MGT paper

Traits

1 (Unsatisfactory)

2 (Satisfactory)

3 (Good)

Comments

Provides clear introduction and background

No or unclear introduction, and absence of background information.

Provides an introduction, presents some but not all of the key background information.

Provides a coherent introduction and addresses key background issues effectively.

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the discipline-related concepts and issues

Discipline-specific concepts and issues are not identified or they are identified inappropriately.

Appropriately addresses most of the key discipline-specific concepts and issues but omits or inappropriately identifies a few of the minor ones.

Appropriately addresses all key discipline-specific concepts and issues and most of the minor ones.

Uses internally consistent arguments

Arguments are inconsistent, different parts of the paper do not relate well to each other and are inconsistent.

Most arguments are consistent, and most parts of the paper are integrated and consisted.

Arguments presented in the paper are consistent and the different parts of the paper are well integrated and consistent.

Organizes arguments in a logical manner

Arguments are poorly organized, do not flow well, and are hard to follow.

Most but not all of the arguments are well organized, flow logically and are easy to follow.

All arguments are well organized, flow logically and are easy to follow.

Applies law to facts appropriately

Does not demonstrate understanding of the link between law and a particular set of facts

Generally applies law to facts appropriately

Demonstrates mastery of applying law to facts

Draws conclusions that are consistent with arguments and analysis

No or very weak connection between analysis and conclusions

Reasonable connection between analysis and conclusions; there may be minor inconsistencies

Very strong connection between analysis and conclusions; there are no inconsistencies.

Uses acceptable style and grammar

Numerous spelling errors; inappropriate grammar, sentence structure, and paragraphing used throughout the document

Few spelling errors, generally appropriate grammar, sentence structure and paragraphing

No or very minimal spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and paragraphing errors

Documents sources effectively

No or inconsistent references; evidence of plagiarism

Generally includes appropriate citations within the document and lists references at the end of the document; references are generally usable but may not contain the full bibliographic information; citations and references are generally consistent throughout the document

Includes appropriate citations within the document and lists references that includes full bibliographic information for each citation in the document; citations and references are consistent throughout the document

Traits

1 (Unsatisfactory)

2 (Satisfactory)

3 (Good)

Comments

Framing the Research Question

Develops a general tentative thesis statement or research question; identifies obvious keywords

Develops a clear tentative thesis statement or research question; identifies key concepts that describe the information need

Develops a focused tentative thesis statement or research question; identifies key concepts and related terms that describe the information need

Accessing Sources

Develops search strategies using basic keywords; identifies and searches a minimal number and/or types of sources to retrieve information

Develops search strategies using keywords and synonyms; identifies and searches more than the minimal number and/or types of sources to retrieve information

Develops effective search strategies using keywords, synonyms and subject headings; identifies and searches the most appropriate sources to answer the question; differentiates between and uses primary and secondary sources

Evaluating Sources and Content

Quotes sources without comment or evaluation; synthesizes main ideas; uncertain as to whether the original information need has been satisfied

Examines and compares information from various sources; investigates differing viewpoints; synthesizes main ideas to create new concepts; compares new information with prior knowledge identifies verbatim material and appropriately quotes it; determines if original information need has been satisfied or if additional information is needed

Examines and compares information from various sources to evaluate reliability, validity, timeliness, authority, and point of view bias; analyzes differing viewpoints to determine whether to reject viewpoints encountered; considers contradictory information; recognizes prejudice, deception, or manipulation; reviews search strategy and incorporates additional concepts as necessary

Using Information for a Specific Purpose

Organizes content to support purposes and format of the assignment; does not recognize when a revision of thesis statement or research question is needed; weakly communicates ideas

Effectively organizes content in support of purposes and format of the assignment; reviews and appropriately revises thesis statement or research question; communicates ideas cogently

Effectively organizes content in support of purposes and format of the assignment using multiple sources; reviews and effectively strengthens thesis statement or research question; incorporates new and prior information; including quotations and paraphrasing that support purposes of the assignment; communicates ideas cogently