Final Paper
Each student will submit an eight-to-ten page paper (excluding the title and reference page) that is sufficiently supported by research, data, and substantiated theory or application. In addition, and most importantly, the student's paper must incorporate five of the topics from the list below:
The relationship between a strategic plan and the budgeting process.
The impact of a recession on a law enforcement agency's ability to plan a budget.
Apply a specific budgeting process: line item or zero based budget.
Who is involved in the budgeting process?
Impact of budget decisions in maximizing operational effectiveness and community trust.
Priorities in the budget cycle.
Types of alternative funding.
Significance of a cost benefit analysis in program evaluation.
Resource prioritization.
Using the topics above as a guide, address the following within the Research Paper:
Examine current problems, issues, and factors that influence present and future budgetary decisions.
Evaluate each selected topic with regard to law enforcement administration, leadership, and management.
Apply budgetary theory to a realistic budgeting process and describe the relationship between the two.
Analyze the budgeting process and reference research and data as support.
Writing the Research Paper
The Research Paper:
Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length (excluding the title and reference page), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student's name
Course name and number
Instructor's name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford University Library.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.