BAM7028 Professional Consultancy Assignment Sample

Introduction 

Evaluating personal skills with respect to a specific task that includes team members eventually speaks regarding the strengths and weaknesses of an individual concerning management and leadership skills. In this report, an evaluation of my skills with respect to the pitch presentation in Task 1 has been done. I have undertaken an online personality test to understand my skills and traits. I have reflected on the teamwork performance, analysed my strengths and weaknesses, as well as leadership and management skills concerning my participation in the Task. However, I have also created a “Skill development plan” for the short, medium, and long term. 

Presentation slides

In Task 1, I was given the responsibility to develop the design of the “Markets and cafe bar” that will be operated using the buildings. 

Figure 1: Design map

(Source: Self-created)

As shown in the picture, the main entrance of the building will be kept on “Priory Road”, and the connecting street will be “Church Street”. There will be areas for hall seating, arts and crafts, stores, cafes, and bars within the complex using the three buildings. However, stores for home decor, as well as separate washrooms will be kept along with a parking lot.

Pitch development 

Markets and Cafe

Customers need a brief regarding the project to develop a perception of what the project is about and what its offerings are. Moreover, sometimes customers also expect companies to provide details regarding the founders, how the concept of the business was initiated, and the current position in the market as well as the challenges faced. The current presentation focuses on making a local plan for developing market cafes, and bars by using the three buildings such as “Chiltern Shopping Centre, The Queen’s Square, and the Frogmoor”. 

Making Local Plan

Progress Planning is the client, which is an “independent Chartered Town Planning Practice”. The project is on the High Wycombe Redevelopment Plan for the 3rd Flood of Chiltern Shopping Centre. The project relies on developing market cafes and bars on the 3rd floor of the building. 

5’Cs analysis

The project offers diverse products, focuses on brand differentiation, and emphasises competitive advantage. In addition, concerning collaboration, the project partners with influencers, suppliers, businesses, and community groups. Considering customers, the project focuses on tailoring strategies that match the income, age, education, and behaviour of the customers. The project is in competition with the local stores and national chains. The project, however, focuses on adapting to local economic conditions, social trends, and regulations. 

Our mission and vision

The vision and mission of the project is to create a vibrant community where customers can spend quality time with their friends and family. The project offers them the facility to have a unique shopping experience and the ambiance of having an exotic cafe. 

Project Design

The project design has been made that showcases the location of the building as well as the facilities and services that are offered to the customers. It includes facilities for parking, washrooms, a shopping centre, and a cafe and bar, seating halls, art, and craft stores, as well as stores for home decor. 

Operations

Concerning the operations, facilities are based on the location of the shopping centre and the cafe and bar. Additionally, a continuous improvement process has been incorporated that improves the ability of the organisation to offer better product services and processes to the customers. Moreover, a logistics management plan has been developed that makes delivery of products easy. The project also focuses on conducting fair and transparent HR activities that improve employee engagement and satisfaction. However, to maintain customer service quality, control measures are also incorporated. 

Technology

Considering the technology development in the market, technological infrastructure has been developed that enables the project to fight external technological challenges. Concerning cybersecurity, machine learning (MI), and artificial intelligence (AI) have been incorporated. However, referring to field security, blockchain technology has also been included along with other technological solutions and software integration.

Legal

The redevelopment plan for the project significantly needs the project manager to abide by the legal regulations in the market. In this regard, the project adheres to commercial law, the law regarding goods that are prohibited by age, labour laws, insurance, and taxation policies of the market. However, consultation with the “Environmental Health Officer” for registration of the project has also been made. 

Marketing

Marketing for the project is an essential aspect as it enables the project to attract customers in the market and increase their level of engagement. Moreover, it creates an image in the market regarding the organisation, and its offerings to the customers. In this context, a combination of digital marketing and traditional marketing plan has been developed for the project which can help in attracting customers thereby creating a stable and strong customer base. 

Marketing

Concerning the marketing plan, a “Unique value proposition” has been developed that reflects strong customer engagement due to the inclusion of local advertising, offerings of promotions and offers, an omnichannel communication system, and programs of community gathering engagement. However, digital marketing, and sustainable service offerings along with the prices of the same have also improved the overall brand image. 

Social media

Referring to social media, content creation has been included, along with activities that improve community engagement through social media posts. The system for managing the platform has been developed along with the appointment of a social media manager. The project uses paid advertisements on different social media platforms. Moreover, social media partnerships and collaborations are also prioritised by the project. However, the facilities for online booking and reservations are provided to the customers. 

Public relations

The target audience of the project is customers aged from 5 years to 60 years. The target audience includes men, women, and kids. The project focuses on developing a functional management system that improves organisational efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, events are also organised by the project that attracts more customers. However, a crisis management system has also been integrated which increases the ability of the organisation to overcome market challenges. 

Sustainability

Sustainability is highly prioritised by the project that aligns with the expectations and preferences of the customers. In this case, strategy development has been done by evaluating the market opportunities and challenges. The system of monitoring the activities of the organisation and reporting the same to the board members has been integrated which can improve the internal strength and competitive advantage. However, to maintain sustainability, the project, collaboration system has been incorporated that improve the customer experience and satisfaction.

Finance

The project costs have been acknowledged in this section which showcases the total construction cost, as well as other costs associated with the development of the project. In this context, it can be stated that the construction cost includes foundation and structural work costs, building envelope costs, basic electrical and plumbing costs; outdoor stalls cost, paving costs, and cost of utilities for stalls. The total construction cost reflects £557,500. On the other hand, the other project calls include initial marketing and social media costs, initial safety measure costs, annual licenses, and permits costs, annual business rates costs, annual safety maintenance costs, annual ongoing marketing costs, and annual social media management costs. Thus, the total initial and annual costs reflect £7750 and £39,500 respectively. However, the annual costs do not include VAT. 

Estimated income by renting the area

A hypothetical estimated rental income has been calculated. As estimated, the “Chilterns Shopping Centre”, has a retail space of 75, 727 sq. ft, which has been used for indoor retail and outdoor market stalls. The rental rates for indoor retail have been assumed to be 30 per sq. ft. per year whereas the rental rate for outdoor market stalls has been assumed to be 20 sq. ft. per year. Thus, the total annual rental income for indoor retail has been estimated to be £567,952.50 whereas the total annual rental income for outdoor market stalls has been evaluated to be £126,211.60. 

Combined total annual income

The total annual rental income for the 3rd floor of the project has been estimated to be £694,164.10. 

Recommendations

The project can be recommended to improve the promotion and advertisement systems by using local ads, email newsletters, and social media marketing, as well as organising events with the discounted participation of the vendors.  Moreover, strategies for integrating loyalty programs, feedback systems, offerings of discounts in off-seasons, and cross-promotions are recommended to increase customer attraction. The recommendations for product diversity have been made.  However, the recommendation for creating an accessible entrance from “Priory Road” has been made, along with offering one-hour free parking, and improving customer amenities. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a project plan for developing a cafe and bar in the shopping centre of Chiltran has been made which is likely to provide scope for customers to spend quality time. The project will focus on integrating both digital and traditional marketing strategies that would improve customer satisfaction. Moreover, the project incorporates sustainability practices and abides by the legal requirements that improve project efficiency. However, technology implementation has been done to reduce the external challenges. 

Teamwork reflection 

Reflecting on the performance can be done by implementing “Bruce Tuckman’s Five Stages of Group Development”. The theory explains that the development of an efficient team happens following 5 stages such as “Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning” (Patterson, 2022). It states that as the team develops ability and maturity, leadership style changes, relationships improve and a more collaborative working system is being followed. In this regard, following the five stages, the performance of the team has been discussed (Solomon, 2024). 

Forming

At the initial stage of forming the team, our tutor set up a group of 10 students and at this stage, we had an informal introduction as many of the team members were only classmates. I was appointed as the team leader and an information communication regarding when to schedule the project initiation was made. 

Storming

In this stage, we had a difference of opinion regarding which part to do first and who would do which part. This has been due to the leadership ineffectiveness which impacted our working style. In this regard, we acknowledged the issues faced by our group and we sat for an open discussion regarding the same. With my problem-solving ability, I paid respect to each member’s opinion and then made a decision that was best for each of us. 

Norming

Concerning this stage, we addressed our strengths and weaknesses and shared the same in the group which helped each member understand others well. This further helped us in developing a collaborative work pattern which positively impacted our project development system. However, by this time, we developed immense trust and an effective leadership system. 

Performing 

In this stage, our team grew strong with efficiency as each of the members fulfilled all the roles and responsibilities given. Moreover, we had an open communication and feedback system which assisted in addressing issues and resolving the same. The decision-making system of our group also improved which enabled us to complete the project on time. 

Adjourning

At this stage, Task 1 was completed successfully and each of the members learned a lot of things especially related to teamwork, management, and leadership skills. Also, we understsood the benefits of collaboration in teamwork. However, from this task, we also addressed the areas of improvement. 

Teamwork analysis 

Analysing the performance of the team, I can state that from the initiation phase to the completion phase of Task 1, our team has been consistent in fulfilling the responsibilities given. In this regard, it can be stated that at the initial stage, starting off with an informal introduction and a discussion regarding the project that was entitled to us, helped us understand the scope of the performance. Moreover, our regular discussions in the WhatsApp group helped us make individual progress which eventually increased the effectiveness of the project. In this context, it can be mentioned that there has been a time when team members engaged in conflict regarding the choice of the assignments part to be done by whom and which part to do first. 

This significantly impacted the project’s initiation as due to differences of opinion, it became difficult for us to start the project. In this regard, by utilising the problem-solving skills, and techniques of conflict management, we have been capable of overcoming the issue which helped us in initiating the project according to the plan we made. Moreover, gradually, I can say that we developed trust and bonding with each member which further assisted us in conducting work collaboratively. Also, my leadership strengths improved compared to the initial level which further helped me in undertaking effective decisions. Furthermore, the regular communication system and feedback mechanisms helped us address our strengths and weaknesses which helped us in helping each other during the project. However, this also effectively helped us understand the areas that we need to improve further. 

Self-Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses 

Evaluating my strengths and weaknesses has been essential as it helped me understand the areas or skills that need improvement. I have analysed my strengths and weaknesses with the development of the SWOT model. In this regard, following my strengths, I can say that my problem-solving skills have been a crucial strength that helped me in resolving issues faced by the team members. Inspired by the words of Rahman (2019), problem-solving skill increases team efficiency by resolving difficult problems. It enables the leaders to undertake effective decisions that further contribute to positive development. In this context, I can say that this skill has helped me reduce the difference of opinion between members and enabled me to reduce the challenges of project delays. Moreover, it also improved my skills of decision-making and critical thinking (Khoiriyah & Husamah, 2018).  I can say that these skills have increased the opportunity for me in applying for mangerial roles in companies which is likely to boost my employment portfolio. Furthermore, I can state that people management and IT skills have also been strengths of mine as they helped me in developing the project design effectively. 

On the other hand, concerning the weaknesses, I can say that I have been weak in managing people efficiently which in the first place has given rise to issues such as conflict. Influenced by the opinion of Hoffman & Tadelis (2021), people management is an essential skill that leaders need to develop as it helps engage members of the team and develops an innovative working culture. Abiding by this idea, I must say that it is essential for me to improve this skill. Moreover, I also need to improve my creativity skills which can help me improve my presentation skills thereby improving the quality of the tasks I conduct. Concerning these weaknesses, I face the threats of high-conflict scenarios which can negatively impact the development of relationships between members of a team (Baynham-Herd et al., 2018). However, in this regard, I can say that by improving these skills, I have the opportunity to improve teamwork skills, collaboration skills, as well as overall leadership skills. [Refer to Appendix 1]

Self-Evaluation of Leadership and Management Skills

Leadership and management skills are essential for an individual as it increases the scope of receiving employment offers. In addition to this, it significantly helps individuals in developing a personality that is capable of securing a reputable position in an organisation (Schermerhorn et al., 2020). In this regard, analysing my leadership and management skills and following the Gibbs reflective model, describing my skills, I have noticed that I am a bit emotional when it comes to people as I tend to focus more on the feelings of people while making decisions (Adeani et al., 2020). Based on the study conducted by Baldersheim et al., (2019), I have understood that being emotional is good for an individual; however, for a leader is a negative trait as decisions can never be taken by keeping the words of everyone. In addition, explaining my feelings, I can say that I feel that a leader is supposed to make decisions that are right for the organisation or the team rather than fulfilling individual interests. Therefore, I have analysed that I need to improve my emotional intelligence. 

On the other hand, analysing my capabilities, I have noticed that I have skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and IT application which are likely to help me develop as a leader. It would help me in effectively managing a team by resolving complex issues and bringing back harmony among the team members. Moreover, with the skill of critical thinking, I can say that I can resolve complex problems and provide different solutions that are likely to mitigate the challenge and the issue and improve the effectiveness of the team’s performance or an organisation’s performance El Soufi & See (2019). 

Evaluating my skills in a more detailed manner, I can say that I lack the people management skills, which I need to develop to improve my ability to influence team members to engage more in the tasks given. Moreover, this will also enable me to improve my leadership skills where I will be capable of creating an innovative culture that boosts organisation’s growth and success. In conclusion, I can say that although I have leadership and management skills of problem solving and critical thinking, being a leader, I have realised that I must have people management skills. This can help me in improving the working culture in the organisation and further assist me in gaining a substantial position. Concerning my action plan, I can say that I need to develop a plan for improving my skills that can help me in developing myself as a potential leader in the market and help me accept offers of managerial post from reputed companies. 

Skills Development Plan 

In this section, I have developed a “Skill development plan” for the short, medium, and long term which is going to help me in developing leadership and management skills and improve my weaknesses (Getachew et al., 2020). 

Conclusion 

The study concludes that the project that has been developed for the client has covered all aspects that can positively contribute to improving the project’s success. In addition, the study concludes that teamwork performance has been effective with the inclusion of leadership skills. However, concerning the evaluation of leadership and management skills, I need to improve my creative thinking and people management skills. However, skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and IT application are my strengths which are going to improve my employment opportunities. 

References

Adeani, I. S., Febriani, R. B., & Syafryadin, S. (2020). Using GIBBS’reflective cycle in making reflections of literary analysis. Indonesian EFL Journal, 6(2), 139-148.

Baldersheim, H., Bodnárová, B., Horváth, T. M., & Vajdová, Z. (2019). Functions of the Executive: Power, Leadership, and Management. In Local Democracy and the Processes of Transformation in East-Central Europe (pp. 197-224). Routledge.

Baynham-Herd, Z., Redpath, S., Bunnefeld, N., Molony, T., & Keane, A. (2018). Conservation conflicts: Behavioural threats, frames, and intervention recommendations. Biological conservation, 222, 180-188.

El Soufi, N., & See, B. H. (2019). Does explicit teaching of critical thinking improve critical thinking skills of English language learners in higher education? A critical review of causal evidence. Studies in educational evaluation, 60, 140-162.

Getachew, A., Ayele, M., Hailu, E. M., & Tuli, F. (2020). Effectiveness of soft skill training for students’ career development in higher education. Journal of the Social Sciences, 48(4), 1817-1832.

Hoffman, M., & Tadelis, S. (2021). People management skills, employee attrition, and manager rewards: An empirical analysis. Journal of political economy, 129(1), 243-285.

Khoiriyah, A. J., & Husamah, H. (2018). Problem-based learning: Creative thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and learning outcome of seventh grade students. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 4(2), 151-160.

Patterson, D. (2022). 4.5. In-depth Look: Tuckman’s Model–Five Stages of Team Development. Strategic Project Management: Theory and Practice for Human Resource Professionals.

Rahman, M. M. (2019). 21st century skill’problem solving’: Defining the concept. Rahman, MM (2019). 21st Century Skill “Problem Solving”: Defining the Concept. Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(1), 64-74.

Schermerhorn Jr, J. R., Bachrach, D. G., & Wright, B. (2020). Management. John Wiley & Sons.

Solomon, D. (2024). The Worth of Steady Digital Team Formation Strategy A Case Study of Bruce Tuckman’s Model in Software Industry. Authorea Preprints.