Personal and Professional Development Report: Skills, SWOT & Solutions

This report delves into personal and professional development (PPD), examining self-managed learning approaches, skill evaluations, and a personal SWOT analysis. It explores various methods for self-managed learning, including internet resources, observation, and seminars, and discusses how to encourage lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts. The report evaluates the author's skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, providing a self-rating and a personal SWOT analysis. It outlines the process and activities required to implement a development plan, including a critical reflection and resetting of the original objectives. The report also presents solutions to work-based problems, including a letter to the CEO and a PowerPoint presentation, as well as time management strategies. The report concludes with a reflection on the author's learning journey and the achievement of their PPD goals.

PERSONAL
AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Various approaches of self managed learning.......................................................................3
1.2 Different modes to encourage life long learning...................................................................5
1.3 The advantages of self managed learning to myself and organization where I work. ..........5
2.1, 2.2 Evaluating own skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives and providing rating ...........................................................................7
2.3. Personal SWOT analysis ......................................................................................................8
3.1 Process and activities required to implement development plan...........................................9
5 Development of PPD plan .......................................................................................................9
6. Critical reflection and resetting the original objective of PPD plan .....................................11
Own learning against aim and objectives..................................................................................11
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Solutions to work based problems.......................................................................................13
2 Letter to CEO .........................................................................................................................13
b PPT to communicate solution.................................................................................................14
4.3 Time management strategies................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................18
References......................................................................................................................................19
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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is consistent process adopted by individual to
gain new learning, skills and competencies regarding its vocation, job duties and work
surroundings (ALSUP, 2006). It is a conventional procedure that assist a working individual to
frame career goals, plan of actions and results of acquired knowledge and improvisation through
training. This process is mostly adopted by, career oriented individuals, professors, supervisors
and managers etc. In this report learning will be shown regarding implication of personal and
professional development plan to individual as well as organization. In this report various
approaches of self managed learning will be described.
TASK 1
1.1 Various approaches of self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is an approach used by individual to find various ways of
enhancing knowledge and skills within business enterprise. The self managed learning help
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individual in identifying its learning needs and ascertain the mode and source of learning.
Further, individual takes effective decision like, what, how and whom to learn. The self
managed learning is an important aspect that help a person in attaining its personal and
professional objectives by enhancing its learning. The different approaches that can be adopted
by individual to ensure self managed learning are as follows:
 Internet: It is regarded as residence of immense data that is provided to large number of
individual at minimal cost. One can enhance its knowledge regarding different aspects using
sites like Google, academic journal, PDFS, articles engrossed by scholars, experts of
different field etc. With the aid of this data individual can attain knowledge which is crucial
for career growth (Learning method, 2009).
Advantages - The benefit of using internet as medium of self managed learning is that, it
help it is 24*7 hours available source which can be assessed by individual as per its
convenience. Thereafter, person is itself in charge of its self learning procedure.
Disadvantages - However, it has some limitations like, it can misguide as there is huge
amount of unreliable, inauthentic and wrong information. For instance, information of
Wikipedia, slide share can be edited by anybody.
 Observing: Is a part of self-managed learning, a method of evaluating and recording specific
information, is the most common method used for getting information about the various
thinks, is to observe those thinks and also the various processes related to those thinks.
The advantages of observations are to identify the most important aspects that could be
improved, to observe how you can implement specific stages, to identify techniques and
practice you can apply, to see if you are able to implement strategies and ideas, and to see if
you are making progress in your skills. The disadvantage; could be time consuming and
information received might be inaccurate which will lead to unsure decisions and mistakes.
 Attending seminars: Is the best way to self managed learning. The advantages are attending
seminars you can share your ideas, you have the opportunity to present your knowledge
about something to other people, help you to become more confident in speaking in the
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public and that is very important to develop your presentation skills. Disadvantages: it could
be time consuming and can affect your ability to learn or get the experience for oneself.
Information you receive might sometimes not be accurate or exactly what you need for your
project.
In addition to this individual can also take assistance of Kolb learning that is a kind of
experiential learning. In this process, individual undergoes four learning stages, reflective
observation, active experimentation, concrete experience and abstract conceptualization.
However, for these stages one can adopt four key mode of learning, assimilators, converges,
accommodators and diverges. These learning style are further matched with four stage learning
cycle.
Learning style Learning cycle Significance
Diverging It transforms the concrete
experience into reflective
observations.
It focus more on observing
actions and skills of others by
using coaching, training etc. to
enhance own knowledge
Converging It transform reflective
observation into abstract
conceptualization.
It assist in practical
implementation of acquired
knowledge by solving critical
problems etc.
Assimilating It changes the abstract
conceptualization into active
experimentation (Brinkerhoff,
2006).
It helps in doing and
experimenting new things such
as developing business ideas,
theories or models.
Accommodating It amended active
experimentation in concrete
experience.
It assists in adapting with new
changes and enhancing
experience. It also take into
account methods like, trial and
error.
In addition to the above theory, individual can also take assistance of Honey and Mumford
theory to determine its learning requirements and enhance its knowledge. This theory states that
broadly there are four kinds of learner who have different style of learning. The description of
which is as follows:
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Type of learner Attributes
Activist Prefer doing and experiencing
Pragmatist They prefer experimenting new things
Theorist They focus on reading theories and
determining reasons behind various theories
(DUBEY and GUNASEKARAN, 2015).
Reflectors They prefer observing others actions
Therefore, one can identify type of learner he/she is and the basis of this he can enhance its
knowledge., For instance, I am reflectors therefore, I can take part in coaching, training, seminars
to learn from the knowledge and experience of others.
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1.2 Different modes to encourage life long learning
The term life long learning refers to willful process of gaining knowledge and learning
new things throughout the life of an individual. It is a voluntary action through which individual
motivates itself to acquire knowledge to fulfill its individual or professional goals. Thereafter,
there are various modes through which life long learning can be encouraged. The description of
which is as follows:
Life-long learning methods in a personal context Self evaluation: It is a procedure adopted by individual to review its own performance,
skills and abilities? (Personal development review, 2013). Further, individual can identify
its own strength and weakness. Thereafter, various measures can be taken to overpower
weakness by making effective use of strength. It further assists one in determining
upcoming opportunities and take appropriate measures to avoid forthcoming threats.
 Setting Goals is a process of personal planning, by setting goals you decide what you
want to achieve, allows you to chose where you want to go in life. By setting goals you
will also raise your self confidence, as you recognize your ability and competence in
achieving the goals that you have set. This process of achievement gives you confidence
that you will be able to achieve higher and more difficult goals.
Life-long learning methods in a Professional context
 Institutional education: It is process through which individual can take assistance of
educational institutes to build its learning base, knowledge etc. For instance, an
engineering graduate can get enrolled in management institute to gain knowledge about
different field like, finance, HR, marketing etc. This further enhances the overall
efficiency of individual (Hunter, LAURSEN and Seymour, 2007).
 Training and development programs: The individual can take part in various training
and development programs that help in improving different skills and competencies. The
training programs aims at filling the gap in between the job requirement and
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organizational needs. Therefore, various training and development programs are
organized for improving technical, vocational and other skills of employees.
In addition to this, individual can use information technology, training and development
sessions, participate in workshops, apprenticeship programs and seminars to encourage life long
learning.
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1.3 The advantages of self managed learning to myself and organization where I work.
Being working as marketing manager of Hilton which is luxury chain of hotel, it has been
identified by me that there are several benefits of self managed learning. Further, the several
benefit to me and organization are explained as follows:
Benefit to myself Benefit to organizations
 Advancement in career
With the aid of self managed learning I have acquired
knowledge on different aspects earlier, I had limited
knowledge about technical areas but due to regular
participation in workshops, training sessions my
technical skills are improved and I can handle various
technical operational areas effectively.
 Build research skills
Further, to build my self learning skills I read vast
amount of literature by academic scholars, experts and
also I have through various, PDFs, Books that
improved my research skills.
 Enhancement of coordinating skills
Thereafter, the self managed learning improved my
coordination skills. Further, to build my
communication and interpersonal skills, I participated
in brain storming sessions, group discussions etc. this
further improved by communication and also enhanced
my team working skills. Now, I can effectively work in
teams, divide work and ensure effective coordination
and communication from my part.
 Increased productivity
By participating in workshops, my productivity has been
improved. I can perform technical task along with my
marketing work.
 Build creativeness and innovation
Further, I keep on enhancing my knowledge regarding
different aspects therefore, this has developed creative
thinking ability within me.
Further, I give innovative ideas in team meetings. Such as,
I suggested that Hilton should use social media as
platform for promotion.
With this aspect, more and more youngsters are visiting
hotel.
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TASK 2
2.1, 2.2 Evaluating own skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives and providing rating
Presently, I am attaining higher educational qualification through HND program. Further,
it will help me in starting new business in future however, for this aspect it is important for me to
acquire required skills. This will help me in matching my performance with the required
professional standard. For this aspect, skill audit has been done. This will help me in identifying
key skills that are crucial for career growth. The description of which is as follows:
Skill Audit
Important skills Own Rating (1-5)
Time administration skills: It is significant for
me to give proper time to my studies so that I
can complete my assignments on time prior to
deadline. Thereafter, it will help me in having
spare time for my friends, family, work-life
without causing negative impact on my
studies.
2
I have poor time management skills because of
which I am not punctual and get scolded by
professors, parents. Further, I can not divide
proper time between studies and social life. This
further build stress and negativity within me.
Communication skills: I should have sound
communication skills so that I can ask doubts,
give answers in classrooms (Kowalski and
Casper,2007.). These skills will help me in
future to develop good relationship with
prospective customers etc.
4
I have strong communication skills therefore, I
can communicate effectively with my peers,
professors etc.
Leadership skills: This skill will help me in
influencing people around me. I will stimulate
self confidence within me.
3
I have moderate leadership skills as I can guide
and inspire people using my communication
ability but still I lack the self confidence that is
utmost important in good leader.
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Presentation skills: With this skill I can give
effective and impelling presentation in
classroom and participate in academic
competitions.
4
I have given various presentation in classrooms
and participated and won in different
competitions. My presentation is highly
appreciated by audience.
Critical thinking and analytical skills: These
skills will help me in taking sound decisions
in tough situations. Further, I can consider
negative and positive perspective before
taking any step.
2.5
I Don’t have good critical thinking and
analytical skills because of which I have taken
my wrong decision in personal and professional
life so far.
Managerial skills: By working on these skills,
I can become successful entrepreneur easily.
They will help me in making optimum
utilization of resources. These skills are
important for my future career.
2
I don't have good managerial skills as I don't
posses proper work experience. I was asked to
manage family event where I could not manages
different function simultaneously.
Team building skills: These skills will help
me in working in team and ensuring
cooperation and coordination with other
members. With the proper synergy the goals
can be attained easily and effectively. I can
complete group projects and attain growth in
my academic career.
3
I have good team working skills as I could
effectively work in my group projects and
assignments.
Interpersonal skills: The good interpersonal
skills will help me in connecting with
3.5
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customers and being regarded as good
entrepreneur in future.
The strong interpersonal skills have so far
helped me in making cordial relationship with
my friends, my peer and other people in my
locality. Therefore, I can say I have good
interpersonal skills.
Creative thinking skills: The creative thinking
skills helped me in wining various
competition in college like, extempore, art etc
in my academic career.
3
I have good imagination skills which were
proved when I was given waste plastic bottles
for making something creative from them and I
won the competition by making creative
household decorating things.
Computer skills: The knowledge about
various computer applications, programs and
software will help me in making creative
projects and assignments and getting good
marks.
2
I face problem in various computer programs
and face issue in removing bugs and errors.
Therefore, for my projects are not effective as
my classmates.
Hence, to build my career as successful entrepreneur, it is important for me pay more
emphasis on the important skills identified by me. Further, I can improve the skills which are
rated low by me.
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