Personal and Professional Development Report: Learning and Development

This report on personal and professional development delves into self-managed learning approaches, different learning styles (VARK and Honey & Mumford), and their benefits to individuals and organizations. It identifies learning needs and opportunities, focusing on a career in marketing within the travel and tourism industry. The report analyzes current competencies, including communication, leadership, and marketing skills, using a SWOT analysis to highlight strengths and weaknesses. It addresses a work-based problem of time management, proposing solutions like planning, task sequencing, delegation, and avoiding delays. Furthermore, the report incorporates the identified learning styles to overcome the time management challenges and discusses the importance of effective communication at different organizational levels. Finally, it outlines short-term and long-term objectives within a personal development plan to achieve the intended career goals.

Personal and
Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and different learning styles.................................1
1.2 Identifying the learning needs and the ways encouraging the life long learning.............2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to an individual and the organization........................3
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................4
4.1 and 4.3 Work based problem............................................................................................4
4.2 implementing learning style to overcome the identified problem and Appropriate
communication at various levels............................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Current competencies against the organizational goals and objectives............................5
2.2 Identifying the personal and professional development needs.........................................7
2.3 The development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs.......7
2.4 A personal development plan to achieve your intended goal...........................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 short term objectives and long term objectives to process the development plan............9
3.2 Documentation of activities............................................................................................10
3.3 Learning against the development plan framed..............................................................10
3.4 Updating the development plan......................................................................................10
CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
In the era of fierce competition, in order to establish the prominent position in the market
place and sustain for the longer period, the business organizations seeks an employee with the
optimum level of efficiency and capabilities. For that purpose, an individual prepares the
personal and professional development plan. This is the planning document prepared by an
individual itself to develop the talents and potential to match the organizational standards by
evaluating the current position, identifying the needs and development opportunities and
planning the acquisition of skills and knowledge (Boykoff, Moieni and Subramanian, 2009).
This report throws light on the different learning styles, the approaches and benefits of self
managed learning and the ways in which life long learning is encouraged. Further, I have
prepared the prepared and the personal and professional development plan by realizing the needs
and opportunities.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning and different learning styles
Self managed learning is the systematic way of learning initiated by an individual itself to
enhance the knowledge and capabilities by achieving the formal academic credentials or by
availing the informal opportunities that is learning through surroundings. There are different
approaches through which the self managed learning can be processed:
1. Research or case study: This is the step in which an individual with the willingness to
develop the capabilities take an initiative. An individual gains intimate knowledge and
information through research and case studies (Findlater and Gillingwater, 2012). It
brings better level of understanding in an individual.
2. Academic credentials: The attainment of knowledge and skills through formal academic
coaching develops an individual's intellectual and the process of thinking. This is the
foundation of the learning and plays the key role in framing the personality of an
individual.
3. Personal orientation Goals: This is the processed form of learning in the systematic way
in which I have identified my learning styles to process the information and prepared the
development plan based of the inferences found after realizing the needs and
opportunities (Leask and Terrell, 2014).
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4. Counseling and mentoring: The one to one interaction with the expertise and the
specialists in the field helps in the awareness and refinement in the personal and
professional perspectives.
5. Reflective supervision: It is the process of articulating the rationale through own
practices and experiences.
There are two learning styles that are used to identify the process of learning. VARK
learning style and the honey and Momford learning style. With the help of questionnaire and
their score card, the learning styles helps in learning and enhancing the speed and skills gain
knowledge (Evans, 2006).
VARK: The acronym VARK stands for visual, auditory, read and write and Kinesthetic.
V: learner learns throw the visuals in the better way.
A: This type of learning states the better understanding through auditory methods such as the
lectures, seminars and group discussions.
R: Read and write: In this understanding of concepts and theories enables better understanding.
K: Kinesthetic: This is the learning through practical experiences.
Honey and Mumford
Activist: Activists are the people who learns by doing.
Theorist: Theorist gains better understanding by going through the theory and concepts behind
the actions.
Pragmatist: Pragmatist has the dynamic learning process. They learning by applying new ideas
into the real world.
Reflector: Reflectors learn by observing and thinking about the happenings. By analyzing the
different perspectives and collecting data, the reflectors make appropriate inferences (Wakefield
and et. al., 2007).
1.2 Identifying the learning needs and the ways encouraging the life long learning
To identify my learning style I have used the Honey and Mumford model. This model with the
help of the questionnaire helps in realizing the approaches I used to learn and recommend the
way to maximize the ability.
Activists 26
Theorist 16
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Pragmatist 20
Reflector 18
Total 80
By the score card, it can be inferred that I have the activist and pragmatic tendency of
learning. I process the information by practice experiences and observances.
Life Long learning can be encouraged in the following manner:
 Self directed learning in the very systematic and planned manner.
 Higher education that is acquisition of knowledge through higher degree courses. Such as
the credit accumulation and transfer schemes in UK helps in this.
 On the job training: The training programs, Apprenticeships, development session,
seminars, conferences gives exposure and enhancement of skills (Davies, 2006).
 Learning through surroundings and accumulating the skills through observations and
learning from others.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to an individual and the organization
Every organization seeks the employees with the optimum level of capabilities and talent.
For that purpose the organization encourages the self managed learning. It brings lucrative
benefits to an individual and the organization both in various dimensions.
For individuals:
 It helps in increasing the career progression and improving professional competence.
 With the systematic approach it helps in realizing the strengths and current needs to reach
the professional standard.
 It helps in increasing the self confidence, initiative, perseverance and job satisfaction due
to increases in productivity and efficiency (Koprowska, 2010).
For Organization:
 It reduces the cost of training programs and development sessions.
 It brings creativity, innovation and new ideas to process the operations which leads to the
increase in the efficiency and productivity of organization.
 It enables the organization to hire the skilled and efficient employees in the organization
(Warschauer, 2002).
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TASK 4
4.1 and 4.3 Work based problem.
I am aspiring to workings the marketing manager in the travel and tourism industry. It is
the integrated form of industry endowed with so many works and responsibilities. During the
implementation of these tasks, the organization encounter the major work based problem time
management. Due to the lack of haphazard management of time, the functioning get disturbed
that affects the profitability and the efficiency of the organization and the employees (Lewis,
2004). To resolve the issue there are certain methods that can overcome the problem in the very
systematic and manged way. Planning: Travel and tourism industry in the combination of various industries. So to
function all the task properly, planning is the crucial factor. For that purpose the
electronic planning tool can be used. Sequencing the task: Depending upon the usability and the importance, categorizing the
tasks and sequencing them as per the priority ease the work up-to the great extent. Avoiding delays: The major obstacle in the proper management of time is the delaying of
work for later time period. That creates the bulk of work to perform and hinders the
hassle free task (Forsyth, 2013). Delegation: Delegating the work to the subordinates in the effective manner is the key
component of proper time management. Explaining the goals and task clearly, assigning
the task with respect to respective abilities and strengths helps in managing the work
better. Managing time wasters: There are many external objects that hinders the proper time
management.
 Multi-tasking: Performing the similar task together and in the integrated manner with the
proper coordination in management saves lots of time and increases the efficiency and
productivity of work (Williams, 2012).
4.2 implementing learning style to overcome the identified problem and Appropriate
communication at various levels
The activists and the pragmatic approach of learning is very useful in resolving the time
management problem.
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Activist approach: To solve the problem of improper time management the planning is required
to be processed in the practical manner. The process includes the group discussion, role play and
involving fully into the issue.
Pragmatic approach: This refers to the analysis by using the precise process and observation of
the inferences. This is done through the feed-backs from the customers, observing activities and
comparing the results.
The communication at different levels is processed in different ways.
Strategic: This includes the senior management of the organization. To communicate the
information and report the higher officials the formal communication in the form of
presentations, negotiations in the written and verbal manner is done (Forsyth, 2013).
Tactical: The administrative staff of the organization is communicated in both the formal and
informal manner. Verbal communication is the prominent way of communication.
Operational: To communicate the working staff of the organization the verbal and informal
communication is used. The employees are communicated the orders from the board of directors
or the senior officials in verbal way. Other ways of communicating are the training programs,
development sessions and conferences (Anderson and Joglekar, 2005).
TASK 2
2.1 Current competencies against the organizational goals and objectives
I aspire to pursue my career in the marketing field as the marketing manner in the travel
and tourism sector. For that purpose the following competency in the career are required. Communication skills: The prerequisite to pursue in the career is the efficient verbal and
written communication skills.
Current competency: Below the organizational standard Leadership qualities: In order to manage the different team in the large integrated group,
the leadership qualities is the fundamental requirement.
Current competency: Good leadership skills but need improvement. Marketing skills: To promote the offerings of the organization to the larger domain to the
large number of people, the efficient marketing skills play the crucial role for service
providing company (Cardno, 2005).
Current competency: Average standard
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 Time management: The profitability of the organization is decided by the efficiency of
the employer and employees by assessing the intensity of the work with the efficiency.
For that purpose the time management plays the important role.
Current competency: Efficient time management Technical Knowledge: To promote the offerings to the larger people of different
perceptions and domains, the intimate knowledge of the marketing principles and models
is required to make the marketing plans and models (Glanz and Bishop, 2010).
Current competency: Sound technical knowledge
Curriculum Vitae
Name: PQR
Contact Number: +011 42543677786
Address: 41, Drekon tower, London, UK
Marketing manager
Trainer, Generalist, Specialist
Confident, resourceful marketing professional, with Bachelors and masters in marketing and has
competent experience in promotional campaigning of the organisations products and services.
Acknowledged strengths include:
 Sound technical knowledge of marketing principles and models. Better connectivity with the suppliers and traders.
Selected Contributions and results
 Deigned the marketing model for the previous company by using the efficient product
and service mix. Trained the employees of the organisation by using different strategic methods and
programs.
Education and Professional development
 Ontario hills, klien pi, FD, Associate degree in Marketing, March 2015
 Professional certificate in marketing.
 worked as an assistant marketing manager in Adron willy company, London
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2.2 Identifying the personal and professional development needs
The personal and professional development needs are identified with the help of SWOT
analysis.
S(Strengths): The good technical knowledge of marketing core concepts and the efficient time
management strengthen the parametric of efficiency. It helps in building the efficient
promotional campaigning by using the different appropriate marketing models and mixes.
W(Weakness): Leadership skills, communication efficiency and the marketing skills are needed
to be enhanced to establish the prominent position in the market.
O(Opportunities): The qualities can be developed by undergoing the training and the
development sessions with the help of expertise and the specialists (Penuel and et.al., 2007).
T(Threats): The fierce competitions has been increased in all the sectors of the marketing
industry. It demands the highly skilled and the efficient employees who possess the perfect
knowledge of the marketing and the management. The continuous development is necessary.
2.3 The development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs
To meet the development needs the following development opportunities can be availed.
 The marketing skills can be improved seeking the advice from the senior manager
working in the same fields. The practical knowledge is enhanced by the training and the
apprenticeships in the organizations.
 Communication skills are developed and improved by reading more books and taking the
professional courses from the institutes. The verbal and the written communication skills
are enhanced through the more group discussions and the interactions with the larger
number of people.
 Leadership qualities and other interpersonal skills are developed by interacting more with
the employees and staff (Beausaert and et.al., 2013). Further by taking professional
advice through counseling and mentoring. By using various team building and leadership
model the leadership qualities can be enhanced.
 Further, the time management skills can be improved by using the effective strategies and
techniques.
2.4 A personal development plan to achieve your intended goal
Learning Current Target Development Criteria for Time scale Evidence
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Objectives/
Goals
Proficiency Proficiency Opportunitie
s
judging
success
Technical
skills
Sound
knowledge
of
marketing
participles
and models.
Optimum
level
Professional
knowledge.
Academic
credentials.
1 year Certification
Communica
tion skills.
Average
level of
communicat
ion and
below the
organization
al standard.
Efficiency
in the
verbal and
written
communica
tion.
Reading and
writing new
books and
the
professional
course.
Feedback
from senior
management
and the
customer's
review.
2 months Improved
connectivity
with the
customers.
Leadership
qualities.
Need
improvemen
t in the
leadership
skills.
Efficient
team
manageme
nt with the
optimum
motivation
and
coordinatio
n among
members.
Using
models and
techniques.
Team's
efficiency
and
productivity
.
1 month Performance
of
employees
and
organization
.
Marketing
skills
Below
organization
standard
Effective
promotiona
l strategies
and
campaignin
Applicability
of principles
in reality and
guidance
from senior
Increased
customer
base.
3 Months. Feedback
from senior
management
and
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g. management. customers.
Time
management
Efficient
Time
management
Smooth
and
resourceful
functioning
on time.
Using
effective
techniques
and models.
Effective
management
.
1 month Performance
of
employees
and
organization
.
TASK 3
3.1 short term objectives and long term objectives to process the development plan.
To process the development plan certain short term and the long term objectives are set.
 To improve the leadership qualities in 1 month by implementing the different models and
techniques for strengthening the team building.
 To improve the marketing skills in the time duration of 3 moths to achieve the
organizational standards and to build the better promotional techniques.
 To improve the communication skills in the verbal and written medium to increase the
effectiveness in the relational constructs with the customers and the clients.
 To gain more technical knowledge of the marketing principles by joining the higher
degree courses in the advanced institute (Baker and et. al., 2005).
 To improve the time management skills in the duration of 1 month to increase the
efficiency and the productivity of the employees and the organization to stand strong in
the environment of the highly competitive market place.
 To properly process the development plan made by identifying the current situation,
required needs and the opportunities to avail that. Further, the evaluation will be made by
using the appropriate techniques and methods.
 The plan will be process by using the learning style identified and with the help of
expertise in the field for the effective refinements in the personality on the personal and
professional grounds.
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3.2 Documentation of activities
 To improve the communication skills I shall be joining the professional course and will
be reading more books. Further, by increasing the interaction through the group
discussions and the conversations with the people I shall be improving my skills.
 I shall be applying the marketing principles in reality to have the practical knowledge of
the marketing principles and have the better marketing efficiency.
 I shall be using the leadership model and the team building activities to improve my
leadership skills. By more involvement with the team members and the making aware
about the benefits of team strengths and motivating them on frequent basis I shall be
developing my skills (Lopper, 2007).
3.3 Learning against the development plan framed
I have used the suitable evaluation technique to compare the learning outcomes against the
desired goals and targets. By evaluating, the following inferences can be made:
 I have attained the proficiency in the time management skills with the use of different
techniques and strategies.
 I have attained the communication skills matching the organizational standard.
 I am still lagging behind the benchmark set by the professional in the marketing skills
and the leadership qualities (Davies, 2006).
3.4 Updating the development plan
Learning
Objectives/G
oals
Current
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria for
judging
success
Time scale Evidence
Leadership
Qualities
Improved
but still
lagging
behind the
organization
al standard.
Efficient
managemen
t of the
team in all
the
department
s of the
organizatio
By increasing
the
coordination
among the
team
members, by
resolving the
conflicts and
Feedback
from senior
management
15 days Better
performance
of
employees.
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