Travelodge Hotel: A Personal and Professional Development Plan

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PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Task 1 (LO1, AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3 M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3).........................................................3
Task 2 (LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3).................................................7
Task 3 (LO3, AC3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3)...............................................10
Task 4 (LO4, AC4.1, 4.2, 4.3 M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3).......................................................14
Conclusion................................................................................................................................16
Reference list............................................................................................................................17
Appendix..................................................................................................................................19
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Introduction
Developing personal development plan enable to staffs and managers to manage every
activities and tasks involved with the organization effectively and smoothly. Moreover, a
well-constructed plan for manager aids in gaining assistance and guidance for delivering the
tasks perfectly. In this assignment, discussion on personal and professional plan has been
done that is important for the employees to gain self-learning skills. The primary aim of the
study is to develop a professional development plan for the managers of Travelodge Hotel
which is situated in Ilford, London in order to bring discipline in the workplace. It is found
that Travelodge Hotel is one of the well-known hotel organizations, which have total 470
hotels in UK (travelodge.co.uk, 2019). In addition to this, the study would help in getting an
opportunity to the managers to become effective and self-directed employee and will help in
achieving personal as well as professional goals.
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Task 1 (LO1, AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3 M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3)
1.1 Approaches related to self-managed learning and suitable approach
Self-managed learning is the way of where an individual develop a lists related to learning
approaches which is helpful for his or her career development and achievement of a positive
image in the organization. As opined by Korez-Vide et al. (2016), the main aim of self-
learning approaches for managers in hospitality industry is to manage housekeeping staffs in
well and effective manner. Different approaches and strategies for self-learning in hospitality
sector are mentioned below:
Seminar and conference: These first and important approaches would help the individual to
get ideas from other people. As for example, in seminars and conferences, group of staffs
and managers are present that presents their views and ideas which is beneficial for others to
accumulate those learning. This collaborative learning approach would help the staffs for
improving their communication skills and creativity skills that can be beneficial for
convincing guests in the hotel.
Social network and internet learning: Internet is the source where every person gets in
touch of different sources that can enhance the knowledge level in hospitality sector. As
opined by Morsy et al. (2016), internet learning is the best approach for increasing theoretical
knowledge level in the hotel organizations. An individual gets to enhance knowledge by
doing web surfing where different types of websites are available related to management
training such as management of risk occurrence and staff management.
On the other hand, Guchait et al. (2018) signifies that a social network site also presents a
vital role in context of self-learning approaches. Here, a person can contact with several of
experience people in field of hotel industry, which help them to enhance their knowledge
level from them. Popular networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn can be used for
developing self-learning where employees can understand their gap in communication and
get an idea of new trends.
Bulletin boards: This is another approach where employees can make note of their learning
approaches. For example, when the managers provide new instructions in managing guests
and hotel discipline in the hotel, the staffs can make notes of the goals and schedules in a
proper way. This way every new instruction that is obtained from managers can be added on
the bulletin boards for having convenience.
Self-study packs and motivation: Self-studying is the method where staffs can enhance
their learning experience. By practicing self-study, it helps in getting motivation for further
exploration of the topic where they are interested. For example, staffs of hotels require
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gaining operational knowledge like accounting, HRM and cost control, hence, using self
study packs would help in studying every required skill such as leadership, team building,
communication, operational knowledge, financial management and others effectively.
Best approach for Travelodge Hotel in Ilford
In Travelodge Hotel, it is found that Travelodge hotel is already having an effective strategic
developmental program in their workplace. However, self-learning approach needs to be
updated in the working environment of Travelodge hotel as it is found that huge number of
employees is recruited and provided placement. Hence, developing self-management learning
can help in providing a strategic direction to them which can further cut the training costs of
the organization (based on the views of Cheng et al. 2016). The most suitable self-learning
approach that can be suitable for staffs as well as managers of Travelodge is mentioned
below:
Figure 1: Self-learning approaches for Travelodge hotel
(Source: Created by learner)
Motivational learning: This learning approach is the one that helps in leading the staffs and
the managers towards a well-efficient workforce. Using this learning approach in Travelodge
hotel can help the new as well as existing staffs in choosing their personal objective based on
their designation and available resources in the organization. The staffs of Travelodge hotel
are found to work for 24 hours in order to satisfy the needs of guests. Hence, motivational
learning is highly essential for sustaining the employees in the hotel. For example, employees
can be offered with rewards and incentives, which can enhance the learning skills as well as
management skills in the organization. This approach can help the employees of Travelodge
to work harder for achieving the organizational objective that is beneficial for implementing
self-managed learning in the hotel premises.
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Unifiedlearning

Unified learning: As Travelodge is found to focus on enhancing skills of new employees,
the company requires understanding the significance of consent in the lives of employees. In
teaching classes, the organization can use the unified learning approach, as employees would
find a comfort level, which can enhance their self-learning and management skills effectively.
This would encourage employees to gain a scope of career progression and will help
employees to implement self-directed actions in workplace
Collaborative learning: It is found that employees from diverse culture are hired in
Travelodge hotel, hence implementing collaborative learning approach would help in
enhancing the working efficiency. For example, this learning approach would provide a scope
of working in team where each of the staffs will be appointed with a separate task; hence
employees can understand their role minutely. Moreover, if any employee fails to perform
their task, other members would help in completing the task. This way efficiency of
workplace would get increased. Collaborative learning in the Travelodge hotel can include
post-test in group, developing of group goals, conducting discussion session on hotel service
management. These would help in focusing on self-learning skills in order to perform best
among the group.
1.2 Ways for encouraging lifelong learning
Life-long learning in the context of personal and professional can be encouraged in
Travelodge by different ways. As a manager of Travelodge, I would develop new roles for
encouraging a life-long approach in the organization for personal development. Main role
being a manager would be understand the interests of every employee and encourage them to
acquire extra skills on that specific aspect. This can help the employees for updating the skills
of his or her interest levels. In another perspective, it is found that implementing discipline is
the aspect for getting success in every field. Hence, my role in the hotel would be boosting
the condition of self-discipline development. Apart from this, I would motivate the
employees of the hotel constantly in order to develop new skills such as designing and others.
On other hand, in professional context, it is found that programs such as JuMP and GEM
program are followed; hence, arranging training and development program for the staffs can
help in enhancing their skills in this program. They will be motivated every time in order to
inculcate the significance of lifelong teaching. This can only be achieved with the
understanding of self-interest field and providing motivation to adopt skills in hotel industry.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning
Benefits of self-managed learning are mentioned below:
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Transfer of learning: Major drawback in the previous training program of the hotel is the
transfer of learning is not done effectively. However, in self-managed learning it can be
possible as employees would be provided choice of choosing own area, which can be easily
transferred when job roles and responsibilities are, discharged (Chen et al. 2016).
Cost-effective approach: Self-managed learning can help Travelodge to reduce the training
costs as trainers would not be required for this purpose. Moreover, fewer meeting rooms
would be required which can decrease the costs of organization.
For example, Travelodge Hotel can use examples of Four Seasons Hotel in location of Japan
and Indonesia where a scope of teaching English are provided to about 500 employees.
Hence, Travelodge can develop a self-learning centre where staffs can be provided
environment to learn English by themselves. Here, they would be provided with training
modules, magazines, books and articles, which would be beneficial for adopting skills.
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Task 2 (LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3)
2.1 Own current skills and competencies
As per the viewpoint of Alrawadieh and Dincer (2019), in order to develop the organisational
position in market, it is necessary to develop the skills of managers for getting fruitful
outcome. As an assistant manager of Travelodge, using SWOT, own skills is identified and
evaluated.
It is known to that, entire using SWOT; own strengths and weaknesses can be defined
properly. Therefore, for understanding the threat, SWOT is followed by-
Strengths
● Team management
● Communication
● Operational skill
Weaknesses
● Lack of patience
● Lack of knowledge on financial
management
● Lack of data handling skill
Opportunities
● Taking appropriate decision
● Confidence
Threats
● Career development
● Time management
Table 1: Personal Swot
(Source: Created by Learner)
From the above-mentioned SWOT, it is found out that I have various skills such as
operational skill, communion and team management, which can help me to earn success
for the hotel in the contemporary merchandise market. In the opinion of Kwok and Xie
(2016), hotel manager should have effective communication skill so that they can understand
problem of workers. It assists to give best service to the customers of the Travelodge hotel.
This aids to maintain the professional standard of the hotel. In addition to this, operational
skill helps the manager to complete the task within deadline (Bharwani and Talib, 2017). For
example, it is noticed that in hotel industry, customers want to get fast and unique service.
Therefore, as I constantly observe the ever-changing needs of customers, I design services
accordingly for giving happiness to them. Moreover, in time of giving service to customers, I
try to make a plan related to the services for my team members so that they can perform it
effectively. Thus, I manage the team in a lucrative way.
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It is observed that the aim of Travelodge is to give happiness to the customers. The above-
mentioned skills and competencies are appropriate for achieving it in an efficient manner.
2.2 Identification of own development needs
Development needs
As a hotel manager, Jang et al. (2018), mentioned that managers should to have patience so
that they can solve any problem in an effective manner. Therefore, I have noticed that I do
not have patience in time of interacting with members and I cannot manage data properly.
Thus, it reduces employee engagement in work. As I do not keep data related to business
operation in previous years properly, I cannot target our next aim. Moreover, it leaves impact
on my financial management skill.
Activities
Needs to meet Activities Duration
Increasing patience - Discussing with
seniors related to the
issue for getting their
view
6 months
Data handling skill - Need to maintain an
excel or data
recording software
2-3 months
Finance management - Need to join a course
related to basic
finance management
6 months
Table 2: Action plan for managing development needs
(Source: Created by Learner)
Skills required improvement
● Team management skills
● Communication skills
As hotel manager of Travelodge it is necessary to manage team properly for earning huge
profit from the contemporary competitive market. In this context, as a manager, I need to
focus more on the employees so that they give their best performance in the venture. In
addition this, I need to learn sign languages so that I can easily interact with handicapped
employees or customers such as dumb or diff. Thus, I can motivate them to work in the hotel.
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Ways of improving skills
● Giving extra time with the other employees of Travelodge
● Learning sign languages
● Cooperation with members
As mentioned by Aissa and Goaied (2016), proper team management helps the manager to
get success in the market. Therefore as a manager of Travelodge, I am trying to follow the
supportive style so that other employees feel motivated in time of working. In addition to
this, I am trying to spend a specific time with members for understanding their issue related
to the customers service. I will start to learn sign language for interacting with dumb
employees in hotel. These activities will help me to bring development in the skills such as
team management and communication in the proper manner.
2.3 Development opportunities
Development opportunities
As I serve as a manager of Travelodge regularly, it gives me the opportunity to develop my
knowledge constantly. In addition to this, I am able to take proper decision based on the
scenario, it can be considered as my development opportunities. The hotel manager tries to
manage the activities of other employees of the hotel (Al-Refaie, 2015). Therefore, it is
necessary to have the capability of taking appropriate decision. It can enhance the
organisational position in market. Along with this, proper decision-making skill and
confidence will help me to get promotion in future.
Available opportunities
● Weekly meeting
● Monthly training
● Sharing experience of seniors
As a hotel manager of Travelodge higher authority regularly arranges meeting. Here, it is
noticed that I am able to understand my difficulties related to the work process such as time
management. It gives me the opportunity to develop skills properly. Travelodge provides
training to the manager for developing behavioural skill in an effective manner. Moreover,
senior managers share their experience about the handling process of critical situation.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan
Needed skills - Time management
- Data handling skill
- Increasing patience
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- Finance management skill
Ways of developing skills - Preparing plan for managing time
- Using software such as ms zoho
- Discussion with seniors related to the
ways of handling critical situation
- Attending basic finance course
Timing - 2-3 months
- 6 months
- 1 months
- 6 months
Table 3: Professional and Personal Development Plan
(Source: Created by Learner)
As a hotel manager of Travelodge hotel it is my aim to develop my skills such as increasing
patience, time management and finance management. Therefore, the above-mentioned plan
will help me to get fruitful outcome.
Task 3 (LO3, AC3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, M1, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3)
3.1 Activities and process for implementing development plan
In order to implement the plan, it is necessary to keep track about the regular leaning. This
process helps me to imply my learning in workplace (Hunt and Weintraub, 2016). For
example, as I have tried to develop my time management skill, I think to make plan for
getting effective outcome. In this context, Travelodge gives me the project of sharing
happiness by giving discount to the customers. Therefore, I create plan for reducing cost of
every services such as food service and instruct to my members to complete it within
allocated time. This activity helps me to achieve the plan properly.
On the other hand, in context of financial management, after learning the usage of Excel in
calculation purpose, I try to apply this knowledge in practical field. It assists to get error
free result for Travelodge. In addition to this, as I make plan to increase my patience, in free
time, I discuss with my seniors about their tactics for handling critical situation. It can be
taken as a supportive style and it creates collaborative atmosphere in the workplace. This
process assists me to implement the plan in an appropriate manner. As a hotel manager, I
update everything in the Zoho for recording data. It also gives me the idea related to the
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target of next year for Travelodge. Thus, as a hotel manager, I would be able to bring profit
for the venture in contemporary competitive market.
3.2 Document development related activities
Plan Week 1-3 Week 4-7 Week 8-11
Financial
management
Slight Slight Slight
Time management Slight Medium Developed
Data handling skill Slight Slight Slight
Increasing patience Slight Medium Developed
Table 4: Development activities
(Source: Created by learner)
In order to develop the skill related time management, finance management and many others,
I have tried to achieve it within deadline. Therefore, as a hotel manager of Travelodge, I try
to analyse the market so that I can identify the needs to customers. In addition to this, I try
to involve my workers for analysing needs of customers. Thus, within time, I am able to
enhance my time management skill effectively.
On the other hand, in context of financial management, within first 2 months, I have learned
basic calculation in Excel such as addition, subtraction and many others. As a manager, it
helps me to find out the budget related error in a proper manner. Thus, I am able to increase
the profit of venture in the contemporary market. In order to increase patience, I start to do
meditation, which helps to increase my mental stability. It gives better outcome in order to
manage team.
Plan Week 12-15 Week 16-20 Week 21-24
Financial
management
Medium Medium Developed
Time management Developed Developed Developed
Data handling skill Medium Medium Developed
Increasing patience Developed Developed Developed
Table 5: Progress Plan
(Source: Created by learner)
In time of handling data, as a manager, it is necessary to keep record of everything of the
hotel such as last year profit, customer satisfaction rate, production and many others
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