Manchester Metropolitan University
Faculty of Science & Engineering
School of Engineering
Placement Report
Introduction
The report is intended to supplement the factual information in the student’s log
book. The object is to help the development of a professional or technologist
approach through an encouragement to take a wider view of the training situation.
This wider view involves an awareness of the overall activities of the company and
the implications of the experience gained to the student.
The exercise should consist of approximately 3000 words; it should be done in the
student’s own time and not interfere with the work to be done in the company.
It should also be stressed that the report must be handed on 21st May 2012
The placement report is made up of two sections; The first, which should be no
longer than 1000 words, is intended to show an awareness of the company. You
may include a brief history; introduction of the main products; company structure; or
the markets it is currently operating in. The second section, which must be at least
2000 words, is to show the value of the placement year to the student, and
demonstrate what has been learnt. It should show exactly what the student’s role
was and what responsibilities they undertook throughout the year. It can contain
details of training opportunities taken; projects worked on; knowledge gained;
software packages used; and examples of transferable skills gained such as team
work, communication and organisation. It could also include a detailed description
and analysis of the tasks undertaken whilst on placement, and links between
academic studies (past and future) to the placement.
Section 1
This section should contain a maximum of 1000 words and is intended to show an
awareness of the company and factors affecting its future prospects. Suggested
topics for inclusion are as follows:
a. a brief history including takeovers and current organisation
b. an induction of the main types of product and the extent to which the company
has diversified its activities
c. a description of the level of competition faced by the company from rival firms
both at home and overseas
d. a discussion of the future prospects for the company
Section 2
This forms the main section of the report and should contain approximately 2000
words. The object is to provide information concerning the value of the exercise to
the student. To achieve this aim it should provide a fairly even balance between fact
and comments. The facts included should make it clear exactly what the student’s
role was in the general activities taking place. It is also useful to identify areas where
valuable knowledge and experience has been gained. Typical examples are:
Software and technical equipment used
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Use of national or company standards
Application of engineering theory
Communication skills
Log Books
All students undergoing industrial training are expected to keep a factual record of
their experience. This should be done on a continual basis, preferably as the events
occur so that the details are fresh in the mind as they are being recorded.
The entries may be on a daily or a weekly system depending on the nature of the
training. The details should be confined to the work done by the student and should
not contain personal information like “went to the dentist”.
It is not necessary for the log book to be extremely neat and well written as this
requirement would tend to put some people of jotting down things as they occur
(which is the best way to keep the log book up to date). As long as the record can be
understood by the student and the visiting tutor then the legibility factor will be
satisfied.
It is important that the level of the student’s responsibility is made clear in both log
books and formal reports. The student’s contribution to the group effort must be set
out in detail. It is not sufficient to simply outline the work of the section.
Finally, remember that logbooks must be available for inspection by visiting tutors
from the University and ample warning will be given of the time of the visit.
A recommended layout for log book entries is included in the appendices of your
placement handbook.