2018

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

P. Bag 9055 Telephone (263) 54 260404/260337/260667
Gweru Fax (263) 54 260233/260311
Zimbabwe

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Computer Science & Information Systems

Work Related Learning

Employer’s Booklet

REG. NUMBER: _________________

STUDENT’S NAME: _______________________

PROGRAMME: HCSC / HINFO

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Contents Section
Introduction 1

University Vision 2

University Mission Statement 3

Work Related Learning 4

Faculty of Science General Regulations for Work Related Learning 5

Tutor / Lecturer visits 6

Booklet 7

Assessment 8

1st Appendix Employer’s student assessment form

2nd Appendix Placement Review Sheet-Scale Definitions

References:
The Chairperson: Computer Science and or Information Systems
Mrs T. G. Zhou
Tel : (263 54 260409 ext 2162)
Email: gwanzurat@staff.msu.ac.zw

The Chairperson: Computer Science

Mr M. Giyane
Tel : (263 54 260409 ext 2390)
Email: giyanem@staff.msu.ac.zw

The Coordinators WRL: Computer Science and or Information Systems

Dr. M. Zhou
Tel: (263 54 260409 ext 2462)
Email: zhoum@staff.msu.ac.zw

Mr T. Mzikamwi
Tel: (263 54 260409 ext 2332)
Email: mzikamwit@staff.msu.ac.zw
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1.0 Introduction

The Midlands State University was established by an act of parliament (Act Number 4

of 1999). It is located in Gweru in the Midlands Province.

2.0 University Vision

To be unique, development oriented and a pace setting university, producing

innovative and enterprising graduates.

To achieve this vision the university has established several facilities of which one is

the Faculty of Science. This faculty consists of the following departments:

Biological Sciences, Chemical Technology, Computer Science and Information

Systems, Home Economics, Survey and Geomatics, Mathematics and Physics

3.0 University Mission Statement

Devotion to quality research and training through flexible packaging and work related

learning for the immediate and ultimate benefit of humanity

Perpetually seek to enhance the quality of people’s lives through new ideas and skills

for sustainable utilization of resources

4.0 Work Related Learning (WRL)

In line with the mission statement, all undergraduate program at the Midlands State

University aim to enhance both the management of education and the employability

of our students through work related training. The training period is for a minimum

duration of 45 working weeks (excluding holidays), commencing in January or

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August. We need your help to form a partnership for the joint supervision of the

student’s performance during the period of work related learning.

Work related learning is viewed as one of the most important requirements that

must be fulfilled by the student to be able to pass any of the degree programs

offered by the Faculty of Science.

4.1 Work Related Learning Objectives

During work related learning the student must pursue the following

objectives

➢ Apply theory into practice in an industrial set up

➢ Accumulate industry theory outside that covered in the university program’s

curriculum.

➢ Carry out research activities, which will benefit the industry and university.

➢ Develop a liaison between industry and the university

➢ Have hands on working experience

5.0 Faculty of Science General Regulations for WRL

The university faculty of science has stipulated the following regulations for

students on attachment

➢ The student is subject to the University and the Organization regulations

during the work related learning period of attachment

➢ The student must conform to the organization of attachment’s regulations,

working time and discipline

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➢ The student must fulfill the external supervisor’s instructions concerning the

training process and the carrying out of the industrial research project

➢ The student must write a log book on a daily basis and submit a report after

finishing the training in a given department (or training unit)

➢ The student must take part only with educational purpose in mind according

to the ultimate instructions of the supervisor

➢ The student must put the best effort to acquire extensive knowledge and

skills in order to achieve required standard of training

➢ The student must keep good relations with all staff of the organization

➢ The student must promote the good of the University

The student must always bear in mind that his/her conduct

during WRL will reflect not only on him/her but also on the
university and that it may also affect the relationship between
the University and the Organization.

During the placement period, students aim to develop their intellectual and practical

skills. The emphasis is on the practical application, evaluation and enhanced

appreciation of theories, issues and techniques learned at the University. We rely

upon employers to provide work experience compatible with the student’s level of

knowledge, experience and expectations.

6.0 Tutor/Lecturer Visits

A Tutor/Lecturer (a member of the academic staff at the University) will visit the

Organization at least twice during the year. During the visit, the tutor will talk both

to the student and the external supervisor assigned by the employing organization.

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6.1 Purpose

The purpose of the visits is

➢ To maintain contact with all parties and certify the University that the work

being undertaken is appropriate

➢ To assess whether the student is making an effective contribution to the

organization

7.0 Booklet

This booklet serves 2 purposes, which are

➢ To set out the procedures that may be followed to train one or more of our

students on WRL

➢ To provide you with external supervisor assessment forms which you are

expected to complete during the training period

The objectives of these procedures and forms are

➢ To provide you with a way of monitoring the student’s performance and

progress

➢ To provide us with your views on the student’s performance and progress

8.0 Assessment

The student is assessed by both the University (internal supervisor) and the

Organization (external supervisor)

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8.1 Assessment Requirements

For complete assessment the following reports are required

1) One student work report

2) Two employer’s (external supervisor) student assessment reports

3) Two visiting tutor’s (internal supervisor) student assessment reports

8.2 Assessment Schedule

The period of attachment is at least 45 working weeks (excluding holidays). The

student should be aware of the procedure of assessment and the due dates.

Form of Assessment Date

Assessment by Tutor March to May

Assessment by employer

Assessment by Tutor July to August

Assessment by Tutor October to November

Assessment by employer

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EMPLOYER’S STUDENT ASSESSMENT FORM

1.0 Program Outline

The following schedule outlines the proposed program of training, which the student

will follow during his/her first period from the student’s starting date of employment.

Department/Functional Proposed Training Approximate Time Span

Area Of Training

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2.0 Review Sheet – 1

Reg Number:______________ Student Name

Period of review: First 5 months

On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest score) please asses the

progress and ability shown to date. For guidance on completion, please refer to the

scale definitions. We recognize that some of the criteria below may not apply at this

early stage so please write ‘not applicable’ (N/A) if this is the case.

Area of Assessment Rankings

Development Of Business Competencies 1 2 3 4 5

1. Demonstrates effective verbal skills

2. Demonstrates effective written skills

3. Displays effective meeting skills

4. Makes decisions based on analysis/facts

5. Plans, priorities and tracks activities/tasks

6. Effectively manages use of time

7. Speed/accuracy of work

Development Of Interpersonal Skills 1 2 3 4 5

8. Listens effectively and is sensitive to the needs of others

9. Is candid and direct in construction

10. Addresses and resolves conflict in a constructive manner

11. Shares responsibility for all aspects of team performance

12. Influences or negotiates in a manner that gains acceptance

13. Shows motivation, initiative and pro-activeness

14. Is resilient and consistent in the face of challenges

15. Displays a willingness to accept/act on feedback received

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Development Of Leadership 1 2 3 4 5

16. Demonstrates the ability to manage whole projects

17. Understands and responds to the needs of customers

18. Seeks to improve work-related processes and documents

appropriately

General Conduct And Behavior 1 2 3 4 5

19. Ability to learn

20. Interest shown and sustained

21. Reliability

22. Confidence

23. Conduct

Development of Technical/Administrative skills 1 2 3 4 5

24. Level of technical understanding

25. Troubleshooting skills

26. Fault diagnosis and fault reporting skills

27. Ability to communicate with people at different levels

28. Demonstration of good leadership qualities

29. Ability to give/follow technical instructions

Supervisor’s Signature: Date: Stamp:

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3.0 Areas for Improvement

In order to maintain the student’s progress more effectively, it would be useful if

areas/skills where development is desirable or beneficial could be noted. It may be

that the student is making excellent progress and there are a few, if any areas which

require taking note of.

Areas of Improvement:
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Any Other Comments/Recommendations:

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Supervisor’s Signature: Date:

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4.0 Review Sheet – 2

Reg Number:_____________ Student Name

Period of review: Last 5 months

On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 the highest score) please assess the

progress and ability shown to date. For guidance on completion, please refer to the

scale definitions. Write ‘not applicable’ (N/A) in the case of irrelevance.

Area of Assessment Rankings

Development Of Business Competencies 1 2 3 4 5

1. Demonstrates effective verbal skills

2. Demonstrates effective written skills

3. Displays effective meeting skills

4. Makes decisions based on analysis/facts

5. Plans, priorities and tracks activities/tasks

6. Effectively manages use of time

7. Speed/accuracy of work

Development Of Interpersonal Skills 1 2 3 4 5

8. Listens effectively and is sensitive to the needs of others

9. Is candid and direct in construction

10. Addresses and resolves conflict in a constructive manner

11. Shares responsibility for all aspects of team performance

12. Influences or negotiates in a manner that gains acceptance

13. Shows motivation, initiative and pro-activeness

14. Is resilient and consistent in the face of challenges and

change

15. Displays a willingness to accept/act on feedback received

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Development Of Leadership 1 2 3 4 5

16. Demonstrates the ability to manage whole projects

17. Understands and responds to the needs of customers

18. Seeks to improve work-related processes and documents

appropriately

General Conduct And Behavior 1 2 3 4 5

19. Ability to learn

20. Interest shown and sustained

21. Reliability

22. Confidence

23. Conduct

Development of Technical/Administrative skills 1 2 3 4 5

24. Level of technical understanding

25. Troubleshooting skills

26. Fault diagnosis and fault reporting skills

27. Ability to communicate with people at different levels

28. Demonstration of good leadership qualities

29. Ability to give/follow technical instructions

Supervisor’s Signature: Date: Stamp:

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WORK RELATED LEARNING PLACEMENT REVIEW SHEET-SCALE

DEFINATIUONS
Please complete the Work Related Placement Sheet by using the scale definitions,
left hand to right end ,ranging from 1-5 (left hand end 1……..5 right hand end).

Development of business competencies

1. Verbal Communication - consider the individual’s ability to express

ideas/data etc effectively
• Unable to present ideas and makes little impact. Is insufficiently prepared. Is confused
by unnecessary data or ambiguity. (1)
• Demonstrates ability to communicate information fluently and with confidence. Style is
appropriately to the situation. Ideas and facts presented logically. Commands attention
(5)
2. Written Communication - written work influences key decisions.
Consider the individual’s ability to express ideas clearly and
concisely.
• Meaning becomes lost in lengthy text. Unable to assemble ideas logically and clearly.
Confuses the reader. Untidy presentation.
• Focuses on the key images. Presents data or decision requirements clearly and concisely.
Skills or style convincing to others.
3. Meeting Skills – consider the individual’s preparation, contribution
and participation .Willingness to influence and be influenced. Ability
to facilitate.
• Does not play an active role. Contributes little. Often disruptive. Does not work to achieve
consensus.
• Actively participates in any role. Shares responsibility for facilitation. Where applicable
contributes to issues\agenda
4. Decision Making –secures relevant and factual information. Relates
and contrasts data from different sources .Develops alternative
options. Does not let personal motives influence judgment .Takes
timely and appropriate action.
• Had difficulties in identifying the root cause of a problem. Fails to investigate appropriate
date .Slow to react. Lacks confidence in own judgment.
• Quickly identifies issues. Gathers and evaluates relevant factual data. Generates option.
Demonstrates sound decision making based on rational and unbiased judgment. Timely
implementation of action.
5. Planning and Tracking – Systematically structures plans workload.
Establishes control mechanisms. Monitors progress.
• Unstructured approach to personal work. Not heedful of planning or control systems. Unable
to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Structures and plans personal work. Anticipates problems and develops contingencies.
Identifies key milestones. Tracks and monitors progress against deadlines.
6. Time management – ability to understand and work to key objectives
and tasks. Effective use of own other resources.
• Confused priorities. Becomes distracted by side issues. May over commit. Poor punctuality.
• Clear understanding of objectives. Excellent self management. Identifies opportunities to
utilize other resources. Ability to manage challenging workload.
7. Speed of Work and Accuracy
• Very slow to produce work. Tendency to be inaccurate
• Very quick, accurate turnover of work

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Development of Interpersonal Skills

8. Effective Listening –Does the individual listen and respond

appropriately to the views of others?
• Fails to listen to or act upon the views of others. Frequently interrupts.
• Listens effectively to the views of others and responds with empathy .Frequently
demonstrates understanding, summarizes and clarifies verbal communications.
9. Candid and Direct – enables a free exchange of information. Is open
and fosters an environment of trust.
• Avoids giving feedback, withholds information and prevents a free exchange of ideas
• Is consistent and approachable. Provides honest feedback in a constructive and positive
manner. Freely shares thoughts and information.
10.Conflict Resolution – Ability to work to reach consensus. Looks for
common goals. Seeks win/win situations.
• Over reacts. Inability to compromise when faced with difficult decisions and expertise.
Frequently cynical and unhelpful.
• Prepared to accept personal consequences in difficult decisions. Works hard to achieve
consensus. Responds constructively when conflicts arise.
11.Teamwork – Recognition of the importance of teamwork both within
own and across functional groups to the achievement of corporate
goals.
• Narrow outlook. Displays reluctance to participate or expertise. Frequently cynical and
unhelpful.
• Initiates and maintains working relations across functions and groups. Respected and
effective team member who displays an ability to work with others.
12.Negotiation /Influencing – consider the appropriateness of the
methods used by the individual to gain agreement to or acceptance of
an idea.
• Not prepared or unable to promote ideas with others. Makes no attempt to seek common
ground or to propose ideas in a manner that gains agreement.
• Prepared to create and communicate ideas. Prepared to be flexible and creative to reach
consensus. Gains acceptance and commitment from others.
13.Motivation and Initiative - Consider the individual's inclination to be
proactive to achieve goals.
• Fails to take ownership for action. Waits until instructed. Often misses deadlines.
Demonstrates little initiative or forward thinking.
• Actively attempts to influence events to achieve goals, often beyond what is necessarily
called for. A self starter. Does not need to be told to tackle issues.
14.Reaction to Change - Ability to remain resilient when challenged with
personal change. Ability to maintain effectiveness in varying
environments.
• Refuses to adapt to change. Often becomes a disruptive element. Unwilling to respond to
new situations /ideas.
• Highly adaptable. Able to maintain effectiveness in changing environment and varying tasks.
15.Ability to accept feedback
• Unwilling to accept feedback, responds negatively, refuses to act on recommendations
• Actively seeks feedback, responds positively and acts on recommendations.

Development of leadership through quality skills

16.Project Management -Ability to handle all aspects of a project and to

see it through from beginning to end
• Unwilling / unable to accept responsibility for project, often needs prompting and misses
deadlines.

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• Accepts the responsibility of a project and ensures that every aspect of it is completed in
a timely manner.
17.Customer awareness-Is focused on understanding and responding to
the needs of customers.
• Fails to seek input from customers. Rarely meets requirements.
• Identifies with and seeks to achieve customer satisfaction as number one priority of the
organization. Customers recognize contribution.
18.Work process improvement - All major processes documented. Efforts
made to continually improve process deliverables.
• May lack a complete understanding of major work processes. Makes no effort to
understand or refine them. Has no documentation to support processes.
• Continually seeks to improve processes using personal initiatives, teamwork and quality
tools. Displays unfailing enthusiasm to constantly seek improvements. All major
processes documented.

General conduct and behavior

19.Ability to learn
• Is very slow to grasp the elements of the work.
• Is quick to learn, demonstrates a good level of understanding.
20.Interest
• Lacks enthusiasm, generally uninterested and de-motivated.
• Is very keen, enthusiastic and interested.
21.Reliability
• Totally unreliable. A tendency to be irresponsible.
• Demonstrates dependability. Encourages trust.
22.Confidence
• Lacks confidence, is shy and timid.
• Shows a high degree of confidence.
23.Conduct
• Does not create a professional image. Can be troublesome. Can be a bad timekeeper.
• Creates a professional image. Behaves well, is respected and respectful.

Development of technical/ administrative skills.

24. Level of technical understanding

• Demonstrates an inadequate understanding of the technicalities of the job. Makes little or no
effort to expand on personal skills and knowledge base.
• Demonstrates an excellent command of the technicalities of the job. Continually makes effort to
improve personal skills and knowledge base.
25. Troubleshooting skills
• Demonstrates very poor and inefficient troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrates very good and efficient troubleshooting skills.
26. Fault diagnosis and fault reporting skills
• Has great difficulty in fault diagnosis and fault reporting.
• Has very good fault diagnosis and fault reporting skills.
27. Ability to communicate with people at different levels
• Faces great difficulty in communicating solutions to people at different levels.
• Is very good at communicating solutions to people at different levels.
28. Demonstration of good leadership qualities
• Does not possess any leadership qualities.
• Demonstrates very good leadership qualities.
29. Ability to give/follow technical instructions
• Has great difficulty in demonstrating ability to give/follow technical instructions.
• Has demonstrated a very high degree of ability to give/follow technical instructions.

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