Your task is to develop a well-reasoned argument supporting your chosen position. Draw on relevant examples, evidence, personal observations, or experiences where appropriate. You should also consider and respond to potential
MLA601 Assessment Brief There are three summative deadlines for MLA601. The assessment brief starts on page 9, but please read carefully all the information provided below.
Padlet post deadline: Sunday 11th October 2026, 23:59 UK time* First coursework deadline: Sunday 08th November 2026, 23:59 UK time Second coursework deadline: Sunday 27th December 2026, 23:59 UK time
Title Question Assessment Word count Marks (%) Assessment 1 40 Introduction on Padlet 1 Video N/A 5 Literature Review 2a Reflection 200 35 2b Essay 1400 Assessment 2 60 Maritime Industry: Key Trends 3 Report 1800 50 Personal Reflection 4 Reflection 400 10 Total 3800 100% Assessment 1 Question 1: Introduction on Padlet This activity helps you develop professional communication and networking skills while building a sense of community within the Sustainable Maritime Operations programme.
Using Padlet software (link and QR code provided), post a brief video introduction to your fellow students on the module.
Instructions
How to post your video
Start by adding your name to your post (top right corner of the Padlet board). Then add your video by clicking the “+” symbol located at the bottom right corner of the Padlet. You’ll need to select your location and then choose how to add your video. You can either upload a pre-recorded video from your device, or record directly using the “Video Recorder” attachment option in Padlet. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the layout and functions of the platform, it’s designed to be intuitive.
What to include
In your video introduction, please cover the following points:
Begin by stating your full name, how you would like to be addressed, and your location. Describe the sector you currently work in and your role, briefly summarising your key responsibilities. Outline your previous education and employment or relevant experience, with an emphasis on responsibilities or projects related to sustainability, if applicable. Share your career aspirations, and how you believe MLA College and the Sustainable Maritime Operations degree will support you in achieving these goals. You can include a short personal note to help others get to know you by mentioning a hobby or interest. Your video should be no longer than 3 minutes. While the tone can be conversational, please keep it professional; check both sound and video quality before posting. Please ensure that the post is made under your registered name at MLA College and, if possible, avoid tagging others.
Engaging with your peers is required. Comment on at least two posts by your fellow students. Make your comments meaningful. For example, you could clarify details about their role, explore sustainability aspects in their work, or offer suggestions for their professional growth or career plans. You’ll be marked on your ability to ask critical, informed questions and provide thoughtful answers to others’ questions. This interaction is a major part of your grade for this task.
Please keep discussion focused on the task and avoid unrelated topics. As this cohort may have different tutors, any specific questions about the task, assessments, or deadlines should be sent to your tutor by email, not posted on the Padlet. Also, we strongly discourage sharing personal email addresses or mobile phone numbers on Padlet with your classmates.
Please also make sure that your video introduction has been successfully uploaded to Padlet. If you experience any issues, this may be due to the platform’s automatic moderation settings. In that case, please try uploading it again. If the problem persists, contact your personal tutor for assistance.
Submission requirements
Please take screenshots of your Padlet introduction video and your two initial peer comments to your fellow peers, and paste them into your Assessment 1 submission. Your final submission document for Assessment 1 must include Question 1 (three Padlet screenshots) and Question 2 (Literature Review).
Watch this short video guide on how to post your introduction on Padlet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KXYxG7lNJk&list=PL5hbXqucLcCoYLNYz2DBRvR-pGS4FP_m&index=2
Question 2: Literature Review Sourcing and critically analysing literature across a range of topics will be a fundamental skill throughout your studies. This involves engaging with academic materials beyond general Internet sources and making effective use of the University’s library and other scholarly databases.
2a. Understanding Literature Reviews
Start by familiarising yourself with the University of Plymouth online library Primo. Locate 2–3 academic books focused on study or academic skills that include chapters on completing a literature review. You may also use other credible publications and websites. However, it is essential that you also read ‘Doing a Literature Review’ in the TLP before completing this part.
Summarise your understanding of the purpose and role of a literature review in a short reflective piece, incorporating appropriate in-text references to the selected sources. It is essential that, before commencing this activity, you fully understand the purpose, structure, and academic expectations of a literature review.
2b. Narrative Literature Review
Conduct a short narrative literature review on the topic of wearable technologies for seafarers.
You are required to review at least seven contemporary references (from the last five years):
three academic sources (e.g., journal papers or book chapters) two trade publications (e.g., Lloyd’s List, Seaways) two official websites (e.g., IMO, NGO Shipbreaking Platform) Your review should be written in essay format and address the following components:
- What is already well established in the literature on this topic? What are the key environmental, social, and economic challenges highlighted?
- Methods and data. What types of research methods and data collection approaches are used in your sources? (e.g., case studies, surveys, literature reviews). Are the data sources sufficient and reliable?
- What controversies, challenges, or inconsistencies appear across the sources? Are there conflicting views or findings?
- Further research. What questions remain unanswered? What areas would benefit from further academic investigation?
Include a reference list using the Harvard Referencing System.
This question should be completed after reviewing the Study Help section of your Total Learning Package (TLP), but it does not require completion of any specific chapters within the module. You are encouraged to start and complete this task alongside your work on the module.
Technical Note:
If you wish to access Lloyd’s List, you must set up the VPN and connect within their IP range to register. You can find the VPN software and instructions at https://workathome.plymouth.ac.uk/. Navigate to “For Students” and then select “Forticlient VPN.” Please ensure you are correctly connected to the VPN before following the registration instructions to gain full access.
Once registered, you can also set up bespoke notifications to your email to stay updated on industry developments throughout your programme.
Assessment 2 Question 3: The Future of Maritime Transport Through Technologies The maritime industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation in response to increasing demands for greater efficiency, sustainability, safety, and resilience. Emerging technologies are reshaping the way ships, ports, and supply chains operate. While these innovations offer significant opportunities, they also present challenges related to implementation, cost, regulation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and environmental performance.
For this assessment, you are required to produce a data-driven academic report that critically evaluates one emerging technology and its potential to transform the maritime industry over the next decade.
Your report should address the following research question: To what extent is your selected technology likely to transform the maritime industry over the next decade?
Choose one of the following technologies: artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, autonomous ships, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics and automation, satellite and remote sensing technologies. Alternatively, you may propose another emerging maritime technology, subject to approval from your module tutor.
Your report should combine academic literature with quantitative evidence to evaluate the current adoption, benefits, limitations, and future potential of your chosen technology.
In the introduction, you should state the aim and objectives of your report. Introduce your selected technology and explain its relevance to the maritime industry. Briefly justify why this technology has the potential to influence the future of maritime transport. Outline the structure of your report.
The main body of your report should critically analyse your chosen technology. You should explain the principles and current applications of the technology within the maritime industry and identify the opportunities, challenges and current limitations associated with the technology.
A key focus of this assessment is the analysis and interpretation of quantitative evidence. Your discussion should evaluate the current development and future impact of the technology using relevant data.
Question 4: Personal Reflection Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how people learn, work, solve problems, and access information. As AI tools become increasingly capable, some argue that higher education is becoming less necessary, while others believe that higher education is more important than ever.
For this reflection, choose one of the following positions:
Position A: AI is reducing the need for higher education.
Position B: Higher education remains essential, even in the era of AI.
Your task is to develop a well-reasoned argument supporting your chosen position. Draw on relevant examples, evidence, personal observations, or experiences where appropriate. You should also consider and respond to potential counterarguments to strengthen your discussion.
Important: There is no “correct” position for this assignment. You will not be graded on whether you argue for or against higher education. Your grade will be based on the quality of your reasoning, the strength and coherence of your argument, your use of evidence, and your ability to critically engage with the topic.
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