On completion of the professional project this report captures my own personal learning and the skills and practises I have developed as a direct result of this project.
This professional project has been a very rewarding experience for me although it has been extremely challenging. A particular challenge to me has been juggling a full time job, two children and my volunteer work in a local primary school. Despite these challenges I have found the literature review particularly insightful and felt as though something that was initially very intimidating has provided the direction needed for the project.
From the onset of starting this professional project I felt I had made a mistake by not choosing a topic that has been covered within previous topics on the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management. Not doing this meant I was starting the research element of the project from scratch. On reflection this did not hamper my progress and it encouraged me to do a lot of research on the topic before setting a clear strategy.
Due to the clear links in how this project is going to benefit XXXI enjoyed
undertaking the primary research and gaining knowledge in how employees think there talent is valued and how they would like it to be valued. This enhanced my skills in evaluating qualitative data, identifying issues and recognising realistic
I have completed a SWOT analysis to identify what I have personally learned about myself and the opportunities this BA (Hons) Leadership and Management will provide me with as well as the threats to these opportunities. I will discuss in more detail the two key areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths Weaknesses
Time management
Awareness of the importance of employee relations
Leadership skills
Awareness of developmental opportunities Data analysis
Awareness of the business element of managing a voluntary organisation
Writing skills
Practical business knowledge
Opportunities Threats
Graduation
Opportunities to further my career in public, private and voluntary sector
Opportunities are limited due to current economy
Contracts are often short term
Strengths
Time Management
To complete this professional project I have had to manage my time impeccably. This has been of particular importance as without managing my time properly I would not have been able to complete this professional project to a standard acceptable to myself.
Awareness of developmental opportunities
As a result of the „Understanding Strategy‟ topic and the talent strategy section in this professional project I am more aware of the strategic elements that are needed to develop new projects within XXX. I am aware of the need to create
strategic pathways for employees to develop whilst always ensuring the developments comply with the mission and vision of the organisation.
Data Analysis
Prior to this professional project I was very good at analysing data and ensuring any data we were recording was relevant for XXXand the funders they are
representing. During the process of this professional project I have needed to ensure I have received the information needed to complete the project whilst also widening my learning through considering limitations and bias to the study. This is something I can use within my workplace when gaining qualitative data from service users regarding our projects. Service user involvement is very important within XXX.
Weaknesses Writing skills
I have been a manager within the voluntary sector for 5 years now so am quite new to management. I feel my writing skills are weak and is something I hope to
improve, the assessments given to us have helped me greatly in this skill however it is something I intend to continue to improve on. I understand the need to use plain English however often find myself questioning my own ability to right critically. I have also recognised the need to structure assignments in a way that is easy to follow and this is something I intend to improve.
Practical Business Knowledge
surrounds the private and public sector which is not a sector I have developed in so this is a particular weak area when researching talent management and developing through the BA (Hons) in Leadership and Management. All lecturers and staff made a particular effort to relate all information to the voluntary sector which was of
particular significance however I still felt at a disadvantage to many others in the group. This is an area I intend to develop in and can achieve this through creating partnerships between the voluntary sector and private/public sector to help us develop our services at XXX.
Conclusion
Overall I have been both enthused and motivated by the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management and have identified areas in which I can make a difference to the organisation in which I work. I intend to use particularly the strategic skills I have learnt and in particular can identify with the elements I can control to manage and develop particular talent within the organisation. I am looking forward to
implementing the skills I have learnt to the benefit of a wonderful organisation whom I have had the pleasure of working for over ten years.
Appendix 3