Title: Personal Planning, Reflection and Development 1

Reference:       IMD406
Level:               4
Credit points:   15
Weighting:       1.0
Study time:    150 hours

Description

This unit focuses on approaches to the planning of your studies and your future career, portfolio awareness and transferable skills. It promotes your skills in time management, critical reflection and self-evaluation, including the importance of the ability to write and structure formal reports. It thus reinforces the vocational features of the course. You are required to begin planning a professional CV and to initiate a personal diary/progress file in which you evaluate your transferable skills abilities and achievements in all the units in Level 1 as a basis for future reflection and development. The topics and assignments introduced in this unit are progressively built upon during the rest of the course. The
tutor-led input of professional studies and CV/portfolio preparation leads on to the Placement unit. During PPRD1 relevant contemporary issues will be discussed and debated where appropriate.

Outline syllabus

Personal and career planning
CV/Portfolio awareness and preparation
Time management
Reflection and evaluation
Transferable skills briefing and evaluation
Report writing and structuring
Professional Studies
Contemporary critical and theoretical issues and debates

Method of delivery

Lectures; seminars; learning teams; tutorials; projects; research.

Aims

A1 To develop skills in planning, time management and report writing.
A2 To encourage critical reflection and self-evaluation of learning and achievements including
transferable skills.
A3 To demonstrate the relevance of transferable skills for personal and professional development.
A4 To provide a programme of professional studies in preparation for your placement(s).
A5 To develop your ability to present yourself professionally through your CV and portfolio.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit you will be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage your coursework and other commitments and reference this formally including:

time management
appropriate research, academic, visual and industry
report writing

LO2 Demonstrate a reflective and evaluative approach to your learning including the development of skills in personal and professional planning and development:

contextualised critical analysis
project development
self appraisal and development
Written evaluation of achievements

LO3 Present yourself professionally through your CV and portfolio, including:

Knowledge of methods of presentation within a professional environment, including portfolios CVs and promotional material for introduction into the professional market place

Assessment Requirements

A paper-based or digital portfolio which demonstrates your achievement of the learning outcomes
Each assessment requirement must be passed at a minimum grade of 40% to successfully complete the unit.

Assessment criteria (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):

Evidence of understanding through application of research and analysis [c] – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of effective planning and research (LO1)
Evidence of understanding through application of critical evaluation and reflection [e] – Self-knowledge of learning styles and achievements demonstrated in self-evaluation (LO2)
Evidence of knowledge of concepts, contexts, criticism and theory [a] – Knowledge and understanding of professional practice evidenced in progress file (LO3)
Evidence of understanding through application of synthesis and development [d] – Presentation and marketing of self through the use of portfolios and CV’s (LO3)

Reference material, including on-line resources

The reference material lists are by no means exhaustive and should not limit further research on a particular subject. For further guidance on resources please speak to your Unit Leader and Subject Librarian

Key

Resources that underpin the core skills, concepts and knowledge learned while studying a unit. Key resources can be referred to throughout your studies on the unit and students are expected to become familiar with their content.
Bright, J. and Earl, J. (2001). Brilliant CV: what employers want to see and how to say it. London: Prentice Hall.
Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Payne, E. (2000) Developing essential study skills. London: Prentice-Hall

Additional resources that supplement learning on the unit.
Decenzo, D and Robbins, S. (2001). Human resource management. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Drew, S. and Bingham, R. (2001). The student skills guide. Aldershot: Gower Press.
Roebuck, C.(1998) Effective communication. London: Marshall
Financial Times, (2000) Killer cv’s & hidden approaches. London: Prentice Hall.

Websites

World Global Style Network (WGSN) http://www.wgsn-edu.com
MAD: the online community for marketing, media, new media, advertising and design
http://www.mad.co.uk
BA Website/Professional Studies Portal.
This portal contains the links listed below which will help you contextualise your learning and broaden your research. Also included are study notes for CV writing, Action Plans, Questionnaires and Interview Techniques.
Recruitment agencies. British recruitment agencies are a good source of information on which to base some initial research.
Recommended are:
http://www.prospectus.csu.man.ac.uk (This site deals with a wide range of career opportunities including further academic study) and the Graduate-recruitment site -
http://www.graduate-recruitment.co.uk/site/card.htm
Others that may be helpful are:
Jobs Unlimited on http://www.jobsunlimited.co.uk
Jobs on http://www.jobs.ac.uk
Canto on http://www.canto.co.uk
MCV Limited on http://www.mcv-ltd.com/splash/splash.html (contains valuable sector analysis data)