Work Based Learning: Skill Audit, Project Execution, Career Planning

This report details a work-based learning experience, focusing on a skill audit conducted for the role of HR Manager at Marriott Hotel, leading to a personal development plan. It outlines operational practices reflecting progress in planning for the work role, identifies necessary skills and knowledge, and includes reflective logs documenting the learning journey. Furthermore, the report covers the planning, initiation, and progress of a project throughout its lifecycle, highlighting project completion and benefits. The reflection and evaluation of workplace experiences, coupled with the application of relevant theories, provide a comprehensive overview of the practical learning and professional growth achieved during the work-based learning program. Desklib offers a platform to access similar solved assignments and past papers.

WORK BASED
LEARNING
1

Table of Contents
PART1 ............................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK...............................................................................................................................................3
Undertaking skill audit and producing personal development plan............................................3
Operational practice that reflects progress in planning for undertaking work role.....................6
Identification of skills and knowledge required for work role....................................................7
Learning and progress with reflective logs and journals............................................................7
Report for planning for future career role...................................................................................8
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................9
PART 2 .........................................................................................................................................10
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................10
Planning and initiation of project..............................................................................................10
Progress of project throughout project life-cycle......................................................................12
Project completion and benefits................................................................................................14
Reflection and evaluation of experience at workplace with application of different theory....15
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1
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PART1
INTRODUCTION
Work based learning is a proactive approach through which gap can be eliminated. Work
based learning is the educational approach of penetrate opportunities for students in workplace.
The approach of work based learning is the practice that offers real life practical experience that
can help in preparing students to face challenges that can be encountered in the world of
employment (What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?, 2020). Marriott Hotels and resorts is
operating as Marriott international which is offering full time service in hospitality industry. The
international hotel was established by J. Williard and Alice Marriott in the year 1927 all around
the globe. The hotel is operating with more than 7000 properties that are operated throughout the
world and is offering variety of choices. There are various subsidiary companies that are
operated under the brand name of Marriott International which are- The Ritz Carlton, St. Regis,
Sheraton, Le Meridian, Westin and more (We Are Marriott International, 2022). Marriott
international is operating with powerful portfolio with 30 brand across 131 countries. This part
of the report will be discussing about the skills and will outline a personal development plan. The
project will be discussing about the progress and will also evaluate the skills and knowledge
which are required for specific job role. Lastly, this section of report will reflect learning and
progress for reflective logs and journals.
TASK
Undertaking skill audit and producing personal development plan
Skill audit is the information or process that is used for measuring and recoding the skills
of individuals or group of employees. Skill audit can also be termed as training need analysis
which helps in determining whether the company can meet their objective or goals and training
and development can be targeted more effectively (What is skills audit?, 2021). The process of
skill audit can be used to determine the skill gaps in company through which the organisation can
evaluate training requirements that can be offered to enhance the skills and competencies of their
employees. With the help of skill audit, this supports in understanding the required skills that
must be developed and will also support in identifying employees that needs training. In context
of Marriott H0otel, the skill audit for the role of HR Manager is defined below:
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SKILLS SELF ASSESSED
SCORE
SCORE FROM
OTHERS
DEVIATION
Communication 8 6 2
Negotiation 6 5 1
Organization 5 5 0
Time management 6 5 1
Team work 7 6 1
Problem solving ability 9 7 2
Leadership 9 8 2
Form the above mentioned skill audit program, this helps in evaluating the performance
deviations that can be improved by training and development. With the help of skill audit, this
supported in evaluating the training requirements through which such shortcomings can be
eliminated (Abishova and et.al., 2020). On the basis of skill audit program, a personal and
professional development plan can be developed that can be used for developing strategies
through which such shortcomings can be developed. In case of Marriott Hotel, a personal
development plan is depicted below for the work role of HR Manager in the hotel is defined
below:
Area of
improvement
Reason for
improvement
Strategies for
improvement
Duration Measurement
Communication
skills
The purpose of
improving
communication skill
is to allow others and
yourself to
understand
information
accurately and
By practising
active listening,
maintaining body
language, by
focusing in non-
verbal
communication
and by observing
2-4 months The
development in
communication
skills can be
measured by
reviewing
responses and
feedback from
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quickly (Arcos-
Alonso and Arcos
Alonso, 2021). The
development of
communication skill
is essential which will
help in forming
decisions and also
promotes
coordination.
others will be
helpful in sharing
and understanding
the message of
others in more
effective manner
(Beier and et.al,
2019). By
attentively
participating in
conversation,
sharing own
thoughts and ideas,
practising self-
awareness and by
maintaining eye-
contact, this will be
helpful in
developing and
improving the
communication
skills.
fellow
employees. The
progress can
also be
evaluated with
the help of
identifying the
performance
deviation and
how the message
is shared and
received.
Leadership skills The development of
leadership skills are
essential as this can
be helpful in
motivating others,
delegate and handle
responsibilities
through which the
assigned task and
In order to develop
leadership skills,
discipline will be
practised and by
developing the
situational
awareness,
leadership abilities
can be enhanced.
4-6 months The
development of
leadership skill
can be evaluated
with the help of
identifying the
achievement of
targets and will
evaluate by
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duties can be met
(Borovay and et.al.,
2019). It is essential
to develop the
leadership skills
through which more
flexibility in
workplace can be
maintained through
which the ability to
deal with
performance can be
enhanced and this
will also develop a
sense of integrity.
By focusing on
resolving conflicts
and through
maintaining
positive
organizational
culture, this will be
helpful in
developing
leadership skills
and competencies.
understanding
the ability to
handle situation
and conflicts in
uncertain
situations.
Operational practice that reflects progress in planning for undertaking work role
With my enthusiasm and commitment towards meeting the roles and responsibility of my
job role, I will be focusing on meeting my roles and responsibilities that can be helpful in
meeting the business objectives through which organizational effectiveness can be met. While
working as HR Manager in Marriott International Hotel, I will be focusing on fulfilling my roles
and responsibilities in most competent manner (Brew and Saunders, 2020). In order to meet my
responsibilities as HR Manager, I will be focusing on following democratic leadership style
through which people can be encouraged which will be helpful in boosting their morale and
through which they can share their innovative ideas which will be helpful in enhancing the
competitive position of the company in the dynamic business environment. By following this
form of leadership, I will be focusing on developing cooperation and team spirit through which
the business targets can be met. I will be focusing on time management which will be helpful in
meeting the task before planned deadlines and will create a systematic routine that can support in
meeting my roles and responsibilities of the company.
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I will plan an effective business strategy that can support in planning all activities through
which business goals can be accomplished (Chang and Hwang, 2019). With the help of effective
business strategy, this will be helpful in minimizing the risk which can be encountered by the
company while operating in dynamic business environment. I will also value taking advice from
my superiors and value opinion of my colleagues and juniors through which diversity, innovation
and required change can be successfully driven in the company that will also enhance the
productivity of the company. I will be planning and executing management theories that will
support me in valuing human relation though which I can bring harmony and develop mutual
understanding which will strengthen the team spirit and working abilities and performance of
employees at individual and team level. I will also plan innovative strategies that can support in
boosting morale of employees, maintaining positive organizational culture, resolving conflicts in
the organization and planning strategies that can offer compensation and benefits through which
employee performance can be enhanced and job satisfaction can be delivered.
Identification of skills and knowledge required for work role
Skills are the expertise or talent that is required for performing a specific job and meet the
roles and responsibilities of the specific job role in the organization. There are various skill set
which are required by a person through which they can meet their duties at workplace and ensure
business success. With the help of effective skills, this supports in performing effectively in
personal and professional world. There are various skills which are required for fulfilling th
duties of a HR Manager in Marriott Hotel which are discussed beneath:
 Communication skills- These skills are essential as this can support in sharing the
required information through which the company can meet targets (Chernikova and et.al,
2020). In context of Marriott Hotel, while working as HR Manager, the primary focus
will be on creating and maintaining effective communication through which right
message can be shared at right time which will support in meeting the targets. This will
also help in developing coordination and will also foster innovation in the organization.
 Leadership skills- Leadership skills are essential as this can be helpful in understanding
the right direction through which targets can be accomplished (Christensen and et.al,
2019). In context of Marriott hotel, while working as HR Manager, leadership skills will
be highly valuable as this can support in maintaining communication, efficiently
delegating the duties, maintaining positive organizational culture, meeting
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responsibilities, resolving conflicts and developing creativity through which all
employees can be guided towards the right direction that will support in meeting the
corporate goals through which organizational effectiveness can be enhanced.
Learning and progress with reflective logs and journals
Reflective journals are the personal records of students which depicts the learning
experience of students. However, a reflective journal can be termed as a place in which daily
reflection entries are made. Some of the reflective journals are addressed underneath:
 Have you adopted new approaches and tried something new?
I adopted various skills and adopted various approaches while working as HR Manger
where I developed my leadership kills through which I can mete the roles and responsibilities of
company. While developing new skills, I also developed my decision making skills where I can
plan innovative and creative ideas that can support in enhancing the effectiveness of company
(Du and et.al, 2019). I learned that active engagement of employees can support companies in
generating higher revenues and enhance the effectiveness of employees and overall organization
in the competitive industry.
 What new research skills have been learned?
The various research skills which has been developed are- asking logical questions,
working with patience, value networking skills, understand and gain more information of the
products and services. By developing research skills, I was bale to develop the ability to identify
suitable alternatives that can be helpful in resolving an issue or meet research objectives. I
developed my knowledge and skills of finding valuable information through which research
objectives can be met.
Report for planning for future career role
Work experience is the experience that employee gain while working in a job. Work
experience plays a vital role in the career of an employee where they can get the opportunity of
learning new skills and competencies that can support in getting better opportunities in near
future. Work experience of any candidates in any domain can bring various advantages and
opportunities for future growth and development through which they can build a successful
career (Gonçalves and et.al, 2019). With the help of work experience, a person can also develop
skills and competencies that can help in meeting the roles and responsibilities of job role in an
organization.
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There are various roles on the basis of different skills in any hospitality business, such
as- general manger, hotel manager, food and beverage manager, hotel manager, housekeeping
staff, HR Manager, front office manager and many more. In order to meet the roles and
responsibilities of HR Manager in Marriott Hotel, a variety of skill set on the basis of work
experience is required. Some of the major skills and competencies that needs to be focused while
working as HR Manager in Marriott Hotel are- communication skills, decision making skills,
leadership, conflict resolution skills, strategic thinking, innovation and many more.
In order to meet the responsibilities in professional world and in future job role, the
development of skills and competencies plays a significant role through which an individual can
meet the business goals and support in enhancing the efficiency of business within the industry
(Illeris, 2018). This will be helpful in preparing for future job role and will offer a sense of
direction through which specific career goals can be accomplished.
CONCLUSION
From the above stated information, it can be evaluated that Work based learning is one
the most crucial fundamental of leaning and development which mist be focused by each
candidate through which they can engage in learning and develop their skills, competencies and
knowledge. By engaging in learning and development, this will be helpful in developing
professional work behaviour tough which the roles and responsibilities in workplace can be met.
It can be stated that the importance of skill development is crucial as this can be helpful in
developing the required skill set which can bring various advantages to the candidate and can
offer opportunity of future growth and development. The data which has been gathered through
skill auditing can be used for internal selection and can also be used for succession planning.
Reflective journals are the opportunity for reflection of learning experience.
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PART 2
INTRODUCTION
Work based learning (WBL) is the approach which promotes learning about the
environment in which the person will be working (Jackson, 2018). It is one of the vital strategy
that is used for offering real life work experience to students through which they can gain insight
top the real professional world and working conditions. This approach is helpful in encouraging
students to develop their skills and knowledge and propose future job opportunities that can also
eliminate the needs of training in workplace. Marriott Hotels was established by J. Williard and
Alice Marriott in the year 1927 all around the globe which is operating with more than 7000
properties that are operated throughout the world and is offering variety of choices with powerful
portfolio with 30 brand across 131 countries. There are various subsidiary companies that are
operated under the brand name of Marriott International which are- The Ritz Carlton, St. Regis,
Sheraton, Le Meridian, Westin and more. This section of report will be discussing about the
planning and initiation of the project. The project will be discussing about the progress that has
been made throughout the project life cycle. In this section of the report, the project completion
will be outlined with the benefits that can be driven from such stages. Lastly this section will be
concluded with the evaluation of experience at workplace with the application of different
theories.
Planning and initiation of project
Project initiation is the first step of starting a new project in which the purpose of doing
the project is identified and is also helpful in delivering business value. With rapid growth and
development in technology in day to day activities, this has supported in making such activities
much more easier. The rapid growth of technology has encouraged companies in adopting digital
approaches though which they can enhance the efficiency of business (Khalaf, Zin and Bt, 2018).
By making use of technology, this can be helpful for businesses in improving the efficient of
business in modern world thorough which they can sustain their competitive position within the
industry. Due to global pandemic- COVID-19, the more number of people are becoming aware
of social distancing, physical and mental health and healthy food habits.
In context of Marriott Hotel, the HR Manager of the hotel will be planning and initiating
a project plan through which they can maintain social distancing measures and avoid getting in
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contact with each other at workplace through which all safety standards can be met. In order to
follow all protocols and safety standards while travelling amid the global pandemic, Marriott
Hotel will be planning various strategies and initiative through which they can maintain the
safety of their employees an customers by avoiding in getting in contact and by maintaining all
social distancing measures. In order to meet the requirements, the HR Manager of Marriott Hotel
will be planning a project through which they can bring required change and become the most
valuable the brand an id pandemic as well which will also ensure safety of their employees and
their customers (Matzembacher, Gonzales and do Nascimento, 2019). Such practices will be
helpful for maximizing the profit margin of the company that will assist them in meeting targets,
enhancing efficiency of business through which they can face different challenges which can
easily hinder the organization.
By adopting technological measures, this can be helpful in planning innovative measure
which can be that can also enhance the performance of employees and will also increase the
future position of company within highly dynamic business environment. For developing an
effective plan, the HR Manager will be discussing various strategies with other members of the
hotel through which they can evaluate most suitable option which can be helpful in meeting the
targets of project. For meeting the criteria of the project, the HR Manager of Marriott Hotel will
adopt the new approach of making use of robots through which they can meet all roles and
responsibilities of employees which can also help in maintaining social distancing (Morris,
2018). With the help of AI in the hotel, Marriott will be using robot that can offer room service
and deliver the products and services to customer through which they can meet the demands of
customers. Such strategies will also support in avoiding physical contact and maintain social
distancing in the hotel through which the safe and quality experience can be delivered.
Setting targets, aims and objectives
 One of the objective of this project is to effectively plan and execute the project plan of
making use of AI in the hotel in form of robots through which the target can be
accomplished. The targets will be achieved within 6 months of time period where the
hotel have to take maximum advantage from the changing trends in the digital
marketplace. This strategy will be the medium for early adoption of technology through
which maximum advantage can be gained.
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 The other objective of company is to increase the profit margin of company by 20%
within 1 year of time span through which Marriott can deliver quality customer
experience an support in gaining advantage for the company. This will be helpful in
increasing the value of company by delivering high quality luxury services through which
Marriott can maximize the profitability of hotel.
 To increase the customer satisfaction by 10% by providing them luxury services and
services through robots that will deliver a whole new experience to customers visiting the
hotel. Such practices and projects will be followed by the hotel through which they can
retain customer and create loyal customer base for the brand.
Progress of project throughout project life-cycle
Skills, knowledge and competencies are the medium for creating a strong and competent
bran image. The skills, knowledge and experience is helpful in planning and managing the
project through which the whole project can be effectively managed. It is essential to
continuously monitor and mange the project through which whole project plan can be completed
in most effective and efficient manner (Moust, Bouhuijs and Schmidt, 2021). Some of the tools
and strategies that can be adopted by Marriott Hotel are benchmarking, balanced scorecard and
evaluation of customer feedback and more through which they can determine the progress of the
project plan.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is the approach of measuring the performance through
which the actual and expected performance can be evaluated for calculating the deviation and
progress. This is the approach of measuring success. With the help of KPI, this will be helpful in
planning and sharing targets to team members for meeting the purpose of project plan. With the
help of KPI, this will be helpful in understand the progress which can be driven in forming
strategies for improvement (Plass, Mayer and Homer, 2020). In context of Marriott Hotel, the
hotel can gain insight of the project plan though which they can form effective decisions to
rectify and make required improvements. The project of making use of robots in hotel will be
continuously monitored through which most effective and efficient outcomes can be delivered
from the project. The KPI will be helpful for Marriott Hotel in several manner which are listed
below:
 Measure targets- The use of KPI will help in measuring performance which will be
helpful in ensuring success of the project. This will help the manager of Marriott Hotel to
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