THE RESEARCH PROJECT:
Students are required to work on a group project. Each group is required to choose one country from the list of the assigned regions given in the next section of this course syllabus, and write a paper about the economy of that country in the context of globalization. The list of these regions is attached to this course syllabus. Additionally, a list providing the names of countries in each region is also provided.
If nonacademic circumstances beyond the group control occur which prevent the group from meeting the deadline, the group should present either a written medical excuse or a notification from the Dean of Student Services to arrange a reasonable extension on the project with the professor.
In choosing a country, each student in a group is advised to spend sufficient time to ensure that there are adequate references available to allow writing an in-depth paper with appropriate economic content. Each group member is required to write least 5 pages about the topic of the project. The paper should represent an original work that is based on extensive library research. It should be properly footnoted and it must follow a logical and consistent pattern. In writing this paper students are advised to follow one of the standard writing styles, e.g. A.P.A.
In organizing their papers the students are advised to follow the "Guidelines for Writing the Research Project," explained in Section XV of this course syllabus.
Students are advised to take their projects to the Writing Center, to ensure that their competed paper is free from grammatical error and the writing style is appropriate at the college level.
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.
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?