Personal and Professional Development Report for Marketing Associate

This report details a student's personal and professional development (PPD) journey, focusing on their role as an associate marketing manager at Sainsbury's. The report evaluates self-managed learning (SML) approaches, including Honey and Mumford's and Kolb's learning cycles, and assesses the benefits of SML within an organization. It identifies personal skills and competencies, employing a SWOT analysis to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. A PPD plan is then developed, outlining specific objectives and action items for skill enhancement, such as communication, technical marketing, time management, and interpersonal skills. The report discusses the implementation of the PPD plan, including development activities like training and research. It explores work-based problems and evaluates time management approaches, concluding with reflections on the PPD process and suggestions for future improvement. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the student's efforts to improve their skills and advance their career within Sainsbury's.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
LO 1: TASK 1............................................................................................................................4
A. Evaluation of approaches to SML and ways to encourage personal and professional life
...............................................................................................................................................4
B. Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning in an organisation ................................7
LO 2: TASK 2............................................................................................................................8
A. Personal skills and competencies with the identification of development of skills.........8
B. Personal and professional development plan with specific objectives............................9
LO 3: TASK 3..........................................................................................................................10
A. Implementation of PPD plan and undertaking of development activities......................10
B. Critical examination of process by reflection on the outcome and updated PPD plan...12
LO 4: TASK 4..........................................................................................................................13
A. Investigation of work-based problems within an organisation ......................................13
B. Evaluation of application of time management approaches...........................................14
Task 5: presentations................................................................................................................15
Enclosed in PPT...................................................................................................................15
Conclusions..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................16

Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Honey and Mumford's learning cycle..................................................................4
Illustration 2: Kolb's Learning cycle..........................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
In the present era of modernisation, competition is becoming very tough because of
this the individuals needs to make significant efforts to seek for growth and build their
position in the corporate world. In the wake of immense rivalry, it has become necessary for a
person to develop all necessary skills and talent as well as acquire knowledge which is
required in the current scenario of businesses. Today, there are many issues and challenges
which act as barriers in the growth of an individual. The present module particularly laid its
concern over the different learning styles and theories along with assessment of current
knowledge and skills. Further, the study of personal and professional develop aspect will also
provide me a comprehensive understanding of my identity and performance which will assist
me to attain my career goals. In addition to this, with the context of Sainsbury's which is
world's leading retailer chain, the evaluation of my set of skills and knowledge will be
reflected by this report.
LO 1: TASK 1
A. Evaluation of approaches to SML and ways to encourage personal and professional life
Self managed learning process is an effective way to undertake the knowledge of
different things with the help of theories and models. In the diversified working environment,
it is necessary to adopt various learning strategies and models (Beausaert, 2013). It consists
of defining clear objectives, orientation of personal goals, self initiation process, deciding
dates of achievements and critically analysis of self-learning. While working in Sainsbury, I
am required to develop several skills to sustain in the same organisation. As I am an associate
marketing manager in Sainsbury and I need to develop professionalism in myself and acquire
knowledge. With the help of VAK and Honey and Mumford's learning cycle as well as
Kolb's learning cycle the understanding of own skills and knowledge can be acquired.

Model 1: Honey and Mumford's learning cycle and learning styles
Learning Styles Attributes Activities
Activist People who learn by self
practising
Brainstorming, puzzles, role-
play, group discussions
Theorist Learners can understand
through facts, models and
concepts by engaging in the
learning process (Cooke,
2012).
Statistics, stories, applying
theories (Davies, 2006).
Pragmatist New theories, ideas and Case studies, problem
Illustration 1: Honey and Mumford's learning cycle
Source: Introduction to learning styles. 2016

methods are applied to learn
new things
solving, discussions
Reflector By observing the whole
activity and reviewing the
experience.
Self-analysis questionnaires,
coaching, interviews,
feedbacks
Model 2: Kolb's experimental learning cycle
Kolb's model comprises of four stages which need to be followed in a sequential
manner by linking it with my experiences, actions and plans (Introduction to learning styles.
2016).
Stage 1: Concrete Experience Being associate marketing manager, I need to have
concrete experience and knowledge of marketing which
can be fulfilled by attending workshops, reading online
modules and learning materials or by experiencing the
Illustration 2: Kolb's Learning cycle
Source: Introduction to learning styles. 2016

marketing practices with new customers and the clients.
Stage 2: Reflective
Observation
After engaging with mentors and team leaders, I got to
know that I have developed confidence in myself and
improved my capabilities. With the help of many
discussions with colleagues, peers and senior authorities, I
have learnt that more improvements are required in
marketing skills and dealing with clients (Griffith and
Hoppner, 2013).
Stage 3: Abstract
Conceptualisation
Now, I have learnt from my experience that, with the
assistance of marketing campaigns, lectures, attending
conferences and seminars, concrete experience can be
developed.
Stage 4: Active
Experimentation
Conclusions can be drawn from the above stage that it is
required to learn more. Moreover, if I passed Kolb's
learning cycle then it will reflect my experience and my
learning abilities.
B. Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning in an organisation
Self-managed learning is beneficial for both individual and organisation, the
evaluation of learning process is stated below:
 Being an associate marketing manager, I got to learn many things with personal and
professional context. I got opportunity to enhance my communication skills,
presentation skills, interpersonal skills and technical skills.
 I am now able to identify my weaknesses and strengths according to my job position
in Sainsbury.
 With the implication of SML, I am confident with my colleagues around me and
developing good rapport with them.
 In today's professional life, managing communication and presentation skills has
become crucial for survival and due to this I utilize ample of opportunities

 Sainsbury is also making many efforts for its employees in encouraging and
motivating them. The company is providing training and development sessions so that
workers can acquire confidence and competitive advantage.
 There will be direct increment in profitability and growth of the company if its
employees undergone with their self-learning practices.
 Sainsbury will be then able to solve challenges and issues which arise in the
competitive global marketplaces. Moreover, turnover rate will also get reduced.
Customers will also get high satisfaction level with the customer services.
LO 2: TASK 2
A. Personal skills and competencies with the identification of development of skills
Personal and Professional Development plan assist me to know my capabilities and
weaknesses and along with learning practices and activities to overcome those weaknesses. In
Sainsbury, I would be able to get ample of opportunities which will enhance my personality.
With the help of SWOT analysis, I would be able to know about skills which need to be more
furnished in an effective manner.
STRENGHTHS
 Self-learner
 Dedicated and punctual
 Quick learner
 Efficient in leadership skills
WEAKNESSES
 Lacking ability to easily get engage
with customers
 Lacking presentation skills
 Communication skill required to
improved
OPPORTUNITIES
 I can improve my communication
skills with the help of online learning,
study materials, tutorials and many
more alternatives.
 I can acquire opportunity to learn
from my flaws.
THREATS
 Due to financial instability, I am not
able to acquire more opportunities
 Increasing demand of knowledge of
different languages.

B. Personal and professional development plan with specific objectives
To meet the present and future needs, I need to utilize available resource and
opportunities in an effective manner (Personal development review. 2013). To bring
improvements in marketing and technical skills, I need to attend tutorial classes and
workshops of latest technologies. Moreover, it is also required to improve time and work
management skills, so that I can further get opportunities to grow in Sainsbury. I can take
assistance from my mentor, team leader or senior authority about current market trend and
competitive environment. In addition to this, I also need to develop current knowledge of
customer choice and preferences and study the ratio of their buying behaviour, which can be
done by improving knowledge.
ACTION PLAN
Action Planning
I hereby declare that, there are lots of things which need to be undertaken within a span of
time. In order to develop and grow my career, I can utilize many opportunities
with my handwork and dedication during the course of employment in Sainsbury.
Learning
Development
Goals
Development
Opportunities
Expected
measurement of
success
Target Date
Improvements in
communication
skills
 Attending
workshops,
seminars and
conferences
 Learning different
languages by
making friends of
varied regions
I feel confident now and
able to communicate
with my colleagues
25/09/16
Improvement
technical
 By practising
marketing skills
Now I am able to
implement latest
30/10/16

(marketing) with the help of
online media
 Attending
tutorials and
learning classes
online (Personal
and Professional
Development.
2015).
techniques in the
workplace and
marketing activities of
Sainsbury
Improvements in
Time
management
skills
 By implementing
various time
management
strategies and
tactics, like
electronic
calendar, check-
list and to-do list
By getting reviews and
appreciation from my
colleagues, I can get to
know the improvements
in my time management
skills
25/10/16
Improvements in
interpersonal
skills
 By involving in
customer
engagement
programs
I have developed good
rapport with my team
mates and seniors.
10/11/16
LO 3: TASK 3
A. Implementation of PPD plan and undertaking of development activities
An effective PPD plan can be easily implemented including activities and practices,
which will assist me to develop my personality (Pedler, 2011). I need to plan and develop all
attributes and skills which are required fro the posy of associate marketing manager.
Sainsbury provide ample of growth opportunities, which can be acquired to achieve success.
My PPD plan comprises of several development activities which are stated below:

 Duration of learning process: To learn core concepts of marketing and getting
concrete experiences, I will be required time span of one year. While developing
concrete marketing skills, I would be required 6 months of time period (O’Grady,
2013).
 Evaluation of current skills and knowledge: Presently, I need improvements in my
time management skills, interpersonal skills, presentation skills and communications
skills. With the proper implementation of strategies, I can get opportunities to bring
improvements.
 Opportunities to adopt new strategies and tactics: In the wake of development
plan, I need to implement various strategies in accordance to my shortcomings and
requirement of the company (Nutley, 2008). Moreover, to bring betterments in my set
of skills, I need to take assistance from my mentor, tutor, team leader or my
colleague.
 Learning through research and resources: Nowadays, there are various learning
resources available, like online learning, study materials, live classes, mock test.
Along with this, I can also research about new trends and techniques of marketing and
advertising evolved in the competitive scenario.
However, it is also required to document the planned structure in a systematic manner by
following all process and activities of learning. There are various practices, which need to
involved in the documentation.
Development activities Description
Planning I need to plan and organise my goals and
objectives I an effective manner by making
well-structured action plan (Learning
method. 2009). Being a n associate marketing
manager of the company, it is very necessary
to organise the marketing team, engage with
clients and perform various marketing
activities.
Development and training programmes Sainsbury conduct training an d development
sessions for employees, so that they can

aware of its business activities. By attending
development sessions, I can get knowledge
and awareness of current market trends and
fluctuations and ways to deal with these
circumstances. Moreover, with the help of
assignments and modules, I can substantial
amount of knowledge.
Coaching and mentoring In Sainsbury, my mentor and team leader can
provide me guidance and positive and
negative feedbacks about my skills and
talent, with the help of which I would be
aware of my shortcomings.
Guidance There are many consulting companies and
advisor, which can provide me assistance to
deal with critical condition of company
(Kukulska-Hulme and Pettit, 2008). In
addition to this, by taking reviews of my
mentor and supervisors also I can be aware of
loop holes and can make subsequent changes
in the development plan.
B. Critical examination of process by reflection on the outcome and updated PPD plan
Critical evaluation of PPD plan is very necessary, as I would be able to know, where I
need to make further improvements (Moon, 2013). By critically analysing the learning
activities and practices, I need to check myself. From the developed PPD plan, I got to know
about my strengths and weaknesses and also get opportunities to bring improvements. I have
developed various skills which are necessary for the post of associate marketing manager in
Sainsbury. I got to know, that I am lacking in decision making skills along with interpersonal
skills, which need more improvements. (Jung, 2014) Furthermore, I also got to know that I
have improved my time management skills to some extent. I have also improved
communication skills, but need more improvements. In addition to this, I also got many
opportunities in the workplace after making changes in myself. I have used many latest