Uploaded by Shani Cooray

BTEC Assessment Verification Form

advertisement
Higher Nationals
Internal verification of assessment decisions – BTEC (RQF)
INTERNAL VERIFICATION – ASSESSMENT DECISIONS
Programme title
Assessor
Unit(s)
Assignment title
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing
Ms. Iduni Jayathilaka
Internal
Verifier
Unit 03: Professional Practice
Work Related Learning Report: Design and Deliver a Training Programme
Student’s name
List which assessment
criteria the Assessor
has awarded.
Pass
Merit
Distinction
INTERNAL VERIFIER CHECKLIST
Do the assessment criteria awarded
match those shown in the assignment
brief?
Is the Pass/Merit/Distinction grade
awarded justified by the assessor’s
comments on the student work?
Has the work been assessed
accurately?
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Is the feedback to the student:
Give details:
• Constructive?
• Linked to relevant assessment
criteria?
Y/N
Y/N
• Identifying opportunities for
improved performance?
Y/N
• Agreeing actions?
Y/N
Does the assessment decision need
amending?
Y/N
Assessor signature
Date
Internal Verifier signature
Date
Programme Leader signature (if
required)
Date
Confirm action completed
Remedial action taken
Give details:
Assessor signature
Date
Internal Verifier
signature
Date
Programme Leader signature
(if required)
Date
Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment Feedback Form
Student Name/ID
M.P. Dilshan Madusankha Cooray
Unit Title
Unit 03: Professional Practice
Assignment Number
1
Assessor
Submission Date
Date Received
1st submission
Re-submission Date
Date Received 2nd
submission
Assessor Feedback:
LO1 Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills to a target
audience
Pass, Merit &
Distinction Descripts
P1
P2
M1
D1
LO2 Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving scenarios
Pass, Merit &
Distinction Descripts
P3
P4
M2
M3
D2
LO3 Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact of team
working in different environments
Pass, Merit &
P5
P6
M4
D3
Distinction Descripts
LO4 Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role within the
workplace and for higher level learning
Pass, Merit &
P7
P8
P9
D4
M5
Distinction Descripts
Grade:
Assessor Signature:
Date:
Resubmission Feedback:
Grade:
Assessor Signature:
Date:
Internal Verifier’s Comments:
Signature & Date:
* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place and grades
decisions have been agreed at the assessment board.
Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student
Action Plan
Summative feedback
Feedback: Student to Assessor
Assessor signature
Date
Student signature
Date
Pearson Higher Nationals in
Computing
Unit 03: Professional Practice
Assignment 01
General Guidelines
1. A Cover page or title page – You should always attach a title page to your assignment. Use
previous page as your cover sheet and make sure all the details are accurately filled.
2. Attach this brief as the first section of your assignment.
3. All the assignments should be prepared using a word processing software.
4. All the assignments should be printed on A4 sized papers. Use single side printing.
5. Allow 1” for top, bottom , right margins and 1.25” for the left margin of each page.
Word Processing Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
The font size should be 12 point, and should be in the style of Time New Roman.
Use 1.5 line spacing. Left justify all paragraphs.
Ensure that all the headings are consistent in terms of the font size and font style.
Use footer function in the word processor to insert Your Name, Subject, Assignment No,
and Page Number on each page. This is useful if individual sheets become detached for any
reason.
5. Use word processing application spell check and grammar check function to help editing your
assignment.
Important Points:
1. It is strictly prohibited to use textboxes to add texts in the assignments, except for the compulsory
information. eg: Figures, tables of comparison etc. Adding text boxes in the body except for the
before mentioned compulsory information will result in rejection of your work.
2. Carefully check the hand in date and the instructions given in the assignment. Late submissions
will not be accepted.
3. Ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete the assignment by the due date.
4. Excuses of any nature will not be accepted for failure to hand in the work on time.
5. You must take responsibility for managing your own time effectively.
6. If you are unable to hand in your assignment on time and have valid reasons such as illness, you
may apply (in writing) for an extension.
7. Failure to achieve at least PASS criteria will result in a REFERRAL grade .
8. Non-submission of work without valid reasons will lead to an automatic RE FERRAL. You will
then be asked to complete an alternative assignment.
9. If you use other people’s work or ideas in your assignment, reference them properly using
HARVARD referencing system to avoid plagiarism. You have to provide both in-text citation
and a reference list.
10. If you are proven to be guilty of plagiarism or any academic misconduct, your grade could be
reduced to A REFERRAL or at worst you could be expelled from the course
Student Declaration
I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely to use another’s work and to present it as
my own without attributing the sources in the correct form. I further understand what it means to copy
another’s work.
1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.
2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of Edexcel UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiarise or copy another’s work in any of the
assignments for this program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspect of my program, will be my
own, and where I have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the correct way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding
agreement between myself and Pearson, UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is not
attached to the assignment.
E222196@esoft.academy
Student’s Signature:
(Provide E-mail ID)
Date:
(Provide Submission Date)
Higher National Diploma in Business
Assignment Brief
Student Name /ID Number
Unit Number and Title
Unit 3: Professional Practice
Academic Year
2022/23
Unit Tutor
Assignment Title
Work Related Learning Report: Design and Deliver a Training
Programme
Issue Date
Submission Date
IV Name & Date
Submission format
The submission should be in the form of an individual report written in a concise, formal business style
using single spacing (refer to the assignment guidelines for more details). You are required to make use of
headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and
referenced using Harvard referencing system. Please provide in-text citation and a list of references using
Harvard referencing system. Please note that this is an activity-based assessment and your report should
include evidences to the activities carried out individually and/or in a group.
To carry out the activities given on the brief, you are required to form groups, comprising maximum of 6
members.
Unit Learning Outcomes:
LO1 Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills to a
target audience.
LO2 Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving scenarios.
LO3 Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the impact of
team working in different environments.
LO4 Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its role
within the workplace and for higher-level learning.
Scenario
Assume yourself as the event coordinator working in an event planning organization specialized in
delivering trainings on IT and soft skills. you have been appointed to design and deliver a training event on
IT /Soft Skills to an identified audience. You are required to complete the project within 2 months and the
training plan and resources should be finalized as per the requirement of the client.
You are required to form a group of not more than 10 members in order to carry out the event. The event
will be headed by an event manager/ leader and each group member will be assigned a set of tasks. While
designing and delivering the event,

the skills required to make the event successful

challenges faced during the design/ delivery

Critical evaluation of the problems, challenges faced and the methods used to overcome them

The need for continuously develop in a professional environment
Need to be thoroughly considered.
At the end of the event, produce an individual report by each member covering the following tasks.
Task 1:
Demonstrate how you are planning to effectively deliver the training event by designing a professional
project plan with following details.

Roles appointed to group members and an evaluation of interpersonal skills of each member that
justifies the assigned role in the team.

Goal and objectives of the project

Evidence to the communication styles and formats used to communicate with the client and the team
members and the findings/ outcomes of the communications.

Challenges/ problems identified and the plan to overcome them

A professional project schedule with the activities, milestones and contingencies identified to
demonstrate the effective time management skills in order to plan the training .
Task 2
Research different problem-solving techniques that can be used to solve the identified problems in task 1
and demonstrate how critical reasoning can be applied to identify a solution to the identified problems in
planning and designing of the training event.
Critically evaluate the solution methodology used to solve one of the identified problems and justify how
selected methodology helped you to successfully solve the problem and achieve the project objectives.
Task 3
Work in your team by contributing your skills and knowledge to meet the project goal. Critically evaluate
your own role and contribution to the group for the completion of the training event.
Discuss the importance of having dynamic team members in a group to meet its goals by referring to the role
assigned to the group members and analyse how team dynamics among your group members effectively
helped to achieve the shared project goal.
Task 4
Discuss with examples, the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) in a work setting by
evaluating the range of CPD criteria that can be used to measure the effectiveness of your employees in your
organization.
Produce a continuous professional development (CPD) plan using the criteria identified above with relevant
to the responsibilities, required skills, performance objectives for the members of your team. Review
different motivational theories and discuss how they can be helpful to improve the performance of the team
members and meet the objectives of the developed CPD plan. Justify how the developed CPD supports in
building the motivation of your team.
Grading Rubric
Grading Criteria
LO1 Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and
transferable communication skills to a target audience.
P1 Demonstrate effective design and delivery of a training
event for a given target audience, using different
communication styles and formats
P2 Demonstrate effective time-management skills in planning
an event.
M1 Design a professional schedule to support the planning of
an event, to include contingencies and justifications of time
allocated.
D1 Evaluate the effectiveness and application of interpersonal
skills during the design and delivery of a training event.
Achieved
Feedback
LO2 Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of
problem-solving scenarios.
P3 Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving
techniques in the design and delivery of an event.
P4 Demonstrate that critical reasoning has been applied to the
design and delivery of the event
M2 Research the use of different problem-solving techniques
used in the design and delivery of an event.
M3 Justify the use and application of a range of
methodologies in the design and delivery of an event.
D2 Evaluate the overall success of the event delivered, in
terms of how well critical reasoning and thinking were
applied to achieve the end goal.
LO3 Discuss the importance and dynamics of working
within a team and the impact of team working in different
environments.
P5 Discuss the importance of team dynamics in the success
and/or failure of group work.
P6 Work within a team to achieve a defined goal.
M4 Analyse team dynamics, in terms of the roles group
members play in a team and the effectiveness in terms of
achieving shared goals.
D3 Critically evaluate your own role and contribution to a
group scenario.
LO4 Examine the need for Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) and its role within the workplace and
for higher-level learning.
P7 Discuss the importance of CPD and its contribution to
own learning.
P8 Review different motivational theories and the impact they
can have on performance in the workplace.
P9 Produce a development plan that outlines responsibilities,
performance objectives and required skills for future goals.
M5 Justify the role of CPD and development planning in
building motivation.
D4 Evaluate a range of evidence criteria that is used as a
measure for effective CPD.
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Ms. Iduni Jayathilaka for her crucial assistance and support
throughout the completion of this assignment. Their knowledge and constructive criticism
were invaluable in refining the subject and quality of this work. I am genuinely grateful
for the time and effort they put in to assisting me in reaching my academic objectives.
Finally, I'd want to thank my friends and family for their support and patience while I
worked through this endeavour. Their unfailing encouragement has been a constant
source of inspiration.
Contents
1.
Task 1
1.1 Roles appointed and their interpersonal skills
1.2 Goal and objectives of the project
1.3 Evidences to the meetings conducted the team members
1.4 Evidences to the meetings conducted with the client
1.5 Challenges/ problems identified
1.6 Project Schedule
2.
Task 2
2.1 Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques in the design
and delivery of an event.
2.2 How critical reasoning can be applied to identify a solution
2.3 Critically evaluate the solution methodology used to solve one of the identified
problems
2.4 Justify how selected methodology helped you to successfully solve the problem and
achieve the project objectives.
3.
Task 3
3.1 Evaluate your individual role and contribution to the group in order to complete the
training event.
3.2 Discuss the necessity of having dynamic team members in a group to reach its goals
by referring to the group members' roles and analysing how team dynamics among your
group members effectively assisted to achieve the common project goal.
4.
Task 4
4.1 The significance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the workplace
and its contribution to self-learning
4.1.1 Importance of CPD to employers
4.1.2 Importance of CPD to employees
4.1.3 Importance of CPD to self-learning
4.2 Examine a variety of evidence criteria used as a measure of effective CPD.
4.3 Professional Development Plan and skill audit
Task 1
Our webinar is centred on a popular topic, AI Technology. The following is our
professional project plan, which contains roles assigned to each group member as well as
an assessment of their interpersonal skills.
1.1 Roles appointed and their interpersonal skills
Name of the group
Tasks
Interpersonal skills
Shanira
 Collecting Information
 Teamwork
Palihakkara
 Checking errors
 Responsibility
 Workshop day presentation
 Motivation
member
 Flexibility
Dilshan Cooray
(myself)
 Evaluate The Information and create
slide details
 Teamwork
 Patience
 Creating presentation
 Responsibility
 Finalizing the presentation
 Flexibility
 Collecting information
 Motivation
 Workshop day presentation
Iresha
 Collecting Information
 Leadership
Sugathadasa
 Workshop day presentation
 Teamwork
 Guiding members
 Responsibility
 Maintaining the group schedule
 Organizing the workshop
Arjuna Micheal
Shani Cooray
 Collecting Information
 Teamwork
 Workshop day presentation
 Flexibility
 Welcoming the audience
 Motivation
 Vote of thank
 Responsibility
 Collecting Information
 Leadership
 Organizing the workshop
 Teamwork
 Workshop day presentation
 Active listening
 Responsibility
 Patience
S. Praveen
 Collecting Information
 Leadership
 Organizing the workshop
 Teamwork
 Workshop day presentation
 Responsibility
 Patience
1.2 Goal and Objectives of the project
Goal:
Our goal is to successfully organise and deliver an instructive and engaging webinar for
the target audience that delivers valuable insights into AI technology.
Objectives:

Development of the content

Evaluate the information

Creating the Presentation

Preparation of the speakers

Organizing the workshop

Technical setup

Food and beverages (standby)

Finding an audience

Feedback collection
1.3 Evidences to the meetings conducted the team members
**We created a WhatsApp group to discuss about the webinar.
Figure 1.1 WhatsApp group ‘Navigating the AI Technology Era’
Figure 1.2 WhatsApp group ‘Navigating the AI Technology Era’
Figure 1.3 WhatsApp group ‘Navigating the AI Technology Era’
Figure 1.4 Meeting using WhatsApp
** We conducted meetings using MS Teams to discuss about the webinar.
Figure 1.5 Meeting of group members using MS Teams
Figure 1.6 Meeting of group members using MS Teams
1.4 Evidences to the meetings conducted with the client
**our webinar was held on 17.12.2023
Figure 1.7 webinar evidence with the client
Figure 1.8 webinar evidence with the client
Figure 1.9 webinar evidence with the client
Figure 1.10 webinar evidence with the client
Figure 1.11 webinar evidence with the client
We sent a Google form for receiving feedback from our participants.
Figure 1.12 ‘overall feedback of the webinar’
Figure 1.13 evidence of the Google form
Figure 1.14 ‘who has responded’
1.5 Challenges and problems identified
 Challenges

Unable to arrange physical meetings

Lack of time

The group members did not attend the meetings.

Choosing a topic and assigning sub-topics to group members

Selecting presenters for the training session
 Problems

Not responding for calls

Due to job obligations, some group members were unable to attend the meeting.

Not replying for WhatsApp messages
1.6 Project Schedule
Task
Started date
Completed date
Form the group
16.11.2023
16.11.2023
Assigned roles
17.11.2023
18.11.2023
Finalize the webinar draft and select a title
19.11.2023
21.11.2023
Project outline
22.11.2023
22.11.2023
Outline finalize meeting
25.11.2023
25.11.2023
Information gathering
23.11.2023
27.11.2023
Information analysing
27.11.2023
30.11.2023
Design content
01.12.2023
10.12.2023
Modify presentation
11.12.2023
13.12.2023
Proofreading
13.12.2023
14.12.2023
Demo session
15.12.2023
15.12.2023
Invite audience
16.12.2023
16.12.2023
Final session
17.12.2023
17.12.2023
Task allocation for the group members
Name of the
Tasks
Given date
group member
Completed
date
Shanira
 Definition of AI
Palihakkara
 Evolution of AI
17.11.2023
25.11.2023
17.11.2023
24.11.2023
17.11.2023
27.11.2023
17.11.2023
26.11.2023
 Key concepts in AI
Dilshan Cooray
 Industry specific examples
 Use cases and success stories
Iresha
 Challenges in AI development
Sugathadasa
 Ethical guidelines
Arjuna Micheal
 Future trends in AI
 Welcoming the audience
 Vote of thanks
Shani Cooray
 Emerging technologies
17.11.2023
24.11.2023
17.11.2023
23.11.2023
 Impact on industries
S. Praveen
 Preparing for the AI era
 Skill development
Task 2
2.1 Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques in the design and
delivery of an event.
A harmful or negative problem or circumstance that must be resolved or overcome. We
are more likely to experience challenges when we work as a team. Fortunately, there are
numerous problem-solving solutions available to aid us in dealing with issues. Difficulties
that are becoming increasingly challenging.
Some of the problem solving methods are as follows:

Brainstorming

SWOT analysis

Drill down technique

5 Whys method

Brainstorming:
Brainstorming is a relaxed, informal method to problem solving that incorporates lateral
thinking. It pushes people to come up with ideas and thoughts that may appear weird at
first. Some of these ideas can be developed into unique, innovative solutions to problems,
while others can create new ones. This helps people become unstuck by "jolting" them
out of their usual modes of thought.
People should avoid criticising or applauding ideas during brainstorming sessions. You're
attempting to expand possibilities and dispel false notions about the problem's
boundaries. At this stage, judgement and analysis stifle idea production and hinder
creativity.
At the end of the session, evaluate ideas - this is the time to dig deeper into solutions
using traditional methods.
Unhelpful group behaviour frequently undermines traditional group problem solving.
While it is critical to begin with an organised, analytical process for solving challenges,
doing so can lead to a group developing limited and uninspired solutions.
Brainstorming, on the other hand, creates a free and open environment that invites
everyone to engage. Strange ideas are encouraged and expanded upon, and all participants
are encouraged to contribute freely, resulting in a diverse range of creative solutions.
When employed during problem resolution, brainstorming draws on the diverse
experience of team members. It broadens the range of ideas considered, which means you
can often find better answers to difficulties.
Group brainstorming:
Here, we may draw on the combined experience and creativity of all team members.
When one member becomes stuck on a concept, another member's inventiveness and
experience can help move the idea forward. Group brainstorming allows us to develop
ideas more thoroughly than individual brainstorming.
Another benefit of group brainstorming is that it makes everyone feel as if they
contributed to the solution and reminds individuals that others have innovative ideas to
give.
Individuals should avoid group brainstorming. Unusual recommendations may appear to
be worthless at first glance; this is where you must closely chair meetings so that the
group does not crush these ideas and hinder creativity.

SWOT Analysis:
A SWOT analysis is a technique for examining these four areas. SWOT stands for
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
SWOT Analysis is a tool that can assist in analysing what someone does well currently
and developing a successful future strategy. SWOT analysis can also help to identify
aspects that are holding us back or that your competitors may exploit if we don't protect
ourselves.
Strengths

Knowledge On AI Technology

Supportive Group Members

Creative thinking

Problem solving
Opportunities


Got an experience for organizing a

Weak attendance for the meetings
Threats

Power cut may occurred,
training event
connection problems as this is an
Enhancement of interpersonal
online webinar
skills

Weaknesses
Making a training event
presentation.

Drill down technique:
The Drill Down technique is a strategy for reducing difficult problems down into smaller
and smaller components, allowing for a more complete examination and understanding of
the subject at hand. This strategy can be applied to a variety of settings, including
business, management, and issue solving. The Drill Down technique works as follows:
Write the problem: Begin by describing the problem clearly at the top of a page or
document.
Divide the problem into smaller pieces: Break the problem down into smaller, more
manageable pieces. These are the points that you may need to address in order to remedy
the problem.
Identify the causes: List the factors or causes that contribute to the problem for each
smaller part. These are the points that you may need to address in order to remedy the
problem.
Continue the drilling process: Continue breaking down the problem into smaller
components and finding their distinct sources. This method assists you in determining the
root causes of the problem.
Create options: Once the root reasons have been discovered, create solutions to address
these factors. These remedies will most likely be simpler than addressing the issue
directly.

5 Whys:
The 5 Whys methodology is an iterative interrogative strategy that is used to investigate
the cause-and-effect linkages that underpin a specific problem. Sakichi Toyoda, the
founder of Toyota Industries, invented it first. The technique's primary purpose is to
uncover the fundamental cause of a flaw or problem by repeatedly asking "Why?” The
technique entails asking "Why" five times to delve into a problem and uncover its
fundamental cause. It is an essential component of problem-solving training offered as
part of the Toyota Production System introduction, and it is now employed in Kaizen,
lean manufacturing, lean construction, and Six Sigma.
When we want to urge a team studying a problem to delve into the underlying causes, the
5 Whys technique is useful for finding latent problems. It is a basic yet effective
evaluation tool for determining the root cause of an issue, understanding how one process
can produce a chain of problems, and determining the relationship between many root
causes. The number five is not important; rather, the idea is to keep asking "Why" until
the core reason is identified and eliminated. This method is useful when the problem at
hand is obvious but the underlying reasons are not. The final answer should get to the
potential root of the problem and maybe give a solution by asking "Why?" five times.
2.2 How critical reasoning can be applied to identify a solution
Critical reasoning:
The process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing,
and assessing knowledge collected from observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or
communication as a guide to belief and action is known as critical reasoning. It entails the
systematic application of logic to all parts of our existence. This includes recognizing
problems, gathering and evaluating facts, and making rational and educated judgments.
Critical thinking is an important talent in many professional domains and academic
disciplines because it allows people to make decisions based on reasonable, skeptical, and
unbiased analysis and evaluation. It is also a type of emotional intelligence that enables
people to analyze data objectively and make sound decisions.
We develop an autonomous mind when we begin to question the concepts and
convictions that guide our lives. To think for oneself entails having a basic propensity to
reflect on how one thinks and acts. To think profoundly is to scrutinize the world and
hence engage fundamentally with the prospects and options that the world provides.
Here are some problem-solving steps that we can utilize critical thinking strategies to help
with:
1. Specification of the problem:
In critical thinking, problem specification entails defining the issue, comprehending its
sources and implications, and determining the intended conclusion. It is the first step in
the problem-solving process, and it necessitates a thorough understanding of the issue at
hand. The problem specification process entails identifying the problem's major parts,
such as the aim, question-at-issue, assumptions, ideas, empirical foundation, reasoning
leading to conclusions, implications and consequences, objections from different
viewpoints, and frame of reference. Critical thinkers can build a clear knowledge of the
issue and effective solutions to it by describing the problem. The problem definition is a
crucial component of critical thinking since it serves as the foundation for the rest of the
problem-solving process.
Defining the problem:
In critical thinking, defining the problem refers to the process of clearly and precisely
recognizing and comprehending the issue or challenge that necessitates critical thinking
and analysis. It entails breaking down a complex problem or subject into its constituent
parts and acquiring a thorough understanding of what needs to be handled. The problem
is defined as a beginning point for effective critical thinking and problem solving.
What is a problem?
A problem is a circumstance or circumstance that produces difficulty, uncertainty, or
doubt. It might be a question posed for investigation, consideration, or resolution, or it
can be a proposal in mathematics or physics expressing what should be done. A issue can
also be a complex unanswered question, a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation, or
trouble understanding or accepting. Problems can arise in areas such as behaviour, social
connections, health, finance, technology, and many more. The purpose of problem
solving is to uncover the underlying source of the problem and devise effective ways to
address it.
Identification of the problem:
This necessitates further investigation. Identifying an issue is a challenging undertaking in
and of itself.
This stage entails discovering and recognizing that

A problem exists

Identifying the nature of the problem

And defining the problem.
2. Identification of possible outcomes
Identifying possible outcomes in critical thinking entails thinking critically and
imaginatively to engage the imagination and explore new possibilities. Formulating and
expressing ideas, recognising explicit and implicit assumptions and their consequences,
weighing linkages and links, separating relevant from non-relevant material, and
identifying, evaluating, and synthesising information collected from multiple sources are
all part of this process. Understanding the roles of teamwork, risk-taking, multidisciplinary awareness, and imagination in creating creative solutions to issues is also
required. Furthermore, critical thinking entails effectively analysing and articulating
quantitative ideas in many formats, as well as effectively interpreting and applying
written, quantitative, and visual language in the presenting of issue solutions. Individuals
can uncover new prospective outcomes by thinking outside the box and using information
that they already have.
In critical thinking, identifying functional outcomes as a group requires collaborative
brainstorming, open communication, and active engagement among group members.
Consider the following factors to improve the process of discovering possible outcomes
in critical thinking:

Once the problem has been recognised, potential remedies must be developed.

Brainstorming with a group can be a great way to find prospective options.

Too often, people rush into a decision without fully examining all of their
possibilities. Try to collect as many possible solutions as you can. Write these
ideas down; often the most ridiculous ideas contain the seed of a brilliant answer.

More time spent looking for alternatives and analysing their implications can
really pay off.
Consider the alternatives:
Once a number of ideas have been developed, you must evaluate each one to see how
effective it will be in addressing the problem. Consider the following elements:








Impact on the organization/group work
Impact on public relations
Impact on employees/group members
Cost
Legality
Ethics of activities
Whether this approach is permissible under collective agreements
Whether this idea can be built on another notion
3.
Problem solving tools and methods:
This is the final step of the critical reasoning. For this step we can use the problem
solving tools which have been discussed in the previous subtopic.
2.3 Critically evaluate the solution methodology used to solve one of the identified
problems
Problem:
Our main issue was that we had six people in our group, yet some of them were quite
busy with their job schedules when it came to developing the presentation and organising
the webinar. We had to organise an online webinar because we are the online group. We
attempted to contact everyone at the same time by WhatsApp and phone calls, but we
were unable. Then we intended to have a brainstorming session with the members who
aren't working.
Scenario:
The two of the group members decided to make a meeting and discuss about the webinar.
Then that two members had a brainstorming.
Step 1: prepare the group
The two members are:
1. Iresha Sugathadasa
2. Shani Cooray
Step 2: Present the Problem
Iresha Sugathadasa has already discussed the problem with me, and reiterated our project
proposal and work distribution, as well as other team members' worries about their
allocated tasks.
Step 3: Guide the Discussion
Instead of condemning one other for not attending meetings, we prepared the work
schedule and selecting the sub areas which should be covered under our topic. Then took
on each other's tasks and vowed to complete them as soon as possible.
2.4 Justify how selected methodology helped you to successfully solve the problem and
achieve the project objectives.
After we decided to go through brainstorming, we arranged everything and found
everything for the presentation. Finally, we were able to assign tasks, and as a result, we
were able to meet our project goal, which was to complete our webinar on 17.12.2023 at
10.00 a.m.
Task 3
3.1 Evaluate your individual role and contribution to the group in order to complete the
training event.
I had to find information for the presentation on Emerging technologies and Impact on
industries. And also I had to organize the workshop. Instead of the assigned tasks Iresha
Sugathadasa and I prepared the work schedule and selecting the sub areas which should
be covered under our topic.
As I was assigned to organize the workshop, I had to find people for the audience. So I
found students for the workshop. Then I found information on the above subtopics. Then
I got ready for the presenting on the workshop day.
I am an active listener, and a good team worker. So I was able to do my job for the group
perfectly.
3.2 Discuss the necessity of having dynamic team members in a group to reach its goals
by referring to the group members' roles and analysing how team dynamics among your
group members effectively assisted to achieve the common project goal.
What is team dynamics?
The interactions, relationships, and behaviours of members within a team are referred to
as team dynamics. It includes how team members collaborate, communicate, and
influence one another, all of which have an impact on overall team performance and
effectiveness. Team dynamics encompass both formal elements like as roles and
organisation, as well as informal elements such as interpersonal interactions and
communication styles. Understanding and controlling these dynamics is critical for
organisations seeking to build high-performing teams and achieve strategic goals.
Positive team dynamics result in smooth collaboration, open and effective
communication, and the ability to set and work towards future goals. It also fosters an
environment for invention and creativity, ultimately contributing to an organization's
overall effectiveness.
Advantages of team dynamics:
Improved productivity: When team members collaborate well, they may execute tasks
more efficiently, resulting in greater productivity. Strong team dynamics assist team
members understand their duties and how they fit into the team, allowing them to work
efficiently and productively towards shared goals.
Improved cooperation: Positive team dynamics foster seamless collaboration among team
members, resulting in a more comfortable and casual workplace. This promotes open
conversation, the exchange of ideas, and the solution of problems.
Improved decision-making: A team's diverse perspectives and skill sets lead to better
decision-making. Discussing various points of view and perspectives allows teams to
make more thorough and well-informed decisions.
Greater Commitment: Individual members of the group have a greater sense of worth. As
a result, employees will be more committed and devoted.
Strategies to enhance team dynamics:
Understand motivations: Understanding what motivates each team member can help you
build a more cohesive and effective team. This can be accomplished through regular
contact and feedback.
Define team roles and responsibilities: Define each team member's job and duties. This
can assist to eliminate confusion and guarantee that everyone is working towards the
same goal.
Prioritise adaptability and flexibility: Encourage team members to be adaptive and
flexible in their approach to work. This can assist the team adjust to shifting conditions
and obstacles.
Discuss working styles: Encourage team members to discuss their working methods and
preferences. This can assist to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
Trust: Trust is vital for good team dynamics. Encourage open communication, honesty,
and transparency among team members to develop trust.
Name of the
Tasks
Team dynamics
 Collecting Information
Fluent in English and a great team
group
member
Shanira
Palihakkara
(Definition of AI,
player
Evolution of AI, Key
concepts in AI)
 Checking errors
Dilshan
 Evaluate The Information
Cooray
and create slide details
 Creating presentation
 Finalizing the presentation
 Collecting information
(Industry specific
examples, Use cases and
success stories)
He was effective at following up,
finalising the presentation, and sharing
it with members. excellent team player
Iresha
Sugathadasa
 Collecting Information
(Challenges in AI
Very good team player, excellent
presenting skills
development, Ethical
guidelines
 Maintaining the group
schedule
Arjuna
 Collecting Information
Member who is very supportive, has
Micheal
(Future trends in AI,
good presentation abilities, and is a
Welcoming the audience,
critical thinker
Vote of thanks)
Shani Cooray
 Collecting Information
(Emerging technologies,
Myself (I'm the one that shared our
slides during our webinar)
Impact on industries)
S. Praveen
 Collecting Information
(Preparing for the AI era,
Skill development)
Very good team player, excellent
presenting skills, critical thinker
Task 4
4.1 The significance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the workplace
and its contribution to self-learning
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a continuous process of learning and skill
development that professionals use to improve workplace performance and promote their
careers. It entails documenting, tracking, and reflecting on the skills, information, and
experience obtained through various learning activities. CPD encompasses not only
formal schooling but also informal learning such as work-based learning, reading, and
mentorship. It is a self-directed and systematic approach to lifelong learning that aims to
preserve and grow the information and skills required to function effectively in a
professional capacity. CPD is prioritised by many professions and organisations because
it ensures that professionals are always improving and remaining up to speed with the
latest industry innovations. CPD can be obtained in a variety of ways, including training
courses, workshops, seminars, and online learning. It is frequently required for
professional licences and membership in regulated industries. CPD is often documented
and maintained in an organised manner to demonstrate ongoing professional
development.
4.1.1 Importance of CPD to employers

Maintains high standards throughout the organisation.

Contributes positively to an organization's growth and success.

Encourages a learning culture and develops a positive working relationship with
employees.

Increases employee productivity and contributes to the creation of a more
productive and motivated workforce.

Employee retention improves because employees feel valued and loyal to the
company.

Allows employers to accept and respond to changes in their industry.
4.1.2 Importance of CPD to employees

Qualifications are kept up to date, allowing learners to develop job-related skills.

It closes knowledge gaps and allows people to adapt to a fast-paced world.

Increases workplace efficiency and the ability to learn and grow.

Employees can demonstrate their ambition, aptitude, and preparedness to learn
new skills.

Maintains people's focus on the path of professional growth, which leads to job
security and success.
4.1.3 Importance of CPD to self-learning
When it comes to the impact of CPD on my own development, the first time we used it
was to carry out our training programme. Because there were no professionals connected
to this topic and training events, using CPD to execute the training event was a big
success.
Because the concept of the training session was new to me and the group, it was
interesting and will be useful when we work in a cooperative firm. It also motivated me to
contribute to the group as a whole, to learn new skills and information needed to carry out
a training programme, and to understand what it takes to be a professional. It also
provided me with experience that I will be able to use in the future. Enrolling in CPD will
allow me to improve my skills and knowledge for a better future employment.
4.2 Examine a variety of evidence criteria used as a measure of effective CPD.
Assessing the effectiveness of CPD entails looking at different evidence criteria to
determine that the development activities are meaningful and contribute to professional
advancement. These include:

Goal Achievement: The extent to which CPD assisted individuals in achieving
their professional goals can be measured.

Effects on work, attitude, and performance: The success of CPD can be
determined by assessing its impact on work, attitude, and performance.

Influence on the Organisation: The success of CPD can be determined by
assessing its influence on the organisation.

Client Reactions: CPD's impact on customers can be measured to establish its
effectiveness.

Strategy Compatibility: The efficacy of CPD activities can be determined by
comparing them to a clear strategy or roadmap.

Information and Skills Testing and Evaluation: The information and skills gained
during CPD can be tested and assessed to determine its effectiveness.

Direct function and Industry Relevance: The direct relevance of CPD activities to
an individual's function and industry can be assessed to determine efficacy.
Rating methods of employees:

Rating Scales: Managers review employees' overall performance using a 1-5
scale, a Likert scale, or custom scales. Using a performance rating scale can help
to speed up the assessment process.

Behaviourally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS): This method evaluates an
employee's qualitative and quantitative contributions by comparing their
performance to certain established behavioural examples that are connected to
numerical ratings.

Forced Choice Method: This method evaluates employee performance by asking a
sequence of prepared True/False questions.

MBO (Management by Objectives): Managers and employees collaborate to
create, organise, and communicate goals for a certain appraisal period. Following
the establishment of defined targets, managers and subordinates meet on a regular
basis to discuss and debate the progress made towards control.

Assessment Centre Practice: This method entails exercises carried out at the
company's authorised assessment centre, such as computer simulations, debates,
role-playing, and other techniques. Employees are evaluated on a variety of talents
and competencies, including communication, confidence, emotional intelligence,
and administrative ability.

Cost of Human Resources Method of Accounting: This method evaluates an
employee's performance by assigning a monetary value to the employee's
contribution to the organisation.
4.3 Professional Development Plan and skill audit
Professional development plan
Name
Shani Cooray
Current level in
HND in Computing (following)
Education
Started in
2023
Ambition
To become a software engineer with the relevant knowledge
Goal 1: complete the HND in Computing
Target year: 2025
Goal 2: Complete the top up degree in one year
Target year: 2026
(abroad)
Goal 3: work and get experience
Target year: 2027
Goal 4: start my own business
Target year: 2028
Skill audit
Skill
Rank
Present
3 months
Time Management
B
A
Multi-tasking
A
Working with others
C
B
A
Learning new skills and
knowledge
Effective communication
C
B
A
B
A
Problem solving
C
B
Present in front of people
A
A: I have accomplished this skill/ I demonstrate high competence
B: I have this skill/competency but some improvements could be made
C: I need to improve this skill/competency
6 months
A
Reference List
Benefits of CPD (2022) The CPD Standards Office. Available at:
https://www.cpdstandards.com/resources/benefits-of-cpd/ (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
Charles, P. (2022) How to use critical thinking for problem solving, Linkedin.com.
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-critical-thinking-problem-solvingphil-charles (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
Core outcomes: Critical thinking and problem solving (no date) Pcc.edu. Available at:
https://www.pcc.edu/core-outcomes/co-criticalthinking-problemsolving/ (Accessed:
January 4, 2024).
Critical thinking and problem-solving (no date) Utc.edu. Available at:
https://www.utc.edu/academic-affairs/walker-center-for-teaching-and-learning/teachingresources/pedagogical-strategies-and-techniques/ct-ps (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
Friedman, P. A. and Woodhead, S. (no date) Approaches to cpd measurement, Ifac.org.
Available at: https://www.ifac.org/_flysystem/azure-private/meetings/files/3653.pdf
(Accessed: January 4, 2024).
“Get to know your team: 10 practical ways to improve team dynamics now”
(2023) Fingerprintforsuccess.com. Fingerprint for Success, 22 May. Available at:
https://www.fingerprintforsuccess.com/blog/team-dynamics (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
How to measure the effectiveness of CPD (2022) Breeze Academy. Available at:
https://breeze.academy/blog/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-cpd/ (Accessed:
January 4, 2024).
Interfaces, T. (2021) What are the Five Whys? A tool for root cause analysis, Tulip.
Available at: https://tulip.co/glossary/five-whys/ (Accessed: January 3, 2024).
Johnston, L. (2019) What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? jobs.ac.uk, career-advice.jobs.ac.uk. jobs.ac.uk. Available at: https://careeradvice.jobs.ac.uk/career-development/what-is-continuing-professional-development-cpd/
(Accessed: January 4, 2024).
MindTools (no date a) Mindtools.com. Available at:
https://www.mindtools.com/acv0de1/brainstorming (Accessed: January 3, 2024).
MindTools (no date b) Mindtools.com. Available at:
https://www.mindtools.com/amtbj63/swot-analysis (Accessed: January 3, 2024).
Moreno, O. (2018) The drill down technique, Linkedin.com. Available at:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/drill-down-technique-orlando-moreno-pmp-acm-cnse6sigma-agile-osha (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
Seel, N. M. (2012) “Problems: Definition, types, and evidence,” in Encyclopedia of the
Sciences of Learning. Boston, MA: Springer US, pp. 2690–2693.
The importance of CPD for employers (no date) Peoplecert.org. Available at:
https://www.peoplecert.org/news-and-announcements/the-importance-of-CPD-foremployers (Accessed: January 4, 2024).
What is critical thinking? (no date) Louisville.edu. Available at:
https://louisville.edu/ideastoaction/about/criticalthinking/what (Accessed: January 4,
2024).
What is team dynamics? Importance, key elements, and factors (no date) ActiveCollab.
Available at: https://activecollab.com/blog/collaboration/team-dynamics (Accessed:
January 4, 2024).
(No date) Indeed.com. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/rating-employees
(Accessed: January 4, 2024).
Download