GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE RESEARCH PROJECT
The research project should be related to the process of economic development of a LDC. It should be factual and must be presented in the context of the economic analysis. The project should be composed of two parts: (1) Description, and (2) Analysis. In organizing each part the student is advised to follow the following general guidelines
Description:
The case description should be based on all of the facts about the past and present efforts that have been aimed at the economic development of the country in question. You should not present any of your own opinions in this part. In organizing the description part you could follow the following guidelines:
a) COVER PAGE: the title of the project; the number, and the section of the course; your name; date; and the name of the professor.
b) DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS WITH PAGE NUMBERS.
c) INTRODUCTION: Why are you interested in this topic? Where is the country located? What are the main resources of the country?
d) ECONOMIC CONDITIONS: GNP, unemployment inflation, economic growth, income distribution, balance of payments, etc.
e) POPULATION: The rate of growth of the population (past and present); the death and the birth rates; the level of education; where is most of the population located? What are future forecasts?
f) AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: size, structure, growth potential, major products, the degree of mechanization, and the percentage of the GNP attributed to agriculture.
g) INDUSTRIAL SECTOR: Major industries; size, structure, growth potential, major products, the degree of competitiveness in the international market, and the percentage of the GNP attributed to the industrial sector.
h) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Is the political climate conducive to economic development? Is the country receptive to modern technology and know-how? development planning? How is development financed? What organization is in charge of the economic development? Is an advanced country involved in this process?
I) CONCLUSION AND LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE.
j) APPENDICES, CHARTS (if any).
k) BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Aalysis:
Your opinion of the current and future conditions of the economic development of the country and your recommendation for its future:
a) An outline of major problems or issues the country is facing or will face during the course of economic development. A problem need not to be negative. Any positive (opportunity) or negative (threat) factors that need attention, solution, or decision making is considered a problem.
b) Alternative solutions to problems that need to be solved.
c) An evaluation of each alternative solution, including the pros and cons (advantages and disadvantages for each solution).
d) Choice: The best alternative or your recommendation to solve the problem based on your evaluation in step (c) above.
e) Why do you implement your recommended solution(s)? What kind of changes do you need to make so that the solution can be implemented?
CRITERIA FOR GRADING THE PAPER
The following criteria are used in grading your paper:
1. Originality and Focus. Is the paper original? Does the paper concentrate on a clear point of view or theses? Are the limitations of the study discussed? Does the paper come to a clear conclusion?
2. Theoretical Basis. If appropriate, does the paper present the related theoretical arguments?
3. Documentation. Is the paper well researched and documented? Are the arguments backed up by the use of appropriate footnotes?
4. Organization. Is the paper well organized? Are the arguments presented in a logical order? Are there smooth transitions between different parts of the paper?
5. Writing Style. Is the writing style clear? Are the arguments presented in a logical and coherent manner? Is there harmony between different parts of the paper? Are there any grammatical mistakes? Are footnotes/endnotes and bibliography presented in a consistent manner? Is the paper free from typos.