Unit code: SHR053-6
Personal and Professional Development Handbook (Oman) February 2014
© University of Bedfordshire 2014

Published by the University of Bedfordshire Business School
Luton Campus, Vicarage Street, Luton LU1 3JU, United Kingdom

Unit Handbook © University of Bedfordshire 2014

Contents Contents 2 Welcome 3 Learning resources at the University of Bedfordshire 3 1 Introduction to the unit 4 2 Overall aims of the unit 4 3 Overview of unit content 4 4 Prerequisite knowledge or skills 4 5 Learning outcomes of the unit in more detail 5 6 Programme of Workshops 6 7 Study resources for this unit 7 Recommended additional resources 7 Recommended journals and other periodicals 7 Recommended websites and online content 8 8 How to study this unit 8 9 Assessment 9 The Reflective Journal 9

Welcome
Welcome to the Personal and Professional Development unit of the University of Bedfordshire MBA Programme. This handbook contains advice and information you will need to successfully complete your work on this unit. It should be read in conjunction with the overall Programme Handbook, which you should have already received.
The handbook serves two main purposes: * It summarises the key concepts and provides you with a framework and a map for this unit. * It provides you with information about learning resources, infrastructure and virtual learning environments for studying the MBA at the University of Bedfordshire.
If you have any queries about any aspect of this programme, please contact Tricia Smart (tricia.smart@beds.ac.uk), Unit Co-ordinator
For advice about online learning resources, please contact your subject Librarian at the university or your link tutor at Majan.
Best wishes and good luck in your studies! Tricia
Learning resources at the University of Bedfordshire
There is no set book for this unit as it is based on experiential learning through a series of activities and workshops. There will be tasks to complete over the following months and you will find these in your unit BREO site, the University’s virtual learning environment. However we do provide a list of recommended books and websites that will help you develop the skills you need to complete this unit. The following learning resources are available and recommended for studying this unit: * A BREO website will be available for this unit. This will provide administrative information on the unit such as the dates and content of workshops, exercises and details of your portfolio. * You will be provided with the downloadable and online learning materials specially developed by the University of Bedfordshire for this unit. The learning content will be accessible and available in BREO. * The BREO site also provides a means of communication – with your tutor and with other fellow students. * Although there is no set text, recommended textbooks for this unit will provide a substantial source of learning and improving your knowledge database. However the major communications on the MBA course will occur through BREO using blogs, discussion boards, pod-casts, online activities and presentations. * The additional learning material will be in the form of journal articles, other chapters from books and websites.
More advice is given about how to get the best out of your studies in later sections of this handbook. 1
Introduction to the unit
Personal and Professional Development is an integrated coherent and coordinated suite of workshops tailored to suit your needs, help you develop your full potential and manage your career in an international business environment. This unit focuses on aspects of your professional development and personal qualities such as self awareness and transferable academic and career management skills. It is underpinned by the latest research into good practice from UK/World-wide programmes and business protocol. This unit has been mapped to the University of Bedfordshire SOAR (Self-awareness, Opportunity, Aspirations, Results) framework. You will be required to apply these concepts and skills through experiential learning gained through workshop activities, group interaction and presentations.
Through this unit you will prepare a personal profile which you can use on career promotion websites such as LinkedIn, one of the largest online professional networking sites. Overall aims of the unit
After completing this project you should be able to: * Identify, reflect upon and evidence key areas for your communication skills and personal development * Facilitate a commitment to continuous professional development * Develop positive and enquiring approaches towards working across cultures * Produce the academic and professional skill set required to progress from MBA students into fulfilling careers as expert managers and leaders

Important information:
Although LinkedIn is considered an important and valuable career promoting tool for the individual, it is also useful for promoting your company or organisation. However for those who work for Government organisations or other sensitive areas, it is important to ask permission of your Line Manager or Superior before putting your profile on LinkedIin.
3 Overview of unit content
The main topic areas covered in this unit are as follows: * Culture shock and working in an international environment * Persuasive writing and good practice * Impression management including preparing a personal profile, CV and presentations * Managing your career and professional networking 4 Prerequisite knowledge or skills

All MBA students come to the programme with a wealth of experience from a variety of different fields and different cultural norms. A major prerequisite for this unit is that you are prepared to interact with your fellow students sharing your experiences and developing the skills to see the world from different perspectives. 5
Learning outcomes of the unit in more detail
On completion of this unit you should be able to :

* Identify, evaluate and demonstrate those academic skills required for your own personal and professional development and demonstrate their effective implementation in the context of the MBA course and workplace.

* Evaluate and demonstrate the importance of presentation in business communications to enhance your own employability in an international and multicultural context.

* Synthesise, demonstrate and present your critical understanding of the theories, practices and characteristics of effective leaders in shaping your personal approaches to leadership and management in a modern work organisation.

* Critically evaluate how your practices can be identified adapted and transferred across when working with individuals, groups and in different contexts; extending your ability to work effectively in teams, in partnership and collaboratively in the workplace.

* Demonstrate your capacity for ongoing self assessment and personal professional development planning and an awareness of the tools and techniques available for you to achieve your objectives.

* Consistently demonstrate the personal qualities required by effective managers and leaders through purposeful and reflective writing.

After completing this unit you should be able to: * Complete a series of tasks demonstrating your understanding of the academic and professional skills required. These include successful report writing and research skills, leading to the successful completion of the projects. * Produce effective professional and personal outputs in the context and format of your identified career trajectory. These will include a CV, LinkedIn Profile and elevator pitch. * Identify the critical areas of leadership theory and synthesise these to create a personal development plan for effective leadership as evidenced by successful completion of the Leadership Project. * Understand, accept, synthesise and respond to feedback in group work across units. You will also demonstrate effective networking techniques online (LinkedIn) and offline. * Demonstrate your ability to reflect on your developing skills * Critically apply the theory of reflection in the IMP reflective essay, showing self awareness, understanding how you can apply, build on and improve your generic skills for enhanced employability. 6 Programme of Workshops
Workshops will be arranged to suit your needs. You should contact the unit co-ordinator, Tricia Smart tricia.smart@beds.ac.uk for more information.
Recommended additional resources
You are also strongly encouraged to access and use the following resources: * Adler N. J., (2002), International Dimensions of Organisational Behaviour (4th Edition) Canada, South Western, Thomson Learning ISBN 0-324-05786-5 * Brooks I, Weatherston J and Wilkinson G, 2004, The International Business Environment, Essex, Pearson Education Ltd., ISBN 0-273-68247-4 * Cameron S, (2002), Business Student’s Handbook, Learning skills for Study and Employment, (2nd Edition) Essex, Pearson Education Ltd, ISBN 0-273-65527-2 * Cappelli, P et al (2010) The India Way: How India’s Top Business Leaders are Revolutionizing Management USA: HBR Press * Guirdham M, (2011) Communicating Across Cultures at Work (3rd Edition), London Palgrave Macmillan ISBN 978-0-230-28369-5 * Guirdham M, (2002), Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition), Essex, Pearson Education Ltd. ISBN 0-273-65590-6 * Kumar A, (2007), Personal, Academic & Career Development in Higher Education – SOARing to success, Oxon, Routledge, Taylor and Francis, ISBN 978-0415-42360-1 * Lees J, (2008) How to get a job you’ll love: A Practical Guide to Unlocking Your Talents and Finding Your Ideal Career, (2009-10 Edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780077121808 * Leitch, S (2006) Leitch Review of Skills: prosperity for all in the global economy – world class skills, Norwich: HMSO * Lustig M W and Koester J. (2002), Intercultural Competence, Interpersonal Communication across Cultures (4th Edition) US: Addison Wesley Longman, ISBN 0-321-00612-7 * Thomas D and Inkson K, (2004), Cultural Intelligence, People Skills for Global Business, San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc. * Ward, C., Bochner, S. and Furnham, A, (2001), The Psychology of Culture Shock (2nd Edition), Hove: Routledge.

Recommended journals and other periodicals
There are a number of journals and other periodicals which you should browse and delve into whenever you have an opportunity. Please note that all of these are available in the University and its website. * British Journal of Guidance and Counselling * Career Development International * Career Development Quarterly * Harvard Business Review * International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance * The International Journal of Human Resource Management

Journal articles can also be accessed by a variety of databases and e-journals, and are a useful and important source of information.
More details of these can be obtained through the Learning Resources Centre – you can use your Digital library account to access these important resources. The internet can be a valuable source of information.

Recommended websites and online content
The following websites and online resources also contain much that will help you as you study this unit: * Geert-hofstede.com - Geert Hofstede’s website
For insights and research on the cultural dimensions for international business, including an analysis of 67 countries * beds.ac.uk/bridgescetl/through/soar - University of Bedfordshire’s Centre for Excellence in
Teaching and Learning Legacy website
For an overview of the SOAR (Self, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) framework and useful PDF download of the SOAR card * beds.ac.uk/careers - University of Bedfordshire Careers and Employment Service
For access to a wide range of online resources, including CV templates, PDF guides, videos, local/regional job vacancies; career events; information, advice and guidance services * breo.beds.ac.uk - (student login required) – Click on the ‘Careers’ tab.
For access to streaming videos and licensed software, including: * First Impressions Count - four students from differing subject disciplines getting ready for a range of graduate job interviews * Working for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) * Profiling for Success - to help create a Self-MAP (Motivations, Abilities, Personality) * Adult Directions and Prospects Planner - career planning tools to help generate career ideas and possible options * beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub - part of the University of Bedfordshire
For support with new business start-ups, professional mentoring, short-term graduate placements, training and networking opportunities relating to all aspects of enterprise and innovation. Also, organisers of the popular Basics of Building a Business (B3) Seminars - short series of free seminars aimed at those interested in starting up their own business and or have an interest in enterprise. * theknowledgenetwork.co.uk - part of the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub
For events providing you with an opportunity to meet, learn from and network with local business professionals

7 How to study this unit
You should make sure you are familiar with the overall teaching and learning strategies and study advice offered in the MBA Programme Handbook before starting work on this unit. When studying this unit in particular, you should bear the following points in mind: * The unit includes an introductory workshop on working across cultures and the academic standards expected from MBA students. * You will be given activities to complete during the coming months to help you map your career objectives and prepare a personal profile and CV to promote yourself as a newly qualified MBA graduate * Completion of your Portfolio is essential in demonstrating your engagement with the MBA programme. This is an ongoing project, which develops the skills you need to engage with your studies and will be subject to constant revision. You can discuss the activities with your unit tutors at any time during the academic year. They will be pleased help you improve and refine each activity. 8 Assessment Your progress is assessed at key points in the MBA and you should demonstrate your engagement through specific activities before completing each of the two projects: * The Leadership Project * The Integrated Management Project Your Portfolio Although the unit is formally assessed through other units in the MBA programme, the completion of the Personal and Professional Development Portfolio is essential to demonstrate your engagement with the process of learning embedded in your MBA. The Portfolio will be marked ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. To pass you must include all the exercises given to you on your BREO site and in the workshops. This portfolio will consist of: * Practice report with analysis (this is submitted early, on the date agreed with your tutor and does not need to be submitted again with the other documents) * Your personal SWOT analysis * Written 30 second elevator pitch * A traditional CV using the format used in your country plus an International CV using the MBA Template provided on this site * LinkedIn Profile (please ask your Line Manager/Superior for permission to submit a profile on LinkedIn. If you are unable to submit on LinkedIn, please advise your tutor)

The Practice Report

The practice report gives you the opportunity to use the writing and referencing skills revised in workshop 2 to prepare a report on a given topic. This report will be assessed and you will be given feedback on your abilities to write effectively. This report and the feedback will be the first item in your Portfolio.

The CV

There is no such thing as the perfect CV. Your CV must be continually updated as you develop more skills. You need also to compose a CV that reflects any position you are applying for. We also ask you to submit a traditional CV using the format used in your country. This is to make you aware of your ‘audience’ and to understand the expectations of different markets, both domestic and international.

Your Profile

An important outcome of your portfolio is your personal profile. This is your ‘calling card’ and is a way of entering the international world of business. Linkedin is not just a tool to promote yourself but also a way to network with people and organisations that may be useful to you or your organisation.
Your SWOT Analysis

Reflection is an important part of your personal and professional development. It is important to identify both your strengths and weaknesses so you can build on the former and address the latter.

Hand in date for your Assessment:

Practice report : Date to be confirmed
Portfolio : (exact date to be confirmed)
The MBA Administrative team will inform you of the date for submission and you can submit your portfolio online.
Plagiarism
We need to point out that plagiarism is unacceptable and will be penalised – you will have had a briefing about this during your induction period so will be aware of the implications. All work directly taken from books and journal articles or the internet must be referenced and all assignments will be processed through the anti-plagiarism software TurnitIn. If your work is found to be plagiarised it will be awarded a Fail grade.