4 page paper

Introduction

This section provides a brief and broad overview of the project. Included should be a "road map" of the overall flow of the paper. In the introduction you identify the problem to be studied and contextualize it within the context of the hospitality industry, finally capturing the reader’s attention.

NOTE: Your professional paper may follow one of many options. The option must be clearly identified in the introduction. The determination of which option to follow and any nuances of that option should be agreed upon by the candidate and their chair. The options include but are not necessarily limited to: (a) marketing plan, (b) case study, (c) training program, (d) business plan, (d) other study as agreed to by your chair and course professor.

Purpose

This section identifies the specific purpose of the study. The purpose of the study explains how the study is intended to improve the body of knowledge about the issue. It assumes that there is a gap in the knowledge/understanding of the selected issue. The problem should be explained in the broader scope of the hospitality industry and identifies how it is different from other similar studies. Finally, set the stage for the theoretical foundations of the study implying how this study can inform the hospitality industry.

NOTE: Part 1 is written initially without the benefit of part 2 (the literature review). As the writer becomes more familiar with the topic sections of part 1 will be rewritten – such as setting the stage for the theoretical foundations of the study. This applies particularly to the following section.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Research, including ProPapers, are grounded in theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

This section introduces theoretical concepts to the reader and sets them up for part 2. This section introduces key areas of literature for the study. It cites research representing the discipline and is supportive of the problem statement, explaining how these key areas inform (provide facts and supporting research) the study, providing a foundation to the problem statement. This is accomplished in two or three paragraphs. The bulk of the process is in Chapter two.

Statement of Problem

The statement of the problem articulates (express fluently and coherently) the business problem in lay terms explaining how this study will add to the current understanding either as an example or an exception. The options include but are not necessarily limited to: (a) identification of an organizational situation or consideration of a problem that needs to be solved, (b) identification of an organizational problem or consideration that has been solved (ex post facto study), (d) analysis of an organizational development such as expansion or implementation or change of procedures, or (d) other as agreed to by the committee chair consistent with this professional paper guidance.

Limitations/Delimitations

Identify the limitations and delimitations of the study and explain them in detail. Limitations: Externally imposed constraints are those over which the researcher has no control, but will have an impact on the breadth and depth of the study. Delimitations: Self-imposed constraints are those imposed by the researcher. The reasons, and potential impacts, must be clearly identified.

Assumptions

If assumptions must be made to perform this work then they should be described.

Definitions

Professional Papers introduce new terms specific to the context of the study that may not be understood by a reader. In this section, identify and list any terms which are unique to the subject of the study and/or if the definitions are not universally known, must be defined in the context of the study. All terms should be thoroughly discussed in your literature review. All terms must be cited.

NOTE: Definitions will become apparent as you work your way through parts 2 and 3. As they appear, the definitions should be added to part 1.