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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Competence frameworks and personal development

Priya, a junior accountant, is preparing a personal development plan (PDP). Which sequence best reflects the logical order of the PDP cycle?

The logical order is to identify current skills and gaps, set objectives, carry out learning activities, then review and reflect on the outcomes. The gap analysis must come first so that objectives and activities target real development needs, and the review then informs the next cycle.

  1. ASet objectives, carry out activities, identify current skills and gaps, review progress
  2. BCarry out activities, identify skills gaps, review progress, set objectives
  3. CIdentify current skills and gaps, set objectives, carry out learning activities, review and reflect on outcomesCorrect
  4. DReview progress, identify skills gaps, carry out activities, set objectives

Explanation

A PDP starts by assessing where the individual is now compared with the required competences. Objectives and an action plan follow, then learning activities, and finally review and reflection, which feeds into the next cycle. Setting objectives before identifying gaps would leave them unfocused.

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