1273 Laureta Tatenda Nyamutswa s1120859 PDP1 Portfolio 45342 100076010

12/30/1899
HBA HOSPITALITY
MANAGEMENT
PDP1 PORTFOLIO
Laureta Tatenda Nyamutswa_s1120859
TUTOR: Mr D O’Conell
Institute: WITTENBORG UNIVERSITYOF APPLIED SCIENCES
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 2
DO I NEED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING?.......................................................................3
MODULE OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS ACHIEVED...........................................................................4
BLOCK 5............................................................................................................................................. 4
BLOCK 6............................................................................................................................................. 6
BLOCK 7............................................................................................................................................. 8
BLOCK 1........................................................................................................................................... 10
BLOCK 2........................................................................................................................................... 12
BLOCK 3........................................................................................................................................... 14
PDP SEMINAR PAPERS....................................................................................................................... 15
Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 15
BLOCK 1: Business Presentation Skills............................................................................................15
BLOCK 2 : Effective Time Management............................................................................................ 17
BLOCK 3: Team Building................................................................................................................... 19
Academic English– PDP1_AE........................................................................................................... 21
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................... 21
PROJECT WEEK & IN-COMPANY VISITS........................................................................................22
Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 22
Self-Evaluations................................................................................................................................. 23
Project Week Block 5........................................................................................................................ 23
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................... 24
EXERCISES & ACTIVITIES: Skills for Success Second Edition............................................................26
CHAPTER 1: The Vision: What does Success mean to you?...........................................................26
Chapter Summary.................................................................................................................................................27
CHAPTER 2: START WITH YOURSELF..........................................................................................28
Chapter Summary.................................................................................................................................................30
CHAPTER 4: SUCCESSFUL SELF-MANAGEMENT........................................................................31
Chapter Summary.................................................................................................................................................34
STUDY PLAN........................................................................................................................................ 35
Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 35
PORTFOLIO CONCLUSION................................................................................................................ 36
1
INTRODUCTION
My name is Laureta Tatenda Nyamutswa. I am 31 years old and I come from Harare, in
Zimbabwe. I am married and a mother to two lovely sons, five year old and 2 year old.
Before moving to the Netherlands to study towards an HBA Degree in Hospitality
Management, I was employed as a Debtors Controller at Pharmaceutical & Chemical
Distributors P/L (PCD), Zimbabwe’s leading Pharmaceutical Distributor. My dream
and Passion has always been to explore the world as I am interested in discovering
new places and learning about different cultures. In addition I have always wanted to
start my own company, become an entrepreneur, in the hospitality and tourism
industry. Thus putting my two passions together, being an entrepreneur and
travelling, I decided to pursue a career in Hospitality and Tourism in order to start
leaving my dream and make a name for myself. I researched on countries and
Universities that have high class Tertiary education standards in terms of Hospitality
and Tourism. Netherlands fell in my top 3 countries after France and Switzerland and
I picked Netherlands. Researching on Netherlands Universities, I picked Wittenborg
because of its International culture and small teacher to student ratio. In addition their
fast track education system which enables students to complete their courses within
3 years made me pick Wittenborg over other Universities
My wish is to graduate from Wittenborg University in three years or earlier with my

Bachelor’s degree. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree I would wish to start up my
own Events and Tourism Company and also start my Master’s degree at Wittenborg
as a part time student. After completing my Master’s my goal is to grow my company
and invest in holiday homes in different parts of Southern and Eastern Africa.
2
DO I NEED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING?
Source: Skills for Success by Stella Cottrell, Third Edition published by Macmillan
Education
I am certain that I can keep myself motivated towards achieving my degree. 1

I am very clear what my goals are for the next seven years. 0
I am confident I have planned sufficiently to enable me to achieve my goals. 0
I am very clear how my degree fits into my life plans. 0
I am clear what employers are looking for. 1
I am confident that I can demonstrate the skills, values and behaviors that 1
employers are looking for.
I am very clear about the importance of reflective activity to professional life. 1
I am confident in undertaking structured reflection without guidelines. 1
I am confident that I can develop an effective strategy to meet most 0
circumstances.
I am confident that I can set well-formed targets. 1
I have a clear understanding of how to evaluate my performance. 0
I am confident that I know how to improve my performance in most 0
circumstances.
I know how to apply and transfer my expertise from one area to another. 1
I am confident that I can see myself as others see me. 2
I am confident that I have effective listening skills. 1
I am an assertive person. 1
I am a good ‘self-starter’. 0
I am aware of the best roles for me to fill for team work. 2
I am confident at problem-solving. 1
I am confident that I know how to make best use of my mind. 0
I am confident that I will take a creative approach to most problems. 1
I am confident about making competence-based applications for jobs. 0
I am always very clear about which skills I am developing. 1
I can see clearly how my skills apply to a wide range of other situations. 0
I know where my own ‘developmental edge’ is. 1
TOTAL SCORE 17
The score is a clear indication which shows that although I have had both work and
study experience in the past, there are some areas that I need Personal
Development guidance. The test has helped me see where I need improvement and
where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I have also come to realize that, focusing on
my own personal development plan will enhance my inner qualities which in turn will
make my dreams and aspirations turn into reality. The personal development plan
test, is a test which, if I frequently use, can harness my many talents that I am
blessed with. Writing the PDP report has helped me to establish my goals and aims
for what I aspire to achieve in the short and long term.
3
MODULE OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS ACHIEVED
BLOCK 5
Enterprise Formation – BL15
Aims and Objectives
 To have a clear understanding of what it takes to start up a business and all the legal
procedures that are involved
 To learn the risks involved in starting and running a business
Result Achieved and Analysis

Grade: 9.7
One of my objectives when I enrolled for this module was to get a clear understanding of the
steps involved in starting up a business and the legal issues involved. After the completion of
this module I had gained the academic knowledge of what it takes to start and run a
business. I was able to understand also the legal procedures and issued involved such as
registering your business and registering the business patents, trademarks or copyrights. I
was very satisfied with my result as it was a true reflection of how much effort I had put in for
this module and that I had full understood the module and I had succeeded in my objectives
that I had set when I enrolled for the module. My class attendance for this module was 100%
and I was punctual for all the lessons. The lecturer for this module was very helpful in
explaining crucial concepts that I did not understand. Practical teaching methods were used
to deliver the lessons which made it very easy for me to understand the module. Many
examples were used that related to the business and entrepreneurial environment. I actively
participated during class and I put in extra hours at home going over what I would have
learnt in class. This course was very interesting for me as my goal is to start up a business of
my own in the Hospitality and Tourism industry.
SOCIOLOGY & ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR – MO15

Aims and Objectives
 By undertaking this module I looked forward to learning about concepts and theories
relating to Organizational Behavior and industrial sociology and how such concepts
and theories assist workers and organisations in achieving strategic success
 In addition I wanted to understand how sociology would contribute towards my
program of study, Hospitality management

Grade: 6.5
The exam for this module was a type 2 exam which included a class presentation as well.
The lectures were delivered by Mrs Saskia who was very strict when it came to class
attendance and participating in class. She encouraged active participation in class and
delivered her lectures with practical examples which helped me to understand how sociology
concepts and theories were a direct contribution to how individuals function in society. I also
managed to understand how individual’s social behavior have an impact on how they
perform within the business environment. Through the research topic that we were given to
do as part of the final assessment, I was able to fully understand the link between the
module and my program as a whole.
TRAINING IN INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

4
Aims and Objectives
 Wanted to learn about how interpersonal skills could impact on me as an individual
working in a business organisation
 To understand what is meant by interpersonal skills
Results Achieved
Grade: 8.0
Simply put interpersonal skills is the ability to interact and communicate well with people
around us. They are also known as soft skills. They are different from hard skills which are
teachable and quantifiable such as IT, Project management. Interpersonal skills are
essential as they ensure a productive, collaborative and healthy work environment. All the
TIPS Seminars that I attended focused on how people with good interpersonal skills were of
value within the workplace. No exam was taken except for essay assignments that we were
required to do. One was for meeting skills which I got a 7.5 and the other essay was for peak
performance which I achieved 7.0. Another assignment was to do a Feedback & group
Interaction Video which I scored an 8.0. Training in interpersonal skills helped me learn skills
on how to survive in the business and work environment. It also aided as a confidence
booster on my own personality and it also assisted in improving on working in a group of
different people.
5
BLOCK 6
MANAGING SALES & ACCOUNTS – MA13
Aims and Objectives
 The main objective I had when I enrolled for this module was to get a clear
understanding of how businesses manage to stay afloat and maintain stable finance
without going bankrupt
 To learn how as an entrepreneur, one may maintain a sales team that is able to peak
perform and be able to produce results

Grade: 6.5
This module was delivered by Mr Emmanuel and it had a lot of content, concepts and
theories which required a lot of extra hours of reading aside from the class hours. The
lecturer made use of external content from successful companies, showing how those
companies started of as small business but through good management of the sales team
and good customer relations they were able to thrive. At the end of lesson eight I had
understood and learnt methods organisations can use to motivate employees, which
included the importance of keeping employees motivated in order to achieve their goals.
NEW BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – BL13

Aims and Objectives
 With this module I aimed at learning how the world had become one global business
village and what made the current business environment different from the one that
existed in the 20th century
 Furthermore, I also aimed at learning the tactics of being competitive within the
current business environment as an aspiring entrepreneur in the hospitality industry

Grade: 7.2
This module was delivered by Mr Boris Ney and it was mainly based on globalization and its
effects on today’s Business environment. The lecturer did so well in using examples that
were linked to the Hospitality industry which made it easier for me to understand the current
business trends in the hospitality industry. At times the lecturer would give us group work
and we would be required to do research and make presentations which really helped in
understanding the lessons being delivered. With this module I really got to learn that,
technology has really played a major role in evolving the business environment into one
global business village. I also got to learn that there are external factors such as politics that
can have either a positive or negative impact on the survival of businesses and these
entrepreneurs have less control over. For this module I scored a 7.2 mark and my lecturer
felt that I could have done better which I totally agreed with him.
INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT – SP11

Aims and Objectives
 Since hospitality is a degree which covers different sectors such as events, tourism,
etc, I was curious to know how the sports industry came into the picture of hospitality.
 I was also curious to understand how one may use the sports as an opportunity in the
hospitality industry or as a business opportunity in general

Grade: 6.2
After the end of lesson week 8 I had so many ideas of how one can link sports management
to hospitality. I got to learn how the sports industry has contributed immensely in the
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hospitality industry through international events such as the Olympics or the FIFA world cup.
For example whenever such big events are happening, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions
within the regions these event are happening, they get so busy and make a lot of profits from
event spectators. I also got to learn how people who have invested in soccer clubs are
thriving business people. With the right investment and opportunities sports can become a
thriving entrepreneurial opportunity. The lecturer used newspaper articles for sports, videos
to aid in delivering his lessons which was very helpful.
7
BLOCK 7
2ND FOREIGN LANGUAGE FRENCH BEGINNER – FL11
Aims and Objectives
 I aimed at learning how to understand, speak and write French
 I also was interested in knowing the advantages of learning French as a second
language aside from becoming multi-lingual

Grade: 7.0 (Listening-8.4; Oral-6.0; Written-6.5)
The module was delivered by Barbara Doninger. She made learning French fun and she
motivated the class in having interest in the language. She used to bring French puzzles and
games to class, which not only made learning the language fun, but also aided in making it
easier and quicker to learn the language. I got to realise that since I am working towards
being full time in the hospitality industry, learning French will be of great importance as it is
one of the most spoken languages in the world. French is an official language in many
countries in different continents, as an aspiring hospitality entrepreneur who aims at having
her products being part of some of these countries, it will be a great advantage.
INTERNATIONAL LAW IN BUSINESS & COMMERCE – BL14

Aims and Objectives
 To understand the impact of international law on local businesses
 To understand whether international law contributes towards the trade policies that
are put in place by governments in different countries

Grade: 8.1
I have always found law interesting and I am one of the people who loves doing things by the
books. The lecturer Sarah Kalibala, was one of the lecturers who made learning fun. She
always took time to explain concepts until students have clearly understood. With a strong
background in law, she would give practical real time examples in order for students to
understand. I got to learn that international law has an impact on local businesses who have
investors which are outside the countries they are operating from. I also got to learn that
although international law exists, sometimes it is not enforceable. It was also interesting to
learn that trade policies that are put in place by different governments to trade amongst
themselves are not fully influenced by international law unless if the are in violation of things
such as human rights.
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BUSINESS – TM11

Aims and Objectives
 To know how the tourism industry started off, the businesses that form the tourism
industry and how much it has contributed to the global GDP
 To know the impact the tourism industry has had to people’s social life

Grade: 8.0
Tourism and Hospitality is more than my passion, it is my life. Thus this module I related so
much with it and I found the classes to be very interesting. The tutor used visual aids as a
tool of helping us understand different concepts. I got to realize and understand that Tourism
is more than just travelling from one place to the other for recreational purposes. It was
Interesting to learn that tourism started off when people would move from their homes to
faraway places in search of food and through this came the formation of paths trails. Tourism
8
is not for recreational purposes only but also for education, research, medical, etc. Tourism
has brought people from different cultures and backgrounds together and has contributed to
the Global GDP immensely
9
BLOCK 1
INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT – CM11
Aims and Objectives
 I wanted to learn about different cultures and how these cultures would work together
within the same organisation
 Learn about how businesses such as multi-national companies are able to operate in
different cultural environments
Results Achieved and Analysis

Grade: 7.2
With the Intercultural module, I got to learn that businesses around the globe such as multi-
national companies like Coca-Cola also have internal cultures that define them as business
organisations. I got to learn that as a manager who will be running an organisation with
people from different cultural backgrounds, it is essential to understand and address
individuals in a manner that relates to their culture. However it is of great importance to have
an organizational culture that can be adopted by everyone. I also got to learn of different
scholars such as Hofstede, who did a research on cultural dimensions which is a framework
of communication that shows the effects of a society’s culture on individuals’ values and how
the values relate to behavior within an organisation. The tutor made the lessons very
interesting by creating an active participation environment during the lessons. She also
invited a guest lecturer who was an expect in this field which made it more interesting.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATION MANAGEMENT – MO14

Aims and Objectives
 To learn the importance of the administration department within any organisation
 To learn about the personnel that form part of the administration department and their
different roles within the organisation

Grade: 7.5
The module seemed simple but had a lot of content to study in a space of eight lessons. The
first hearing about administrative department, I did not think it was any type of management
that would be considered important in any organisation. However, through this module I got
to learn that the Administrative department works as the engine of any company. They are
responsible for the smooth running of any organisation. From the smooth flow of information
to ensuring that everything that is required in order for daily operations of any business to
function is available. I also got to learn that this business function is even responsible for
how the organisation looks, the esthetic part of the organisation. I also got to learn that it is
not only the Administration manager who forms part of this function, but also the receptionist,
the cleaners, the filing clerk, etc. The lecturer had a strong background in Administration thus
she was effective in delivering the lessons.
ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING – FIN11

Aims and Objectives
 I aimed at being able to further my accounting knowledge and understand the rules of
Accounting
 To be able to interpret accounting statements such as the balance sheet and the
income statement

Grade: 8.0
10
This was my favorite module during block 1 due to the fact that, the tutor made extra effort in
each and every lesson to make sure that students have understood and no one is left
behind. The tutor was very patient with all the students and gave extra work every day on
topics that would have been done that day to encourage students to practice more. By the
time we wrote the Accounting exam I was able to draw up and interpret the balance sheet
and the Income statement. I also got to learn that there are international policies and
regulations that are followed by accountants when drawing up financial statements as a
measure to avoid false accounting reporting.
BLOCK 2
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MODERN PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING – MA11
Aims and Objectives
 I looked forward to understand why marketing was so important in any business and
why businesses invest so much in marketing
 I also wanted to learn and understand the right marketing strategies that make any
business thrive

Grade: 8.6
I got to learn that marketing is more than just the action of promoting and selling your
products and services. It is the first thing that any business should invest in before everything
else. Without good marketing a business can go bankrupt as soon as they start off.
Furthermore, I got to understand that marketing helps businesses create value for their
products because when customers by products they will be buying the value which that
product carries. The lecturer brought in a guest speaker who used to work for Nike as a
marketer and is now a partner in an e-commerce company. Having such a guest speaker
who had vast knowledge in marketing was an added advantage in understanding the value
of marketing in any business
SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – BL11

Aims and Objectives
 When I enrolled for this module, I had the objective of learning why there were so
many SMEs that were emerging within the business environment at a global level
 To understand the benefits involved in running an SME compared to being a full time
employee
Results Achieved
Grade: 9.1
Emmanuel Ekpeyong was the tutor for this module. Although he was strict he really delivered
lectures that were more practical as he used real life business examples. With 20 years’
experience working in Shell Petroleum in a third world country where SMEs where very
common, he was able to help us relate to real life situations. With his expertise and
experience I got to fully understand that in most developing countries SMEs are a result of
unemployment rates and then in developed and developing countries at times it is because
sometimes people find opportunities to start-up businesses. Some would want to be their
own boss and some would want to exploit their given talents for financial gains. With all the
knowledge I got from this module about entrepreneurship I became much more determined
on pursuing my entrepreneurship venture.
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY BUSINESS – HM11

Aims and Objectives
 To understand what value hospitality experience had on societies and the impacts
 that hospitality businesses had on societies

 I also wanted to learn which sectors or businesses fell under hospitality industry
Results Achieved
Grade: 7.3
This module was one of my favorite which at first seemed simple but I later realized it was
difficult. It had a lot of reading material and a lot of extra research was required in order to be
12
able to understand some of the topics. It was with this module that I really got to understand
how the hospitality industry really works and what it takes to be able to run a business within
this industry. I got to learn that the hospitality industry was a broad industry which had
different sectors that are industries themselves. These include, tourism, events, lodging,
business and leisure travel. Entertainment and recreation and food and beverages services.
Over the years hospitality has contributed greatly to global warming and I also got to learn
however, that, it is through hospitality that people got to learn of different cultures and have
come to interact more.
13
BLOCK 3
INTRODUCTION TO FINANCE
Aims and Objectives
 I wanted to understand and learn if there was a difference between Accounting and
Finance
 I also wanted to learn the role of the finance function in business
Results Achieved
8.5
Introduction to Finance was amongst the modules I found to be very challenging and difficult.
Although it was a tough module for me, I made it my goal that I put in extra hours at home to
go over what I would have learnt in class and do extra exercises at home. With the help of
the lecturer who would give extra in-class working sums and homework as well, I was able to
grasp the major finance concepts. I got to realize that what sets accounting apart from
finance is the fact that accounting focuses on the day-to-day flow of money within an
organisation whereas finance focuses on the management of assets and liabilities and future
planning for growth of the organisation.
PRINCIPLES IN EVENTS MANAGEMENT

Aims and Objectives
 I aimed at getting an understanding of whether Events management could be

classified as an independent industry
 To broaden my knowledge about the strategies and the risks that were involved in
hosting events
Result Achieved
8.1
I have been planning events as a side hobby in my home country for the past 4 years, thus
having this module as part of my course was an exciting experience. I was eager to add
knowledge to what I had taught myself in event planning and to really learn what
professional event management was. With extra learning material and resources such as
videos and newspaper articles on international events, the lecturer was able to deliver
effective lessons that were very informative. Events management cannot be separated from
tourism or hospitality. However it can stand as an industry in its own right though some
would argue that it falls under the Hospitality industry as a sector. I learnt that, factors that
have a strong impact on the success of event planning businesses are personal
relationships with customers, the ability to manage costs and contracts, and whether the
event planner has the ability to manage the seasonal fluctuations of the industry.
14
PDP SEMINAR PAPERS
Introduction
For Phase 1, I completed three PDP Seminar papers, Presentation skills, Effective Time
Management and Teambuilding.
BLOCK 1: Business Presentation Skills

Introduction
Pitching a service, presenting a business plan to a potential business partner or promoting a

business at an event may require one to deliver a business presentation. Presentation skills
are important to both individual and business success. Clearly and successfully presenting
information is a key skill to get the message or opinion across. In today’s business
environment presentation skills are required in almost every field. A good presentation can
only be delivered by someone who has the skills and knowledge for it. Whether a
presentation achieves its outcomes or not, it rests on the presenting abilities of the
presenter. Thus it is important for a speaker to step in front of their audience with their best
foot forward, which can only be achieved when one holds the 6 basic presentation skills.
These skills are namely; Passion and Connect, Audience’s needs, keeping it simple, smiling
and making eye contact, starting strongly, telling a story. Out of the six skills, below will be
discussed three that are essential which are; starting strongly; keeping it simple and
capturing the audience’s needs.
Start Strongly
In any presentation the audience always wants to know what they will benefit. They always
want their time’s worth that the presentation has to offer. Thus starting a presentation
strongly becomes a vital skill. One would want to start their presentation by giving their
audience a convincing reason to listen and give them assurance that indeed the presentation
is worth their time and attention. A study that was carried out by Helsinki Institute in 2005
showed that the average adult could focus on a loading webpage for only four to eight
seconds before looking away. People’s concentration spans are short and they do not dwell
on a subject for too long (Kessler, 2012). Thus with this research in mind there is no need to
tell jokes or do anything out of the ordinary but simply explain why the presentation is worth
listening to. It is in the nature of any audience to give the presenter a grace period to
entertain them before they start to switch off if the presentation is dull. The start of any
presentation is what the audience uses to determine whether they need to pay attention or
not, also it is in the beginning of a presentation where the audience will know if the
presentation is what they are expecting or not. In order to start strong, one has to give a
communicative and fervent presentation. This will help in making the audience receptive and
capture their interest. Starting strong is vital because the beginning of any presentation is
what grabs the audience’s attention and holds it. If the presenter loses his audience at the
beginning of the presentation, the whole presentation will be a failure.
Keep it Simple
Every presentation has a message that the presenter wants to put across to his audience.
Keeping that message simple will help in making the audience understand and it will enable
the presenter to communicate the message briefly and effectively. It is important to note that
one can never get all the details across in a presentation and good presentations have clear
messages and few details. Even if a presenter includes all of the details the audience is
likely to remember a few and sometimes they might remember the less important ones and
15
forget the crucial ones (Waknell, 2011). When preparing or delivering a presentation, the
presenter should always keep in mind the key message they want their audience to take
away. Keeping the key message or the presentation simple, focused and ephemeral will help
one not to lose their audience’s attention. Unnecessary intricacies hinder communication and
the audience might end up not knowing what the key message of the presentation is.
Audience’s Needs
Every business presentation aims at solving or providing a solution to the needs of the
audience. Thus, in order for a presenter to say their presentation was a success, that
presentation should have captured the needs of the audience. Having this skill means one
needs to be able to build the presentation around the needs of the audience, what the
audience is going to benefit from the presentation. Knowing the needs the of the audience
can also help one to tailor a presentation that targets the particular interests of the audience
and explain how the contents of the presentation can be of use in their specific situation
(need, 2013). Once the audience understands and realizes that the presentation is centered
on their needs, they become more participative and will give the presenter their full attention
Conclusion
To conclude, business presentations are carried out in businesses almost on a daily basis
and at most determine the success or failure of a business. Presentations done by
individuals who do not have the necessary skills tend to be boring and ineffective. The three
presentation skills discussed above are very essential as they focus on capturing and
controlling the audience’s attention and also getting the presentation message across. A
business presentation requires the presenter to deliver a message to his or her audience
and be able to control the presentation. Thus the only way the presenter is able to
communicate with his audience and be able to control the presentation, he needs to first
know the needs of his audience. Secondly the presenter also needs to start the presentation
strongly. The third essential skill the presenter needs, is to keep the presentation simple. As
Leornado Davinci puts it ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’ (Waknell, 2011).
Bibliography
Kessler, S., 2012. Inc.com. [Online]

Available at: https://www.inc.com/guides/how-to-improve-your-presentation-skills.html
[Accessed 10 October 2019].
need, S. y., 2013. Skills yo need. [Online]
Available at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/present/presentation-tips.html
Waknell, P., 2011. PhilPresents. [Online]
Available at: https://philpresents.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/keep-it-simple/
16
BLOCK 2 : Effective Time Management
Introduction
Everyone gets 24 hours in a day, however, some people achieve more than others because
they manage their time more effectively. It is highly likely that those who practice effective
time management are the ones who are highest achievers. Time management is organizing
and planning how to divide time between activities. Managing time effectively allows one to
work smarter in order to get more done in less time, even when time is constricted and even
if one is under pressure (Tools, 2019). Not being able to manage time affects one’s
effectiveness and causes unnecessary stress. Being time effective requires skill and
contributes towards one’s personal growth and development. However, there are some
influences that could act as barriers to effective time management as well. In this paper, i
have included a schedule of activities for a week that I cloaked. Also discussed is, what is
needed for personal development when viewed from an effective time management
perspective; the importance of managing time; influences that could be described as barriers
to managing time wisely.
The importance of effective time management
Time management is very important because time lost may never be retrieved again.
Effective time management can assist in finding time for what one desires and what they
need to do. Most people blame lack of time for their poor finances, stress and being under
achievers, they feel they have so much to do and not enough time to do it. However, this not
because there is lack of time but just not being able to manage the time effectively. Effective
time management will also assist in setting up priorities. It will assist in making conscious
choices, thus spending more time doing things that are important and valuable. With
effective time management one becomes more productive, accomplishing more with less
effort and time. Present life presents a lot of distractions thus it is easy to lose time on
important activities. Hence managing time effectively will enable one to choose or decide if
time spent on a particular activity is well spent or is just a waste of time. During week ending
17 November 2019 when I cloaked all my activities and worked on managing my time, I
realized I studied more compared to when I did not plan my time. After the week ended I got
used to the routine and I also got rid of the habit of procrastinating and doing things when
they are supposed to be done according to their importance.
What is needed for personal development when viewed from effective time
management perspective?
Effective time management helps with personal development for an individual. However, for
personal development to take place, it requires for an individual to change certain
characteristics and ways of doing things. First of all, one needs to be organized. Planning
one day ahead knowing what to do at what time and also how to do it will cut out or lessen
the time one will spend in trying to figure out their day. The week I cloaked my activities, I
would plan for the next day in advance and it enabled me to be prepared in advance and
organize what I needed for the following day. Another essential requirement is not misusing
time. For effective time management to help in personal development one has to use time
wisely. This is to say not using time on unimportant stuff that are not valuable and do not add
towards your personal growth and achievements. For example, I cut out on spending so
much time on social media platforms. I would only allocate specific time for this and not use
my mobile whenever I wanted. I would do what is important first then do what is less
important last. Lastly, in order for personal development to be achieved through effective
time management one has to be focused. In order to be focused one can make use of tools
such as planners, organizers, etc. I would make a chat on how I would spend my day and
set reminders on my phone as well. Using these tools helped me in remaining focused and I
achieved a lot more.
17
Barriers to effective time management
Achieving effective time management may be hindered by different factors such as getting
too many interruptions whilst working on a task. Furthermore, procrastinations also act as
barriers to effective time management. Delaying a task means delaying a task for tomorrow.
Another barrier is fear of failure, by being afraid of working on a task. This fear will delay the
task and through thinking about the task one consumes a lot of energy out of their brains.
Lastly, lack of organisation in setting agendas based on urgency or lack of proper task
distribution may aid as barriers to effective time management (Othman, 2017).
Conclusion
After learning about effective time management and planning and cloaking my activities for a
week, it is interesting to note that, time management is more than just using a diary to record
tasks and appointments. It is rather a set of principles, habits and skills that will help in doing
a task and be more productive. It is the art of dedicating the right amount of time for the right
activity (Othman, 2017). Effective time management can also be viewed as a tool towards
success. For one to be able to manage their time effectively they need to develop willpower
and self-discipline.
Bibliography
Othman, K., 2017. Linkedin. [Online]

Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-barriers-time-management-kurdo-othman/
[Accessed 22 November 2019].
Tools, M., 2019. Mind Tools Essential skills for an excellent career. [Online]
Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00.htm
[Accessed 22 November 2019].
18
BLOCK 3: Team Building
INTRODUCTION
The success of most organisations depends on the ability of individuals to build effective teams. Team
building involves individuals putting their minds, effort and skills together to achieve a common goal. The
main purposes of team building are to improve productivity and motivation. Team building helps groups
within an organisation to break down political and personal barriers and also improves levels of
communication. During block 3, I had the opportunity to attend a team building seminar which was aimed at
teaching students the importance of team building. The Seminar coordinator organised five different
activities which students had to participate in teams. The main purpose for the activities of this seminar was
to demonstrate to students the importance of team work compared to working towards a goal as an
individual. Additionally, the activities demonstrated the challenges that were involved when working as a
team and the solutions on how to overcome such challenges.
MY ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION IN THE DIFFERENT STAGES
During the 5 different organised activities I played the role of a leader in two of the activities. The role of the
leader was appointed to me in the two activities as I was familiar with the activity and had the knowledge on
how to tackle the task of the activities. My team had 6 members and once the seminar coordinator
demonstrated on the activity to be done to the different teams, my team would first and foremost brainstorm
on ideas of how to go about with the task. Everyone would give an idea on what they thought best on
tackling the task. The one whose idea was considered to be the best would then be appointed the leader
for that particular activity. The leader would then be the one to lead people in that activity, giving
instructions on what to do and the rest would follow. Of the two tasks that I led, not only did I motivate my
team but I directed them in order for the team to win against the other teams. I tried to balance between
being lenient and nice and being a dictator, for I learnt from the other team member who was a leader on
the other activity, she was more of a dictator and the team got demotivated by that. The team felt bullied
and they did not put their all in the activity and we came last in that activity. Thus, I tried a different
approach when I was the leader, I motivated my team but also made sure that they work hard towards us
being the first. With the other three activities that I was not a leader I contributed immensely by following
the leader’s instructions and also helping the other members who were having difficulties with the task.
THE TEAM PROCESS AND APPOINTMENT OF A LEADER
Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. It is directing
colleagues with a strategy to meet the needs of a team (Ward, 2020). Within our team a leader was not
randomly selected, rather a leader was selected based on their knowledge of the task that was assigned by
the seminar coordinator. The seminar coordinator would demonstrate an activity and he would assign the
task that was to be done. As a team we would then go through the process of identifying the best way to
tackle the task of the activity that was assigned. The process involved four main stages, Forming, storming,
norming and performing. Forming was the process in which we identified our team members and get to
know each other. With storming, we brainstormed ideas on how to tackle the task, this process everyone
had a chance to bring out their ideas and ideas were not limited to one person. Norming was the process in
which we developed group cohesion and established ground rules within the team. The final process of
performing was the process of carrying out the assigned task. The person who would contribute the best
idea on how to carry out the task and that idea was voted the best by everyone, would then be appointed
the leader. The chosen leader would lead the team through the completion of that activity. Every member
had a chance to lead which was a more democratic decision and it motivated everyone in the team. In
addition it made coordination of the team easy as everyone was clear of their role in the team.
CONFLICTS THAT EMERGED, HOW THEY WERE RESOLVED & REINFORCING POSITIVE
BEHAVIOUR
19
Although we did not face many conflicts within my team there was only one conflict which affected the team
performance at the beginning of the seminar. At first, everyone wanted to be the leader of the team and
others where not receptive of other people leading. This created a lot of hostility and confusion within the
team. In order to resolve this, everyone agreed that the person with the best voted idea on how to carry out
the given tasks would be the leader for that particular task. With this agreed upon decision, everyone
became receptive and cooperated very well which made it easier to complete our tasks effectively.
Throughout the seminar, positive behaviour was reinforced through respecting one another and giving
everyone the chance for their idea to be heard. This way everyone enjoyed being part of the team and gave
their full cooperation.
CONCLUSION
The team building seminar was effective in shedding light on the importance of team work within an
organisation. Success within an organisation can only be achieved if people work as a team. During this
seminar, I learnt that although each member within a team is responsible for contributing to the team, the
team as a whole is responsible for the team’s success. If the team fails, the failure cannot be blamed on an
individual, it is blamed on the team as a whole. For team work to be effective, no room should be given to
conflicts and negative behaviour as these will only cause disintegration and confusion within the team.
Lastly, the success and effectiveness of a team is dependent upon its leader and the willingness of the
team members to be led.
Bibliography
Ward, S., 2020. the balance small business. [Online]

Available at: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/leadership-definition-2948275
[Accessed 09 January 2020].
20
Academic English– PDP1_AE
Aims and Objectives

 To understand the difference between academic English and everyday spoken
English
 How to write good academic English

Grade: 9.0
The teacher delivered the lectures timeously and with the objective of making sure the
students understood the difference between formal & informal English writing. Through this
module, I got to improve my writing skills and improve on my English grammar and
vocabulary. The exam was a type two exam where students were required to write an
argumentative essay on a question that was related to the business environment.
CONCLUSION
For the three seminars, I was looking forward to gain knowledge and experience on how to
manage my time effectively, how to be able to effectively carry out presentations and how to
work within a team. All these are life skills which are essential when working in the business
environment. Thus I aimed to gain as much knowledge as possible from these seminars.
The effective time management seminar was more essential as time management is needed
not only within the work environment but also in our daily lives.
21
PROJECT WEEK & IN-COMPANY VISITS
Introduction
All Phase 1 and Phase 2 students are required to participate in Project weeks. These project
weeks help students with team building and being able to work in teams with students from
different backgrounds and cultures which is real life reality in the working environment. Each
block except for block 4 and block 8 has a project week with a different theme and students
are randomly allocated into groups, thus students get to team up with different students each
block. Each project week students are requested to do a Belbin test which will determine the
roles they will be given for that project week. I once was a researcher, secretary and a team
leader. Being a team leader was one of the most difficult roles I had to take up as I had to
lead students who were from different cultures from mine and had their own perspective
when it comes to being led. However because of my strong will and good leadership skills, I
managed to pull through as a leader. I participated in all project weeks for Phase 1 and had
a Pass and was awarded 6 Credits.
22
Self-Evaluations
Project Week Block 5

This was my first project week and I had the role of a coordinator which I found difficult as I
was still very new and was still learning the system of doing things. However I found the
challenge to be exciting as I love challenges because they help me realize my full potential
and they help me better my soft and hard skills. As a coordinator I had to ensure that all
deadlines were met and I was working hand in hand with the Team leader who was very
helpful in showing me how things were done as she had participated in prior project weeks. I
also helped the researchers and I also assisted in putting together our presentation and
report. I believe I did well in participating and contributing during this project week
considering it was my first project week at Wittenborg University.
The difficult part however, was the fact that I had to learn and understand the cultures of my
other team members in order for the coordination to go smoothly. I had to know how to
approach situations and address them without offending my team members if I wanted the
team to meet the deadlines.
During this Project Week I was a researcher and the theme for this project week was for
students to come up with business start-up ideas that were innovative and contributed to
environmental Sustainability. My group can up with a business startup idea of paper made
out of limestone. This project week them I found it very exciting as it tested our creativity and
the potential level of students to be business owners in future. As a researcher I had to
research more on if this idea was feasible and if it was something that existed. I also had to
research on the processes that were involved in making this type of paper, the marketing
strategies that would be used and the business strategies and plan. Other team members
also pitched in to help whenever I gave feedback on my findings and everyone pitched in to
put together the presentation and report. I also had to come up with the name for our
business which was ‘Rock your World Designs’. I spent a lot of time on this project as
everyone depended on the information I provided. As a researcher I had to use different
types of resources and materials which were reliable and accurate which saw me spending
about 13-14 hours a day doing the research.
Adding on, the group members I had during this project week were very helpful and
everybody contributed fairly and the coordination of the team was handled well. From this
project week I learnt that I was more of a person who would do well from working in the
background when placed in a team and I do well in sharing knowledge and I do well when it
comes to researching.

During this project week we had to visit the Open Air Museum in Arnhem and the task after
the visit was for students to come up with Marketing strategies that the Museum could use in
order to attract more local and international visitors. This was the second most exciting
project week that I participated in as it was more practical and interactive. The past 2 project
weeks that I had participated in were more of theory than practical. The group members that
I was allocated with were much focused and everyone shared the same goal which was to
23
be the best above the other groups, thus we all put in a lot of time in researching about the
Museum and comparing it to other Museums around the country and also comparing it to
other museums abroad. With the group, we all decided that everyone would be a researcher
and then we decided on a team leader and secretary. This made coordination easier and
work got done faster. Everyone was given a section of the report to write and the secretary
did the final editing. With the report I had to do the Introduction, Executive Summary and
conclusion. The team leader set deadlines and all the deadlines were met. During the
presentation we got a positive feedback from the Tutor which was very encouraging. With
our report we got a 7.0 which was a good mark. During this project week I realized that
Team work is very important in order to achieve good results.

No project Week this Block
The theme of this project was for students to explore Apeldoorn and get an insight of all tourist attractions
that are in Apeldoorn. They were then asked to come up with a website for the city which would provide all
the necessary information to visitors which would market Apeldoorn in order to attract more visitors to the
city. This project week I was assigned as the leader and I had not expected at all to be the team leader,
thus it came as a surprise and a challenge which I was going to overcome. Being a leader meant that I had
to lead by example, thus before I assigned tasks I made sure I took the initiative in everything. If I set a
deadline for tasks I made sure that I would complete my own tasks before the deadline which in turn
motivated my team members and everyone felt motivated to complete their tasks on time. As a leader for
this project week I tried not to be very strict but at the same time not too lenient as well. I created an
atmosphere that people can work and play at the same time and I always assured my team members that
they could approach me if they had any difficulties with any tasks. I did my best to help everybody till the
end of the project week just so we could meet our deadlines and complete our tasks. I enjoyed the role of
the team leader though at first I was very skeptical about it because I realized I could be anything that I put
my mind to.

Hospitality Industry’s contribution towards Environmental Sustainability was the theme for Block 2 Project
week. My group had a chance to visit Hotel Echoput in Apeldoorn where we were given a tour of the hotel.
The manager of the hotel gave a short presentation of the measures they have taken as a hotel to be more
Sustainable. Afterwards we were asked to make a presentation on our findings with Echoput hotel as the
case study. In this project week I was the secretary and this task I found it to be cumbersome as there was
so much to do. I had to put together the power point presentation and edit the final report that we had to
submit. It became hard because I had to meet the submission deadline but some of the group members
were not forthcoming with submitting their report parts that they had to do. One of the members only
submitted their report part the day of the deadline in the morning and I had to put in extra time just to finish
the report before the deadline time. However assessing myself, I realized that no matter how difficult a task
is that I may be given, I have the ability to tackle any task. I am able to push myself to the limits just so I
achieve and meet my goals, a trait that I find will come in handy when I start working.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the project weeks that are part of the learning curricular at Wittenborg are essential as they
prepare students for the working environment. In any working environment people work as a team in the
24
different departments they will be working in, thus the experience they get from the project weeks becomes
a tool they will use when they start working in the real world. Project weeks further facilitates better
communication skills through the activities that students do which enable open communication among
students and tutors. This improves relationships and in turn quality of education. Project weeks also helps
to promote creativity and gives students the opportunity to develop problem solving skills.
Adding on, the Belbin Test assessment that students do enable them to realize where their strengths and
weaknesses lie when it comes to working in a team. When students are assigned different roles during the
project weeks their soft and hard skills are challenged and their full potential realized. It is with the different
roles that were assigned to me during different project weeks that I got to realize that I am more of a
coordinator and a shaper. I do not do well with being a leader although it is a challenge that I received and
it made me realize that I am strong willed and I work well in a team.
Lastly, project a week are a practical way that the University of Wittenborg is using to prepare its students
for business environment which is fast becoming very competitive. The project weeks mold the hard and
soft skills of students which is essential for being successful in the business environment.
25
EXERCISES & ACTIVITIES: Skills for Success Second Edition
CHAPTER 1: The Vision: What does Success mean to you?

Activity 1► Successful people (Pg 14)
1. Bill Gates
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Mark Zuckerbeg
4. Emily Weiss
5. Jack Ma
6. Jeff Bezos
7. Richard Branson
8. Warren Buffet
9. Larry Page
10. Amancio Ortega
Success is not limited to just one measure or definition. The 10 people I have mentioned
above all have one thing in common, their influence and achievements in their field and
industry. They all started off as entrepreneurs and they started off at the early ages of their
lives. I think of these 10 people as successful because not only are they wealthy but also
because of the influence they have in their respective industries and the communities they
live in. my list could differ from that of a friend because of the fact that what I consider as a
measure of success might not be what the next person considers as a measure of success.
For me success is starting from nowhere and becoming very influential and wealthy.
Success is not only the material assets you have but also what you have managed to
achieve surpassing your own goals and limitations.
Activity 2► Symbols of Success (Pg 14)

1. Hard work
2. Perseverance
3. Responsible
4. Influence
5. Self Confidence
6. Principled
7. Creativity
8. Networking
9. Wealth
10. Being able to help others
The above symbols of success are the first that come to my mind as I personally consider
them to be very important to me. Each of the above symbol speaks to me as they are the
things that I want very much in my life. I have listed them in order of importance for me to
really consider myself as successful. My list will definitely differ from that of another person
because success is measured in different ways. Also what I consider as a sign of success
might not be a symbol of success for the next person.
Activity 3► A personal definition of Success (Pg 15)
For me, being successful means being able to achieve my desired vision and goals enabling
me to live a satisfying life that is filled with happiness and freedom. Everyone has different
ideas about success, different benchmarks they want to cover in order to consider
themselves successful. However, for me success is when I have achieved my goals and
26
have finally got to make my dream a reality. Success for me, is being financially secure and
being able to create something as legacy to leave behind.
Activity 4► Personal Ambitions (Pg 15)
My ambitions for my academic work are: to graduate with a first class honors degree
My ambitions for my professional life or career are: to be an international renowned and

successful entrepreneur in the Hospitality and Tourism industry
My ambitions for my personal life are: to be influential and live a happy satisfactory life
guided by the almighty
The personal ambitions activity enabled me to be able to separate my ambitions according to

the different areas of my life. It helped me realise that ambitions are set according to the
areas of your life that you want to improve. My ambitions for my professional life are different
from my academics and the steps that I need to take to achieve them are not the same
Activity 5► The Zed box (Pg 17)
The thing I would want most: is for my Events and Tourism Company to take off and be a
success.
I have always wanted to be a successful entrepreneur and I already have a business idea
that I would want to implement as I have come to realise that there are opportunities out
there for this business idea. Being able to start the business and seeing it come to life and
be a success is the one thing I would want the most right now.
Activity 6► Personal Values (Pg 18)
The things I value the most are:

1. Spiritual Life
2. My marriage
3. Family and home life
4. Health
5. A good job or career
6. Making a difference to the world
7. Helping others
8. Honesty
9. Justice
10. Good quality possessions
In order of what I prioritize the most I was able to list down the things in life that I value the
most. My spiritual life is one value I cannot trade with anything else as I find direction and
guidance from my spiritual life through a close personal relationship with God. Everything
else follows after.
Chapter Summary
Activities in this chapter focus more on what success is and the different aspects that define
success. It also helps one to realize what their true ambitions are and what motivations
assist one in realizing and pursuing their ambitions. The chapter also focuses on helping one
in identifying what they value most.
27
CHAPTER 2: START WITH YOURSELF
Activity 1►Life Metaphor (Pg 37 )
My personal metaphor for my life is, ‘The difference between who you are and who you want
to be is what you do.’
I normally use this metaphor to motivate myself towards focusing on my goals and my
ambitions. If I want to be able to achieve my goals and achievements, what I do makes a
great impact.
This metaphor helps me to make sense of my life, because I believe to be successful I need
to work hard. Success does not come easy, it does not come on a silver platter it requires
determination and hard work. Thus I always use the metaphor, ‘The difference between who
you are and who you want to be is what you do’
This metaphor offers a constructive way of approaching my life as it works as a tool that the
only way I can become what I want to be is if I take action now and do something about it
now.
Activity 2►A new life metaphor
The bible inspires a positive reaction in me
My life is like a:-

 Roller coaster
 Flower waiting to bloom
 A beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed
 Ocean, which at times can be calm and still and at times rough but at the end I still
find it beautiful
 Canvas, every day is like another brush stroke
 A 1000 page book. At times I want to quit halfway through, but then I realize I have a
lot left to look forward to
 Caterpillar waiting for the right time to become a butterfly and spread my wings and
soar high
 Speeding bullet that just hasn’t hit the target yet
The most satisfying metaphor from the above that I will use as my new metaphor is:
‘My life is like caterpillar waiting for the right time to become a butterfly and spread my
wings and soar high.’
Activity 3► Components in the plot (Pg 37)
The most significant events in my life

1. My baptism
2. My first day of high school
3. My first job
4. My first college diploma
5. The day I bought my first car
6. My wedding day
7. When I had my first child
8. The day I lost my father in law
9. The day I left my kids and husband to start school at Wittenborg University
28
People who had the most influence or impact in my life
1. My parents
2. My husband
3. My 2 sons, Riley and Ayden
4. My aunt Dorika
5. My ex-boss Mr Prashant Shah
6. My young sister Clothilde
Activity 4► Create the Narrative (Pg 39)
After graduating high school in 2006, the hope was to go straight away to University and
start on my Hospitality and Tourism Management degree. However, it did not happen as I
had planned because my parents could not afford to pay for my tertiary education. Due to
this financial constraint, I had to look for another alternative to achieve my goals. Thus I
applied at different companies for a job, the goal was to work and save money for my
University education. I managed to get a job at a Pharmaceutical company, Pharmaceutical
and Chemical Distributors (PCD), Zimbabwe’s leading Pharmaceutical company. I got a job
as a receptionist, this became a turning point in my life. The CEO of the company made me
an offer to study a course in accounting if he was to offer me a job as a receptionist. This felt
like a blow in my face because I knew I did not have money to pay for this accounting course
because the reason I had applied for this job was to raise money to go to university. I
explained my situation to the CEO, to my surprise, he told me that his intention was for him
to pay for the course. Just hearing this from the CEO, I felt a ray of hope beaming within me.
It was a double blessing, a job and getting the opportunity to go to college. On the 22 nd of
May 2007 I officially started my new job as a receptionist and on the 2nd of April 2007 I
started my diploma course in Accounting and Bookkeeping. I would work Monday to
Saturday from 8am to 5pm then from 6pm to 9pm I would go for my lectures.
During the period I was working at PCD I was promoted in March 2010 from being a
reception to an invoicing clerk. I graduated in November 2010 with a diploma in Accounting
and bookkeeping and I rewarded myself with a car. I bought my first car two weeks after my
graduation, a metallic silver Toyota Altis and I felt really proud of myself for what I had
achieved. When I started college I gave myself a goal, to save as much money as I can in
order to buy myself a car as a way of rewarding myself when I completed my course. In
June 2012, I was further promoted at work from being an invoicing clerk to a Debtors
controller. A position I held for seven years eight months before resigning to start my studies
in my dream career, Hospitality.
In 2013, I got engaged to my boyfriend whom I had dated for two years and we finally got
married on 19 December 2014. My wedding day is the day that I will always cherish as it is a
day that God gave me not only a life partner but a friend, a helper and confidant. I had my
own fairytale dream wedding which I got to share with my parents. The following year on the
26th of October my husband and I were a blessed with a baby boy, Riley Anotidaishe
(Anotidaishe is my native Shona language which means God loves us). Riley was my own
little miracle because although I had some complications before and during birth, he fought
to survive and he did. He taught me to be a fighter and never to give up on life as there are
greater and beautiful things that life has to offer.
Tragically the following year, on the 11th of May 2016, I lost the one person who was a pillar
in my life and marriage. I lost my Father-in-law from a heart attack, an event which was
tragic, as I never got the chance to say good bye. I was very close to my father in law as
whenever my husband and I had problems we would always confide in him and he always
would make things better for us and counsel and direct us in the right direction.
After working for more than five years as a debtors’ controller, I decided to resign in order to
start my dream career in Hospitality. I applied to so many universities in Netherlands and got
29
offers from four Universities including Wittenborg University. However, I settled for
Wittenborg because of its International environment. On the 10th of January I left Zimbabwe
for Netherlands, a day which was very emotional for me as I was leaving behind my 10month
old son, Ayden. However I knew it was a hard decision that I made which was going to
benefit myself and my husband and kids. I knew that I would one day reflect on this day
when I have accomplished my goal. It will be part of my great life story that I hope will inspire
others.
Activity 5► The Hero (Pg 39)
The narrative I have given above indicates how active I was and taking the lead in my life
events. However, in some instances I was the passive recipient. I hardly sit back and make
things happen, I have learnt to fight my way through life and I have also realized that the only
way I can get the best out of life is when I do not sit back and just let things happen. I have
learnt that in order to get the most out of life and to live a life that I want, sometimes it takes
hard work.
Activity 6► The Choices made (Pg 41)
The choices I have faced;

1. To continue with college or just to work as a receptionist
2. To continue working as a debtors’ controller or to follow my career dream in
Hospitality and Tourism
3. To leave my husband and kids and to start a hospitality and tourism career in
Netherlands or Zimbabwe
4. To have a natural birth or go through a caesarean section
5. To have a big or small wedding
6. To buy a new car or continue saving the money
The opportunities I have taken;

1. To accept a job offer with the condition of pursuing studies in Accounting and
bookkeeping
2. To resign from work and go back to university and start my dream career
3. Pursuing a career in Netherlands
4. Undergoing a caesarean section in order to save my baby
5. Had a small wedding
6. Bought a new car
Effects of the choices I made;

1. I got the opportunity to go to college and get a job at the same time. I also broadened
my professional career
2. Resigning and pursuing my dream career taught me that it is never too late to be
want you want to be and the sky is the limit to anything that you set your mind to. It
served as a stepping stone to what I aspire to be
3. It opened up better career opportunities
4. I managed to save the life of my baby
5. I saved a lot of money by having a small wedding
6. Buying a new car from my savings to reward myself, was a motivation to work hard
towards achieving my goals.
Chapter Summary
Activities in this chapter have helped me to reflect on the events that have helped to be
where I am today and have also served as a reminder of my purpose and where I want to be
in the future. They have also been an eye opener on my approach to life and the
circumstances that I find myself in. Through the activities I have realized the people who
30
have affected my life and have had an impact as well. I also got the opportunity to find a
metaphor that speaks to my life, that has a true reflection of what my life has been like and
what it is currently like.
CHAPTER 4: SUCCESSFUL SELF-MANAGEMENT

Activity 1►Identifying a personal goal (pg 74)
My personal goal: To start an events and Tourism company after graduating with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management
Activity 2►Swot Analysis (pg 75)
Strengths Weaknesses
• Self-starter and motivator • Emotional
• Academic & Professional knowledge • Can get stressed easily
• Past experience in Events Management • Impatient
• Good communication Skills • Perfectionist
• Able to speak 4 African languages • Cannot accept failures
• Ability to work under Pressure • Lack of sufficient start-up
• Computer and Technology Skills funding
• Organisation skills
Opportunities Threats
• Networking • Rejection
• Receiving support through • Political and economic
personal relationships instability in Africa
• Broaden as I build both
experience and portfolio
• Less market competition in my
home country
Activity 3►Sources of Support (pg 76)
1) Academic Advice and Guidance *

 Meeting with my process Tutor and getting advice on career guidance and how I
can use my academic knowledge as an advantage in starting up my business
 Getting advice from my different module tutors on how I can achieve and maintain
good grades
2) Financial *
 Bootstrapping
 Family
3) Careers/Finding a job
 Job banks
 Networking
4) Meeting People *
 Social Networks
5) Finding somewhere to Live
 Real estate agents
6) Emotional questions, needs and support
 Family and friends
7) Health Issues
 My doctor
31
 Family
8) Other resource needs
 Family and Friends
 Professional advise
Activity 4► Time Management (pg 77)
I recognize the following characteristics as true of me:
 Being late (No)

 Not knowing where I am supposed to be (No)
 Delays because I can’t remember where I put things (Yes, Sometimes)
 Missing appointments (No)
 Rushing at the end of a task (Yes, sometimes)
 Missing deadlines (No)
 Not being clear what I need to do next (No)
 Taking too late a bus or train (No)
 Getting caught up in interesting diversions (Yes, a lot)
 Finding it hard to get started (No)
 Taking too long to complete a task (Yes, sometimes)
 Running out of time (No)
 Not knowing how long it takes me to complete a task (No)
 Dashing around all day (No)
 Forgetting what I have to do (No)
Activity 5►Factors in time management (pg 78)
 I use small pockets of time in the day to sort out minor tasks (Very true)
 I get down to work quickly, I am well motivated to start (Very true)
 I have timed myself completing the different aspects of larger tasks (Very true)
 I know when I have done enough than aiming at perfection (Sometimes true)
 I say ‘NO’ when I lack time (Sometimes true)
 I delegate work to other when I can (Very true)
 I ask for help where possible (Never true)
 I have a go than worrying too much about getting things wrong (Never true)
 I have strategies for starting a task rather than wondering where to begin
(Sometimes true)
 I keep a diary and use it effectively (Sometimes true)
 I am well organized so as not to waste time (Sometimes true)
 I plan my activities in a logical order (Very true)
Activity 6►Evaluating your emotional Intelligence (pg 85)

Emotional Management (self)
 I know which emotions I am experiencing (Usually true)

 I am aware of my emotions (Usually true)
 I allow myself to feel emotional (Usually true)
 I take notice of my emotions (Occasionally true)
 I can name the emotions I am feeling (Usually true)
 I tell other people what I am feeling (Occasionally true)
 I take responsibility for my own feelings (Occasionally true)
 I know what triggers different kinds of emotion in me (Occasionally true)
 I can respond without being overwhelmed by emotion (Not true)
 I can express the right amount of feeling for the circumstances (Occasionally true)
 I can be assertive rather than aggressive or passive whilst feeling emotional (Always
32
true)
 I know when my feelings are not being expressed (always true)
 I make opportunities to express my feelings after an event, if needed (Not true)
 I know the ways that my feelings affect my performance (Always true)
 I regularly talk about my feelings to somebody I trust (Occasionally true)
 I reflect upon my feelings (Occasionally true)

 I allow myself to feel ‘small’ or vulnerable at times (Not true)
 I cry if I need to (Always true)
 I will allow myself to withdraw from a situation in order to experience my feelings,
where feasible (Usually true)
 I am aware of how my feelings are affected by the people around me (Always true)
Emotional management (others)
 I know which emotions other people are experiencing (Usually true)

 I am aware of other people’s feelings (Usually true)
 I allow other people to feel their emotions (Always true)
 I take notice of other people’s emotions (Usually true)
 I can name the emotions other people are feeling (Usually true)
 I speak to other people about their feelings (Usually true)
 I take responsibility for my own feelings when other people are feeling emotional
(Always true)
 I know what triggers emotional responses in people I see regularly (Usually true)
 I am aware of my responses to other people’s emotions (Always true)
 I allow others to express what they feel is right for the circumstances (Always true)
 I can be assertive when other people are being aggressive, passive or emotional
(Not true)
 I am aware when other people are not expressing their feeling (Occasionally true)
 I make opportunities to enable other people to express their feelings (Always true)
 I am aware of how I let other people’s feelings affect my performance (Always true)
 I regularly listen to someone I know well talking about their feelings (Always true)
 I reflect upon the way feelings are experienced and expressed in groups
(Occasionally true)
 I am comfortable when others cry if they need to (Always true)
 I understand when other people withdraw from a situation in order to experience their
feelings (Always true)
 I am aware of how my feelings affect the people around me (Occasionally true)
Emotions in Action
 I feel comfortable even when people disagree with me (Usually true)

 I can allow other people their own opinions (Always true)
 I can feel angry without taking it out on others (Always true)
 I can accept criticism without getting angry (Always true)
 I can voice my own opinions (Always true)
 I am able to remain positive even when the situation looks gloomy (Occasionally
true)
 I can allow myself to be sad-and to experience the sadness without pushing it away
(Occasionally true)
 I can make decisions and act upon them (Occasionally true)
 I can stop and assess a situation before I act or speak (Usually true)
 I feel comfortable working with people from very different backgrounds to mine
(Always true)
 I can enjoy diversity in the people around me (Always true)
33
 I will speak out for what I believe is right (Always true)
 I ask for help when I need it (Not true)
 I can let myself feel emotions without taking a drink, cigarette, drug or comfort eating
(Always true)
 I am calm in a crisis (Usually true)
 I can identify when my behavior is unreasonable – and stop it (Usually true)

 I can manage uncertainty without having to have an answer straight away (Usually
true)
 I can manage my emotions under pressure (Usually true)
 I take responsibility for my own part in events (Always true)
 I can admit a mistake and apologise (Always true)
Scoring my responses
 Emotional Management (Self) – 50

 Emotional Management (Others) – 62
 Emotions in Action – 62
TOTAL SCORE – 174
Score interpretation: According to the book, the score I got suggests that I have a
sophisticated approach to emotional life. It indicates that I have the capability of managing
my emotions as well as coping with other people’s emotions. My emotional intelligence can
be a tool that I can use as an asset in almost any situation.
Chapter Summary
This chapter provided exercises that help an individual identify their intra-personal and inter-
personal skills. The exercises I focused on where more on identifying my intra-personal skills
mostly related to time management and my emotional intelligence. After completing
exercises from this chapter I got to realise where my strengths and weaknesses lie when it
comes to managing and achieving my personal goals. In addition, after completing the
emotional intelligence exercise I realised that my emotional intelligence is a tool that I can
use as an asset in almost any situation that I face.
34
STUDY PLAN
Introduction
In this section I have included my study plan which shows my progress so far in my 3 year
study program. It is very useful as it will indicate where I need to improve and it will also
assist my process tutor to know whether I am progressing as recommended by the
University.
EC
Year Phase Block Module Code Grade Credits
1 1 1 Accounting & Bookkeeping FIN11 8.0 5
1 1 1 Intercultural Management CM11 7.2 4
Administrative Organisational
1 1 1 Management MO14 7.5 4
1 1 2 Small Business Environment BL11 9.1 4
1 1 2 Modern Principles of Marketing MA11 8.6 5
1 1 2 International Hospitality Business HM11 7.3 4
1 1 3 Introduction to Finance FIN22 8.5 5
1 1 3 Principles of events Management EM11 8.1 5
1 1 5 Training in Interpersonal Skills CM12 8.0 2
1 1 5 Enterprise Formation BL15 9.7 3
1 1 5 Sociology & Organisational Behaviour MO15 6.5 4
Introduction to Sport Business
1 1 6 Management SP11 6.2 4
1 1 6 Managing sales and Accounts EN11 6.5 4
1 1 6 New Business Environment BL13 7.2 4
1 1 7 International Tourism Business TM11 8.0 4
International Law in Business &
1 1 7 Commerce BL14 8.1 4
2nd Foreign Language (French
1 1 Beginner) FL11 7.0 4
1 1 PDP 1 PDP1
1 1 Project Week and In-Company Visits PW11 PASS 6
TOTAL EC CREDITS 75
35
PORTFOLIO CONCLUSION
Working on the portfolio was a challenging yet exciting task as it required a lot hard work and
input but it also gave me an opportunity to do a personal assessment of my hard and soft
skills. It further gave me the opportunity to assess my own progress in my academic work
indicating the areas I was doing well and areas that I needed to improve.
Looking at the portfolio content I am highly satisfied with the progress I am making so far in
completing my Hospitality Management degree, which is one of my personal goals and
mission. I have managed to attain 75 Credits out of the required 80 credit, the 5 credits
pending will be awarded once I submit my PDP Portfolio.
The portfolio requirements, included working on exercises in the text book “Skills for
Success” by Stella Cottrell. The exercises helped me identify my own personal goals, events
and people that have an influence in my life and how to achieve the goals I have set for
myself. Furthermore, the exercises also tested my intra-personal and inter-personal skills
and how I may use the as an asset in different life situations. Through some of the exercise
that I completed, I got to understand and identify what success means to me, identifying the
people I consider to be successful and what they all have in common and how it can
influence my own life.
Overall, completing the PDP Portfolio proved to be a useful tool to measure my academic
progress and how my intra and inter personal skills have an influence in my approach to
social, professional and academic life.
36

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12/30/1899

My wish is to graduate from Wittenborg University in three years or earlier with my

I am certain that I can keep myself motivated towards achieving my degree. 1

Result Achieved and Analysis

SOCIOLOGY & ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR – MO15

Result Achieved and Analysis

TRAINING IN INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Result Achieved and Analysis

NEW BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – BL13

Result Achieved and Analysis

INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT – SP11

Result Achieved and Analysis

Result Achieved and Analysis

INTERNATIONAL LAW IN BUSINESS & COMMERCE – BL14

Result Achieved and Analysis

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BUSINESS – TM11

Result Achieved and Analysis

Results Achieved and Analysis

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATION MANAGEMENT – MO14

Results Achieved and Analysis

ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING – FIN11

Results Achieved and Analysis

Results Achieved and Analysis

SMALL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – BL11

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY BUSINESS – HM11

 that hospitality businesses had on societies

PRINCIPLES IN EVENTS MANAGEMENT

 I aimed at getting an understanding of whether Events management could be

BLOCK 1: Business Presentation Skills

Pitching a service, presenting a business plan to a potential business partner or promoting a

Kessler, S., 2012. Inc.com. [Online]

The importance of effective time management

Othman, K., 2017. Linkedin. [Online]

Ward, S., 2020. the balance small business. [Online]

Aims and Objectives

Results Achieved and Analysis

Project Week Block 5

Project Week Block 6

Project Week Block 7

Project Week Block 8

Project Week Block 1

Project Week Block 2

CHAPTER 1: The Vision: What does Success mean to you?

Activity 2► Symbols of Success (Pg 14)

Activity 3► A personal definition of Success (Pg 15)

Activity 4► Personal Ambitions (Pg 15)

My ambitions for my professional life or career are: to be an international renowned and

The personal ambitions activity enabled me to be able to separate my ambitions according to

Activity 5► The Zed box (Pg 17)

Activity 6► Personal Values (Pg 18)

The things I value the most are:

Activity 2►A new life metaphor

The bible inspires a positive reaction in me

My life is like a:-

Activity 3► Components in the plot (Pg 37)

The most significant events in my life

Activity 4► Create the Narrative (Pg 39)

Activity 5► The Hero (Pg 39)

Activity 6► The Choices made (Pg 41)

The choices I have faced;

The opportunities I have taken;

Effects of the choices I made;

CHAPTER 4: SUCCESSFUL SELF-MANAGEMENT

Activity 2►Swot Analysis (pg 75)