The Effects of the Absenteeism
RESEARCH PAPER
RMHRM – FA 2015

General Directions:
1. Double-spaced
2. Narrative form. Bullets only for lists.
3. Headings for separate sections and subsections. No dangling headings.
4. APA Citation style for all citations and the References section.
5. Correct spelling and grammar. (Use spell and grammar check functions on your laptops.)
6. Use simple, non-technical language.
7. Do not make absolute statements such as “Most people…,” “This proves…”
8. Do not repeat information.

Summary or Abstract (1/2 to ¾ page)
This is a summary or overview that specifies the issue being studied.
The research question(s).
The approach being used to investigate the issue.
The most important findings.
The conclusions.

Contents (1 page)
A table of contents.

Introduction (1-1 ½ pages)
An introduction to the topic and its significance for the organization.
An explanation of the research objectives(s), aims and terms of reference to be studied.
Why making recommendations is one of your objectives.
An overview of the logic and sequence of subsequent sections.

Literature Review – See Chapter 4 (4-6 pages)
This section must be organized with subheadings.
What is already known about your topic? Start at a general level and outline the main features of the topic you are researching.
What are the key issues that are relevant to your topic?
Summarize, compare and contrast the work of key researchers in the field.
Narrow this down to focus on the work of those most relevant to your research.
Highlight any areas where your research might provide new insights.

Research Methodology – See Chapter 5 (2-3 pages)
This section must be organized with subheadings.
How the issue was investigated.
What procedures did you use to gather, record and analyze your data?
What were the ethical issues you took into account?
What logistical issues did you encounter?
What were the strengths and weaknesses of the approach you used?
How would you assess the reliability and validity of the data you collected?

Findings/Results – See Chapters 7 & 8 (2-4 pages)
This section must be organized with subheadings.
What are the results of your data gathering? If you used surveys, you may wish to present your results in charts with explanations. If you used interviews or semi-structured questionnaires, you should organize and present your data according to its main themes. This section is strictly for describing your data. It is NOT for interpreting that data.

Analysis – See Chapters 8 and 10. (3-5 pages)
This section must be organized with subheadings that designate themes.`
Interpret your data in light of your research questions.
An easy way to do this is to state your research questions and them explain what you discovered relative
to each question or objective. How is what you discovered different or similar to what you discovered
in your literature review? Why?

Conclusions (1-1 1/2 pages)
What are the key discoveries from your research and how could they be applied?
Make sure they are clearly drawn from your research. Do not make assumptions or express opinions.
What should be further researched and why?

Recommendations (1/2 to 1 page)
How can the organization use your findings?

References
References should be presented alphabetically in APA style.

Appendix
Any charts, surveys or other supporting materials that do not easily fit into the text should be presented
here.