MNA1066 /HR5102 Coaching & Mentoring Assignment Brief 2026 | Dublin City University

MNA1066 /HR5102 Assignment Brief

Assignment I — Coaching Logs & Reflective Report

Purpose & Link To Learning Outcomes

This assignment is designed to foster self-knowledge, self-awareness, applied coaching skills, and ethical judgment through structured practice and reflective writing. It primarily evaluates the application of the GROW model, the development of a working alliance, and the capacity for critical reflection on coaching practice. The assignment is mapped to module learning outcomes 2–4 and 7.

Assignment Components

1. Coaching Practice Logs (four entries, approximately 250–350 words each): Complete a log after each session, documenting the context, process, ethical considerations, outcomes, and key learning points.
2. Reflective Report (approximately 1,000 words): Provide a critical reflection on the overall coaching experience, integrating relevant theory with practice. The report should include an Introduction, a description of events (What happened), analysis (So what), implications for future practice (Now what), and a references section. The So What and Now What should make up the core of the reflective piece, and the description of events What should be kept to a minimum. The reference section is not part of the word count.

Formatting & Referencing

Submit a single document containing the four coaching logs and the reflective report. Use APA style referencing and ensure all coachee details are anonymised.

Use Of AI For Assignment

The use of any Generative AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Copilot, DALL-E, Gemini) to generate content for this assignment is strictly prohibited. All work submitted must be your own original thought and expression.

Assignment I Rubric: 20% Weighting | Marks Available: 100

Assignment II — Individual Paper On A Coaching/Mentoring Topic

Purpose & Link To Learning Outcomes

To critically evaluate a coaching or mentoring topic of personal or professional relevance, integrate current research, and apply relevant concepts to organisational practice or programme design. This assignment is mapped to learning outcomes 1–6.

Assignment Component

For the final assessment, you are asked to prepare a paper (no more than 3,000 words, including references) on a coaching/mentoring topic of interest to you. Topics for consideration might include, but are not limited to:

1. Critically evaluate the literature on implementing a coaching or mentoring programme in an organisation.
2. The use and effectiveness of internal and external coaches and mentors within an organisation: a critical evaluation.
3. Compare, contrast and critically evaluate at least two coaching models in terms of their use in organisations, one of which should be a model covered in this module.
4. ‘As many empirical studies, coaching experts and most practitioners stress, the quality of the coaching relationship is the single most determinant of success in coaching’ (Knights, A. (2008) Developing Coaching Capability in Organisations CIPD). Critically evaluate this claim in terms of implementing a coaching or mentoring programme in an organisation.
5. Critically evaluate the role and importance of contracting in the coaching and mentoring process in an organisational context.
6. A title of your own which you have agreed formally with the module leaders.

You are encouraged to choose a topic that will be of value to you from a personal/professional development perspective.

We propose a structure that includes, Title, Introduction, Critical evaluation of the relevant literature and practice, application to practice (and specifically in the context of your professional role), Conclusion and References.

Your paper will review the relevant published research on the topic and apply concepts or frameworks from the literature to critically evaluate and gain insight into the situation or issue you have chosen. As a guideline you need to make reference to a minimum of six and maximum of 12 sources in this essay.  We strongly recommend that you use Journal papers as well as books in order to find the latest research on subjects.

Submit a 3000-word essay on 17 April 2026, 23.59 pm on LOOP  Formatting & Referencing

Submit a single document containing the four coaching logs and the reflective report. Use APA style referencing and ensure all coachee details are anonymised.

Use Of AI For Assignment II

You are encouraged to experiment with DCU authorised Generative AI tools for [specific learning outcomes, e.g., exploring complex topics, generating different perspectives, creating creative content]. However, you are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical implications of any AI-generated content. Critical evaluation and proper citation are essential.

Assignment II Rubric: 80% Weighting | Marks Available: 100