This research requirement is not due until the last module in this course. However, it will serve you well to begin research immediately. (See course syllabus for complete details). The MPA is a graduate level degree and requires a research component for successful completion of the course. This research requirement is detailed in the syllabus and will be introduced in the first module. The research requirement will be submitted during the last learning module and is a requirement for successful completion of the course. Each student will prepare a 12 to 20-page research paper formulated around the subject of one of the listed topics. Each student will research and write a paper that is due in its entirety in the final module for this course. RESEARCH TOPICS: Infrastructure Design Challenges in Managing Infrastructure Managing utility Assets Managing Public Safety Assets Managing Roads & Transportation Assets Other topics approved by Faculty Mentor At a minimum, the paper should follow the following format. This is only a guide. The student is encouraged to be creative with the research project. The format for the research project will adhere to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). RESEARCH PAPER FORMAT Title Page Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Literature Review Discussion of the topic’s use in today’s business world Conclusion Reference List In formulating the analysis, the student will be required to do some outside research to support the history, importance, criticism, and analysis. It is expected that the reference section will contain with no fewer than ten (10) sources that must be utilized throughout the body of the paper (at least 10 in-text citations). The sources must be obtained from textbooks, articles, books, etc. which may be obtained from HU Library. General web references, such as commercial sites and Wikipedia are not acceptable. Any paper which is not properly formatted, referenced, or does not comply with APA guidelines will not be accepted by the instructor. If one should delay his or her project research until the last module, he or she might be tempted to copy and incorporate portions of Web pages or entire Web articles into the research project. Plagiarism, an unforgivable offense at Hodges University, is the use of another person’s WORDS or IDEAS (either spoken or written) without citing the source. Hence, computerized copy and paste operations, as well as inclusion of rephrased statements from the Internet, book, or journals without citing author or source are both examples of plagiarism. Any paper or presentation found to contain plagiarized information will result in an (F) for the assignment and possibly the course as well as other remedies listed under the academic honesty policy. Furthermore, each student’s research should represent his or her own thoughts. Excessive paraphrasing and/or lengthy direct quotations, although cited properly, will result in poor grades. All submitted papers will be graded according to the following criteria: 1. Evidence of Independent Study and Documentation in Relation to Meeting the Stated Objective This research will contain an extensive literature review. This evaluates use of Library Resources and other sources. Use of theories, facts, principles, and ideas of experts pertinent to the topic with personal reaction to these are considered (e.g. agreement or disagreement, giving sound reason for or against). Thoughts, ideas, and concepts, etc. must be well documented, using authorities in the topic and using original sources. 2. Analysis, Originality of Thought, and Creativity This shows originality in use of own ideas, analysis, and in use of facts, theories, and principles from the course discipline and other disciplines. This also develops and supports own ideas and displays independent thinking. There should be thorough consideration of pro and con sides with documentation. 3. Organization of Project Content/Material The paper should be well arranged into appropriate categories and proceed in a logical manner (e.g. general to specific or specific to general, etc.) with a solid thesis statement, introduction, and corresponding conclusion. 4. Format, APA, Basic Mechanics, and Clarity The paper should contain excellent expression of ideas. Language must be grammatically correct and ideas very clearly expressed. There must be consistent and appropriate use of APA format.
