Professional Skills Portfolio (PRSK4048)
Name: Student Number:
Lecturer Name:
Tutor Name:
Presentation Group Members:
This is your Professional Skills Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly (e.g. by saving it on your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive a printed copy which you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you need to submit a completed electronic copy via Turnitin. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio.
Assessed Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and have knowledge of professional skills and continual awareness in a business environment.
- Use appropriate technologies to facilitate the completion of self-analysis/reflection.
- To reflect, analyse and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities personally and academically.
- Understand, improve and reflect upon their own personal strengths in relation to the professional environment.
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Week
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Table of Contents
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Page
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Learning outcomes
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Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
(These tasks will often be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written task in section 2.
Suggested word counts are included in brackets.)
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1 □
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The Long-Term Vision (200-300 words)
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3
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LO2, LO3
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1 □
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Potential Roles and their Suitability (200-300 words)
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4
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LO2, LO3
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2 □
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Belbin Test (100-150 words)
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5-8
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LO2, LO3
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3 □
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Emails to Arrange Meetings (100-150 words)
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9
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LO1, LO2
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4 □
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Participating in Meetings (300-400 words)
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10
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LO1, LO2, LO3
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5 □
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Preparing an Action Plan (100 words approx.)
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11
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LO1, LO2
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6 □
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Resolving Problems and Conflict (300-400 words)
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12
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LO1, LO2
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7 □
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Emails to Give/Respond to Criticism (100-150 words)
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13
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LO1, LO2,LO3
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8 □
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Presentation Plan (100-150 words)
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14
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LO1, LO2
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9 □
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Post-Presentation Reflection (300-400 words)
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15
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LO2, LO3, LO4
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10 □
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360 Degree Review (100-150 words)
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16-17
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LO1, LO3
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10 □
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Professional Development Plan (PDP) (100-150 words)
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18
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LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
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Section 2: Written Task
(This task should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 9-11.)
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N/A
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Professional Skills – Summary and Evaluation
(to be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 9-11; 1200 words)
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19
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LO1, LO2,
LO3, LO4
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Total Word Count: 1200 + 2400 (appendices) = 3600 words (+/- 10%)
Track your progress by ticking off each task as you complete it, in the weekly column.
All tasks must be completed individually, except for the ‘Action Plan’ (week 5) and ‘Presentation Plan’ (week 8) which should be completed in collaboration with your other group members.
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
Portfolio Evidence [Week 1] The Long-term vision
When discussing the types of roles you would like to apply for, it is useful to consider how these might fit in with your long-term vision. Imagine yourself travelling approximately 5 or 10 years into the future. This activity is not about laying down a rigid plan but to help you gain a sense of the type of life you want, so you can make the right kinds of choices to achieve it (300-400 words).
Activity: The Long-term vision
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Five/ten years from now, I see myself...
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Aspect
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Write your own vision of this aspect below
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On a scale of 1-10 how important is it to you?
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I consider the most important things in my life to be…
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Living in which part of the world and in what kind of place?
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Working for myself? Working for a large company? Working for a small company?
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Doing what kind of work? Routine? Challenging?
In an office? In the field?
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With what kind of work/life balance (consider hours of work/stress levels)?
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Taking a lead? Taking responsibility? Working individually? Part of a team?
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Working with colleagues who are… artistic? intellectual? practical? caring? competitive?
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I enjoy spending my time outside work doing…
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Other important aspects of my vision of the future are…
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 1] Potential roles and their suitability
Using one of the roles you discussed in your week 1 tutorial, complete the following table below (use the following example to guide you; write 200-300 words):
EXAMPLE: My desired Role is: Retail Manager
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Key Skills required
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My current experience in this skill
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Effective Leadership Skills
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In my current job as a retail assistant, I have helped to manage the store and train staff in the absence of my manager. However, this is an area I need to gain more experience and confidence in.
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The ability to plan and prioritise workloads
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My experience at GSM has helped me develop these skills, although there is a still a little room for improvement as I need to start work on my assignments earlier.
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How does this role match my long term vision?
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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I think I would enjoy the fast-paced and varied nature of the work and wouldn’t mind taking responsibility for different areas of the business. ..(please continue)
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Some retail manager positions may involve working long hours and I would be worried that I would not achieve a work-life balance…..(please continue).
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My desired Role is:
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Key Skills required
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My current experience in this skill –Use own words
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How does this role match my long term vision? – Use own words
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 2] Belbin test
Belbin (1996) outlines the different type of roles people may have within a team. Complete the following questionnaire to identify your main role(s). You will discuss the results in your week 2 tutorial. To complete the questionnaire:
1. Tick in the far left hand columns the one, two or three sentences most applicable to yourself.
2. Then in the column on the right, share 10 points between those sentences that apply to you: one of which you feel sums you up well while the other only applies some of the time.
E.g. You could give your first choice seven points and three points to your second choice. In some instances you might decide that there are two sentences which apply to you equally – if this is the case, award five points to each.
SECTION A
When involved in a project with other people:
Tick
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Points
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- I can be relied upon to see that work that needs to be done is organised.
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- I pick up slips and omissions that others fail to notice.
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- I react strongly when meetings look like losing track of the main objective.
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- I produce original suggestions.
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- I analyse other people’s ideas objectively, for both merits and failings.
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- I am keen to find out the latest ideas and developments.
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- I have an aptitude for organising people.
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- I am always ready to support good suggestions that help to resolve a problem.
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SECTION B
In seeking satisfaction through my work:
Tick
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Points
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- I like to have a strong influence on decisions.
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- I feel in my element where work requires a high degree of attention and concentration.
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- I am concerned to help colleagues with their problems.
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- I like to make critical discrimination between alternatives.
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- I tend to have a creative approach to problem solving.
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- I enjoy reconciling different points of view.
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- I am more interested in practicalities than new ideas.
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- I particularly enjoy exploring different views and techniques.
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SECTION C
When the team is trying to solve a particularly complex problem:
Tick
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Points
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- I keep a watching eye on areas where difficulty may arise.
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- I explore ideas that may have a wider application than in the immediate task.
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- I like to weigh up and evaluate a range of suggestions thoroughly before choosing.
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- I can co-ordinate and use productively other people’s abilities and talents.
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- I maintain a steady systematic approach, whatever the pressures.
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- I often produce a new approach to a long continuing problem.
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- I am ready to make my personal views known in a forceful way id necessary.
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- I am ready to help whenever I can.
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SECTION D
In carrying out my day-to-day work:
Tick
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Points
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- I am keen to see there is nothing vague about my task and objectives.
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- I am not reluctant to emphasise my own point of view in meetings.
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- I can work with all sorts of people provided that they have got something worthwhile to contribute.
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- I make a point of following up interesting ideas and/or people.
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- I can usually find the argument to refute unsound propositions.
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- I tend to see patterns where others would see items as unconnected.
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- Being busy gives me real satisfaction.
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- I have a quiet interest in getting to know people better.
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SECTION E
If I am suddenly given a difficult task with limited time and unfamiliar people:
Tick
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Points
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- I often find my imagination frustrated by working in a group.
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- I find my personal skill particularly appropriate in achieving agreement.
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- My feelings seldom interfere with my judgment.
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- I strive to build up an effective structure.
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- I can work with people who vary widely in their personal qualities and outlook.
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- I feel it is sometimes worth incurring some temporary unpopularity if one is to succeed in getting one’s views across in a group.
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- I usually know someone whose specialist knowledge is particularly apt.
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- I seem to develop a natural sense of urgency.
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SECTION F
When suddenly asked to consider a new project:
Tick
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Points
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- I start to look around for possible ideas and openings.
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- I am concerned to finish and perfect current work before I start.
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- I approach the problem in a carefully analytical way.
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- I am able to assert myself to get other people involved if necessary.
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- I am able to take an independent and innovative look at most situations.
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- I am happy to take the lead when action is required.
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- I can respond positively to my colleagues and their initiatives.
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- I find it hard to give in a job where the goals are not clearly defined.
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SECTION G
In contributing to group projects in general:
Tick
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Points
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- I think I have a talent for sorting out the concrete steps that need to be taken given a broad brief.
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- My considered judgement may take time but is usually near the mark.
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- A broad range of personal contacts is important to my style of working.
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- I have an eye for getting the details right.
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- I try to make my mark in group meetings.
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- I can see how ideas and techniques can be used in new relationships.
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- I see both sides of a problem and take a decision acceptable to all.
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- I get on well with other and work hard for the team.
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Scoring Key for Self-Perception Inventory
1. Transfer your point’s allocation from the seven sections of the Self-Perception Inventory to the appropriate boxes below. The pre-printed numbers in the grid refer to the question numbers (QN) of each section. For example if for Section A you scored seven points for question 6 and three points for question 1, you would allocate them in the columns RI and IMP respectively.
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SH
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CO
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PL
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RI
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ME
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IMP
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TW
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CF
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QN
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QN
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QN
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QN
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QN
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QN
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QN
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QN
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A
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3.
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7.
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4.
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6.
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5.
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1.
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8.
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2.
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B
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1.
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6.
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5.
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8.
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4.
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7.
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3.
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2.
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C
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7.
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4.
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6.
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2.
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3.
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5.
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8.
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1.
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D
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2.
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3.
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6.
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4.
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5.
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1.
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8.
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7.
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E
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6.
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5.
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1.
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7.
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3.
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4.
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2.
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8.
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F
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6.
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4.
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5.
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1.
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3.
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8.
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7.
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2.
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G
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5.
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7.
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6.
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3.
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2.
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1.
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8.
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4.
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Total
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2. Once you have allocated all your points, total each column. The highest two totals represent your primary and secondary preferred team roles.
3. After your tutorial, comment briefly on your primary and secondary team roles, what they represent and to what extent you agree with the outcome, using evidence of past experiences to support your position
Portfolio Evidence [Week 3] Emails to arrange meetings
Write a second draft of the email you wrote in class to arrange a meeting with your group (75-100 words): Use gsmlondon student email address for examples.
Write a second draft of the email responding to a meeting invitation to say you are unable to attend (50-75 words): Use gsmlondon student email address for examples
Evaluate your writing in these emails:
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I need to improve this
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I have done this OK
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I have done this very well
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I have included the necessary information
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I have structured my emails clearly and logically
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I have used an appropriate level of formality
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I have proofread my writing carefully
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 4] Participating in meetings
Evaluate your meeting in your tutorial from the perspective of both your group and you as an individual (if you did not attend in week 4, please use one of the follow-up meetings you will have in class to complete this section; write 300-400 words).
The Group
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Outcomes
(What did you achieve/decide?)
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Time Management
(How effective was your use of the time?)
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Communication
(How well did you communicate with each other?)
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Dealing with Conflict
(How did you deal with any disagreement?)
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Yourself
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Participation
(How much did you participate in the discussion?
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Contribution
(What ideas did you contribute?)
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Communication
(How well did you explain yourself and listen to others?)
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Management of the Discussion (How much did you help to ensure the meeting was productive?)
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Action Points
(what could you / your group do better in future meetings)
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 7] Emails to give/respond to criticism
Write a second draft of the two emails you wrote in class (see tutorial materials for further guidance). The first should offer constructive criticism about a group member’s work – make two different points (75-100 words): Use gsmlondon student email address for examples
Respond to a group member’s criticism of your work. You must accept one of their points but dispute the other one in a diplomatic manner (75-100 words): Use gsmlondon student email address for examples
Evaluate your writing in these emails:
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I need to improve this
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I have done this OK
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I have done this very well
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I have included the necessary information
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I have structured my emails clearly and logically
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I have used an appropriate level of formality
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I have proofread my writing carefully
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 8] Presentation Pla
1) Please provide an outline of your presentation/video here, in a format of your choice. Include the main sections and content (be specific), a clear indication of each person’s role and any anticipated problems. Bullet points / note form are acceptable (100-150 words).
2) Provide screenshots of your presentation for evidence.
If your presentation a video this will be evidenced during your presentation and you are still required to follow the step above
Portfolio Evidence [Weeks 9] Post-presentation reflection
Reflect on your groups and your own performance in the group presentation/video/debate – bring a copy of this page to your week 10 tutorial (300- 400 words). Use feedback from your peers and tutor.
The Group
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Content
(How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?)
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Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?)
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Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?)
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Professionalism and Teamwork
(How slick and professional was it? How well did your group combine?)
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Yourself
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Delivery
(How confident, engaging and clearly did you speak?)
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Clarity
(How well did you explain yourself?)
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Team Support
(How well did you support the other people in the group?)
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Overall Contribution
(How would you rate your performance overall?)
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Action Points
(what could you / your group do better in future presentations/videos/debates)
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 10] 360 Degree review feedback
360 degree reviews feedback is used in some companies to help managers gain a fuller understanding of an employee’s performance by asking group member to feedback on each other’s performance.
In class you will be required to give feedback to your other group members – Now record the feedback you have given to one of your team members.
Student Name: ______________________________________________________________
Quality of Work
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Strongly Agree
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Agree
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Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
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Not Applicable
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Sets high standards for quality of work output
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Ensures work is accurate and error-free before finalising
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Helps others improve the quality of their work
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Demonstrates creativity and problem-solving abilities
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</t
Communication
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Strongly Agree
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Agree
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Disagree
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Strongly Disagree
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Not Applicable
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Communicates well orally
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Communicates well in written-form
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Displays good listening skills
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Shares information freely with others
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Communicates regularly and responds promptly
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