Thomas Cook: Assistant Manager Skills and Development Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the skills and professional development necessary for an Assistant Manager role within Thomas Cook, a travel agency. The introduction defines professional identity and its importance in an organizational context, setting the stage for a detailed examination of personal and professional development. Part 1 delves into the significance of personal and professional growth, evaluating the required skills and competencies through a SWOT analysis and a technical and soft skill audit. The report also explores various learning theories and approaches, such as Kolb's learning cycle and different learning styles, to understand how individuals learn and develop. Part 2 presents a comprehensive development plan, outlining areas for improvement, activities, resources, and timeframes to enhance skills. Finally, Part 3 covers job application and interview preparation for the Assistant Manager role, solidifying the report's practical focus. The report emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, skill enhancement, and strategic planning for career advancement within the travel and tourism industry.

Professional Identity
and Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
(I) Personal and professional development and its importance within Thomas cook............1
Covered in Poster...................................................................................................................1
(ii) Skills and competences for Assistant Manager................................................................1
b) Different learning theories and approaches for personal and professional development . 3
c) Review different theories and approaches..........................................................................4
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
Comprehensive development Plan.........................................................................................5
PART 3............................................................................................................................................7
Application and Interview for Assistant Manager role..........................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Professional identification is the type of social recognition and it is the sense of an
individual who have profession in specific field. It is defined as one's professional self concept
which is based on attributes, values, beliefs and experiences. This is constructed under particular
condition of stigmatised cultural identity which present an interesting mystifier. This is required
for an individual is to develop unique and different professional identity which help them in
taking position within an organisation (Bukor, 2015). The report is going to analyse personal and
professional development and practical skills assessment for an Assistant Manager role within
Thomas cook and it is based in Wandsworth. The main purpose of this assignment is to
understand the importance of professional development and how to assess their own skills and
develop effective plans for future career and growth. Along with this, it will enable them in order
to formulate and develop their employability skills and knowledge through job application and
interview procedure.
PART 1
(I) Personal and professional development and its importance within Thomas cook
Covered in Poster
(ii) Skills and competences for Assistant Manager
a) Evaluation of own skills, abilities and competences for Assistant Manager role.
Assistant Manager have to access its skills audit of itself to thoroughly know about own
characteristics (Clark, 2014). In order to Swot analysis and technical with soft skill audit is very
obligatory to get better results that are as follows:
SWOT analysis of Assistant manager:
In SWO analysis consist of their strength, weaknesses, threats and opportunities to give
their best before facing the interview that are as follows:
Strength:
In key strength of assistant manager consist of which is necessary to accomplish
organisational goals and objectives (Lordly and MacLellan, 2012). In that case I possess positive
traits in which communication skills, positively watch every aspect and find out solution in better
way. I have solid educational background so able to give best in organisational growth and
1

enhancement. I have very strong network with other organisation and communities so it should
be proved fruitful in organisation. I am always enthusiastic towards visiting places so Thomas
cook and deliver services is my key interest area.
Weaknesses:
In weaknesses I assumed that I lack in experiences or expertise in accomplish that work
and not relevant knowledge of subject in which I have to deal. According to observation of
myself I have lack in professional and management skills that sometimes it create problem in
front of me. Sometimes I lose my temper in some conditions that is big weaknesses of mine. I am
weak in communication skills which is necessary for the manager.
Opportunities:
The opportunities before an Assistant manager that are as; Travel agency is very
progressive and lot of career growth exist in it and it helps in booming of economy that also
beneficial aspect for an individual. So according to knowledge it also proved fruitful for me to
work in that industry. Thomas cook launch a new project into market that gives fruitful result in
career growth.
Threats:
In threats consist of that Thomas cook have to face some restructuring and consolidation
issues That impacts negative on development of mine. Further when changes occurs in demand
of consumers organisation have to change in employees demand. In that case organisation
require people that acquainted with new skills set. Hence it is the biggest threat for me.
Technical and soft skill audit:
Auditing is very essential factor to measure and record skill and characteristic of an
individual (Clarke, Hyde and Drennan, 2013). In case of Assistant manager in technical skills
Microsoft office software in which excel, power point and word. Further they have to proficient
in Customer relationship management, customer service platform and virtual desk. In addition to
in soft skills they require communication, decision making and leadership skills that are
necessary for accomplish goals and objectives. According to recent trend an assistant manager
have research ability with it gain potential goals and determine their consumer interest. For
example in case of Thomas cook which is part of hospitality industry occurs lot of changes so
research and flexible personality should be require to gain objective (Johnson and et. al., 2012).
2

Hence all these skills and technical knowledge is potential for both individual and organisation in
their enhancement.
b) Different learning theories and approaches for personal and professional development
The different learning theories and approaches for personal and professional development
are described below:
Learning Theories
It describes about process, retain knowledge and absorb during learning. There are
different learning theories which can be used by Thomas Cook which are given below:
Kolb's Learning theories- It is that theory which has been developed for identifying
various learning styles which are helpful in dealing with other persons effectively (Clarke, Hyde
and Drennan, 2013). This theory was developed by David Kolb in 1984 which is divided into
learning cycle and learning styles such as:
Learning Cycle- There are four stage of learning cycle which are:
 Concrete Experience- It is regarded as new experience or reinterpretation of existing.
 Reflective Observation- It means reflecting experience on personal basis.
 Abstract Conceptualisation- It means reflecting and giving rise to new and innovative
ideas or modification through existing one (Dent and Whitehead, 2013). Here, person
learned from various experience.
 Active Experimentation- Individual applies their ideas in practical life.
Learning Styles- There are different types of people who prefer to use single style for
learning more effectively. Being assistant manager of Thomas Cook, various factors influence
such as educational experience, social environment and others their learning style. It includes
 Diverging- In this style, people view things differently and are sensitive (Eteläpelto and
et. al., 2014). They prefer watching things than doing it and collect information and using
imagination for solving it. Such people work in group and listen things with open mind in
order to receive personal feedback.
 Assimilating- The concepts and ideas are more significant than people and require clear
explanation than practical opportunity. People having such style are more focused on
work, ideas and concept than people (Tseng and Kuo, 2014).
 Converging- People solve problems and use learning for finding solutions to practical
issues. They provide less concern on interpersonal and people aspect and prefer technical
3

work. They find practical usage for various theories, ideas and solve issues for making
decisions to get solutions of questions and problems (Trede, Macklin and Bridges, 2012).
 Accommodating- They believes on intuition than logic and using analysis of other people
and taking experiential and practical approach. Such individuals are more attracted
towards experiences and new challenges for carrying out plan.
Learning Approaches
Approaches to learning is the way through which individual study and depends upon
objectives for studying (Gibbs, 2015). The different learning approaches are as follows:
Behaviourists- There are four guiding principles such as:
 Be like other science and psychology study about quantifiable behaviour and observable.
 Psychology study should denote about law and behaviour changes and controlled.
 Human are regarded as animals and not treated complexly.
 Human are only animals and doing research on behaviour animal should be relevants to
humans.
Cognitive- It is regarded as mental activity such as remembering, using language,
learning and remembering. It helps in understanding of concepts and information and these
rebuild logical connections which leads to increase knowledge and understanding (Wenger-
Trayner and et. al., 2014). This leaning approach is active, long lasting and constructive and
encourages for learning, remembering and thinking.
c) Review different theories and approaches
From above analysis, it can be said that Assistant Manager of Thomas Cook should use
converging learning style. It means to watch and think regarding any matter (Johnson and et. al.,
2012). Being manager, it is responsibility, to watch each and every activities of competitors and
think their positive and negative aspects. Thus, this style helps in achieving goals and objectives
of organisation effectively and efficiently.
PART 2
Comprehensive development Plan
It is the procedure which determine community goals and inspirations in terms of
organisation development (Lordly and MacLellan, 2012). Comprehensive Development Plan
ensure about the future development of strategic sites which is undertaken in a systematic
4

manner. Thomas cook develop this Plan for meet with skills and requirements of an Assistant
Manager. The CPD is based on organisation vision, mission and expectation of community in
better manner. Through this an individual can easily their desired skills and abilities which are
required while performing job role within an enterprise. This will help in identify major areas
which required to be improved and also it conduct resources which can be used for managing all
factors in effective way (Wald And et. al., 2015). Along with this, it will assist in taking
appropriate decision which requires modifications in proper manner. Also this will assist in
setting accurate time period in which I required to complete my task or work.
Areas for
development
Activities which
are undertaken
for develop skills
Resources
required to
undertaken
activities
Time frame Achieved the
desired
Improvement
Lack of
knowledge
I have to develop
my skills and
abilities which are
helpful in
increasing
knowledge.
There are various
resources which
are required to
make
improvement in
such skills such
as explore
different sites
which are provide
information of
travel agency.
5 months I have to explore
sites which help
me in gaining
new and fresh
knowledge.
Poor
management
skills
I required to
make effective
decisions and also
work on
improving my
abilities while
solving major
Attend meetings
and take
participation in
regular activities
where they need
to analyse
employees
6 months I can improve my
management
skills through
properly
organised and
arranged
company
5

issues. requirement. For
this, I can easily
manage
management and
administration
functions or
activities.
functions. Also I
need to give
rewards and
awards to their
employees as per
their skills.
Communication
skill
Attending
seminars and
conferences
which help me in
enhancing my
skills and abilities
in better manner.
Resources
includes social
media, internet
and group
discussion.
3 months For make
improvement in
communication
skill, I require to
interact with
different type of
people. Take
participation in
meetings and
conferences.
On the above description, it can be analysed that Comprehensive planning is procedure
which determines aspirations and community goals for development of community. This
outcomes is called comprehensive plan and regulate and expresses public policies regarding
utilities, recreation, land use, housing and transportation. It covers geographical areas, topics of
broad ranges and covering long term horizon time. Such plan is used in United States by urban
planners. Similarly, in Canada, this plan is called visioning or strategic planning and
accompanied by public consultation. It has different name in different places such as in Alberta it
is called Municipal Development Plan and Official Community Plan.
The goals of CDP is to convert vision of organisation into measurable terms and
concrete. It also focus on design or action trends. The CDP has certain process which is as
follows such as: identifying issues, stating goals, collecting data, preparing, creating
implementation plans, evaluating alternatives, adopting, implementation and monitoring plan. It
ensure about future development of strategies which is undertaken in coordination with others.
6

This plan is incorporated with helps of planning scheme through application of Comprehensive
Development Zone (CDZ). CDP and CDZs are applicable for complex or large development.
PART 3
Application and Interview for Assistant Manager role
CV:
Geogre Payne
14, Harwon Circle,
United Kingdom
M. 9987451223
[e-mail]
Summary – Hard working, experienced. Travel Assistant Manager focused on delivering
effective customer service and can effectively deal in different situations.
Skills:
 Excellent English Communication skill
 Fast learner
 Customer need assessment
 Manage all records related to customers
 Perform well in different situations and conditions
 Deliver best services
 Distribute work among workers
Professional Qualification:
 Over 1 year experience within Assistant Manager field.
 Excellent team leadership skill.
Roles and Responsibilities:
 Manage budget and maintain financial records
 Promote business operations and functions
 Manage bookings and schedules
 Analyse whole market area
Declaration: I hereby declare that all the above information and details are true according to
my concern.
7

Date:
Cover letter:
Geogre Payne
14, Harwon Circle,
United Kingdom
M. 9987451223
[e-mail]
With over 8 years of resume optimisation experience I can confidentially tell you that I am an
expert at resume optimisation. Assistant Manager main role is to mange all functions and
activities which are related to budget and records all the data of travel agency.
Known for excellent communication skills, I have easily attract large number of people towards
Thomas cook company. I am able to manage and maintain financial records which are required
to properly manage all work.
I would be happy to bring my knowledge of resume optimisation to your resume writing firm
with the opportunity to continue perform work.
Thank you for the consideration
Step 2: Prepare for and attend the interview
During interview, my main role is to convince a recruiter that I have appropriate skills
and knowledge for the respective job profile. I have to show motivation level and convince
employer that I am fit for the organisation's culture and job description which they are offered.
As a Assistant Manager, I am going to give interview in Thomas cook organisation. My first task
is to explore an organisation where I have given an interview round at a position of Assistant
Manager in Thomas cook. While researching about respective company I found that Thomas
cook is one of the world's leading leisure travel groups, supported by around 22,000 colleagues
and regulated in 15 other countries. The main vision of this firm is to being world's most loved
holiday company. My role in Thomas cook as a Assistant Manager is to provide coaching,
developing and mentoring a team of Sales Consultants which ensure about that Customer is
everything for the travel firm. While preparing fir interview, I required to compare skills and
qualifications for the job position or designation. For this, I need to analyse job description
8

which describe about roles and responsibilities of an Assistant Manager within Thomas cook.
While comparing own skills and abilities with the organisation's job role so this is
required for me that both are match in better manner. Otherwise I will lose the job role due to
lack of skill and capabilities. At the time of preparing for an interview, I need to review my
abilities and capabilities which demonstrate my skills such as excellent communication,
teamwork, time management and motivation. I feel enthusiasm and commitment to the role of
Assistant Manager of Thomas cook and take participation in the interview for acquiring specific
job. Along with this, I should be confident, enthusiasm, natural, attractive and comfortable at the
time of give answer of specific questions related to job profile.
Step 3: Reflective report
After completion of application process and interview, I have to identifying my personal
strength and weaknesses of the experience which create issues and problems. My major
weakness is that I am not able to maintain and manage financial records which is used for keep
and store data related to travellers. On the other hand, I can identify my strength during interview
for the job of Assistant Manager is that I am capable for handle all complex situations which
create issue for the Thomas cook organisation. It is required for me is to analyse whole company
details for the safe side which help them in giving accurate answer for each questions related to
specific job profile. For the future interviews, I am mainly focused on communication skills and
use appropriate language which attract employer. This is required for me is to prepare while
giving interview which help me in gaining attention of manager of the company which reduces
the possibility of mistakes or errors. I required to use effective approaches which help me in
CONCLUSION
As per the above described report, it can be analysed that Professional identification is
the type of social recognition and it is the sense of an individual who have profession in specific
field. It is mainly related with the development needs of a person as well as large number of
group. On-going learning and professional development help in gaining attention of both
employee and employer as well as job seekers. There are large number of employers who are not
only seeking for skilled and highly educated workers. Comprehensive Development Plan ensure
about the future development of strategic sites which is undertaken in a systematic manner.
According to recent trend an assistant manager have research ability with it gain potential goals
and determine their consumer interest. For example in case of Thomas cook which is part of
9