See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Understanding the Learning Process and Learning Styles in a Procurement Team As a Procurement Manager, Zainab is responsible for onboarding 10 new team members, doubling the size of her team from 10 to 20. As these new employees begin their roles, they will go through a structured learning process to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, each individual may have a different learning style, requiring Zainab to tailor her training approach.
Part 1: The Process of Learning for New Procurement Staff (15 Points)
New employees in Zainab's procurement team will typically go through the following learning stages, based on the Four Stages of Competence Model:
1. Unconscious Incompetence (Not Knowing What They Don't Know)
At this stage, the new hires are unaware of what they need to learn and may overestimate their abilities.
Example: A new procurement assistant may not realize the complexity of supplier negotiations or compliance requirements.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Provide clear job descriptions and introduce new employees to procurement policies.
✔ Use mentoring or shadowing to expose them to real-world tasks.
2. Conscious Incompetence (Realizing the Knowledge Gap)
As they begin working, new team members become aware of their lack of knowledge and skills.
Example: A recruit may struggle to use procurement software or understand supplier evaluation criteria.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Offer structured training programs (e.g., workshops on procurement software).
✔ Allow safe spaces for mistakes and learning.
3. Conscious Competence (Developing Skills with Effort)
New employees start applying their knowledge but still require concentration and practice.
Example: A team member can conduct supplier due diligence, but needs to double-check procedures.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Provide feedback and constructive coaching.
✔ Assign small, real-world tasks to build confidence.
4. Unconscious Competence (Mastering the Skills Automatically)
At this stage, the employee can perform tasks efficiently without much conscious effort.
Example: A procurement officer can analyze supplier bids instinctively, applying best practices without hesitation.
Zainab's Role:
✔ Encourage employees to mentor new hires in the future.
✔ Offer career development opportunities (e.g., CIPS qualifications).
Part 2: Learning Styles in the Team (10 Points)
Different team members will have different learning styles, which means Zainab must tailor her training to accommodate them. A useful model to understand these differences is Kolb's Learning Styles Model (1984), which identifies four learning styles:
1. Activists (Learn by Doing)
Prefer hands-on experiences and practical exercises.
Example: A new team member learns best by participating in live supplier negotiations.
Training Approach:
✔ Use role-playing exercises and real procurement tasks.
2. Reflectors (Learn by Observing and Thinking)
Prefer to watch, analyze, and review before taking action.
Example: A procurement analyst might prefer to observe meetings before participating.
Training Approach:
✔ Provide case studies and post-task reflection sessions.
3. Theorists (Learn by Understanding Concepts and Models)
Prefer structured explanations, data, and frameworks.
Example: A procurement team member might want to study CIPS frameworks before implementing them.
Training Approach:
✔ Use lectures, whitepapers, and structured presentations.
4. Pragmatists (Learn by Applying Knowledge to Real Problems)
Prefer practical solutions and immediate application.
Example: A procurement officer may experiment with supplier cost models in real contracts.
Training Approach:
✔ Use real-world
SIMULATIONs and problem-solving exercises.
Conclusion
New employees in Zainab's procurement team will progress through stages of competence, requiring structured learning, coaching, and hands-on experience. By recognizing different learning styles (based on Kolb's model), Zainab can tailor training to ensure maximum engagement and skill development. This will help her team become efficient, confident, and competent procurement professionals.