Most FPD courses include a number of in-depth practical assignments to be tackled individually over the duration of the programme. These assignments provide a powerful means to integrate learning across the different disciplines and further reinforce the application of key concepts.

Each assignment will be evaluated in terms of the content and presentation.

Content

The content of the assignment must relate the course material to a practical work situation. Although it is preferable is not necessary that this be restricted to the candidate’s own work place and it is often useful to do case studies on other organisations.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to incorporate and contexualise the principles learnt from the course into a practical situation. The Internet is a very useful source of information and the use of relevant research work that extends beyond the course material is strongly recommended. Creativity and innovation is rewarded.

Presentation

The layout of the assignment should include the following:

• Front page
• Content sheet
• Executive summary
• Content section will be determined by the assignment subject. TIP: Look at the marking grid.
• Conclusion
• List of references
• Appendix (optional)

The assignment should be bound and should be printed on a single side of A4 paper. A 1.5 line spacing should be used and the font size should not be less than 10. Headings, graphs and tables must be clearly marked.

The presentation must be concise and should not be in point form. The use of graphs and tables is recommended. It is important that the content not exceed the recommended length given for each assignment. If necessary, appendices can be used to include detailed analysis and other material.