MLA604 Assessment Brief
There is one summative assessment for MLA604 Maritime Operations. The assessment brief starts on page 9, but please read carefully all the information provided below.
Recorded video (Question 1A): *Thursday 09th July 2026 23:59 UK time
Assessment deadline: Sunday 23rd August 2026, 23:59 UK time (end of week 13)
The MLA604 assessment comprises a practical component and a coursework component.
| Title | Question | Assessment | Word count | Marks (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Component | 40% | |||
| Environmental Impact and Protection in the Maritime Industry | 1A | Recorded video presentation (Deadline on page 1)* | N.A. | 30 |
| 1B | Presentation abstract | Up to 300 + reference list | 10 | |
| Coursework Component | 60% | |||
| Maritime Management Strategies and Leadership Practices | 2 | Report | 1500 | 35 |
| Ethical Behaviour and Corporate Social Responsibility | 3 | Reflective essay | 1200 | 25 |
| Total | 3000 | 100% | ||
Include visual aids (figures, tables) in your answers where relevant. Support statements and opinions with references, preferable from primary literature (peer reviewed articles). References must follow the Harvard style of referencing. Guidance on referencing, critical thinking, and essay and report writing, are available in the ‘study help’ section of the TLP.
Practical ComponentÂ
Question 1. Recorded Video Presentation and Abstract
1A. Recorded Presentation
You should prepare and submit a recorded academic presentation of maximum 15 minutes. This should be done in PowerPoint, Canva, Keynotes or any other presentation software that you prefer. Your presentation should explain how is digitalization impacting sustainability practices in the maritime sector, and what are the environmental implications of this transformation?
Ensure that you plan the presentation properly, taking full consideration of the method by which scientific reporting is conducted. A typical structure for the presentation might be as follows (though feel free to adopt a sensible/logical structure as you see fit):
- Introduction (e.g., overview of the presentation).
- Background (e.g., key definitions (e.g., digitalization, sustainability in the maritime sector), history, IMO global strategy etc.).
- Impacts (e.g., discuss positive and negative impacts). Use real examples (e.g., smart ports, IoT, data analytics, AI etc.) and literature to support each point.
- Discussion (e.g., broader environmental implications of your findings, regulatory issues, challenges and barriers, contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)). Connect your discussion to the impacts.
- Conclusion: Main findings, key takeaways, and future directions.
Guidance:
- Your face and voice should be available during the presentation.
- Your presentation should stand out by showcasing your creativity and originality.
- Before diving into content creation, plan your presentation thoroughly.
- Visuals like graphs, charts, statistics, and infographics can be powerful tools to support your findings. Ensure these visuals are properly referenced. Visual aids should be included!
- Ensure you reference all sources following Harvard style, whether you are citing scientific papers, books, or industry reports. It is expected that you will use sources from outside of the taught programme obtained from both the literature and industry.
- Music and sound effects can improve your presentation appeal, but be sure to use them thoughtfully.
- It is important to engage with your audience. Eye contact is important for engagement.
- Notes are allowed, but reading should be minimised. The goal is to sound natural and maintain a flowing conversation with your audience.
- Use any software or tools for video and audio recording, editing, or media enhancement (e.g., smartphone or camera, Canva, Microsoft Office, Clipchamp, iMovie, CapCut etc.). We prefer video recorded in MP4 format.
Submission:
*The recorded presentation (Question 1A) should be sent by WeTransfer (www.wetransfer.com) to student.admin@mla.ac.uk. Make sure the file is saved with your full name (e.g., MLA604- Michael Smith).
It is suggested that the final recorded presentation is sent with enough time in advance to confirm safe receipt at MLA’s side (deadline is on page 1).
Your presentation will be assessed according to the criteria shown on the table below:
| Presentation | Allocated marks |
|---|---|
| Logical structure and flow | 20% |
| Scientific content and relevance | 40% |
| Quality of presentation materials (e.g. PowerPoint) | 20% |
| Presentation style and delivery | 20% |
1B. Abstract
Together with your recorded video, you must submit an ‘abstract’ summarising your presentation. You should include in the abstract references to the articles and other resources used to build the session and include a reference list at the end (you should use the Harvard referencing style).
The presentation’s abstract should be submitted via Turnitin at the end of week 13 together with the coursework component as answer to Question 1B. See also page 3 (Submission of your Coursework).
Note: An abstract is a piece that should stand by itself, informing the reader on the main points of your presentation, written in an academic style, and including in-text references. An abstract is not a transcript or a guide to your presentation (as examples of abstracts, you can search and look at proceedings or book of abstracts of any scientific conference or articles in peer-review journals).
Coursework ComponentÂ
Question 2. Report
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050. To support this goal, various alternative marine fuels are being considered. Making informed decisions about which fuels to adopt is critical for achieving an efficient, safe, and sustainable transition.
For this task, you are required to briefly compare at least four (04) alternative marine fuels in terms of their advantages, disadvantages, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission potential, cost, scalability, and technology readiness. After comparing them, select ‘one’ fuel you believe offers the best balance of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability for the shipping industry.
Once you have made your choice, use the PESTLE framework to examine the external factors that affect or support the adoption of this fuel in the maritime sector. Your analysis should show how these external factors influence the fuel’s potential to help the industry meet its decarbonisation goals.
To assist with structuring your answer, include the following sections:
- Introduction: context, background, rationale, and key definitions etc.
- Comparison of alternative fuels. Consider advantages, disadvantages, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission potential, cost, scalability, technology readiness, and environmental considerations. Justify the choice of your selected fuel.
- Application of strategic tools: PESTLE analysis (e.g., definitions and application of the tools)
- Discussion: Move beyond description, and critically analyse the evidence, perspectives, and examples, linking your findings to broader sustainability and policy goals.
- Conclusion: summarise findings, implications, and future directions.
You are encouraged to read the guide to report writing (‘report_writing.pdf`) on the TLP, which will assist you in how to properly structure your answer. The guide to report writing contains advice on the specific sections of the report. Not all of these will be appropriate to include in your answer, so you need to determine how to structure the report and if necessary, check with your personal tutor whether you are taking the correct approach.
In the report, it is expected that you will cite, reference and critically review an appropriate range and number of relevant journal articles and other academic texts. These should be topical and current. Complement your answer by making connections with other subject areas where appropriate. Reference your work correctly using the Harvard Referencing System. Figures, diagrams, and tables (properly referenced or cited) may be used to illustrate the text to further support your answer.
Question 3. Reflective Essay
Reflect on the implications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the maritime industry, focusing on the fair and ethical treatment of seafarers. In your reflection, consider how working conditions, nationality, workforce diversity, fair pay, gender inclusion, and equitable treatment affect seafarers? In what ways can maritime companies ensure ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible practices? Support your reflection with relevant examples.
Ensure that you support your answer with references from outside of the taught programme, formatted according to the Harvard style.
MLA604 Assessment Marking Criteria
| Â | A | B | CÂ | D | E | Â F | |
| Content | Fully addresses the assessment brief using all relevant information with few errors | Addresses the assessment brief with most facts relevant and no significant errors | Addresses the assessment brief using core information but some gaps in subject knowledge | Addresses the assessment brief but containing a minimal amount of the
required material |
A marginal fail, does not contain enough relevant information to address brief and/or contains multiple
errors |
Clear fail that does not address assessment brief, with totally inadequate or irrelevant information | |
| Understanding and Evaluation | Full understanding of topic within wider context. Full critical evaluation with arguments supported by evidence and examples. | Substantial understanding demonstrated. Critical evaluation present with arguments supported by evidence. | Adequate understanding demonstrated although evaluation may be limited with restricted use of
evidence |
Enough understanding demonstrated but with minimal evaluation and/or evidence offered | Marginal understanding demonstrated that lacks evaluation and evidence | A concerning lack of understanding and evaluation present. | |
| Originality/
Independent Thinking  |
Evidence of considerable insight and independent thinking e.g. by including own views; making connections with other subject areas etc. | Substantially correct independent thinking with links to other areas/studies. | Some individuality within the assessment but not always fully explored | Own     views      minimally offered and/or displaying scientific naivety | Marginal originality and/or independent thought | No evidence of any valid independent thought | |
| Data Analysis and
Interpretation  |
An analytical/discriminating approach to the data, applying appropriate statistics.
Comprehensive         understanding         of implications & limitations of the data |
A sound approach to data analysis, applying valid statistical tests. Good understanding of data and
associated limitations |
Suitable approach to most aspects of data analysis. Valid interpretation but
gaps evident |
Data analysis attempted but limited, including weak
interpretation |
Marginal or insufficient data analysis and interpretation | No, Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â or
inappropriate, analysis interpretation |
wholly data and |
| Use of Literature | Evidence of consulting wide range of valid sources of information, especially primary literature. Uses findings to support facts and arguments. Appropriately references sources within the text and in the reference list | Evidence of consulting a range of literature to support facts and statements. Mostly cites references sources in correct format within the text and in the reference list | Evidence of consulting a limited range of literature, often with a reliance on textbook sources.
References in text or list may contain errors |
Some reference to literature evident but statements not well-supported.
References          often incorrectly            cited              and/or listed |
Marginal reference to literature with little attempt to incorporate references into work and/or incorrectly cited. | No, Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â or
inappropriate to literature |
totally reference |
| General
Communication Skills |
Excellent overall standard of presentation, exhibiting a high standard of English and clarity of expression. Excellent layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting or appropriate use of fonts. Highly effective use of relevant visual material. | High standard of presentation, exhibiting a good standard of English and clarity of expression. Good layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting and use of fonts. Good use of relevant visual material. | Adequate standard of presentation, using acceptable standards of English. Some attention to layout, structure and formatting may be needed. Visual material may need some attention. | Low standard of presentation with grammatical errors. Layout and structure may reduce impact and communication. Use of visual material not well-incorporated | Marginal standard of presentation. Poor use of English with clumsy structure. Handwriting may not be legible and/or inappropriate use of fonts. Visual material typically not relevant. | Totally unacceptable standard of presentation with concerning use of English. No, or totally inappropriate, use of visual material. | |
| Independence and Use of Support | Completely self-motivated; works independently or in collaboration with others where relevant. Seeks appropriate support as necessary. Formulates problem and relevant questions prior to seeking advice. Is meticulous in acknowledging support and contribution of others. | Mostly self-motivated and able to work well alone or in team. Seeks appropriate support as necessary. Acknowledges support and contribution of others. | Able to work independently or in a team but may not always access enough support where necessary | Partly relies on others for motivation or to ensure progress and may be reluctant to seek necessary help. Weak team member.
Does not always acknowledge sources of support. |
Depends on others for motivation or fails to seek necessary advice. Fails to work as member of a team.
Work may be highly derivative and/or support not acknowledged. |
Fails to start or progress with tasks. Does not seek and/or use help. Makes no contribution as member of a team. Does not acknowledge support and/or plagiarises. | |
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