Final Paper Instructions

The sections starting from “Introduction” and ending at “Discussion” should be one continuous paper and although it can be shorter, it should not be more than 10 pages (cover page and references not included in page count). Your paper should be typed, be not less than 11 point font, double-spaced, on 8.5 x11” paper, with 1” margins on all sides and stapled. (Please no binders, cerlax, or duotangs due to weight considerations).

1. Cover Page – This should have a good, descriptive title for your paper Include your full name, student number, course-name, course number, section information, and date of submission.

2. Abstract/Executive Summary– This should describe to the reader what your paper is about. It should be comprehensible without reading the rest of the paper. Be precise, relevant, and complete. Although it can be shorter, your abstract should be no longer than 1 double-spaced page

3. Introduction Section

a. Why should anyone be interested in your topic? Use quantitative, qualitative or case study research from good quality newspaper articles and/or academic journal articles to justify why the area you have chosen is important.

End this section with a clear hypothesis about the variables in your area

4. Central Section

a. Clearly define the variables in your hypothesis. Refer to how other researchers have defined these variables. How are the multiple definitions similar and/or different from each other? Discuss briefly how the variables in your hypothesis are different from closely related/confusing concepts/variables

b. Describe relevant empirical evidence supporting your hypothesis. Be specific, precise, concrete, but sufficient and brief.

c. Describe relevant empirical evidence counter to your hypothesis.Discuss how it can be reconciled with current research if such research exists.

Discussion Section

a. Discuss dominant and alternative explanations for the research findings. What is your evaluation of the current state of research in your hypothesis area? Identify key similarities and differences among empirical findings. Assess the way in which the research was conducted and/or the variables were defined.

b. What are implications of current research in your hypothesis area for practice?

c. What additional type of knowledge is needed to further understanding of your hypothesis area? What gaps exist in the literature? Identify (if any) variables that have been neglected in your hypothesis? Identify (if any) relations between variables that could be explored in future research. Why do you think research on these additional factors/relations is needed? What can be learned from doing research on such additional factors/relations?

d. What specific suggestions and recommendations do you have for future research projects that would improve research and practice in the area of your hypothesis?

e. How can “hard to counter” empirical evidence contradictory to your hypothesis be addressed by future research (if relevant to your area only).

f. End your paper with a short concluding paragraph

References Section

a. Your reference section should reflect all the citations used in the body of your paper. The references should be correctly listed. You should use one academic style (e.g., APA, MLA etc)to list all the references. You will be judged on the quality of your references.

b. Internet websites will not be accepted as references/citations.

Additional Stylistic Guidelines

a. Clarity:Use clear sentences and appropriate words (differentiate between connotative and denotative meanings of words).

b. Structure: Paragraphs have topic sentences/main ideas and paragraphs are logically connected to each other with good transition sentences. Paragraphs have appropriate headings, Paper organized by topic. Avoid the following types of errors:

  1. Too many ideas in individual sentences leading to confusion.
  2. Sentences seem haphazardly put together
  3. Lack of transition statements between paragraphs
  4. Incoherent structure of paper (cannot determine direction of paper)
  5. Paper organized by article.

c. Writing Style: Use active voice. Pick and consistently use an academic style for referencing [e.g., APA/MLA etc.]). Take the following precautions:

  1. Check for consistency within sentences: Plural vs. singular tense agreement, present vs. past vs. future tense agreement, first vs. third person agreement
  2. Check for punctuation errors (e.g., commas in the wrong place)
  3. Avoid the use of contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t etc.)
  4. Avoid misplaced propositions (e.g., the)
  5. Check spelling
  6. Avoid using passive voice
  7. Avoid using direct quotes. Paraphrase in own words to demonstrate understanding

d.Amount of Detail: Give sufficiently detailed and relevant descriptions of studies and theoretical explanations. Don’t give too much irrelevant detail about research studies thus having to reduce the space spent on discussing implications of findings for researchor for managerial practice. Don’t use general statements (truisms) without giving specific empirical evidence to back them up.

e. Degree of Originality: Propose interesting new ideas for research or solutions to research problems.Give good/creative/unique suggestions on how to improve practice & research. Move beyond critiquing the ‘writing’ style of articles to the way in which research was conducted or the variables were defined.

Following is an evaluation of your final paper…

Title is accurate, relevant, short & descriptive.5
Abstract is complete, descriptive summary of paper 3
Missing ___Definition ___ hypo ___ pro evidence& explanation___ counter evidence & explanation, ___ future suggestions, ___implications, ___limitations
Uses good evidence & arguments to justify importance of topic.5
Hypothesis is clear, narrow .5
Defines variables in hypothesis; ___Has good (theoretical/empirical) sources for definitions of variables in hypo, __comments on similarity/difference b/w definitions; __explains how variables in hypo are different from closely related variables 2
Has (a min. of) of 2 good empirical sources to support hypo1
Gives sufficient & relevant info on evidence forhypothesis;__ identifies similarities &/ differences among them __too much irrelevant detail __too many unsupported generalizations 1
Has (a min. of) 1 good empirical source(s) to support counter hypo1
Gives sufficient & relevant info on evidence againsthypothesis __Too much irrelevant detail studies __ too many unsupported generalizations 1
Gives good explanations for pro hypothesis findings __too many direct quotes, cannot judge understanding2
Gives good explanations for counter hypothesis findings __Uses too many direct quotes2
Discusses how counter evidence can be explained with current/future research 2
Evaluates validity of current research with respect to methods & definitions 1
Describes practical implications of current findings 1
Shows insight by explaining how research on new variable/new relation b/w variables improves research/practice 4
Adequately describes one proposed study, explaining its relevance to research & practice 3
Structure:Sections have good titles; Paras have topic sentences, convey a main idea, are logically connected to each other with transition sentences; Paper organized by topic2.5
__Too many ideas in individual sentences leading to confusion __Sentences seem haphazardly put together
__Lack of transition statements between paragraphs/sentences __Incoherent structure of paper (cannot determine direction of paper)__Paper organized by article.
Style: Uses appropriate words, correct grammar, spelling, punctuation; active voice, provides complete information on references, uses a consistent style of referencing 2
__Grammatical inconsistency within sentences:___ Plural vs. singular tense agreement,___ present vs. past vs. future tense agreement, ___ first vs. third person agreement
__Punctuation errors (e.g., commas in the wrong place) __Uses contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t etc.)_Misplaced propositions (e.g., the)__Incorrect spelling__Uses passive voice rather than active voice

______/30Total Actual Marks