Personal and Professional Development Report for Tesco Manager

This report delves into the crucial aspects of personal and professional development, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and continuous improvement. It explores various approaches to self-managed learning, including research and internet resources, and highlights different learning styles such as auditory and visual learning. The report identifies the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations, emphasizing increased efficiency, better employment opportunities, and enhanced confidence. A work-based problem is addressed, focusing on a marketing manager's need for online marketing skills, and potential solutions such as part-time courses are suggested. The report also discusses various time management strategies and skills required to meet organizational goals, such as market research and communication skills. It includes a curriculum vitae and outlines personal development plans to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives. The report concludes with an updated personal and professional development plan, reflecting the individual's commitment to lifelong learning and career advancement.

Personal and
professional
Development
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................3
Task 1 ..............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and styles of learning ................................................3
1.2 Identification of learning and development method..............................................................3
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individual and organization........................................4
4.1 Work based problem .............................................................................................................4
4.2 Learning styles and communicating information to various levels.......................................5
4.3 Different time management strategies ..................................................................................5
Task 2 ..............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Skills required to meet organization goals ............................................................................6
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs ................................................................7
2.3 Opportunities to meet the needs.............................................................................................8
2.4 Personal development plan to achieve goals .......................................................................8
3.1 My short term and long term objectives ...............................................................................9
3.2 Documentation of planned activities ...................................................................................9
3.3 Discussion of own learning .................................................................................................10
3.4 Updates personal and professional development plan ........................................................10
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
2

INTRODUCTION
In present scenario, developing personally and professionally is very important for the
growth and success of an individual. Every person is required to carry out their self assessment
in order to identify their strengths and weakness. Further on the basis of such assessment,
corrective measures can be taken to overcome those identified weakness. The present report
covers various aspects of personal and professional development. In addition to this, it includes
my personal development needs and a action plan to satisfy those needs. This report also
highlights the changes which I have made in existing plan along with a new updated plan.
Overall this report explains how a person can develop professionally as well as personally in
order to become successful in life.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and styles of learning
Self managed learning is the process in which a person learn new things and skills with or
without taking help of others. One of the main characteristic of such kind of learning is that an
individual takes initiative by his own (Beausaert, 2013). Few approach of self managed leaning
are stated below as:
 Researchers- A person can learn new things by going through the researches and studies
which has been conducted by someone else. In addition to this researches includes in-
depth analysis of a particular topic and thus, it can help a person to acquire detailed
knowledge of new things easily. Internet- In last few years, internet has emerged as one of the biggest platform to learn
new things. There are various online books and other sources available which can be
taken into consideration in order to enhance skills and knowledge (Johns, 2012).
Styles of learning and their benefits
Learning style is defined as a manner or pattern in which a person learn new things and
concepts. Furthermore the style varies from person to person and it is selected as per the need of
a individual (Teare, 2011). Some of the common learning style and their benefit is mentioned
below as:
3

 Auditory- In this design people learn new things by hearing them. Playing a background
music and reciting the things loudly is one of the main feature of such learning (Stark,
2006). The benefit of this style is that it is very easy to implement.
 Visual learning- In this style of learning people learn new things and concepts with the
help of graphics, charts and watching a demonstration. The benefit of this learning style
is that it is very quick and effective way of learning as most of the people do not asily
forget the things which they have seen.
1.2 Identification of learning and development method
In order to learn and acquire new things every individual is require to identify a suitable
learning and development method (Personal development review, 2013). One of the most
common way to identify such method is by assessing the need and learning style of a person. In
addition to this, it is recommended that people are require to identify what is that the learning
style which suits them the most. It is also recommended that a person can take help or guidance
from others to identify suitable methods of learning. On the other side of this, people are also
required to set up some goals and objectives for their future. One of the main reason why goals
are essential is that it helps a person to become aware about what he/she wants to achieve and
how it can be achieved. On the other hand, people can also explain others that how learning will
be beneficial for them. This will help to encourage lifelong learning in both professional and
personal context.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individual and organization
The process of self managed learning has many advantages to an individual and
organization he/she is working. For a person, self managed learning enhance his/her knowledge
and skills. Along with this, it will also results in increasing the overall, efficiency and
effectiveness of a person. By leaning new things and enhancing knowledge he/she will be able to
find better employment opportunities in future. Last but not the least, self managed leaning will
rise the confidence level of a person and will also boost up his/her morale (Work-Based
Learning, 2014). On the other hand, such type of learning is not only beneficial for an individual
but it also provides many advantages to an organization (Kukulska-Hulme and Pettit, 2008). It
makes a organization more competent by having a employees that all having various types of
skills set and knowledge. The aim and objectives of organization is achieved very easily as
4

employee with high morale always try to give their best efforts. Along with this, organizations
do not find any kind of difficulty in introducing any kind of change (Zambo and Zambo, 2008).
With the help of self learning the employees are aware about how to cope up and adopt that
change.
4.1 Work based problem
Every individual seeks for growth and finding new opportunities in his personal as well
as professional life. At present I am working as a marketing manager in Tesco which is a UK
multinational grocery retailer. My job role is to set up sales targets and develop strategies for
gain higher sales and profitability. One of the major work based problem which I have identified
is that I do not have knowledge regrading online marketing. Being a marketing manager it is
very essential for me to have knowledge in terms of modern marketing tools such as social media
marketing and email marketing. With the increasing rate of internet users and the development of
online shopping stores, the lacking of online marketing tools is somewhere or the other affecting
my entire productivity. One of the best solution for this is that I can take admission in any of
part time course of marketing which provides knowledge regrading email and internet marketing.
The reason why I have selected a course is that it will help me in getting training related to
online marketing tools and the certificate will enhance my existing qualification. Other than this,
it will also provide me better employment opportunities in future.
4.2 Learning styles and communicating information to various levels
I can use various learning styles in order to overcome the work base problem which I
have identified. The common learning styles are discussed below as:
 Kinesthetic learning- Such kind of learning styles offers both theoretical and practical
aspects of getting knowledge. Further it is also considered as a very effective style of
learning as a person learn things by implementing them practically (Folland, Goodman,
and Stano, 2007).
 Auditory learning- As per this style of learning people learn new things and concepts
with the help of listening (VanDerLinden, 2005). This style is suitable for those whose
listening skills are very effective.
I think as per my need and nature, the most suitable learning style is Kinesthetic learning
style. The problem which I am facing is associated with lack of knowledge regrading online
5

marketing tools. With the help of Kinesthetic learning I will be able to learn new things and how
to implement them by theories as well as learning them practically. On the other side of this, I
will communicate the problem which I am facing along with its solution at the strategic level
with the help of meeting. At tactical level this information will be communicated by using emails
and at last on the operational level, notice will be used to deliver information.
4.3 Different time management strategies
Time management is termed as one of the most crucial aspect of personal as well as
professional development. People use various kinds of time management strategies to manage
their time effectively and complete the task assigned to them within given time frame. Some of
the time management strategies are discussed below as:
 Use planning tools- Planning tools are those tools which helps a person to plan the
things which are required to be accomplished in effective manner (Intrator and
Kunzman, 2007). Many people use personal planners such as diaries in order to write
the things which is required to be completed.
 Setting up priorities- People can also use the strategy of setting up their priorities in
order to manage their time in best possible manner (Trede, Macklin and Bridges, 2012).
For instance if a person is required to complete ten task in a particular time frame then
he/she can arrange those task on the basis of their priority and importance. Further more
important task are required to be accomplished first.
 Getting organized- Individual's are required to get organize both in personal as well as
in professional life. The office desk should not be acquired by unwanted papers, diaries
and folders. Along with this, they also need to handle the information and other related
papers or documents in best possible manner (Glove and Law, 2005). All the
unnecessary items at home as well as in office should be thrown away or should be kept
aside.
I have always followed the strategy of getting organized in both my personal life as well
as in my professional life. I avoided keeping any kind of unnecessary documents, files or papers
I on my desk. At home also I have arranged all the things which I require in day to day life in a
appropriate manner. One of the major advantage of this strategy is that I do not any kind of
6

difficulty in findings things which I want both at home as well as in office. This strategy has
saved my lot of time and also assisted me in completing task and activities assigned on time.
TASK 2
2.1 Skills required to meet organization goals
Tesco is a retailer and some of its goals includes getting competitive advantage over other
retailers, increasing sales and profitability along with market share. I am working as a marketing
manager and it is my responsibility to ensure that all the above stated goals are achieved on time.
In aspect of this, the skills required to meet these goals includes market research and
communications skills. Market research skills will help me to become aware about the trend and
taste of people in market. Along with this, it will also support me to identify what are the
strategies and processes which has been adopted by the competitor of Tesco. On the other hand,
communication skills will help me to communicate the strategies which I am going to develop. I
am required to inform and discuses the marketing strategies with my seniors as well as juniors.
Therefore, it can be stated that both market research and communication skills will be required to
meet the goals of Tesco.
Curriculum vitae
Name: David Bevan
Age: 35
Email id: [e-mail]
Educational quantification
 Post graduation in commerce
 Masters in International Marketing from University of London
 6 months Higher Diploma in International Management
 Advanced diploma in computers
Skills
 Decision making skills
 Presentation skills
 Time management skills s
7

Work experience
 Worked with Asda as a marketing executive for 8 years
 Marketing manager in Tesco from last 2 years
Others
 Participated in international management games
 Love to read books related to marketing and advertising
 Winner of national level chess competition in 2012
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs
After carrying out my self assessment, it has been found that I need to learn online
marketing tools and also require to enhance my market research and communication skills. The
competition among businesses in retail sectors has become so intense that it is not easy for Tesco
to accomplish its goals. I need to lean online marketing tools so that I can develop effective
online marketing strategies and help in accomplishment of the goals. Along with this, I am also
required to enhance my market research skills and communications skills. This will help me to
become aware about the strategies of competitors and deliver my ideas and action plan to other
people in appropriate manner. Other than this, it will assist me in finding new opportunities for
growth and development.
2.3 Opportunities to meet the needs
I have various kind of opportunities to meet my personal and professionally development
needs. To learn online marketing tools, I can take go for a part time course regarding online
marketing in any of the business school or university. On the other hand, I also have opportunity
of adopting the strategy of self learning in which I can refer various books and online sources to
gain knowledge regrading communication and market research. I also have a chance to visit
workshops where I can learn the practical aspects to enhance communication and market
research skills. In order to meet my personal and professional needs I am required to explores all
those opportunities which are mentioned above.
8

2.4 Personal development plan to achieve goals
A plan is termed as the program which an individual design in order to achieve a
particular goal or objective. My personal development plan is mentioned below as:
Program/activities Action plan Review
dates
Achievement
dates
Learning about online
marketing tools
Part time course regarding
online marketing from any
business school or
university
21/04/16 15/11/17
Improving market research
skills
Self learning and attending
workshops regarding
market research
14/06/16 19/10/16
Enhancing communication
skills
Taking part in workshops
which teach the concepts
and ways to enhance
communication skills
09/09/16 10/12/17
3.1 My short term and long term objectives
In order to grown and become successful in life every individual is required to develop
some objectives. The reason why objectives are so important is that it provides direction to
people regrading how they can achieve success in their life. My short and long terms objectives
are below mentioned as:
Short term objectives
 To improve my skills regarding market research so that I can easily understand the
market trends and develop marketing strategies regarding the same. Along with this, it
will also help me to become aware of the competitors positioning and strategies. To enhance my communications skills as they are essential in both personal as well as in
professional life. This will assist me to communicate and deliver my ideas to others in
effective manner.
9

Long term objectives
 My long term of objective is to become the head of marketing department in Tesco. I am
delivering my services as a marketing manager from the last two years and I have always
proved my self by achieving my targets on time.
 To get a degree in field of marketing by learning the techniques and tools of online
marketing. This will increase my level of qualification and will also make me more
competent. In addition to this, it will assist me in getting better opportunities for growth
and development in future.
3.2 Documentation of planned activities
It is also required by me to document all my plan activities in order to carry out them in
most effective and desired manner. I am going to attend workshops which will make me learn
how I can carry out market research in appropriate way. Along with this, it will also help in to
become aware about the tools and techniques which can be used to carry out market research and
understand market trend. On the other side of this, I am also planning to improve my
communication skills and for this aspect I will be going to attend workshops. This will help me
to in identification and understanding of the important factors related to communication skills. I
have also planned to get understand the tools and techniques of online marketing. With aspect of
this, I am looking forward to get admission in a business school or university to get a additional
degree in marketing.
3.3 Discussion of own learning
I have developed some long term and short term objectives with I want to achieve in
particular time frame. Till now what I have personally observed that there are some changes
which needs to be done in my personal development plan in order to become successful in life.
In order to learn the online marketing tools, I am also required to use the mode of self learning.
One of the major reason behind this is that it will help to get in depth knowledge regrading the
same. I will need to implement the tools which has been taught to me during the course. This will
assist me to clear my doubts and queries. On the other hand, I am also required to increase
activate such as team working. The benefit of this is that it will support me in enhancing my
communication skills in better way.
10

3.4 Updates personal and professional development plan
Based on the discussion of my own learning and self assessment it has been found that I
am required to update my existing development plan. The new and updated plan is mentioned
below as:
Program/activities Action plan Review dates Achievement
dates
Learning tools and
techniques of online
marketing
I will also use the strategy
of self learning and will
implement the things I have
learned in course and
during self study
23/10/16 12/12/17
Improving communication
skills
Along with the existing
activities I am also required
to focus more on team
work. This will assist me to
practically improve my
skills.
27/06/16 13/11/16
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that personal and professional development is
very essential for an individuals. Further a person is required to identify his/her personal and
professional needs before developing any kind of action plan. It can be also concluded that my
short term objective is to enhance my skills whereas my long term objective is to become
marketing head of Tesco. For this purpose I have developed a plan which explains how I am
going to satisfy my development needs. Other than this, it can be also concluded that individual's
are required to examine the existing plan and update the same in case if any changes are
required.
11

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Beausaert, S., 2013. Effect of using a personal development plan on learning and development.
Journal of Workplace Learning. 25 I(3). pp.145 – 158.
Blackmore,J., 2010. Preparing leaders to work with emotions in culturally diverse educational
communities. Journal of Educational Administration. 48 (5). pp.642 – 658.
Folland, S., Goodman, A. C. and Stano, M., 2007. The economics of health and health care. New
Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Glover, D. and Law, S., 2005. Managing professional development in education. Routledge.
Goulding, J. and Khuzzan, S. S., 2014. A study on the validity of a four-variant diagnostic
learning styles questionnaire. Education + Training. 56(2/3). pp.141 – 164.
Intrator, S. M. and Kunzman, R., 2007. The person in the profession: Renewing teacher vitality
through professional development. In The educational forum. 71(1) pp. 16-32.
Johns, H., 2012. Personal Development in Counsellor Training. SAGE.
Kukulska-Hulme, A. and Pettit, J., 2008. Semi-formal learning communities for professional
development in mobile learning. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. 20(2). pp.
35-47.
Stark, S., 2006. Using action learning for professional development.Educational Action
Research. 14(01). pp. 23-43.
Teare, R., 2011. The role of action learning in personal, professional and business development.
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes. 3 (1). pp.60 – 65.
Trede, F., Macklin, R. and Bridges, D., 2012. Professional identity development: a review of the
higher education literature. Studies in Higher Education. 37(3). pp. 365-384
VanDerLinden, K. E., 2005. Learning to play the game: Professional development and
mentoring. Community College Journal of Research and Practice. 29(9-10). pp. 729-
743.
Zambo, R. and Zambo, D., 2008. The impact of professional development in mathematics on
teachers' individual and collective efficacy: The stigma of underperforming. Teacher
Education Quarterly. pp. 159-168.
Online
Personal development review. 2013. [pdf]. Available through:
http://www.learning.ox.ac.uk/media/global/wwwadminoxacuk/localsites/
oxfordlearninginstitute/documents/careerdevelopmetreview/
PDR_handbook_for_reviewers_new.pdf [Accessed on 2nd December 2015].
Work-Based Learning. 2014. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-
Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Pages/Work-Based-Learning-.aspx>. [Accessed on
2nd December 2015].
12