Master of Business Administration

Personal Skills Development

Operational Activity, Portfolio and Critical Reflection

Supervised By Submitted By Submitted To Word Count

STEPHEN HUMPHREY STU 22782 IBAM 4,366

Submission Date 25 July 2011

Contents
Contents................................................................................................................ 2 Group or Team.......................................................................................................4 1.1 Was It Group or Team?.................................................................................4 1.2 Relationship between the objectives of task and individual role and objectives........................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Interactions with Colleagues.........................................................................6 1.4 What do I do differently and why?................................................................7 Portfolio................................................................................................................. 8 2.1 Summary of PDP...........................................................................................8 2.2 Review of Activities and Resources Used.....................................................9 2.2.1 Resources...............................................................................................9 2.2.2 Activities...............................................................................................10 2.3 Review of the Skills developed...................................................................11 2.3.1 Communication skills............................................................................11 2.3.3 Leadership Skills...................................................................................12 2.3.3 Entrepreneurship..................................................................................12 2.4 Detailed Evidence for the portfolio.............................................................12 3. Critical Reflection.......................................................................................13 Reference............................................................................................................ 16 5. Appendix 1.......................................................................................................18 5.1 Skill Audit....................................................................................................18 5.2. PDP............................................................................................................ 20 5.3 SWOT Analysis............................................................................................22 6. Appendix 2.......................................................................................................23 6.1 Feedback.................................................................................................... 23 6.2 Student Assessment Feedback...................................................................24 6.3 Group Member Feedback............................................................................27 7. Appendix 3.......................................................................................................28 7.1 LSH Agenda 1.............................................................................................28 7.2 Agenda LSH 2.............................................................................................29 7.3 Pictures LSH................................................................................................30 7.4 Principal Email LSH.....................................................................................30 7.4 Testimonial.................................................................................................31 8. Appendix 4.......................................................................................................33 8.1 Learning Log...............................................................................................33

8.2 Face book Scribed and LinkedIn.................................................................39 8.3 Learning Style............................................................................................39 8.4 Learning Profile...........................................................................................39 8.5 Belbin Score Card.......................................................................................40 8.6 Weekly Planner...........................................................................................42 9. Appendix 5.......................................................................................................45 9.1 Resources Used..........................................................................................45 9.2 List of Journal Used During MBA.................................................................47 9.3 List of Books & Article Used........................................................................47 9.3.1 Leadership............................................................................................47 9.3.2 Communication....................................................................................48 9.3.3 Entrepreneurship .................................................................................48 9.4 Mind tool Test.............................................................................................49

Group or Team
I have joined Tesco Bow Road as a Customer Service Assistant in October 2010. The store is amongst top two in group 34 of Tesco. However it was facing problem related to the increasing percentage of the waste and shrink. During the month of February 2011, the store administration faced a huge pressure from top level management to control the waste and shrink percentage due to which store management was forced to bring a change by cutting down its daily expenses and the rota for employee. In order to control the waste and shrink percentage the store manger decided to appoint the workforce which was responsible for the investigating the reason behind the problem and to come up with the solution. Along with this the team was held responsible for the implementing the company rule and procedure to help in minimising the waste and shrink (two months time). 1.1 Was It Group or Team? According to Gard (2009) word group and team are used interchangeably however there are many identified difference between two. Katzenbach and Smith (1993) defined the team as small number of people with complementary skills, who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. Saiyadain (2003) stated that team is a purposeful entity, which is built to achieve collective output, which is meaningful to members and organisation. He further argued that team member are interdependent due to complimentary skills and there success depends on their individual and collective work. Group take responsibility on individual output, whereas team takes responsibility on collective output. Alison Hardingham (1995) argued that shared goal or goals are the difference between team and group. He further stated that goals are to be understand by all team members and joint team effort need to be collaborated. Lussier (2009) stated that in group one leader makes decision while in team its shared leadership. He further stated that in group members are rewarded on individual performance only, whereas in team members are awarded individually and group performance.

It is very evident from the above literature that it was team work in our case, because there were having extensive communication and meeting for problem solving. We were dependent on each other for the success of the project, although we were having individual objective which we have align to achieve organisational objective and all these were done by mutual collaboration. Duties and responsibilities were assigned and we were made accountable for results. 1.2 Relationship between the objectives of task and individual role and objectives The objective of the task was to identify the reasons behind the shrink and waste, and come up with solutions; also the purpose of this team was to insure the proper implementation of company standards and procedure in controlling the problem. When I was selected as the team member for the task, I realised that it is a great opportunity for me to test my skills and knowledge. During my MBA I decided to improve my communication skills, Leadership skills including managing and motivating people, and entrepreneurship (negotiating skills). So my personal goal was to test my above skills and helped in enhancing my other existing skills like problem solving, planning and time management. The task not only helped me in realising my own objectives, it also helped me in linking my objective with organisation. For example there were many trainees in the stores and it was observed that one reason for waste was not proper rotation by the trainees. Being a part of team it was my responsibility to guide them and motivate them for following procedure of company. I tried to use the knowledge gain at my college regarding motivational theory. Like motivation by encouragement, reward in term of permanent job on the basis of performance etc. While working in team we were planning our daily task and prioritise them, there was intense communication between the team during the time. We motivated each other help and supported each other to complete the task in time. This helped in improving my communication, interpersonal, time management and part of leadership skills. My Belbins test result was Resource investigator and shaper, and my learning profile was showing inclination to logical, verbal and visual style for learning. Although I contacted the other store where they were facing same type of problem, I also acted as shaper and made

consensus during conflict time. One of my intentions was to learn other team role and improve my learning by other styles. So I also acted a coordinator and helped everyone whenever they need my help during task. I changed my role according to situation. This was time where I learned through social and physical style of learning. Working in team for such task in world number 2nd ranks company gave me confidence, provided me chance to learn additional things, like we were selected on the basis of daily job like Job 14, Gap Scan, waste scan etc this activity helped me in learning other roles as well and we were successful in finding the reasons and successfully came up with action plan and implemented company rules. 1.3 Interactions with Colleagues It was very important for us and organisation to achieve the task, and for doing to everyone in the team has to realise their potential skills and give a combine effort to achieve the goal. Fisher et al (2001) stated that team effectiveness depends on the extent, to which members correctly recognize and adjust to the relative strengths. Hinds and Mortensen (2005) argued that frequent communication enhances shared team identity and helps in solving the interpersonal conflicts. During the task I have intense communication with the trainees and the amongst team member and repeatedly reminded the goals and clarified the situation and resolved the conflicts. Our team was a multi cultural team, team member were from India, Pakistan, SriLanka and UK, so communication and regular feedback played a vital in our success. Weimann et al. (2010) and Congdon (2009) have also shared similar idea that multi cultural teams need more communication and regular feedback for best performance. As I have mentioned in section b that I tried to change my team role (Belbins) according to situation. So my interaction with my colleagues with changed roles was very fruitful. Whenever there was a concern or issue face-to-face communication helped in solving that problem so I have acted as a shaper. I have also investigated the other store and got information on this issue and when shared with my team member it appreciated. When my team member needed helped I helped them and acted as coordinator. This type of interactions brought the team closer and helped in achieving the objective.

During the task we appreciated every single success and valued each other cultures, views listen to each other, work on equal status, given respect to other and listened to them with open heart. The communication between the team members was informal, we had faceto- face communication for problem or conflict resolution, we have also interacted with each other on the phone so communication played a vital role in team interaction. Congden (2009) stated that multicultural teams need more communication for success due to difference in verbal and non verbal communication. Dyer (2006) stated that 95 % of project fails due to poor communication or lack of communication. 1.4 What do I do differently and why? Even though we have completed the task in time and achieved the objectives, however when I review my experience and reflection, I believe there were some are where I could do better or the more learning I have now I could use different approach to do the same task. There was no written communication amongst the team; it was only verbal, feedback, results everything was in verbal, however If I will use written communication as well for team work for more involvement and better results I could have improve my formal written and problem solving skills. Thompson (2002) stated that written communication can be used as tool of intervention and problem solving. Written work also provides the basis for future work. Me and my team has used the traditional way of writing the data, I think I could have used the Laptop and WRAP companys SWMP template (waste & resource action program, Site waste management program). The program is best in reflection feedback from the user. And it could have provided better results, although it would have been different from company policy, but I would have tried this on my own and then given them the report. There were no formal meetings between the team; we used to meet during working hour. Seibold (1979) stated that meeting promote cohesiveness and unity in the group and helps in problem solving and decision making. The regular meeting and review could have resulted in finishing task earlier then two months time. The feedback was oral; I would use the written feedback for more encouragement and appreciation.

Portfolio
According to Redman (1994) portfolio is tangible record of what someone has done. While Knap (1975) stated that portfolio is like a file or folder containing information which has been accumulated about a students past experiences and accomplishments and is mean of accreditation of prior learning. 2.1 Summary of PDP I have always desired to be a successful businessman/manager in my life; however I have felt in many stages of my life that I lack some of the important skills which are essential for successful businessman or manager. These skills include the skills like resource management, communication skills, negotiating skills, entrepreneur skills, managing and leading people. During my job as Accounts Manager in Niml I have developed some skills for managing the financial resources and planning but these were not enough for my future career. I realised to expose myself to challenging environment where I can improve my skills and can get some theoretical and practical knowledge. For this purpose I have got admission in MBA as UK seemed to be perfect place for getting degree and experience. At the start of the course I have done skill audit to find the gap for the skills which I was lacking, and made a development plan for improving these skills, so that at the end of the course I could be able to compete in the business environment which was vital for my future career. My skills audit highlighted weak areas in communication (written and Oral), Managing and leading people and entrepreneur skills. Along with this I have done SWOT analysis to identify the strength which I can use to convert my weakness into strengths to avail the opportunities in the market and minimise my threats. In order to learn different things I have to be aware of my learning style and nature, for this purpose I have done Kolb learning style and Belbins team role. Based on these results, skill audit and SWOT analysis I developed a weekly time table which helped me a lot in developing the desired skills along with some additional skills like time management, problem solving and decision making. The skill audit showed a significant gap in the communication skills, so I have planned to get a job in the company where I have to involve constantly my self interacting with customer. I decided to volunteer myself for class representative, and the reason behind

this was I realised this could the best platform where I can improve my communication skills, can learn how to manage group of people in class and can also improve my negotiation skills which interacting with staff and administration. I started reading the article, journal and magazines especially related to the global business from financial times, Telegraph and BBC business these helped me in understanding global business tactics and changes these article also helped me in acquitting with the different ways of writing styles. I have also started reading the books and autobiography of great leaders and successful businessmen and try to learn different secrets from their experience and life. I listened to the different interviews of the successful people and listed to different successful mangers how they managed and lead the people in organisation. The different activities in class and at my work helped me in understanding the psychology, culture, norms and values of my colleagues which helped in understanding how to manage and lead the people, and given me a chance to develop professional approach to my career. Price (1994) stated that portfolio shows a dynamic record of growth and professional change. 2.2 Review of Activities and Resources Used I have been using a wide range of resources and activities as mentioned in table included in appendix. The detailed review for the resources and activities used for personal development are as follow: 2.2.1 Resources I have studied different books and article on related to the leadership, some based on leadership qualities, motivation, time management, entrepreneurship, and communication. The Mintzbergs management roles, Jack Welchs leadership principle and other books related to life and achievement of leader helped me in understanding the different aspect of leadership, changing styles and roles according to different situations and industries (country level, global, work place etc). The One Minute Manager, By Ken Blanchard and Spencer
Johnson was really interesting it gave me another side of manager or leader. Moreover the

Belbins work on teamwork helped in understanding the team building, roles, and its importance and tried to learn other team roles according to the task and requirement.

The Maslow, Hertzberg theories on motivation helped in understanding the human nature and factors motivating it. These ideas help me in understanding different results and its application in different situation, e.g. in Tesco I have seen the effects of bonus, rewards, and acknowledgement, and while in college I have seen the power of appreciation, acknowledgment and creating competitive environment. I have read the motivational books like Vinci Code and Who Says I Can't? This gave me another idea how internal motivation and sense of achievement works. I have taken leadership test on mindstool and businessball website. These test helped me in understanding the different questions, situations and traits of leadership in test. In order to keep my self updated I regularly read the Financial times, Telegraph and BBC business. These programs helped in understanding the market current situation, the future expected trends and the valuable views, suggestions and strategies helped me in understanding the market trends and future opportunities and threats and how to cope with them. I really enjoyed listing to Alan Sugar and Philip Kotler. The strategies of these people will really helpful to me when I will start my business. I have been reading the article, case studies, blogs, which helped me in learning different styles of written communication. I have tried business development emails, learned different business terminologies, vocabulary, which helped me a lot in improving my communication skills. All the resources mentioned in table in appendix helped in getting knowledge which was helpful during activities. 2.2.2 Activities I have been involved in group discussion at college, participated in group activities, presentation. This was the real time and place where I have tested my skills and applied the knowledge gained during my course. All these activities helped in building confidence, personality development, helped in learning motivating people in group, power sharing, delegating responsibilities, resolving conflict, learning different cultures , evaluating performance, improving my communication skills and leading people. I have also represented London Student Hub twice representing IBAM where I learned meeting skills, learnt about UOW online library and then given lecture to my class mates on how to use UOW online library. Listening to Harvard, Stanford and Oxford university channel helped me a lot in gaining knowledge and improving my desired skills.

My work place helped me a lot in improving my oral and interpersonal skills as I have to deal with many customers. While working in team I learned the motivation, cooperation and helping each other, sharing responsibility. This was the real place where I have seen the practical about what I have studied during course, like motivation, team, group work, customer services, marketing concepts, organisational culture etc, and managing change. Other activities like revising and following my timetable, helped in time management and planning, all above activities provided me chance to test my skills in real environment. 2.3 Review of the Skills developed 2.3.1 Communication skills Communication skills are considered very important in every field however these are very crucial for the business students. Both written and oral communications are keys to successful leaders, businessmen and managers. During my course I have improved my written skills, learned writing styles, (academic, and business) and these will help me in conveying message in strong way and problem solving. Thompson (2002) has argued that written communication can be used directly as a tool of intervention, a method of problem solving .e.g. SWOT analysis is best example. Oral skills are also very important for my future career, as good manager/businessmen should be good speaker. My college and my jobs helped a lot in improving my oral skills and the interviews and speeches from YouTube helped me to understand non verbal communication as well. Like smile, warm welcome, listening and understanding others, these are also requirement of my current job. According to Fontana (1990) research shows that in both personal and professional life people who smile are rated as warm, empathetic and understanding. While Buhler (2009) stated that active listening improve communication process. Although I have improved my communication skills a lot if I compare my self when I joined my course, however I feel that in my future life I need to improve more, Although the current level of this skills is fulfilling my current role. But when I will move in international market for business, expos, seminars I will have exposure to much bigger environment and I need to equip my skills to the mark that I can compete in that competitive environment, so I am planning and learning.

2.3.3 Leadership Skills Now a days there is high demand for leader in both private and public organisations (Bennis, 2007; Hill, 2008; Mumford et al., 2000 Cited in Smits 2010). I have learned lot of theories and gain knowledge on effective leadership from college. Also my college provide me variety of group activities where I have learned and tested leadership skill. However these were limited as Mintzberg (2004) argued that only academic community can not engage you in leadership development due to many reasons. Smits (2010) divided leadership development in to leadership and training and development. (Ashby & Miles, 2002 cited
in Smits 2010) stated that leaders emerge from organisations. It was my work place where I learned how to lead people, all the attributes of leadership, communication, listening and valuing other culture, emotional intelligence, sensing and planning change etc. While working in team and supervising the trainees in store helped me in true learning and development. The training course in my work place also helped me in this regard. Every time I have faced new situation and challenges during job rotation and special task and learned new thing. This will help me in my future life when I will have to manage my own firm and will have to lead people.

2.3.3 Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur is a like manger that has to manage his business and has to involved and lead his people and he should know the market trend and can respond to situation. Mubaslat (2010) stated that effective leader should know what to do? Although I have learned some traditional skills from my fathers business, however the Richard Cantillon, Samson and Stevensons works really helped me in understanding the entrepreneur. The F.T Telegraph, The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, and other resource from internet helped me in understanding the modern entrepreneur, business developments and global world. This will definitely help me when I will start my own business. That will be the time when I will be having time to test my all skills which I have developed during my course and my work at Tesco and I am positive that these thing will give me a competitive advantage in my back home market. 2.4 Detailed Evidence for the portfolio Appendix 1 for Skill audit, PDP & SWOT, Appendix 2, Feedback, London Student Hub & email from Principal and Tutor, Appendix 3 Contains Learning log, Face book, LinkedIn,

scribed , Learning Style, Learning Profile, Belbin Score card, & Weekly Planner, While Appendix 5 has Table for Resources used, List of Journals, books and Mindstool results.

3. Critical Reflection
Critical reflection has become an increasingly important aspect of research, teaching and learning (Gilstrap 2010). Boud et al (1985) described reflection as the process of investigating and discovery, which often leads to unexpected outcomes. He further argued that reflection act as bridge between the experience and learning and involves feeling and cognition. There are number of scholars who have worked in this area and they have came up some famous model like John model of reflection (1994), Kolb learning cycle (1984) and Atkins and Murphy model of reflection (1994) however I will use the Kolbs and Murphy model. During my stay at college I have learned many things which were totally new to me. The best part of learning was working in groups and giving presentation where I had chance to develop leadership skills, like planning, communication, motivating people, delegating responsibilities, solving group conflicts. Presentations to class and tutor give me confidence and help in improving my communication skills and personality development. The best part was question, answer and discussion. Murphy (2001) have also stated that semi- structured interviews and presentation allows discussion to come to life as this provide opportunity to talk to each other in group or to a group. While working in Tesco I have also learned many things especially when change was implemented, this helped me in learning how to plan, implement and manage change and measure results in term of success. This change time truly helped me in understanding the theories of motivation, concept of change management, conflicts resolution and communication channel and feedback importance. The most important thing during the period was organisation learning being a part of organisation and knowledge management. Concrete Experience If I see my skills development process which started after joining MBA, I can see that the lectures which I have attended in the class, the online material from Ilearn and university of Wales, and other article from different magazines, internet were similar to the my previous experience of MBA in Pakistan. However the group discussion and presentation added more

value, knowledge and experience to my existing beliefs as I have interacted with different people belonging to different background and culture. Reflective Observation My reflection observation on course, my studies, class lectures, discussion with group mates, tutor was contradicting on some stage with my past experience. The feedback on the assessment, feedback from tutor and class mates I kept on tracking what I have done well and what was weak in my assessment, my work in class. Although it was very difficult time for me to change my existing views however I have to change my views as I could not achieve the true learning and professional development on the basis of just reflection I had to listen and value the opinion of other . Based on this I articulated my reflection in organized way so that what I think and remember will build on the experience in my future life. Abstract Conceptualisation I have studied theories and literature on motivation, leadership, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, problem solving, group and team work, performance appraisal from Ilearn, UOW and internet. Use of flow charts, frameworks and implementation of different models and the critical analysis of the data these were new skills which I have learned during the course. These helped me in understanding the use of same skill in different scenario like motivating colleagues, communicating them, giving them feedback, resolving group conflict these were totally different to my work place where the process of communication (formal), motivational technique (appreciation and reward), problem solving were different then in college. This approach of learning helped me in updating my learning and reflection of my previous experience and solved many misconceptions. Active Experimentation The conclusion from abstract conceptualisation stage provided me the foundation based on which I could plan changes. I have worked in group many times in college; lead the group, delegated the work, and planned to whole layout for controlling things and given presentations. These activities provided me a plate form to test the skills which I was willing to develop. My work place where I daily interacted with hundreds of customers helped me in improving my communication skills, and helped in grooming my personality. While working in team; during assigned task helped me to test my skills in different environment where the

standards were different as compared to college. However these both platforms provided me a different views that how person could change or could be flexible in applying same skill according to situation and environment. During our first semester in PDP Mr Trevor Peck conducted the test for Belbin teams role, Kolbs learning cycle and Honey & Mumfords learning in class which helped me a lot in understanding my way of learning. My inclination was toward theorist and pragmatic style so based on that I shifted my attention to other two styles for active learning. Also Belbin teams role helped me a lot while working in group during different tasks in class and at my work place, where I tried to learn other team roles that can help me in future. Overall the learning and development process was very well in college and Tesco and I am pleased with this however I still feel and desire to improve my skill and I will work regularly to maintain the level. Moreover learning and development is thing which never ends, person can learn throughout life time. This course at IBAM and working in Tesco provided me a platform and made a foundation for my learning and development for my future life.

Reference
Armstrong, M. (2006) A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, Philadelphia Kogan, London Gard, R.P (2009) A behavioural approach to pharmacy practice, Blackwell Science Ltd, USA Hardingham, A (1995) Working in Teams, chartered institute of personal and development, London Lussier, N, R (2009) Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, Skill Development, 4th edition Cengage learning, USA Saiyadain, S, M (2003) Organisational Behaviour ,Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi Thompson, N. (2002) People Skills, 2nd Ed Basingstoke, New York Palgrave Macmillan. Bennis, W. (2007), The challenges of leadership in the modern world: Introduction to the special issue, American Psychologist, 62(1), pp. 25. Boud, R. Keogh and D. Walker (eds) Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning, pp 7-17. London: Kogan Page. Buhler, P, M,. (2009) Six tips to more effective communication, Supervision, Vol. 70, no.7, p19-21 Congden, S., Matveev, A, V., Desplaces, D, E. (2009) Cross-cultural Communication and Multicultural Team Performance: A German and American Comparison, Journal of Comparative International Management, Vol. 12, no.2, p73-89. Dyer, S., T he Root Causes of Poor Communication, Cost Engineering, Vol. 48, no.6, p810. Excellent 30 minute BBC Radio 4 Discussion about Modern Leadership. [online] Available at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/soundadvice/pip/7bz6q/> Fisher, S, G., Hunter, T, A., MacRosson, W, D,K.(2001) A validation study of Belbin's team roles, European Journal of Work & Organizational Psychology, Vol. 10, no. 2, p121-144. Hill, L.A. (2008), Where will we find tomorrows leaders? A Conversation with Linda A. Hill,Harvard Business Review, January, pp. 123129.

Hinds, P., & McGrath, C. (2006) Structures that Work: Social Structure, Work Structure and Coordination Ease in Geographically Distributed Teams. Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work: 343-352 Knapp J (1975) A guide to assessing prior experience through portfolios. Education testing service, Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning, Princeton Humphrey, S. 2011. Change Process: Managing Change course unit handout, IBAM, London, 22 April. Johari window [online] Available at<:http://www.businessballs.com/johariwindowmodeldiagram.pdf> Kolbs Learning Cycle available at <http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/ldu/sddu_multimedia/kolb/static_version.php> Leadership styles and theories [online] Available at <http://www.businessballs.com/leadership.htm> Leadership Books [online] Available at <http://www.businessballs.com/recommendedbookswriters.htm> Leadership Quiz [online] Available at:< http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_01.htm> Mumford, M.D., Zaccaro, S.J., Harding, F.D., Jacobs, T.O., & Fleishman, E.A. (2000), Leadership skills for a changing world: Solving complex social problems, Leadership Quarterly, 11(1), pp. 1135. Peck, T., 2010 Personal Skills Development, LIBAMUOWMBAW007. RDI, Unpublished Peck, T. (2010) Defining Groups and team. Personal Skills Development course unit handout, IBAM, London, 19 Oct. Peck, T. (2010) Group Theories. Personal Skills Development course unit handout, IBAM, London, 19 Oct. Peck, T. (2010) Groups Dynamics and Team Skills. Personal Skills Development course unit handout, IBAM, London, 19 Oct. Price, A. (1994) Midwifery portfolios: making reflective records. Mod Midwife 4:3538. Redman W (1994) Portfolios for development: a guide for trainers and managers. Kogan Page, London. Smits, S,J. (2010) Extending the journey: leadership development beyond the MBA, Poznan University of Economics Review, Vol. 10, no.1. P62-77.

5. Appendix 1
5.1 Skill Audit

SKILL

TYPICAL DESCRIPTORS

SKILL LEVEL Low High 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5

SPECIFIC COMMENTS I am good in this area but need to maintain this level I am good in this area but need to maintain this level

Organisation and time management Decision making and problem solving

Prioritising, dealing with paperwork; interruptions; planning your day. Ability to make decisions; selecting suitable solutions; analysis of appropriateness.

1 1

Planning

Leading teams; consulting team members; task allocation; objective setting.

I am good in this area but need to maintain this level

Delegation

Matching tasks to staff; providing guidance and advice; maintaining staff motivation and focus.

I am good in this area but need to maintain this level

Motivation

Applying motivational techniques; understanding individual motives; making tasks challenging; encouraging creativity; providing team support; engendering trust and openness.

Need to learn motivational techniques. How to apply them in groups. How to motivate people in groups. Understanding their motives. I am good in this area but need to maintain this level

Coaching

Providing guidance; listening skills; ability to draw out information; reinforcing behaviour using feedback; negotiating; planning goals and objectives.

Target setting

Understanding and communicating organisational objectives; use of SMART objectives to achieve targets. Relating to others; building rapport and

I am good in this area but need to maintain this level Need to work more on

Interpersonal skills

5.2. PDP
Skill Area Written Action Plan for Development Essays/Reports/Assignments/Case study for College Personal Statements/Resume/Covering Letters Business letters/emails/memos Group Discussions on College/Social Discussion Board forums Writing , writing and writing while listing to news etc Grammar/Spelling/Vocabulary/Business Terminologies Lectures Class room participations Being Class representative Customer assistant job Making new friends Job interviews Presentations to class mates Taking initiatives Managing students in class Working in groups Assigning task Understanding their issue Discussion on different topic Listing to their view Conflicts resolution Start Date 31 August 2010 Target completion Time 8 Months Evidence See appendix For business email & covering letter

Speaking

Leadership

31 July 2010

8 Months

Class participation, presenting many times in class on behalf of group, Class representative

31 July 2010

12 Months

Taking initiative in class, Managing class member on different issue, keeping in mind learning style and profile i have given job in class

Entrepreneur

Source: PDP Formative Assessment 1 STU 22782

Leadership styles test Reading biography of leaders Managing resources Managing time

01 September 2011

10 Months

5.3 SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Weakness
Communication Skills not up to the mark Look everything in my own way due to which I argue Take time to be friendly with people Not Challenging in oral Communication

MBA (Finance) Accounting Softwares IT Packages Job Experience Writing Skills Takes Initiatives Team Player Creative Analytical /Critical Problem Solving ability Influencing Ability Negotiating Skills Strong Observation/Memory Adaptable to new Environment Cool Minded/Calm Firm & Persistent Planning & Organizing events Decision Making Delegation/ Taking Responsibilities

Opportunities

Threats

New IT/Accounting Packages Tesco Job C.A (I can improve my communication skill) Class participation can improve communication skills Online Business in UK Can apply for Managerial Position in Tesco after MBA from UK Customer Assistant job making me more people friendly Being a Class Representative

UKBA new regulations Time Management Short Term time Market Competition Classmates

6. Appendix 2
6.1 Feedback Student Assessment Feedback

MBA

First Name: MUHAMMAD

Surname: OMAIR

Module: Managing Human Resources

Assignment due date: 05.11.2010

The paper is clearly and logically structured and well resourced. However appropriate academic language has not been used in some cases and the list of appendices should be placed after list of references.

Good resources are used to explore HR concepts and practices. In some cases, resources are not well analysed; explicitly and critically linked to the issues of the case in order to develop arguments.

This is impressive that number of issues are identified that negatively influenced the rewards and retention strategies and practices of Microsoft. However, phases of changes in reward practices over the time are not clearly linked and discussed. It has demonstrated very good

awareness about the implications of HR issues. However, a balanced view of critical discussion has not been addressed.

Overall, the paper has demonstrated good understanding in explaining the concepts and models of HR issues and their applications. Date Marked: 11.11.2010

Marked by: Jasim Uddin

Grade Awarded Penalty to be Applied Overall Grade

60 0 60

6.2 Student Assessment Feedback

MBA

First Name: Surname: Module :

Muhammad Omair Strategic Management 22nd January 2011

Assignment due date: Assessment Feedback

Question 1 Intended Learning Outcomes 2 & 3 (Weighting = 20%) ILO 1 - Critically analyse a range of strategic decision making models. ILO 5 - Develop and justify plans for the implementation of agreed strategies.

This was a good evaluation of Carrefours approach of organic growth and acquisitions and you provided a sound explanation of the market leadership concept. You undertook some evaluation of the evidence as the basis for your answer and you made effective use of supporting examples.

Question 2 Intended Learning Outcomes 3 & 5 (Weighting = 40%) ILO 1 - Critically analyse a range of strategic decision making models. ILO 2 - Undertake a strategic analysis of an organisation. ILO 3 - Apply a range of strategic choice frameworks to generate and evaluate an organisations strategic options.

This was a very good discussion of strategic planning frameworks using which a retailer can assess the potential of a new market and you reviewed a range of relevant approaches. You presented a good application of the methods to retailing examples and you highlighted the importance of the competitive landscape. Your answer included a critical perspective on the limitations of the tools.

Question 3 Intended Learning Outcomes 4 & 5 (Weighting = 20%) ILO 2 - Undertake a strategic analysis of an organisation. ILO 5 - Develop and justify plans for the implementation of agreed strategies

This was a sound analysis of Carrefours core competences and you provided some discussion of how Carrefours strengths align to market opportunities. You also included some discussion of how they can be exploited to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Question 4 Intended Learning Outcomes 1 & 5 (Weighting = 20%) ILO 4 - Demonstrate the need to reflect cultural and behavioural issues in the strategic process. ILO 5 - Develop and justify plans for the implementation of agreed strategies.

This answer demonstrated only a basic understanding of the principal cultural issues that arise from globalisation efforts by business organisations. You could have made more use of relevant theoretical material (e.g. Hofstedes work on national culture) and more in-depth discussion of appropriate

management approaches was needed.

Summary

Overall, this was a good submission, well-focussed on the set questions and demonstrating a clear understanding of the Strategy module content. A more critical approach was sometimes needed in evaluating the application of theories to practice. You should aim to read (and reference) more widely.

Achievement of Intended Learning Outcomes:

ILO 1 - Critically analyse a range of strategic decision making models. ILO 2 - Undertake a strategic analysis of an organisation. ILO 3 - Apply a range of strategic choice frameworks to generate and evaluate an organisations strategic options. ILO 4 - Demonstrate the need to reflect cultural and behavioural issues in the strategic process ILO 5 - Develop and justify plans for the implementation of agreed strategies

Marks:

Q1 14 20

Q2 30 40

Q3 12 20

Q4 9 20

TOTAL 65 100

Word limit

None

Turnitin

0%

Presentation

++++

Referencing

++

Date Marked: Marked by:

25th January 2011 Dr Colin Price

Grade Awarded Penalty to be Applied Overall Grade

65

65%

Please note that the grade awarded is provisional and subject to ratification by the examining board. If you have been awarded less than 40% and have a referral opportunity, you will need to retake this at the next available assessment period. If this is your second attempt, please contact the Wales Support Team as you have now exceeded your maximum attempts

6.3 Group Member Feedback Acknowledgement

Friday, 6 May, 2011 16:46

From: This sender is DomainKeys verified "pradeesh cv" <pradeeshcv@gmail.com> View contact details To: shimilian2004@yahoo.co.uk

Hi Omair, I really enjoyed and motivated when i come to your group. You have big heart to hear all members voice and consider our suggestions. More over you are a good leader who lead from the frond. Your analysis skills and leadership is really appreciable. And you are one of the best buddy who take seminars very professionally. I alwasy like to be part of your team.

Keep on going great.. Thanks for your support and suggestions.

Pradeesh

7. Appendix 3
7.1 LSH Agenda 1

The Inaugural Meeting of the London Student Hub Wednesday 24th November 2010 At the Upper Hall, University of London Union, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HY T: 0207 664 2020 W: www.ulu.co.uk

AGENDA 10:30 11:00 Registration Tea and Coffee available on arrival

11:00 11:15 Welcome / Ice Breaker 1 11:15 11:30 Introduction to the London Student Network 11:30 12:15 Online Library - Presented by Ms Bronwen Blatchford UW Librarian 12:15 13:15 Academic Feedback Training Session 13:15 14:15 Lunch / Student Network 14:15 14:30 Ice Breaker 2 14:30 15:30 Rotating Ideas Hour 15:30 15:45 Report back

- Presented by Mr Rhys Parry Student Liaison Officer 15:45 16:00 Closing Plenary - Presented by Mr Ben Gray Student Liaison Officer 16:00 16:30 Complete LSH Feedback Form 7.2 Agenda LSH 2

London Student Hub Saturday 26th February 2011 At the Upper Hall, University of London Union, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HY T: 0207 664 2020 W: www.ulu.co.uk

AGENDA 14:00 Registration - Tea and Coffee available on arrival 14:00 14:15 Opening Plenary 14:15 15:00 Embracing Media: Presenting, Publishing, Products and Promotion Presented by Jacqueline, Senior Lecturer in Health Related Subjects, University of Wales Faculty 15:00 15:45 Meeting Skills
-

15:45 16:00 Break

Workshop run by Mr Rhys Parry, Student Liaison Officer, University of Wales

16:00 16:25 Meeting Skills (Scenarios) 16:25 16:45 Mix and Match (Profiles with Roles) 16:45 17:15 University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) Students Union

- Presented by Mr Theo Taylor, Student Representative, UWIC 17:15 17:45 Global Campus Presented by Mr Andrew Howells, Communications Officer, University of Wales 17:45 18:00 Feedback and Closing Plenary 7.3 Pictures LSH -

7.4 Principal Email LSH

FW: London Student Hub

Thursday, 18 November, 2010 15:49
"Andy Golding" <agolding@rdi.co.uk> View contact details "shimilian2004@yahoo.co.uk" <shimilian2004@yahoo.co.uk> "Ben Culling" <bculling@rdi.co.uk> 1 File (547KB From: To: Cc: Message contains attachments

Hi Muhammad, Please see below: Are you able to attend as the MBA Student Representative please? Can you please let me know ASAP.
Andy Golding Principal IBAM (London) The IBAM 48 Fashion Street London E1 6PX Part of the RDI Global Group Tel: +44 (0)24 765 15700 Fax: +44 (0)24 765 15701 Mob: +44 (0)7950 337347 Email: agolding@rdi.co.uk Web: http://www.rdi.co.uk +44 (0)24 765 15700 +44 (0)7950 337347

7.4 Testimonial

Testimonial for Muhammad Omair (STU22782)

Tuesday, 10 May, 2011 15:10
From: "jkalmus (ibam london tutor)" <jkalmus@theibam.co.uk> Add sender to Contacts shimilian2004@yahoo.co.uk "jkalmus (ibam london tutor)" <jkalmus@theibam.co.uk To: Cc:

Testimonial for Muhammad Omair (STU22782)

To whom it may concern, Muhammad Omair has been been a consistent and active member of his MBA class, and has taken the lead in group activities and given group presentations on many occasions. I have been very impressed both by his hard work and by his willingness to take the initiative. He has also acted as the class representative and has argued skillfully on behalf of his coleagues in discussions with IBAM staff. There is no doubt in my mind that his communication skills have improved significantly during the course of his MBA studies at IBAM London. With my very best wishes, John Kalmus Tutor, IBAM London campus

8. Appendix 4
8.1 Learning Log
Date 23/11/ 10 Development activity Journey metaphor Expected outcome Defining strategy Short term and long term Method of evaluation 5 Ps of Strategy Deliberate VS Emergent Learning Understanding journey cycle Using right strategy and approach Planned Strategy and Emergent Environment Application of learning n future I have understood the journey metaphor of the strategy. I have applied this metaphor in assessments, my actual life, what i want to do , Where I am and how I can reach to final place. This helped me in planning strategy in my future life. The understanding of the research type is very important as all the decision making depend on it. I will used this in my dissertation and Research method I can use this information while

24/09/ 10

Types of Research

Making strategy or marketing plan based on the gathered data

I have learnt the tools for conducting research, qualitative and quantitative and how this data can be used for decision making Learn who decision class is, who is

07/12/ 10

Level of Decisions

Learning importance of decision making

making and their working

Level of decision making How working is done

08/12/ 10

Operation Cycle of the Business

Daily operation Manufacturing Raw material to finished good process Resource gathering Financing, budgeting

controlling the strategic change and who are planning and formulating strategy. Helped in understanding the cash flow of the business, it operation and critical areas

working on leadership and its role. This will help me in developing the leadership skills I can used this cycle in my assignment and will also help in running my business and will help in developing sight of entrepreneurship Helped a lot me in understanding the environment of the business, I can use these tools while starting my business. I can use these skills while starting my own business and will also use in my academic work. This will help me in thinking critically and devising the strategy

15/12/ 10

Environment Analysis

PESTLE PEST STEPLE STEPLE+E

04/01/ 11

Input and Output for business Drivers behind business change

Required resources for the business Drivers which can make hurdle Impact on competitive advantage Financial position

Understanding the tools for assessing environment of the business and then Planning according to the resources , strength , and threats Understanding the required resource for business, Which internal and external factors can effect business Their effect on financial position, stake holder, rivals

 07/01/ 11 MIS

Stake holder etc MIS Resources Internal record keeping Marketing intelligence Marketing research

etc Key components and working of MIS in marketing How research is done and data gathered before making new strategy How data utilised This activity was very helpful in understanding the market factor and how intelligence can be done to gathered data which can be ultimately used for competitive advantage I have learned how to manage the risk, related to you, your stake holder and keeping alive their interest in your business. Can be used in future business This was self study activity and coming up with internal and external customer of business, and managing their relationship. Can be helpful in defining

11/01/ 11

Stakeholder management

Understanding key stakeholders Issues related to them Managing Risk related to them Meeting expectation of stake holders

Finding right key stake holder Bringing their interest in business Managing Risk to safeguard Stakeholders

12/01/ 11

Type of Customer s

Understanding the type of customers for business Planning according to them Managing Relationship

Different type of customers in business environment Techniques for keeping lasting relationship with them

degree of relationship with each customer 14/01/ 11 Research Techniques Market selection Tools for research Market selection Segmentation Product development Tools for market selection Market segmentation basis Product feature and customer demands I will use these techniques and strategies in academic work and in my future business

19/01/ 11

Effective and Efficient operation

Theme of effective and efficient business TQM Way to operation management Improved decision making .How to write assignment according to the handout and tutor guideline

21/01/ 11 16/02/ 11

Assignment Brief

Project management

Project life cycle Resources Scope Stake holders Risk management

How to run effective operations in business How to manage quality issues Possible areas of improvement Ideas and topics to be included in assessment for getting good mark Understanding project theme Comparing outcome with resources Getting scope right Managing risk Reason that cause change in organisation

Keeping in mind this activity I can easily analyse any business and its environment and problematic areas Learned how to plan whole activity I can now easily define project , its scope, resources required and expected risk and their management Helped in understanding while people fear change,

18/02/ 11

Change issues

Understanding drivers for change Nature of change

Planning for change Communicating change

25/02/ 11

Leadership

Leadership style Corporate culture Power influence Relationship management Motivation Vision of accessing change

Resistance to change Managing resistance Communication importance in change How leaders should lead How leaders works in business How relationship can be managed Responsibility and authority sharing Change symptom Developing business strategy Managing change How to use resource

how it can be overcome, these all techniques can be used in personal life and business as well Leaned the leadership style, will use during group activities and project in project management and will also help in future business and current job I devised the business strategy using the group members, learned how to work as leader or consultant for government will help in future project These IT packages will help in future project and career Working as a project

04/03/ 11

SFA Relocation

Developing business plan Addressing the stakeholders concerns Use of IT packages Marketing and communication strategy

09/03/ 11

Project management tool

Pert and Gert analysis Gants charts Prince 2 Presentation to the team

23/03/

Project

Managing the project activities and time Setting KPI evaluation Defining project

11

Presentation

members Allocating work Setting rules and guidelines Communicating with tutor

activity Scope Communication Empowering people

manager give me huge confidence and will use this experience in coming life

8.2 Face book Scribed and LinkedIn

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=87711504&trk=tab_pro

http://www.scribd.com/muhammad_omair_2 8.3 Learning Style

8.4 Learning Profile

For User: Muhammad omair This page displays the results of your learning styles inventory. You can also select options below to compare your styles to other users of the site.
Refresh

Page Mode:

Normal

Full screen (for printing)

Your results
These are the results of your inventory. The scores are out of 20 for each style. A score of 20 indicates you use that style often.

Style Scores
Visual Social 15 15

Memletic Learning Styles Graph:

Physical Aural Verbal Solitary Logical

11 9 14 11 18

More Options

For User: Muhammad omair This page displays the results of your learning styles inventory. You can also select options below to compare your styles to other users of the site.
Refresh

Page Mode:

Normal

Full screen (for printing)

Your results

8.5 Belbin Score Card

8.6 Weekly Planner

Home, College, Travelling, Job, Sports/Activities, Studies, Free time, Assignments work, Bedtime
Hours 6:00am 6:30am 7:00am 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am 11:00am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:30pm Monday Bedtime Shower Breakfast Tuesday ~ ~ ~ Subject 1 Lesson To College College Wednesday ~ ~ ~ Thursday ~ ~ ~ Subject 2 Lesson To College College Friday ~ ~ ~ Subject3 Lesson To College College Saturday ~ ~ ~ Sunday ~ ~ ~ Important Notes Deadline for Assignments

To Tesco Tesco ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ To Home Free Time ~ ~ ~

To Tesco Tesco ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ To Home Free Time ~ ~ ~

To Tesco Tesco ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ To Home Free Time ~ ~ ~

To Tesco Tesco ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ To Home Free Time ~ Assignment 1 ~

4:00pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:30am 1:00am 1:30am 2:00am 2:30am 3:00am 3:30am 4:00am

~ Gym ~ ~ Assignment 2 ~ ~ Current Affairs Subject 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 1 Bedtime ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To Home Gym ~ ~ Assignment 2

~ Gym ~ ~ Assignment 2 ~ ~ ~ Subject 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 3 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To Home Gym ~ ~ Assignment 1 ~ ~ ~ Subject 3 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 3 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To Tesco Tesco ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ To Home

Assignment 1 ~ ~ ~ Subjet 3 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ Gym ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Free time Subject 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ Subject2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Assignment 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Subject 3 Assignment 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

4:30am 5:00am 5:30am

~ ~ ~ Source: Formative Assessment PDP STU 22782

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

9. Appendix 5
9.1 Resources Used

Skill Written

Resources Used Internet, Face book, Ilearn, University of Wales Online Library, British Library, assignments, report, articles, magazines, written presentations , College projector, laptops and Tutor guidance

Activities
Essays/Reports/Assignments/Case study for College Personal Statements/Resume/Covering Letters Business letters/emails/memos Group Discussions on College/Social Discussion Board forums Writing , writing and writing while listing to news etc Grammar/Spelling/Vocabulary/Business Terminologies

Learning Outcome See learning log

Communication YouTube, case studies,

Oral

TV, Internet, Lectures, Projector, Laptop, Audios, Videos Interview, News, Movies

Leadership

Books, Articles, Kolbs

Lectures Class room participations Being Class representative Customer assistant job Making new friends Job interviews Presentations to class mates Taking initiatives Managing students in class

Learning styles, Belbins Team building, Leadership Test, Students Group, London Student Hub, face book, yahoo mails, Entrepreneurshi Books, Internet, Interviews, p Tow Exhibitions

Working in groups Assigning task Understanding their issue Discussion on different topic Listing to their view Conflicts resolution Leadership styles test Reading biography of leaders Managing resources Managing time

9.2 List of Journal Used During MBA

Journal of Business Communication International Journal of Management Education Harvard business review Mackenzie quarterly Data monitor International Journal of Organizational Innovation Journal of Marketing Communications Academy of management journal Journal of Business Ethics, International Journal of Production Research Academy of management review Human resource management International business and management review International Business & Economics Research Journal Journal of business and economic studies

9.3 List of Books & Article Used

9.3.1 Leadership

Cooper, Cary L. (2005) Leadership and Management in the 21st Century, Oxford University Press Goffee, R. (2003). Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, Presentation Given at the 3rd Annual Innovation Exchange Conference, London Business School, London, 4 December 2003. Gratton, L. (2004). The Democratic Enterprise: Liberating Your Business with Individual Freedom and Shared Purpose. London: FT Prentice Hall. Harry, M. and Schroeder, R. (2000) SIX Sigma, the Breakthrough Management Strategy Revolutionizing the Worlds Top Corporations.

New York: Doubleday. Kaplan, R. S. and Norton, D. P. (1996). The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Mangham, I. and Pye, A. (1991). The Doing of Managing. Oxford: Blackwell Mintzberg, H. (1973). The Nature of Managerial Work. New York: Harper and Row The Center for Creative Leadership: Handbook of Leadership Development, 403432. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass. The One Minute Manager By Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

9.3.2 Communication Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice by Joep Cornelissen Effective Communication (Revised Edition): The most important management skill of all by John Adair The Handbook of Communication Skills by Owen Hargie 101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly by Jo Condrill and Bennie Bough 9.3.3 Entrepreneurship Harvard Business School http://www.youtube.com/user/HarvardBSchool?blend=8&ob=5 Harvard Business Review http://www.youtube.com/user/HarvardBusiness?blend=3&ob=5 Stanford University http://www.youtube.com/user/StanfordUniversity http://www.youtube.com/user/stanfordbusiness The Alan Sugar Apprentice http://www.youtube.com/user/ebleyes

9.4 Mind tool Test

The Score was 66 first time http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm

Now Score is 76 which is very good