GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR

BACHELOR OF COMMERCE STUDENTS

UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

BUSINESSSCHOOL
Career Counselling and Alumni Centre
Office A314

REVISED: JULY 25, 2023

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1.0 Introduction
1.1. Overview
In the past, the Faculty of Commerce and Management (FCM) which has been transformed
in 2009 to University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), used to have Practical
Training (PT). However, due to financial constraints, the programme was halted. Similar
programmes continue to operate in the Faculties of Engineering, Education, Science and at
UCLAS. In view of the importance of the practical training, it has been reintroduced for
st
B.Com students and the first Practical Training after reintroduction took place between 1
rd
July and 23 August 2002. PT constitutes the fourth semester, and involves all second year
students.

1.2 PT and its Tripartite Advantages

Practical Training is an important for B’com studies. It carries the equivalence of two units
in the students’ final assessment. The following are among the advantages of the PT.
(i) Firstly, its main objective is to provide an opportunity for a student to integrate theory
and practice. The student will obtain training and valuable experience in a real life
situation, which cannot be simulated in lecture rooms, or computer laboratories. The
end result is that the student will be able to enhance his or her skills, knowledge, work
abilities, attitude towards his/her area of specialization, develop habits of rigorous
thinking and get exposed to managerial responsibilities. To achieve the
aforementioned objectives, the Practical Training will rely heavily on the co-operation
rendered by the local institutions/companies to which the students will be attached.
Students should be assigned problem-solving duties. In some cases they (students)
could be part of the team performing a variety of tasks in one or more departments.
Alternatively, they could be personal assistants to senior officers. Invariably, it is best
if employers treat placement students as they would do to new graduates employees,
by fitting them naturally into the organization, assigning them responsibilities and
expecting results.

(ii) Secondly, advantages to the partner institution include receiving new ideas, using
good problem solving analytical skills, enjoying up to date information and having
personnel who are flexible and adaptable to change and who are eager to work well in
teams. Other benefits are good value for money, building closer links with the
university and having better opportunity for extended assessment for possible future
employment.

(iii) Thirdly, PT has advantages to the University. It creates closer links with potential
employers, generates more knowledge from visits and students' reports and initiates
opportunities for research and consultancy with employers. Other advantages are that
employers may be invited to provide input into course/ curriculum planning, or as
guest lecturers, and finally, creates an atmosphere for opportunities for prospective
graduates.

2.0 Programme Structure

2.1 Fields for Practical Training
The fields of the training are in accordance with the core courses which are offered in the
Business School, namely Accounting, Finance (Corporate and BFS), Marketing, Human
Resource Management and Tourism.

2.2 Target Group

All students enrolled in the second year of study in the B.Com programme, are required to

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take part in the practical training, in fulfillment of their second year academic and practical
requirement.
2.3 Practical Training Coordination
A Coordinator and a deputy coordinator, who are members of the Business School academic
staff, manage the programme and are directly answerable to the School Dean. The
Coordinator works closely together with the Heads of Department and with the Associate
Dean Academic in the School. The Coordinator ensures that University procedures and
regulations pertaining to PT are adhered to. He/she collaborates with all departments to make
sure that all students obtain placements for PT.

Roles of the Coordinator

(i) Overall coordination of the programme.
(ii) Advise on what aspects should be included in the training programme.
(iii) Advise on what institutions to be included in the training programme.
(iv) Prepare and update practical training programme guidelines.
(v) Ensure that supervisors know their roles, and students know their obligations.
(vi) Identify field placements.
(vii) Assist students to seek field placements.
(viii) Work with the Heads of Departments in the School to assist students in making
selections for field attachments.
(ix) Set structures for, and evaluation of final reports.
(x) Prepare budgets for field attachment
(xi) Arrange for supervision of the training
(xii) Arrange for payment of field allowances of the students and of the supervisors.
(xiii) Be the overall supervisor of the field activities
(xiv) Organize students' evaluations for submission to the Heads of Departments.
(xv) Prepare an overall programme report each year, for submission to the School.
(xvi) Represent the School in University for a discussion that discuss and deliberate on PT
matters.

2.4 Students
Roles of the Student
(i) Each student will have to indicate his/her placement preference to the Coordinator.
Students are encouraged to work closely with the Coordinator in identifying potential
placements.
(ii) Report to the place of work; perform duties as agreed with, and or assigned by the
Internal Supervisor
(iii) Complete a daily attendance log sheet
(iv) Write a final report for submission to UDSM Supervisor

3.0 Procedures During Practical Training

3.1 Student
(i) Each student will request his/her Internal Supervisor to fill in, and sign an Arrival
Note within the first week of the Practical training.
(ii) The student should work under supervision of the Internal Supervisor.
(iii) The student has to submit a daily roster to the Internal Supervisor for signature.
(iv) The student has to observe confidentiality.
(v) The student has to be punctual at work, and has to portray a high level of integrity
and respect to others
(vi) The student has to obtain a "training certificate", upon completion of the programme.
This is an important document for one to keep. The certificate has to be completed by

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 the Internal Supervisor.
(vii) A student who will not complete practical training with no obvious reasons will score
a failing grade.
(viii) Students are expected to make their own arrangements for travel to their respective
PT work stations.

3.2 Supervisor
(i) Upon arrival at the PT training institution, the supervisor should meet a contact
person who will facilitate meetings with relevant authorities; then meet the Internal
Supervisor who will take him/her to meet the students.
(ii) Supervision will be conducted according to the procedure contained in the "PT
Student Evaluation Form (by UDSM Supervisor)".
(iii) Supervisors are expected to make their own accommodation and travel arrangements
to PT assignments.

3.3 PT Training Institution

(i) The Internal Supervisor together with the student will prepare a work plan.
(ii) The Internal Supervisor should check the day to day activities of the student
including the filling in of the daily roster and duties performed.
(iii) Finally, the Internal Supervisor will evaluate the student using the evaluation criteria
provided by UDBS

3.4 Attendance

(i) Students must be in attendance for the whole period of the training. Punctuality is
emphasized.
(ii) If absent from duty due to illness, the student must report to the Internal Supervisor
on return giving full explanation including a medical report.
(iii) If absent for more than three days due to illness, besides informing the internal
supervisor, the student should inform the Practical Training Coordinator, as well,
enclosing a copy of the medical report.
(iv) Absence from work place for no apparent reason may result into failing the practical
training.
(v) Permission of the Internal Supervisor must be obtained in advance if a student wishes
to be absent for any reason other than illness. A written permission to leave before the
end of the Practical Training Session must be obtained from the Practical Training
Coordinator, through the Internal Supervisor.

3.5 Assessment:
(i) Each practical training session, shall be treated as a subject of the current academic
year. NOT completing a Practical training will mean a failure in that Practical
Training.
(ii) Practical training reports shall be handed in for assessment before the end of the third
week of the subsequent year's first semester.
(iii) UDBS has set detailed assessment procedures; oral tests will be organized if and
when required. Overall assessment will be based on originality and creativity in terms
of presenting facts and solving problems. Grades will be allocated as follows (out of
100%):
  UDSM Supervisor’s Report… …. 10 marks; 
 Internal Supervisor’s Report……. 20 marks; 
 Student’s Final Report …………... 70 marks; (Chapter 1= 30 marks, Chapter
2=
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 50 marks, Chapter 3= 20 marks).
(vi) This is a 2 unit course. A grade will be given in the usual way: A = 70-100, B+ = 60-
69, B = 50-59, C = 40-49, D = 30-39, E = 35-38, F = Below 35.
(vii) Assessment shall be completed before the end of the subsequent year's first semester.
(viii) A student who fails in the Practical training, will hold supplementary examinations in
the following year.
(ix) A student who fails in the supplementary, shall be discontinued forthwith.
(x) Students who do not go to places allocated to them for practical training without
satisfactory reasons will be deemed to have failed their practical training and will, as
a result, be discontinued from their studies.
(xi) Any student who fails and repeats the second year of study, shall also repeat the
practical training.

4.0 Postponement/supplementary

Students who are allowed to postpone any session of the practical training on medical or any
other grounds, shall be required to do the training during the session of the subsequent year,
together with students who will be supplementing.

5.0 PT Coordinator’s Contacts

Coordinator, Career Counselling and Alumni Centre:

Dr. Gerald Magova Dr. Mussa Nkuba

Email : magova.gerald@udsm.ac.tz Email: nkubashelembi@yahoo.com
Mobile: +255 769 078 776 Mobile 0719517 191

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FORM NO. 1
DAILY ROSTER
Name of the Student: ________________________________________________

Registration Number: ________________________________________________

Option: ____________________________________________________________

Name of the Institution:……………………………………………………………..

Department(s)……………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………

Date Brief Description of Duties Performed Student’s Internal

(Daily) Signature Supervisor’s
Signature

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Date Brief Description of Duties Performed Student’s Internal
(Daily) Signature Supervisor’s .
Signature

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FORM NO. 2(This form need to be submitted at the end of PT to the Coordinator by Student)
ARRIVAL NOTE

Name and Address of Organization

……………………………………………

……………………………………………

……………………………………………

To:
Dean,
University of Dar es Salaam Business School
University of Dar es Salaam
P.O.Box 35046
Dar es Salaam

Attn: Coordinator, Career Counselling and Alumni Centre

This is to inform you that,

(Name of Student and Reg. No.)

Option _______________________________________________________________,

arrived at our organization on___________________________________, and was received for

practical training.

Internal Supervisor's name): ________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________________

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FORM NO. 3

CERTIFICATE OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE

PRACTICAL TRAINING

NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION: ……………………………………………………

This is to certify that

____________________________________________________________ (Name)

____________________________________________________________ (Reg. No.)

_____________________________________________________________ (Option)

has successfully completed Practical Training at our institution. The Training took place
between …………………. and ……………………………… , under supervision of:

____________________________________________________________ (Name)

______________________________________________________________(Signature)

_______________________________________________________________ (Date)

(Official stamp)

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FORM NO. 4
UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
BUSINESS SCHOOL
CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRE
P.O.BOX
.O.BOX 35046
350 DAR ES SALAAM –TANZANIA

General: +255 22 2410006 E-mail:dean.udbs@

mail:dean.udbs@udsm.ac.tz
Direct line +255 22 2410658 magova.gerald@
.gerald@udsm.ac.tz
Telefax: +255 22 2410006
Website: www.udsm.ac.tz

DECLARATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY

To: The Chief Executive Officer of :…………………………..

:……………………… ………………………………

I, …………………………………………………………………………(Name
……………………………………………………………… (Name and Reg. no.), of

the Department of ……………………………, Business School, University of Dar es Salaam,

declare that, I will maintain secrecy and confidentiality, and will not use any data and
information obtained from your organization in the course of my practical training for any
purpose other than for my academic endeavours.

Signature, …………………………………………(student)

………………………………………….(date)

Countersigned
rsigned by: Dr. Gerald Magova (Coordinator)

25th July 2023

P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 22 2410006

E-mail: magova.gerald@udsm.ac.tz Fax: +255 22 241051
MOBILE:+255 769 078776
Knowledge for Management Excellence

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FORM NO.7

CONTENTS OF THE STUDENT'S REPORT

The report is expected to be research based. Thus the following guidelines
should be followed in writing the report:

Chapter 1: Introduction (30 marks)

(In this section, present the general impression or the background information about the
organization):
i. Type of business/ organization
ii. Major product/service
iii. Organizational structure
iv. Number of employees
v. Activities (eg. sales, work-process, etc)
vi. Level of technology
vii. Customers
viii. Strategic direction, etc

Chapter 2: Activities Performed (50 marks)

i. Placement in the organization (where in the organization did you have the training?)
ii. Description of tasks and duties performed (routine, research/ project, problem solving,
etc.)
iii. Work environment (team work, friendly, fully supervised, independent, …)
iv. Did you find the duties/ tasks performed interesting? Explain your feelings.
v. Did you measure up to the demands of the assigned duties/ tasks? Explain more in terms
of challenging tasks or not; analytical requirement; creativity; etc
vi. Did you face any problems in executing the tasks/ duties which were assigned to you?
vii. If you faced any problems, how did you solve them, or what are your recommendations
to solve them?
viii. (a) What were your expectations before going for the training? (b) Were they met?
ix. What new things did you learn from the training or being in the organization?
x. In the process of executing the duties/ tasks which were assigned to you what would you
consider to be the gaps in teaching between theory and practice?
xi. Employment prospects: (a) Would you like to be employed by this organization? (b) Do
you think they would like to have you as an employee? (c) Did you get any promises for
employment?
xii. Was your attachment relevant? In what ways: knowledge; skill development; new
attitudes, etc.

Chapter 3: Conclusion and Recommendation (20 marks)

i. Present the conclusion
ii. Recommendation concerning improving the gaps in teaching theory and practice.
iii. Recommendation concerning handling gaps in the placement process (suggestions to
improve the program, in terms of planning and operational logistics)

References (if any) and Appendices (if any)

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 FORM NO.6

UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

BUSINESS SCHOOL
CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRE
P.O.BOX
.O.BOX 35046 DAR ES SALAAM –TANZANIA

General: +255 22 2410006 E-mail:dean.udbs@

mail:dean.udbs@udsm.ac.tz
Direct line +255 22 2410658 magova.gerald@
.gerald@udsm.ac.tz
Telefax: +255 22 2410006
Website: www.udsm.ac.tz

PT EVALUAT
TION FORM BY UDSM SUPER
RVISOR
1. Date of Visit: ……………………………….
2. Name of a Student………… ……………………………………..Registration Noo………………………..
Option…………………………………………………………………………… ………………………..
3. Department at UDBS……… ……………………………………………………… …………………………
4. Name of Organization…… ………………………………………………………… …………………………
5. Name of Internal Superviso
or……………………………………Designation…… ………………………..
6. Name of of UDSM Supervisor……………………………………Designation… ……………………….

Questions Directed to the Student:

1. The student has to show you a copy of the mailed arrival note for compliance of documentation
Seen ____ Not Seen _____ (10 pts if Seen)

(Please rate the following items on a 1-5

1 5 points scale, where 1 = Very poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Average, 4=
Good, 5 = Excellent).
Weight 1 2 3 4 5
2. Does the student have a proper work program/plan/schedule? 4
3. Is the student properly completing
complet the daily roster? 2

4. What type of duties/tasks is the student performing? (Routine, research, etc.) …………………
…………………………………… …………………………………………………………………….

5. Is the student facing any problems? If yes, please mention them and how he/she has attemp
attempted to
solve them …………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………… …………………………………………………
Please rate using the 1-55 points scale explained above.
Weight 1 2 3 4 5
6. Problem solving skills 4
7. Analytical skills 4
8. Creativity 2

9. Whatt is the student’s opinion of the placement? ………………………………………………

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Questions to be directed to the Internal Supervisor:
Please rate using the 1-5 points scale explained above.
Weight 1 2 3 4 5
10. Is the student disciplined, cooperative and accepting guidance? 1

Kindly provide reasons for your rating above …………………………………………………………………

Weight 1 2 3 4 5
11. Is the student hardworking? 1

If hardworking, what are the achievements if any? … ……………………………………………………… ………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

12.What is your readiness to take more (and how many) students for Practical Training in the future,
and in which areas? (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HRM, Banking, Tourism) ……… ……...…

…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………….

13.SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

(eg. Were you satisfied by the student’s opinion on the placement; etc.) ……………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………

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 UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
BUSINESS SCHOOL
CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRE
P.O.BOX
.O.BOX 35046 DAR ES SALAAM -TANZANIA

General: +255 22 2410006 E-mail:dean.udbs@udsm.ac.tz

mail:dean.udbs@udsm.ac.tz
Direct line +255 22 2410658 magova.gerald@
magova.gerald@udsm.ac.tz
Telefax: +255 22 2410006
Website: www.udsm.ac.tz

PT STUDENT EVALUATION FORM (BY INTERNAL SUPERVISOR)

1. Date of Visit: ……………………………….
2. Name of a Student………… ……………………………………..Registration Noo………………………..
Option…………………………………………………………………………… ………………………..
3. Department at UDBS……… ……………………………………………………… …………………………
4. Name of Organization…… ………………………………………………………… …………………………
5. Name of Internal Supervisoor……………………………………Designation…… ………………………..
6. Name of of UDSM Supervisor……………………………………Designation… ……………………….
PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENT (Please rate the following items on a 11-55 points scale, where 1 = Very
poor, 2 = Poor, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent)

Weight 1 2 3 4 5
1. Appreciation and Adaptation to new work environment 2
2. Level of interest in the student’s own work 1
3. Readiness and willingness to accept guidance at PT instinstitutions 1
4. Capability to perform assigned tasks by institution offering PT 1
5. Consistency of performance in relation to program plans/tasks given 1
6. Level of cooperation and working relationship with other employees in 2
the organization
7. Discipline and ability to follow regulations (eg. Punctuality, dress
dress- 1
codes, etc.)
8. Capability to explain any problem experienced during PT 1
9. Capability to solve problems within the student’s ability to do so 2
10. Analytical skills 1
11. Ability to work independently 1
12. Creativity and capability to learn new skills 2
13. Initiative to do things 1
14. Communication skills (oral and written) 1
15. Contribution of the student
udent to the organization during the field work 2
TOTAL MARKS

GENERAL COMMENTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signature of Supervisor: ……………………….. Date: …………………… ……………..

(To be delivered by the student to the Coordinator – UDBS: SEALED)

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