ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

BTEC – Unit 47 Employability Skills

Assignment Front Sheet

Qualification Unit number and title

Pearson BTEC HND in Business Unit 47 : Employability Skills

Student name Assessor name

Sadia Qureshi

Hand in date Completion date Submission date

Assignment Title Employability Skills

You must complete this assignment on time. If you experience difficulties, you
Hand in Policy
must inform your tutor accordingly.

Late Work Policy Consideration will be given to students who have valid reasons for late
submission (e.g. illness).

Plagiarism Policy In cases of plagiarism, college regulations will be applied. You must declare that
this assessment is your own work by signing the following statement:

Learner declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.

Student signature: Date:

 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Learner Name: Learner Registration Number:

Unit Name: Employability Skills Unit Number:47

QCF Level : 5 Unit code: A/601/0992

Credit Value: 15Credits Guided Learning Hours:60

Assessor/Tutor: Sadia Qureshi Internal Verifier: Malik Naveed

Assignment QA Approval Date: Date Issued to Learner:

Formative Submitted Date:

Final Submission Date:

Unit Aim

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to acquire honed employability skills required for
effective employment.

Unit introduction

All learners at all levels of education and experience require honed employability skills as a
prerequisite to entering the job market. This unit gives learners an opportunity to assess and
develop an understanding of their own responsibilities and performance in, or when entering, the
workplace.

It considers the skills required for general employment, such as interpersonal and transferable skills,
and the dynamics of working with others in teams or groups including leadership and communication
skills. It also deals with the everyday working requirement of problem solving which includes the
identification or specification of the ‘problem’, strategies for its solution and then evaluation of the
results through reflective practices.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

In order to pass this unit, the assignment that you present for assessment needs to demonstrate that
you can meet all the learning outcomes listed below.

The assessment criteria is a sequence of steps you will follow to help you achieve the unit assignment.

Learning Outcomes ( LO) Assessment Criteria ( AC)

LO1 1.1 Develop a set of own responsibilities and performance

Be able to determine own
responsibilities and performance.
objectives.
1.2 Evaluate own effectiveness against defined objectives.
1.3 Make recommendations for improvement.
1.4 Review how motivational techniques can be used to
improve quality of performance.

LO2
Be able to develop interpersonal
and transferable skills
2.1 Develop solutions to work based problems.
2.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate
manner at various levels.
2.3 Identify effective time management strategies.

LO3
3.1 Explain the roles people play in a team and how they
Understand the dynamics of can work together to achieve shared goals.
working with others.
3.2. Analyse team dynamics.
3.3. Suggest alternative ways to complete tasks and
achieve team goals.
4.1 Evaluate tools and methods for developing solutions
LO4
to problems.
Be able to develop strategies for 4.2 Develop an appropriate strategy to solve a particular
Problem solving
problem.
4.3 Evaluate the potential impact on the business of
implementing the strategy.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Before you get started please read the following information very carefully.

Assignment Format/Style
Produce an informal report that addresses all the tasks in the assignment brief. You are encouraged to use
diagrams or tables to illustrate and reinforce your findings. Any references to academic theory should be correctly
cited and referenced in a bibliography at the end of the report. (please do not copy and paste information)

 Fully completed assignment cover page

 Title page
 Table of contents
 Introduction
 Main body of the report clearly identifying the separate outcomes and assessment criteria
 Conclusion and recommendations
 References and bibliography
 Appendices only if relevant and necessary

Assignment Content
The assignment brief includes headings relevant to the unit outcomes, read and follow the tasks listed under each
heading and this will make certain that you cover all the outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve the unit.

Assessment and Grading

Read the assessment grading criteria before attempting the assignment tasks, as it contains important information
about how you should approach your assignment and how grading is applied in order for you to achieve a pass,
merit or distinction.

Assignment Submission
All assignments must be submitted by the agreed date, via MOODLE. Assignments submitted late, but with
permission, will be marked in the normal way. Assignments submitted late, without permission, will not be marked
until the end of the year, or the next time the unit is scheduled.

Please ensure that your assignment is attached to the assignment submission receipt and that you read and sign
the statement confirming authenticity. Check that all relevant fields are completed fully before submission.

Assignment Feedback
Once the assessor has marked your assignment, you will receive written feedback, either confirming that you
have met the required standard and grade awarded, or that you have not yet met the standard and what you
need to do to make the necessary improvements. Please note that achieved and confirmation of grades is
provisional until signed off by the Internal Verifier.

Student Guide to Writing an Assignment

This is an assignment guide to help support you while completing your BTEC Assignments.
It includes:
 Assignment writing guidance
 Referencing guidance

Recommended Reading
A reading list will be given to you at the first session unit session.
You should also read a good quality newspaper and/or use relevant internet sites regularly and identify key
influences and recent and relevant research with regard to your subject area. You should read topical case
studies and read about national campaigns and government initiatives in your area of interest.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Assessment and Grading Criteria ( a session on the grading criteria and how to grade up from a
pass will be delivered in week 1)
The grading of Edexcel BTEC Higher National Qualifications is at the unit and the qualification level.
Each successfully completed unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction.

Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction grade by the aggregation of points gained through the
successful achievement of individual units. The points will be calculated based on the unit credit size,
the points available for each credit is: pass =0 merit =1 distinction= 2. To achieve a merit grade overall
you will need to accumulate a minimum of 75 points and for a distinction a minimum of 150 points.
To achieve a Pass  A pass grade is achievable by meeting all the requirements defined in the
assessment criteria for pass for each unit.
To achieve a Merit a learner  The learners evidence shows, for example:
must:
Identify and apply strategies  Effective judgments have been made
to find appropriate solutions  Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored
 An effective approach to study and research has been applied
 Relevant theories and techniques have been applied
Select/design and apply  A range of methods and techniques have been applied
appropriate methods and  A range of sources of information has been used
techniques  The selection of methods and techniques/sources has been justified
 The design of methods/techniques has been justified
 Complex information/data has been synthesized and processed.
 Appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied.

 The appropriate structure and approach has been used

Present and communicate
appropriate findings
To achieve a distinction a
leaner must:
Use critical reflection to
evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions
Take responsibility for
managing and organising
activities.
Demonstrate
convergent/lateral/creative
thinking
 Coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for the intended audience
 A range of methods of presentation have been used and technical language has
been accurately used.
 Communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
 The communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and
appropriate media have been used.
 The learners evidence shows, for example:
 Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been
justified.
 The validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria.
 Self-criticism of approach has taken place
 Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for
success.
 Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated
 Substantial activities, projects or investigations have been planned, managed
and organized.
 Activities have been managed
 The unforeseen has been accommodated
 The importance of interdependence has been recognised and achieved.
 Ideas have been generated and decisions taken
 Self-evaluation has taken place
 Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied
 Receptiveness to new ideas is evident
 Effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts

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BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Scenario:

You are an assistant manager working in the middle management position in the product development
department at Engro Foods Pvt. Ltd. where you have been working since the past six years and have been
successful. Recently you are experiencing various issues at work. You have recently hired 5 fresh graduates to
work as management trainees under your management and you are responsible for their work productivity and
career growth. You have decided to later on form a team of your recent hires to manage clients and execute
projects at an operational level taking into consideration the various roles that the team members practice. One
of the team members in your junior trainee’s team adopts an aggressive attitude to influence other team
members to forcibly agree to his opinion in a project. You don’t want to lose the team member but want to
change his attitude as that is detrimental to the work at hand.

As far as the work projects are concerned; one of your trainees brings 2 product portfolios to your desk. One is a
high end expensive food product promising quick and profitable returns, the other is a low priced food product
targeted to the mass consumer market . You need to decide upon any one and delegate the right project to your
trainee team to implement it.

As you analyse these issues, your phone rings and you receive a call from your boss to explain a client
restaurant’s complaint regarding a customized food product which it has contracted with Engro Foods to
purchase. You want to put in the best quality packaging and ingredients and the client can afford it as well,
however, you realize that the client is more concerned with purchase cost rather than quality and wants to
lessen to amount that it has to pay for the food product all the while compromising on the quality. The client
business is customer based so you know that agreeing to the client’s terms would lead to customers being
dissatisfied and the detrimental business image upon Engro Foods as well. The client’s point of view is that the
quality specifications that you have pressed upon are not necessary.

As you walk in the meeting with your boss you see that the client is also present there.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Assessment
Please use the headings shown below when writing up your report Criteria
coverage

Assignment Title : Employability Skills Title is provided

Learning Outcome 1:
(Be able to determine own responsibilities and performance)

Task 1a
You have been asked by the management of your organisation to develop a set of
1.1
responsibilities and key performance objectives which your role will be required to achieve.
While developing your role responsibilities and performance objectives make
recommendations on how your role can be improved.
Task 1b
Determine your core strengths and weaknesses and training needs and evaluate how 1.2
effective you are against the goals you have set.

Task 1c
By keeping in view your evaluation make some recommendations for further 1.3
improvement.

Task 1d
Identify and explain motivational theories and techniques and discuss different ways on
how they could enhance the quality and performance of your newly employed trainees 1.4
work. By referring some motivational theories and techniques discuss different ways to
improve quality and performance of your role.

Learning Outcome 2:
(Be able to develop interpersonal and transferable skills)

Task 2a
2.1
Identify and apply the communication skills and the communication model that you will use
to convince your boss and client that your stand on the food product order is correct.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Task 2b:
Identify the type of conflict that arises due to the temperamental and aggressive trainee. 2.2
Also explain what conflict management strategy that you will apply to resolve it.Give
reasons.
Task 2c
Identify or recommend some time management strategies for the product development
department at Engro Foods to enhance performance of their work tasks. 2.3

Learning Outcome 3:
(Understand the dynamics of working with others)

Task 3a:

Explain to what extent teamwork is essential in developing a new product at Engro Foods. 3.1

Task 3b:

As you form a team of your trainees ,discuss the team development stages (Tuckman Model). 3.2
Identify and discuss the alternative ways of doing tasks and achieving team goals.
Task 3c:
Describe and analyze the nature and dynamics of teams. With the help of the Belbin role or 3.3
any other relevant model explain the roles your trainees play in the team.

Learning Outcome 4:
(Be able to develop strategies for problem solving)

Task 4a:

Apply and explain problem-solving steps to convince your client and your boss that the 4.1
frozen food order should be upheld according to your quality specifications.
Task 4b:

What decision making steps and strategy will you apply to decide upon the new food 4.2
product.

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Unit 47 Employability Skills

Task 4c:
Considering your company’s image and profitability, describe why your decision is best for the
organization’s business.
4.3

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 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC – Unit 47 Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:
1.1. Develop a set of own
LO1 responsibilities and performance
objectives
Be able to determine
own responsibilities and
performance 1.2. Review how motivational
techniques can be used to
improve quality of your team’s
performance
1.3 Make recommendations for
improvement according to the
defined role and evaluate own
effectiveness against defined
objectives
1.4. Review how motivational
techniques can be used to
improve quality of your
performance
2.1. Communication model and
skills are applied.
LO2
Be able to develop
interpersonal and
2.2. Conflict Management is
transferable skills explained.
To achieve a merit grade the
evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass criteria,
the learner is able to:
The appropriate structure and
approach has been used. (M1)
Relevant theories and techniques
have been applied. (M2)
Effective research has been
carried out to make
recommendations (M1)
Relevant theories and techniques
have been applied. (M2)
Barriers and roadblocks to
communication is explained and
the justification is given to the
communication skills applied.(M2)
A range of methods and
techniques have been applied.
(M2)
To achieve a distinction grade
the evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass and merit
criteria, the learner is able to:
Ideas have been generated and
decisions taken. (D1)
Self-criticism approach has taken
place. (D2)
Effective judgements have been
made according to the research
carried out. (D2)
Self-evaluation has taken place
(D3)
Conclusions have been arrived at
through synthesis of ideas and
have been justified. (D1)
Receptiveness to new ideas is
evident. (D3)
 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC HND Employability Skills
2.3 Time Management
strategies are identified and or
recommended.
3.1. Explain the impact of
teamwork and how people can
LO3
work together to achieve shared
Understand the dynamics goals.
of working with others 3.2. Analyse team dynamics.
3.3. Suggest alternative ways to
complete tasks and achieve
team goals
4.1. Evaluate tools and methods
LO4
for developing solutions to
Be able to develop problems.
strategies for Problem 4.2. Develop an appropriate
Solving strategy for resolving a
particular problem.
4.3. Evaluate the potential
impact on the business of
implementing the strategy.
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Effective judgments have been
made in context of the strategies
recommended and /or identified.
(M3)
An effective research has been
applied. (M1)
Appropriate learning
methods/techniques have been
applied. (M3)
Complex problems with more
than one variable have been
explored. (M1)
The selection/design of methods
and techniques/sources has been
justified. (M3)
Complex information/data has
been synthesized and processed.
(M2)
Coherent, logical development of
principles/concepts for the
intended audience. (M3)
Recommendations are completely
applicable . (D2)
Comprehensive and practical
research has been carried out by
company visit. (D3)
Good analysis is carried out by
applying convergent and lateral
thinking. (D2)
Autonomy/independence has been
demonstrated (D2)
The methods/techniques used
effectively solve the problem(D1)
Current similar scenarios in the
food industry are analyzed. (D2)
A complete business analysis is
given that supports the decision
taken. (D3)
 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC HND Employability Skills

Assessor's Comment Sheet:

Qualification Assessor Name Sadia Qureshi

Unit No and Title Learner Name

Learning Outcomes Covered All (1-4)

Grade Grade
Criteria Comments Criteria Comments
Achieved Achieved

LO1-1.1 LO3-3.1

LO1-1.2 LO3-3.2

LO1-1.3 LO3-3.3

LO1-1.4 LO3-3.4

LO1-1.5 LO3-3.5

LO2-2.1 LO4-4.1

LO2-2.2 LO4-4.2

LO2-2.3 LO4-4.3

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ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC HND Employability Skills

LO2-2.4 LO4-4.4

LO2-2.5 LO4-4.5

Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

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ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC HND Employability Skills

Assessor Signature Date

Learner Signature Date

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