BPP Coursework Cover Sheet

Programme MSc Management with project Management

Module name Personal Effectiveness

Schedule Term 1st Term

Student Reference Number (SRN) BP0269542

Report/Assignment Title

Date of Submission 5th December 2023

(Please attach the confirmation
of any extension received)

Declaration of Original Work:

I hereby declare that I have read and understood BPP’s regulations on plagiarism
and that this is my original work, researched, undertaken, completed and
submitted in accordance with the requirements of BPP School of Business and
Technology.
The word count, excluding contents table, bibliography &

appendices, is words.

Student Reference Number: BP0269542 Date: 5 th December

2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION 1

TASK 01: Case Study Review 1

Leader 01: Elon Musk (CEO Genome Model) 1
1. Deciding with Speed and Conviction 2
2. Engaging for impact 2
3. Adapting Proactively 2
4. Delivering Reliability 2
Specific Example and Impact of Elon Musk: 2
1. The decision to take Tesla 2
2. Autopilot Features and Public Statements 2
3. Overall Impact: 2
Leader 02: Mark Zuckerberg (CEO Genome Model) 3
1. Deciding with Speed and Conviction 3
2. Engaging for impact 3
3. Adapting Proactively 3
4. Delivering Reliability 3
Specific Examples and Impact of Mark Zuckerberg 3
1. Cambridge Analytics Scandal 3
2. Cryptocurrency Announcement: 4

TASK 02: Evaluation of Learning Style 4

Reflective Learning Style 4

Strength: 4
 In-depth understanding 4
 Critical Thinking: 4
 The tendency towards overthinking: 5
 Refusal to Shift: 5
Critically evaluation of the challenges of Remote Work and Online Education 5
 Reflectors' learning style: 5
 Advantages: 5
 Challenges: 5

TASK 3: Analysis of Online Platforms for Developing Personal Effectiveness 5

LinkedIn Learning: 5
Linkdln Align with Reflectors: 6
Practical Application Emphasis: 6
Coursera: 6
Coursera Align with Reflector: 6
 In-Depth Exploration: 6

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 Flexible Learning Paths: 6
 Comparative Analysis 6
 Content and course Variety: 6
Instructor and Quality: 7
Certification and Degrees: 7
Appropriate Platform Depending on Learning Style 7

CONCLUSION 7

REFERENCES 8

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INTRODUCTION
The ability to develop one's traits and equip oneself to accomplish duties entrusted to oneself
at various phases of professional and personal development is known as personal
effectiveness (Hinton, 2022). Through the use of both professional and personal resources,
personal effectiveness teaches people how to achieve their goals in life and at work.

In terms of employability, personal effectiveness is highly valued as one of the most sought-
after talents in candidates (Jackson, 2022). The clarity inside an individual is enhanced by
personal efficiency. Additionally, it gives a candidate's personality strength so that he won't
hesitate in various circumstances. A person's inner and outer image are also streamlined by
personal efficiency. Additionally, this component offers self-organized information and
abilities. By using forceful communication techniques, it improves relationship-building
abilities (LinkedIn, 2022).

The focus of this report's first task is the CEO Genome Project, which seeks to identify the
precise characteristics and evaluations that set high-achieving CEOs apart from their
contemporaries (Daft, 2021).

In addition, task two's evaluation of one's learning style includes determining how well one
takes in, processes, and remembers new knowledge. The Learning Styles theory by Honey
and Mumford, which distinguishes between four learning styles—Activist, Reflector,
Theorist, and Pragmatist—is one of the most well-known learning style models. Knowing
one's learning style might help people customize their education to better meet their needs
and interests.

Lastly, the third task when comparing two online learning platforms, like Coursera and
LinkedIn Learning, the features, content, and learning methodology must be considered.
Although they cater to different audiences and have different foci, both platforms provide a
large selection of online tutorials and courses on a wide range of subjects. A summary of the
investigation's main conclusions and a closing statement complete the report (Anseel and
Ong, 2021).

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TASK 01: Case Study Review
The leadership advice firm ghSMART undertook the CEO Genome Project, which yielded
four essential traits that are consistently associated with executive performance. The CEO
Genome Model is the term used to describe these actions. Using this model, let's compare and
contrast Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg's good and bad traits.

Leader 01: Elon Musk (CEO Genome Model)

Renowned business leader and entrepreneur Elon Musk is well-known for his contributions to
the space and technology industries. In addition to being the founder of Space X, an
organization dedicated to space exploration and travel, he is also a co-founder of PayPal, the
financial behemoth; Tesla Motors, an electric car company that is revolutionizing the
automotive industry; and he even sent NASA to the International Space Station aboard his
spacecraft (Barana, Boetti, and Marchisio, 2022).
1. Deciding with Speed and Conviction
Positive Aspect: Musk has a reputation for acting swiftly and boldly, as evidenced by his
advocacy of reusable rockets and electric car development (Andrew Ross Sorkin, 2018).
Negative Aspect: Because of his similar decisiveness, he has encountered difficulties and
controversies, like as when managing Tesla's public relations.
2. Engaging for impact
Positive Aspect: By using social media to interact with the public and his teams, Musk makes
a lasting impression and relationship (Chris Anderson, 2013).
Negative Aspects: His contentious communication style has occasionally caused volatility in
both public opinion and Tesla's shares.
3. Adapting Proactively
Positive Aspect: Musk demonstrates a willingness to adjust to evolving technology by taking
the initiative to pursue ambitious initiatives like Neuralink and SpaceX (Ashlee Vance,
2015).
Negative Aspect: Taking on too many jobs at once might cause delays and make it difficult to
achieve deadlines.
4. Delivering Reliability
Positive: Musk has been successful in delivering ground-breaking technologies like SpaceX
rockets and Tesla electric cars.

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Negative Aspect: Tesla's production difficulties and delays have led to dependability
problems (Muwara and Uddin, 2020).

Specific Example and Impact of Elon Musk:

1. The decision to take Tesla
Example: When Musk tweeted in 2018 that he was thinking about taking Tesla private at
$420 per share, the stock of Tesla shot up. Lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny resulted from
this.
Impact: The episode prompted concerns about a CEO's responsibility for communication,
and Musk was confronted with legal challenges and volatility in Tesla's stock (Andrew Ross
Sorkin, 2018).
2. Autopilot Features and Public Statements
Example: The term "Full Self-Driving" in Musk's tweets and pronouncements regarding
Tesla's Autopilot function has sparked public discussion and regulatory scrutiny.
Impact: Musk has big plans for autonomous driving, but his fast schedule and
communication have alarmed consumers and created safety issues (Muwara and Uddin,
2020).
Overall Impact:
Positive: Despite difficulties, Musk's audacious plan and well-received product releases have
helped Tesla soar and made SpaceX a significant force in the aerospace sector.
Negative: Tesla's stock and company image have faced difficulties due to regulatory
concerns, public disputes, and occasional overpromising (Muwara and Uddin, 2020).

Leader 02: Mark Zuckerberg (CEO Genome Model)

The most popular social media network, Facebook, has Mark Zuckerberg as its CEO. As he
achieved his goals in a quite short period and became a millionaire at a young age, he appears
to be an inspiration to all aspiring business owners. Owing to his disposition, he keeps an eye
on the future and puts out great effort to both achieve his goals and improve them (Bakker
and Wingerden, 2021).
1. Deciding with Speed and Conviction
Positive Aspect: By buying Instagram and WhatsApp and growing Facebook's power,
Zuckerberg made calculated judgments.

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Negative Aspect: User unhappiness and regulatory scrutiny have resulted from certain moves,
such as modifications to Facebook's algorithms (Bakker and Wingerden, 2021).
2. Engaging for impact
Positive Aspect: Outside of Facebook, Zuckerberg has a beneficial impact through his
philanthropic endeavors.

Negative Aspects: Concerns about privacy and misinformation have been raised about
Facebook's effects on society (Writing Styles, 2022).

3. Adapting Proactively
Positive Aspect: According to Muwara and Uddin (2020), Zuckerberg adjusts Facebook's
approach to new trends, such as the move towards mobile and video content.
Negative: As evidenced by the News Feed algorithm modifications, proactive adaptation has
occasionally led to blunders (Writing Styles, 2022).
4. Delivering Reliability
Positive Aspect: Facebook has continuously produced impressive financial outcomes and
rapid user expansion.
Negative Aspects: Facebook's platform's dependability has been weakened by problems with
data privacy and security breaches (Writing Styles, 2022).

Specific Examples and Impact of Mark Zuckerberg

1. Cambridge Analytics Scandal
For instance, a significant scandal in 2018 resulted from the disclosure that Cambridge
Analytics had obtained and exploited Facebook user data without authorization (Wamba et
al., 2020).
Impact: Facebook was subject to harsh criticism, its stock price plummeted, and more people
demanded privacy regulations. It undermined user confidence and forced Zuckerberg to
appear before Congress.
2. Cryptocurrency Announcement:
For instance, Zuckerberg revealed plans to launch the cryptocurrency project Libra, which
seeks to establish universal digital money.
Impact: Regulators and lawmakers around the world reacted negatively to the revelation,
which prompted the project to change its name to "Diem." It brought to light difficulties in
negotiating regulatory regimes.

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To sum up, Elon Musk and Zuckerberg exhibit a great deal of the critical abilities and
dispositions associated with personal effectiveness that were noted in the CEO Genome
Project. But there are certain disadvantages to their strategy as well, especially about delivery
consistency and the way he interacts for effect

TASK 02: Evaluation of Learning Style

“Honey and Mumford’s Learning Styles Questionnaire”
Knowing one's learning style is like having a customized road map for learning new
information and developing new skills. Every person processes information, engages with
new ideas, and applies what they have learned in real-world situations differently. Through
the prism of the Honey & Mumford exam, I delve into the details of my learning style in this
exploration. I am a Reflector as I start to investigate my preferred method of learning. Let's
look at the benefits and drawbacks of this learning approach and see how well it works with
online and remote learning (Triono, Harahap, and Sihombing, 2020).
Reflective Learning Style
Strength:

● In-depth understanding

Reflective learners frequently go deeply into the material. They take their time to carefully
consider and evaluate the material. For instance, a reflective learner may take more time to
investigate, consider, and make connections between concepts when faced with a complex
notion to gain a profound understanding (de et al. 2021).

● Critical Thinking:

Reflectors are excellent thinkers. They tackle issues with a deliberate, analytical mindset,
taking into account various viewpoints. Example: When presented with a difficult
circumstance, a reflective learner might evaluate it from a variety of perspectives, spotting
underlying problems and coming up with thoughtful fixes. (Yunita, Jamaludin, and
Feriyansyah, 2022).
Limitations:

● The tendency towards overthinking:

Overanalyzing a situation can cause reflective learners to hesitate or respond slowly.

Example: When presented with a task that has a tight deadline, a reflective learner could
procrastinate excessively and end up missing it (Agarwal et al., 2021).

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● Refusal to Shift:

Reflectors may be hesitant to change due to their methodical nature and prefer stability and
comfort. It could be more difficult to adapt in circumstances that change quickly because of
this resistance (Agarwal et al., 2021).

Critically evaluation of the challenges of Remote Work and Online Education

● Reflectors' learning style:

Reflectors enjoy stepping back from the action and considering events from multiple
perspectives. They gather knowledge, both their own and that of others, and prefer to
carefully assess and take into account it from all angles before making any definitive
decisions. (Spross, Gasch and Johansson, 2023).

● Advantages:

Comprehensive Research: Reflectors are very good at conducting research online, looking
closely at a variety of sources to get a lot of information. Academic research as well as self-
paced online courses benefit greatly from this caliber of work. (Wardani & Aini, 2023)
Organizing Effectively for Remote Work: Reflectors' meticulous attention to detail makes
them useful in setting up assignments for work that can be done remotely. They consistently
adhere to deadlines and maintain efficient project organization. (Wardani & Aini, 2023).

● Challenges:

Flexibility with Technology: Reflectors' cautious nature, which values repetition, may make
it difficult for them to swiftly adapt to new internet tools and resources. They might therefore
perform worse in remote work and learning environments.
Cooperation and communication: Participating in spontaneous online conversations or
virtual get-togethers may be challenging for reflectors. Their inclination for real-time
interaction may hinder real-time cooperation, which is crucial in remote work situations (Wei
and Taecharungroj, 2022).

TASK 3: Analysis of Online Platforms for Developing Personal Effectiveness

This study assesses the effectiveness of Coursera and LinkedIn Education in online learning.
Considering the content, user interfaces, and adaptability to various learning styles, the

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research aims to provide insights into how these platforms contribute to personal and
professional development in the digital era (Triono, Harahap and Sihombing, 2020).

LinkedIn Learning:
According to Vijay et al. (2020), this platform provides a vast array of online tutorials and
courses covering a range of subjects, such as technology, business, and creative talents. The
platform is intended to assist professionals in growing their careers and acquiring new skills.
It allows users to continue where they left off by tracking progress and providing a tailored
learning experience.

Linkdln Align with Reflectors:

Brief Focus Video: Learning on LinkedIn is a good fit for reflectors, people who do best
when they observe and think things through thoroughly before making a decision.
LinkedIn Learning frequently uses brief video modules to deliver the material. Because of the
format, reflector learners can take their time and carefully consider each portion, allowing
them to assimilate material gradually (Vijay et al. 2020).

Practical Application Emphasis:

Reflectors typically value conceptual applicability in practical contexts. Professionals from
the field create courses on LinkedIn Learning, with a focus on practical skills and real-world
applications. Reflectors who seek to comprehend how theoretical information transfers into
real-world situations will find resonance in this method. (Wei and Taecharungroj, 2022).

Coursera:
This portal offers online courses and specializations in a variety of areas through partnerships
with prestigious universities and organizations. In addition, it offers a customized learning
environment and lets users receive certificates for finishing classes (Visnovsky et al. 2019).
The platform is made for students of any skill level, from novices to experts. In addition,
Coursera provides flexible scheduling and a range of payment alternatives, such as both free
and paid courses.

Coursera Align with Reflector:

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 ● In-Depth Exploration:

Coursera courses offer in-depth investigations of disciplines, particularly those given by

institutions. This is in line with reflectors who like to ponder over many elements of stuff and
delve thoroughly into it before concluding (Kosloski, 2019).

● Flexible Learning Paths:

Coursera's flexibility—which includes free course auditing—satisfies reflectors' need for

leisurely investigation. Reflectors are free to take their time in comprehending and thinking
about the content, selecting a learning path that suits their desired speed.

● Comparative Analysis

There are numerous online platforms available that can help improve personal effectiveness.
For this analysis, we will consider two popular platforms: LinkedIn Learning and Coursera.

● Content and course Variety:

There are many courses available on LinkdIn, and most of them are geared toward
professional development. Business, technology, creative talents, and other topics are covered
in Lindln courses. On the other hand, Coursera offers a wider range of courses, including
those for professional and academic advancement. Offering an assortment of courses,
specialties, and full degree programs in cooperation with universities and other organizations.
Certain courses may have a more scholarly approach and are typically more in-depth
(Muwara and Uddin, 2020).

Instructor and Quality:

Lindln places a strong emphasis on useful information and practical application. Conversely,
Coursera works with academic institutions, instructors, and business professionals. Most
courses maintain a high standard of quality and intellectual rigor since they are arranged
similarly to university courses (Kosloski, 2019).

Certification and Degrees:

LinkedIn places more of an emphasis on skill development than formal degrees, while Lindln
offers certificates of completion for certain courses. Comparatively, Coursera adds a more
formal educational component by offering certificates for completing courses as well as the
opportunity to pursue entire degrees and specializations.
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Appropriate Platform Depending on Learning Style
Reflectors, with their emphasis on thoughtful analysis, can leverage both Coursera and
LinkedIn Learning. LinkedIn Learning suits those seeking short-term, practical skill
development, aligning with the reflector's preference for just-in-time learning and real-world
applications. Coursera, with its structured courses, offers a broader spectrum, including
formal academic options. Many reflector learners find a balanced approach beneficial,
utilizing both platforms based on specific learning goals. Ultimately, personal preferences for
content depth, instructional style, and targeted skills influence the choice, emphasizing the
importance of exploring both platforms to tailor learning experiences to reflector preferences
(Wei and Taecharungroj, 2022).

CONCLUSION
In summary, this study has thoroughly explored the elements of productivity and the critical
role it plays in career advancement. Through the use of real-world case studies, the study
illuminated how various company executives either possess or lack critical skills for personal
performance. Furthermore, my learning style was assessed using "Honey and Mumford's
Learning Styles Questionnaire" based on my response. There are benefits and drawbacks to
my Reflector learning method. I am a Reflector as I start to investigate my preferred method
of learning. It is a crucial stage in one's personal growth since it enables them to recognize
their optimal methods for taking in, processing, and remembering new information. This can
assist in customizing learning to an individual's requirements and preferences, hence
increasing its efficacy. Finding the best online learning platform for one's learning style and
objectives might be aided by comparing sites like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Although
they cater to different audiences and have different foci, both platforms provide a large
selection of online lessons and courses. Which platform best meets your demands can be
ascertained by comparing its features, content, and pedagogy.
This study emphasizes the aspects of personal effectiveness in the workplace. The foundation
for lifelong learning is laid by researching internet resources, analyzing profitable companies,
and identifying learning preferences. In today's fast-paced, constantly evolving workplace,
successful workers need to be able to adapt, interact, and innovate. This essay promotes self-
awareness and provides methods for utilizing it to meet professional and personal goals.

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Appendix:

Questions:

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