Assignment 4 : BUS/349 Mgt Infor System Section

WHAT IS A POINT PAPER?

A point paper is a method that allows you to in a VERY brief format, describe a topic, article, or subject and provide your opinion or a suggestion on that topic.

For this course we will use point papers to report on an article, group of articles, or a topic that has been assigned. The texted below explains how to write a point paper as well as a listing of the significant parts. The second item in this folder provides an example of the format and style you should use.

WRITING A POINT PAPER

Point Papers should not exceed two pages; something less depending on the nature of the topic is desirable. Clarity is the key providing the user with salient information and eliminating superfluous detail. Paragraphs are abbreviated to no more than 2-3 sentences written in the active voice.

Where detailed explanations or background information is necessary, some organizations will allow attachment of tabs or enclosures for amplification of particular points. Otherwise, the stand-alone Point Paper becomes an art in and of itself for analyzing an issue, synthesizing the issue, and tailoring the paper to the appropriate audience's needs.

Subject: Topic or Issue Identification

Problem: The issue under consideration or point of unresolved difference in concise specific terms. The problem statement is usually phrased in terms of questions considerably more focused than the subject of the paper and may call for providing recommendations.

Background: Usually one or two brief paragraphs suffice to give the immediate background required to set the context for the discussion, conclusions or recommendation provided. Remote historical data is unnecessary. Determine the essential issues, events, or actions to frame the problem and subsequent discussion points.

Discussion: This section is the essence of the Point Paper. Be brief, consider the reader's position, be specific, and focus on the important points. Points are generally presented in a sequence that logically flows from one point to the next and lead the reader to accept the conclusions or recommendations in the final section. Discussion points can be anywhere from one to three sentences; brevity and clarity are key to making your points.

Point #1 stated in 1-3 brief sentences.

Point #2 stated in 1-3 brief sentences.

Point #3 stated in 1-3 brief sentences.

Point #4 stated in 1-3 brief sentences.

Conclusion (or Recommendation): The author should succinctly synthesize the discussion points in a major conclusion in as few sentences as possible. Try to answer the question, "What should all this discussion mean to the reader in the forum for which the paper is being used?" If a specific recommendation is called for, then the conclusion should lead to a statement of specific recommendation.

Please follow the example in the link presented below to insure that you are using the proper format, making a good case for your research, and of course to receive maximum credit.

http://photographytraining.tpub.com/14129/css/Figure-1-13-Formal-Point-Paper-Format-51.htm

GRADING

These papers will be graded on how well you present the information from your topic or article and the quality of your recommendation. Please note that papers that are not well thought out or do not cover the material will receive poor grades. Additionally, I expect coherent arguments to be presented in a clear and concise manner with proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and English. Also note that these assignments are independent work and should not be done with the assistance of any other individual. Additionally, there is no cutting and pasting allowed. If material is cut and pasted or taken directly from another source, it will be considered plagiarism. If this happens the student will receive a zero for the assignment and will be referred to the Dean’s Office for appropriate action.