1. 1
302LON Developing Business Practice
ASSIGNMENT 3
Personal Development Plan
MUHAMMAD TANVIR HOSSAIN
STUDENT ID: 4325352
COVENTRY UNIVERSITY LONDON CAMPUS
Date: 1 April 2012
2. 2
Table of Contents
Page
Section 1 Personal Development Plan ............................................................................2
1.1 Skill 1 Planning and delegating skills ............................................................4
1.2 Skill 2 Communication skills ...........................................................................4
1.3 Skill 3 IT skills ...................................................................................................5
1.4 Skill 4 Leadership skills ...................................................................................5
Section 2 Development Needs Analysis
2.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................6
2.2 Successful work experience
2.2.1 Setting my goal(s) for a successful work experience ......................7
2.2.2 Action plan..............................................................................................8
2.2.2.1 Planning and
delegating…………………………………………..9
2.2.2.2
Communication…………………………………………………….9
2.2.2.3. Information
technology………………………………………….10
2.2.2.4
Leadership………………………………………………………..10
2.2.3 Academic
strategy…………………………………………………….….…10
2.2.4 Career
development…………………………………………………..……10
2.3Conclusion........................................................................................................11
2.4 References ......................................................................................................12
Section 3 Appendix ............................................................................................................14
3.1 Appendix 1 (Relevant skills) ........................................................................15
3.2 Appendix 2 (Job Advertisement) ................................................................16
3.3 Appendix 3 (Self-Assessment Core Skills Ranking and SWOT) ...........18
3.4 Appendix 4 (Presentation Test) ..................................................................21
3.5 Appendix 5 (Time Management Test) .......................................................22
3.7 Appendix 7 (Learning Journals) ..................................................................23
3.7.1 Learning Journal 1 ..............................................................................23
3.7.2 Learning Journal 2 ..............................................................................31
3.7.3 Learning Journal 3 ..............................................................................33
3.7.4 Learning Journal 4 ..............................................................................35
3.7.5 Learning Journal 5 ..............................................................................39
3.7.6 Learning Journal 6 ..............................................................................43
3.7.7 Learning Journal 7 ..............................................................................45
4. 4
1.0 Section 1
Personal Development Plan
Name: Muhammad Tanvir Hossain
Covering the
period from:
23-03-2012 To: 30-05-2012
My Goals: To be an Area Manager of retail industry and improve its online customer service within the year of 2015.
What do I
want/need to
learn?
What will I do to
achieve this?
What resources or
support will I need?
What will my success
criteria be?
Target dates for
review and
completion.
How have I chosen
these dates?
5. 5
1) Planning and
delegation skills
(Appendix 7,
Learning Journal
3,5)
As my goal is to
become area
manager my plan
was get a job in retail
industry. Now I am a
team leader at C&J
Clarks, world largest
shoe company. At
work I distribute the
authority and
encourage sale team
member to do certain
task. In absent of my
assistant manager I
am covering her
duties.
I need training and
support from my
manager to manage my
study and work
together. I am working
3days a week and I am
doing 4days class at
university. My manager
asks me to come at
work during my off day
at university. At
university I am learning
how to organise and
plan time and task and
monitoring them at the
same time.
I manage my store 2
days a week in absent
of my store manager
and assistant
manager. At one
Sunday my sale was
£14,000 while I was
running the store.
I recently filled my
PDR (Personal
Development Review)
at work. My review
date is 28-05-2012
2) Communication
skills relating to
speaking, writing,
listening and
reading to apply in
better
communication and
motivate
colleagues.
I have to improve my
communication skills
to achieve my goal.
Such as listening,
reading, writing and
speaking clearly. Also
I need to improve my
In DBP and IBS I am
presentation 2
presentation, it will help
me to improve my
speaking and listening
skills. Also I am
following Financial
Times, Harvard
Now I can write my
assignment and its
requirements. For
example, this
assignment I am
writing almost 10,000
words.
I have booked my for
IELTS (International
English Language
Testing System) test. It
has four parts
Reading, speaking,
writing and listening.
My test date is on: 28-
6. 6
(Appendix 7,
Learning Journal
1,2,4)
body language. Business Forum to
improve my business
language. Also at CULC
we have training
facilities.
04-2012 at IELTS
Centre Manager
16 Stukeley Street
Covent Garden.
3) IT skills to
improve
organisation online
customer service.
(Appendix 3)
To improve my IT
skills I have to
improve my MS
Office knowledge,
such as Words,
Excel, Power point.
Also constant use of
email service as well
as internet. I will get
sort course on IT to
help my organisation
to online customer
service because this
is next big step for
retail industry.
At CULC student
service we have IT
facilities. It is easy to
access and seek help
from IT help desk. Also I
have 2 years diploma in
IT.
I had 2 presentation in
IBS and DBP and my
score was 70 and 65
respectively. I
collected information
from our online library
as well as from internet
and presented in
Powerpoint.
I have booked short IT
course at:
http://www.homelearni
ngcourses.com/IT~and
~Computing/CompTIA
~Strata~Fundamentals
to get a details idea
about software and
networking.
4) Leadership skills
specializing in team
work, organisational
strategy, planning
and training and
To achieve
leadership skills
improve my
adaptibity, team work,
influence as well as
At work I am having
training and they are
giving me notes, case
studies to develop my
leadership skills. Also at
I am running a store of
£5million and
managing 90 sales
team members.
Also I have booked a
Leadership
Development Course
from:
7. 7
development and
significant outcome
to organisational
goals. (Appendix 7,
Learning Journal
7,9)
built relation between
my colleagues. I have
to have strong
personal guiding
principles to lead my
team and have a
vision and strategy to
achieve my
organisational goals.
CULC we have
leadership session that I
have joined. CULC
brining Leaders and
CEO from different
organisations and they
are talking about how to
lead and stand above
from others.
http://www.impactfac
tory.com on 23/05-
2012
8. 8
2.0 Section 2
2.1 Introduction
Every individual has their own perspective to set their own goals. It could be
anything depends on their study and skills they have. My goal is to become an
Area Manager of retail industry. Area manager is responsible for numerous tasks.
For example: developing brands, opening new branch, setting up yearly targets,
recruiting, training, implementing and improve business policies.
In this assignment I will briefly discuss and analyse four key skills I need to
develop to achieve the goal and become Area Manager.
My main objective of this work is to get ready for employability. As a learner and
part timer Team Leader I can managed to analyse and process the theories
clearly which identifies my strength and weakness as a student and as a team
leader. My academic and professional plan is to develop these weaknesses into
my strengths.
2.2 Development Needs Analysis
9. 9
2.2.1.
To become an Area Manager I need to improve four different skills. These skills
will help me to stand above from the other candidates in job market: planning and
delegation skills, communication skills, IT skills and leadership skills.
Planning and delegation skills:
Managers one main responsibility is select a project and plan in advance to
complete the task in time with the collective efforts of all employees (appendix
3.7 Learning Journal 7). I am a Team Leader at C&J Clarks. I have selected a
project and formed a team of 10 sales members to monitor online orders and
collections. At Clarks we have once facility, consumer can order two ways. Home
delivery or collect from store. Both order system is completely free of charge. My
project team duty is to keep contact with consumers about the products and
orders (appendix 3.7 Learning Journal 3 and 6).
Most manager make common mistake that they have to do a lot of things when it
comes to management. Meetings, developing a team, training, planning, goal
settings, that are not managerial responsibilities. But we are trying to do all this
and it brings down the performance.
Communication skills:
As a manager my point of view of communication should be practical rather than
theoretical. But words don’t convey the message I intend to deliver but rather
what the receiver understand. For example I am giving an order to my sale team
member but neither of us notices the ambiguity of the understanding. Which
mean results could be entirely wrong. The consequences are wrong products
and waste of time. But whom to blame?
The greatest source of difficulties often manager face is different meanings of the
context or culture (Gerard M Blair: 1996, IEEE Press). For example: a “couple” is
either a few or precisely two. If I think there is a possible misread, I should stop
the conversation and ask for questions. Another problem is people make simple
mistakes. My job is to figure out inconsistency of a sales team member or store
performances (appendix 3.7 Learning Journal 5).
IT (Information Technology) skills:
10. 10
Now in 21st century our life without IT is impossible. Information technology part
of our day life, like food, air and shelter. Technologies can bring better changes in
business model but sometimes senior management cannot understand the
attention technology can provide. The “cloud” – also known as the internet
enabling users function virtually via the web (Ade McCormack, www.ft.com). As a
manager I see technology gives me information, knowledge and intelligence. Few
years ago market place was simple, consumer physically went to shopping and
spend a lot of time to look for the products they want. Most of the time it took their
half of the day and for different products they had to go different market places.
For instance: vegetables one place, grocery one place and electronic items one
place. IT made life easier. One click, may be couple of more click we will get our
products home.
Leadership skills:
Today a company’s long term success is determined by the capability of its
senior managements in global economy to lead successfully through economic
ambiguity (Harvard Business School, Leadership for Senior Executives).
World economy is continuously developing and leaders lead the organizations
through the best management practice and latest strategies for sustaining a
strategic benefit over the long term (Harvard Business School, Transforming
Proven Leaders into Global Executives). ( appendix 3.7 Learning Journal 6 and
7)
2.2.2 Action Plan
11. 11
To become an area manager I need to improve and have action plan. My first
action plan is to set my goal, as I mentioned before my goal is to become an area
manager of retail industry. Key skills I need to improve at the same time are:
planning and delegation skills, communication skills, IT skills and leadership
skills.
Planning and delegation:
My first objective was getting into retail industry. I am a part time team leader at
C&J Clarks from May 2010. At work beginning of every week I make a to do list
for the whole week. For example: change interior Tuesday by STM (sales team
member), lunch promotion on Friday by STM, contacting customer regarding
online order by STM and daily productivity for the whole week. I delegate my
work among the STM and give them time line to finish the task. For instance:
changing the men interior within 2 hours and provide them required information
and handouts. I recently filled my PDR(Personal Development Review) and the
feedback I got from my last PDR by my manager was I still need to improve my
delegation skill by delegating task between colleagues and STM. My next review
date is 28-05-2012. Also I am attending training for planning and delegation from
my work on Sunday 8th of April. My weakness is in certain work I don’t trust
anyone and I like to do it by myself in a way I think I can do it quickly and
perfectly. My opportunity at work now is my assistant manager is on her
maternity leave for a year and in her absence I am looking after her
responsibilities.
Communication:
I am going to do some course from CULC. CULC provides business and
academic writing course for students. I have to ask confirmation from my receiver
to see if he has understood my message correctly. I have to write message down
for further references and to check consistency from my STM. For further
development I am also attending English language course from IELTS Centre
Manager on 28-04-2012. My weakness is my writing. My strength is speaking
and listening. I can speak clearly and I listen to others and try to give appropriate
answer. I start writing and feedback I have from my colleagues and tutors is weak
in constructing sentence and grammar.
Information Technology:
12. 12
CULC provides IT training for students, Microsoft Word and Excel, creating
engaging presentations. In April I am going to join couple of session and also I
am joining an online IT course from www.homelearningcources.com on 20-04-
2012. My strength is I had an IT course from NIIT in 2001 about networking and
developing database. My weakness is lack of knowledge of online applications
and its implementation. As my research proposal is about supermarkets online
customer service I have to develop my skills on online application to help create
effective online application to serve consumer best by May 2012.
Leadership:
To improve my leadership skills I joined a ‘Leadership Development’ course at
www.impactfactory.com on 18-04-2012. Also from my work I am getting training
leadership skills. 6 hours training course for 2 days at Borhamwood Clarks. My
strength is I am a great team player. I work for the team and the organization. My
weakness is innovation.
2.2.3 Academic Strategy
My research proposal is to find out the role of London’s supermarkets in online
customer service. Supermarkets are opening online outlet to give customer quick
service. And it is growing day my day. Tesco online sell increased my 11 percent
in year 2009 2009 (source: http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3203405/tesco-online-
sales-climbing). As a area manager I have to find out what is the lacking currently
have within this market and take opportunity to have competitive advantages
over rival competitors. I am doing IT course and also I have 2 years diploma
course on IT to help improve the facilities for consumers. (Appendix 7)
2.2.4 Career Development
I am team leader of C&J Clarks who is hardworking and can maintain
professional manner at work. I am working at Clarks from March 2009. My skills
and achievements are: good IT skills, recruitment, maintaining productivity and
provide training to colleagues and STM (Sales Team Member).
My weakness on this CV is I am not a MBA degree holder for my goal and I have
lack of work experiences. My opportunity is to become assistant manager. I am
13. 13
covering my assistant manager because of her maternity leave for a year. My
threats are fresh graduates from different university and economic down fall.
(Appendix 3 SWOT Analysis) (Appendix 8)
2.3 Conclusion
To achieve my goal I prepared action plans to develop my planning and
delegation skills, communication skills, IT skills and leadership skills. My action
plan is attending seminar, courses and implement them at my work. Now I am
acting assistant manager of 3rd largest store in C&J Clarks. After my 3 months
training I will be permanent assistant manager and I can move to a smaller area
to achieve my goal to become an area manager. Also at Lydl they hire fresh
graduate as an area manager (Appendix 3.2). My strength is I am working for
retail industry.
14. 14
2.4 Reference
Ade McCormack, http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/06746ed8-3788-11e1-a5e0-
00144feabdc0.html#axzz1qXb46zRZ 29-03-2012
Boud D, Keogh R and Walker D (1985) 'Reflection: Turning Experience in to
Learning', London: Kogan Page
Brockbank A and McGill I (1998) 'Facilitating Reflective Learning in Higher
Education', Buckingham: SHRE/Open University Press
Cameron, S., (2009), ‘ The Business Student's Handbook: Skills for Study and
Employment’, 5th Edition, Harlow: Financial Times Press
Gerard M Blair (1996), Starting to Manage: the essestial skills, IEEE Press, Vol 8
Henri Fayol's Element of Management:
http://dilipchandra12.hubpages.com/hub/Henri-Fayol
Honey and Mumford: ‘Learning Style Questionnaire’,
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/careers/pgrd/resources/teaching/theories/honey-
mumford
Honey, P. & Mumford, A. (1982) Manual of Learning Styles London: P Honey
IT skills: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/74231410-1cd1-11e1-8daf-
00144feabdc0.html#axzz1qXb46zRZ 29-03-2012
Kolb D.A. (1984) 'Experiential Learning experience as a source of learning and
development', New Jersey: Prentice HallKolb's Learning Cycle:
http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/ldu/sddu_multimedia/kolb/static_version.php
Leadership :
http://www.exed.hbs.edu/programs/lsec/Pages/default.aspx?campaign=ee-lsec
29-03-2012
The Team Handbook, 3rd Edition (Scholtes, Joiner, Streibel), Publisher: Oriel
Managing the Project Team (Vijay Verma), Publisher: PMI
17. 17
3.1 Appendix 1
Skills required for an Area Manager of Retails Industry.
Skills Explanation
Planning Area manager must have planning and organising skills to
achieve organisational goals. For example: plan for the
business and opportunity and over the weakness as well as
plan for workload, stress and possibility.
Communication Area manager should have excellent writing, speaking and
listening skills. Most managers are wonderful in writing and
reading but not listening.
Decision
making and
problem solving
To move organisation’s plan forward area manager must have
decision making skills and solve the arising problem quickly
and accordingly. Another organisation might take the
opportunity of one’s weakness if manager cannot act quickly
and solve the problems.
Delegation Workload might be a big problem for stress. Sometimes
managers fall behind because of workload. Area manager must
have delegation skills to get best results out from store
managers.
Conducting
interviews
Area manager’s duty is to hire managers and assistant
managers to serve the organisation. This is big investment for
business. Area manager have to make sure he or she hires the
right person to help him or her week in, week out to achieve
organisational goals.
Motivation To achieve organisational goals area manager have to
motivate the teams around him. Without motivated teams he
cannot achieve his target and it will cost company a lot. And if
he could do it without spending any money it would be a great
success.
Risk
Management
Area manager’s one important skill is to manage risk and bring
company to a profitable organisation. For example: recession
or falling of sales target. Area manager should have a plan to
overcome this risk or survive during recession.
18. 18
Leadership Leadership is a critical management skills. Bring change if
organisation required and stand above everyone, be respectful
and quality to motivate teams to achieve common goals. For an
example: Charlos Ghosn (Appendix 3.7 Learning Journal 7 )
3.2 Appendix 2 Job advertisement (source:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs)
Graduate Area Manager schemeLidl UK Ltd
Job title
Graduate Area Manager scheme
Salary
Paid
Additional salary info
Starting salary £33,000 p.a. rising to £42,000 after 12 months (rising to
£53,000 after a further two years) plus company car, plus benefits.
Contract
Permanent
Working hours
Full-time
Number of vacancies
20
Closing date
Continuous recruitment
Location
19. 19
Aberdeen and North East Scotland, Inverness and Highlands and Islands,
Borders and South of Scotland, Wales, Edinburgh and East Central
Scotland, East of England, Dundee, Perthshire and Fife, Greater London,
Glasgow, Stirling and West Central Scotland, West Midlands, East
Midlands, North East, North West, South West, South East, Yorkshire and
the Humber
Additional location details
We offer opportunities Nationwide.
Job description
It’s your final graduate year. What do you have planned for a year from now? If
your leadership qualities set you apart and your team spirit inspires, we can put
you at the start of a steep learning curve, with early responsibility for a district of
up to five stores in a world leading retail chain.
Only for the most outstanding and self-confident, our fast-track graduate
programme into Area Management delivers impact from day one.
Accepted degree subjects
Any
How to apply
Want to know more?
Why not take our ‘Lidl Known Facts’ quiz on our website. You will find plenty of
facts on the way as you get an insight into Lidl that will help you understand why
we are a Times Top 100 graduate employer.
As you progress through the test you’ll discover our rich history and culture, and
the facts behind our rewards and benefits. You’ll get to understand why we are
admired by customers and competitors alike - getting to know us from a new
perspective, and revealing why our range of career opportunities for graduates
are getting all the right headlines!
To find out more about the range of graduate opportunities, to try your hand at
our ‘Lidl Known Facts’ quiz and to get tips and advice on how to make the best
application possible, please visitwww.lidlgraduatecareers.co.uk
20. 20
To make a direct online application for the Graduate Area Managers scheme
please click APPLY.
Employer profile of Lidl UK Ltd
Lidl UK Ltd
Skill Development Assessment (Cameron 2009)
3.3 Appendix 3
Core Skills Self Assessment
Use this template to rate your skill level against each of the QAA Core Skills for
International Business Students. For more information, refer to page 7-8 in
Cameron (2009).
Core Skill Skill Rating
(1–10)
Low =1 –
High = 10
Evidence
Insert an example to support
your rating
Cognitive skills: critical
thinking, analysis and synthesis
6 Before taking this module I
believed what theories say. I
never used to look for an
alternative theory or ask
question to me why this is
perfect for everyone. Now I am
looking for a different courses
and weakness or advantages of
any task or theories. For
example: Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs. Depends on individuals
the pyramid varies. For disable
people they need love and
caring more than other needs.
Problem solving and decision
making: using quantitative and
qualitative data
7 At work I take quick decision
and solve problem according.
For example: I have checked
last week sales report for our
21. 21
company and saw one of our
style selling really well and it
wasn’t even on display, so I put
them on display and in that day
we sold couple of them.
Research and investigative
skills: as part of individual and
team assignments
6 In research and investigate, as
an individual my skill is fair but
as team assignments I do
always very good results. As a
Team Leader for 2 groups at
university and at my work I my
duties are to research and
investigate on others and make
sure they are doing their
assigned task and serve as a
group. My group score was 65
and 70 respectively in DBP and
IBS.
Information and
communications technology
skills: using a range of
business applications
7 I was an IT student before. And
moderate user of MS Office. To
communicate I use all sort of
resources such as mobile,
email, text and internet.
Numeracy and quantitative
skills: data analysis,
interpretation and extrapolation
7 Once taught I am very good at
calculation, analysis and ratios.
I am doing it every day at work
as a Team Leader like hours,
productivity and personal
targets.
Communication skills: oral
and written English, using a
range of media
6 Verbal or nonverbal
communication I am very good
but I am not good at writing. An
average person. But I want to
improve it. In my IELTS test I
scored only 5.5 on writing but
overall score was 6.5.
Interpersonal skills: talking,
listening and negotiation
7 I can talk, at the same time I
can listen to others and give
appropriate answer to the
receiver. My negotiation skill is
very good cause I know how to
explain. In the class I always
participate with lecturer, I listen
to them and I ask questions. In
group activities I listen to the
22. 22
group members, share my ideas
and come up with the best
solution and distribute between
them what needs to be done.
Team-working skills:
leadership, team-building,
influencing others
7 I am a Team Leader in world
largest shoe company and I am
managing almost 90 people in
my store. My learning of the
product knowledge and latest
information around the world
about fashion and design make
stand out from my colleagues
and sales team member. I can
influence and motivate other to
bring out what lies within them.
Personal management skills:
time management and planning,
motivating yourself, using
initiative
6 Time management is pretty
good when it's come to serve on
time at work or at university. I
submit my papers on time and I
never leave pending works for
tomorrow at work. I motivate
myself doing hard work and
getting feedback from lecturer
and from my store manager.
Learning skills: reflective,
adaptive and collaborative
6 Throughout my student life I am
a very good learner on practical
work rather than text book. I can
adapt any environment easily. I
am mixture of active and
pragmatic learner.
Self-awareness: sensitivity
and openness to others who are
different to you, emotional
intelligence
8 I am open to others and I
observe others so that I can
have an idea and how to deal
with them. I always keep in
touch with my colleagues and
those who need personal
assistant to finish their course or
job.
23. 23
SWOT Analysis
Development Planning Notes
Use this section to create your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats) for your current study and future career plans
MY STRENGTHS
Hardworking
Good Listener
Team Player
Communicative
Eager to learn
Active
IT skilled
Strong public speaker
I am a creative person and I often
impress my manager with my IT skills. I
also ask question during class or
management brief to get the best idea of
the subjects.
MY WEAKNESSES
Lack of planning
Lack of delegation
Lack of time management
I get nervous sometimes when doing
presentation and to do list give me
stress.
MY OPPORTUNITIES
Can be score excellent grades at
university
To become a successful manager
Allow me to gain access in different
business fields.
At work my assistant manager leaving
soon for her maternity leave. I am
covering her while she is away.
MY THREATS
Other graduates at the job
market
Might be score poor grades at
university
My group members
Poor job market
Recession
For economic recession globally firms
are cutting funds and it is a big threat
for me.
24. 24
3.4 Appendix 4 (Pearson E. 2010)
If you have to give a presentation, use the following guide to assess your
presentation when you practise.
Aspect Mark Rating
Good/Average/Poor
1 2 3 4 5
1 Introduction Good
2 Sticking to the topic Good
3 Range of information
covered
Good
4 Usefulness of visual aids Good
4 Number of visual aids Good
6 Speaking style Good
7 Overall pace Average
8 Dealing with questions Average
9 Encouraging audience
involvement
Good
10 Summary and conclusion Good
25. 25
Comments
At presentation I always sticking with the topic and I use animations and
power point to present my presentations. I encourage audience to ask me
any question regarding the topic and during presenting I look at the audience
rather than looking at the slides. My speaking style is nice loud and clear.
Areas that need some work
During presentation I get nervous. I need to improve my nervousness and
also I have to work on my overall pace and question and answer session.
3.5 Appendix 5 (Pearson E. 2010)
Have a look at the following statements and rate how accurately they describe
the way you study.
Often Sometimes Occasionally Never
I find I am behind with work assignments.
I have several pieces of work half finished.
I can’t find notes and things when I need
them.
I get distracted from work by other things.
I spend a lot of time trying to make things
perfect.
I am often late for lectures or seminars.
I put off tasks I do not really like the look of.
I feel stressed because I am short of time.
Most people will have a mixture of ‘often’, ‘sometimes’, and ‘occasionally’
26. 26
responses and this provides a good starting point to look at ways developing
better time management skills
27. 27
3.7 Appendix 7 (Cameron 2009)
302LON Unit 1
3.7.1 Learning Journal – 1
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
26.01.12 At the seminar I and
my group members
prepare a brief
presentation about
“Kolb’s Learning
Cycle, Honey and
Mumford Learning
Style”.
To be a part of a
newly formed group
I wanted to know
my colleagues
better and their
learning styles. Also
I wanted to share
my experiences and
learning from my
experiences as they
were sharing theirs
with me.
I came to know
most of my group
members are
reflective learners.
There are four
different stages of
Kolb’s Learning
Cycle that
compromise
learning from
experiences. That
can be entered any
stage of this
learning process but
all the stages must
be completed in a
series to completed
the learning.
It is not enough to
have experiences in
order to learn. It is
I have to actively
participate and
reflect my
experiences into
core ground which
will bring the
theories and
analysis of previous
task such as my
DBP assignment 1.
Implementing my
learning and ideas
into practice as well
as think about the
best possible way to
finish my task by
I am an activist and
I must develop other
learning style in
order to develop me
as a competitive
candidate.
As I am activist I am
impatience
sometimes. I intend
to finish my task
quickly and
feedbacks from my
colleagues are I
have to look at the
scenario and deliver
the quality task.
28. 28
essential to
reproduce the
experience to make
generalizations and
prepare concepts
which can then be
applied to new
situations. I must
link between the
theory and action by
planning, reflecting
and relating back to
the theory.
The four stages are:
Experience: Is the
‘doing’ section
which derives from
content to method.
Reflection: The
‘Reflective
Observation’ is part
of my analysis and
judgements of
actions and the
argument about the
learning that I
employ with my
teachers and
following all the
learning cycles.
I am going to apply
these learning at
university by
developing other
learning with the
cooperation of
active learning to
maximise my
potential.
I can apply my
learning at work too.
I have to think
before ‘doing’ any
task given. My job
at work to manage
sales member.
Where I will be able
to experiment my
experiences and
taking feedback
from my colleagues
and modify them
accordingly.
This approach could
help me to push my
limit to a better
performance
professionally and
academically.
29. 29
colleagues.
My self-reflection is
after my first
assignment result
was disappointing. I
haven’t tried hard
enough to achieve
my require grade
which was really
poor.
After an experience
I always come up
with self-analysis on
me, Such as ‘that
went well or badly’,
in a sensitive logic. I
think reflection is
not enough to
promote learning
and professional
development unless
I act on my
reflections to
develop them.
Theories: To plan
differently next time
I need to reflect on
my experience as
well as reading
30. 30
relevant theories
and attending
development
course. Reflection is
core ground which
brings mutually
theories and
analysis of previous
deed. It allows me
to bring a
conclusion.
Experiment:
Experimentations
stage is where I can
change my plan and
then start the
learning cycle again
followed by
experience,
reflection and
theories. I can
improve and
implement by
reflection and
review to shape of
conclusions about
the usefulness of
those changes.
31. 31
Peter Honey and
Alan Mumford
developed Learning
Style based upon
the work of David
Kolb, they known as
four different
preferences:
Activist, Theorist,
Pragmatist and
Reflector. These
are the learning
methods that
individuals normally
prefer. In order to
take advantages I
have to understand
my learning style
and seek
opportunities to
learn using that
style. To understand
my learning style
Honey and Mumford
develop a ‘Learning
Style
Questionnaire’.
[quoting P. Honey]:
1. "Become smarter
32. 32
at getting a better fit
between learning
opportunities and
the way you learn
best. This makes
your learning easier,
more effective and
more enjoyable. It
saves you tackling
your learning on a
hit-and-miss basis.
Equipped with
information about
your learning
preferences, you'll
have many more
hits and fewer
misses."
2. "Expand the
'band width' of
experiences from
which you derive
benefit. Becoming
an all-round learner,
increases your
versatility and helps
you learn from a
wide variety of
different
33. 33
experiences - some
formal, some
informal, some
planned and some
spontaneous."
3. "Improve your
learning skills and
processes.
Increased
awareness of how
you learn opens up
the whole process
to self-scrutiny and
improvement.
Learning to learn is
your most important
capability since it
provides the
gateway to
everything else you
want to develop."
To be an affective
learning I also have
to develop the
capability to learn in
other styles too.
Characteristics of
34. 34
the four learning
styles are:
Activist: Those who
learn by doing is
activists. They have
an open mind to
move towards to
learning, involve
themselves fully
without hesitation or
without any
experiences.
I am an activist. I
learn best when I
participate the task
practically rather
than on books. I like
playing puzzles and
brainstorming as
well as role play
within the groups.
My lacking is I never
consider t he
consequences
when I do any act. I
am very impatience
and easily get bored
with implementation
35. 35
and longer term
consolidation.
I have to develop
other learning’s in
order to compete in
the job market. I
have to think
rationally and
looking for the
positive ideas and
opportunity to
experiment with
applications and
come up with a
conclusion.
Theorist: Theorist
is like to be aware
of the theories
behind the actions.
They need proofs,
concepts and
models with the aim
of employ in the
learning process.
They prefer analysis
and synthesis to
draw information
into systematic and
36. 36
logical way.
Theorist likes to
think problems
through logical way,
step by step. They
frequently ask these
questions: "Does it
make sense?" "How
does this fit with
that?" "What are the
basic
assumptions?"
Pragmatist:
Pragmatist
implements learning
into reality. They are
good at case
studies, problem
solving and
discussion.
Pragmatist likes to
experiment new
theories, techniques
and ideas to see
how they work.
They feel confident
37. 37
on ideas which
attract them. Their
belief is there is
something better
way and if it could
work.
Reflector:
Reflectors are
comfortable with
paired discussions,
self analysis,
coaching, interviews
and observing
activities.
They learn by
observing and
thinking. They avoid
to actively
participate and
favour to watch from
outside.
Reflectors are
cautious and
thoughtful who like
to judge all possible
38. 38
ways before making
any move.
302LON Unit 2
3.7.2 Learning Journal – 2
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
28.01.12 I have learned and
answer all the 30
questions from VAK
(Visual Auditory
Kinaesthetic)
Learning Style
Questionnaire.
Although I have
learned the theory
of VAK, I wanted to
make sure doing the
entire questionnaire
what exactly my
learning style is or
are.
Visual learner
learns by reading or
seeing pictures.
They understand
and remember
things by sights.
Visual learner sits in
front of the
classroom and they
Each individual are
different and they
learn differently. No
particular or
combination of
learning style is
perfect.
At my study I can
use visual auditory
I have to improve
my listening quality,
as I am activist
some time I am I
intend to do my job
quickly rather than
getting the whole
idea of doing that
job.
39. 39
draw pictures to
help explain new
ideas and concepts.
Auditory learner
learns by hearing
and listening. They
understand and
remember things
that they heard of.
Auditory learner
should sit where
they can hear
properly and read
loudly to understand
topics.
Kinaesthetic learn
best when they
touch or do it
physically. They
learn effectively
when they perform
actively involving
touching, moving,
drawing and
kinaesthetic style to
improve my learning
skills get the best
results out of me.
For example: during
lecture, listening to
my tutor looking at
the presentation
and taking notes at
the same time.
At work by reading
the brief and explain
it to my colleagues I
will be able to help
them changing the
display of our
interior.
When I interact with
my friends and
colleagues I have to
keep it mind not
every person is
same. Some of my
colleagues prefer
say hello and some
of them prefer
giving hugs. If I miss
it they could get
offended. And it
could help to
become a better
communicator at
university, personal
and professional
life.
40. 40
building.
Based on these
questionnaires and
theory surprisingly I
am a combined of
three learner.
Previously when I
only did the theory I
was sure I am a
visual auditory
learning. But from
the questionnaire,
there are several
questions that I do it
by physically. For
an example:
Question 30: When
I am meeting with
friend I say hello to
then and give them
hug or handshake.
Or even I take
constant break from
study.
When I learn at
41. 41
university or work I
learn by visual
auditory style but
when I interact with
my friends and
colleagues I prefer
Kinaesthetic style.
302LON Unit 3
3.7.3 Learning Journal – 3
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
31.01.12 At the seminar in
my group I talked
about my goals and
future plan. My goal
is getting a good
As my plan is to
become area
manager of retail
industry I need to
identify my goals.
I learned the
classification of
‘Elements of
Management
(1916)’ base on
Based on Fayol’s
theory and my
future plan, I have
to plan and organise
my study and work
The feedback I got
from my manager
and tutor is “there is
no link” between the
task I am doing. I
42. 42
result from Coventry
University and
future plan is to
become area
manager of retail
industry. Then we
discussed about
Fayol’s Five
Elements of
Management
(1916).
Such as getting a
good result from
university and start
building up my links
with my colleagues
and professionals.
Henri Fayol’s
theory.
Henri Fayol was a
mining engineer and
he developed the
theory of ‘Scientific
Management’. Also
known as father of
modern
management
theory. He first
published the theory
in the book titled
“Administration
Industrielle et
Generale”
Based on Fayol’s
theory there are five
different stages to
managing study or
work. Planning,
organising,
commanding
coordination and
at the same time.
For example: two
hours of study every
day and follow the
notes that I took
during class.
At work, before my
shift start I can
make little notes
and prioritise my job
by using important
and urgent grid.
When I give task to
my colleagues I
have to look at the
times and give them
certain amount of
time to finish the
work or group work.
believe I have to
work hard to
maintain and
achieve my future
plan by planning my
study such as
assignment and
presentation,
organising the
notes, theories and
case work,
implementing those
using best possible
resources that I
have and balancing
my expectation.
Most of the time I do
not monitor my task
and study. I have to
improve monitoring
them and change
the plan if required.
43. 43
controlling.
As a student I need
to plan my time and
resources for study.
For example every
day 2 hours of study
and review notes
every weekend.
Also I can access
our e-library to get
more information
about my study.
My successful
learning systems
are I am a visual
auditory learner. I
have found early
morning is the best
time to study. Also I
have to prioritise my
task using
important/urgent
grid.
My expectation from
44. 44
this course is learn
as much as I can
and implement my
learning in practice.
Such as taking
notes, plan and
organizing my task.
I easily get
distracted and most
of the time I find
myself falling behind
my task.
302LON Unit 4
3.7.4 Learning Journal – 4
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any
improvement or
development
45. 45
required
31.01.2012 I explore
motivation theories
to maintain my
objectives using
SMART
objectives.
Previously I only
knew that there is
an only one
motivational theory
exit and that is
Maslow’s
‘Hierarchy of
Needs’. And I had
no idea about
SMART
objectives.
I have investigated
the theories to
apply my
understanding to
study and at work
using SMART
objectives.
Writing journal is not a
easy task. I know it is
very important for my
assignment and I really
ought to start writing.
But somehow I spend
my spare time watching
football.
As I am a Team Leader
of a retail industry, also
for my groups in
university I have to
ensure all of my team
members are motivated
to put effort achieving
the team’s objectives.
I can think about
motivated my team
members by conceptual
models to increase and
decrease motivation
which is expectancy
theory of motivation
Based on our
characteristics and
we are different
learners from
others I can apply
my learning at
work and at
university. For
example my
motivation at
university is
intrinsic and it is
my pleasure to
doing this module.
But my team
members are
different and they
seek for the
external
circumstance for
their motivation,
such as good
results and
position. I had to
give one of my
To motivate team
member is not as
easy task. I have
to improve my
learning about my
team members
and their learning
and how they
motivate. During
mock presentation
I see lack of time
management. We
took more time
that we should and
I have to divide
time between my
group members
and stick with the
time. Also I have
to think about the
pressure I am
giving them. Not
everyone can take
pressure and I
have to ease on
46. 46
(Vroom, 1964; Lawler
and Porter, 1967).
Expectancy framework
(Cameron S. 2009:34)
provides a good basic
idea for exploring why
and why not people are
motivated. The
framework discusses
three part effort,
performance and
outcomes. The outcome
is the reward one gets
from his/ her effort and
performance.
Expectancy theory also
suggest to categories of
outcome, intrinsic and
extrinsic (Cameron S.
2009:34). Intrinsic
motivation is one’s own
pleasure to doing any
particular task without
thinking of external
rewards. On the other
group member to
introduce our
group during
presentation in
IBS because she
think it is very
important to her
and she feel proud
of introducing us in
front of other
teams.
At work I could
use SMART
objective daily to
achieve my daily
target. Before start
of each shift my I
could give my
sales team
member their
specific task and
give them time so
that I can monitor
them what they
are achieving
within that time
them. It is not the
end of the world,
we are here to
learn.
47. 47
hand extrinsically
motivated person seek
for external rewards.
Such as good grade. To
me doing this course is
my own pleasure and I
really enjoy doing my
class and I actively
participate during
lecture. Some of my
group member only
seek good grades and
to complete the
graduation so that they
can have a good job.
Another model I have
learned better is
Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs (Cameron S.
2009:35). He suggested
that human needs could
be divided into: self-
actualisation needs,
esteem needs, love
needs, safety needs
also to achieve the
target I could give
them rewards. For
example: time off
from work, gift
vouchers.
48. 48
and physical needs.
While discussing the
theories within my
group members most of
us satisfied with our
basic needs. Such as
food, shelter, health
and safety. As he
suggested one should
fulfil lower needs to
satisfy the upper needs.
But I am run out of
credit I might need a job
and it will be my highest
priority than other
needs. We set our
objectives in a specific
way. Our objective is to
get good results from
university so that we
have to study at least
two hours every day. To
achieve our objectives
we have to look for
different sources, such
as journals, e-books
49. 49
from
www.oxfordjournals.org,
news papers and
article. We were
analysing our sources
and sharing our
knowledge between us
and debate which one
is suitable for us. We
put our time is the end
of the module.
302LON Unit 5
3.7.5 Learning Journal – 5
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any
improvement or
development
50. 50
required
02.02.2012 I and my 4
classmates
formed a group
‘London Rocks’ at
seminar to work
together for our
group
presentation
“Independence
and Reflection:
The Ingredients
For Successful
Learners”.
Even I couldn’t
choose my own
group members
but I was happy
about my group
members who
selected me as a
Team Leader.
This is the
second time I
have been
chosen as a
Team Leader. We
gave our group
name as London
Rocks because
our campus is in
London. We had
some debates
about name such
as: Smart Pants,
Fantastic Five,
and Five Forces.
Presentation is a
group work and
When we first meet each
others in a group we
introduce to each others.
We shared our
backgrounds, interest and
experiences to each others.
This is the “forming” stage.
I learned Esha and I only
doing part time job among
us and Esha is from
Punjab, India. I am from
Dhaka, Bangladesh same
as my one group member
Munir. Surprisingly Munir
thought I am from India. He
was quite happy to know
that I am from Bangladesh
because of our language
differences. Sometimes it is
easier to communicate
outside at work and
university to our own
language. Apart from us
Michelle and Yvonne is
Based on how I
went through my
team
development
stages. Storming
part is the
toughest part to
handle. We are
all different and
our motivation
and objectives
are also different.
So I had to make
sure we all work
together and
bring the best out
from everyone
within the group.
I could use this
learning at
university in every
level and at work
too. The
advantages of
I have to
improve my
understanding
and learn
more about
the team
member. We
have our
social, cultural
and language
differences.
My lacking is
sometimes I
do not
consider our
cultural
differences
and how my
team member
might react or
can get easily
offended. Also
I have to
improve my
task
51. 51
as an individual’s
we selected our
task and how we
can help each
other to give a
good
presentation.
from China and they don’t
have any work experience.
At one point we all agree
we love shopping. It is very
important to me to clear
about team goals and
provide clear route
concerning the project. Also
I have to ensure all of us
involved in decisive team
roles and their
responsibilities.
As we began working we
had some debates about
our ideas. We had our
different opinions what
should be done and how it
should be done (Gina
Abudi Blog
http://www.GinaAbudi.com).
I had to explain my group
members this is the difficult
situation and we need to
listen and respect each
other to perform well. This
know the theory
and at the same
time practice it in
university I could
use it at my work.
I will build a team
at work with 10
sales members
and divide their
task so that I can
concentrate to
finish my other
task on time. For
example, reading
and replying
email from heard
office. Also give
sale team
member group
task and keep
eye on them how
they perform as a
group. At work I
cannot work
alone. I need
support from my
distribution
and listen to
them properly
and convey
my message
clearly what I
want from the
team and our
objectives.
Sometimes I
interfere while
my team
member
speaks to their
own language
but I have to
understand
English is not
their first
language and
they might not
understand
the whole idea
of the theory
or individual
duty. Even
52. 52
stage called “storming”.
After debates and opinions
we start beginning our work
more effectively. To work
effectively I had to give
each of them different task
and communication with
others at the same time so
that we can follow their task
to and build link between all
of our works. This
“norming” stage I haven’t
involved decision making
and problem solving
(Tuckman, B.W. & Jensen,
M.A.C. (1977)) as my team
start working better
together.
By this time we as a group
London Rocks came to
know each other very well
“performing stage”. One of
my team member wasn’t
sure what she need to do
with the theories and how
colleagues and
sales team
member to
achieve our
weekly sales
target. It is less
stressful and I
can minimise
work load to
distribute task
between group
members.
though it is not
nice to speak
own language
in a group,
some other
member might
be get
offended. My
goal is to
improve team
work
performance
and handle
situation so
that I can
achieve my
future plan to
become a
retail area
manager as
well as
perform well
academically.
53. 53
to present as a bullet point
so that she can explain
rather than putting all of
them in power point slides. I
had to work with her more
than other team member
because they already knew
how to work in power point.
The final stage of Team
Development based on
(Tuckman and Jensen
(1977)) is “adjouring”.
Finally we had our
presentation and we finish
our presentation within
given time. We booked our
room and practice mock
presentation among us to
keep the time and flow of
the presentation. At the end
we scored 65 out of 100.
We became very good
friends within couple of
weeks and still we keep in
touch with each others as
we are in same class and
54. 54
for our assignments.
302LON Unit 6
3.7.6 Learning Journal – 6
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
16.03.2012 I have learned
Implementing and
Evaluating Strategy
from module
International
Business Strategy.
As my plan is to
become area
manager of retail
industry I had to
develop strategic
approaches to
particular situations
and develop
alternative
organisational
I learned success
criteria for
strategies depend
of four categories:
suitability,
acceptability,
feasibility and
sustainability.
Suitable strategic
As I am a team
leader of a retail
industry I could
exercise my
learning in practice
at work. I could help
my manager to
develop a suitable
strategy where my
business can gain
I need to study
more and enrol to a
professional course
to develop my
strategic planning
for international
business. Such as
enrolling to MBA
course in Coventry
55. 55
environment, also
differentiate
management
problems by
evaluating
substitute
outcomes.
options related to
strategic position
and options. With
the current market
position I have to
think about is the
market is declining
or it is immerging
market. The market
development and
my products
opportunity in this
market. I have to
think about
customer needs
and capability of my
R&D.
I have to account
the methods of
suitable terms.
Organic
development,
merger or
acquisition and joint
venture. For
example: in China
more competitive
advantages. It
could also help me
to achieve my
future plan to
become a area
manager.
University.
56. 56
joint venture
business grow
faster than organic
development or
acquisition.
Chinese
government has
strict policy for
owning a business
in China.
I have also learned
to focus on
expected outcome
and feasibility of a
strategy, return, risk
and stakeholder. To
go to abroad and
doing business has
many risk factors.
Financial ratio, cost
margin, political
factors.
Not only focusing
on outcomes and
using resources I
57. 57
have learned
competitive
advantages and
disadvantages of
strategies.
Economic,
ecological and
social and political
sustainability.
302LON Unit 7
3.7.7Learning Journal – 7
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
13.03.2012 I have prepared a
concise
presentation about
I was very keen to
learn how the
dramatic CEO turns
Few years ago
(Cavusgil, Knight,
Riesenberger
This is a fantastic
case study and I
could apply my
I have to learn more
language such as
Hindi and
58. 58
Carlos Ghosn
(Cavusgil, Knight,
Riesenberger
2008:363). The
celebrity CEO of
automobile
industry.
a bankruptcy
Nissan into second
largest automobile
manufacturer in
Japan.
2008:363) Nissan
was about to
bankruptcy. In that
time Renault step in
and take over
Nissan and put their
CEO as Nissan’s
CEO, Carlos
Ghosn. He returned
Nissan into a
profitable
automobile
manufacturer.
I learned how he
uses his language
advantages. He can
speak four different
languages and very
committed to
organisational
goals.
I learned the
organisational
differences Japan
has. Japan’s
learning at
university and also
at work. The
diversity of a top
CEO is so massive
and I seek
inspiration from
him. I can speak 2
languages. I can
communicate and
bridge the gap
between cultural
differences in my
work. I am a
representative of
CULC and I have to
give presentation in
front of agents
whom are from my
own country. I can
give them better
information about
our university.
Portuguese. These
are the two
immerging market
and cultural
differences are
vast.
Also I have to
improve and
develop analytical
skills as well as
communication
skills to become a
top manager.
59. 59
corporate moves
slowly. Carlos
Ghosn change
decision making
process and made
it faster, always in
rush (Cavusgil,
Knight,
Riesenberger
2008:364).
Renault-Nissan set
up factories near to
its key market and
invests 5 percent of
net sales into
research and
development. Also
their board of
directors consist
four members from
each organisation.
The advantages
Nissan have the
support of Renault
and it existing
60. 60
market but like
other organisation
Nissan hit by
recession in 2009.
302LON Unit 8
3.7.8Learning Journal – 8
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
61. 61
19.03.2012 In the seminar I did
elevator pitch.
I did elevator pitch
to make myself
ready all the time
for a sudden
opportunity.
Elevator pitch is a
short speech. Basic
scenario of elevator
pitch is: I am in an
elevator and there
is very important
person, might be an
investor. In my case
Bill Gates whom I
need to impress to
get my dream job or
an interview. My
dream job is to be a
network
administrator in
Microsoft.
In this couple of
minutes in elevator
I have to make an
impression to Bill
Gates so that I can
have an interview
later on.
Few things I have
to keep in mind, it
I could use this
learning at practical
life where the
meaning of the
speech is more.
Elevator speech is
not limited to only to
elevator. It could be
very useful any
circumstances
where brief
presentation is
suitable.
For an example: a
brief presentation to
my area manager
about the change of
fashion and colour.
I have to practice
elevator pitch often
so that when the
opportunity comes I
can give my
presentation
smoothly.
Also I have to start
building my
presence within the
community by
writing blogs,
engaging in
discussions which
can be
acknowledge by
possible investors.
62. 62
has to be short and
interesting so Bill
Gates wants to
listen for next
couple of minutes. I
have to introduce
myself not the idea
first and at the
same time not
details about my
idea and too much
technical or
statistical
terminology.
302LON Unit 9
3.7.9 Learning Journal – 9
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
63. 63
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
07.02.2012 I have learned the
strategic
environment in
international
business strategy.
To have an in-depth
consideration of the
complexity of
business
environment and its
decision making
process. Assess
organisation and its
environments
current
developments and
alternative process.
Business
environment has
internal and
external
environment.
External
environment has
two parts: The
micro environment
and the macro
environment.
Macro environment
where business has
no direct influence
but they are
affected by it
(Stonehouse,
Hamill, Campbell
and Purdie,
2000:pp 73 and
104).
My job role at my
work is team
leader. I have to
maintain and
analysis data
regularly. By
analysing internal
and external
environment and
industry life cycle I
could help my
organisation gain
competitive
advantages over
our rival
organisation. Also it
could help me to
achieve my future
plan to become an
area manager of a
retail industry.
I have to learn more
about the other
theories and model
exit to gain
competitive
advantages over
rival organisation
such as: Porter’s
diamond model.
Porter’s diamond
model is more
complete model
and I have to learn
it properly and
deeply. Also I could
do professional and
academic courses
for further learning.
64. 64
Marco environment
consist PESTEL
analysis: political,
economical, socio-
culture,
technological,
environmental and
legal. Organisation
should have their
PESTEL analysis
done thoroughly. It
has direct affect on
business. For
example: Syria’s
political situation is
not stable and it is
affecting business.
It has relation to
foreign direct
investment. If there
is no political
stability the FDI will
be less even
though Syria’s
economy is very
strong.
65. 65
Micro environment
contains Porter’s
five forces: Buyer
power, supplier
power, and
competitive rivalry,
threat of substitute
and threat of new
entrants.
Porter’s five forces
give an idea about
the strength and
weakness of an
organisation. Such
as: lack of
substitute product
can be added more
value to an
organization
products.
302LON Unit 10
66. 66
3.7.10 Learning Journal – 10
You may find it helpful to print the following table to help you keep a consistent record of what you learn. This will make i t
easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.
Date What I did Why I did it What I learned
How or where I
could apply it
Any improvement
or development
required
26.03.2012 I prepared a brief
presentation with
my group members
‘London Rocks’ to
give a little
presentation in front
of class.
Presentation time
was 5 minutes.
I had no idea what
is ‘Teach-Ins’ is.
But I wanted to feel
belong to the group
and actively
participate the
group presentation
to motivate my
group members. As
we selected to talk
about Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs,
Intrinsic and
Extrinsic motivation.
Teach-Ins is a
technique which
motivates student
to learn deeply and
enhance self-
esteem.
Our tutor asks us to
present to in front of
the class within 20
minutes and
prepare a topic
which we learned
best as a group
during this module.
We chose
motivational theory
This technique is
really fun doing it. I
could easily use it
at my work to
motivate my sales
team member so
that they could feel
respected and
recognised. I could
ask them to teach
me sometime that
they know better
than me and they
are feel free to
chose any topic. In
this way I could
also learn more
The question I have
faced from other
group member was
really interesting.
One question was,
is that Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs
the perfect for
everyone?
Obviously not. It is
depends on the
individuals and their
need. It can vary
depends on the
situation and
current affairs. I
have to improve
67. 67
Maslow’s Hierarchy
of Needs , Intrinsic
and Extrinsic
motivation.
What I learned from
it, as a group we
have to decide very
quickly which topic
we are going to
present and
distribute it within
the group as soon
as possible. We are
five group member
and we decided to
do each part of the
pyramid. And also I
explained intrinsic
and extrinsic
motivation.
from them. handling the
answer question
session. I feel
nervous when I
answer the
question. I have to
do more practice on
it and learn critically
about the theories
so that I can handle
any questions.
68. 68
Appendix 7 Research proposal
Title : Role of London Supermarkets in Online Customer Service
Literature review :
Day by day London’s supermarkets are growing. Many supermarkets are
opening new stores and that brings employability and customer needs.
Customers are not only looking for quality products and price also they look for
the service that supermarket are providing. For example: ASDA and Tesco
providing customer online service and deliver products at home free even the
amount of £2.00 on time. It saves consumers time and money. Also price varies
online and in-store. Online is cheaper than in-store products. Online have offers
and promotions all the time to encourage consumer buy products online. IMRG
estimates that online business now accounts for between 12-15% of total retail
spending (source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/dec/23/retailers-
sales-online-shopping-christmas-consumers). Tesco’s online sales ‘reached’ £1.0
billion and increase of 11 percent in 2009 (source:
http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3203405/tesco-online-sales-climbing).
Research subject : London supermarkets and its online customer service
Research question:
1. What facts drive consumer buy online?
2. What are the online and in-store prices?
3. What are the return policies?
4. Is the online best option to buy products?
Research objectives :
1. To find out consumer behavior on online shopping for supermarket.
2. To determine how online supermarket store provides price differentiation.
3. To gauge efficacy of supermarkets online outlet.
4. To assess online service and satisfaction of consumers
Research methodologies:
Quantitative data
69. 69
Conducting a survey among online users (say CULC BA Global Business top up
students) to get the percentages of the users using online shopping in
supermarkets online outlets.
Appendix 8
Muhammad Tanvir Hossain
99 Alma Road,
Enfield, Telephone : 02082928148
London Mobile : 07805053730
EN3 4UL Email :
tan_vir@msn.com
Personal details/ Self Analysis
Hardworking and adaptable individual can maintains a professional manner in the
work place. Can able to work under pressure in a methodical and responsible
way whilst being able to meet deadlines. Works well as part of a team and can
also work unsupervised using initiative. With management experience for 3 years
I possess the abilities to organise, plan and implement sales in an organisation. I
am managing a team of 90 people. Can effective communicate involves listening
and responding to the needs of the individual.
Skills and Achievement
Good IT skills
Monitoring employee performance, on and off floor behaviour.
Good leadership and managerial skills.
Arranging meetings, training and personal development plan with
managers for the benefit of the company.
Maintain distributing link between management and employee.
Motivate employee by giving them developing plan and training.
Manage recruitments for the suitable positions.
Effective Interpersonal skills
Active listening skill – I listen actively and gather information from the
70. 70
speaker.
Verbal and nonverbal communication skills – I can translate information
verbally and nonverbally the way speaker understands.
Business Awareness – I read news paper, journals, business studies (FT,
The Economist and Harvard Business Reviews) and colleagues and
managers.
Work Experience:
Team Leader- C&J Clarks May
2009-present
Control and manage sales floor
Cash management
Recruitment
Maintain health and safety and security
Payment and wages
Change and maintain visual merchandising
Educational: Qualifications
BA (Global Business) – Coventry University 2012
Representative of the university
Advanced Graduate Diploma (AGD): 2011
Institute: Meridian Business School
Course Duration: 2 years.
Major: Business Management
London, United Kingdom
Other courses:
DNIIT: Institute: National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) 2001
Course duration: 2 years.
Major: IT
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Trained fitter for children shoes in C&J Clarks. 2010
Areas of Interest and Hobbies:
Leading teams, planning and organising outings. Talking and listening to people.
71. 71
Reading, particularly business and sports news.
Referees
Vadita P.
Store Manager, C&J Clarks
Brent Cross Shopping Centre
Phone: 0208 2026423
Yakub Khan,
Operations Manager, Master-InCo Corporation
Mobile: 07702039008
yakubdhk@yahoo.co