using Holiday Inn as a case study to illustrate practical applications of the concepts discussed.

Personal and Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1 .........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning ................................................................................1
1.2 Ways through which lifelong learning could be encouraged................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to firm and individual....................................................3
TASK 2 .........................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Competencies and skills against organisational objectives and professional standards.......3
2.2 Identification of own development needs and required activities to meet them...................4
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet present and future needs....................5
2.4 Personal and professional development plan........................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Process and activities require to implement development plan ...........................................7
3.2 Documents for activities of development............................................................................8
3.3 Reflection of own learning against aims and objectives.......................................................8
3.4 Development plan based on evaluation and feedback..........................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Solution to work based problem ..........................................................................................9
4.2 Communicate learning styles to overcome problems at different levels..............................9
4.3 Implication of effective time management strategies.........................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
..................................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional development are important component for individual and an
organisation. These two aspects help in developing skills and knowledge in order to accomplish
all the tasks and goals in efficient manner. The main objective of professional and personal
development is to assist an individual in managing own growth and learning throughout the
career. It is necessary to keep cognition and skills up to date to ensure continuous development
(Beach, 2012). In the present assignment, chosen company is Holiday Inn which is a well-known
hotel all over the world. It is renowned for its high quality services that assists the firm in
satisfying customers. The report covers various approaches to self-managed learning that assist
in personal and professional growth of the person. Different learning styles and their benefits for
an individual and organisation are also described here. This process assists in administering right
path for achieving growth and success in career. It provides opportunities for individuals own
development.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is defined as a broad concept of development and learning. It is an
appropriate method of gaining experience and knowledge from different ways. It assists in
individual's own growth and progress by acquiring knowledge and skills through various ways.
Every business organisation use this aspect in order to accomplish goals and objectives in desired
time period. Associate individual emphasizes on gaining knowledge that administers support for
growth and career development. There are different approaches of self-managed learning which
are evaluated as:
Social networking: In the present scenario, large number of people are using internet and
spending time on social networking sites. It is one of the ways through which knowledge can be
acquired by connecting with many organisations and people. It is the best way to gain knowledge
about domestic country as well as other places (Brody and Hadar, 2011).
Seminar and conferences: Large number of firms use this approach in order to develop
skills and knowledge of an individual. It provides a platform to an individual to present its own
skills in front of professionals as well as gain knowledge of other area. Seminars and conferences

assist in developing new skills and knowledge that provides strength and confidence to an
individual to face challenges.
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Different learning styles:
Verbal: It is a common concept of learning which can be in form of oral and written. In
written styles, information and data is sent through books, letters and presentations. In oral form,
information is communicated through words or speech (Calderhead, Denicolo and Day, 2012).
Visual: In this style of learning, spatial understanding is used to gain knowledge about
something. People can learn only by seeing pictures and images. By all these, individuals can get
the knowledge easily.
Logical: It is an interesting style of learning as it is based on interest and curiosity of
individuals. It assists in providing appropriate and accurate solution for the given problem.
Social: In this learning style, seminars and conferences are conducted in which many
people with same interest participate in order to gain knowledge.
Physical: In this style of learning, the probability of outcome can be arises from the sense
touch. It is a process which is used for those individuals who suffer with physical disability.
Solitary: In this learning style, self-study is the basis of learning and individuals prefer to
work alone to get appropriate knowledge.
1.2 Ways through which lifelong learning could be encouraged
An individual is generally concerned to gain ideas and knowledge that is necessary for
lifelong goals. It is an essential element that assists in professional and personal growth of an
individual. Lifelong learning administers assistance to a person in development and to attain
success in the future (Cleary and et. al., 2011). Some important areas are defined as below:
 By reading books, newspapers and journals, lifelong learning in professional and
personal development can be encouraged. It administers right direction to gain
knowledge for life time purpose.
 By the use of internet, it has become easy for an individual to gather more information
and data related to any topic.
 In order to evaluate strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats, SWOT analysis is
helpful to an individual as well as firm.
 By taking active participation in cultural and social activities, learning can be gained
that helps in personal and professional growth of an individual.
 Social media is also helpful in the process of learning as individuals are connected to
many people and every kind of knowledge can be gained by the same.
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1.3 Advantages of self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is necessary for each person as well as for the firm to gain success
and benefits. This learning is assistive in administering knowledge from different resources in
order to accomplish the defined goals and targets in an effective way. It is advantageous for both
and its benefits for individual and organisation are defined as below:
Benefits to individual: Self-managed learning is vital in the life of every individual for
getting easy and comfortable life. It assists in increasing the competitiveness from other peoples.
It administer support to a person to deal with challenging situation of life. Self-learning assists in
creating good skills and attitude that can assist an individual to gain high position (Desimone,
2011). This may help in reducing the conflicts and issues in professional and personal
development of an individual.
Benefits to organisation: In order to gain growth and success, self-managed learning is
advantageous for the firm to get knowledgeable and skilled employees in Holiday Inn. Effective
recruitment process is conducted by company so that the best candidate will be recruited who has
certain skills and knowledge that meets the criteria. As per the skills and knowledge of
employees, roles and responsibilities are given by the firm. Hotel Holiday Inn conducts an
appropriate training session to develop the skills that are helpful in decision making.
TASK 2
2.1 Competencies and skills against organisational objectives and professional standards
Attitude individual is based on culture and religion. Every person have their own skills
and abilities to attempt specific duty and task at workplace. Some of my skills are as follows:
Learning ability: I have good learning skills that assists me in adopting tools and
technologies and make best use of them. I emphasize on learning new things that assists in
administering benefits for long term (Ebert-May and et. al., 2011).
Listening ability: It is my major strength that I have good listening skills. It assists me in
doing work effectively as per the guidance provided by leaders. Through this skill, I will be able
to attain goals and objectives.
Communication skills: In professional as well as personal life, this skill helps me in
communicating and conveying message clearly. This skill is my major strength by which I will
effectively communicate with others (Floyd, 2012).
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Curriculum vitae ( C.V.) Name: Address: Contact Number: Email ID: Carrier objective:- Looking for a position in good company that provides me an
opportunity for growth and further development of skills that helps to advance my
career.
 Academic Qualification:
Graduation
MBA Experience: 3 years experience in Human Resource Management department as HR
manager
 Personal Skills:
Ability to work in team and coordinate with team members.
Carry positive attitude and dedication towards work. Declaration:
I hear by declare that the above informations is true to my knowledge and expectations.
2.2 Identifying development needs and requirements
In order to attain growth and success, personal development of a person is necessary. In
evaluating individual's own strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats, SWOT analysis is
assistive (Gallagher and et. al., 2011). It administers appropriate description about development
needs of a person.
SWOT Analysis:
Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
 It defines as a
power of a
person, that
 Because of
high pressure, I
got frustrated
 I usually get
participate in
corporate and
 My hesitation
is my biggest
threat that
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assists in
achieving goals
and targets to
reach at higher
position.
 Way of talking
of an
individual
influence
working
environment.
The way in
which I
communicate
and share my
thought are
liked by others.
and angry
sometimes on
my colleagues
and
subordinates.
 I am hesitating
sometimes in
front of my
managers and
leaders
whenever I
present
something
different in
front of them.
social
seminars. It
helps me in
getting new
knowledge and
face challenges
effectively.
 I always
emphasize on
learning
innovative and
new things that
is helpful in
enhancing my
skills and
ability to
perform well.
restricts me to
convey my
thoughts and
views clearly.
2.3 Identification of development opportunities so future and present needs are evaluated
It is necessary for every individual to identify the opportunities of growth and
development in order to meet current and future needs (Glogowska and et. al., 2011). These are:
Current needs: Some specialization criteria is available on which I have high command.
It is necessary to identify current needs. On the basis of present needs, future needs are identified
by considering norms and facts related to current needs. In existing scenario, it is difficult to
determine needs and I do many efforts in order to identify my needs. Need identification
provides direction to attain goals and objectives of present as well as future. Extra skills and
knowledge helps in developing innovative ideas. Personal and professional development,
effective business planning and participative management assists in administering right direction
in order to develop skills of an individual (Hadar and Brody, 2013).
Future needs: Every individual set some targets and objectives for future. In order to
accomplish these targets, efforts are made. Future needs are evaluated as opportunities that are
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generated in past timing to achieve objectives and goals in planned way. Needs of future are
important to encourage individual's skills and knowledge as these components are necessary in
attaining future goals.
2.4 Professional and personal development plan
Professional as well as personal development is required by each and every individual.
Needs and requirements of every person differs as per their interest. In order to get growth and
success, individuals needs to do lots of efforts. It is necessary to explore skill sets and knowledge
to get beneficial opportunities. My personal and professional development plan are as follows:
Targets How to do this Resources Target dates
Communication skills I will surely take
participation in
seminars and
conferences that
assists in developing
my knowledge and
skills (López‐Pastor,
Monjas and Manrique,
2011).
I put my efforts to
develop strong and
healthy relations with
my colleagues and
subordinates. They
administer right
direction and proper
guidance to overcome
my weaknesses and
demerits.
1 Month
Technological skills My main strength is
my skill set and
knowledge about
innovative and new
technologies. I
generally make efforts
to get information
related to tools &
techniques for
effective and efficient
I always try to get my
knowledge about
particular techniques
to my colleagues and
subordinates so that
process of production
can be improved.
4 Month
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use of resources.
TASK 3
3.1 Process and activities require to implement development plan
Development plan is necessary for every individual in order to develop their personal as
well as professional life in order to attain targeted goals and objectives in an efficient and
effective way (Moon, 2013). Some important prospect that are essential for executing
development plan are represented as follows:
Time frame: It is necessary and important task for each activity. A proper time schedule
administer right direction to formulate a plan in which specific time period is defined for the
completion of work.
Identification of knowledge and skills: In Holiday Inn, it is necessary to evaluate
abilities and skills of its employees. This process assists the firm to assign particular task to right
individual who have appropriate knowledge about how to perform it.
Learning strategies: Effective training and learning sessions are conducted by Holiday
Inn for its employees in order to develop their knowledge and skills.
Identify resources: Resources are important part of every task. It is necessary to keep it
in mind before performing any task. Human resources are essential part of an organisation.
Getting feedbacks: It is broadly used process for assembling information about
employees. Holiday inn takes reviews and feedbacks from customers after administering
services (Pallisera and et. al., 2013).
3.2 Documents for activities of development
Employees Training: It is one of the essential element of an organisation in which the
employees are being trained for polishing their skills and capabilities so that tasks and objectives
can be attained in effectual manner. Skilled workers are being appointed who can take part in
important decision making process.
Supervising and controlling: In order to provide guidelines and monitor employees, it is
required by the management and authorities to structure policies so that objectives can be
attained in effectual manner.
Division of study groups: An organisation has basically various parts which works
towards the common goal. Those sections are financial, functional, operational and management.
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Employees are being divided by the firm into various classified segments according to their set
of skills and knowledge (Trede, Macklin and Bridges, 2012).
Consultation: The main responsibilities of authorities and managers are to formulate
appropriate measures and steps so that whenever there is situation of rising issues and conflicts,
it can be determined.
3.3 Reflection of own learning against aims and objectives
Every person have its own targets and objectives that needs to be accomplish in certain
time period. Holiday inn recruit me on the basis of my abilities and skills. My main objective as
an worker of hotel industry is to administer effective and best service to the customers in given
time period. My basic aim is to create good relationship with clients and colleagues so that
personal and organisational goals are attained.
Meeting preparation: I learn new techniques in order to represent my thoughts and ideas
in front of management in the meeting. I gain knowledge about new tools and processes from my
work.
Motivation and anticipation: My past performance encourage me to perform task in
appropriate manner in order to attain targeted objectives (Von Haenisch, 2011).
3.4 Development plan based on evaluation and feedback
Organisations are emphasized on formulating a properly managed plan which is based on
feedbacks. In order to evaluate efficiency of plan, firm collect information and data from its
customers by the way of action. This process is helpful in identifying non valuable and valuable
characteristics of employees. According to the new and modified plan, I feel that my knowledge
is maximised continuously day to day and my skills are also enhanced. My nervousness and
hesitation is reduced and it becomes easy for me to communicate my thoughts and views to any
one. By the help of meditation and yoga, my anger is reduced (Desimone, 2011).
TASK 4
4.1 Solution to work based problem
Unwanted conflicts and issues can be arise any where in an organisation at any time.
There are many problems that takes place in the firm and is is necessary for the management to
resolve those issues in an effective and appropriate way. For making decisions and find out
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solutions, skills and knowledge are required. Defines below are some issues that takes place in
an organisation:
 It is an important issue to establish & maintain collaboration between the staff members
of the firm.
 Sometimes, salary become a major issue at workplace as they are not getting salary on
time.
 Miscommunication among management and staff members is also one of the problems
that takes place in an organisation.
Solution to these problems:
 Top administration of the company needs to emphasize on establishing healthy and
strong relations with employees so that they stay motivated and perform well and the
chances of conflicts are reduced (Cleary and et. al., 2011).
 Effective communication channels should be used by the company so that informations
are conveyed clearly to the employees.
4.2 Communicate learning styles to overcome problems at different levels
Clear communication is necessary in order to avoid conflicts at workplace. It assists in
transferring information and data from one place to another. Effective communication channels
helps in conveying information properly. By this, individual can freely share their views and
influence others. Different learning styles are used at various levels and these are based on
person's own personality, behaviour, attitude and norms. Every organisation have three levels: Top level: At this level, visual, aural and auditory learning styles are used by the
management. Middle level: Logical, verbal and solitary learning style are used at this level of
management.
 Operational level: At this level, physical and verbal style of learning are used.
Different learning styles are used at different level which assists in communicating
information properly. By this, data are delivered through top level to tactical and operational
level. Information is conveyed in the form of written document or orally and detailed data are
provided to the workers.
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