Task 2 This task is designed to enable you to manage the development of your own personal and management skills to support achievement of organisational objectives. It f alls into several parts which will need to be completed over a period of time: Evaluate

Assignment Scenario

Task1

You are to prepare a discussion paper aimed at the group of middle managers in your organisation which:

• Assesses the impact of leadership and management skills and behaviours on the achievement of organisational objectives

• Evaluates personal leadership and management skills and behaviours required to effectively perform a management and leadership role

• Analyses the benefits of personal development f rom a personal progression perspective

The discussion paper should include exploration of relevant theories and practice and clearly demonstrate, with examples, your understanding of how personal leadership andmanagement skills help to ensure achievement of organisational objectives.

Extensionactivity

To achieve a Merit, you must add an analysis of the current challenges and f uture objectives on leadership and management skills and behaviours. To achieve a Distinction,you must also add an additional section to the paper in which you analyse the impact of organisational values, culture and leadership and management style on personal development. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Task 2

This task is designed to enable you to manage the development of your own personal and management skills to support achievement of organisational objectives. It f alls into several parts which will need to be completed over a period of time:

• Evaluate your current levels of skills and behaviour in respect of your current  management and leadership role and personal career objectives. Your evaluation  should be presented in a clear f ormat showing strengths and development points.

• In light of your evaluation, develop a justified and resourced personal development plan with measurable objectives to meet identified needs. Your plan should contain specific objectives, be fully developed with measurable success criteria, give details of the activities you will undertake, the resources required, milestones and deadlines.

• Implement the personal development plan
• When you have completed the activities in the plan, reflect on progress towards your stated objectives and evaluate the impact of the actions taken on your capability to perform your management and leadership role

Appropriate evidence (and where required commentary) should be provided demonstrating each of the above.

Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment consists of two interrelated tasks focusing on leadership and management skills within an organisational context:

Task 1 – Discussion Paper:

• Objective: Prepare a discussion paper for middle managers.
• Key requirements:
  • Assess the impact of leadership and management skills/behaviours on organisational objectives.
  • Evaluate personal leadership and management skills needed for effective performance.
  • Analyse the benefits of personal development from a career progression perspective.
  • Include relevant theories and practical examples demonstrating how leadership skills contribute to organisational success.
• Extension activities:
  • Merit: Analyse current challenges and future objectives for leadership skills.
  • Distinction: Examine how organisational values, culture, and leadership styles impact personal development.

Task 2 – Personal Development Plan:

• Objective: Manage the development of personal and management skills to support organisational goals.
• Key requirements:
  • Evaluate current leadership and management skills relative to career objectives.
  • Develop a justified, measurable personal development plan (PDP) with objectives, success criteria, activities, resources, milestones, and deadlines.
  • Implement the PDP.
  • Reflect on progress and evaluate the impact of actions on management and leadership capabilities.
  • Provide evidence demonstrating achievement of objectives.

Approach Taken by Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student through a step-by-step structured approach, ensuring clarity, critical thinking, and alignment with learning outcomes:

Step 1 – Understanding the Requirements:

• The mentor reviewed the assessment criteria with the student, highlighting key deliverables for both Task 1 and Task 2.
• Emphasis was placed on understanding the distinction between assessment levels (Pass, Merit, Distinction) and the expectations for theory application versus practical examples.

Step 2 – Task 1: Discussion Paper Development:

• Research & Theory Integration: The student identified relevant leadership and management theories (e.g., transformational leadership, situational leadership, emotional intelligence).
• Practical Application: Using real-life examples from the workplace, the student demonstrated how effective leadership skills contribute to achieving organisational objectives.
• Extension Analysis: For higher grades, the student explored current leadership challenges and future objectives, and analysed how organisational culture and values influence personal development.
• Drafting & Feedback: The mentor reviewed the initial draft, ensuring logical flow, clarity, and alignment with marking criteria.

Step 3 – Task 2: Personal Development Plan:

• Skill Evaluation: The student conducted a self-assessment of current leadership and management skills, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
• PDP Creation: Under mentor guidance, the student developed specific, measurable objectives with actionable steps, resources, timelines, and success metrics.
• Implementation & Reflection: Activities were carried out, and progress was tracked. The mentor assisted in reflecting on outcomes and evaluating improvements in leadership capability.

Step 4 – Final Review & Submission:

• The student consolidated evidence (e.g., completed activities, reflections, feedback) into a cohesive submission.
• The mentor ensured correct referencing, professional tone, and adherence to assessment instructions.

Outcome Achieved & Learning Objectives Covered

• Outcome: A comprehensive submission demonstrating a clear understanding of leadership and management theories, practical application, and personal growth through a structured PDP.
• Learning Objectives Covered:
  • Understanding the impact of leadership and management skills on organisational success.
  • Evaluating and developing personal management and leadership capabilities.
  • Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to assess development needs.
  • Planning, implementing, and reflecting on a measurable personal development plan.
  • Demonstrating professional writing, presentation, and reporting skills.