Objective: The argument and proposal for further research developed in Weeks 3 and 4 have been approved. Now you are to write a Research Paper that will take a position on the topic (thesis), demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter by finding and referencing some of the main research on a deeper level (Literature Review), reach some conclusions and make a recommendation(s) as to what you feel is the best way to proceed.
The rough draft for the Research Paper will be considered a part of the assignment. The final paper will probably amount to 10-11 pages.The final document should be single-spaced (except where it calls for double spaces, such as in APA)and have double space between each paragraph.
NOTE that the Letter, Title page, Exec Summary, ToC, and Works Cited [References] parts below should begin on a new page (Page Break). This is not necessary for the Intro, Lit Review, Discussions and Recommendations.
Due Dates:
Draft Copy: Sunday, February 14- last day of Week 5 (by 11:59 PM)
Final: Sunday, February 28-last day of Week 7 (by 11:59 PM)
THE PARTS OF THE RESEARCH PAPER (IN THIS ORDER). PLEASE FOLLOW THIS FORMAT
Letter of Transmittal (Cover Letter, and first page of assignment))
Transmittal memo to the stakeholder from WA#2 tostate the name of the research and to move the reader project forward into the attached Research paper (two paragraphs, max)
Include:
• Your name and address
• Date
• Recipient's name and address (name, title, organization, business address, salutation, proper close)
• Two paragraphs maximum explanation on the research and findings
• Close ("Sincerely" etc.)
Title page (title of research, your name, the course, the session + year)
Executive summary Usually the last thing you write but place it herein the assignment. A reader should be able to understand the entire Research Paper by reading this one-page‘summary' of the paper. Executive Summaries are written for the busy executives who needed to know everything ‘in a nutshell'. You'll find that you are somewhat repetitive in this area, but that is to be expected.
Table of Contents (for all pages before the ToC use Roman numerals in pagination (such as i, ii, iii); for all pages after the ToC, use Arabic numerals (1,2,3 etc)
Introduction
• Generally not more than one page
• Statement of the problem and/or opportunity
• Scope establishing boundaries and limitations for your article
• Appropriate background information (ex. historical data, relevant laws, definitions, etc.)
Literature Review (Research Methods, 2-3 pages)
You must use at least two peer-reviewed (or scholarly) sources (8 sources altogether are required) for this Research Paper. Most of these will be found by searching through the databases listed within UMUC's library system. This is the largest part of the Research paper where you present, analyze, and integrate research on the topic into the Research paper.
Primary research, including interviews and surveys, are not encouraged for this assignment; if you must, only minimally, please
Discussions and Conclusions (one page)
• Conclusions drawn from the experts' opinions and facts in the sources
• Criteria for drawing those conclusions (evaluating options and alternatives)
• Brief summation of problem and/or opportunity
Recommendations (one-half to one page)
• Recommendations
• Predictions
Works Cited (one page)
Use APA in creating the Reference page
Other (various)
Glossary and other appendices if needed
Visual Aids
At least 2 Illustrations are required for this assignment. The illustrations must be formatted, positioned logically in the article, and sized correctly so that they supplement the textual information without distracting the reader.
Illustrations may be photos, charts, graphs, logos, etc. Create your own illustrations or borrow them from sources if you give credit to the original authors according to the APA guidelines and copyright laws.