BA (Hons) in Business Management

Individual Report – CW 1

C. H. Roshenka Fernandopulle

ID: 2019410

Portfolio Report

5HURM008W.1 Managing People

Tutors Name

shyani Siriwardene

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to express my sincere thanks to my lecturer, miss Shyani Siriwardene for
supervising me during the WEA, Forage Inside Sherpa tasks, which indeed helps me
to improve my skills and it helped me to create value addition to my personal brand.
My completion of this portfolio report could not have been a success without your
endless support and guidance.

Table of Content

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s
Section 1 Introduction.................................................................................................4

1.1 What is my degree? How marketable is my degree?..............................................4

1.2 Placement advert of your preferred company, as approved for you by your
seminar leader; whether you are / are not going on placement.....................................4

1.3 What skills are you developing that would be enhanced on a placement?.............5

Section 2 Employer Branding and Your Professional Brand.................................6

2.1 Employer Branding...................................................................................................6

2.2 professional Branding...............................................................................................7

Section 3 HR Leadership in Covid-19........................................................................8

3.1 HR Leaders Compared to Leadership Models.........................................................8

3.2 Leadership modules...............................................................................................10

3.3 Recommendations for the organization.................................................................11

Section 4                Conclusion.....................................................................................12

Section 5 Goal Development Grid............................................................................13

References......................................................................................................................14

Appendices.....................................................................................................................15

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A4 Plan Structure: Portfolio Report

Section 1 Introduction

1.1 What is my degree? How marketable is my degree?

I’m following a UGC approved, B. A (Hons) in Business Management Degree,
offered by the University of Westminster in affiliation with Informatics Institute of
Technology. The degree duration is a four-year program in a combination of
specialized academic areas such as Accounting and Finance, Management,
Economics, Human Resources, and other business-related modules. The students
are being provided with a one-year placement period in the working industry.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), carrier openings are
significantly higher for a business management holder. [ CITATION Wha181 \l 1033 ]
Business degree graduates are particularly employable and appealing to employers
because they have many transferable abilities, including the ability to think
creatively and strategically, good project management skills, and problem-solving
skills. The rate of unemployment is very low; the wages of the graduates are at
£ 17,400 and go up to £ 25,700. Most of Bachelors's graduates over 50% are now
seeking a Master’s degree. CEO, HR Managers, Accountants, Underwriting
Managers, Sales Managers, Marketing Managers are some job opportunities that
can gain through a management degree. ( bachelorsportal,2020)

1.2 Placement advert of your preferred company, as approved for you by your seminar
leader; whether you are/are not going on placement.
In my opinion, this company has the ability to provide me with a suitable working
environment where my potential working skills can be developed to improve my
working performance and to make-use my skills to the best. My future goal is to be
an employer in a multinational Insurance company as a Human Resource Director
or an Underwriting Director. Through the working experience gained as an
Executive Life Servicing as the first step, it provides me the opportunity to engage
and excel in attractive carrier phases in the future.

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 When working as an Executive Life Servicing employer, the employee and customer
engagements are high since the role directly align with the performance of the
company. Some skills that can develop are 1. Interpersonal communication skills
where I can learn negotiation, impact, present to customers articulately, and so on.
2. Strategic thinking skills where I need to consider every role of the company and
any effect on future changes and to ensure the long term sustainability of a
company. 3. Commercial acumen, this is where when I promote from this position
to senior management, what need to build an understanding of how the position and 
department impact the rest of the organization and the external factors that affect
how the company operates. (David, 2018)
https://www.topjobs.lk/employer/JobAdvertismentServlet?
jc=0000784909&ac=0000000062&ec=0000000576&pg=employer/home.jsp (URL of the
approved job advert)

1.3 What skills are you developing that would be enhanced on a placement?
I have been engaging with Westminster Employability Award (WEA), three months
physical internship, and a virtual internship at GE Explorer through Forage-Inside
Sherpa. An internship is an opportunity to educate on its own and to build a career
path. Working as an intern in the above-mentioned placements, these skills were
developed.
1. Time Management
An internship is the beginning of work-life, where we need to attend work
and meetings on time regularly. It taught us to maintain a balance between
the job and the personal life without damaging either of them. (Yeasmin, 2018)
2. Communication Skills
I developed communication skills through the physical internship I was
involved in. I was given a chance to improve my presentation skills, and to
communicate with the whole company employees hence I was working in
the HR department. (Yeasmin, 2018)
3. Problem-solving skills
An internship period introduces us to real-life work problems and hence

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 develops our problem-solving skills, through doing the various task given in
the GE Explorer (sorting data, recommendations for promotions, solving
problems through report writing, etc.) (Yeasmin, 2018)
4. CV writing skills and Interview skills
In WEA we had an online lecture on writing CVs and taught us about the
importance of making a CV correctly.
In virtual skills, we were taught how to face an interview which is the first
impression that we give to the company as well as the importance of facing
it correctly.

Section 2 Employer Branding and Your Professional Brand

2.1 Employer Branding

I chose this company, regarding being one of the exemplary life Insurance
providers in Sri Lanka under strength and the backing of Softlogic Holdings with 19
years of excellent history. The company was ranked as the seventh transparent
company in Sri Lanka in 2020. [ CITATION Sof20 \l 1033 ]

AIDA Module
This is a marketing module that defines the steps taken by a client in the buying
process of a product created by E. St. Elmo Lewis, in 1898. This module is used
as an acronym for the following phrases.
Concerning the job advert I chose, this is how it relates to module AIDA.

Attract Attention: this is a job advert for an award-winning ranked Insurance

company in the country. It has used the best platforms to advertise the advert, and
the message was very clear and simple to understand.
Maintain Interest: it has used attractive advertisements with outstanding concepts.
They make websites update on the date which will be easier and make things
available on an online platform.
Create Desire: the products and services providers in this company are desirable.
Through the ‘chatbot’ on the webpage, it makes immediate responses to the
customer. Their content strategy is “Getting sick is never a bad thing, when it’s a

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 good sickness. A good sickness that brings your family together.”
Take Action: making more promotions to uplift the company and to make
customers familiar with the products offer. Thinking about different platforms to
engage with clients. [ CITATION Ann13 \l 1033 ]
This job advert was advertised in ‘Topjobs’ which is the best platform used to
advertise job vacancies all over the country.

2.2 professional Branding

(what are you doing now to develop your professional brand to be attractive to
employers?)
I must concentrate on the way I appear to the world as I plan for my career growth.
The first step to ensuring that my name and reputation are interesting and polished
is personal branding.
1. Obtaining a first-class degree
I’m working hard to achieve a first-class degree.
2. Embracing network
To develop my professional circle, it's necessary to keep networking. I
usually connect by attending to formal and nonformal networking activities
with colleagues and industry professionals virtually and physically. (ex:
Rotaract meetings and events, external office meetings where I work)
3. Preparing an elevator pitch
I keep my elevator pitch brief by concentrating on a few important things
that I need to highlight about myself. This may include my strength and
weaknesses and the findings of new jobs.
4. Updating my LinkedIn profile
This is an online professional social media tool that helps to define our
brand. I use this tool to network with groups, make myself introduce to the
working industry to people who are interested in my qualifications.
Through this tool, I can get recommendations about my work from the
seniors in my office.

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Section 3 HR Leadership in Covid-19
3.1 HR Leaders Compared to Leadership Models
Compare and contrast two HR Leaders’ interviews
 Company brand
Small medical technology sector business This is a family construction business with
organization. This organization is the family heritage and a solid history. This
leader in the Surface Guided Radiation organization is well known for doing iconic
Theory (SGRT). They have won two and significant projects like Olympic
Queen words. They run their organization Power Bar. (Dawn Moore from J. Murphy
with unique technology. They are in the & Sons Ltd)
progress of expanding their business in
more countries like China where they
have approvals to enter and Russia to
gain. (Gordon Headley from Vision RT)

 Recruitment qualifications
When recruiting employers, they mainly In this organization, they highlight the
focus on the curiosity to work on that quality ‘Attitudes’. They are more towards
company, passion for the products where looking at the behavior and the appetites
someone can share the value of the of the new recruiters. They also look at
organization with an interest in the genuine and interest they have in
technology, helping people with medical working with the organization. (Dawn
partnerships offer by the organization, Moore from J. Murphy & Sons Ltd)
ability to think different and suggesting
new ideas to develop new products, and
should have the ability to implement on
changes. (Gordon Headley from Vision
RT)

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  Pieces of the training offer
They intend to provide training across
managers to the employers on diversified,
focus, and deliver. They also provide
training through E-learning, investment
training programs through their company
stakeholders, 360-degree assignments
which offer to trainees for 3 months.
(Gordon Headley from Vision RT)
 Work from Home (WFH)
They were not much flexible with the WFH
concept as this company needs more
researchers on medical facts using the
technology which is quite difficult to move
on. But the organization provides the
office monitors and chairs to make the
work much easier. This organization stiff
prefer face to face working concept.
(Gordon Headley from Vision RT)
 Leadership modules used
In this organization, they are using the
one to many ‘LMX’ theory in leadership
within the organization. (Gordon Headley
from Vision RT) because they cut down
the salaries of the employers.
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According to this company they train to
develop soft skills. They used to mentor
the new recruiters. They build day to day
relationships that managers and the
employers or the new recruiters have to
build. (Dawn Moore from J. Murphy &
Sons Ltd)
They had a clear balance in work from
home concept. Which they have used this
method previously. So, this company is
much more flexible with this concept
compared to the other. (Dawn Moore from
J. Murphy & Sons Ltd)
This organization also use the ‘LMX’
model leadership which is a one to many
leadership theory within the organization.
(Dawn Moore from J. Murphy & Sons Ltd)
I chose this company as a LMX because
they are conducting a family business
organization.
The benefits that they have brought to the organization.
 Financial benefits
This company (Dawn Moore from J. Murphy & Sons Ltd) have increased
their revenue more than previous years, where there is no extra cost that
carries on the business. (ex; transportation cost, building cost, utility bills)
 Find new talents from the employers
From the pandemic, employers need to work from home. Through that
concept, employers found and make used their hidden skills and applied
them to the working environment
3.2 Leadership modules
LMX - Member exchange leadership is one to many relationships between leaders
and followers. It mainly focuses on the signifies of communication in leadership. In
interior leadership, it depends on information, confidence, trust. In outer groups less
information is shared, work without context, minimum communication, and also
simple leadership is used. [ CITATION The09 \l 1033 ]
CAL – Complex Adaptive Leadership is many to many leadership theory. This
theory is seen as a complex dynamic, covering, instead of just a hierarchical function
or attribute. This theory calls for abilities, qualities, and responsibilities that are in
addition to conventional leadership criteria. Then a task is completed, they say “we
did it.” [ CITATION Rob18 \l 1033 ]

3.3 Recommendations for the organization

 Mainly focus on the qualifications and skills
When compared to Tom Armitage from the Telegraph Group, they recruit
interns mainly looking at the skill and capabilities of the individuals, not
looking at their work experiences. So I recommend other two companies to
look on qualifications mainly.
 Give projects to involve the interns like Dawn Moore from J. Murphy & Sons
Ltd and give a chance to know and figure out what kind of projects are moving

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 on and make them feel that they are involved by making them handle certain
small areas to get an idea of handling work.

Section 4                Conclusion
Creating a personal brand is a powerful weapon in a person’s life in the field of business
as well as in society. Most people meet the brand or the image created by the
individuals before meeting them personally. A personal brand is not something that can
do just once and walk away from it; it is something that in either case online or offline,
becomes part of how you present your self into the world. From the clothes-wearing,
attitudes, the way of twitting; it's all about the personal brand created called YOU. It is
quite challenging but also a rewording award for a journey to discover, create, and build
one’s own brand identity in its carrier life. As an undergraduate it is an added value to
engage with Westminster Employability Award (WEA), Forage Inside Sherpa, virtual
internships provided to us. Creating a personal website, a LinkedIn account, creating a
personal profile will create value addition in promoting one’s brand. As it is a never-
ending journey of self-discovering. The sooner you make it, the sooner you can achieve,
develop, and promote the brand called YOU.

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Section 5 Goal Development Grid

5.1 SMART goals

Goal Short Term Interim Goal Long Term Intended Benefits

Goal Goal

1. Learn soft Find out the Keep Practicing To speed up my

skills. best 5 key searching the skills and work easier and
soft skills and and learning making use of accurate.
learn by 8 those soft them.
days. skills within
2-3 weeks.

2. leadership Find out the Keep a log Being able to Improve my

(networking) best of what I make use of managing and
skills. 10strategies have been group works. responsibility
of leadership learning. skills.
by 7 days

3. To Improve Identifying Select the Using this Making a good

my interview important tips important skill when impression in my
skills. to focus on in courses and going to next future interview
2 days. trying them year's with high
out. placement. confidence.
4. To develop Searching Looking for Practicing my Doing my
presentation on some due presentation
skills. presentation presentation presentations differently with
skills by 3 Videos. effectively for new skills learned.
days. assignments.

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References

 David, J. (2018, 12 10). 7 executive skills every senior manager needs | CV-
Library. Retrieved from Career Advice: https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-
advice/development/7-executive-skills-every-senior-manager-needs/

 Hanlon, A. (2013, 10 21). The AIDA Model | Smart Insights. Retrieved from
Smart Insights: https://www.smartinsights.com/traffic-building-strategy/offer-
and-message-development/aida-model/

 Robert M Yawson, I. J.-K. (2018, 12 5). Complex Adaptive Leadership for

Organization and Human Development. Retrieved from ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329439765_Complex_Adaptive_Lea
dership_for_Organization_and_Human_Development

 Robin Martin, G. T. (2019, 8 17). Leader-member exchange (LMX)

differentiation and work outcomes: Conceptual clarification and critical review.
Retrieved from Journal of Organizational Behavior:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/job.2202

 Softlogic. (2020, 6). Softlogic Life Ranked as Sri Lanka’s 7th Most
Transparent Company. Retrieved from Life:
https://softlogiclife.lk/news/softlogic-life-ranked-as-sri-lankas-7th-most-
transparent-company/

 The Leader-Member Exchange Theory: Getting the Best From all Team
Members. (2009). Retrieved from Mindtools.com:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/leader-member-exchange.htm

 What Bachelor’s Degree to Study in the UK to Get the Best Job

Opportunities? - BachelorsPortal.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from
www.bachelorsportal.com:
https://www.bachelorsportal.com/articles/2601/what-bachelors-degree-to-
study-in-the-uk-to-get-the-best-job-opportunities.html

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  What Can You Do with a Business Management Degree? Understanding
Your Options | Rasmussen College. (2018). Retrieved from Rasmussen.edu:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/blog/what-can-you-do-with-
business-management-degree/

 Yeasmin, S. (2018, 9 26). 7 Soft Skills You Get To Learn During An

Internship. Retrieved from Student Resource - Learning Centre |
Letsintern.com: https://www.letsintern.com/blog/7-soft-skills-you-get-to-learn-
during-an-internship/

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Appendices

Appendix i)

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Appendix ii)

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Appendix iii)

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Appendix iv)
 https://www.smartinsights.com/traffic-building-strategy/offer-and-message-
development/aida-model/ (I used this website to research the job position I
chose in the working industry.)

 https://www.smartinsights.com/traffic-building-strategy/offer-and-message-
development/aida-model/ (I used this website to research the HR marketing
model.)

 https://softlogiclife.lk/news/softlogic-life-ranked-as-sri-lankas-7th-most-
transparent-company/ ( I used this website to research the company of my job
advert.)

 https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/blog/what-can-you-do-with-
business-management-degree/ (I used this website to research Business
Management Degree.)

 https://www.letsintern.com/blog/7-soft-skills-you-get-to-learn-during-an-
internship/ (I used this website to get information about benefits internships.)

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Appendix v)

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Appendix vi)

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