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Generating a reading list

CSU Library

Journal databases

Business

EBSCO Host

Make sure that you click the box for “peer reviewed” articles

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Perform the CRAP Test

Make sure that you click the box for “peer reviewed” articles

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Read the first sentence in each paragraph carefully.

Note headings, titles, diagrams, pictures.

Think while you read. Ask yourself questions.

Underline, highlight, make notes in the margin.

Try to work out the meanings of words from the context but, if necessary, check your dictionary.

Write a one-sentence summary at the end of every section or do a simple oral review.

Effective reading

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In your note taking, extract and record the main ideas and key points. You should try to express these in your own words, rather than simply highlighting or underlining them.

This means that you understand the material, and helps you to concentrate as you read.

**Note–taking is also a useful strategy for identifying which quotes and sections to paraphrase in supporting your ideas.

Note-Taking

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Title page

Executive Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction

Discussion

Conclusion

Recommendations

References

The report structure

The discussion section is the body of the report. This section should have subtitles for each argument presented (see ‘Table of Contents’ page)

The report must include all parts mentioned here in this order. Check your word count for each section.

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http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/report/3b.html

Executive Summary

Executive summary

PURPOSE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------METHOD----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RESULTS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONCLUSION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECOMENDATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HINT: Write this after you have completed the report, but it appears after the Title Page and before the Table of Contents. No need to use subheadings here, it should be one paragraph with one or two sentences for each section.

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Executive Summary

An executive summary or ‘abstract’ is very important as some readers may only read this part. Write it last, being sure to include a summary of all parts of the report (omitting examples unless essential) including the:

• ‘why’ write the report (purpose)

• ‘what’ does the report include (scope or breadth of the investigation)

• ‘how’ were the arguments created/information gathered (methodology)

• ‘what you found out’ (major findings with supporting data)

• ‘so what’ (analysis, conclusions and recommendations)

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Executive Summary (example)

The aim of this report is to investigate UniLab staff attitudes to personal mobile phone use in staff and team meetings. A staff survey on attitudes towards the use of mobile phones in staff/team meetings was conducted. The results indicate that the majority of staff find mobile phones are disruptive and should be turned off in meetings. It is concluded that the attitudes of staff members toward mobile phone use is negative. It is recommended that uniLab develops a company policy banning the use of mobile phones in exceptional circumstances.

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
1. Executive summary Formatted on a separate page, summarise the key components of the paper. (2) (100-150 words)	The executive summary contains a concise, yet detailed summary of the paper’s purpose, findings, and conclusion.	The executive summary contains a detailed summary of the paper’s purpose, findings, and conclusion; improve the conciseness.	The executive summary summarises the paper’s purpose, findings, and conclusion; improve clarity and/or include more relevant information.	The executive summary provides a general summary of the paper; improve the paper’s purpose, findings, and/or conclusion by adding key details.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

100-150

Words

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Table of Contents (example)

Executive Summary

Table of Contents Page number

1. Introduction

Findings and Discussion

2.1 Unilever’s Approach to CSR

2.2 Approach to CSR A (the subtitle here is individual work)

2.3 Approach to CSR B (the subtitle here is individual work)

2.4 Factors to consider

3. Conclusion

4. Recommendations

4.1 Implementation Strategy A (the subtitle here is individual work)

4.2 Implementation Strategy B (the subtitle here is individual work)

4.3 Implementation Considerations

5. References

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Introduction

The introduction should be the first paragraph at the start of the report. It should:

Contextualises the report

Defines the problem

Describes the research methods

Specifies objectives and previews structure

Clearly establishes the scope and purpose

250-350

Words

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
2. Introduction Outline the context, background, purpose/objective, scope, and structure (plan) of the report. (3) (250-350 words)	The report contains an engaging and distinct introduction that identifies all components (context, background, purpose/objective, scope, and structure) and emphasises assumptions that were made and limitations that were encountered.	The report contains a clear introduction that identifies all components (context, background, purpose/objective, scope, and structure) and emphasises assumptions that were made and limitations that were encountered.	The report contains an introduction that identifies all components (context, background, purpose/objective, scope, and structure) and provides the reader with a good understanding on what to expect from the report.	The report contains an introduction that addresses the components (context, background, purpose/objective, scope, and structure). One component may be missing and/or the reader understands what to expect from the report although with some effort.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

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Background/Context

background information (for example a brief history or description, set context of topic or problem)

Problem/Purpose

what is the problem that your report is responding to and what is the rationale for discussing it?

Scope

a report should include specific information that is relevant to the purpose. Narrowing your report is known as establishing the scope (or focus).

Introduction: key terms defined

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Introduction: example

Plagiarism in tertiary education is considered a very serious issue and major cause for continual university policy and procedural review. While educators attempt to minimize the incidence of plagiarism through changing the topics of assessment items each semester, undeniably plagiarism remains a challenge for all members of the academic community. The need to maintain academic integrity within tertiary institutions and to produce high-order thinking graduates lies at the heart of this problem. While the employment of digital tools such as TurnItIn has assisted in the identification of plagiarism, there are calls for a wider range of methods to prevent students from plagiarizing in the first place. In this report, the various forms of plagiarism will be identified along with the motives for plagiarism from the perspective of students. The penalties and indirect consequences in tertiary education will also be outlined. Through supporting various conclusions in this report with evidence from secondary evidence, it is the purpose of this report to evaluate how the prevalence of plagiarism can most effectively be minimised and to provide recommendations for students, educators and university policy makers.

Context

Problem

Purpose

Structure preview

Research method

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Findings and Discussion (arguments)

250-300 Words

X 4 Arguments (1000-1200)

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
3. Discussion (body of the report) Critically review relevant literature demonstrating knowledge of current views on CSR and write a discussion that interprets findings in relation to the literature reviewed and the article provided. Link to application with explicit, logical and accurate examples and explanations of company's implemented CSR practices. (15) (1100-1200 words) [meets subject LO1/2/4]	The discussion contains a comprehensive and critical review of highly relevant literature related to the task. The interpretation critically analyses relevant theories and previous findings to provide a strong rationale and justification in which arguments are logical and integrated. Links to the underlying article are coherently made with the application of explicit, logical and accurate examples and explanations.	The discussion contains a critical, but limited, review of relevant literature related to the issues in the task. The interpretation provides a critical analysis of relevant theories and previous findings that is logical. Links to the underlying article are coherently made with the application of explicit and logical examples and explanations.	The discussion collates and analyses relevant academic management sources, interprets the information, and clearly expresses findings on the management issues in the task that are backed up with relevant evidence and analysis from the literature. Links to the underlying article are made with the application of explicit examples and explanations.	The discussion effectively gathers and compares various academic management sources, interprets the information, and expresses findings on the management issues in the task that are backed up with evidence from the literature. Links to the underlying article are made; improve clarity of links to theory with more detailed application of examples and explanations.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

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Paragraph structure

A paragraph generally consists of 4 parts:

Topic Sentence

not just mentioning the topic but presenting the controlling idea (what you are saying about the topic)

Supporting Sentences

Detail Sentence

Concluding Sentence (Restatement).

Structuring your writing

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Topic sentence

Point + detail

Evidence

Analysis

Supporting sentences

Concluding sentences

The PEA model

(Thomson & Droga, 2012, p. 55)

A paragraph must have both unity and cohesion. It is “a group of related sentences that develops one main idea.”

Paragraph Structure

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Point – a.k.a. the topic sentence; tells the reader the point of the paragraph and takes them to the next stage in your argument

Evidence - supports the point – explains, elaborates, exemplifies; draws on literature relevant to the discipline

Analysis – explains, interprets or evaluates the evidence and ties the paragraph together and can also link to the next point.

PEARL:

Relate back to the topic

Link to the next idea

Paragraph Structure - example

The use of linking words to minimise plagiarism

Another important component of minimising plagiarism is the careful use of connecting words and phrases and using reporting verb appropriately. Connecting (or linking) words and phrases that create cohesion and are important for a writer to employ in order for the reader to comprehend the writing easily. Such words include ‘therefore’, ‘however’, ‘clearly’, ‘similarly’, and ‘in conclusion’. Cohesion words can be used to underline if the sentence is for reinforcement, result/consequence, generalising, contrast, and concession (Gould, 2011). Reporting verbs are those verbs which are use to convey the words or idea of a cited report (Bretag et al., 2012), for example ‘claim’, ‘state’, ‘argue’ and ‘describe’. Having a full understanding of writing in academic style gives students a better chance to present their work clearly, thus, minimising the occurrence of copying other people’s work.

Point

Detail

Evidence

Analysis

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Create an objective, confident voice

Use the third person (this means not using 'I')

Using the third person as it enables you to show that you are being objective.

You could try using:

This report discusses the importance of ...

This research shows that ...

It could be argued that ...

Smith (2016) suggests that ...

(De Montfort University, 2017)

Writing in third person

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The language of an argument – linking words

Just making a claim or presenting evidence is not enough unless you use the right connector words to communicate an argument.

Linking words are used to link ideas from one sentence to the next. This develops cohesion and coherence within a paragraph (Language learning base, 2017).

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
8. Level of comprehension provided to the audience. (1)	Language features and structures are used to convey meaning effectively, clearly, concisely, unambiguously, and in a tone appropriate to the audience and purpose, with no spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors.	Language features and structures are used to convey meaning effectively, clearly, unambiguously, and in a tone appropriate to the audience and purpose; improve the few spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors.	The meaning is apparent to the reader with little effort; improve the occasionally occurring errors in spelling, grammar, word choice, and structure, as well as the occasionally lacking clarity.	The meaning is apparent to the reader with some effort; improve the frequent errors in spelling, grammar, word choice, and structure, as well as the clarity and conciseness.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

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Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence connectors, they can also be used to develop coherence within a paragraph, that is linking one idea / argument to another

▪ Restatement of four main arguments in different words. This is your own judgement so you cannot use citations

▪ No new information.

▪ The implications of this view or what might happen as a result.

Conclusion

150-200

Words

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The purpose of a conclusion is to tie together, or integrate the various issues, research, etc., covered in the body of the paper, and to make comments upon the meaning of all of it. This includes noting any implications resulting from your discussion of the topic.

Recommendations

Suggests possible action in the future.

Provides you with the opportunity to think of creative solutions, based on the findings and conclusions in the report.

Must not include any new information.

Should be given in order of importance (i.e. the most important should go first).

Often uses dot points.

300-350

Words

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Conclusion and Recommendations

300-350

Words

Recommendations

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
4. Conclusion and recommendations Summarise the discussion and state the significance of your findings. (5) (400-500 words) [meets subject LO4]	Conclusions are relevant, comprehensive, and accurately portray the key points of the discussion. Recommendations are specific, practical, measurable and achievable suggestions, oriented to the issues identified, and organised in a relevant manner. Conclusions/recommendations logically flow from the previous sections of the report in a manner which is evident to the reader. They are presented in a clear, itemised format.	Conclusions are relevant and accurately portray most key points of the discussion. Recommendations are specific suggestions, oriented to the issues identified, and well organised. Conclusions/recommendations logically flow from the previous sections of the report in a manner which is clear to the reader. They are presented in a clear, itemised format.	Conclusions are relevant and portray some key points of the discussion, but are somewhat limited. Recommendations are logically oriented to the issues identified. Conclusions/recommendations are related to the previous sections of the report. They are presented in a clear format.	Conclusions portray some of the points in the discussion, but are quite limited. Recommendations are relevant to the issues identified; improve the focus. Conclusions/recommendations are related to the previous sections of the report; improve the clarity. They are presented in an understandable format.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

150-200

Words

Conclusion

400-500

Words

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There is a link between discussion, conclusions and recommendations.

Research evidence presented from outside sources in the discussion should be factual and verifiable

Conclusions are your own ideas that you deduce from the discussion.

Recommendations are what you believe should be done (based on evidence from outside sources presented in your discussion)

Linking sections of the report

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Elements of APA Referencing

In-text citations: direct quotation in the body of your assignment, eg. (Conti, 2012, p.52)

In-text citations: paraphrase in the body of your assignment, eg. (Conti, 2012)

References is a list placed at the end of your assignment

eg: Conti, M. (2012). The joy of referencing. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.

Please note: For more information on this, go to assessment support slides for Assignment 3 or here: https://apps.csu.edu.au/reftool/apa-6

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For every in-text citation that you have, there should be a corresponding expansion of the details in the References list.

https://apps.csu.edu.au/reftool/apa-6

This link will help you understand both in-text and References (list) elements.

APA6: In-text citations

Do remember to use a variety of in-text citations:

This usually takes the form of the name of the author, followed by the year of publication. Two acceptable forms of in-text citations are:

Miller and Collins (2009) state that *information from the source* - use and when family names are outside parentheses AUTHOR ORIENTATED

*Information from the source* (Miller & Collins, 2009). - use & when family names are inside parentheses INFORMATION ORIENTATED

Note A: If two or more authors are cited at the same point in the text then they are included in the same in-text citation, separated by a semicolon, e.g., (Brown, 1991; Smith, 2003).

Note B: If you are referencing another source found in a journal article, you can reference like this: According to Smith (2014) as cited in Potts (2017)… It is then the Potts (2017) source that you cite in reference list.

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In-Text Citations (direct quotes)

For short quotes:

Use fewer than 40 words and incorporate the quote into the text and use double quotation marks:

“...............................” (Brown & Brown, 2008, p.112).

For example: It was found that "individuals can discriminate between members of their own and a closely related sympatric species on the basis of song and beak morphology" (Grant & Grant, 2008, p. 78).

Note C: Long quotes do not show your understanding of the material so please avoid using any more than half a sentence.

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In-Text Citations (paraphrasing)

Paraphrasing is using the work of others, keeping the same meaning, but writing in your own choice of words.

Paraphrasing is generally more highly valued by academics than direct quoting

Paraphrasing allows you to:

demonstrate that you understand what you have read and that you can apply this knowledge

better maintain your personal style and the smooth flow of your essay

For example: Grant and Grant (2008) studied the behaviour of finches on Daphne Major and found that in many cases misimprinted birds mated and hybridised.

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Building a Reference List

A reference list includes books, journal articles or websites that you have cited in the text of your essay

The reference should appear at the end of your work on a separate page

The reference list is arranged alphabetically by author

Where an item has no author it is cited and listed by its title

Use double spacing between references

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Reference List Samples

Here is an example of a journal article with one author

Notice the “hanging” paragraph format

If there is no DOI assigned and the reference was retrieved online, give the URL of the journal home page

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Reference List Samples

Here is an example of a journal article with multiple authors

Notice the “hanging” paragraph format

You are required to list all names with a comma between each and then an “&” between the last two authors.

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Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
6. APA6th citation techniques used to good effect in report. (1)	APA6th citation techniques are applied accurately and effectively throughout the report to clearly acknowledge and identify all sources of evidence.	APA6th citation techniques are applied accurately throughout the report to acknowledge and clearly identify all sources of evidence.	APA6th citation techniques are consistently applied throughout the report to acknowledge and identify all sources of evidence.	The sources of evidence are acknowledged. Improve the recurring inaccuracies and inconsistencies regarding the APA6th citation techniques.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.
7. APA6th referencing style rules correct. (1)	Referencing is comprehensive, demonstrates academic integrity, and conforms exactly to APA6th style conventions.	Referencing is comprehensive, demonstrates academic integrity, and conforms to APA6th style conventions with fewer than four minor errors or omissions which don’t impact on the transparency and traceability of the source, or the demonstration of academic integrity.	Referencing is comprehensive and mostly accurate according to APA6th style conventions. Several minor errors or omissions in formatting choices don’t impact on the transparency and traceability of the source, or the demonstration of academic integrity.	Referencing is comprehensive and mostly accurate according to APA6th style conventions. Frequent minor errors or omissions in formatting choices don’t impact on the transparency and traceability of the source, or the demonstration of academic integrity.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

In-text references

Within the text of the document, as you go along.

Reference List

Within a list at the end of the document (but before any Appendices).

APA6th Edition Referencing

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Presentation

The following points are an important guide for presenting assessment items:

Use the conventional report format and structure (title page, executive summary, table of contents, introduction, discussion, conclusion, recommendations, APA6 referencing style).

To introduce the report, create a title page including a title (topic of the report), your name and student ID, date the report was written.

Use figures, tables and appendices (where appropriate) and number them separately for each item type. A list of figures, tables and appendices is not required.

Use clear and relevant headings and sub-headings to assist your reader to navigate and understand the information in the report.

Clearly structure your paragraphs.

Use design elements to create a professional-looking paper.

Provide a single reference list ("References") that starts on a new page.

Use 1.5 spacing throughout the report.

Use a standard 12 point font such as Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial.

Left-justify body text.

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Formal Structure and Presentation

Criteria*	HD – Outstanding Achievement 85% - 100%	DI - High Achievement 75% - 84%	CR - Above Satisfactory Achievement 65% - 74%	PS - Satisfactory Achievement 50% - 64%	FL - Unsatisfactory Achievement 0 - 49%
5. Formal structure and presentation of the report Also refers to the “look” of the report – professionally presented. (2)	All required elements of the business report and all presentation criteria (as identified in the presentation guidelines) are present and completed to a high standard. The paper is entirely presented in a professional-looking document, using engaging headings and clear, significant and sensible figures/tables and appendices (where appropriate) to assist the reader to navigate and understand the information.	All required elements of the business report and almost all presentation criteria (as identified in the presentation guidelines) are present and completed to a high standard. The paper is mainly presented in a professional-looking document, using informative headings and figures/tables and appendices (where appropriate) to assist the reader to navigate and understand the information.	All required elements of the business report and most of the presentation criteria (as identified in the presentation guidelines) are present and completed to a good standard. Presentation is adequate; improve minor issues to increase professional quality. Headings and figures/tables and appendices (where appropriate) are comprehensible.	All required elements of the business report are present and completed to a satisfactory standard. There are a number of issues with the presentation criteria (as identified in the presentation guidelines) which affect the reader’s engagement with the report. Attention to the "look" of the presentation is given.	Fails to meet criteria for a pass.

Information about how to present the formal structure of your assignment is featured in the above slides. The title page, table of contents, use of subtitles, use of consistent font create a professional looking report.

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