Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Assignment 3

302LON Developing Business Practice

ASSIGNMENT 3

Personal Development Plan

MUHAMMAD TANVIR HOSSAIN

STUDENT ID: 4325352

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY LONDON CAMPUS

Date: 1 April 2012

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Table of Contents PageSection 1 Personal Development Plan2

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 62.2 Successful work experience

2.2.1 Setting my goal(s) for a successful work experience 72.2.2 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 1 233.7.2 Learning Journal 2 313.7.3 Learning Journal 3 333.7.4 Learning Journal 4 353.7.5 Learning Journal 5 393.7.6 Learning Journal 6 43

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3.7.7 Learning Journal 7 453.7.8 Learning Journal 8 483.7.9 Learning Journal 9 493.7.10 Learning Journal 1051

3.8 Appendix 8 (Research proposal) 54 3.9 Appendix 9 (CVs) 55

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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?

1) Planning and delegation skills

As my goal is to become area

I need training and support from my

I manage my store 2 days a week in absent

I recently filled my PDR (Personal

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(Appendix 7, Learning Journal 3,5)

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.

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.

of my store manager and assistant manager. At one Sunday my sale was £14,000 while I was running the store.

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. (Appendix 7, Learning Journal 1,2,4)

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 body language.

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 Business Forum to improve my business

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: 28-04-2012 at IELTS Centre Manager

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language. Also at CULC we have training facilities.

16 Stukeley StreetCovent 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.homelearningcourses.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 development and significant outcome

To achieve leadership skills improve my adaptibity, team work, influence as well as built relation between my colleagues. I have

At work I am having training and they are giving me notes, case studies to develop my leadership skills. Also at CULC we have leadership session that I

I am running a store of £5million and managing 90 sales team members.

Also I have booked a

Leadership

Development Course

from:

http://www.impactfac

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http://www.impactfactory.com/

http://www.homelearningcourses.com/IT~and~Computing/CompTIA~Strata~Fundamentals



to organisational goals. (Appendix 7, Learning Journal 7,9)

to have strong personal guiding principles to lead my team and have a vision and strategy to achieve my organisational goals.

have joined. CULC brining Leaders and CEO from different organisations and they are talking about how to lead and stand above from others.

tory.com on 23/05-

2012

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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

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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:

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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

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http://www.ft.com/

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:

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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

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http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3203405/tesco-online-sales-climbing

http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3203405/tesco-online-sales-climbing


http://www.homelearningcources.com/

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.

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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

The Principles of Scientific Management,Copyright © 1911 by Frederick W. Taylor Published in Norton Library 1967 by arrangement with Harper & Row,

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Publishers, Incorporated, by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110,

Tuckman, B.W. & Jensen, M.A.C. (1977) Stages of small group development revisited. Group andOrganizational Studies, 2, 419-427

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3.0 APPENDIX

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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.

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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

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http://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs

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 descriptionIt’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 subjectsAny

How to applyWant 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

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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

EvidenceInsert 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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’ responses and this provides a good starting point to look at ways developing better time management skills

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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 it easier for you to draw information together into a portfolio.

Date What I did Why I did it What I learnedHow 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

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

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order to learn. It is 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

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.

task.

This approach could help me to push my limit to a better performance professionally and academically.

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learning that I employ with my teachers and 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

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differently next time I need to reflect on my experience as well as reading 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

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conclusions about the usefulness of those changes.

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

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‘Learning Style Questionnaire’. [quoting P. Honey]:

1. "Become smarter 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

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an all-round learner, increases your versatility and helps you learn from a wide variety of different 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."

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To be an affective learning I also have to develop the capability to learn in other styles too.

Characteristics of 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 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

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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 ways before making any move.

302LON Unit 2



37



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 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

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 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

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.

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

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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 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

explain it to my colleagues I will be able to help them changing the display of our interior.

become a better communicator at university, personal and professional life.

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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 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



40



required

31.01.12 At the seminar in my group I talked about my goals and future plan. My goal is getting a good 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).

As my plan is to become area manager of retail industry I need to identify my goals. Such as getting a good result from university and start building up my links with my colleagues and professionals.

I learned the classification of ‘Elements of Management (1916)’ base on 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

Based on Fayol’s theory and my future plan, I have to plan and organise my study and work 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.

The feedback I got from my manager and tutor is “there is no link” between the task I am doing. I 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.

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Industrielle et Generale”

Based on Fayol’s theory there are five different stages to managing study or work. Planning, organising, commanding coordination and 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

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.

Most of the time I do not monitor my task and study. I have to improve monitoring them and change the plan if required.

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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 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

43




Any improvement or

development 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

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

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

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

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to study and at work using SMART objectives.

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 (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

different and they seek for the external circumstance for their motivation, such as good results and position. I had to give one of my 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

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 them. It is not the end of the world, we are here to learn.

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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 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

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 also to achieve the target I could give them rewards. For example: time off from work, gift vouchers.

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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 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

47

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 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

48

http://www.oxfordjournals.org/

http://www.oxfordjournals.org/




Any improvement or

development 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

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

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

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

49

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 as an individual’s we selected our task and how we can help each other to give a good presentation.

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 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

from everyone within the group.

I could use this learning at university in every level and at work too. The advantages of 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

differences and how my team member might react or can get easily offended. Also I have to improve my task 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

50

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 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

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 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.

English is not their first language and they might not understand the whole idea of the theory or individual duty. Even 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

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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 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

become a retail area manager as well as perform well academically.

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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 for our assignments.

302LON Unit 6





required

53

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 environment, also differentiate management problems by evaluating substitute outcomes.

I learned success criteria for strategies depend of four categories: suitability, acceptability, feasibility and sustainability.

Suitable strategic 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

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 more competitive advantages. It could also help me to achieve my future plan to become a area manager.

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 University.

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my R&D.

I have to account the methods of suitable terms. Organic development, merger or acquisition and joint venture. For example: in China 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,

55

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 have learned competitive advantages and disadvantages of strategies. Economic, ecological and social and political sustainability.

302LON Unit 7

3.7.7Learning Journal – 7

56




required

13.03.2012

I have prepared a concise presentation about Carlos Ghosn (Cavusgil, Knight, Riesenberger 2008:363). The celebrity CEO of automobile industry.

I was very keen to learn how the dramatic CEO turns a bankruptcy Nissan into second largest automobile manufacturer in Japan.

Few years ago (Cavusgil, Knight, Riesenberger 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

This is a fantastic case study and I could apply my 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

I have to learn more language such as Hindi and 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.

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advantages. He can speak four different languages and very committed to organisational goals.

I learned the organisational differences Japan has. Japan’s 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

to give presentation in front of agents whom are from my own country. I can give them better information about our university.

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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 market but like other organisation Nissan hit by recession in 2009.

302LON Unit 8

59

3.7.8Learning Journal – 8




required

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

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

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

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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 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.

manager about the change of fashion and colour.

possible investors.

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302LON Unit 9





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.

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

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

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Macro environment where business has no direct influence but they are affected by it (Stonehouse, Hamill, Campbell and Purdie, 2000:pp 73 and 104).

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

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.

and I have to learn it properly and deeply. Also I could do professional and academic courses for further learning.

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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.

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

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substitute product can be added more value to an organization products.

302LON Unit 10





required

26.03.2012

I prepared a brief presentation with my group members ‘London Rocks’ to give a little presentation in

I had no idea what is ‘Teach-Ins’ is. But I wanted to feel belong to the group and actively participate the

Teach-Ins is a technique which motivates student to learn deeply and enhance self-

This technique is really fun doing it. I could easily use it at my work to motivate my sales team member so

The question I have faced from other group member was really interesting. One question was, is

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front of class. Presentation time was 5 minutes.

group presentation to motivate my group members. As we selected to talk about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation.

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 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

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 from them.

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 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.

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member and we decided to do each part of the pyramid. And also I explained intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

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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

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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 : 07805053730EN3 4UL Email : [email protected]

Personal details/ Self AnalysisHardworking 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

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Active listening skill – I listen actively and gather information from the 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 2012Representative of the university

Advanced Graduate Diploma (AGD): 2011Institute: Meridian Business SchoolCourse Duration: 2 years.Major: Business ManagementLondon, United Kingdom

Other courses:DNIIT: Institute: National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) 2001Course duration: 2 years.Major: ITDhaka, Bangladesh

Trained fitter for children shoes in C&J Clarks. 2010

Areas of Interest and Hobbies:

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Leading teams, planning and organising outings. Talking and listening to people. Reading, particularly business and sports news.

RefereesVadita P.Store Manager, C&J ClarksBrent Cross Shopping CentrePhone: 0208 2026423

Yakub Khan,Operations Manager, Master-InCo CorporationMobile: [email protected]

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Documents

Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Assignment 3