Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to display data with clarity both visually and in narrative, to provide for consistent interpretation of the data.

Directions:

Use a data set that you have at work or a sample data set in Blackboard under ‘Course Documents.’
Use tools available in spreadsheet, presentation, or other software to display the data. SmartArt is a useful tool within Microsoft products.
View supportive tutorials available from Microsoft Help, YouTube, or other sources to support your development in the skill.
Display your data for presentation to a team – include trending, variances, and target.
Write out the explanation of the displayed data as a narrative (minimum of two paragraphs for each data set such as a table or figure).
Evaluate how the display matches the narrative and recommend how you would change the display.

This assignment includes displayed data (tables, figures), a written explanation of the data, and your evaluation of the alignment. A data set is available in Blackboard under Course Documents for students unable to secure their own data from their work facility. A graphic example of data from a former student is also available to assist you with the assignment.

General Instructions:

1. Use APA writing style, which always includes a title page, a reference page, and all APA requirements. The paper should be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced, in Microsoft Word, with a title page and reference page. Headings should be used to organize this assignment. Refer to Chapter 5 in the APA Manual (6th ed.) for proper formatting and labeling of tables and figures. Review the resources on Scholarly writing and APA in “Course Documents” in Blackboard.
2. A minimum of three references other than the assigned texts/readings for this course should be utilized to support your methods.

3. The paper should be no longer than 4-5 pages including tables and figures (not including the title page and references).

4. The following rubric will be used to evaluate this assignment.

5. See the Assignments and Activities calendar for the due date. The paper must be submitted using the link to Turn tin located in the Assignment Dropbox on Blackboard. Submit this assignment to Turn tin prior to submitting the assignment to the Assignment Dropbox. Review the Similarity/Originality Report generated and make any necessary revisions prior to submitting to the Assignment Dropbox. Once you have reviewed the report and made any necessary revisions submit the assignment to the Assignment Dropbox by the due date. THE PAPER MUST BE SUBMITTED TO BOTH LOCATIONS.

6. Name the file (not the assignment) as follows: NSG 5460_assign2_your last name, first initial.

7. Assignments turned in late without previous approval or notification will receive a 10-point deduction for every day the assignment is late.

8. This assignment is 20 points.

Grading Rubric for assignments 1 & 2 (20 POINTS)

CATEGORY

5

4

2

1

Assignment Information

Assignment is

explicit,

focused, and

includes all assignment criteria.

Assignment is generally clear, explicitly stated, but has several lapses in focus and relevancy to assignment criteria.

Assignment is unclear or confusing. Minimally meets assignment criteria.

Assignment is unclear or confusing. Minimally meets assignment criteria.

CATEGORY

5

4

2

1

Quality of Information

Discussion is developed and is clearly supported by the literature. No lapses in logical progression of information. Contains specific, well developed information. It includes several supporting details and/or examples.

There are minor lapses in either the development of the discussion or in the support by the literature. No lapses in logical progression of information. It includes some supporting details and/or examples.

There are major lapses in either the development of the discussion or in the support by the literature. No lapses in logical progression of information. It includes minimal supporting details and/or examples.

There are major lapses in both the development of the discussion and in the support by the literature. Lapses in logical progression of information. It includes minimal supporting details and/or examples.

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Quality of Writing

Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs, subheadings, and tables (if tables required). Skillful use of precise and purposeful vocabulary. Skillful use of sentence fluency.

Information from references is paraphrased.

Minor lapses in either organization, paragraph and/or table construction (if tables required). Vocabulary is precise and purposeful. Minor lapses in sentence fluency. Majority of information from references is paraphrased. Direct quotes are used sparingly.

Major lapses in either organization, paragraph and/or table construction (if tables required). Major lapses in sentence fluency. Information from references is paraphrased and direct quotes are used in equal proportion.

Incomplete or illegible. Majority of information from references is direct quotes.

CATEGORY

2

1

0

Sources

All references are from relevant peer-reviewed sources, within a 5-year time frame or are classic sources. Sources used follow assignment instructions in type and number.

Some references are from non-peer-reviewed sources or are older than 5 years. Some use of course textbooks or course resources resulting in not meeting assignment instructions.

Minimal use of peer-reviewed sources. Majority of references are older than 5 years. Many sources used are course textbooks or course resources resulting in not meeting assignment instructions.

CATEGORY

4

2

1

0

APA

Skillful and proficient use of APA formatting of text. References are cited correctly using APA format.

There are minor lapses in APA formatting of text and citation of references using APA format.

There are major lapses in APA formatting of text and citation of references using APA format.

No use of APA formatting or reference citation.