Personal and Professional Development: M&S Development Plan Report

This report explores personal and professional development, focusing on self-managed learning within the context of Marks & Spencer (M&S). It evaluates various approaches to self-managed learning, including training, research, and mentoring, and assesses their benefits for both individuals and organizations. The report identifies ways to encourage lifelong learning, examines different learning styles (Activist, Pragmatist, Theorist, Reflector) and applies Kolb's learning cycle. It then details a personal and professional development plan, covering skill evaluation against professional standards, identification of development needs, and outlining development opportunities. The report also includes documentation of development activities, critical reflections on aims and objectives, and solutions for work-based problems, incorporating time management techniques and communication strategies. It aims to provide a practical guide for enhancing skills and knowledge, ultimately improving career prospects.

Personal and professional
developments
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Evaluate approaches to self-managed learning..........................................................................3
1.2 Ways to encourage lifelong learning in personal and professional context...............................4
1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organization..................6
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Evaluate own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives.................................................................................................................7
2.2 Identify own development needs and the activities required to meet them...............................7
2.3 Identify development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.........................9
2.4 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs...................10
TASK 3...............................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement the plan.........................................................12
3.2 Document Development Activities..........................................................................................13
3.3 Critical Reflection on aims and objectives in the developments plan.....................................14
3.4 Updated development plan......................................................................................................14
TASK 4...............................................................................................................................................16
4.1 Solutions for work-based problems.........................................................................................16
4.2 Communication in variety of styles at various levels..............................................................16
4.3 Evaluation of effective time management techniques.............................................................17
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................19
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Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Four types of learning styles .........................................................................................8
Illustration 2: Kolb's learning cycle .....................................................................................................9
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Personal and Professional development is necessary for an individual to improve one's
knowledge, skills and any shortcomings. A person can develop his personality with the help of self-
managed learning process, in which self knowledge will be gain through various ways. There are
many ways, by which a person can learn and develop himself. It can be done by attending many
seminars, conferences, coaching classes or by proper training and developments sessions.
Moreover, there are various learning styles via which an individual's strengths and weaknesses can
be analysed. The present module emphasise on how a person can improve his qualities and level of
skills. In addition to this, current skills and competencies of a person will also be updated according
to market trend in this unit. Furthermore, how a person can make effective development plan
according to his skills and desired goals will also discussed in this report, which will help him to
enhance his skills, qualities and knowledge. An appropriate documentation of development
activities with the critical reflection on the the aims and objectives a person will also studied, to
update current development plan. Moreover, for different kinds of work-based problems, solutions
are also provided. Apart from these, various time management techniques will also be discussed.
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INTRODUCTION
Personal development is the process of improving awareness, knowledge and talents which
makes person able to achieve his or her goals and objectives. While, professional development
builds professional skills that provide huge assistance to enhance competencies through which
person can achieve success in the competitive arena. Present assignment aims at identifying self-
managed learning to enhance development. Moreover, different types of learning styles will be
discussed and assessed to improve the level of skills. In addition, personal and professional
development plan will be prepared to demonstrate required interpersonal and transferable skills. For
better understanding, Marks and Spencer (M&S) is taken into consideration.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluating approaches to self-managed learning
Self-management learning is the process of gaining knowledge of various things through
diversified ways (Approaches to self-managed learnings, 2015). It comprises self-initiation learning
process (intention to learn), deciding aims and objectives clearly, personal orientation achievement
goals, deciding dates for the achievement and self- reflection etc. Through this, individuals can put
their own efforts for the attainment of target objectives and enhance efficiency to accomplish it
more effectively. While, self-reflection is the process of evaluating own skills and development to
improve their talent. With reference to Marks and Spencer, there are various approaches available to
self-managed learning that are described below:
Training and development: Motivated workforce will perform their work with greater
efficiency as compared to other people. Hence, firm can conduct training and development
programmes for the employees to provide knowledge regarding their work profile. By this, they will
be able to do work efficiently (Arneson, Rothwell and Naughton, 2013). This method helps to
improve workers skills, knowledge and their talents which make an effective contribution towards
attainment of business targets and objectives of M&S. While, its disadvantage is it may be possible
that some of the employees do not want to learn new things by attending training and development
sessions conducted by M&S.
Learning through research: In the present time, internet access is effective way to get
knowledge of diverse things in different areas. Its advantage is M&S's employees can keep updated
their skills and abilities by searching on web. Social networking sites, Wikipedia, blogs,
newspapers, magazines etc. are the ways available to enhance learner's ability by searching on
World Wide Web. While, its disadvantage is some research skills are required in the workers to
track changes and develop skills accordingly.
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Learning through others: Coach provides assistance to enhance employee’s skills,
knowledge and ability. While, mentors offer help, proper guidance, support and suggestions to
maximize worker’s efficiency and effectiveness (Ford, 2014). Both the techniques like coaching and
mentoring provide advantage to build good relationship at the workplace of M&S. However, its
disadvantage is some of the workers may feel hesitation to ask questions from the seniors to
mitigate their difficulties.
Secondments: A temporary change in an individual's job role will explore new career
possibility and improve multi-skills. It provide advantage to the workers to develop new skills and
knowledge to complete work (Nicholls, 2014). On the contrary, some of the employees may not
have changing perspectives hence, they will not willing to perform different jobs.
Seminars and conferences: Seminars focus on specific topic by including lecture or
presentation. Whilst, conferences help to enhance greater degree of knowledge and it is a more
formal way. Contrary to this, it impose high financial cost and takes large time to conduct seminars
and conferences.
Interview: It helps to obtain information about interpersonal skills, problem solving skills
and work based knowledge of persons who are intended to work in M&S. High Confidentiality and
less time consuming are the benefits of it. Its disadvantage is applicants might be hesitate and afraid
to answer properly.
Internet, Intranet and Extranet: Internet provides worldwide information and Intranet
offers privacy to communicate information in M&S (Kanuka and Nocente, 2003). While, Extranet
allows chosen people to get access of business information like suppliers, customers, competitors
etc. Its advantage is employees can learn sufficient knowledge and enlarge their skills, efficiency
and competencies to a greater extent. Moreover, it ensure effective and faster communication
through networks. Further, it provide assistance to keep track of the consumer demand so that
employees can deliver excellent services to the consumers. On the contrary, security issues, good
network and time consuming process are the disadvantage of this.
On the basis of above evaluation, it becomes clear that internet, Intranet and extranet and
training and development are the most effective techniques of SML for M&S.. It is because through
training, workers can enhance through knowledge and skills and deliver better services to the
consumers. However, through internet, extranet and Intranet they can assure regular
communication with all the stakeholders and conduct operations without any difficulties.
1.2 Ways to encourage lifelong learning in personal and professional context
Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, modifying existing knowledge, skills,
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preferences or values etc. Lifelong learning is also called as Colloquialism which is an ongoing
process required to enhance knowledge for either personal or professional context. In Self-directed
learning (SDL), marketing manager can take initiatives to perform duties and responsibilities of his
job. Manager assesses and evaluates learning activities and applies it to accomplish work
effectively. While, continuous professional development (CPD) is the process to preserve and
expand knowledge by higher education, recognition of prior learning, apprenticeships, credit
accumulations and transfer schemes (Jung, 2014). For instance, linking higher education with
industry, further education, recognition of prior learning, apprenticeships, credit accumulation and
transfer schemes etc. With reference to Marks & Spencer, employees can develop knowledge by
further education about industry. Moreover, by transferring the job role of employees, it can provide
opportunity to develop multi-skills and talents to perform each kind of work efficiently.
Learning styles are the approaches or ways to learn things based on individual's strengths,
weaknesses and preferences. As per Kolb's learning cycle, there are four types of learning styles
which are as follows:
Learning
styles
Description Learning Activities CPD activity
Activist Active person learns things
by self-working practices
and developing
experience.
They learn by
brainstorming, group
discussions and problem
solving activities.
Interactive learning, working
in team and attending
conferences.
Pragmatist These people apply new
ideas, theories and
methods to complete their
work.
They use case studies,
discussions, problem
solving and learning in
reality (Gonzales and
Lambert, 2014).
Discover current problems
and learning via practise.
Theorist They evaluate present
theories and use a logical
theory to employ it in their
learning process.
Models, quotes,
background information,
statistics and theories are
applied in this.
Review current models and
join debates etc.
Reflector They examine historical
results by reviewing and
developing new skills
through effective
Paired discussions,
questionnaire, feedback
from others, observation
of activities and self-
Review completed task and
work with experienced
seniors.
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examination of the past
(Blau and et.al., 2015).
analysis questionnaire are
used by reflectors.
Illustration 1: Four types of learning styles
(Source: Gonzales and Lambert, 2014)
As a marketing manager in M&S, pragmatist is the best learning style through which I can
attempt to use new techniques to enhance public awareness about company's products and services.
It helps me to complete challenging work of my job profile. Further, reflector also enables me to
understand customer attitude towards different marketing tools and techniques. Through this, the
best technique can be applied for marketing of M&S's products and services.
Kolb's learning cycle: As per this learning stylem, there are four stages to learn things that are
concrete experience, abstract conceptualisation, reflective observation and active experimentation.
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Illustration 2: Kolb's learning cycle
(Source: Jung, 2014)
Concrete experience: It is regarded as new experience on the basis of situation encountered
by the employees or a reinterpretation of existing experience.
Reflective observation: It refers to new experience by reviewing the situation which
indicates inconsistency between experience and understanding (Kolb's learning style, 2012).
Abstract conceptualisation: Reflection helps to develop new ideas, theories and concept.
Moreover, it helps to modify existing concepts by learning through experience.
Active experimentation: In this, developed theories and ideas will be implemented in the
business so see the results.
1.3 Evaluating the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organization
Self-managed learning mainly focuses on increasing worker’s efforts to effectively manage
their learning progress. As a marketing manager in M&S, I am accountable to develop a strategic
marketing plan and conduct it effectively to increase potential turnover. Through, self-managed
learning, as a manager, I can increase my skills and knowledge to do work with high efficiency.
With the assistance of Self-managed learning, both the marketing manager and M&S can take
following benefits, explained here as under:
Benefits of self-managed learning to marketing manager:
 Self-managed learning provides assistance to marketing manager to develop team work
skills. Learning approaches like seminar and group discussions develop a positive attitude in
the manager to work in a team.
 Self-managed learning also develops presentation skills which helps to increase confidence
level of the manager (Assignment for developing personal and professional development,
2012).
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 Self-managed learning also increases communication skills in the marketing manager.
Through this, manager can effectively express his knowledge in front of others.
 It provides opportunity to the marketing manager to create new career paths so that
individual can make career growth. It also enhances problem solving skills in the manager. Therefore, he will be able to solve
issues and difficulties by taking some strategic decisions and enhancing public awareness
about offered services of M&S (Bailey and et.al., 2001).
Benefits of self-managed learning to Marks and Spencer:
 Team working helps to get collaborative efforts of all the workers which aids to create better
working environment in M&S. Hence, co-ordination can be maintained in the organization.
This in turn, M&S can achieve its targeted business goals and objectives in an effective
manner.
 Self-managed learning develops and expands worker’s knowledge regarding work so that
1465980221they can increase their performance and do work timely (Raymor, 2013).
 It helps to enhance motivational and satisfaction level of the employees. This in turn, M&S
will be able to serve better services to the customers with having greater worker’s efficiency.
 M&S will be able to take advantage of skilled and talented workforce which provides
assistance to enhance potential turnover and profitability by greater customer satisfaction.
TASK 2
2.1 Analysing own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives
Self-appraisal: It is an evaluation of own Strengths and weaknesses by the use of self-
assessment tools. Self-reflective learning is a useful tool through which marketing manager can
conduct self-evaluation and thereby, develop a plan to enhance required skills so as to perform
much better in future. My job role in M&S is of marketing manager, hence, I need diverse skills to
perform work effectively and efficiently. I need good communication skills to transform
information and messages to the employees (Five essential skills for future marketing manager,
n.d.). It will help me to convey marketing strategies and objectives to the subordinates of marketing
department. It enables me to provide proper guidance and support to the workers to conduct a
strategic marketing campaign by the use of different tools like advertisement, personal selling etc.
With the help of this, I can put the best efforts to enhance M&S's sales and profitability in the near
future to a greater extent (Porcerelli and et.al., 2015).
Moreover, my analytical skills make me able to understand changes in consumer’s demand,
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wants and desires through conducting research. Determining consumer perceptions towards offered
services makes me able to take suitable marketing decisions. Furthermore, discounts and offers also
play a major role in increasing sales. Therefore, marketing manager is accountable to assess impact
of discounts on consumer buying decisions (Sirgy, Johar and Wise, 2015). Through this, I will be
able to decide appropriate rate of discount to increase potential sales and profitability to a desired
extent. Apart from that, I am also liable to take decisions regarding different promotional tools. My
quick decision-making skills help me to analyse things and thereby, take suitable decisions. In
addition, it will help me to draft various marketing strategies to enhance awareness in the global
market. It will definitely influence M&S's sales and profit in a positive manner. Besides this, my
interpersonal skills help me to treat employees fairly and create friendly working environment. By
this, each employee will feel better to do work properly and timely.
2.2 Identifying own development needs and the activities required to meet them
In the present age of technology, it is essential for the marketing manager to have good
technical skills. Customer engagement through the use of advanced technology helps manager to
keep focused on fluctuation in customer demand and deliver excellent services. Moreover,
leadership skills play a crucial role in managing people effectively. While, time management skills
help to complete allotted work within decided time frame (Grissom, Loeb and Mitani, 2015).
However, critical thinking helps to analyse situations and assess their validity. It is the foundation to
take better decisions to fulfil work with high efficiency. On the contrary, analytical skills of the
marketing manager aid him to evaluate consumer demand, behaviour, buying decisions etc. as well
as assess the efficacy of different kind of marketing tools and techniques. By this, manager can pick
up on trends and patterns by putting successful marketing efforts (Griffith and Hoppner, 2013).
Besides this, marketing manager also has to deal with customer complaints. Therefore, marketing
manager also has to develop customer handling skills.
Skills required Activities Time frame Review date
Technical skills Workshops and seminars
will be attended to improve
my technical skills (Ghaderi
and et.al., 2015).
15/06/2016 to
31/07/2016
15/08/16
Leadership skills Working in a team and
attending role play will help
me to improve my
leadership skills (Dubrin,
15/06/2016 to
15/07/2016
20/07/16
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2015). Through this, I will
be able to provide proper
guidance to the
subordinates.
Time management
skills
Use of updated and
advanced software
packages like project
management will assist me
to manage work timely.
15/06/2016 to
15/08/2016
20/08/2016
Critical thinking Case study session will
provide huge assistance to
improve critical thinking
skills (Arora and Darzi,
2016).
15/06/2016 to
30/7/2016
10/08/16
Analytical skills Simulation technique will
enable me to assess the
potential impacts of
marketing decisions on
future business
performance.
15/06/2016 to
15/08/2016
20/08/2016
Customer handling
skills
Training sessions and
mentoring will help me to
deal effectively with
customers. It will provide
me practical knowledge to
resolve conflicts and
consumer complaints
effectively (Certo, 2015).
15/06/2016 to
15/07/2016
20/07/2016
2.3 Identifying development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
There are numerous ways available to meet current and potential needs which are required
to perform my work. Development opportunities are the ways to enhance the skills and knowledge
which makes a significant contribution towards attainment of M&S's goals and objectives. In order
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