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Pearson

Higher Nationals in
Computing (Software Engineering)
Unit 03: Professional Practice
Assignment

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Higher Nationals
Internal verification of assessment decisions – BTEC (RQF)
INTERNAL VERIFICATION – ASSESSMENT DECISIONS

Programme title Pearson Higher Nationals in Computing

Assessor Ms. Ravishma Brahmana Internal Verifier Mr. Mohamed Azeem

Unit(s) Professional Practice

Assignment title Application of Professional Practice on working environment

Student’sname
List which assessment Pass Merit Distinction
criteria the Assessor
has awarded. P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 D1, D2, D3, D4
P8
INTERNAL VERIFIER CHECKLIST

Do the assessment criteria awarded


match those shown in the Y/N
assignment brief?
Is the Pass/Merit/Distinction grade
awarded justified by the assessor’s Y/ N
comments on the student work?
Has the work been assessed
Y/ N
accurately?
Is the feedback to the student:
Give details:

• Constructive?
Y/ N
• Linked to relevant assessment
criteria? Y/ N

• Identifying opportunities for


improved performance?
Y/ N
• Agreeing actions? Y/ N

Does the assessment decision need


Y/N
amending?
Assessor signature Ravishma Brahmana Date 18/07/2022
Mohomed Azeem 10/8/2022
Internal Verifier signature Date
Programme Leader signature(if Lashika Chamini 10/8/2022
Date
required)

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Confirm action
completed
Remedial action taken

Give details:

Assessor signature Date

Internal Verifier
Date
signature
Programme Leader
Date
signature(ifrequired)

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment Feedback Form

Student Name/ID
Unit Title Professional Practice

Assignment Number Assignment Assessor Ms. Ravishma Brahmana


15.9.2022 st
Date Received 1
Submission Date submission
Date Received 2nd
Re-submission Date submission
Assessor Feedback:

LO1 Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills to a target audience

Pass, Merit & Distinction P1 P2 M1 D1


Descripts

LO2 Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving scenarios

Pass, Merit & P3 P4 M2 M2 D2


Distinction Descripts

LO3 Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact of team working in
different environments

Pass, Merit & Distinction P5 P6 M4 D3


Descripts

LO4 Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role within
the workplace and for higher level learning

Pass, Merit & Distinction P7 P8 M5 D4


Descripts

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
ResubmissionFeedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature & Date:

* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place and grades
decisions have been agreed at the assessment board

Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Date
signature

Student Date
signature

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Student Declaration

I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely, to use another’s work and to present it as
my own without attributing the sources in the correct way. I further understand what it means to copy
another’s work.

1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.


2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of the Edexcel UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiaries or copy another’s work in any of the
assignments for this program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspect of my program, will be my own,
and where I have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the correct way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding agreement
between myself and Edexcel UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is not attached
to the attached.

Student’s Signature: Date:


(BTSE0322010343@saegis.ac.lk) (15/09/2022)

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Higher National Diploma in Computing (Software Engineering)
Assignment Brief

Student Name /ID Number

Unit Number and Title Unit 03: Professional Practice

Academic Year 2022

Unit Tutor Ms. Ravishma Brahmana

Assignment Title Application of Professional Practice on working


environment

Issue Date

Submission Date

IV Name & Date

Submission format

This should be written in a concise, formal academic style using single spacing and font size 12.
You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and all
work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system.
Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. You are required to
make effective use of an individual report (using Microsoft Word®, PDF). The submission of the
assignment should be a 2000 - 3000 word count individual project report exclude the citations,
references, and annexure. Although you will not be penalized for exceeding the word limit.

Your research should be referenced and the citation using Harvard referencing style. Please
provide a list of reference using the Harvard reference at the end of the report. Attach the
annexure report after the reference if any.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Grading Rubric

Grading Criteria Achieved Feedback

P1: Demonstrate, using different


communication styles and formats, that
you can effectively design and deliver a
training event for a given target
audience.
P2: Demonstrate that you have used
effective time management skills in
planning an even
P3: Demonstrate the use of different
problem-solving techniques in the
design and delivery of an event.
P4: Demonstrate that critical reasoning
has been applied to a given solution.
P5: Discuss the importance of team
dynamics in the success and/or failure
of group work.
P6: Work within a team to achieve a
defined goal.

P7: Discuss the importance of CPD and


its contribution to own learning.
P8: Produce a development plan that
outlines responsibilities, performance
objectives and required skills,
knowledge and learning for own future
goals.
M1: Design a professional schedule to
support the planning of an event, to
include contingencies and justifications
of time allocated.
M2: Research the use of different
problem-solving techniques used in the
design and delivery of an event.
M3: Justify the use and application of a
range of solution methodologies.
M4: Analyze team dynamics, in terms
of the roles group members play in a
team and the effectiveness in terms of
achieving shared goals.
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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
M5: Compare and contrast different
motivational theories and the impact
they can have on performance within
the workplace.
D1: Evaluate the effectiveness and
application of interpersonal skills
during the design and delivery of a
training event.
D2: Critique the process of applying
critical reasoning to a given
task/activity or event.
D3: Provide a critical evaluation of
your own role and contribution to a
group scenario.
D4: Evaluate a range of evidence
criteria that is used as a measure for
effective CPD.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment Feedback Form

Student Name/ID
Unit Title
Assignment Number Assessor
Date Received 1st
Submission Date
submission
Date Received 2nd
Re-submission Date
submission
Assessor Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Resubmission Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature & Date:

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Table of Contents
01.Demonstrate, using different communication styles and formats ................................................................... 15
1.1 The training Event ................................................................................................................................. 15
1.1 (I) Roles assigned to group members and an assessment of each member's interpersonal abilities that
supports the allotted role in the team. .............................................................................................................. 15
Interpersonal Skills ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Assign roles to team members ...................................................................................................................... 17
The Belbin’s Statement ................................................................................................................................ 17
Goals and Objectives. ................................................................................................................................... 20
Identifying and overcome the problems ....................................................................................................... 22
Project scheduling with stated actions, milestones, and backup plans ......................................................... 23
02. Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques ................................................................. 25
3. Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact of team working in different
environments. ....................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.1 Critical evaluation of my own role and contribution to the group for the completion of the training event.
.......................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.2 Analysis of how team dynamics among your group members successfully assisted in achieving the
common project goal will help you understand the importance of having dynamic team members in a group
to reach its goals. .............................................................................................................................................. 29
3.2.1 What is Team Dynamics...................................................................................................................... 29
4. Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role within the workplace and for
higher level learning ............................................................................................................................................ 31
4.1 Importance of continuous professional development (CPD) ..................................................................... 31
4.1.1 Importance of the CPD to employees .................................................................................................. 32
4.1.2 Importance of the CDP to Employers.................................................................................................. 32
4.1.3. CDP contribution for my personal learning ....................................................................................... 32
4.2 An analysis of the variety of CPD metrics that can be used to gauge the productivity of your employees
within your company. ....................................................................................................................................... 33
4.3 CDP for the Training organization group members ................................................................................... 34
4.4 PDP and Skill audit .................................................................................................................................... 36
4.5 Motivation theories .................................................................................................................................... 37
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 39
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 39
References ............................................................................................................................................................ 40

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Belbin’s Roles.......................................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 2 SMART Goals ......................................................................................................................................... 21

Figure 3 Gantt Chart .............................................................................................................................................. 23


Figure 4 Five Why Method .................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 5 SWOT Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 6 CPD Cycle ............................................................................................................................................... 31

List of Table
Table 1 Assigning Roles ...................................................................................................................................... 17

Table 2 Gantt Chart Schedule ............................................................................................................................. 23

Table 3 Contingency backup Plan ....................................................................................................................... 24


Table 4 SWOT Analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Table 5 CDP Plan................................................................................................................................................. 35
Table 6 Professional Development Plan .............................................................................................................. 36
Table 7 Different Between Maslow’s theory and Herzberg’s Theory ................................................................ 37
Table 7 Different Between McGregor’s X and Y Theory .................................................................................. 38

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
01. Demonstrate, using different communication styles and formats
1.1The training Event
TechGen IT Solutions company expect to scale up its customer base and to grow its business. Hence decided
to be innovative, creative and develop a new product. For that the organization plan to organize a training
program and workshop to identify the areas that need to focus for the employees. First of all, the organization
need to inform to the employees of the organization regarding the overview of the training program, the
program objectives, who need to participate to the training program and the key points of the training program.
To communicate this information, the organization need to communicate effectively. (Vdovin, 2017)
Group Members
Sasanthi, Devin, Poornima, Lanka, Anjali, Gihani, Tharindu, Sameera, Anusha, Prabath

1.1(I) Roles assigned to group members and an assessment of each member's


interpersonal abilities that supports the allotted role in the team.

Interpersonal Skills
The abilities we use every day to engage and communicate with others, both individually and in groups, are
known as interpersonal skills. Such as,
• Communication skills – Verbal, Non-Verbal and Listening skills
• Team working
• Leadership
• Negotiation
• Empathy
• Conflict Management

Communication and collaboration with individuals and groups are tasks that require interpersonal skills in both
your personal and professional lives. Positive relationships and productive teamwork are more likely to
develop in those with great interpersonal skills. They comprehend friends, relatives, coworkers, and clientele
well. Working with coworkers that have great interpersonal skills is typically enjoyable. Some important skills
we need to use at work, (Doyle, 2022)

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Active Listening
Active listening is the capacity to pay close attention to and sincere understanding of the speaker as they talk.
Your vocal and nonverbal replies demonstrate that you are paying attention to what the speaker is saying
(Facial Expressions, Gestures). Finally, ask more questions to demonstrate your interest in the topic. It lessens
miscommunication and helps you comprehend your coworkers and others.
Teamwork
Effective communication and collaboration among employee groups increases the likelihood of success and
attaining shared objectives. Being a good team player might help you reduce conflict and boost productivity.
When necessary, offer to help your coworkers, and ask for their opinions and thoughts. When team members
share their ideas or advice, pay close attention, and give them a good response. Be positive and upbeat when
working on projects or attending meetings.
Verbal Communication
This is a very crucial skill to keep in mind when speaking with managers or coworkers at the office. Speaking
clearly and appropriately while taking the circumstance into account is crucial while conversing with others.
For instance, speak formally when in meetings. Avoid using sophisticated phrases while describing things.
Negotiation
Many occupations require the ability to negotiate. Depending on the particular position, it may entail drafting
formal agreements (or contracts) between clients or assisting coworkers in identifying a problem and a
solution. You need to be able to listen to others, come up with original solutions to problems, and reach a
consensus to be an effective negotiator.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Assign roles to team members
The Belbin’s Statement
Roles that are thought-oriented, action-oriented, and people-oriented are the three basic divisions, and each job
has a distinct definition. If you are aware of each member's responsibilities, your team may be able to work
more effectively. (reportors, 2022)

Figure 1: Belbin’s Roles

Thought Oriented Roles


a) Plant - The Plant is a creative inventor when it comes to coming up with new concepts and methods. They
find inspiration in gratitude, yet they find it very difficult to accept criticism. Plants typically like to work
alone and are reserved. Their ideas are fresh, which sometimes makes them appear unrealistic. They could
also have poor communication skills and a propensity to ignore rules and restrictions that have been placed
on them.
b) Specialist - Specialists are people who possess the specialized expertise needed to execute a task. They put
a lot of effort into maintaining their professional position since they are proud of their skills and abilities.
They fully commit themselves to their function as a subject matter expert on the team.
c) Monitor-Evaluation - Monitor-Evaluators are experts at examining and rating ideas that have been
developed by others (typically Plants). These people are shrewd and unbiased, carefully weighing the
benefits and drawbacks of all viable options before making a choice. Critical thinkers with a strategic
outlook are Monitor-Evaluators. They are generally perceived as being emotionless or frigid. Sometimes
they lack motivation and respond to events rather than starting them.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Action Oriented Roles
a) Sharper - The team's shapers are those who encourage improvement. They are vibrant, enthusiastic people
who enjoy energizing others, questioning conventions, and figuring out the best methods to solve
problems. The Shaper switches things up to keep the team from getting bored and to make sure all choices
are considered. When other people might give up, shapers have the bravery to keep going since they
frequently view obstacles as exciting challenges. Their potential flaws include argumentativeness and
maybe hurting people's sensibilities.
b) Complete Finisher - Those who guarantee that jobs are fully completed are known as completer-finishers.
They pay strict attention to even the slightest details and ensure that there have been no errors or blunders.
They place a lot of emphasis on meeting deadlines and will exert pressure on the team to do the same. They
are viewed as meticulous, structured, neurotic perfectionists. On the other side, a Completer-Finisher could
worry excessively and struggle to delegate.
c) Implementer - The people who see things through to completion are called implementers. They convert
the ideas and strategies of the team into doable actions. They are typically conservative, well-behaved, and
exceptionally well-organized people who work consistently and effectively. You can trust these people to
complete the work. Implementers may be rigid and averse to change, which is a drawback.

People Oriented Roles


a) Coordinator - Coordinators, also referred to as supervisors, are the individuals who take on the traditional
team-leader role. They lead the group in the direction of the objectives they deem most crucial. They
typically have excellent listening skills and can recognize the value that each team member brings to the
table. They delegate tasks incredibly well and are composed and pleasant.
b) Team Workers - It is the duty of team members to support one another and make sure that they can work
together effectively. These team members serve as negotiators, and they are flexible, diplomatic, and
knowledgeable about the circumstances. These individuals are frequently liked and gifted on their own, but
they prioritize the success of the team before their own desires. Their limitations may include being unable
to commit to a position during discussions and decision-making.
c) Resource Investigators – They are imaginative and perceptive. They investigate the possibilities, establish
contacts, and negotiate for supplies on the group's behalf. They are devoted team members who seek out
and work with external stakeholders to help the team reach its objective. They tend to be outgoing and
vivacious, which makes it simpler for them to express their ideas. On the other hand, they typically have
unrealistic expectations and are prone to dissatisfaction.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Each of the group's 10 members has a specific job, with some taking on more than one.

No. Name Roles appointed Interpersonal Skills


1 Anusha Leader, Completer Finisher, Presenter In Leadership, Active Listener,
other words, he takes full ownership of the Communicator, Teamwork
group and facilitates our progress. He
respects the team members and is willing to
communicate with them.
2 Devin Team Worker. He demonstrated his Teamwork
effectiveness as a team member by
completing his assignments on schedule.
3 Sasanthi Coordinator. As the event's coordinator, he Teamwork, communicator
was in charge of overseeing and supporting
participants with their given obligations as
well as the finer points of the training
program that would ensure its success.

4 Tharindu Resource Investigator, Specialist. He has Teamwork, communicator, Active


the ability to conduct extensive study on our Listener
region and produce some fantastic ideas and
resources to share with the team.

5 Sameera Team Worker, Specialist, Slide Operator. Teamwork, communicator, Active


To ensure the success of this training Listener
program, he has a good ability to freely
communicate with the other group members
and express all of his own ideas and
viewpoints.
6 Poornima Team Worker, Presenter. She was Teamwork, communicator, Active
reluctant to interact with the group members Listener
at first, but she warmed up and was chosen
as the presenter, which was a significant
step in helping her get to know the others.
She works incredibly well with others

7 Prabath Team Worker, Plant. Like everyone else, Teamwork


he was assigned a topic and expected to do
well, but he struggled to successfully
interact with the other team members.

8 Anjali Team worker. Despite her tardiness in Teamwork


joining the group, she was ready and willing
to help in any way necessary to make the
training program a success.
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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
9 Lanka Team worker. She seems to be a fantastic Teamwork, communicator
team player with a positive attitude toward
the group. She helped the team's other
members make the event successful.

10 Gihani Presenter, Team Worker, Coordinator. Teamwork, communicator


She is a great team player and coordinator
because she has outstanding listening and
communication skills and offered to be one
of the presenters.
Table 1: Assigning Roles

Goals and Objectives.


This training program's major objective is to spread knowledge about "How to Expand the Business with
Higher Customer Satisfaction." We aimed to impart comprehensive knowledge on interpersonal skills,
including how to please a consumer and identify their needs. We have to accomplish a few goals in order to
reach this aim.
Objectives
✓ Create a group to organize the training event.
✓ Create a WhatsApp group
✓ Conduct online and Physical meetings to inform the roles of the team members.
✓ Research the topics and make presentation slides.
✓ Conduct a rehearsal.
✓ Conduct the training session successfully.

SMART Goals
What is a SMART Goal?
To drive us and complete a certain activity, goals are crucial in all facets of business and life. By
establishing objectives for yourself, you offer yourself a focus to work for and accomplish. The objectives for
your goal are defined using a SMART goal as a reference. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and
Time-Bound are all letters in the acronym SMART. You can focus and accomplish your goal with the aid of
all these. We found that using the SMART technique to create our goals and objectives was considerably
simpler. As a result, we achieved our goals and objectives.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Figure 2: SMART Goals

▪ S – Specific
The likelihood of achieving certain targets is substantially higher. This training program's major objective is to
spread a better understanding of How to Grow Your Business with More Satisfied Customers.
▪ M – Measurable

A SMART aim needs to have metrics for gauging how well the goal is being achieved. Without a precise set of
standards, it is impossible to track your development and determine whether you are moving in the right
direction toward your objective. The objective was measurable because it had a two-month deadline. And we
were confident that it could be done.
▪ A – Attainable

Realistic and doable objectives make up a SMART goal. With the resources we produced, we can achieve the
objective we set for ourselves. There is nothing in it that cannot be accomplished.
▪ R – Relevant

To make sure that your objective is pertinent to the activity, you must set a SMART goal. Since it's a key
component of a training program for a worker in an IT organization, the goal we set is quite pertinent to the
training program. This might benefit them more.
▪ T – Timebound

A time-bound SMART goal must have a start and end date. There is a deadline for us to complete and convey
our goal to an audience.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Identifying and overcome the problems
When it came to functioning as a team, we encountered numerous issues and difficulties. And this is how we
dealt with those difficulties and how we overcame them.
I. Due to the Fuel and transportation problems, it is not possible to personally meet the group members.

Because of the gasoline problem, there were transportation problems implemented throughout the nation, so
we didn't always have the chance to interact in person. It was necessary for us to devise alternate options.
Therefore, for group meetings and discussions, we utilized online communication tools like WhatsApp,
Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
II. The group's participants were absent at the meeting.

Due to power outages, some group members occasionally couldn't make it to the meeting. We had to set aside
a time for a group meeting as a result. We agreed to meet after supper because it would be convenient for
everyone to attend after conducting a WhatsApp poll of the entire group.
III. Group Role assigning.

The first problem for members was deciding the role from the list of available roles to choose. The best
response to this problem is Belbin's Theory.
When developing this training program, we had to contend with a number of significant problems.
Additionally, each member of this group has given their full contribution to make this program a huge success.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Project scheduling with stated actions, milestones, and backup plans
A project schedule defines the tasks that must be carried out, the resources that must be used, and the deadline
for the project's completion. The start and completion dates as well as the milestones required to complete the
project on schedule are listed on the timetable.

ID Task Name Duration Start End

1 project 60 Days 11/9/2022 11/11/2022


2 Planning the event 07 Days 11/9/2022 18/9/2022
3 Set Goals and Objectives 01 Day 11/9/2022 12/9/2022
4 Create guest list and contact with speakers 01 Day 12/9/2022 13/9/2022
5 Approve the budget 02 Days 13/9/2022 15/9/2022
6 Identifying and capturing the learning needs 02 Days 15/9/2022 17/9/2022
7 Select a venue and a date 01 Day 17/9/2022 18/9/2022
8 Communicate and create program 14 Days 19/9/2022 3/10/2022
9 Create the program content, Activities and Documents 08 Days 19/9/2022 27/9/2022
10 Create an Invitation and inform the employees 06 Days 28/9/2022 3/10/2022
11 Event preparation 07 Days 4/10/2022 11/10/2022
12 Select the food and beverage menu and order the foods 03 Days 4/10/2022 7/10/2022
13 Manage the venue set up 04 Days 7/10/2022 11/10/2022
14 Break down and Close out 30 Days 11/10/2022 11/11/2022
15 Follow-up with guests 05 Days 11/10/2022 16/10/2022
16 Follow-up with Speakers 05 Days 16/10/2022 21/10/2022
17 Pay for food and beverage charges and other service 18 Days 21/10/2022 9/11/2022
18 Confirm completion 02 Days 9/11/2022 11/11/2022
Table 2: Gantt Chart Schedule

Figure 3: Gantt Chart

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Activities Time taken Status Contingencies
Assembling the team, 7 days To be completed on 18th
deciding on a topic, and September
deciding on roles
Organizing, preparing slides, 14 Days To be completed on 3rd Sasanthi organized the
and conducting research October research, which was carried out
by each topic's owner.
Finishing the Project 30 Days To be completed on 11th Done by the coordinators and
November the leader
Presenting 0 Days There are two standby
presenters.

Table 3: Contingency Backup plan

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
02. Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques
While preparing the professional schedule of the training program, training organization team has to face to the
different challenges and the problems. With the guidance of the team leader and the with the unification of the
team members helps to overcome the challenges. As the main person of the team, the team leader well known
about, how to recognize the problem, how to find the root cause of the problems, what are the techniques and
the methodologies that can use to solve the problems. Team leader also given a brief explanation about the
problem solving and problem-solving methods. The way we solve the problems by using the problem-solving
methods are below.
Deciding the main topic and the subtopic to the Training program presentation

To create a presentation for our training program, we had to split up our main theme into more manageable
chunks. We encountered this challenge because we had a limited understanding of the subject, and group
brainstorming was the most effective solution we could think of.
Brainstorm: - A group problem-solving method called brainstorming, involves the unrestricted exchange of
creative suggestions and solutions. This is done through a protracted, open discussion in which each group
member is encouraged to think freely and offer as many ideas as they can based on their unique knowledge.
While some of these concepts might result in completely original answers to issues, others might result in
brand-new objects. The group brainstorming session is carried out online. We presented the topic to the group
members for research and suggestions, and they responded with a variety of ideas. This made it simpler to
choose the primary theme and the subtopics from the ideas provided. This approach paved the path for us to
find a solution to our issue.
The group's participants were absent at the meeting.

Because the group discussions and meetings take place online, a variety of problems—such as network
failures, power outages, and so on—occurred throughout the session, which limited the number of group
members present at the meeting and led to a number of complications. Therefore, we needed to find the best
solution for this, and in order to do so, we used the root cause analysis method.
Root Cause Analysis: - Root cause analysis (RCA) is a strategy for solving difficulties that pinpoints the
fundamental reasons behind mistakes or problems. The RCA method's main goal is to examine problems in
order to figure out what happened and how it happened as well as to create countermeasures to avoid a repeat
of the problem.
The main reason we had trouble was that we had no other way to join the conference. The solution is to keep

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
your devices charged when you receive a power outage alert and to reserve some mobile data so you can join
the meeting if your Wi-Fi is having issues. This method is used to identify the primary cause of our issue, after
which we can easily come up with a number of solutions.
Role-defining for group members

Each person in a group needs to play a specific role in order for the group to work well as a team. Members
initially worried about what role to play and which was best for them. Each member needed to be given the
proper position in order for them to work more effectively. The 5Whys method was used as a remedy.
The 5 Whys: - The 5 Whys technique is an attempt to analyze technique used to look at the connections
between causes and effects that underlie a certain scenario. This method is akin to root cause analysis in that its
main goal is to identify a problem's core cause by continually asking "Why?"
The team leader asks the group members why this problem occurs as the first step in this strategy, and after
getting their responses, the problem is broken down to find its source. After hearing the answer to the first
why, he had to follow up with four more whys, each of which required a different explanation. We eventually
identified the problem's root cause, which was figuring out each participant's interpersonal abilities.

Figure 4: Five Why Method

We'll be able to assign those skills to particular roles after we've recognized them. We were able to pinpoint
the problem's origin thanks to the method's division of the issue into more manageable components.
Five reasons the production method was created by Sakichi Toyoda and adopted by Toyota Motor Corporation
as their production methods advanced. When a problem arises in production, they apply the 5 Whys method,
which entails asking 5 why questions to identify the root of the issue, and they keep using this tactic.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Figure 5: SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis: -

A method for figuring out and defining your SWOT is to do a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis can be used
to evaluate both individual projects within of one department as well as the sustainability of a company or
organization as a whole. In order to assess how closely a company is aligned with its growth trajectories and
success benchmarks, SWOT analyses are most frequently used at the organizational level. However, they can
also be used to assess how well a specific project, like an online advertising campaign, is performing in
comparison to initial projections.

STRENGHTHS WEAKNESSES
✓ Best leadership. ✓ Some group members not helpful.
✓ Supportive group members. ✓ Week attendance to the meetings

OPPERTUNITIES THREATS
✓ Gain experience to conduct a training ✓ Current country situation
program.
✓ Improved the interpersonal skills.
Table 4: SWOT analysis
Using problem-solving strategies including group brainstorming, root cause analysis, and the five whys, we were able to
solve a significant issue at this event. By adhering to a few basic actions, we can use this strategy to resolve any type of
challenging circumstance.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
3. Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact
of team working in different environments.
3.1 Critical evaluation of my own role and contribution to the group for the completion of the training
event.

In the group, I, Sasanthi Irunika (Author), had a shared responsibility. It was my responsibility to give a
presentation on the training curriculum. The leader of my group also put a lot of faith in me because I did the
research and put together the presentation on my own.
It was challenging for me to be ready for my first presentation for a training session. The audience should be
able to understand the presentation with ease and professionalism. I had to do a lot of research and was able to
get a list of topics I should include in the presentation, but it was challenging to choose the most pertinent one
that the audience would comprehend. Furthermore, I am certain that my offer to work with another group
member to create the training session's slides was the best contribution I could have given to the training event.
I managed to maintain the WhatsApp group even though I was unable to communicate verbally by frequently
checking in with the group members to see how they were doing with their given tasks.
Despite my best efforts, there are still several areas where I need to improve, which may have improved my
performance. To help the audience understand, I could have made the presentation live by using GIFs rather
than photographs, or I could have chatted with my group members face-to-face and offered some suggestions
to the training program. In addition, I struggle with creative thinking, therefore I need to be strategic. Overall, I
need to improve my interpersonal abilities if I want to succeed even more in the future.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
3.2 Analysis of how team dynamics among your group members successfully assisted
in achieving the common project goal will help you understand the importance of
having dynamic team members in a group to reach its goals.

3.2.1 What is Team Dynamics


Team dynamics is the term used to describe the relationships, interactions, communication, and cooperation
among group members. If the dynamics of the team are positive, its members will be able to work together
more successfully, come up with better, more creative ideas, and have a higher likelihood of achieving their
particular common goal. Positive team dynamics may help your company in a number of ways, not the least of
which is that they are the most reliable way to utilize all of your employees' skills and knowledge.
Advantages of the Team Dynamics.
Improved Results - When a team is operating at full capacity, better results are produced automatically. They
cooperate better, are more goal-oriented, and are more concentrated.
Decision Making - Team members are more likely to listen to one another, which speeds up decision-making.
Great Commitment - Workers will be more devoted and obedient as a result of each group member having a
greater sense of worth.
Great Collaboration - Teams can achieve greater levels of cooperation and collaboration when they work in a
more relaxed and welcoming setting.

Strategies need to improve Team Dynamics

• Feedback - Inappropriate behavior should be corrected as soon as you see it by providing feedback.
• Roles and Responsibilities - You can get a clear direction that will assist you in managing team dynamics
when you design a team structure that specifies the group's objective and individual responsibilities.
• Barrier Breakdown - It is possible to use team-building activities to improve relationships and group
cohesion.
• Communication - Maintain communication with everyone, and as changes are made, let everyone know
as quickly as possible.
• Trust - Building trust and a good relationship with the group's members can be accomplished by being
more amiable and adaptable with them.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
In an organization or workplace, team dynamics are crucial because they affect creativity, productivity, and
effectiveness. Changes in group dynamics may result in better work outcomes and higher customer satisfaction
because group work is so crucial in organizations. Without positive team dynamics, the business or place of
employment could fail.
We were able to work well as a team because of the good team chemistry we had in this situation. Because we
all shared the same goal and objective, we were able to communicate with one another about it, which
ultimately produced an effective outcome because we now have a group of creative individuals working
together to accomplish the goal, which was made simpler by the strong team dynamic among us. If our team
had a bad dynamic, we would have failed.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4. Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role
within the workplace and for higher level learning

4.1 Importance of continuous professional development (CPD)


The term continuing professional development (CPD) describes the various learning pursuits that professionals
partake in to further develop their competencies. By combining practical and vocational skills with academic
degrees, CPD makes learning more aware and proactive rather than passive and reactive. It plays a significant
role in continuing to advance oneself after formal education is complete.
It's getting more and more difficult to overstate the importance of continuing professional development as the
world's businesses continue to expand. CPD gives people the chance to develop and enhance their current
skills while filling in any knowledge gaps, giving them a competitive advantage in circumstances where one is
required, like a job interview. Since many job candidates vying for the same roles frequently possess
comparable core talents, CPD can also help people stand out in the job market.

Figure 6: CPD Cycle

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4.1.1 Importance of the CPD to employees
• Because qualifications are maintained current, learners can pick up useful skills on the job.
• Keeps people concentrated on the path to career success, which results in stable employment.
• Increases job productivity and one's ability to grow and learn.
• Employees can demonstrate their eagerness, aptitude, and readiness to pick up new skills.
• Helps people fill in knowledge gaps and adjust to a fast-paced world.

4.1.2 Importance of the CDP to Employers


• Positively impacts an organization's expansion and prosperity.
• Helps to generate a more productive and motivated workforce by increasing employee productivity.
• Upholds high standards throughout the entire organization.
• Helps employers adjust to and accept change in their industry.
• Since employees feel valued and devoted to the company, employee retention is boosted.

4.1.3. CDP contribution for my personal learning


Regarding the effect of CPD on my own development, we used it for the first time to carry out our training
program. It was a big success to use CPD to carry out the training event because there were no experts in this
subject and training activities. The training event's concept was fresh to me and the group, making it
interesting and useful for our future employment in a cooperative firm. It also inspired me to support each
group member, learn new abilities and knowledge necessary to carry out a training program and understand
what it takes to be a professional. It also provided me with experience that I may use later. By enrolling in
CPD, I can increase my abilities and knowledge in preparation for better future employment.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4.2 An analysis of the variety of CPD metrics that can be used to gauge the
productivity of your employees within your company.
CPD evaluation is crucial because it identifies the CPD strategy that will enable a noticeable improvement in
your employees' performance.
Criteria for evidence
Production data is the type of information that businesses frequently employ, and experts handle it to carry
out day-to-day tasks.
Personnel data are details about the employees of an organization. Information about your background, your
education, and so forth.
Judgmental Data is the supervisor of the employee being evaluated completes a numerical rating scale to
collect the data.
Rating Techniques:
Ranking - A performance evaluation tool in which a certain percentage of employees are divided into different
categories based on how well they perform in contrast to their coworkers.
Paired Comparison - A technique for comparing a small number of options to one another in order to
evaluate them. When the selection criteria are extremely subjective, it is a quick and efficient way to assess
and rank the available possibilities.
Checklist - Using a checklist to assess an employee's performance is another straightforward approach. This
method is used by the Manager to build a checklist and deliver it to the assessor. The checklist could include
several inquiries (describing an employee's conduct and work performance), to which the assessor must
provide a straightforward "YES" or "NO" answer.
Management by objectives - A process whereby each subordinate, in conjunction with his superior, creates
performance goals and objectives prior to the start of the evaluation period.

These methods can be used to evaluate a worker's productivity inside an organization, and the performance of
the individual can be improved for him to achieve his objectives. The most effective method among these
strategies is paired comparison since it enables employers to rapidly identify the group's top performers and
allows them to concentrate on the underachievers and help them improve through continued professional
development. Although the ranking technique is the same, the combined comparison does not separate
underperforming representatives in the same manner that the ranking method does, which has a detrimental
effect on the representative.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4.3 CDP for the Training organization group members
The objective of our group was to become experts in the topic "How to Expand the Business with Higher
Customer Satisfaction" and make it available to the public as a training program. The CPD helped us
communicate it in a more effective way. It also affected how well we could manage a training program and
develop our interpersonal skills. Our group members were tasked with planning online meetings, creating
presentations, holding practice sessions, and performing research on the subject.
Recommended Start and
Name Responsibility Weaknesses
Method end date
Anusha Leading the group and the presenter Ability to Make an effort to 11.09.2022 -
while conducting research and communicate, get converse more with 30.09.2022
preparing PowerPoint slides. along with others, and interact with
and get along with other team members.
the group
members
Poornima Performing background research, Members of the Create a relationship 15.09.2022 -
providing information, and assisting group interact and with them by 02.10.2022
the leader listening speaking openly, and
work on your
listening and
responding skills
whenever you
communicate.
Gihani To locate outside resources on the Speaking in By watching 11.09.2022 -
subject and to create and use slides English and being YouTube videos, 08.10.2022
afraid to share his responding to them,
opinions and conversing in
English with
coworkers, you can
improve your
English. Openly
express your
thoughts and
opinions without
reservation.
Lanka The presentation's delivery Communication Speak out during 07.10.2022 -
while remaining group meetings, 14.10.2022
reserved share your thoughts,
and forge
relationships with
the other group
members.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
Anjali Conduct research on the subject and Reluctance to Try to communicate 17.09.2022 -
present your findings. communicate and more with the group 30.09.2022
proficiency with members, forge
English bonds with them,
communication read and watch
materials in English,
and converse with
coworkers in that
language.
Devin Help the group members determine Communication Attempt to share 19.09.2022 -
who can be of real assistance with your thoughts and 11.11.2022
the subject. converse more with
group members.
Tharindu Conduct research on the subject and Reserved to Make friends with 11.10.2022 -
present your findings. communicate the group members 30.10.2022
and have open
conversations with
them.
Sasanthi Helping the presenter and leader Hesitant to share Give your opinions 15.10.2022 -
while contributing fresh insights and his thoughts and and views without 31.10.2022
information opinions and reservation and
restrained in communicate more.
communicating
Sameera Helping the presenter and leader out Communication Attempt to share 11.09.2022 -
your thoughts and 11.11.2022
converse more with
group members.
Prabath Study the subject and provide details Fear of sharing Openly express your 11.09.2022 -
his opinions thoughts and 31.10.2022
opinions without
reservation.
Table 5: CDP Plan

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4.4 PDP and Skill audit

Professional Development Plan


Name Sasanthi Irunika
Current Educational level HND in SE
Started in 2022
Ambition To become a Data Scientist
Goal 1 Complete HND Target 2024
Goal 2 Get an internship and gain experience Target 2024
Goal 3 Complete Top-up degree Target 2025
Skill Audit
Rank
Present 3 Months 6 Months
English Speaking C B A
Time Management D C A
Programming Language E C B
Problem Solving C B A
Presentation Skills C B A
MS office applications C B A
Decision making C B A
Data Analytics E D B
Projects E C B
Table 6: Professional Development Plan

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
4.5 Motivation theories
The study of what spurs an employee to work toward a certain goal or accomplishment is known as motivation
theory. It is essential in many facets of society, but business and management are where it is most crucial. This
is because a motivated worker produces more, and a worker who produces more is more advantageous.
Popular Motivation Theories,
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
• Herzberg’s two factor theory
• McClelland’s theory
• Vroom’s theory
• McGregor’s theory

The following table compares Herzberg's two-factor theory with Maslow's hierarchy of requirements.
Basis Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Herzberg’s two factor theory
Order of Needs The process of organizing needs in a hierarchy Such a hierarchical structure
based on need does not exist.
The essence of the Unmet needs spur behavior, which results in Performance is the product of
theory performance. delightful needs.
Motivator A need that is primarily unmet could act as The only needs that act as
motivation. motivators are those at a higher
level.
Applicability Considers the motivational factors for all Focuses on the details and
employees from a broader perspective deals with the motivating
challenges faced by specialized
personnel at work.
Based On Needs and Contentment Considerations for motivation
include accomplishment,
acclaim, and progress.
Nature of the theory Nature of the theory It is directive.
Table 6: Different Between Maslow’s theory and Herzberg’s Theory

The parallels between Herzberg's two-factor theory and the hierarchy of needs proposed by Maslow
• Maslow and Herzberg emphasized the value of employee motivation throughout their works.
• Both ideas have an impact on employees' psychology and behavior, which raises employee motivation.
• Herzberg's hygiene or maintenance components are analogous to Maslow's physiological, safety, and social
needs.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
The key distinction is that Maslow's theory is centered on individual needs and their fulfillment. Herzberg's
approach, in contrast, focuses on employee appreciation. Every employee has one of three basic driving
motivators, such as the need for success, connection, or power, according to McClelland's theory of needs.
Another difference between these three theories is that Maslow's Theory emphasizes universal human needs,
whereas Herzberg's Theory and McClelland's Theory only consider features of work content.
The table below shows the distinctions between McGregor's theories X and Y.

Basis McGregor’s theory X McGregor’s theory Y


Meaning It requires intense supervision of coworkers. To progress and get better,
employees are self-driven and
motivated.
Work / Responsibility They despise working and attempt to avoid They see work as normal and take
taking on responsibility. on responsibilities.
Leadership They have an authoritarian managerial style. They have a corporate culture is
democratic.
Motivators They have financial motivation Most often, non-monetary
benefits serve as their motivation.

Focused On Security requirements and psychological needs Social needs, self-esteem needs,
and requirements for self-
actualization.
Ambition They lack genuine ambition. They are highly ambitious
Control Tight Lenient
Authority Centralized Decentralized
Table 7: Different Between McGregor’s X and Y Theory

My opinion regarding Maslow's hierarchy theory of motivation, in emphasizes all aspects of a person's
needs, whereas other theories just pay attention to the demands and satisfaction that are unique to the
workplace. Since staff do not need to be experts to adopt this strategy, it has significant advantages for almost
every business. Maslow's hierarchy of needs ensures that each employee can be given a motivating factor that
can help them reach their goal. It covers all of a person's needs in a hierarchy that all humans act in a way that
will first take care of basic needs before moving on to satisfy other, so-called higher-level needs like esteem
needs to self-actualization needs. Since we all experience the stages of life shown in the hierarchical triangle,
everyone may understand this concept.
Because it fosters employee performance, which may be a crucial factor in the ongoing progression of
the undertaking, providing it a competitive edge, firms must utilize the right motivating components to
improve the career growth of representatives in their human asset sector. Representatives function differently
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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
than other employees, thus the company's strategy may be utilized to motivate them. Motivational speaking
may help people feel more fulfilled at work, which improves how well they do their jobs. As a result,
inspiration is both one of the most challenging and crucial components of organizational and mechanical
psychology.
Applications of motivational theories are essential to the success of the organization, as shown by the
enormous benefits that can be gained from effectively motivating employees to participate in CPD. When
employees are motivated, they learn or develop contemporary professional skills and knowledge, which helps
to advance the productivity and viability of the organization.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the author has successfully achieved all of the levels required for an organization or
group to work on a goal effectively and efficiently. Since this was the first time, he had ever organized a
training event, he gained a lot of experience by doing so. In any event, his future career was greatly advanced
by this. For a reader seeking to start a career but without experience, this report is essential. Readers will be
significantly impacted by working ethics, tactics, equipment, and, most crucially, interpersonal skills.
However, the Team Leader has so expertly presented a wide range of professional practice areas that any
reader may pick up some knowledge and take a step toward becoming a future industry professional.

Executive Summary
The creator has shown an examination and evaluation of the planning activity that she and her team
carried out for this work. The reader will gain a strong understanding of the interpersonal and professional
skills needed to effectively participate in group work and manage the problems that will arise along this
process from this task. Additionally, the reader will learn more about the relevance of Continuous Professional
Development, the impact of motivating theories, and the impact of wonderful teamwork and the results it
produces. Finally, the reader will learn most of the skills needed to advance in his future work.

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T D S Irunika Professional Practice Assignment 01
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