LEARNING UNIT 1: ESTABLISH PERSONAL WORK GOALS
Q1: What are personal work priorities? Provide three examples relevant to a student.
A1: Personal work priorities refer to the tasks, goals, and values an individual focuses on to
achieve their job responsibilities and personal career objectives.
Examples for a student:
1. Completing assignments on time.
2. Studying for upcoming exams.
3. Maintaining a balanced study schedule.
Q2: List five benefits of setting clear work priorities.
A2:
1. Increased productivity and focus.
2. Better time management.
3. Reduced stress.
4. Clearer alignment with organizational goals.
5. Increased motivation.
Q3: Differentiate between a policy, a procedure, and a rule.
A3:
Policy: A broad, strategic guideline that outlines the organization's plan (e.g., Equal Opportunity
Policy).
Procedure: A detailed, step-by-step instruction on how to implement a policy (e.g., Hiring
Procedure).
Rule: A specific directive that states what is allowed or prohibited (e.g., No smoking in the
workplace).
Q4: Describe the logical sequence for creating a personal work plan.
A4: The logical sequence is:
1. Identify goals
2. Allocate resources
3. Start tasks
4. Monitor performance
Q5: What are the characteristics of a positive role model? (Name any five)
A5:
1. Integrity
2. Resilience
3. Empathy
4. Accountability
5. Continuous Learning
Q6: What is Continuous Professional Development (CPD)? List three forms it can take.
A6: CPD is the ongoing process of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and experiences throughout
one's career to remain effective and competitive.
Forms it can take:
1. Formal Education (courses, workshops).
2. Informal Learning (self-study, webinars).
3. On-the-Job Training (practical work, mentorship).
Q7: What does the acronym SMART stand for in goal setting?
A7:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-bound
Q8: According to the student handbook, what is the consequence for a student who attends
less than 80% of sessions?
A8: They will be considered to have not achieved the module’s learning outcomes and will not
be allowed to take summative assessments.
Q9: Under which circumstances is a student's request for absence automatically granted?
A9: Requests are granted automatically upon provision of medical evidence in cases of:
1. Debilitating illness or handicap.
2. Being in the latest stages of pregnancy or having recently given birth.
3. Illness of a dependent or the death of a close relative.
Q10: What is the minimum score a student must achieve in formative assessment to be
allowed to sit for the final exam?
A10: A score of 50%.
Q11: What is the purpose of the "Personal Work Priorities and Professional Development"
module?
A11: To describe the knowledge, skills, and attitude required to manage own performance and
professional development, with emphasis on establishing personal work goals, setting and
meeting priorities, and developing further competencies.
Q12: Differentiate between personal work and professional work.
A12:
Personal Work: Driven by individual interests and goals; aims for self-improvement or personal
satisfaction; work for which the employee is not compensated.
Professional Work: Motivated by job responsibilities and workplace expectations; focuses on
contributing to an organization’s success.
Q13: List three key components of personal work planning.
A13:
1. Goal Setting (using SMART criteria).
2. Prioritization of tasks.
3. Time Blocking.
Q14: What are "contingencies" in the context of work?
A14: Contingencies are potential disruptions or unforeseen events that could impact normal
operations, and contingency planning involves preparing for them.
Q15: Name two types of personal performance measures.
A15:
1. Financial performance measures (e.g., Profit Margin, ROI).
2. Non-financial measures (e.g., Customer Satisfaction, Employee Engagement).
LEARNING UNIT 2: SET AND MEET OWN WORK PRIORITIES
Q1: What is a Personal Development Plan (PDP)?
A1: A PDP is a structured and strategic approach to self-improvement, skill enhancement, and
goal achievement. It is a dynamic document that outlines an individual's goals, identifies areas
for development, and establishes action steps.
Q2: Identify four key technologies that can be used to manage work priorities and
commitments.
A2:
1. Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello).
2. Time Management Tools (e.g., Google Calendar, Toggl).
3. Collaboration Tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
4. Database systems.
Q3: What is procrastination and what are two common reasons for it?
A3: Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily delaying or postponing tasks despite knowing
there will be negative consequences.
Common reasons:
1. Fear of failure or success.
2. A task being too large, complex, or vague (overwhelm).
Q4: Describe the Grid Analysis decision-making tool.
A4: Grid analysis is a tool used to evaluate multiple options based on various criteria. It involves
creating a grid with options on one axis and criteria on the other, scoring each option, and
calculating a total score to identify the best choice.
Q5: What is a healthy work-life balance?
A5: A healthy work-life balance is a dynamic and personal state where you effectively manage
your professional responsibilities and personal commitments to promote your overall well-being.
It is about creating a sustainable rhythm, not a perfect 50/50 split.
Q6: Differentiate between external and internal stressors. Provide one example of each.
A6:
External Stressors: Come from outside the individual (e.g., Job insecurity, noisy environment).
Internal Stressors: Originate from one's own thoughts and feelings (e.g., Fear of the future,
negative self-talk).
Q7: List three self-management strategies for stress.
A7:
1. Practice relaxation techniques.
2. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
3. Get enough sleep.
Q8: What are "competing demands"?
A8: A situation where an employee has to balance several tasks, projects, or requests that are all
deemed urgent and important, often by different people.
Q9: Provide an example of a competing demand in engineering.
A9: Cost vs. Innovation: A company wants to implement a cutting-edge renewable energy
solution, but the budget is limited, creating a conflict between financial constraints and
innovative goals.
Q10: What is the function of an Electronic Diary?
A10: It is a digital tool designed to help individuals organize and manage their schedules,
appointments, tasks, and events.
Q11: What is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)?
A11: A portable device that functions as a personal information manager, used for web
browsing, office applications, and as a mobile phone.
Q12: According to the notes, what is one reason people procrastinate?
A12: Waiting for the ‘right’ mood or ‘right’ time to tackle important tasks.
Q13: What is one strategy to overcome procrastination?
A13: Make the task less intimidating by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Q14: Name two online E-Conference tools mentioned in the notes.
A14: Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Q15: What does MIS stand for and what is its purpose?
A15:
Stands for: Management Information System.
Purpose: It is the study and application of information systems that organizations use for data
access, management, and analytics to make decisions, improve efficiency, and track customer
activity.
Q16: What does Contacts Management involve?
A16: The systematic organization, storage, and maintenance of information about individuals or
organizations (like names, addresses, phone numbers) with whom you have a relationship.
Q17: What is 'eustress'?
A17: Eustress is useful stress that is challenging and can produce positive effects, such as the
maximization of output and creativity.
Q18: List two common symptoms of stress.
A18:
1. Difficulty concentrating.
2. Feeling tense or on edge.
LEARNING UNIT 3: DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
Q1: What are development needs and how are they identified?
A1: Development needs are the areas where individuals require improvement or growth to
enhance their capabilities and performance. They are identified by:
1. Identifying the skills and knowledge required for a job.
2. Assessing the skills and knowledge you currently have.
3. Comparing the two to identify the gaps.
Q2: What are competency standards?
A2: Competency standards are established benchmarks that define the skills, knowledge,
abilities, and behaviors required for effective performance in a particular role, profession, or
industry.
Q3: List the five levels of competency (from Novice to Expert).
A3:
1. Novice or Beginner
2. Intermediate or Advanced Beginner
3. Competent or Journeyman
4. Proficient or Advanced Practitioner
5. Expert or Master
Q4: Name three methods for measuring competency standards.
A4:
1. Self-Assessment
2. Performance Appraisals
3. 360-Degree Feedback
Q5: What is 360-degree feedback?
A5: 360-degree feedback is a method of gathering performance feedback from various sources,
including peers, subordinates, supervisors, and a self-assessment, to provide a comprehensive
view of an individual's competencies.
Q6: Provide three ways to improve professional competence.
A6:
1. Seek constructive feedback from colleagues and clients.
2. Attend training courses, seminars, and conferences.
3. Participate in professional networks and expert groups.
Q7: Why is networking important for professional development?
A7: Networking is important because it helps to enhance personal knowledge, skills, and work
relationships by exchanging information and ideas with others who share common professional
interests.
Q8: What are two key attitudes required for effective networking and professional
relationships?
A8:
1. Integrity
2. Empathy
Q9: What are "development priorities"?
A9: The key areas or skills that an individual or organization identifies as most critical for
improvement and growth.
Q10: What is a "development plan"?
A10: A structured approach to enhance an individual's skills, knowledge, and capabilities in
relation to personal and professional goals. It provides a roadmap for continuous improvement.
Q11: List the four main phases of the Personal Development Cycle.
A11:
1. Review (self-assessment)
2. Preparing for Action (goal setting and planning)
3. Action (implementing the plan)
4. Outcomes (measuring and evaluating progress)
Q12: What are the four categories of competency standards?
A12:
1. Personal Competency
2. Interpersonal Competency
3. Professional Practice Competency
4. Business Competency
Q13: According to Patricia Benner's model, what is the characteristic of a "Proficient"
level professional?
A13: They perceive situations as wholes, rather than in terms of aspects.
Q14: What is constructive feedback?
A14: The type of feedback aimed at achieving a positive outcome by providing someone with
comments, advice, or suggestions that are useful for their work or their future.
Q15: Name one skill required for providing effective feedback.
A15: Make sure you are specific and use evidence when giving feedback.
Q16: What is one benefit of seeking feedback?
A16: It leads to performance improvement.
Q17: List two ways to gather feedback from employees and clients.
A17:
1. Surveys.
2. E-mails.
Q18: Provide two strategies to develop and enhance competence.
A18:
1. On-the-job learning and training.
2. Attend training courses, seminars, or conferences.
Q19: Where can an individual network professionally? (Name two places)
A19:
1. Industry Conferences and Events.
2. Professional Associations.
Q20: What is the difference between a mentor and a coach, according to the notes?
A20: A coach is usually someone you can learn from, whereas a mentor is someone you can
learn from but also use as a role model.
Q21: What are three important notes to remember when meeting a person professionally?
A21:
1. Be Punctual.
2. Dress Appropriately.
3. Use Active Listening.