Personal and Professional Development: ALDI Case Study Report

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development, using ALDI as a case study to explore key concepts and strategies. It begins by defining self-managed learning, outlining various approaches such as attending conferences, utilizing internet resources, and fostering collaborative learning environments. The report then examines ways to encourage lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of evaluation, analysis, and leadership. It further discusses the benefits of self-managed learning for both employees and organizations, including increased knowledge, enhanced decision-making abilities, and improved organizational efficiency. The report also addresses work-based problems, proposing solutions for collaborative working issues and examining communication styles and time management strategies. Additionally, it evaluates the author's skills against professional standards, identifies development needs, and outlines a personal and professional development plan. The report concludes by detailing the processes required to implement the plan and documenting learning activities, ultimately aiming to update the development plan based on feedback and achieve the set objectives.

Personal and
Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches of self managed learning..............................................................................1
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged..............................................................................................................................1
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning....................................................................................2
M1...........................................................................................................................................3
M2...........................................................................................................................................3
D1...........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................3
4.1 Solutions to work based problems....................................................................................3
4.2 Communication in variety of styles..................................................................................4
4.3 Time management strategies............................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluation of own current skills against professional standards......................................5
2.2 Identify development needs and activities.......................................................................6
2.3 Identification of own development opportunities.............................................................7
2.4 Personal and professional development plan based on needs identify.............................7
M3...........................................................................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Processes required to implement the development plan...................................................8
3.2 Document development activities....................................................................................9
3.3 Own learning against original aims and objectives..........................................................9
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback...............................................................10
D2.........................................................................................................................................10
D3.........................................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is a concept in which an individual take part to
enhance the level of his knowledge. One of the main benefit of this is that it help people in take
effective decision in complex situation and also contribute in process of achieve desired results
and goals (Alfaro and Quezada, 2010). This process is related with the development needs of
both groups and individuals. Improve level of learning help individual in identify opportunities
exist in business environment and explore the same. Various tool and methods are used in this
concept to make the whole process interesting and to gain effective results. ALDI, one of the
leading grocery firm, based in UK is taken under this report for study. Various approaches of
managing self learning and various ways to encourage continuous learning in both personal and
professional context is all given in this report. Style of communication at different level of
enterprise and various strategies of time management is all detailed in this.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches of self managed learning
Process under which an individual use various tools and techniques to encourage his
learning and to gain knowledge with his own efforts is known as self managed learning.
Different approaches are there which can be used for encourage this process. Increase level of
knowledge with the help and process of survey and research is one of the best method. An
individual may analyse and study various sources such as websites, articles, internet portals, and
journals to collect data on a particular subject. Various social networking sites are a effective
source for update and development of self learning. Different methods which can be use for
gather knowledge are stated below: Attend conferences and seminars: Number of conferences and seminars held on the
level of personal and professional development (Stephenson and Yorke, 2013). By attend
these an individual can gather and collect data on different areas.
 Internet sources: Today internet is refer as unlimited resource for collect the data for
self learning. With the help different sites and individual can develop his process of self
learning.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be encouraged
It is very essential for a group or individual to select an effective style of learning as this
contribute and give shape to the process of learning. Number of tools are there which can be used
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by the managers of ALDI to enhance the level of knowledge of employees to make them able to
easily adapt the changes. Main feature of self development concept is that it provide direction to
individual to develop his skills effectively. Ways which can be use to manage and encourage
personal learning can be understood by the following points: Evaluation and analysis of own: In this a person first identify his own strengths and
weakness and on the basis of collect data he formulate a development plan. Collaborative continuous learning: In this approach, manager focus and encourage
development of teams and provide them direction to achieve end results. One of the main
advantage of working in team is that it increase the level of knowledge of team members
as everyone share their opinions and views with each other. Further it help in provide
best solution to the complex problem.
 Leadership: Leaders are the one who play an effective role during whole process of self
development because these are the one who motivate individuals and provide them right
direction to increase the level of their knowledge.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
Concept of self managed learning provide various advantages to both organisation and
individual and this can be better understood by the points stated below:
Benefits to employees Increase level of knowledge: Under the process of self managed learning an individual is
put on the path of learning and all this increase his different skills and knowledge.
 Enhance decision making ability: Different tools and methods are used under self
managed learning which help an individual to gain information like how to deal in
complex situations (Wichadee, 2011). All this help individual in take effective decision at
different condition at workplace.
Benefits to organisation Enhance efficiency of organisational activities: Increase skills and knowledge of
workers help hem in find new and better ways of complete a work. This increase the
effectiveness of commercial activities.
 Encourage team work: Different programs of self development encourage building and
working of team. When individuals work in a team that it provide better results to
enterprise.
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M1
Different strategies are there which can be used by the managers of ALDI to enhance the
level of knowledge of employees. Whole concept of self managed leaning provide number of
benefits to both individual and organisation (Mitchell, 2013). At one side this increase the level
of knowledge of individual and on the other side this increase the productivity of firm.
M2
Leadership, collaborative learning and evaluation of own current skills are the main
techniques which can be use by the workers of ALDI to encourage the ways of continuous
learning (Niess, van Zee and Gillow-Wiles,2010). With the help of these they can collect data
regarding how to perform and take decision in complex situations.
D1
All use techniques and methods of self managed learning are appropriate because it
provide an opportunity to individual to collect relevant information from all sources (Spanneut,
Tobin and Ayers,2012). Further it help it in doing necessary modification in the development
plan to achieve effective results and outputs.
TASK 4
4.1 Solutions to work based problems
Different type and size of organisation face some kind of problems and issues at
workplace. Whenever a obstacle arise at workplace than it become essential for managers to
identify the main cause behind the problem and solve the same. Presently the main issue which is
face by ALDI is:
Collaborative working: Due to operate at an international level large number of people from
different culture are working in firm. Research revel that there is a lack of cooperation and
coordination in various activities of different department and all this are negatively affect the
business operations and are increase the cost of business operations (Chipchase, Johnston and
Long, 2012). To achieve set targets and end results it is very necessary for the managers to solve
this issue.
Solution: various methods and techniques which can be used by the ALDI can be understood by
following points: Encourage team building and working: Under this manager encourage development of
effective teams for execute business activity of firm (How To Solve Problems, 2017).
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One of the main feature of this is that it not only help in provide effective solution of
problem but also enhance the knowledge level of person.
 Development of communication channels: To remove confusions and to increase
cooperation among various activities it is very necessary that effective channels of
communication must be develop and use in enterprise.
4.2 Communication in variety of styles
Variety of communication styles held at different level of enterprise can be understood by
the following points: Verbal communication: This is one of the popular and most effective form of
communication. In this sender take the help of words and symbols to send his message to
the receiver. This type of communication is informal in nature and basically take place at
lower level of organisation (Byington and Tannock, 2011). To enhance the effectiveness
of communication process it is very essential for sender to use simple but effective words
during the process of communication. Non verbal communication: In this, sender use body language, facial expression,
gestures and other symbols to send his message to receiver. Written communication: This is one of the most common type of communication. In
this, sender write his message on a piece of paper and than send it to the receiver. This
communication is formal in nature and take place at top level of enterprise. One
disadvantage of this is that is a very lengthy process of communication.
 Public communication: In this type of communication, a individual called sender give
speech in front of large number of people (Communication Styles, 2017. ). Main reason
behind this type of communication is to inform and persuade public.
4.3 Time management strategies
To achieve success and desire results it is very essential for an enterprise to complete all
the tasks in time (Chipchase, Johnston and Long, 2012). One of the main advantage of this is that
it help enterprise is achieve competitive advantage and at the same time save cost of company.
Main and effective time strategies which can be used by ALDI can be are stated below in
following points:
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 Set objectives and goals: For manage the time in an effective way manager can set
objectives and goals. This provide direction to both managers and employees and help in
complete the assign task in time. Organise: In this managers organise all business activities which ensure optimum
utilisation of all resources and at the same time help in complete given task in time. Scheduling: Under this, a written schedule is made by manager which include the time of
complete all activities. Proactive: In this manager evaluate the performance of workers to identify the gaps in
actual skills and standard skills. Time bound: Managers develop and introduce new methods for complete all task in
minimum period of time.
 Focused: In this strategy, manager focus to to complete all activities.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluation of own current skills against professional standards
To achieve effective results from the development process it is very essential for an
individual to be aware about own strengths and weakness (Dabbagh and Kitsantas, 2012.). This
is also known as self auditing. Main benefit of this is that it help an individual to choose a right
method and approach. Skills which must be there in a store manager to perform his job in an
effective way can be understood by the table given below:
Sl.
No.
Skills and Competencies Score Score from
others
Variances
1 Problem solving skill 7 8 -1
2 Team development and management 8 10 -2
3 Good listening 7 7 0
4 Research skill 5 6 -1
5 I provide motivation? 8 5 3
6 My efficiency and effectiveness 4 6 2
7 Quality standards? 7 7 0
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8 Good team member? 4 6 -2
9 Type of leadership style? 8 5 3
Table above is the evaluation of my own capabilities against set standards. All negative
number are indicating my strengths while positive numbers are shown my weakness. On the
basis of this evaluation I prepare my CV.
Name:
Address:
Education:
Graduation:
Masters in marketing
Experience:
Working in ALDI from last 6 months
Strengths:
Problem solving skill
Research skill
Quality of team developmental
Confidence
Good handwriting
Good team member
2.2 Identify development needs and activities
I identify my developmental needs by compare my current skills with the capabilities
require to achieve organisational objectives. After that I identify that I have require to develop
the following skills:
 I need to enhance my quality of motivation.
 I have to improve my leadership skill.
To enhance the level of my knowledge and to improve these skills I can use the following tools:
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 Simulation training: This is one of the effective method of improve skill (Chong, 2011).
In this an artificial environment is created and than the learners is put in that conditions in
order to learn how he can behave in critical and complex conditions. Seminars and conferences: I can participate in different conferences held at personal and
professional level. This will give me an opportunity to enhance my skills.
 Managerial guidance: I can take suggestions from my seniors how I can develop some
specific skills in me to achieve set goals.
2.3 Identification of own development opportunities
For develop skills to attain future goals it is very essential for an individual to have
adequate number of opportunities (Fechter, 2012). This will help him in attain various short and
long term benefits. For achieve this an individual can participate in the following:
 Participate in decision making process.
 Attain or involve in sessions of brainstorming.
 Individual can develop his research skill by use of library.
 Development of SMART goals and objectives
 Participate in conferences and seminars
 Use of various platforms of social media.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan based on needs identify
SL.
no.
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE/
GOAL
CURRENT
PROFICIENCY
TARGET
PROFICIENCY
DEVELOPM
ENT
OPPORTUNI
TIES
CRITERIA
FOR
JUDGING
SUCCESS
TIME
SCALE
EVIDE
NCE
1 Leadership
skill
At present I
use autocratic
style of
leadership.
Need to adapt
the concept of
leadership as
per situation
exist at
workplace.
Learning
opportunity
from the
managers
work at
middle
level.
Judgement
of top
executives
and
leaders.
15days Top
manag
er's
written
report.
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2 Motivationa
l skills
I use
traditional
theories of
motivation at
workplace.
There is a
need to use
and apply
modern
theories of
management
to motivate
workers.
Seminars ,
conferences
and events
based on
leadership.
My peers
and co
workers.
6 days Judge
ment
of top
manag
ers.
3 Effectivenes
s and
efficiency
Current
process and
methods
which I use
are not
effective.
Need to
develop new
methods for
complete the
work.
Guidance
and support
of top
managers.
Written
report.
Minimum
2 months
Judge
ment
of
manag
ers.
M3
Main finding is that an individual can identify his own strengths and weakness with the
help of a table (Florian, 2012). After that he can prepare a CV and to develop various skills and it
is very essential for an individual to first identify the development opportunities exist in business
environment.
TASK 3
3.1 Processes required to implement the development plan
Process requires to effective implement the development plan can be understood by following
points: Setting up time scale: This is the first step include in effective implementation of
development plan (Frost, 2012). Under this time duration of each and every activity is
decide to complete a particular task in minimum time. Assessment of KSA (Knowledge, skills and abilities): It is very essential for an
individual to have detail knowledge about his own skills, abilities and knowledge so that
he can formulate the development plan on that basis.
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 Learning strategies: From number of strategies available for learning it is very essential
for individual to adopt an effective strategy of learning so he can develop certain skills in
given period of time. Resources: It is very necessary that individual must have all resources require for
effective implementation of plan.
 Evaluation and feedback: At last, process should be evaluated to identify and eliminate
all limitations for take required action.
3.2 Document development activities
For remove the gap between actual and standard skills require to prform effectively.
Following things can be execute by the managers of ALDI: Training: Managers of firm can conduct different training and development programs for
employees to remove the gap. Management of change: All steps include in the process are require to be manage
effectively. Leaders and managers play an important role in this. Learning strategies: Strategies which are used by firm to increase the qualities of its
employees. Research: Under this manger collect information from all sources to make the
development plan more effective.
 Monitoring and evaluation: This is the last step include in this, manager do necessary
modification the the final plan.
3.3 Own learning against original aims and objectives
Evaluation of own learning carry out by individual to identify own improvements against
set objectives and goals (Hanraets, Hulsebosch and de Laat, 2011). Main methods which can be
use by individual for this can be understood by following points: Formal meetings: This is known as one of the effective method of evaluation. Under
this, progress report of individual is presented in front his seniors. After that, they
evaluate and identify the findings of report by analyse the skills of individual. At last,
senior give their recommendation for further improvement.
 Own motivation: Motivation is one of the essential factor during the whole process of
development (Hicks and et. al., 2014). An individual can learn nothing without have
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motivation. This is the main elements which encourage an individual to find and develop
new methods of complete a work.
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback
Do require modification in the development plan on basis of collect feedback help in
achieve effective results. Main elements in which an individual can introduce change can include
the following: Training methods: If current training methods are not effective than to enhance
knowledge of workers manager of ALDI can use various and different methods of
training (Kennedy, 2011). To make the process of learning more interesting manager can
use a mix of off the job and on the job training methods. Different approaches: To achieve end results in an effective way manager can do
variation in the approaches use for learning process of individual.
 Motivation required: It is very essential for an individual to maintain an optimum and
positive level of motivation (Kumagai, 2010). Without this he can not learn new things
and methods for complete a given task.
D2
It comes under the responsibility of manager to manage and organise everything during
the process of self development of an individual (Linn, 2013). He is the only one who identify
the resources require to implement the plan and provide the same to individuals so he can
identify and develop new ways of complete a work.
D3
Convergent thinking is a type of thinking that focus on a single answer of a given
problem. Solve problems with the help of an creative approach and indirect approach is known
as lateral thinking (Magrane and et. al., 2012). Creative thinking is a process of looking at
problems from different perspective. This is stimulated by both structured and unstructured
process.
CONCLUSION
From the above information it can be summarised that concept of personal and
professional development is an important one for every enterprise. This provide an opportunity
to manager to enhance the skills and knowledge of workers which help in increase productivity
of company. Further, concept of self manager learning help an individual to evaluate his own
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current skills with the capabilities required to meet organisational objectives. Different time
strategies are there which can be used by the managers of ALDI to complete all business
activities in time. Overall concept of self managed learning provide various benefits to both
individual and organisation.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Alfaro, C. and Quezada, R.L., 2010. International teacher professional development: Teacher
reflections of authentic teaching and learning experiences. Teaching Education. 21(1).
pp.47-59.
Byington, T.A. and Tannock, M.T., 2011. Professional Development Needs and Interests of
Early Childhood Education Trainers. Early childhood research & practice. 13(2).
p.n2.
Chipchase, L.S., Johnston, V. and Long, P.D., 2012. Continuing professional development: the
missing link. Manual Therapy. 17(1). pp.89-91.
Chong, S., 2011. Development of teachers' professional identities: From pre-service to their first
year as novice teachers. KEDI Journal of Educational Policy. 8(2).
Dabbagh, N. and Kitsantas, A., 2012. Personal Learning Environments, social media, and self-
regulated learning: A natural formula for connecting formal and informal learning. The
Internet and higher education. 15(1). pp.3-8.
Fechter, A.M., 2012. The personal and the professional: Aid workers' relationships and values in
the development process. Third World Quarterly. 33(8). pp.1387-1404.
Florian, L., 2012. Preparing teachers to work in inclusive classrooms: Key lessons for the
professional development of teacher educators from Scotland’s inclusive practice
project. Journal of Teacher Education. 63(4). pp.275-285.
Frost, D., 2012. From professional development to system change: teacher leadership and
innovation. Professional Development in Education. 38(2). pp.205-227.
Hanraets, I., Hulsebosch, J. and de Laat, M., 2011. Experiences of pioneers facilitating teacher
networks for professional development. Educational Media International. 48(2). pp.85-
99.
Hicks and et. al., 2014. Domain of competence: personal and professional development.
Academic pediatrics. 14(2). pp.S80-S97.
Kennedy, A., 2011. Collaborative continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in
Scotland: aspirations, opportunities and barriers. European Journal of Teacher
Education. 34(1). pp.25-41.
Kumagai, A.K., 2010. Commentary: Forks in the road: Disruption and transformation in
professional development. Academic Medicine. 85(12). pp.1819-1820.
Linn, M.C., 2013. Internet environments for science education. Routledge.
Magrane and et. al., 2012. Systems of career influences: A conceptual model for evaluating the
professional development of women in academic medicine. Journal of Women's Health.
21(12). pp.1244-1251.
Mitchell, R., 2013. What is professional development, how does it occur in individuals, and how
may it be used by educational leaders and managers for the purpose of school
improvement?. Professional development in education. 39(3). pp.387-400.
Niess, M.L., van Zee, E.H. and Gillow-Wiles, H., 2010. Knowledge growth in teaching
mathematics/science with spreadsheets: Moving PCK to TPACK through online
professional development. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education. 27(2).
pp.42-52.
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