Use at least three of the financial management principles taught in this course to identify, explain, and evaluate business practices and propose efficiency improvements in these practices regarding one or more business problems of your firm, a firm for which you work, and/or some other company or government agency with which you are familiar.
For formative assessment, some part of the GRP assignment is due on Monday in seminars 2, 3, and 4, before the complete paper is due in seminar 6. Use the assignment link to submit each part to the Grade Center. In seminar 2, submit your preferred topic for the instructor’s approval. In seminar 3, submit an outline of your paper. In seminar 4, submit your literature review and references. Continue to research and write your paper in seminar 5, before submitting the complete paper, as a Microsoft Word document, by Monday in seminar 6. The instructor will be happy to discuss the preparation of any part of your graduate research paper at any time until the paper is due in the final seminar week. Some sample papers are also provided for your review.
All papers must include an abstract that, in part, includes: a) a statement of purpose; b) a research method statement, including the types of research information used in your paper; and c) a statement of important findings, including how the reader, company, student or others could benefit from the research findings or results. Subtopic headings are needed in your paper to highlight its organizational structure.
The purpose of this Graduate Research Project (GRP) is to have students compare and contrast, evaluate, synthesize, and apply theoretical concepts covered in this course to practical cases. The GRP comprises 27% of the
overall grade for this course. Parts of the GRP assignment due in 2, 3, and 4
are collectively worth 10%; the final paper is worth 17% of the course grade.
1. Introduction: To include a depiction of the context and scope of the topic
2. Literature Review: Review of literature associated with the selected financial principles.
3. Analysis of the selected financial principles as they relate to business practices.
4. Synthesis/Integration: Propose efficiency improvements for the selected organization’s business practices based on the selected financial principles.
5. Conclusion
Format the paper using correct APA guidelines and review to ensure the paper is free of grammar and punctuation errors. The paper should be 10 – 20 pages in length, not including title page, abstract, reference pages or appendix. The paper will be evaluated using the rubric shown below.
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GRP RUBRIC BUS 640 |
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Introduction and Abstract |
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Score |
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Exemplary |
In addition to the satisfactory and accomplished criteria, the student effectively transitions into the body of the paper and models introductions consistently found in scholarly and professional literature. |
20 |
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Accomplished |
In addition to addressing the three primary components of an introduction, the student captures the reader by including a forecast that is compelling, clear, and convinces the reader to read on. |
15 |
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Satisfactory |
The student addresses all three of the three primary components of an introduction: a) context, b) thesis statement, and c) importance of main idea. |
10 |
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Approaches Expectation |
The student addresses one or two of the primary components of an introduction: a) context, b) thesis statement, and c) importance of main idea. |
5 |
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Below Expectation |
The student does not address any of the three primary components of an introduction: a) context, b) thesis statement, and c) importance of main idea |
0 |
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Literature Review |
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Exemplary |
The student presents the current state of knowledge for the topic being addressed utilizing a diversity of scientific opinions. These various, and possibly conflicting, opinions are presented in a balanced manner and seamlessly woven together to illustrate a complete grasp of the literature across multiple research approaches utilizing appropriate peer-reviewed journals. |
30 |
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Accomplished |
In addition to the satisfactory criteria, the reader has the foundation necessary to understand the various ideas and association to the given situation. |
25 |
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Satisfactory |
Various salient research is summarized, compared and contrasted and sufficient in depth. |
20 |
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Approaches Satisfactory |
The summary of the literature is relevant but is insufficient in depth. |
15 |
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Below Expectation |
Summary of the literature on the topic is inadequate. Literature is not clearly connected with the context or thesis statement. The reader is left with little information about or little understanding of the topic. |
10 |
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Analysis |
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Exemplary |
Analysis contains a clear sense of scope and context, including an assessment of the audience, relates alternative views, and qualifies analysis with personal experience, literature and theory. |
40 |
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Accomplished |
Analysis contains a critique of the context with multiple positions, identifies assumptions, addresses ethical dimensions, and is grounded in literature. |
35 |
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Satisfactory |
The student presents key topics and uncertainties in the situation, analysis that is grounded in the literature. |
30 |
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Approaches Expectation |
Although analysis exists, it is limited to categorizing and summarizing the topic. Incorrect analysis or poorly developed analysis may exist. Analysis focuses on a single perspective and fails to discuss other possible perspectives, especially those held by others. |
25 |
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Below Expectation |
Analysis is nonexistent or incorrect. Analysis is difficult to comprehend and lacks utility in demonstrating the student’s grasp of the content. |
20 |
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Synthesis/ Integration |
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Exemplary |
The student engages in effective interpretation and integration of challenging and contrary views with supporting evidence through reflective judgment and justification. In addition, the student integrates own ideas with justification from personal experiences, literature, and theory. |
40 |
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Accomplished |
The student engages in difficult, challenging, and discomforting ideas. Clearly presents and justifies these ideas while identifying implications and respecting other views. |
35 |
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Satisfactory |
The student engages ideas that are accurate but limited, obvious or agreeable. Alternative views are briefly critiqued to justify analysis and integration. |
30 |
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Approaches Expectation |
The student discusses only a single perspective and fails to discuss other possible perspectives. Comparison of ideas and perspectives are superficial and loosely or unevenly integrated. |
25 |
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Below Expectation |
Synthesis, integration and options are nonexistent. |
20 |
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Conclusion |
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Exemplary |
The student’s solution is novel and qualified as the best available, providing new direction and consideration in light of the given context and the breadth and depth of the evidence. Overall the conclusion presents a sound scholarly position. |
20 |
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Accomplished |
The student extends beyond the satisfactory conclusion to address implications and consider ambiguities. Implications and consequences consider context, assumptions, and evidence. |
15 |
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Satisfactory |
Conclusion is technically sound, appropriate, and supported by the literature. Conclusion may be presented as absolute and only attributed to external authority. |
10 |
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Approaches Expectation |
Conclusion only loosely follows the analysis and/or the student’s fails to support the position with literature, research or theory. |
5 |
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Below Expectation |
Conclusion is nonexistent, incorrect, or unsound. Conclusion is a simplistic summary. |
0 |
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Style, Format & Mechanics |
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Exemplary |
The paper consistently models the language and conventions used in scholarly literature. The manuscript would meet the guidelines for submission for publication in a peer reviewed journal. |
20 |
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Accomplished |
Paper follows normal conventions of spelling, grammar, and APA format throughout. Transitions and organizational structures such as subheading are effectively used which help the reader move from one point to another. The reader has little difficulty referring back to cited sources. |
15 |
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Satisfactory |
Paper is in correct APA format, grammatical conventions are primarily correct, and appropriate scholarly references are utilized. The paper flows logically and is comprehendible. |
10 |
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Approaches Expectation |
APA format is attempted but incorrectly used. Writing does not flow smoothly from point to point. There are insufficient or inappropriate citations. Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors are present. |
5 |
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Below Expectation |
Paper contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or sentence structure, which make following the logic of the paper extremely difficult. Fails to demonstrate thoroughness and competence in documentation. Overall style and format make reading and comprehension problematic. A student could get a zero for a badly plagiarized paper. |
0 |
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