Guide to Preparation of the Research Project
Format for the Term Project Report
The following format is required:
ALL submissions in this course MUST have your name on the first page, title of the paper, be in 10 – 12 pt. font, Arial or Times New Roman, using 1.5 line spacing. If you use charts or graphs, be careful that they are not there to take up paper space yet contribute to the integrity of your research. Normally such additional contextual information will be included with the paper as an annex or addendum.
Title: The title is a concise statement of the subject of the paper.
Abstract: The abstract is an “executive overview” of your paper. It should be a 50-to-l00 word summary that would be appropriate to give your manager so that he/she would know the essence of your project without reading the paper in its entirety.
Table of Contents: In this section, list each section of your paper, with the page number. The list should include:
- Tables and Figures if you included more than two;
- Appendices, if included;
- Bibliography or reference section listing sources used.
Appendices, if included;
Bibliography or reference section listing sources used.
Introduction: In this section, state the purpose of the paper in succinct, declarative sentences.
Convince your reader that
- the study will have a practical value and meaning for you and
- the study will be based upon the concepts studied in the course.
the study will be based upon the concepts studied in the course.
Background and Significance: This section provides further justification of the need for your study. If your project examines a topic drawn from your work, you should include description of your work environment, your position in the organization and how your position fits into the organization, both vertically and horizontally.
Explain the applicable concepts from the course. If your project is focused on a particular organization, explain how these concepts apply to that organization. What is the organization doing well? Would it benefit by adopting some of the concepts you have been studying?
Discussion, Implications and Recommendation: In this section, you should provide a thorough discussion of your findings and the implications of your study. Be sure to include only the pertinent implications.
You should also present your recommended action plan. This plan will vary based on the type of project you selected. For example, it may be a personal action plan for you follow in your present position or in a position which would enable you to put the plan into action. If your project is a literature review, then your recommendations may be focused on what issues need further research. Be sure that the recommendations are realistic in terms of the appropriate HR concepts and, if applicable, the organization you have studied.
References: Be sure to list all references cited in your paper. You must support your analysis, conclusions, etc., with references to appropriate resources. It is important that all references and quotes are cited correctly. All sources, including web sites must be referenced in the Bibliography or References list. You must follow an accepted authority for style and form (e.g., APA, MLA style). Consult a style manual for help; A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker is available through the ESC book store. Information is also available through ESC’s “virtual” writing center, the
Appendices: Include a separate sheet and title for each appendix.
More Key Points:
Keep in mind that all accepted rules of English composition apply. Papers must be typed or word-processed, be double-spaced, and have standard margins (1 inch on each side).
The LENGTH of the paper is not the primary measure of the QUALITY of the paper. A paper of 40-50 pages is probably too long for the purposes of this course. On the other hand, the purpose of this assignment cannot be properly satisfied in a paper of only 5 pages! As a guideline, you will probably need about 15 pages to present your research adequately.
