See attached
Choose one area you find interesting and conduct a literature review on that area:
Your literature review will be 5 or 6 double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference list. You’ll need between 15-20 sources. Scholarly sources from academic libraries should dominate your research. Wikipedia is not an acceptable source. Of course, you may use online libraries, such as the one at UMGC. Given much of the information available via the web is not screened for accuracy, you should be careful in selecting information from this source. In other words, website information should be used appropriately (i.e., to describe a specific company’s program or report a governmental policy). APA should be used to reference your sources.
Literature Review Checklist
Administrative Preparation
_____The paper is posted by the deadline in the proper place, using a Word file format. Per the syllabus, a grade penalty can apply if the document is late.
_____The title page contains your name and class section.
_____Pages are numbered.
_____The page number does not exceed the stated limit. (The page limit asks you to think about what is most important and to communicate it concisely. This is a valuable business skill since managers often have time to read only the executive summaries or the first page of a resume! Note: This does not mean that substance should be sacrificed; it just means it should be presented concisely.)
_____A 12-point font is used, and margins are reasonable.
Content (Body of the Paper)
_____ The content is substantial and represents a significant literature review. In other words, the material extends substantially beyond the course readings. The issues discussed are key facets of the topic. Try to SYNTHESIZE what the authors say about this topic, rather than summarize each author or article one by one.
_____ The ideas express your own analysis, and borrowed material is used primarily to substantiate your points. Remember that long quotes are usually not needed. Paraphrasing shows that you understand what the other author has said. You wouldn’t paraphrase, however, if you want expert support for a particular idea; a direct quote is preferable then.
_____ Points are logically sequenced.
_____ Points are well supported with logic, data, and/or examples.
_____ Conclusions demonstrate integrative, critical thinking.
Presentation
_____The introduction tells the reader the purpose of the research and the agenda for the paper. Do NOT use an abstract.
_____The summary recaps the key points and provides psychological closure to the discussion.
_____Technical aspects of writing (i.e., grammar, sentence structure, and spelling) are correct. Tip: If writing is not your strongest skill, consult the free writing tutors who are available via the classroom. Plan enough time for a tutor to assist.
_____Academic style (i.e., appropriate diction, clarity, smooth transitions, and an audience-oriented approach) is demonstrated. Tip: Each organization has its own style for reporting to its leaders. What is important in our class is to remember that you are talking to the top level of an organization. What would they want/need to know about your topic? You don’t get much of their time in the meeting, so you need to present the most important information right away. You need to set the stage/orient your audience quickly then raise the key points. Nitty-gritty details are usually left for follow-up activities if the leaders are interested. Use enough details to support your point, but don’t get bogged down in things an executive would not want/need to know.
_____Citations are given for non-original material, using APA format for the in-text citation as well as the reference list.
Reference List
_____The references conform to APA format (author, year, title, etc.)
_____ The sources are appropriate (i.e., pertinent, reputable and time-sensitive).
