RESEARCH PAPER

TERM RESEARCH PAPER

In this semester long assignment, graduate students conduct individual research on an information systems topic of interest. The paper should not just be a summary of a technology or an overview of a topic but have a well-developed thesis and build a clear set of arguments from a minimum of 15 scholarly sources. A good mix of references are recommended for this assignment including sources such as: peer-reviewed academic journals, conference proceeding articles, and/or technical white papers available in pdf format available for download from corporate websites. Website references or other Internet sources are not acceptable. The outcome of this research will be a convincing professional paper based upon evidence from literature, case studies, and real-world industry applications. Each student will submit a proposal for Instructor approval and have significant flexibility to shape the overall scope, style, and direction of the research; however, at minimum the following items must be addressed:

1. Introduction (i.e. thesis, arguments and scope of paper)

2. Literature review (e.g. history, related work, origins of research)

3. Technical details (e.g. protocols, standards, algorithms, methodology)

4. Risks, limitations, and strategies/solutions

5. Implications for society and/or industry

6. Suggested course of action (i.e. what should be done and why)

7. Conclusion

8. Annotated bibliography

Research Milestones: These are formal checkpoints. Refer to course schedule. The quality of

each submission and conformance to deadlines will count towards the final grade. Milestones

allow the Instructor to provide guidance as necessary. Additionally, the Instructor will provide a specific methodology for conducting the research. Following this guidance will ensure the paper is created according to the highest standards for quality and academic integrity.

Style & Content: See first assignment. Format: PDF submission. The format or template for the term paper should be developed from scratch according to the following criteria. The cover page should include a title which is representative of the research. Single-spaced 8-10 pages excluding the cover page, table of contents, and the annotated bibliography in APA format. Minimum of 15 bibliographic references from peer-reviewed academic journals. Arial or Times New Roman 10/12 point font. One-inch margins.

Professional format: cover page, table of contents, section titles with numbering, figure and/or table captions with numbering, page numbers. Do not use graphics unless they are fully explained and directly contribute to the content of the paper. In-text citations must be included in the paper for all work that is not your own (e.g. Author, Year) and a detailed annotated bibliography. Refer to rubrics on the blackboard.