Research Paper Guidelines

Topic: Organizational Transformation: Birth, Growth, Decline and Death. Is growth an imperative of all successful organization?

General

The research paper will cover a current topic in organizational theory. The intent of this writing assignment is to familiarize you with the literature in the field of organizational theory. A good place to look for potential topics is the chapter titles of the textbook. The paper should focus on a narrow topic because of the length of the paper.

Format

• The paper should be 2,500-3,000 words in length, not including the Title page, Abstract, and Bibliography.

• Papers must be double-spaced, 12 point type and conventional font (ex: Times New Roman, Arial). With 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left, right)

• Use page headers; page numbers should be placed in the top right corner of the paper (except on the title page).

Sources and Citations

You must have a minimum of five "high quality" references (this does not include the course text or any other text from other courses). You may use online sources, but the sources need to be legitimate. Do not use websites such as: Wikipedia, McNamara, or any online dictionary, etc.

Use appropriate citations, following any commonly used style (APA, MLA, etc.). Be consistent.

Style

Standard conventions of English grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, format and structure, spacing, indent all paragraphs, etc., are expected.

Cover Page (cover page is not numbered)

Title
Student Name
Course name & number
Date submitted

Introduction

Provide a short introduction to your selected topic. Tell me the focus of the paper, use a thesis statement, underline the thesis statement or central theme of the paper, and describe the main elements or points to be discussed in the paper.

Body

Develop and discuss the main points of your sources. Link your information to key concepts from the course text. I am looking for your ability to relate aspects of your research to key topics / concepts from the reading. DO NOT re-discuss or re-present information from the text.

Conclusion

Write a short conclusion or summary that

• restates your thesis statement or main arguments,
• summarizes your main points, and
• offers recommendations for improvement or change for additional research or how organizations or managers can change or improve conditions within the organization based on your selected topic.