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1. Understand how self-managed learning can enhance lifelong development

1.a) Explain what is meant by self-management learning. Discuss the benefits of self-managed learning to individuals as well as organisations. Discuss ways in which lifelong learning can take place both personally and professionally. Self-management learning: in the late 70s the term SML was coined by Ian Cunningham. According to Cunningham self-management learning is defined as idealized adult action learning, Self-managed learning is a method by which people or individual learn things by finding different ways. Individual or people can find the ways in the society where they live or at diversified working environment. For setting out the goals for the learning self-managed learning also used. It helps to evaluate the reason for learning and approaches to attain such goals. The term SML refers to a particular learning approach developed from factors of some other techniques including self-directed learning, self-development and action learning. It is basically a holistic approach to the individual and is strengthened by strong values.

The benefits of self-managed learning to individuals as well as organizationsSML has benefits for both individuals and organizations. For an individual it helps to improve team work skills. When an individual work in a team or organization, he gains different types of knowledge. Those help him in his personal and professional life. It also helps an individual to improve his presentation skills to share his knowledge in front of people. SML also helps a person to amend his mistakes by analyzing his mistake and to make proper decision. SML also helps a person to improve his verbal and written communication. Along with these it also helps a person to learn new things. For organizations it is beneficial because it helps an organization to- identify motivated, confident individuals. In an organization SML- minimize the issue of transfer of learning, compatible with traditional training programs, need minimal expense to implement, gives learners a greater freedom of choice, can be carried out constantly, as an integral element of day-to-day working activity, creates greater liability on the individual to empower themselves and take the initiative in planning their own personal development. Ways in which lifelong learning can take place both personally and professionallyThere are different ways by which lifelong learning can take place. Some of them are given below-Lifelong learning may take place by consulting with experts and experienced persons. - It may take place by reading books, articles, blogs and participating in online events. -When a man faces with different societies, cutlers he gains some lifelong learning from them. -A man gain lifelong professional learning by working in different working environment. -Lifelong learning also takes place by discussing and debating with others about different ideas and opinion in an inmate workshop. -Attending in different types of conference and seminar an individual can gain personal and professional knowledge. -By browsing internet it can be take place. -By individual research or group research it can be take place. -By reading groups it can be taken place where -It can be take place by writing - It can be take place by using different programs, software etc.

1.b) Briefly explain Honey and Mumford learning styles. Based on Kolbs work Peter Honey and Alan Mumford developed a learning style. They have identified four learning styles*Activist (from solid examination)- They are the people who learn by doing. They keep them busy in work. To approach in learning they are open-minded. They involve themselves fully and without bias in new experiences. *Pragmatist (from active testing) - They try see- in the real world how to put their learning. They try to implement new ideas, techniques to see whether those work or not. *Reflector (from reflective examination) - They learn by observing and thinking about past incidents. They dont like to leap in and prefer to look in the experiences, collect data and take time to reach any conclusion before starting work.

*Theorist (from theoretical conceptualization) - They prefer to realize the theories behind actions. To engage in the learning process they need concepts, models, and facts. By analyzing and synthesizing new information they try to derive systematic and logical 'theory'

1.c) Based on Honey and Mumford learning styles, identify, with justification your preferred learning style. In Honey and Mumford learning styles I prefer Activist, because an activist involves him fully and without bias in new experiences. Activists are happy to be subjected by instant experiences. They are enthusiastic about something new because they are open-minded, not skeptical. Before considering consequences they tend to act first. Their days are full with activity. By brainstorming they tackle problems. They look for new activity immediately the enthusiasm from one activity has died down. They are always ready to accept challenges of new experiences. It is also preferable because here we have opportunities to work with others or as a team. It is flexible because here we are not constrained by rules and guidelines. Here is chance to undertake the problems head-on. Although this learning style has some weakness it is more strong than other three, so it my preferred learning style.

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2.Be able to take responsibility for own personal and professional development 2.a) Carry out a Personal SWOT analysis in order to identify your key strengths (qualities and skills), weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis is used to identify the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of a person. Below I am giving what I found from my SWOT analysisMy strengths are- I have technical skills, I am friendly, ambitious. I have good learning skill. I have good inter-personal skill, communication skill, writing skill. I can work under pressure. I also have creativity and optimism. My weakness are- I have lack of experience, specific job knowledge. I am an introvert, an emotional person and unconfident. I have laziness, procrastination. I also have lack management skill. My opportunities are- I can continue my study for more degree. I also have great field of job.

My threats are- I dont have enough money and I have to compete with many.

2.b) Conduct a Skills audit to determine your key skills and identify your skills gap. My personal skill auditSkill area Written communication Oral communication/ presentation skill Time management Problem solving Skill level I can write precisely and clearly in different format and my written messages are effective for audiences. I can speak effectively with people and presentation is good. Most of time I manage time effectively and end my tasks within deadline. When I face problems, I can able to find out logical, realistic and constructive solutions. I am capable to use different techniques and approaches to lead a team to reach its goal. To reach a teams goal I can work effectively, I can also help other for team sake. I have good IT knowledge. I can use IT packages (word, excel, access) effectively. I also have knowledge of some specific IT packages for specific use. I can easily and quickly find sources of information including online sources. I can also evaluate them and able to find out their reliability. I am capable to handle my own workload and complete duties on my own with minimum effort or supervision from my teachers Skill gap Writing speed is not fast

Sometimes presentations dont satisfy audience. Waste of time sometimes happen

Leadership

Teamwork

For my introvert nature sometimes I feel uncomforted I dont have enough knowledge of programming languages.

IT skills

Information skills

Independent learning

2.c) Based on your personal SWOT analysis and Skill Audit, critically evaluate how you may use your key strengths in your current or future job. Discuss how your weaknesses may prevent you from achieving your goals and how you would address these. In my future job my technical knowledge will help me to finish my job smoothly. It also may help me to get a good IT job. Since I am friendly I may create a good relation with customer in my future job. My communication skill, leadership and teamwork skill may be helping me to become a manager in future. Since I have creativity, optimism and ability to work under pressure; these can open an innovative opportunity in future for me. My good learning skill and information skill will help me to learn and understand my future job quickly and properly. My problem solving skill may draw attention of bosses in my future job.

Lack of experience may create lot of problem to get a good job. My introvert nature may become a barrier in creating good relation with other in my workplace. My laziness and procrastination nature may become a great threat for my future life. I may dont have enough training for lack of money. Without excellent presentation it will be hard to be a manager. For my emotional nature bad people may take advantage from me. Though I have lack of money I need to choose those training program which are cheap. I have to get rid of laziness and procrastination by various activities. I have to be more realistic than being emotional. I should consult with an expert for my introvert nature. I should improve my presentation skill with proper training. I need to increase my experience by involving in different work related activities.

3) Be able to implement and continually review own personal and professional development 3.a) Briefly explain your personal and career plans. Identify and list the key skills required for your chosen career or educational goals. I want to work at IT farm. Within 2-5 years I want to become an expert of that farm and in long term I want to in the managerial position of an IT farm. My programming language skill is not so good and I am lazy; these are main barrier for my future career. But I want improve myself within few months. I am listing some IT professional and resources who and which can support me to reach my goal. I want to make my personal life comfortable. I will try to confirm commitment to long term relationship. Most all I will support my family. For my future career I need have the following skills Excellent IT skill Good problem solving skill Ability to work under pressure Good managerial skill Time management Leadership Good communication skill

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3.b) Set SMART objectives to reflect your personal and professional development based on the needs identified in Task 2. SMART objectives mean such objectives which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Targeted. I have set SMART objectives which are given below I will be a manager of an IT farm within 15 years. I will reach my goal with the help of good experience and it will done by working in IT farms. I will attain my goal by increasing my IT skills, using time properly, being frank with people, improving presentation skill and becoming hardworking and realistic than becoming emotional. Establishing myself as a IT expert with 10+ years experience will help me to reach in the managerial position of IT farms. I will be an assistant manager in 2015.

3.c) Construct a Personal Development Plan to address your existing skills gaps and develop the skills needed to meet your future career aspirations. Provide evidence of achievement where possible.

Skill Gap Medium writing speed Less attractive presentation Dont have proper time management skill Sometimes fell uncomfortable when work in a team Lack in knowledge of programming language

Action need Training to speed up writing More practice and observe others presentation which are excellent Using time properly Need proper activities to get rid of introvert nature Participate at proper training program and consult with experts

skills needed to meet your future career aspirations IT skill Leadership skill Time management Communication skill Information skill Problem solving skill Managerial skill

3.d) Critically reflect on your own learning against the aims and objectives set out in your personal development plan. Review and update your development plan. Personal development plan (updated) Developmental Activities Target date Contact with proper personnel 1/7/2014 and sign up for- writing workshop Contact with experts and sign-up 1/10/2014 for- presentation skill workshop Consult with IT experts and sign 5/5/2015 up for- C++,HTML and other programming language Enter in an IT farm for 1/10/2015 internship and try to get job Attend different workshops and seminars; consult with experts and do some research. Enroll in certified programs like 1/12/2017 MBA After work in some general IT 1/1/2018 farm , I will renowned IT company

Developmental Objectives Develop writing speed

Learn how to give effective presentation Improve IT skill

Gather experience in IT field Improve Leadership and time management skill Improve managerial skill Join in a well known IT Farm

4. Be able to demonstrate acquired interpersonal and transferable skills 4.a) Write a memo to your manager briefly explain the findings of your investigation. Suggest ways to deal with the issues identified. Your recommendation should including a strategy for effective time management. To: Harold Bruce, Manager From:.., Office Supervisor Date: 1/3/2014 Subject: Official investigation Mr. Bruce,

I have asked to investigate about complains of customers. They complain about service at the reception, check-in check-out. They also complain about the staffs. In my investigation I have found that our reception is under-staffed because one of the staff in holiday and another staff is absent due to recent accident. As a consequence present reception staffs have to deal with email and telephone bookings as well as handling check-ins and check-outs. It creates lots of pressure to them; some of them have to work in others position in which he isnt expert.

If we dont take proper action our customer will be more disappointed. We need to appoint two staff on temporary basis. We should train our staffs to work more swiftly. It also recommended making the check-in and check-out procedure more quick. We must force our staffs to deal with customer rather than being busy with personal matter. We should train every staffs to process payment via credit card. It is generally seen that when people work under lots of pressure then their efficiency become low. Studied also showed that a properly trained staff can control pressured situation than who are not well trained. It also seen that many companies appoint people on temporary basis to decrease workload to the staffs and is effective. It is well known that a company gains the success which staffs always give importance in official work than personal work in a working place. It is also generally seen that customer become bored if more time takes in check-in and check-out. Please consider my suggestion. If you find any of point inappropriate please inform me. Best, ---------Office Supervisor Star-Tel Hotel

4. b) After discussing the issue, your manager asked you to email the customers an apology and offer them a 25% discount on their next booking To: [email protected] Subject: Apologizing for facing inconvenience in our hotel Dear Customer, Thank you for contacting with us. We have received your email. First let us apologize for the inconvenient situation you faced in our hotel. Usually it takes only few minutes for check-in and check-out in our hotel. But in case of you it takes more time than expected. It was happened because at that time we were under-staffed. Some of our staffs were in vacation and some of were injured by accident. We are really sorry and apologizing for inconvenience caused at you. However we are offering you 25% discount on next booking. We also hope this time you will see all systems in good situation. If you have further question, I will glad to answer you.

With best regards ---------Office Supervisor Star-Tel Hotel

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Reference: Honey, P. and Mumford, A. (1992). The manual of learning styles: Revised version. Maidenhead: Peter Honey http://www.psa-training.co.uk/psa/articles/self-managed-learning.htm http://www.selfdirectedlearning.org/benefits-of-self-directed-learning-organization http://www.dba.co.uk/tips/vol1/self.htm http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/ways-continuing-professional-development http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/gradschool/training/eresources/teaching/theories/honey-mumford http://wikieducator.org/Learner_Centred_Learning/Adult_Learning_Theories,_Principles_and_Practices /Honey_and_Mumford%E2%80%99s_Learning_Cycle http://forlearn.jrc.ec.europa.eu/guide/4_methodology/meth_swot-analysis.htm https://www.academia.edu/537701/Personal_Skills_SWOT_Analysis.. https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/supported.progression/Skillsaudit.pdf http://www.michaelpage.com.au/ContentArticle/page/7995/title/Michael-Page-Career-Centre-JobSearch-Advice-Creating-A-Career-Plan.html http://sbinformation.about.com/od/startingabusiness/a/smart-goal-examples.htm http://topachievement.com/smart.html http://www.hr.virginia.edu/uploads/documents/media/Writing_SMART_Goals.pdf http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/ldc/plan/identify/ http://www.admin.state.nh.us/hr/documents/Workforce_Development/IDP%20Individual%20Developm ent%20Plan%20Model.doc http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Memo http://www.craig-west.co.uk/2008/11/how-to-write-an-apology-email-to-a-customer/

Appendix: Learning Styles Questionnaire by Honey & Mumford 1 I like to be absolutely correct about things. 2 I quite like to take risks. 3 I prefer to solve problems using a step by step approach rather than guessing. 4 I prefer simple, straightforward things rather than something complicated. 5 I often do things just because I feel like it rather than thinking about it first. 6 I don't often take things for granted. I like to check things out for myself. 7 What matters most about what you learn is whether it works in practice. 8 I actively seek out new things to do. 9 When I hear about a new idea I immediately start working out how I can try it out. 10 I am quite keen on sticking to fixed routines, keeping to timetables, etc. 11 I take great care in working things out. I don't like jumping to conclusions. 12 I like to make decisions very carefully and preferably after weighing up all the other

possibilities first. 13 I don't like 'loose ends', I prefer to see things fit into some sort of pattern. 14 In discussions I like to get straight to the point. 15 I like the challenge of trying something new and different. 16 I prefer to think things through before coming to a conclusion. 17 I find it difficult to come up with wild ideas off the top of my head. 18 I prefer to have as many bits of information about a subject as possible, the more I have to sift through the better. 19 I prefer to jump in and do things as they come along rather than plan things out in advance. 20 I tend to judge other people's ideas on how they work in practice. 2 21 I don't think that you can make a decision just because something feels right. You have to think about all the facts. 22 I am rather fussy about how I do things - a bit of a perfectionist. 23 In discussions I usually pitch in with lots of ideas. 24 In discussions I put forward ideas that I know will work. 25 I prefer to look at problems from as many different angles as I can before starting on them. 26 Usually I talk more than I listen. 27 Quite often I can work out more practical ways of doing things. 28 I believe that careful logical thinking is the key to getting things done. 29 If I have to write a formal letter I prefer to try out several rough workings before writing out the final version. 30 I like to consider all the alternatives before making my mind up. 31 I don't like wild ideas. They are not very practical. 32 It is best to look before you leap. 33 I usually do more listening than talking. 34 It doesn't matter how you do something, as long as it works. 35 I can't be bothered with rules and plans, they take all the fun out of things. 36 I'm usually the 'life and soul' of the party. 37 I do whatever I need to do, to get the job done. 38 I like to find out how things work. 39 I like meetings or discussion to follow a proper pattern and to keep to a timetable. 40 I don't mind in the least if things get a bit out of hand.