Narrow business-related topic

What to write about:

1. Choose or devise a narrow business-related topic that is controversial and

arguable. (See topic selection section below)

2. Present a discovery process of three pro- and con-viewpoints concerning this

topic.

3. Conduct thorough research on texts and/or databases for information

supporting each pro and con and collect documents. Bring these materials

together, examine them and determine a line of argument and persuasion

necessary for a good and suitable report.

4. Follow the outline below based on the formal report format that we will discuss

in class (Chapter 10). This report will follow the indirect strategy with

conclusions/recommendations at the end. Use subheadings for each section.

5. Follow APA formatting and citation guidelines for outside information and provide

a reference page using the appropriate APA formatting.

Formal Report Format

1. Title page giving name, course and section number, topic title, and date.
2. Index or Table of Content page showing document arrangement.
3. Executive Summary (called abstract in APA) of the selected topic. Include

your narrow thesis statement that demonstrates its importance and influence.

1. Body
2. Introduction (one page)
3. “Pro” analysis, minimum three pages
4. “Con” analysis, minimum three pages
5. Recommendations (two or more pages)
6. Conclusion paragraph
7. APA Reference citation page

OR

1. Introduction (one page)
2. Pro/Con analysis
3. Pro/Con analysis
4. Pro/Con analysis
5. Recommendations (two or more pages)
6. Conclusion paragraph
7. APA Reference citation page

You will take the responsibility to produce an intelligent, readable, and interesting

research paper. Most papers are 10-12+ pages in length.

Format Explained

• An Executive Summary reveals the topic and describes the problem/issue. This

paragraph includes your narrow thesis statement and previews your three proand con-analysis that drive the debate about this subject. Your stance in this

debate promotes brief statements about your conclusions and recommendations

regarding this subject. (Also see APA Abstract)

• Your introduction focuses on the topic’s relevance for discussion right now and

gives any background information that may be needed to understand the topic.

This should only be one page at the most and is not the focus of your research or

paper.

• The body of the research paper involves the debate over this subject by

reputable outside sources whose published information and quotations are

properly cited using APA internal citation methods. The best and standard debate

method introduces a single subtopic or component of the thesis subject and then

shows the critical debate — pro and con proponents of each side of this issue.

○ You may either do all three pros and then all three cons OR one pro/one

con, second pro/con, and last pro/con.

• Your conclusions about this subject have their foundation in the preceding

debate, and you may follow one side of the debate or establish your own

viewpoint on the subject. Whichever way you choose, present your case for this

stance and judgement. Doing this promotes your closing recommendations and

appeals about this important subject.

• The research paper ends with a REFERENCES sheet citing sources used in the

paper, and these listings follow the format governing proper APA citation.

Objective:

• Exercise designed to guide students into analysis and argument experience with

current topics influencing real-world business practices.

• Students will demonstrate competency presenting a written research report.
• The research paper provides student experience in processing a formal analysis

report using standard business formats.

• Student exercises clear and reasonable discourse using discussion patterns that

analyze a debate of selected components of a narrow topic thesis.