Manage Personal Work Priorities & Professional Development - Management Assessment Answers

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Question 1

Managing personal work priorities as well as professional development are some of the tasks at the workplace that demands some attention. In order to perform these duties effectively, one has to be a positive role model to other workers. Here, role modelling serves as a tool to reinforce the preferred behaviour in the role models while encouraging other to emulate them. This occurs especially when one is at a higher position and can therefore serve as a positive role model through different ways at the workplace.

Firstly, is through model positive choice-making especially when performing the assigned duties. For a role model, it is necessary to impact choices which have a great impact on an individual as well as the employees and managers who look up to the decision maker. Such manner helps others to make such once decisions once they secure the same position later and ensure that the action is practised (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015). Secondly, is thinking out loud especially when expected to make a tough choice. The role model should allow other workers so see how one goes through the problem, compare the cons and pros and arrive at a decision. The role model needs to show others the best decision and how one can arrive at a conclusion. Thirdly, admitting mistakes and apologising is necessary as no one is perfect. In case a mistake arises when making a choice, the workmates should learn about the mistake and the plans to correcting it. Such situations help in understanding that anyone can make a mistake, it can be made right, and responsibility should be taken (Lfe, 2012).

Fourthly, following through describes a positive role model since the managers wish that workers stick with their commitments as well as following through their promises. Thus, role models should demonstrate stick-to-itiveness together with self-discipline by being on time, finishing projects, avoiding quitting, and when things get challenging avoiding backing off. Fifth, showing respect is also critical. This can be demonstrated at the workplace through showing gratitude and attitude when others help and treating all the members equally. Sixth, demonstrating confidence motivates other to emulate a leader as a role model. When performing different tasks at the workplace, it is wise to be proud of whom one is and is to become. Role models can demonstrate this by commemorating the lessons learned from earlier activities, the strength amassed, as well as the character developed. Lastly is by being well rounded whereby one can do more than one thing. Mostly, it can be described by acts of curiosities and varied interests (Lfe, 2012).

Question 2

Use of technology is the importance at the place of work as through it the business expands quickly and efficiently as some of the technology used help in business expansion that was once limited. There are several samples of technology that are helpful. Firstly, it would be the use of computers. These computers loaded with productivity software packages together with office allow employees to write letters, make an analysis of financial information, as well as designing sales presentations. Secondly, software loaded onto computers serve specific functionality. For instance, productivity tools among them Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are significant in the word-processing package and financial spreadsheet system, respectively. This allows the assigned worked to perform their duties easily.

Thirdly, networking is also critical whereby computers are linked to form a network. Through this technology, people within the workplace can share documents containing important information; a central repository is provided that aid in storing documents. Besides, printers and storage devices can be shared. Fourthly, video conferencing is another essential technology whereby money can be saved since no travelling is required. The use of cameras and right software enhance communication between two employees or even a customer who can see each other although in different locations. Fifth, is the use of email serves as a better communication tool when some actions are required. The company can create email address through which customers can reach them and also for internal communication. Lastly, the current social networking is another useful technology. The company can use this to reach potential customers by advertising goods through Facebook, Tweets, and MySpace (Beetham & Sharpe, 2013).

These technologies can be used to promote efficiency and effectiveness when managing work priorities. This can be achieved through ways such as improved communication whereby the information is delivered effectively at the workplace and outside. Efficiency is also promoted by saving time through speeding up of work flow processes as well as saving space and costs. Moreover, mobility which wastes time and space is eliminated through modes like video conferencing and use of relevant softwares (Beetham & Sharpe, 2013).

Question 3

Business networking is a valuable tool that can be used to expand one’s knowledge as well as learning from the success of other businesses while attaining more clients and spreading the news about the business to others. It is characterised by several benefits. Firstly, is a generation of increased business or referrals. In most cases, the referrals most business gets through networking are high quality and in some cases pre-qualified for the business. As a result, one can follow up the referrals and make them clients which is a great advantage to the business. Secondly, there are numerous opportunities that arise as a result of networking. Some of the opportunities may involve joint venture, partnerships, as well as business sales among others. However, every business should only be involved in opportunities that align with the vision. Thirdly, is the creation of connections especially when a business experience is a great source of connections with highly influential people. These are people who might be difficult to find at normal circumstances and offer good deals. Fourthly, is the provision of advice from the like-minded business dealers. The experienced individuals offer advice with regard to all things related to business and personal life that promote work-life balance. Fifth, is that the profiles of people involved are raised as the business is being visible and receiving some recognition. This can be achieved by attending business as well as social events in order to be noticed and in return build reputation as a reliable and supportive character. Sixth, is the satisfaction from helping others and friendship. Through the business networking, one gets satisfaction from helping others and friendship when marketing products. In order to enjoy the discussed benefits of business networking, the business would join Business Network International (BNI) (Bøllingtoft, 2012).

Question 4

For every business, the analysis of both internal and external factors is necessary. This is usually done through the application of SWOT analysis which acts as a framework for identifying these factors which tend to have an impact on the viability of products. The analysis examines four major elements which include strengths referring to internal attributes together with resources supporting successful outcome, weakness, which are also internal attributes resources working against a successful outcome. On the other hand, the opportunities are the external factors that the project can capitalise on and use to its advantage while the threats are external factors with the potential of jeopardising the project (Lee & Walsh, 2011).

SWOT analysis is one of the useful tools in business due to its benefits such as its usefulness in strategic planning and decision-making whereby the business can take advantage of the opportunity, implement new technology, and make a response to new trends. The business is also able to build on strengths and minimise weaknesses as it can identify well performing areas and improve on weaknesses. Furthermore, individual issues can be addressed such as staffing issues, new product development, advertising, and operational efficiency (Lee & Walsh, 2011).

Question 5

Apart from SWOT analysis, evaluation can also be conducted using performance measurement. Through this process, there is collection and reporting of information with regard to the performance of workers or businesses. This may involve studying strategies within a business and evaluating whether the output received after different processes are in line with the expected achievements. This is usually achieved through different techniques such as forced ranking whereby the supervisors and managers rank employees as top performers, average performers, and lowest-performing employees. It compares the achievements of each employee. Management by objectives also measures the performance of employees. The goals are identified, and timelines are set for achieving the goals and meetings are held periodically to discuss the progress. Lastly, graphic rating scales are also relevant. Rating scales used have job duties together with performance standards (Franco-Santos, Lucianetti, & Bourne, 2012).

Question 6

Honey and Mumford theory describe activist, pragmatist, reflector and theorist personalities which possess different characteristics. The activist is a learning style whereby people learn by doing, and the members have to work hard. The learning process expects that it is an open-minded approach where individuals get involved fully and without bias when new experiences arise. This is portrayed in activities like problem solving, competitions, and group discussions. Next, in theorist style the learners look forward to understanding the theory behind various actions. It is done through the use of models, concepts, as well as facts. In this process, the analysis and synthesis as well as drawing new information are evident in a logical through the use of statistics and background information (Mumford, 2013). Similarly, the pragmatist is also essential as the people involved need to see how the learning can be applied in the real world. This implies that abstract concepts are limited, and instead experimenters try new ideas and techniques in business activities. The people involved conduct case studies and hold problem-solving discussion in order to identify the relevant techniques such as those that can be used in marketing. Lastly, reflector style involves learning process through which observations and thoughts about the past events are considered. Leaping in the act may be avoided and instead watch from the sidelines which are achieved by viewing experiences from different perspectives and taking the time to work towards making a significant conclusion after collecting data. This can be applied in sales marketing (Gold et al., 2013).

Question 7

In every business, goal setting process is an important act as it is characterised by several benefits. Setting meaningful goals are expected to bring clearer focus since the goals which are well thought and stated are a representation of the intentions and desires of the business and all people work towards that focus. Optimum use of resources is experienced once the goals are set. Due to the limited resources in every workplace, defining goals help to prioritise some activities and resources can be set for the purpose of that specific activity rather than doing by default. Effective use of time and peace of mind are benefits enjoyed too (Davila, Epstein, & Shelton, 2012). Defining what should be done at specific time eliminate time wastage and the people involved are at peace that all the set activities are running as expected. Lastly, setting goals to promote clarity to the decision-making process, easier measurement of what to be done, and freedom of thought. When the goals are set one can measure how effectively they are to be achieved, and creative energies are released as the business focus on how to achieve the goals (Kotler et al., 2015).

Question 8

New ideas are usually learnt using different learning styles. Visual is one of the commonly used styles as images are used to understand the behaviour of the market of some products. Social can also be used whereby the learning can be done using groups of people like employees at the workplace and the clients. Moreover, physical learning technique is commonly used and easy to use. This is conducted by engaging in advertising of the products and recording how the customers respond (Armstrong, Cools, & Sadler, 2012).

Question 9

In day to day activities, personal work priorities are in some cases affected by different pieces of legislation. One of them is the Health and Safety Act that affect workers. When the principles of the Act are adhered to, workers enjoy a safe workplace. Next, the Equality Act ensures that all the workers are treated equally without discrimination. In return, they work hard to achieve the set goals of the business. Welfare Act is also made a priority at workplaces for the workers. This ensures that people are happy and prosper, which motivates them to strive to achieve more (Hughes, 2012).

Question 10

Time is one of an important resource for the success of business and wastage of time may result to failure as the set objective may not be achieved within set time frame. Effective time management helps in managing time which can be achieved through several techniques. One is eliminating the unnecessary which in return makes the employees more productive as no time is wasted in other unplanned activities and this helps to meet deadlines. Another technique is planning the work to be done every day so as to avoid accomplish nothing by the end of the day. Thus, workers should spare some time before work to plan what to be achieved together with the managers setting goals for the business. For example, by reducing of the interruptions by focusing on the set activities while others can be attended to later (Armstrong et al., 2014).

Question 11

Managing of personal work priorities as well as professional development is in some instances affected by personal factors. Some of them include high work schedule whereby the workers have no enough hours during the day, physical issues such as health complications affecting the body and mentally. Others include lack of skills and knowledge to perform some duties and in some cases when one is not willing to put the effort in an activity. Thus, this limits better results while others are afraid of results and may fear trying new activities (Schwartz, 2011).

Question 12

Workplace stress is at times normal and can interfere with the productivity and performance of the employees. Relieving stress among the workers is one of the challenges. For the case of Vicki, there are several strategies that could have been applied to relieve the stress. One is prioritising tasks by first tackling high-priority tasks and others later. For instance, breaking the projects into small steps especially when the tasks are overwhelming. Another way would have been to delegate some of the responsibilities to others and also be willing to compromise and relax for a while then focusing on the tasks (Van Heugten, 2011).

The assigned tasks can be done by prioritising the importance of each activity as described in the following table.

The tasks can be completed in that order due to their importance as explained in the following table.