Professional Development And LinkedIn Skills - Assessment Task Essay.

You will need to select an organisation and a job role to complete this Assessment Task. This could be an organisation you have previously worked for or one you are interested in working for in the future. The position should be one you would be reasonably able to carry out with some training.

Please ask your trainer/assessor to assist you to find a suitable organisation and job role if you experience any difficulty to sourcing the information.

You will be required to

• complete a Training Needs Analysis
• complete a Professional Development Plan
• participate in a discussion with your Trainer & Assessor, designed to improve your competence in the areas
• learn a new skill. This may be of your own choosing or you can learn how to use LinkedIn

1. Identify the name of your selected organisation. Describe the organisation’s mission, values and at least 3 strategic goals. (approx. 100 words)
2. Outline the organisation’s professional development policies, plans and procedures. (approx. 150 words)

3. Detail three (3) objectives of your selected job role and explain how they fit with the organisation’s goals.  (approx. 80 words) 

4. Identify the position title of your selected role. Develop KPIs for each of the three objectives identified above and write them in SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time framed). Explain:
5. How the KPIs will be used to measure your performance.
6. How you will achieve and maintain your performance. (60-80 words in clear bullet points)
7. Complete Appendix A – Training Needs Analysis by rating your level of competence in the skills or knowledge listed. Add four (4) of the skills and/or knowledge you require to undertake your selected role successfully and rate your level of competence in each. (Complete table template in Appendix A.)

6. Arrange a time with your Trainer & Assessor to discuss ways to improve your competence in the areas you have identified. Give your Trainer & Assessor a copy of your Training Needs Analysis 1 week prior to the meeting and s/he will select appropriate competency standard(s) based on this completed form.  You will use these competency standards to assess your own competency against in discussion with your trainer.  

Write down the suggestions from your Trainer & Assessor including the date you had the discussion and the unit(s) of competency they selected. (approx. 100 words)

Your Trainer & Assessor will take into account the following checklist in his/her discussion with you. To demonstrate competence, you need to satisfy all elements.

• Clearly and accurately explain your level of competence in each area based on the unit(s) of competency provided by your Trainer & Assessor
• Receive feedback, including constructive feedback, positively
• Suggest practical ways you could improve your competence
• Use appropriate communication techniques (verbal and non-verbal)
• Demonstrate active listening skills
• Demonstrate effective questioning skills
• Identify genuine skill gaps as part of your self-reflection
• Proactively raise ideas that could build your competence in required areas

7. a) Discuss ways to improve your own competence in the areas you have identified with at least two (2) of your fellow students or RTO staff members (not your Trainer & Assessor). You will need to also discuss with these students their competence in the areas they have identified.
8. b) Write down their suggestions (include their names) including the date you had the discussions. (approx. 70 words)
9. a) Complete the free learning styles quiz at http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/to identify your personal learning style.
10. b) Using this information and the feedback you gained in Tasks 5 and 6 plus your own research, write down three (3) different ways you could develop your competence that suit your learning style. (approx. 50 words)
11. a) In relation to your selected job role, list three (3) skills and/or knowledge areas that you could develop to maintain a competitive edge in this role. These skills and/or knowledge must be different to those required to undertake the role and should help to make you more attractive to a potential employer.(approx. 50 words)
12. b) For each identified skill, explain how you would gain or develop it. (approx. 100 words)
13. a) Research and attend a networking event that will enable you to gain skills, knowledge or employment in an area in which you are interested in building your skills.
14. b) In a brief report, provide details of the network, why you selected it, where and when you could participate and any costs involved, along with any skills, knowledge or employment outcomes from your visit to the event. You should consider industry organisations, business networks, on-line networks or groups. (Approx. 150 words, use clear headings in your report)
15. Complete Appendix B – your Professional Development Plan using the information you have discovered in the previous tasks as well as further research. You should include:
16. development of skills and/or knowledge needed for your selected job
17. development of skills and/or knowledge you aim to acquire to achieve or maintain a competitive edge
18. planned participation in networks or professional associations to enhance professional development
19. timeframes in which to achieve development opportunities, new skills, participation in networks.
20. LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented service that operates via websites and mobile apps.  It is mainly used for professional networking, including employers posting jobs and job seekers posting their CVs.  As of April 2017, LinkedIn had 500 million members in 200 countries, out of which more than 106 million members are active. LinkedIn allows members (both workers and employers) to create profiles and "connections" to each other in an online social network which may represent real-world professional relationships. Members can invite anyone (whether an existing member or not) to become a connection. Source – Wikipedia

To enhance your competitive edge and networking skills you have decided you need to learn how to use LinkedIn.

You are required to

• research how LinkedIn works
• set up a LinkedIn account
• Create your LinkedIn profile
• provide a screen shot of your LinkedIn page and submit to your assessor as evidence you have learnt a new skill.

Please note: if you would prefer to learn another skill please discuss this with your assessor who will decide on the suitability of your alternate learning objective and what you will need to submit as evidence of having learnt the new skill.  The assessor will document the alternate arrangements on your file.

The Chosen Organization and Its Core Values

Question 1

The chosen organization is Woolworths Supermarkets, a company with its headquarters in Australia but spread in various locations across the globe due to the fact that it is a multinational. The organization is a leading retailer in various products including groceries, drinks and a wide range of other products.

The mission of the organization is to offer the best in value, convenience as well as quality to customers.

The company’s core values are based on consumer satisfaction, staying collaborative, being responsible and enhancing quality of products and services

Some of the company’s strategic goals include:

• Enhancement of healthy relations with consumers and key stakeholders.
• To a be a leading retailer both locally and internationally
• To be a highly performing organization with a difference.

Question 2

Professional development policies, plans and procedures

At Woolworths, the core focus is on consumer satisfaction through quality services and product delivery. As a professional development policy, the organization is keen on the establishment of healthy and long lasting relationships with the clients. This is achieved through proper after sales, discounts and reward systems, Staff training, empowerment and motivation is another core development policy at the organization.

The company’s plan is to be a leading retailer in its area of service throughout the world through the incorporation of unique and effective strategies. Price control and proper marketing analysis are the major elements of this plan.

The main procedures include:

• Using performance indicators to evaluate departmental progress
• Noting the specific areas within the organization which require adjustment
• Identifying and implementing the right correctional strategies to ensure organizational sustainability and performance.

Question 3

I have selected the position of a sales and marketing manager as a job role.

The objectives of the marketing department include:

• To ensure proper brand presence through adequate exposure of company products
• To enhance proper market grip by improving consumer experiences and satisfaction
• To attract a good return on investment through improved sales as a result of proper marketing.

These objectives are aligned to the company’s goals. The organization’s goals are focused on creating satisfaction and loyalty among the consumers. At the same time, the sales and marketing objectives are entirely consumer oriented as they seek to improve experiences which in turn establishes loyalty and eventual market stability.

Question 4

Role position: Sales and marketing manager

Objective	KPIs
To ensure proper brand presence through adequate exposure of company products	Ø Brand consideration Ø Brand awareness percentage Ø Brand credibility Ø Brand strength Ø Average response rate
To enhance proper market grip by improving consumer experiences and satisfaction	Ø Ad-click through ratio Ø Column inches of media coverage Ø Consumer awareness Ø Annual percentage market portion   Ø Response rate
To attract a good return on investment through improved sales as a result of proper marketing.	Ø Return on investment of brand Ø Staying in budget Ø Target rating point Ø Brand transaction value Ø Return on marketing investment

The KPIs will be used to measure performance through periodical evaluation against set targets. For each performance indicator, there is a target. Performance shall therefore be gauged based on the extent to which this target has been addressed. A value way below the target indicates poor performance. A value close to the target shows an average performance while a value above the target is rated a good performance.

1. The performance shall be achieved and maintained through:

• Networking with other professionals in the same area to gain adequate skills
• Consistent reference to the organization’s goals and objectives to ensure individual interests are aligned to these goals.
• Empowerment and exposure through benchmarking, training, research and innovation.
• Personal evaluation of progress using the KPIs and noting the knowledge gaps and hence training need

Question 5

Skill or Knowledge	Level of Competence or Knowledge, where 1 = No skill or knowledge, and 6 = Expert, could teach others
	1	2	3	4	5	6
Organizational skills			3
Time management				4
Problem solving			3
Speaking and presenting to groups			3
Project management software		2
Report writing				4
Staff management		2
Communication skills		2
Ability to strategise		2
IT and computer packages			3
Decision making and people motivation		2

Question 6

Suggestions from trainer based on discussion

The trainer suggested the need for proper training and exposure on key management skills, decision making and strategy placement abilities. These adjustments would be essential for problem solving. The trainer additionally recommended the need for enhancement of communication skills both in individual and corporate set ups. As an initiative to achieve self-empowerment, refresher courses on computer packages and software management was suggested as vital areas of adjustment. Consequently, the trainer noted the need for involvement in more group work related activities in a bid to enhance team management and organizational skills. Group activities would also be a good ground to sharpen one’s decision making and problem solving skills.

Question 7

Suggestions on ways to improve the areas of competence based on discussion

• Through increased interaction with other professionals in the same field for networking and exchange of ideas.
• Through individual empowerment, learning and extensive interaction with educative and informative material
• By embracing a hands on approach to problem solving and group dynamics and occasionally taking part in group related activities

Question 8

In order to develop my competence based on the learning experience revealed above, the following strategies would be helpful:

• Taking breaks during the studies to enhance the levels of concentration
• Incorporating diagrams and practical demonstrations during studies to improve learning.
• Assembling and using charts as well as diagrams to enhance presentation and improve the learning environment.

Professional Development Policies, Plans and Procedures

Question 9

Required skills to maintain a competitive edge:

• Inventory and financial management skills to complement organizational abilities

This skill shall be gained through extensive training on the related field, reading of financial records and exploration of visual illustrations to aid in the understanding of the ideas and skills. Benchmarking with other experts on this field would also be useful in gaining the required knowledge.

• Proficiency in communication and knowledge of at least more than one language to assist in effective communication especially in a multicultural environment.

This shall be achieved through interaction with various cultures and values through exhibitions, cultural events and trade show in addition to other platforms for interaction and exposure.

• Self-management skills which involves proceeding with work without necessarily waiting for supervision or occasional checks from the supervisors and other leaders.

This shall be achieved by asking for new roles at work in addition to the originally stated ones. Furthermore, it shall be realized through the development of a study program and staying committed to it.

Question 10

The networking event attended was Emerging Leaders’ Conference in Brisbane. The event is annual and happened in August.

The entry to the event was free but the participants were required to pay a registration fee in case they wished to enroll for special courses. The skills gained included leadership and management skills necessary for coordination of activities and stakeholders in an organizational set up. The conference also offered much exposure on the aspect of financial management which is a crucial element for successful leadership, management as well as performance of duties as an employee

Question 11

Sign up to LinkedIn Account and provide a screenshot here

My career objective is:	To remain open to learning and continuously engage in activities that would develop me into a dependable professional in my line of duty
Skill or knowledge gap	Development activity	Details (Provider, location, etc.)	Time frame	Cost
Communication skills	Taking part in various language classes Interactive platforms like cultural events and conferences	Approved learning institutions Conferences and networks	6 months	$2000
Teamwork	Volunteering for community service Group assignments as part of studies	Registered community service organization such as Emerging leaders initiative	5 months	Free
Problem solving	Undertaking research assignments as portion of studies Study  skill courses focused on problem solving	Approved research organizations and leadership and management institutions	6 months	$3500
Organization and planning skills	Organizing community events Managing time around study, work and other commitments	Current organization Home	6 months	free

Q12

Diary for a period of two weeks (14 days)

Actual diary

Day	Activity
1	Morning exercise then report to work, have evening sports after work, join family for dinner.
2	Morning studies, go to work come back to do sports and pursue hobbies before joining family
3	Complete homework early morning, go to work and come back for more studies
4	Go to work, have time together with family after work, shopping, walks.
5	Work, attend a social event, sleep
6	Relax and later go out with family for a social event
7	Assist in household chores, relax soon after
8	Morning exercise then report to work, have evening sports after work, join family for dinner.
9	Morning studies, go to work come back to do sports and pursue hobbies before joining family
10	Complete homework early morning, go to work and come back for more studies
11	Go to work, have time together with family after work, shopping, walks.
12	Work, attend a social event, sleep
13	Attend to family obligations, travel
14	Take part in a community event, relax soon after

Idealized diary

Day	Activity
1	Exercise, work and time together with family
2	Exercise, work, personal studies and assignments
3	Enough sleep, go to work and come back for more studies
4	Go to work, have time together with family after work, shopping, walks.
5	Work, attend an evening class, come home to relax
6	Take part in social event and community services
7	Assist in household chores, relax soon after
8	Work, have evening sports after work, join family for dinner.
9	Go to work come back to do sports and pursue hobbies before joining family
10	Complete homework early morning, go to work and come back for more studies
11	Go to work, have time together with family after work, shopping, walks.
12	Work, attend a social event, sleep
13	Attend to family obligations, travel
14	Take part in a community event, do sports and hobbies.

It is crucial to have the right balance between work, family and other commitments. From a personal point of view, laying too much focus on one area may be detrimental to the stability of other aspects. Despite the overwhelming demands of the work place, it is important to create time for other activities which include time together with family, attending community services and taking part in social events. With reference to the personal diary above it is eminent that the working hours and study durations tend to take most of my time. These activities are both physically and emotionally draining. As a strategy to relieve the stress and tensions involved, I take part in sporting events, community services and also attend social gatherings together with the family. Additionally, I have scheduled time for both morning and evening exercise to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. I am also keen on my diet to ensure my feeding patterns goes in line with the stated work and health objectives.

References

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DeJong, Mark. ‘Cognitive Load Theory, Educational Research, and Instructional Design: Some Food for Thought. Instructional Science’ (2010) 38(1) An International Journal of the Learning Sciences 12.

Kleibard, Bowe. Scientific curriculum-making and the rise of social efficiency. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2014)

Leonard, Lennot. Learning theories, A to Z. (Westport, Conn: Oryx Press, 2012).

Lombardi, Crew. Internet Activities for a Preschool Technology Education Program Guided by Caregivers. (Carolina: North Carolina State University Press, 2011).

Zan, Devries. ‘When children make rules’ (2013) Educational Leadership 64.