Learning Outcomes After completing the module the student will be expected to be able to: 1. Demonstrate the importance of personal and professional development in a business context

Learning Outcomes: After completing the module the student will be expected to be able to: 1. Demonstrate the importance of personal and professional development in a business context* 2. Evaluate and utilise effectively a variety of methods and styles of communicating, including ICT* 3. Present information effectively to a variety of audiences* 4. Manage their own learning and development effectively* 5. Construct a personal development plan 6. Link theoretical concepts to practice through an understanding of organisational policies and procedures* * These learning outcomes are assessed in this part of the assignment. Assignment Task: Assignment demonstrating evidenced attainment of learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. The remaining learning outcomes are assessed in part one of the assignment. Some learning outcomes may be partly assessed in both parts of the assignment. Consider the content and theory you have learnt in this module, Personal Development and Communication, and relate this to your own learning outcomes in order to answer the following: Question 1: Analyse the different communication styles and behaviour which you adopt in different communication scenarios at work, giving specific examples. Explain why you chose to communicate in the way you did, and evaluate the effectiveness of your approach. Explain why it is important that the members of an organisation adopt appropriate communication styles. Support your answer with reference to relevant theoretical concepts from the module material and wider reading. (20% LO2,6) Question 2: Evaluate three contrasting channels of communication in your organisation. Explain in which circumstances each one is most suitable and why, giving examples from your own experience. Support your answer with reference to relevant theoretical concepts from the module material and wider reading. (20% LO2, 6) Question 3: Use your ICT and data presentation skills to produce both an illustrated report and an informative notice-board style poster for work colleagues; the report should recommend how personal development planning and managing one’s own learning may benefit those colleagues and the whole organisation. The poster should be an eye-catching and persuasive summary of the key points of the report. Use relevant examples and evaluation from your own personal skills audit and action plan, to include methods, resources, timescales and expected outcomes. (45% LO1,2,3,4)
Learning outcome 3 will be assessed holistically, that is, the whole response to part 2 will be considered in terms of how effectively you present your information to the target audience for each task. (15% LO3) Guidelines: You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the Harvard system (See ‘Referencing Guide’ in the Study Skills Guide in My Resources). You must use the Harvard referencing method in your assignment. • Present your response to question 1 and 2 together, using relevant ICT techniques to present the information effectively. • Present question 3 as a business report recommending personal development planning together with poster (include the poster within the report). Include a brief introduction and overall summary/conclusion. • Present the whole as a single Word or PDF document only. The poster may need to be reduced to include in the document, so ensure it is of an appropriate resolution to be readable on-screen when enlarged as required. Higher marks will be gained for application of the theory to practice, for reflection on (and evaluation of) theory, and for supporting your work with referenced theory and further research. Note that when you are asked to evaluate, you must include both positive and negative aspects of the subject under consideration, and should come to a conclusion based on your evaluation. Additional notes: Word count: 4000 words (maximum) The word count excludes the title page, executive summary, reference list and appendices. Where assessment questions have been reprinted from the assessment brief these will also be excluded from the word count. ALL other printed words ARE included in the word count. Printed words include those contained within charts, tables, posters, presentations etc and in-text citations.