Term Paper

DIRECTIONS FOR WRITNG THE TERM PAPER

. TERM PAPER

Each student is expected to write a term paper on a selected topic.

Term paper topics must be related to this course. You may create a topic based on the terms, concepts, theories, and fundamental principles that contains the Textbook. Each chapter is about an aspect of management, but very general. Each subheading in the chapter is specific. You can develop ideas on those. You may pick a topic on the issue that you are interested in. Do not pick a topic which is specific to marketing, economics, business law, or other disciplines. You may choose a topic from the provided list on the Class Web Site.

It is important to structure the paper (divide into sections). You can structure the paper as the following. First section must be Introduction. Put here 1-2 paragraphs about importance of the subject. Next several sections must comprise the body of the paper. You must describe the issue (analysis and literature review – a section), identify problems in that issue (another section), and suggest solutions to those problems – a new section. You must review the relevant literature to that particular field. The conclusion must include a summary and brief description of your contribution to the field (problems identified and solutions suggested). Non-structured (not divided into sections with subheadings) papers will not be graded. The title page must be designed as shown on the class web site.

Size: not less than six double spaced pages. Use the APA citing format. At least five journal (scholarly) articles must be used from the Kent library’s web site. See section V for a journal listing. Books and Internet sources can be used as an extra material. Do not cite the textbook.

The following is a sample structure of the term paper titled: Best-Cost Leadership Strategy

I. Introduction

II. The essence of the best-cost leadership strategy

III. Advantages and disadvantages of the best-cost leadership strategy

IV. Neutralizing disadvantages of the best-cost leadership strategy

V. Utilizing opportunities of the best-cost leadership strategy

VI. Conclusion

There may be many other ways to divide the term paper into sections

Please read the following carefully. These directions are handy even if a little thorough. If you do so, it will be much easier for you to complete the project.

Please read the relevant section of the syllabus. Divide the paper into sections before you start collecting material and writing it. In that way, you will be able to read literature focused and understand it well. A sample paper structure is available in the syllabus.

Please focus on at least five journal articles rather than magazine articles or Internet materials. Serious managers read academic journals. Journal articles give you patterns of repeatedly occurring events in management practice based on analysis of extended data from many sources, while magazine articles give you information based on a single event. It may sustain or may not sustain as a pattern. We, managers, make decisions based on sustained patterns. For example, theory suggests that we have to plan, organize, lead, and control. Otherwise, we fail. This is a pattern/law of conducting business and we cannot avoid it. Magazine articles do not discuss such things. You may read some magazine articles relevant to your topic, but not rely on them much. Use their materials as examples. In most cases, they have articles about concrete companies.

The syllabus has the list of top tier management journals. However, you do not have to restrict yourself. Use any academic journal articles if they are directly related to your topic.

Use at least five scholarly articles to learn the topic well. You can retrieve the scholarly articles from the Kent Library's web site. Please follow these steps:

1. Go to the Kent Library’s web site at http://library.semo.edu/

2. Click on articles, journals,... link.

3. Then click on Databases A-Z.

4. Click on ABI/Inform Complete (ProQuest).

5. Enter your last name (as it appears on your student ID): Li Southeast ID # plus SEMO: example: S2345678SEMO S01665269SEMO

6. Then type your topic or key words from your term paper topic. Please enlarge the picture below and see what information to enter and what boxes to check.

7. Click on the search button.

8. You should see the list of articles to choose from.

Please use the APA referencing and citing format for this paper. Please see the link to the APA on the library's web site at: http://ustudies.semo.edu/writing/owl2/tutorials/apaGuide.asp#p3

Click on Periodicals and there you can see the following

This is how to do bibliography/list of references.

In the text of your paper, use the following format for citing:

The comparative advantage of nations is a trade theory developed by David Ricardo in the 19th century (Smith, 2010).

Please use the recommended format for the title page posted on the class web site (section for February 26).

Please ask questions.

Thank you,

Dr. Mardanov

http://proques