1. 3CO01 Assignment Examples
1.1 Task One. Presentation Pack (1,000 words)
1.1.1 AC1.1 Application of an analysis tool (such as PESTLE) to examine the key external forces impacting or likely to impact an organisation’s activities
SLIDE 1

Both internal and external forces have an impact on the activities of an organisation. Internal forces are those that an organisation can influence, whereas external factors, such as the economy, are beyond its control. A company’s internal operations and its market relationships are influenced by external pressures. The PESTLE Analysis, which is described in greater detail below, is one of several methods used to analyze the external business environment. The acronym PESTLE refers to the Political, Economic, Social, Cultural, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors that have an impact on businesses.
SLIDE 2

The political environment of a country has an effect on the political aspect of that state, such as the degree of political stability, the prevalence of corruption, customs, and trade regulations. When a nation is politically stable, businesses can work in a conducive environment and move freely without fear of conflict. Government tariffs impact the growth rate of a firm since they influence taxation levels. When the environment is corrupted, growth is poor since most funds are not utilised for their intended purpose, resulting in mismanagement of resources. In each business context, the level of market control influences the degree to which a firm may invest and it’s Return on Investment. For example, Nike, a manufacturer and retailer, is impacted by the constant evolution of manufacturing regulation.
SLIDE 3

The interest rate and the currency exchange rate are two examples of economic factors that have an effect on businesses and organisations. Businesses are less likely to borrow money when interest rates are prohibitively high, thus reducing their rate of expansion. In the event that investors’ rewards are delayed, this may deter them from making more investments. Any company’s foreign investment is influenced by the exchange rate since investors and shareholders would like to get the most out of their investments (PESTLE Analysis 2021). As a result, GDP growth might be either moderate or rapid.
SLIDE 4

Organisational performance is influenced by social factors, such as organizational culture and other social elements. Culture influences the mentalities, perceptions, and even works cultures of individuals. The company must evaluate the culture of the people since it affects how employees and customers approach their jobs and products, respectively. Market research supports a company in maintaining contact with reality. Nike has benefited from positive social trends. More individuals would engage in physical activity as a result of the trend toward healthy living, resulting in increased sales of athletic apparel.
SLIDE 5

Technological improvements are also changing the way businesses operate. New technologies are being embraced, and companies are being compelled to streamline their operation in order to compete and attract more customers. Remote working is also growing more common, with more firms enabling their employees to work from anywhere in order to increase their flexibility, performance, and effectiveness. Technology is also encountered in the course of customer service interactions. Nike has acknowledged that they make use of social media in order to promote awareness of their brand.
SLIDE 6

Technological improvements are also changing the way businesses operate. New technologies are being embraced, and companies are being compelled to streamline their operation in order to compete and attract more customers. Remote working is also growing more common, with more firms enabling their employees to work from anywhere in order to increase their flexibility, performance, and effectiveness. Technology is also encountered in the course of customer service interactions. Nike has acknowledged that they make use of social media in order to promote awareness of their brand.
SLIDE 6

The legal environment comprises the legal and judicial necessities of the country. In order to avoid unfavorable publicity and possible legal action, the organization must ensure that it complies with the legal system in each of its separate countries. In addition, the company has to make sure that all of its employees have the appropriate permits and licenses before they can begin working for the company. This is done to ensure that all employees have the essential skills and experience.
SLIDE 7

The way in which businesses function is affected by environmental aspects such as conservation and preservation because these aspects need them to give thought to how trash can be disposed of in a responsible and risk-free manner. This is done to prevent damage to the natural world and to ensure that our surrounds will continue to be habitable in the long run. Reducing, reusing, and recycling materials are the three methods that are utilized in environmental protection efforts more frequently than any others.
1.1.2 AC1.2 An explanation of an organisation’s business goals and why it is important for organisations to plan for how they will achieve these
SLIDE 8

The aims and ambitions of an organization are referred to as its organisational objectives, and these goals can be broken down into more specific objectives. The goal of the company is what keeps it moving forward and determines the kind of direction it will head in not only to become more competitive in the market but also to bring in and keep current customers as well as increase its overall market share. It is essential to make a plan and devise a strategy for how the organization’s objectives will be accomplished. Planning plays a significant role in ensuring that staff comprehends the nature of their responsibilities to ensure that risks are minimized or completely erased, responsibilities are assigned to skilled and talented individuals, the upscale of safety standards in addition to setting ,monitoring and step by step evaluation (Thobela, 2020).
Organisation Planning is of great significance in determining when to execute certain policies and how to ensure their full implementation to maximize on the rewards. Planning also permits control to be exercised where necessary to prevent misallocation of resources.
1.1.3 AC1.3 An explanation of an organisation’s products and/or services and main customers
SLIDE 9

John Good Shipping Ltd. is active in the shipping and logistics, storage and distribution, and business travel industries. The company offer sea freight, freight forwarding, LCL shipping, FCL container shipping, vehicle shipping, liner agency, port agency, roll-on/roll-off shipping, truck shipping, and project forwarding (John Good Group, 2022). It also provides road haulage, customs checks, business trips, air freight, marine insurance, supply chain management, and road freight services between Finland and Hull. The company provides its services to large blue-chip corporations in addition to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in a variety of industries, including the automobile, foods, furniture, packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors. It also has representation in key ports all over the world, including India and the Middle East, so that it can deliver its services to customers there.
1.1.4 AC1.4 A short review of different technologies available to People Professionals and how these can be used to improve working practices and collaboration.
SLIDE 10

There are numerous technologies that can significantly aid the firm’s workers in their practice. Adapting and incorporating these innovations into the firm’s regular operations results in increased performance and output. Communication technologies, including the use of email messages for information exchange, record-keeping systems, such as the use of cloud-based systems to keep information, and learning latest technology, which enables employees to understand as much as possible in order to specialize in their professions, are examples of these technologies. (Nazarova, Nazarov and Bilokonenko, 2020).

1.1.5 References
Reference
Sotnikova, Y., Nazarova, G., Nazarov, N. and Bilokonenko, H., 2020. Digital technologies in HR management. Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 42(4), pp.527-535.
Nazarova, G.V., Nazarov, N.K. and Bilokonenko, H.V., 2020. Digital technologies in HR management.
PESTLE Analysis 2021, “Political Factors Affecting Business” PESTLE Analysis Available on:https://pestleanalysis.com-political-factorsaffecting-business/
Thobela, M., 2020. Aligning Business Processes to the Strategic Goals of the Organisation. University of Johannesburg (South Africa).
1.2 Task Two – Self Reflective Journal
1.2.1 AC 2.4 At the beginning of your journal, summarise different ways a people practice professional can upgrade their knowledge and skills and stay up-to-date with developments in the people profession and wider world of work. This might be informal methods such as discussion and reading through to formal research and development methods (approximately 300 words)
To be effective in their roles, human resources professionals must be curious about what’s occurring both inside and outside their firms. Strategic decision-making is difficult if people professionals have no idea of what is going on within the company, how well the organisation competes in its sector, and how it’s all being affected from a global context (Thite, 2022). Therefore, possessing a passion for learning guarantees that people professionals are always at the cutting edge of knowledge and practice, allowing us to capitalize on opportunities, foster innovation, and find fulfilment and purpose.
Ways a People Practice Professional can upgrade their knowledge and skills;
Online platforms: To pursue a professional credential at this time may not be the best course of action. However other resources can be found on the internet. For instance, it is possible to learn many software, creative and commercial skills through video courses on LinkedIn Learning (Thite, 2022). Even if recognition and accreditation are important factors to consider while making a decision, there are many choices to choose from.
Pursuing a new qualification: There are several benefits to returning to class to progress a career. Numerous professional organisations offer certifications geared toward employees. One can choose to study with CIM, CIPD, or ACCA (Dirani et al., 2020). Possessing a certification on your CV shows that one has attained a particular level in their field. It is quite beneficial especially when applying for a new position at work or simply changing professions. It is common for organizations to foot some of the bill for their employees.
Ensuring that my skills are up-to-date is among the best ways of keeping up with the ever-changing needs of my profession. Therefore, I often embark on a personal journey to determine the skills would need improvement before putting together an action plan. One of my action plans to upgrade my skills was to pursue CIPD courses where I began with Level 3 and hope to go all the way to Level 7.
1.2.2 AC 2.3 Examples of how you have recognised and accepted your own mistakes, and how you have recognised others’ mistakes whilst showing them empathy. (Approximately 300 words)
When I was still new at my position in my current organisation. I encountered a rather heated disagreement between two employees which escalated very quickly to becoming physical and eventually resulted in a medical emergency. As the HR I was tasked with finding the root cause of the problem before carrying out a conflict resolution procedure. However, before listening to both sides of the story to a make critical and informed decision I was quick to dismiss one employee giving him a 2 weeks unpaid suspension. The employee furious for the unfair dismissal threatened to sue the firm. Luckily the matter was handled quickly before it escalated to a lawsuit. I was mandated to carry out a serious investigation on the matter where I discovered the employee was only a victim of bullying because he recently received a promotion that the other employee was eyeing. I apologised and called off the suspension immediately. I learned a very important lessons on the purpose of conducting investigations and employing critical thinking prior to making serious decisions that will impact others.
One employee was consistently coming late to work and despite receiving several warning she would not change her habit. Since the warning has become many I decided to call her to the office to have a face-to-face conversation. Although she insisted that everything was okay I pursued further informing her that anything she brought forward would not be held against her. She opened up that her daughter was sick and her salary was not enough to cover both their basic needs and hospital bills for the company insurance did not cover everything. She had requested her line manager for extra shifts but her request was ignored hence she was forced to look for a night job hence why she is always late to work. Although it was her mistake I felt the organisation was partly to blame and hence went through the right channels to help her.
1.2.3 AC 2.5 Continue your journal with ongoing reflections on your performance and development. (Approximately 400 words)
My soft skills on communication and teamwork really needed a boost especially when I became a senior HR in my organisation. It is because unlike my previous role I would be handling more project and acting as a bridge not only between management and employees but management and the consumers as well. Upon commencing with my CIPD course I became aware of how to effectively employ communication and critical thinking to a situation. This was quite useful in saving a marketing issue that occurred at the firm almost costing us out top consumer and some investors. When the situation occurred, I was quick to work with the public relations team, the marketing team and to resolve the matter and keep our customers and investors. Although the matter caused the firm some money, we saved more than what we lost and that was a win.
In my previous organisation, I was not just responsible with people practises but I was also responsible with dealing with payrolls for the organisation did not have an accounting department. Since I was fresh from college I did not have a lot of skills and competencies as I had more theoretical than practical knowledge. Hence when presented with the payroll software to handle matters sprawled out of control as I failed to make correct calculations and ended up giving some employees more and others less compensation than they deserved. This resulted in a lot of commotion after the salary was released with people complaining having salary deductions while others got raises. I was so overwhelmed and had to receive a lot of help to get the issue fixed. The matter wasted a lot of time and money too. Afterwards I decided to enrol into an accounting class so that I could better fit into my rolls in the organisation.
This reflective journal has been both enlightening and encouraging. It has acted as a reminder as to why I need to put more effort in improving my skills and knowledge to offer optimal performance at work. On the other hand it has really encouraged me reminding me how far I have come in my career journey and the mistakes I used to make and how I moved passed them. At some point I felt useless and in the wrong path but frequent reflection and planning has helped me understand that all it takes is learning for growth to occur.
1.2.4 References
Thite, M. (2022). Digital human resource development: where are we? Where should we go and how do we go there?. Human Resource Development International, 25(1), 87-103.
Dirani, K. M., Abadi, M., Alizadeh, A., Barhate, B., Garza, R. C., Gunasekara, N., … & Majzun, Z. (2020). Leadership competencies and the essential role of human resource development in times of crisis: a response to Covid-19 pandemic. Human Resource Development International, 23(4), 380-394.