M8A1: Term Paper
In this module, you will prepare and submit the term paper whose topic and outline were approved by your instructor in Module 2. Your outline is likely to have been modified by the discovery of additional research on your topic during this course. This paper is an opportunity for you to personalize the concepts you have learned in this course.
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You are strongly encouraged to use the following outline in your term project report:
Title: The title is a concise statement of the subject of the paper.
Abstract: The abstract is an “executive overview” of your paper. It should summarize the work in 50 to 100 words and enable your manager grasp the essence of your project.
Table of Contents: The table of contents lists each section of your paper and its corresponding page number. The list should include:
1. Tables and Figures (in case you have more than two)
2. Appendices (if there are any)
3. A reference section listing the sources used
Introduction: The introduction should state the purpose of the paper in succinct, declarative sentences. Convince your reader that the study will have practical value and meaning for you and it will be based on the concepts studied in the course.
Background and Significance: The background and significance section provides further justification for your study. If your project examines a topic drawn from your workplace, you should include a description of your work environment, your position in the organization, and how your position fits into the organization, both vertically and horizontally. You should also explain the applicable concepts from the course. If your project is focused on a particular organization, explain how these concepts apply to that organization. What is the organization doing well in? Could it benefit by adopting some of the concepts that you have studied?
Discussion, Implications, and Recommendations: In this section, you should provide a thorough discussion of your findings and the implications of your study. Be sure to include only the pertinent implications. You should also recommend an action plan. This plan will vary depending upon the type of project you have selected. For example, the action plan may be personal, or one which you could follow in your present position. It can also be about a position which would enable you to put the plan into action. If your project is a literature review, then your recommendations may be focused on the issues that need further research. Be sure that the recommendations are realistic in terms of the appropriate concepts and, if applicable, the organization you have studied.
References: You cannot use your textbook as your primary source of information. You must draw on other sources such as websites, business journals, organizations, and interviews with individuals. Be sure that you support the information presented with appropriate references. It is important that all references and quotes are cited correctly. All sources, including websites must be referenced in the Bibliography or References list. You must follow APA guidelines for style and form.
Appendices: Include a separate sheet and title for each appendix.
More Key Points:
Keep in mind that all accepted rules of English composition apply to your term paper.Your work should be submitted in a Word document, 15 pages in length, typed in double-space, in 10- or 12-point Arial or Times New Roman font. The page margins on the top, bottom, left side, and right side should be 1 inch each. Remember, the length of the paper is not the primary measure of the quality of the paper.
Submit the Word document to the appropriate dropbox. See the Course Calendar for due dates.
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Evaluation Criteria
Review the SBT Individual Project Rubric located in the “Start Here” section of the course for more information on grading criteria. Keep the following points in mind:
The information is balanced and relevant to the topic and the arguments display an understanding of course concepts.
The central argument is supported by pertinent examples and references from external research.