ASSIGNMENT 1 BRIEF

Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number Unit 3: Professional Practice

Assignment title Planning an SDP Event

Academic Year 2022

Unit Tutor Ho Hai Van

Issue date 7th January 2022 Submission date

IV name and date Dr. Doan Trung Tung

Submission format
Part 1: Requirements

The submission should be made in the form of a completed individual portfolio folder, which includes all
the tasks outlined in the Assignment Brief. Although this assignment requires collaborative work, each
student must submit an individual portfolio folder.

Part 1: Produce a five-day professional event schedule (using project management software) and WBS
(work breakdown structure) prior to the five-day development event that details planning and resource
allocation including the (Responsibility Assignment Matrix)

Part 2: Create a ten-minute PowerPoint presentation on 'team dynamics' that includes a presentation and
an activity sheet that requires delegates to participate in a team-building activity. (Maximum of eight slides,
including the introductory slide)

Part 3: A written evaluation of your performance in this task and your contribution to the team.

You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, subsections, and illustrations as appropriate, and
all work must be supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. The
recommended word limit is 500–1,000 words, although you will not be penalized for exceeding the total
word limit.

Assignment Brief and Guidance

You have been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the development of an e-commerce solution for
a Fortune 500 company. As a member of the development team, you will develop a plan, basing on the SDP
(software development plan) that will be distributed to internal employees and stakeholders within the
organization in which you work.

You will develop a professional plan for this upcoming project by simulating real-world events, meeting
locations, agendas, feasibility reports, and associated costs.

NOTE: “You do not carryout real meeting in the venue but must get actual quotes of prices and facilities in
real life.”

You are expected to conduct thorough research on venue costs, transportation costs (if the project takes
place outside of the city), and team member feeding and lodging.

Assuming you have an experienced team of designers and developers, the development process is
estimated to take no more than five days.

The following is a description of SDP.

The Software Development Plan (SDP) is a document that describes how a developer intends to proceed
with a software development effort. The SDP provides insight into and a tool for monitoring software
development processes to the acquirer. Additionally, it details the procedures to be followed and the
approach to be taken regarding each activity, organization, and resource. The SDP's purpose is to
communicate to team members and stakeholders how a program's software will be developed and how
a Program Manager will allocate direct resources.

Working in small groups (3-4 per group):

Part 1. Produce a professional event schedule (using project management software) and WBS (work breakdown
structure) prior to the five-day development event that details planning and resource allocation including the
(Responsibility Assignment Matrix)
Part 2. Create a ten-minute PowerPoint presentation on 'team dynamics' that includes a presentation and
an activity sheet that requires delegates to participate in a team-building activity. (Maximum of eight slides,
including the introductory slide)

Working individually:

Part 3 Produce a written team evaluation of the effectiveness and application of interpersonal skills during
the design and delivery process. You should also include a self-evaluation of your performance in this project
and your contribution to the team you worked in. Explain what skills and qualities you gained from this
project and what values you added to your development plan.

Identify the problems and produce a report discussing problem-solving and its importance in planning and
running a development event. Your essay should include a discussion of various problem-solving techniques
and justify the solution methodologies used during your project. You should also have a critique of the
application of critical

Part 3: Learning outcomes: LO1, LO2

Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1: Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills to a target audience

P1 Demonstrate the use of 3 different M1 Design a professional D1 Evaluate the effectiveness

communication style within your team. schedule to support the and application of interpersonal
Discuss the purpose of a Software planning of an event, to skills during the design and
Development with its objectives. include contingencies and delivery of a training event.
justifications of time
allocated.
P2 Demonstrate that you have used
effective time management skills in
planning an event.
LO2 Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving scenarios

P3 Demonstrate the use of different M2 Research the use of D2 Critique the process of
problem-solving techniques in the different problem-solving applying critical reasoning to a
given task/activity or event.
design and delivery of an event. techniques used in the
design and delivery of an
event.

P4 Demonstrate that critical reasoning M3 Justify the use and

has been applied to a given solution. application of a range of
solution methodologies.

Tables of content
P1 Demonstrate the use of 3 different communication style within your team.
Discuss the purpose of a Software Development with its objectives.

P2 Demonstrate that you have used effective time management skills in planning an SDP
event

P3 Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques in the design and delivery
of an SDP event.

P4 Demonstrate that critical reasoning has been applied to a given solution.

P1 Demonstrate the use of 3 different communication style within your team.

Discuss the purpose of a Software Development with its objectives.
The three main styles of communication within our team are passive, assertive and aggressive
Each style of communication can be described in terms of the components of social skills used by the
individual. Each person has a style of communication that predominates in relation to the other two.

While it is true that we usually communicate more frequently in one of these styles, depending on our
partner, the subject or the situation, we can rotate between the three styles that exist.

1. Assertive communication style

Assertive communication is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and
firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. These individuals value
themselves, their time, and their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs and are strong advocates for
themselves while being very respectful of the rights of others.

2. Aggressive communication style

People who use this style try to impose their criteria and achieve their goals regardless of the opinion or
feelings of their interlocutor. The modus operandi of these individuals is the use of strategies such as
threats, intimidation, sarcasm, accusations, and feelings of guilt, anger and reproaches. Thus, aggressive
communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive.

3. Passive communication style

Passive communication is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing
their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs. As a result,
passive individuals do not respond overtly to hurtful or anger-inducing situations. Instead, they allow
grievances and annoyances to mount, usually unaware of the build-up. But once they have reached their
high tolerance threshold for unacceptable behaviour, they are prone to explosive outbursts, which are
usually out of proportion to the triggering incident. After the outburst, however, they may feel shame,
guilt, and confusion, so they return to being passive.
In a group, an assertive communication style is the most effective because disagreements are avoided and
problems are resolved for both parties. In addition, everyone in the group will have different views and
will have a different solution. If there is this style, the people in the group will contribute many solutions,
will speak their own thoughts, be respectful of other opinion and prove it to be appropriate.

4. The purpose of a Software Development with its objectives.

Software development is an iterative process that aims at creating a programmed software that meets
business objectives. Various tools and programming languages are used to create a software solution and
mobile app for different operating systems. It enables businesses to develop customized solutions and gain
popularity. Organizations can make their services accessible at any place to anyone. The demand for
better management of the Development phase and Testing stage enforced the branch of software
engineering which focuses on systematic approach to the process of software development.

P2 Demonstrate that you have used effective time management skills in

planning an event
1. What is time management
Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different
activities. It helps increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. It involves the balancing of various
demands upon a person relating to work, social life, family, hobbies, personal interests, and commitments
with the finite nature of time. Using time effectively gives the person "choice" on spending or managing
activities at their own time and expediency. Time management may be aided by a range of skills, tools,
and techniques used to manage time when accomplishing specific tasks, projects, and goals complying
with a due date. Initially, time management referred to just business or work activities, but eventually, the
term broadened to include personal activities as well. A time management system is a designed
combination of processes, tools, techniques, and methods. Time management is usually a necessity in any
project management as it determines the project completion time and scope.

2. The important of time management

The benefits of managing time are simple. Good time management allows you to accomplish bigger
results in a shorter period of time which leads to more time freedom, helps you focus better, allows you to
be more productive, lowers your stress and gives you more time to spend with the people that matter most.

When you manage time, it’s easier to achieve bigger results and bigger goals simply and productively.
The benefits of managing time include greater effectiveness and productivity with less stress. The
advantages of good time management at work mean you can work less and achieve bigger results.

3. Time management scenario

In this scenario, I am going to management my time doing everyday work effectively, so not a single
second is wasted.

List the tasks that need to be done:

- Make to-do lists for the day, week and month. I know what I need to do at what time, so I don't have to
waste time remembering what I have to do today, what to do next after I finish something and when it
time to take a break or when to eat.

Sort your work in order of priority

- After listing the to-dos, I take a moment to double-check which tasks need to be done first, and which
ones can be left behind. The important tasks you should mark and do immediately to ensure the work is
completed on time, then continue to do the rest.

Summary of work

- Summarize the work at the end of the day to see what I have done and not done, how much time I have
spent on those tasks and whether it is really effective or not. Is the time I spend on those jobs really
scientific, if there's something that doesn't make sense, I'll find the reason and fix it so that the next time I
do it, it will shorten the golden time to spend. for other things.

4. Effective time management skills used in this scenario

1. Organization

Staying organized can help you maintain a clear picture of what you need to complete and when.
Being well-organized might mean maintaining an up-to-date calendar, being able to locate certain
documents easily, having a tidy environment and taking detailed, diligent notes.

2. Prioritization

Assessing each of your responsibilities for priority is key in being a good time manager. There are many
ways to prioritize what you need to accomplish. You might decide to complete fast, simple items followed
by longer, more involved ones. Alternatively, you might prioritize your tasks starting with the most time-
sensitive, or a combination of both.

3. Goal-setting

Setting goals is the first step to becoming a good time manager. Goal-setting allows you to clearly
understand your end goal and what exactly you need to prioritize to accomplish it. Setting both short and
long-term goals can lead to success in your career.

4. Communication

Developing strong communication skills can allow you to make your plans and goals clear to people you
work with. It also allows you to delegate, which lets you focus on completing the most important, relevant
tasks that align with your goals.

5. Planning

A fundamental part of time management is planning. Being efficient in planning out your day, meetings
and how you will accomplish things will help you stick to your schedule.

6. Delegation

Being a good time manager means only completing work that will help you and your company accomplish
goals. While this skill is most often done by managers, you can also practice delegating tasks if you are
managing a project. While it can often be difficult to say “no” when someone asks you to do something at
work, it is important to practice having boundaries to manage your time well and ultimately accomplish
your goals.

7. Stress management

When practicing good time management, you should also be attentive to your mental health. Handling
stress in a positive way can help you stay motivated and perform well when going through your schedule.
You might do this by including small breaks throughout your day, or by rewarding yourself in small ways
as you accomplish tasks.

Taking time to develop each of these skills will help you organize your daily work, whether you are in a
job, searching for a job or trying to develop a new competency.
P3 Demonstrate the use of different problem-solving techniques in the design
and delivery of an event.
Effective problem solving doesn’t mean going away and coming up with an answer immediately. In fact,
this isn’t good problem solving at all, because you’ll be running with the first solution that comes into
your mind, which often isn’t the best.

Instead, you should look at problem solving more as a process with several steps involved that will help
you reach the best outcome. Those steps are:

• Define the problem

• List all the possible solutions
• Evaluate the options
• Select the best solution
• Create an implementation plan
• Communicate your solution

Let’s look at these steps in more detail

1. Define the problem

The first step to solving a problem is defining what the problem actually is. An effective problem solver
will take the thoughts of everyone involved into account, but different people might have different ideas
on what the root cause of the issue really is. It’s up to you to actively listen to everyone without bringing
any of your own preconceived notions to the conversation. Learning to differentiate facts from opinion is
an essential part of this process

2. List all the possible solutions

Each option will have pros and cons, and it’s important you list all of these, as well as how each solution
could impact key stakeholders. Once you’ve narrowed down your options to three or four, it’s often a
good idea to go to other employees for feedback just in case you’ve missed something. You should also
work out how each option ties in with the broader goals of the business.

3. Evaluate the options

Each option will have pros and cons, and it’s important you list all of these, as well as how each solution
could impact key stakeholders. Once you’ve narrowed down your options to three or four, it’s often a
good idea to go to other employees for feedback just in case you’ve missed something. You should also
work out how each option ties in with the broader goals of the business.

4. Select the best solution

Only now should you choose which solution you’re going to go with. What you decide should be
whatever solves the problem most effectively while also taking the interests of everyone involved into
account. There may be a way to merge two options together in order to satisfy more people.

5. Create an implementation plan

Create an implementation plan on how you will put your solution into practice. One problem solving
technique that many use here is to introduce a testing and feedback phase just to make sure the option
you’ve selected really is the most viable. You’ll also want to include any changes to your solution that
may occur in your implementation plan, as well as how you’ll monitor compliance and success.

6. Communicate your solution

Make sure you communicate your decision to all the people who might be impacted by it. Not everyone is
going to be 100 per cent happy with it, so when you communicate you must give them context. Explain
exactly why you’ve made that decision and how the pros mean it’s better than any of the other options you
came up with.

P4 Demonstrate that critical reasoning has been applied to a given solution.

1. What is critical reasoning
Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a
judgment. The subject is complex; several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational,
skeptical, and unbiased analysis or evaluation of factual evidence. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-
disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of
excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving
abilities as well as a commitment to overcome native egocentrism and sociocentrism.

2. The importance of critical reasoning

1. Some professions require it

For career success in law, education, research, medical, finance and many other career fields, it's important
to display critical thinking skills. It's an essential facet of any profession where the goal is to deduce
information objectively without bias, analyze the context, solve creative problems and come up with realistic
solutions.
 2. Decision-making improves

Applying critical thinking helps you make decisions that require a lot of thought. Big, life-changing
decisions, like whether or not to make a career move, are aided by critical thinking, which encourages you
to research and favor objective logic over your initial emotional response.

3. Critical thinkers are happier

Critical thinking helps people better understand themselves, their motivations and goals. When you can
deduce information to find the most important parts and apply those to your life, you can change your
situation and promote personal growth and overall happiness.

4. Being well-informed

In an age when people have more access to information than ever before, critical thinkers excel at research
and finding the most important pieces of information that make them well-informed on any given topic.
This is helpful in workplace discussions and when positioning yourself as a thought-leader in your industry.

5. It encourages self-reflection

Critical thinkers have the inherent ability to see challenges from several perspectives. By deflecting the
reaction to defend their personal beliefs, critical thinkers are more self-reflective and can change their minds
and opinions in light of new information.

3. Creative reasoning scenario

In this scenario, my team and I are going to use creative reasoning to prepare for a presentation about using
creative thinking

Our group leader Minh uses proper communication to assigned job to each member of the team, he does
take part in helping other member if they have any problem whether it be researching, writing the
presentation or helping with PowerPoint. He also does a check up on our presentation after everyone else is
done to see if there are any problem.

Binh and Nhat are assigned to do researches on the topic either using the internet or talking to more
experience people around them and then report their finding to writer.

Hao is the writer of the team, he read the report send by the researcher so he can write a cohesive story, he
sometime does his own researches as well to gain a better understanding of the topic.

Last is me, I am in charge of making a PowerPoint for the presentation.

4. Applying critical reasoning to the scenario

1. Analytical thinking
Being able to properly analyze information is the most important aspect of critical thinking. This implies
gathering information and interpreting it, but also skeptically evaluating data. When researching a work
topic, analytical thinking helps you separate the information that applies to your situation from that which
doesn’t.

2. Good communication

Whether you use it for gathering information or convincing others that your conclusions are correct, good
communication is crucial in the critical thinking process. Getting people to share their ideas and information
with you and showing your critical thinking are components of success. If you’re making a work-related
decision, proper communication with your coworkers will help you gather the information you need to make
the right choice.

3. Creative thinking

Being able to discover certain patterns of information and make abstract connections between seemingly
unrelated data will improve your critical thinking. When analyzing a work procedure or process, you can
creatively come up with ways to make it faster and more efficient. Creativity is a skill that can be
strengthened over time and is valuable in every position, experience level and industry.

4. Open-mindedness

Previous education and life experiences leave their mark on a person’s ability to objectively evaluate certain
situations. By acknowledging these biases, you can improve your critical thinking and overall decision
process. For example, if you plan to conduct a meeting in a certain way and your partner suggests using a
different strategy, you could hear them out and adjust your approach based on their input.

5. Ability to solve problems

The ability to correctly analyze a problem and work on implementing a solution is another valuable skill.
For example, if your restaurant’s waitstaff needs to improve service speeds, you could consider reassigning
some of their duties to bussers or other kitchen personnel so the servers can deliver food more quickly.

6. Asking thoughtful questions

In both private and professional situations, asking the right questions is a crucial step in formulating correct
conclusions.

Open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions can help the person you’re speaking to provide you with relevant and
necessary information. These are questions that don’t allow a simple “yes” or “no” answer, requiring the
person who receives the question to elaborate on the answer.

Outcome-based questions
When you feel like another person’s experience and skills could help you work more effectively, consider
asking outcome-based questions. Asking someone how they would act in a certain hypothetical situation
will give you an insight into their own critical thinking skills and help you see things you hadn’t thought
about before.

Reflective questions

You can gain insight by asking a person to reflect and evaluate an experience and explain their thought
processes during that time. This can help you develop your critical thinking by providing you real-world
examples.

Structural questions

An easy way to understand something is to ask how something works. Any working system results from a
long process of trial and error and properly understanding the steps that needed to be taken for a positive
result could help you be more efficient in your own endeavors.

References List

6 ways to apply design thinking to your presentation skills,

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-ways-apply-design-thinking-your-
presentation-skills-macpherson
The 3 Main Styles of Communication (with Examples)
https://itspsychology.com/main-styles-of-communication/
6 Effective Time Management Tips for Busy Event Planners | Cvent Blog
https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/6-effective-time-management-tips-for-
busy-event-planners
What is Problem Solving? Steps, Process & Techniques | ASQ,
https://asq.org/quality-resources/problem-solving
Critical thinking - Wikipedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking