Research Guidelines
Research Guidelines
By
2021 EDITION.
General guidelines for the presentation of the HND internship
Report
1. Paper: Paper should be A4 size, 80 gsm. Except for special drawings that may require an A3
or etc.
2. Font: Times New Roman, size 12 for body of report, size 14 for sub-titles and size 16 for titles.
3. Justification: The whole document must be fully (left + right) justified.
4. Spacing: The body of the report should have 1.5 line spacing.
5. Margin: 2.5 cm for left margin and 2 cm for top, bottom and right margins.
6. Paragraphs and Sections: Extra blank line before and after every section and subsection.
Paragraphs must be separated by blank line (not an indent).
Paragraphs must be justified.
7. Headings and Subheadings: All headings and their subheadings should be properly
formatted.
8. Language, Punctuations, Spelling and Grammar Check: Only Standard Formal level of
English should be used. Use correct punctuation marks. Spelling and grammar should be
accurate.
9. Page Numbering: Every page should be numbered. The page numbers should start with 1
from the first page of your chapter 1. All pages before the first chapter should be given Roman
numbers (i, ii, iii, etc). the numbers should be placed at top right of every page.
10. Page Limit: the minimum number of pages of the report is 35 pages excluding title page,
declaration, acknowledgements, content page(s), tables, figures, references and appendices.
11. ALL chapters start in a new page.
Note: At the end of the defense, the corrected softcopy of all reports of each department
should be submitted to the coordinator in a CD.
Name of the University and School, with IUGET and SOUTH POLYTECH LOGO.
Name of company/firm/organization where you did internship.
Name of student, Student ID (registration number or Matricule) from the ministry.
Start and Ending date of internship programme.
Supervisor’s Name, academic and profession qualification and email address.
Supervisor’s Name ( at the place of internship), title, phone and email address.
2. Table of Contents
The chapters.
Headings and subheadings.
Page Numbering
List of tables/figures/graphs/charts
3. Dedication.
Write any dedication note under this section of your report. It is dedicated to one person.
4. Acknowledgement.
In this section you acknowledge the assistance and support of the people who helped you in the
completion of your internship and internship report. It should with minister, proprietor, director,
HOD, supervisor before friends and family members.
5. Executive Summary.
The Executive Summary is the most important part of your report. It summarizes the body of the
report, outlining its scope, purpose and major findings, highlighting the key conclusions and
recommendations. The Executive Summary allows a busy manager to understand the report's
significant information without reading the whole text. Write your Executive Summary after you
have written the report. Everything important that you have done, discovered and concluded
should be mentioned but very briefly.
6. Abstract
A summary of your report
7. Resume
9. Table of content
Well detailed table of content which must tally with the reports pages
I.1.1 Introduction.
In this section, students are expected to collect information on the organization from various
sources including interaction with the personnel (managers, directors, internship supervisor,
colleagues etc.) and company website, documents, brochures etc. Ensure you mention the
2.1.1 A brief introduction of the branch/area office of the organization where you did your
internship.
2.1.3 Name of the department(s) in which you got training and the duration of your training in
the department or each department.
2.1.5 Detailed description of the task(s) assigned to you OR detailed description of the project
assigned to you.
This is the core of the internship report as it would bring into sharp focus the analytical and
observational skills of the student. It is in this section that you relate the theoretical concepts with
your practical experience during your internship in the organization. You should use the SWOT
analysis by clearly describing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the
Organizational/Departmental/Branch.
where you have done internship. The section must encompass analytical scrutiny of the
organization’s various functional aspects and should discuss;
Circumstances relating to the weaknesses hindering the organization’s efforts in achieving their
targets.
e.g Automatic coin recognition system, case study: the Mboppi Douala.
Securing Network Connected Applications with proposed Security Models. Case study:
IUGET.
A propfire alarm system for IUGET Bonamoussadi.
A student management system case IUGET.
Internship report management system case study IUGET.
In this section you are required to suggest solutions for all the problems or discrepancies (you
This is the section in which you are required to focus your cognitive abilities. Your discussion
should focus on;
References/Bibliography
In this section, provide the references and sources in APA format for the data and information
used in your internship report.
Appendices
CHAPTER 1
1. Brief Description of the Organization
Name of the Organization: Include the full legal name.
Industry: Specify the industry it operates in.
Location: Headquarters and other key locations.
Mission Statement: The primary purpose and objectives.
Vision Statement: The long-term aspirations.
Core Values: The principles guiding the organization's actions.
2. Introduction
Purpose of the Internship: Briefly explain why you chose this organization and
your internship goals.
Overview of Internship: A snapshot of your role, tasks, and duration.
Importance: The significance of this internship in your academic and career
journey.
3. Brief History
Founding Date: When the organization was established.
Founders: Names and brief backgrounds of the founders.
Major Milestones: Key events in the organization's history (expansions, mergers,
etc.).
Evolution: How the organization has grown or transformed over the years.
4. Policy of the Organization
Governance Structure: Explanation of the leadership and management.
Corporate Policies: Key policies on ethics, code of conduct, diversity,
sustainability, etc.
Employee Policies: Hiring, onboarding, training, and retention policies.
Customer Policies: How they ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Products, Competitors, Markets
Products/Services: Detailed list and description of main products or services.
Competitors: Major competitors and their strengths.
Market Position: The organization's standing in the industry.
Target Market: The primary customer base.
Market Trends: Current trends and how the organization adapts.
6. Organizational Chart of the Organization
Visual Representation: A diagram showing the hierarchical structure.
Key Roles: Description of the main roles and responsibilities.
a. Comments on the Organizational Chart
Analysis: How the structure supports or hinders the organization’s goals.
Effectiveness: How well it works in practice.
Recommendations: Any suggested improvements.
7. Main Offices and Number of Employees
Headquarters: Location and significance.
Other Offices: Locations and their roles.
Number of Employees: Total headcount and distribution across locations.
Ensure to mention all sources of information, including company websites, documents, brochures,
and interviews with personnel. For example:
Company Website: Author(s). (Year). Title of the webpage. Website name. URL
Interviews: Interviewee's First Initial. Last Name. (Year, Month Date). Personal
communication.
CHAPTER 2
EVOLUTION OF ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS
In order to provide context for your internship within the larger organization. It will include
contents such as;
To clearly state the timeframe of your internship. Its content will include the;
Starting Date: State the exact date your internship began (e.g., "The internship
commenced on July 10, 2024.").
Ending Date: State the exact date your internship concluded (e.g., "The internship
concluded on August 25, 2024.").
Starting and Closing Times: Specify your typical daily work hours (e.g., "The regular
working hours were from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.").
Total Duration: You could also state the total duration (e.g., "The internship spanned a
period of seven weeks.").
Name of the Department(s) in Which You Got Training
To identify the specific departments where you gained experience. Its content will include
Department Names: List the names of all the departments you worked in (e.g., "I received
training in the Network Operations Department and the Cybersecurity Department.").
Duration in Each Department: For each department, specify the duration of your training
(e.g., "I spent three weeks in the Network Operations Department and four weeks in the
Cybersecurity Department.").
Timeline (Optional): You can present this information in a timeline format or a table for
clarity, if you feel it's necessary.
To identify the specific departments where you gained experience. Its content can include;
Department Names: List the names of all the departments you worked in (e.g., "I received
training in the Network Operations Department and the Cybersecurity Department.").
Duration in Each Department: For each department, specify the duration of your training
(e.g., "I spent three weeks in the Network Operations Department and four weeks in the
Cybersecurity Department.").
Timeline (Optional): You can present this information in a timeline format or a table for
clarity, if you feel it's necessary.
With the purpose providing a comprehensive understanding of the functions of the departments. It
includes contents such as;
Cybersecurity Department:
Tools and Technologies: Mention any specific tools, technologies, or software used by the
department (e.g., specific monitoring software, security appliances, etc.).
Workflow: If applicable, describe the typical workflow for common tasks or processes within the
department.
The purpose is to explain your specific contributions and learning experiences. It can include
contents
o Introduction: Briefly introduce your role and responsibilities during the internship.
Task/Project Description:
Examples of Tasks:
Learning Outcomes: Reflect on what you learned from the tasks or project.
The purpose is to demonstrate your analytical skills and connect theory to practice.
o Content:
o Vision:
Strategy:
Leadership:
Product/Service:
Technological Know-How:
Finance:
o If possible, and if you have access to information, discuss the organization's financial
strength (e.g., stability, profitability).
Human Resources:
Business Linkages:
o Analyze the organization's relationships with suppliers, partners, customers, and other
stakeholders.
o How do these linkages contribute to the organization's success?
o Other Relevant Strengths: Include any other internal strengths you observed.
2.2.2 Internal Deficiencies (Weaknesses) Hindering the Organization
The purpose is to identify the organization's internal disadvantages and limitations. Its content can
include for each of the areas mentioned in 2.2.1 (Vision, Strategy, Leadership, etc.), analyze
potential weaknesses.
Examples of Weaknesses:
Explain the circumstances that contribute to these weaknesses. By providing specific examples or
observations to support your analysis. And now how do these weaknesses hinder the organization's
efforts in achieving its targets?
The purpose is to analyse the external environment and its impact on the organization. Its content
can include;
Opportunities:
Examples:
o Emerging technologies
o New markets
o Changes in regulations
o Economic growth
o Industry trends
How can the organization leverage these opportunities to achieve its targets?
Threats:
Examples:
o Competition
o Economic downturn
o Technological disruption
o Changes in customer preferences
o New regulations
How might these threats decrease the organization's effectiveness and productivity?
Its purpose is to synthesize your analysis and propose solutions. Its content can include;
Problem Identification:
o Based on your analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, identify the
main problems or challenges facing the organization or department.
o Prioritize the problems based on their impact and importance.
Proposed Solutions:
o Be Objective and Analytical: Avoid simply listing facts. Analyse the information and draw
conclusions.
o Support Your Analysis: Provide evidence and examples to support your claims.
o Connect Theory to Practice: Relate your observations to the concepts and theories you have
learned in your coursework.
o Use Clear and Concise Language: Write in a professional and academic style.
o Structure Your Content Logically: Use headings and subheadings to organize your
thoughts.
o Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your writing is free of grammatical errors and typos.
o Use Visual Aids (If Appropriate): Tables, charts, or diagrams can help to present
information more effectively.
o Cite Your Sources (If Applicable): If you use any external sources, be sure to cite them
properly.
2.2.5 Conclusion
Content: