HADASSAH: Personal and Professional Development Plan (ADU)

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HADASSAH: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT {ADU}
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Evaluation of two approaches of self managed learning Task 1(i)...........................................2
1.2 Proposing ways for encouragement of self managed learning Task 1(ii).................................3
1.3 Evaluation of the opportunities for self managed learning Task 1(iii)......................................4
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluation of current competencies and skills Task 2(i)...........................................................5
2.2 Identification of developmental needs Task 2(ii)......................................................................7
2.3 Identification of developmental opportunities Task 2(ii)..........................................................8
2.4 Devising a professional and personal development plan Task 2(ii)........................................11
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Discussion of the activities and processes for implementation of the developmental plan Task
3(ii)................................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Undertaking and documenting planned developmental activities Task 3(i)...........................15
3.3 Reflection of learning against stated objectives and aims Task 3(ii)......................................16
3.4 Updating the developmental plan based on evaluation and feedback Task 3(i)......................16
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................18
4.1 Selection of solutions for work oriented problems Task 3(iii)................................................18
4.2 Communication in different styles Task 3(i) (ii) (iii)..............................................................19
4.3 Evaluation of time management strategies Task 3(i) 3(ii).......................................................19
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................20
References......................................................................................................................................22
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Introduction
Self managed learning has gained significance due to increased attention and constraints of the
resources which can help the students to become lifelong learner. The aim of this study is to
assess the importance of self managed learning while working in Topdeck Travel. Self managed
learning has been found to develop the confidence of the students and capacity in relation to
independent learning in compelling, demanding and aggressive environment. The ways self
managed learning can improve lifelong development and professional and personal development
plan have been evaluated. The transferable and interpersonal skills have been analysed in this
context. A Skills Audit plan has also been developed.
LO 1
1.1 Evaluation of two approaches of self managed learning Task 1(i)
Modern learning stresses on the research which can augment the learning experiences of an
individual. As a consultant in Topdeck Travel, the main aim is to guide the travellers and tourists
to places and destinations. In this context, self learning process helps in upgrading of
interpersonal skills and improves the knowledge. This helps in making effective decisions and
ethical judgements for improving the performances. However, mere theoretical processes are not
enough as experiences are also required for improving the learning processes.
Internet
According to Armstrong (2012, p.10), Internet is the biggest learning platform where an
individual get access to a variety of information, rich ideas and data that paves the way for self
development. A Personal Learning Environment comprises of various internet tools that can be
used for learning new things. As for example, social media is used in training and education by
applications like applications, web longs, and internet. Internet helps in understanding the ways
through which the staff in travel and tourism can be managed and ways risks can be mitigated. It
helps in getting access to a large number of sources like articles, journals and websites for
understanding the experiences of self managed learning.
Conferences and seminars
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A seminar is process that is conducted for delivering presentation or lectures to the audience in
relation to a range of topics or a topic for imparting knowledge on them. On the other hand,
Armstrong (2010, p.12) argued that conferences are the events where people come together to
discuss a variety of issues or problems. Conferences help in development of cooperation,
resolving conflicts and problems, making effective decisions and public the services, products or
ideas. In the recent times, these give a platform for a huge number of delegates and speakers that
help in improving knowledge. These seminars and conferences help in lifelong learning as they
present new ideas and perceptions which is effective in workplaces. It helps in getting access to
new research works and market data regarding tourism and travel sector through which
analytical and decision making skills can be developed.
1.2 Proposing ways for encouragement of self managed learning Task 1(ii)
In the words of McMillan and Weyers (2012, p.20), Self reflective learning helps in learning of
new knowledge and skills in the workplace for development of personal skills through
responsibilities and tasks that have been assigned to me. Self managed learning is regarded as
the ways through which an individual can take initiatives for managing their learning
experiences. In this context, two ways through which lifelong learning can be encouraged are as
follows
Constant evaluation through SWOT analysis
Self managed learning can be developed continuously through analysing the strengths and
weaknesses of an individual. It implies that continuous assessment to weaknesses and threats
helps in understanding the development that is required in learning processes (Mullins, 2010,
p.15). Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plan aids in combination of techniques,
ideas and approaches that helps in development of personal learning processes and growth to a
certain level. SWOT analysis is followed by CPD in which learning in tourism and travel can be
improved. It helps in acquiring communication, team building and presentation skills for
improved performances.
Integration of learning with the performance goals
Performance can be improved with the ongoing learning processes as it helps in getting new
ideas, knowledge and perceptions. Welp et al. (2018, p.3991) stated that individual learning
milestones and KPIs in the performance reviews help in managing individual’s lifelong learning
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processes. Casual learning check ins are found to effective in learning new experiences through
observations and training. Working in tourism and travel sector requires extensive information
about places and demands of the market for making tourists and travellers aware of new
destinations and locations. It helps in linking the personal objectives with those of organisational
ones.
1.3 Evaluation of the opportunities for self managed learning Task 1(iii)
Beneficial for the employees
Improvement in knowledge and skills
The opportunities that are available for the self managed learning can help in improving and
upgrading of skills and knowledge. As per the view of Cruess et al. (2016, p.1882), iIt can help
in gaining confidence and acquiring effective decision making skills for resolving the problems
in the organisational context. In Topdeck Travel, the opportunities of training and experiences
have helped in acquiring analytical and critical thinking skills. It also helps in building effective
communication, team building, and presentation skills through which proper information and
details can be conveyed to the customers.
Getting incentives and promotion
Self managed learning has been found to help in inculcating new knowledge and skills that are
effective in improving one’s performances. Through the Kolb’s model, employees can identify
the weaknesses and threats and make strategies for overcoming them. In Topdeck Travel,
performance appraisal is conducted based on which the employees are given rewards and
promotion. In this context, self managed learning can help in acquiring latest knowledge about
software system and policies of tourism and travel sector for improving customer satisfaction.
Beneficial for the organisation
Fulfilling the objectives
The objectives of Topdeck Travel are to provide effective travelling and touring services for age
groups 18 to 39 in more than 65 countries. The mission of the organisation is to provide
travelling solutions to the people and managing their travelling requirements. These mission and
objectives are conveyed to the employees so that they can align their performances as per the
organizational objectives. Self managed learning helps the employees to update their skills and
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bring in innovative solutions for organizational benefits. As for example, self managed manager
can help in improving the customer services and giving them improved travelling experiences.
Improving customer satisfaction
According to Johnson et al. (2017, p.25), Self managed learning has been found to be effective in
fulfilling the objectives and demands of the organisation. In this context, Topdeck Travel can
improve its customer services by providing them with good guidance and suggestion about travel
and tourism experiences. As for example, self managed learning can help a travel consultant to
assess the demands and needs of various age groups and give suggestion accordingly. The
opportunities can also benefit the organisation in becoming the leading travel operator in the UK.
In addition, this learning can also help the employees to deliver best of their inputs for improving
organisational productivity. The employees are able to formulate travel and tourism guides so
that the travellers and tourists can get wider choices regarding destinations and locations.
Valuing and supporting employees’
Self managed learning helps an organisation to value and support its employees by
understanding their needs and demands (Agafonova et al. 2015, p.480). In Topdeck, the
employees are given access to a complaint and feedback mechanism whereby they are able to
convey their problems to the top level management. However, the company can face cultural
conflicts if the company is not able to ensure a diversified workforce. Thus, self managed
learning helps in providing a diversified workforce where various cultured employees can share
their ideas and perceptions for their and organisational benefits.
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LO 2
2.1 Evaluation of current competencies and skills Task 2(i)
Figure 1: SWOT analysis
(Source: learner)
Strengths
 Effective communication and team
building skills
 Good negotiation skills
 Good analytical thinking skills
 Good critical thinking skills
Weaknesses
 Lack of time management skills
 Lack of patience
 Have the tendency to procrastinate
 Lack of knowledge in technology
 Lack of command over other
languages
Opportunities
 Training and development
opportunities
 Opportunity of completing the
Diploma in Tourism and Travel
Threats
 Competition from the peers
 Use of advanced software in tourism
and travel
 Competition from the skilled and
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StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats

 Enriching the skills through workplace
experiences
trained employees
Table 1: SWOT analysis
(Source: learner)
The above table shows that my strengths are effective communication skills that have helped me
to build teams and gain confidence in my actions. I also have good negotiation, analytical and
critical thinking skills which will help me to guide the clients effectively in planning the
domestic or international trips. However, my weaknesses like procrastination and time
management skills can be overcome by proper scheduling of the tasks that require urgent
attention. Insufficient knowledge over technology and languages can be overcome through
proper training and gaining knowledge from online resources. The competition from the skilled
and trained employees can be transformed into opportunities by sharing of ideas and knowledge.
The opportunity of completing my education will help me to gain in depth knowledge and
experiences of tourism and travel industry.
Areas of work Requirement of skills Resources
Advising the clients regarding
suitable travelling options as
per their capabilities, needs
and wants
Problem solving skills Travel guide
Helping them to planning
trips in international or
domestic tours, destinations,
transport, fares, insurance and
accommodation
Decision making skills Travel and tourism guides
Exploring and researching
various destinations
Researching skills Internet and social media
Booking tickets, reserving Time management skills Travel and tourism guides
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accommodations and
organising rental
accommodations
Keep learning about the latest
trends in tourism and travel
sector
Organisational and
communication skills
Market reports and data from
internet
Table 2: Skills audit
(Source: learner)
The above table shows that areas of activities that are required as a travel consultant in Topdeck
Travel and skills that are required for performing the responsibilities effectively. In order to
become a travel consultant, it is required to have effective researching skills, decision making
skills, time management skills, problem solving, organisational and communication skills so that
the travellers and tourists can make choice of their destinations and trips as per their needs and
demands. New skills like interpersonal and soft skills are required for assessing the legal,
marketing and policy changes of the organisation. Through the various online and offline
sources, I will be able to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that are required for
improving my performances in the workplace.
2.2 Identification of developmental needs Task 2(ii)
The development activities and the needs for meeting them are the training opportunities, online
learning activities and resources in order to perform the role of a travel consultant effectively. On
the job training is required for assessing the wishes and the demands of the clients. Through the
swot analysis and the skills audit, I have been able to analyse the development needs that can
help me to perform my duties and responsibilities effectively. I have understood that my
developmental requirements are command over various languages, time management skills,
patience, knowledge of technology and having required patience for dealing with the problems
effectively. Wolf et al. (2017, p.1655) are of the view that developmental needs can be assessed
through skills audit in which an individual is able to assess the strengths and weaknesses. In this
context, I have understood that necessary interpersonal skills are required for overcoming the
barriers of improved performances.
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I have found that necessary resources like technical, human and financial resources are required
for managing the changes in the trends of the industry and devising effective strategies for
overcoming weaknesses. I have found that my weaknesses are degrading my performances in my
current workplace so development opportunities are essential for transforming my weaknesses
into strengths and threats into opportunities. Lisitzina et al. (2015, p.150) argued that the
developmental opportunities are farmed as per the requirements of the industry and the
employees who are working in it. I think the developmental opportunities like adequate training
can help in overcoming the threats of immense competition from the skilled and trained
employees. Effective planning of functions and resources help in improving the performances of
the employees through which they can further their career development. However, I prefer
observation, reading and using of internet sources for improving my capabilities of managing
resources and improving my performances. I prefer to use internet for gathering a large amount
of information regarding the trends and markets of tourism and travel sector.
2.3 Identification of developmental opportunities Task 2(ii)
Figure 2: Developmental opportunities
(Source: learner)
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Developmental
opportunities
Current needs Future needs Actions for
improvement
Time management It is required to
prioritise the things
that require urgent
attention and
complete the tasks in
within deadline.
This time
management skills
can help in
accomplishing the
future projects within
time and ensure error
free activities.
Prior planning and
scheduling methods
will be sued. The
software tools like
spreadsheet software
and database
management system
will be used
Gaining knowledge in
technology
This can help in
streamlining the
current activities and
store large amount of
information in a small
space.
In future,
technological
knowledge can help
in using of advanced
software and database
management system
for utilising market
information for
making effective
decisions. It can help
in dependence on
manual work and
present the work
systematically.
Gaining knowledge
from the internet and
undergoing training
about use of advanced
software tools and
database management
system
Having command
over various
languages
Currently, this will
help in improving the
knowledge of the
standard of living and
traditions of various
It will help in
understanding the
culture and traditions
of various
destinations and
Gaining access to a
lrage number of
online and offline
resources regarding
various cultures and
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places. This will
enable effective
communication with
the travellers and
tourists having
various backgrounds
and cultures
locations. This can
help in forming
relationships with
local hotels and
resorts for giving
tourists and travellers
a unique and
luxurious travelling
experiences
languages.
Undergoing training
in various language
classes in order to
update the linguistic
skills
Acquiring patience
and emotional
intelligence
Currently, it can help
in dealing with the
influx of travellers
and tourists
effectively and
resolving their
problems in less time.
This will help in
evaluating the
changing demands
and needs of the
tourism and travel
market. It will help in
assessing the
emotional level of
tourists and travellers
regarding their choice
of destinations.
Practicing meditation
techniques and
exercises
Planning and
organising
Currently, this will
help me to
communicate with the
marketing manager
for effective
promotions of the
destinations and
places that the
company offer to its
travellers and tourists.
This will help in
updating and
upgrading the
information in the
travel guides. In
addition, this will
help me to improve
my career prospects
by becoming manager
and later opening a
I will review the past
activities and
guidelines of the
management for
understanding their
objectives. I will
gather market
information and data
regarding tourism and
travel sector so that
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