Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Assessment of Professional Training Reports - Guidance Notes
Programmes in MMA, Civil, Chemical Engineering & Technology Entrepreneurship
Final Report
The report should have around 3000 words (10 pages) and should describe some technical
project work and reflections on management within the company.
The desirable features of this report are as follows:The report should be typed in good English and clearly and attractively presented. There
should be an obvious and logical structure to the report made clear with appropriate section
and sub-section headings. If there are many sections a contents list should be included.
The report should include:
A statement of the report’s objectives.

An introduction to the host company or organization - size, location, products,
services etc..

A broad but brief description of placement - the department(s) where the student
was placed with the function of the department in the structure of the company.

The role(s) played by the student.

A description of some of the more interesting tasks or projects worked on - with
suitable illustrations.

A description of the perceived leadership and management styles within the
company in general and as displayed by certain managers and leaders.

Overall reflections on the placement addressing professional training gains,
personal development, possible changes in attitude towards engineering and
future career aspirations.
A good report should not contain offensive or overly critical comments on any individual but
should generate a tone of thoughtful and objective appraisal. It is essential that the student
displays an understanding of management and leadership principles as taught in the respective
programmes. In the better reports it should be evident that the student has read around the
subject. In general terms all the above desirable features should be evident in reports
awarded 60% and above,
In addition for a report to be awarded:80% and above 1st Class
Exceptional
the presentation must be extremely attractive,
the English must be immaculate,
the report is informative and very interesting to read,
there are excellent illustrations,
it should contain an exceptionally thoughtful appraisal of leadership styles with
reference to taught principles, and show evidence of extensive reading on leadership in
general,
the reflections are interesting and display a depth of thought and intelligence.
70% - 79%
1st Class
Excellent
excellent presentation,
very good English,
informative and interesting,
clear and appropriate illustrations,
interesting and informative to read and display intelligent appraisal of leadership styles
with clear reference to taught management/leadership principles,
evidence of reading around the subject,
thoughtful and intelligent reflections.
60 -69%
2-1 Hons
A competent and professional report.
All the desirable features must be displayed.
If the report does not contain all the desirable features the report should be awarded
less than 60%.
50 -59%
2-2 Honours
A good, sound report
A report having most of the desirable features but perhaps falling short on one or more
aspects to a minor extent could be awarded marks in this range.
40 -49%
Pass/3rd Class
An adequate report
A report that is missing several desirable features, e.g. having poor structure, difficultto-understand technical descriptions etc., but nevertheless does containing some
relevant reflections on professional training, personal development gains, management
and leadership styles, could be awarded marks in this range.
Progress Reports
The report should have around 1000 words (3 pages). The 1 st would normally describe the
company and the students place within it, roles undertaken and a description of major tasks
undertaken in the 3 month period. Subsequent reports would describe in more detail the more
significant projects. All reports should end with a concluding section stating the learning
outcomes of the period.
The marking scheme will be broadly as above for the final report but without the emphasis on
the management and leadership styles which are included in that report.