Self-Managed Learning and Personal Development Report

This report delves into the concepts of personal and professional development, emphasizing self-managed learning and its various approaches, including seminars, social networking, and internet resources. It explores different learning styles such as Honey and Mumford, Kolb's experiential learning, and VARK theory, providing self-assessment results. The report highlights the importance of lifelong learning, outlining methods to encourage it, and discusses the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations, such as improved career opportunities and increased employee productivity. Furthermore, it identifies work-based problems encountered by a marketing manager at Marriott, specifically time mismanagement, poor communication, and lack of marketing strategy knowledge, proposing solutions like improved communication skills, marketing strategy knowledge, and team building. The report concludes with an action plan for personal development.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Different approaches of self-managed learning.....................................................................3
1.2 Various ways to encourage lifelong learning ........................................................................4
1.3 The benefits of self-managed learning to an individual and organization.............................4
4.1 Identification of work-based problems..................................................................................5
4.2 Various method used at different levels to minimize work based problem...........................5
4.3 Implication of time management strategies...........................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Required skills and capabilities for achieving organizational goals......................................7
2.2Requirement and development of skills..................................................................................8
2.3 Identification of development opportunities..........................................................................9
2.4 Personal development plan to achieve business goal..........................................................10
3.1 Procedure and activity required to implement the development plan..................................11
3.2 Documentation of planned activities...................................................................................11
3.3 Own learning against aim and objectives............................................................................12
3.4 Action Plan for development...............................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFFERENCES............................................................................................................................14
2

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is a formal way used by an individual to enhance
self-learning and to ensure the self-development. In this respect, individual determines the targets
and results of training and development programs. In addition to this aspect, various strategies
are formulated by an individual to improve his skills and knowledge. Therefore, personal and
professional development is a conventional process used by professors, managers and mentors to
enhance their learning (Ashcroft, 2008). Main objective of personal and professional
development is to improve the working ability and job performance of an individual. This also
improves the career development. The present report highlights various aspects of personal and
professional development. Thereafter, the report is also focused on the implications of self-
managed learning and time administration skills within an organization.
TASK 1
1.1 Different approaches of self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is a procedure adopted by an individual to find suitable ways for
learning within a business enterprise (CII Professional Standards Board, 2013). However, the
individual is required to determine the requirement of learning, setting goals in this respect and
evaluating the results of learning. Following are the various approaches used by an individual to
facilitate self-managed learning:
 Seminar and conferences: It represents the method that involves exchange of valuable
information between several individuals. They also provide a platform to people where
various professional individuals can express their opinions and would enhance the
learning of rest of the members of seminar (Roberts and Pruitt, 2008). Main advantage of
attending seminars is that members can improve their presentation skills and public
speaking.
 Social networking sites: The social networking sites make learning easy and interesting
for an individual. Facebook and Twitter are some examples of social networking sites
that help an individual in improving his knowledge. With the help of social sites, one can
share his experiences, views and ideas between large numbers of people (Loucks-
Horsley, and et.al., 2009).
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 Internet: It is a widely used medium as per the current trends. It provides plenty of data
at negligible cost to large number of people (Sail and Alavi, 2010). Thereafter, it helps in
enhancing the knowledge and learning of an individual by facilitating easy access to
books, journals and other study material.
An individual can use Honey and Mumford theory to identify its learning needs and
amend its knowledge and learning skills. As per this learning style, learning preference of
individual depends upon situations, surroundings and experience of individual. Further, the
learning style of individual keeps on changing with situations and his needs. Majorly, there are
four types of learner, activist, pragmatists, reflectors and theorists. Activist represents those
individuals who prefer experiencing new things and discover new theories. For this aspect, they
perform tasks and learn from the outcomes (Roberts and Pruitt, 2008). In this aspect, the amend
their learning and knowledge through participating in brain storming sessions, group discussions,
seminars etc. Reflectors refer to those individuals who acquire knowledge from the experiences
of others. For this aspect, the like observing the work of more learned persons from them.
Therefore, reflectors participate in group discussions, attend training and development sessions,
coaching etc (Loucks-Horsley, and et.al., 2009). Theorists represents those individuals who
acquire knowledge from the theories and content behind the theories. Further, they examine
models, theories, data's and statistics. At last, pragmatists represents the individuals who acquire
knowledge from framing new concepts, theories and ideas to find out the outcome of theories in
practical and realistic situations. For this aspect, pragmatists exercise case studies, one to one
discussions to set learning into action. Further, the results of my learning are as follows.
Categories Results
Activist 10
Theorist 15
Pragmatists 13
Reflectors 15
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Hence, from analysing the results of my Honey and Mumford theory, it can be said that
I am good theorist and reflector. Therefore, I can amend my learning by pursuing theories.
Thereafter, I can learn from the experience of experts in my field, superiors etc. further my
learning style matches with the class results as I am theorist and majority of my batch mates are
also theorist. Furthermore, Kolb learning can be used which help individual in experimental
learning (Sail and Alavi, 2010). This theory states that learner goes through four stages, active
experimentation, concrete experience, abstract conceptualization and reflective observation.
Thereafter, it involves four major styles of learning; divergence, assimilation, convergence and
accommodation. However, the learner goes through these stages in cyclical process.
Learning style Learning cycle Importance
Divergence The concrete experiences
change into reflective
observation.
It assist in reviewing
experience of others.
Convergence The reflective observation
change into abstract
conceptualization
It help in learning from others
experience.
Assimilation The abstract conceptualization
changes into active
experimentation.
It help in experimenting new
things.
Accommodation Active experimentation
changes into concrete
experience
It helps in experiencing new
things.
The VARK theory, states that different learner, acquire knowledge from using its
different skills like, visual, aural, reading, kinesthetic. Visual factor represents learning through
maps, diagrams, flow chart etc (Creek and Lougher, 2011). Thereafter, aural factor represents,
learning through hearing through, group discussions, seminars etc. further, writing factor states
learner can use its writing ability to amend its knowledge. Thereafter, reader can read books,
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journals, pdfs etc. Further kinesthetic represents learning through using other experiences,
examples etc. The results of my Vark theory are as follows,
Categories Scores
Visual 1
Aural 4
Reading 6
Kinesthetic 5
Total 16
Hence, from the results of my Vark theory, it can be said that I am good reader and
kinesthetic. I can amend my knowledge by reading vast amount of literature available on
internet, books, journals, PDFs etc. further, I can use case study analysis, learn from the
experience of my subordinate, superiors and other experts.
1.2 Various ways to encourage lifelong learning
The lifelong learning represents continuous learning by an individual till his last breath.
Therefore, learning is a never ending process that is pursued by an individual throughout his life.
However, learning is bifurcated in two types, that is, informal learning and formal learning
(Dhanam, K, 2008). Therefore, the informal learning is not restricted to the boundaries of
organization; it is unofficial and forced way of learning. Thereafter, the formal learning refers to
skills that are acquired by an individual through proper qualification and training. Furthermore,
different ways to encourage lifelong learning are as follows:
 Motivation: It represents various extrinsic and intrinsic factors that induce a person to
attain knowledge and improve his skills (Avalos, 2011). Motivation assists an individual
to realize his calibre and to perform beyond his potential. With the help of motivation,
organizational member can overcome his weaknesses and would improve his productivity
and profitability within company.
 Self-assessment: It is a process used by an individual for his self-evaluation. It further
helps an individual in identifying his personal strengths and weaknesses (Webster-
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Wright, 2009). Thereafter, one can easily identify the available opportunities and threats.
This further helps an individual in discovering the areas where one can excel and other
areas where he requires improvement.
I can learn new things and enhance my knowledge by both the ways which are work and
outside work. Further I can attend various training and development session to enhance my skills
. Along with this, I can also use forms such as coaching and mentoring in order to improve my
knowledge. On the other hand, I can also attend various kind of workshops and seminars outside
the workplace in order to enhance my skill.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to an individual and organization
There are various benefits of self-managed learning to an individual and organization
(Sail and Alavi, 2010). The self-managed learning results in overall development of both person
and business enterprise. The other benefits are as follows:
 Improvement in career opportunities: With the help of self-managed learning,
individual can identify his capabilities, improve skills and enhance the career
opportunities. The self-managed learning enables an individual in improving the learning
and knowledge by accessing vast amount of knowledge. For instance, during the course
of self-directed learning, employee has gained knowledge regarding various business
laws and regulation. It will help company in operating business lawfully (Koprowska,
2010). Thereafter, it will minimize the cost of training which is solely conducted to teach
the business practices to organizational member.
 Improvement in employee productivity: The self-managed learning helps an individual
in identifying his potential and thus, improves the effectiveness and productivity of
person within enterprise (Von Haenisch, 2011). This further improves the overall
productivity of organization. For example, if an employee in constantly pursuing
technical books and theories during the course of self-managed learning then it will
improve his technical skills within organization. This further leads in advancement in
career and individual can perform the technical task in a better way and thus, would
increase the productivity of organization.
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4.1 Identification of work-based problems
While employed as a marketing manager in Marriott, I have identified various problems
that are causing negative impact on my performance. In addition to this aspect, they are
obstructing my personal and professional growth within organization. The major problem faced
by me is regarding the mis-management of time which also leads to failure in meeting the
organizational targets. The reason is I am unable to coordinate with different divisions within
marketing department. It was also due to lack of required training to different departments.
However, I was not able to provide proper motivation to various members within marketing
head. In addition to this aspect, poor communication skills are also affecting my ability to
motivate my juniors to perform in a better manner. The inappropriate knowledge regarding
various marketing strategies resulted in the failure of marketing programs.
Furthermore, lack of cooperation from other team members is also causing adverse
impact on the functioning of business enterprise. It is due to improper team building and lack of
motivation among team members. Therefore, it is required for me to improve my communication
and interpersonal skills. This will also help me in building strong relationship with team
members, superiors and subordinates. It is important for me to use financial and non-financial
incentives to motivate the team members. Thereafter, proper training and development should be
provided by me to the members of marketing head to ensure cooperation and coordination
among them.
4.2 Various method used at different levels to minimize work based problem
It is required by me to acquire different learning skills that will help me in improving my
performance.. In addition to this aspect, it will also reduce issues faced by me while working in
Marriott. The learning skills will also improve the efficiency within company and increase
productivity of organization. The major problem identified by me was my poor communication
skill therefore, I can take part in public speaking which will improve my communication. It is
also required for me to pursue various theories available on marketing strategies that will help
me in developing effective marketing plans. In order to become successful in life, I am required
to have effective communication skills. Most of the times people get confuses and treat
communications skills speaking skills. Further it is not about effective speaking but has to be a
good listener reader and writer along with having sparking skills. One of the major work based
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problem is that I lack effective communication skills and thus I am required to improve all these
areas. Thereafter, it is important for me to communicate important information at various level
that will improve the cooperation and coordination within organization. The various levels are
as follows:
 Strategic level: It represent the top most level in organizational hierarchy. The various
marketing strategies are framed by top executives and they further communicate to
marketing manager (Brody and Hadar, 2011). Therefore, in order to communicate the
learning needs meetings and conference can be conducted with the executives of strategic
level.
 Tactical level: They refer to the middle level of organization who are responsible for
implementing various strategies (Agha, 2010). In order to communicate with this level
emails and formal letters can be used.
 Operational level: This level is responsible for executing various task delegated by the
tactical level (Sail and Alavi, 2010. The group discussions can be conducted to improve
communication at this level. Thereafter, training and development sessions should be
conducted in order to improve the skills of employees at operational level.
4.3 Implication of time management strategies
Time management strategies help an individual to complete important task within the
provided time frame (Forsyth, 2013). The time management strategies help an individual in
achieving work based targets. This also enhance the productivity and profitability of
organization. Thereafter, various strategies that can implemented by the management of Marriott
to improve their time administration skills is as follows:
 Prioritizing task: As per this aspect, manager should complete important task first and
set priorities for each task (Creek and Lougher, 2011). The work should be prioritize as
per their urgency and significance within organization. The members should be asked to
prepare priority chart where task should be assigned in their priority order and time
should be alloted to each task.
 Division of task: The distribution of work and responsibilities results in timely
completion of various task. It also reduce duplication of task and reduce confusion among
members (Beausaert and et.all, 2013). On the contrary, it is required for the manager to
9

divide task and responsibilities as per the capabilities and capacity of person as,
overburden of work cause negative impact of the work performance of individual.
TASK 2
2.1 Required skills and capabilities for achieving organizational goals
10

(
MARIA CERNATESCU
HOME ADDRESS: 21 Rugby Road, Kingsbury, London, NW9 9LA
Mobile phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Nationality: Romanian
PERSONAL STATEMENT : I am a keen, conscientious , good working and
reliable person. I am a good timekeeper and enjoi meeting people. I get on well
with people and can work well ethier on my own or as part of a team. I am
punctual , work well under pressure and positive with a friendly disposition and
a good sense of humor. I can adapt to any environment and would like to use
my skills to contribute positively to any work situation.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
National College ‘’ Thehnic Textil ’’- High School, Sibiu, Romania
September 2015 – HND BUSINESS
WORK EXPERIENCE
15th of January 2012-2014 baby sitting
1st of September 2009 – 15th of November 2011
Westbourne Studios, Under the Westway Restaurant, 242 Acklam Road,
W10 5JJ - kitchen assistant, full- time.
18th of September 2007 – 18th of July 2009
Monique Beauty salon – Vasile Aron Street, nr 3, SIBIU
Receptionist : full-time.
June 2006 – March 2007 : volunteer carer for children with special needs.
October 2001 – June 2004
Avon Cosmetics : representative Romania. )
11

OTHER SKILLS
Honest and reliable
Sociable and good in dealing with people
Calm and pacient
ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST
Nature ,learning new things, love to travel and experience different cultures.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Computer skills: IT User Fundamentals, using E-mail, using the internet,
presentation Software, Word Processing Software.
Intermediate level in spoken and written French.
National Insurance Number;
Residence Documentation.
In order to grown and find better employments opportunities I need to improve my
communications, leadership and time management skills. I have all these skills but it will help
me in finding better employment opportunities in future. I can improve my communication skills
by visiting various kind for seminars and workshops. On the other hand leadership skills can be
enhanced by leading a team of few people. At last I can opt for various kind of time
management strategies such as getting organised and using a planing tools to manage my time in
effective manner. All these skills which help me in meeting the goals and objectives of
organization in best possible manner.
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2.2Requirement and development of skills
Strengths
 Sound communication skills
 Strong decision making skills
 Strong inter personal skills
 Self-motivated
 Better presentation skills
 Positive personal traits
Weaknesses
 Less knowledge about current market
trends.
 Lack of knowledge about marketing
strategies.
 Limited technical knowledge
 Less knowledge about financial
principles
 Incompetent decision making skills
Opportunities
 Improve knowledge by attending work
shops
 Personal development by self-learning
 Training for improving technical skills
 Positive shift in marketing fields
 Increased job opportunities
 Higher education in finance field.
Threats
 Hindrance in training and development
 Strong competition in marketing field
 Limited career opportunities
 Negative shift in marketing fields
 Cutting down of jobs
From the above SWOT analysis it can be concluded that it is required for me to acquire
necessary skills that will help me in master my weaknesses and converting them into strengths.
With this aspect, I can grab business opportunities and prepare in advance for threats. The
various measures that are required for me to ensure self-development and growth are,
improvement in knowledge regarding market trends. In addition to this, acquire knowledge on
technical and financial aspect.
13

2.3 Identification of development opportunities
Organizational
skills
 Communic
ation skills
 Critical
thinking
skills
 Motivation
and
Leadershi
p skills
Current level
Strong/Weak
Strong
Strong
Strong
Best recent example
The strong communication
skills help me in building strong
inter personal re relationship.
I possess critical thinking skills
which help me in looking into
positive and negative
perspective of every situation.
This help me in making sound
decisions.
I have strong ability to
convince. I am able to stimulate
people and get work done
From them. This further help in
attaining organizational goals.
I have limited technical
Methods to improve
I can also
improve my
communication
ability by giving
Presentations in conferences.
I can improve my
critical skills by following superiors
And noting their reactions in
different situations.
I can use financial and
Non-financial incentives to
motivate people.
14

 Technical
skills
 Time
manageme
nt skills
Weak
Weak
knowledge. Therefore, I am not
able to perform technical task
effectively.
The inefficiency in managing
time leads to failure in meeting
marketing targets within the
allotted time.
I can attend workshops which will
help me in improving my technical
skills.
I can prioritize my
Work as per urgency and
importance. I can also prepare
Work schedule and chart to achieve
targets on time.
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2.4 Personal development plan to achieve business goal
Aim of Learning Actual Competence
5= Strong
1=Weak
Required
Competence
Improvement
opportunities
Criteria for
judging
improvement
Time frame
(month)
1 Time administration
skills
2 5 Prioritizing of
task
Self-
evaluation
2
2 Group building 1 5 Team meetings,
activities and
group
discussions.
Responses
from team
members
1
3 Presentation skills 3 5 Active
participation in
training
organized for
improving
knowledge
about
presentation
skills
Feedback
from members
attending
meetings
3
4 Communication
skills
3 5 By taking part
in group
discussion and
debates
Review from
group
members
1
5 Motivation and
leadership skills
4 5 Following
superiors,
reading
literature on
Self-
assessment ,o
pinion of
subordinates
2

profound
motivational
and leadership
theories
17

6 Self-regulated
learning
3 5 Reading books,
journals
Attaining
qualification in
fields other than
marketing
Self-
evaluations
3
18

3.1 Procedure and activity required to implement the development plan
Aims and objectives Actions for development Critical reflection of learning
The major objective of me to
enhance my technical
knowledge.
In this aspect, I can attended
workshops. I can also take part
in training sessions.
The technical skills are
improved which have also
increased my overall
productivity within
organization
To improve time management
skills
I prioritized tasks as per their
urgency and significance. For
this aspect, I prepared work
schedule and chart and
arranged various task and
allotted time for every task.
Now I am able to attain my
work-based targets within the
provided time. This has also
improved my proficiency
within company.
To ensure personal
development through self-
managed learning
I attend conferences organized
by scholars. I read different
books, journals and other
literature. I take active part in
brain storming sessions.
My knowledge in different
context has improved. I am
able to provide training to my
juniors on the basis of acquired
knowledge. This has also
improved my decision making
ability.
To improve my knowledge in
finance field
I joined management course
specialized in finance where I
am taught about financial
tools, techniques, accounting
principles and standards.
I am able to prepare financial
accounts properly. I can handle
both marketing and financial
operations. This has resulted in
overall development and
increased career opportunities.
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3.2 Documentation of planned activities
In order to ensure future growth and development it is essential for me to apply self-
development activity as per scheduled. With the help of conventional training and development
sessions I can apply the development activities as per plan. I can also take guidance from my
mentors or superiors. Thereafter, I can attend workshops which will ensure continuous
improvement in my technical skills. Also, I can attend IT course which will improve my IT skills
and assist me in making creative marketing plans. To improve my team building skills I should
prefer working in team which will also improve my ability to coordinate members and various
activities.
3.3 Own learning against aim and objectives
After critically analyzing my learning, it has been identified by me that with strong focus
on development plan I have improved my technical skills. Thereby I am able to perform
technical task effectively. By gaining knowledge in finance field I am now competent to prepare
financial accounts. This has enhanced career opportunities for me and increased my productivity.
Further, by improving my time administration skills I am able to manage my work and complete
it in provided time. Thereafter, by enhanced knowledge in IT sectors I am able to design
attractive marketing plans. With an improved communication skills I am able to give effective
presentation. The amended motivation skills help me in getting work done from team members
and lead to attainment of overall organizational goals. Hence, it can be said that personal and
professional development plan have improved my efficiency and productivity. It has also
enhanced career development opportunities.
3.4 Action Plan for development
Skills Activities
Stress management skills For managing my stress level I have to attend
yoga and meditation classes. Thereafter, I
should spend time with friends and families.
Time management skills In order to manage time I will prioritize work
as per deadlines.
Leadership skills It can be developed through acquiring
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assistance from the experts and experienced
leaders.
Communication skills I will participate in group discussions
Hence, to manage these aspects, I can participate in team discussions and brain storming
sessions to ensure rigorous learning. I can give presentation in meetings to improve my
presentation and communication skills. I can improve my knowledge by reading literature by
management leaders also, I can pursue motivational and management theories.
CONCLUSION
Concluding the study, it can be said that to order different skills, individual has to
undergo with varied activities and events. This also facilitate career development. Thus, in such
context, the present report highlights various aspects of personal and professional development.
The report is also focused on implication of self-managed learning, time administration skills
within an organization.
21

REFFERENCES
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