Research Report

Research Report – 10% --Due November 14, 2008

Write an informative and interesting analytical research report on a program-related topic of your choice. This report is the basis for your research report presentation as well.

To avoid duplication, you need to sign up for a topic in class.  You may choose from the list or create your own.  Refer to Ch. 12, 13, 14 (pp. 266-362) for format, and to Appendix B for bibliography particulars. Also check the following sites for format and content of annotated bibliography.  You will need a minimum of 5 sources in your annotated bibliography.

Process and samples are at -- http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm

More samples are at -- http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm#sample and
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbibEX.html

Definition and process are at --http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbib.html

Format for research report
• Use memo format
• Single space
• 12 point font
• Verdana, Arial, Times Roman or other sans serif font
• include introduction, body, conclusion, recommendations, annotated bibliography
• at least 1 graphicThe Assignment is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
• indirect pattern of organization (Beginning on page 117)
• appropriate business style (conversational, active voice, business language, polite approach, informative content)

Length – 3-5 pp. excluding bibliography and title page

Research – a minimum of 5 sources to support your analysis and conclusions.  No more than 3 sources can be newspapers, magazines or web sites. Cite your sources using MLA or APA consistently (check Appendix B if you’re unsure).  Remember to include all Internet sources.
Research Report and Annotated Bibliography

Goals for this project include
• Review of basic research strategies and techniques
• Annotating citations used in research
• Review of MLA style guide for citations and the bibliography
• Use of basic business report format
• Use of four step Writing Purpose (outline, 1st draft, edit, 2nd draft)

Possible Topics
People
Bill Gates Steve Jobs
Conrad Black Ted Rogers
Jack Welch Gordon Brown
Lee Iacocca Ted Turner
Martha Stewart Warren Buffett
Ben Bernanke Dmitry (Putin) Medvedev
Oprah Winfrey The business side of any artist, musician, billionaire, villain, innovator, etc.
Richard Branson CEO in trouble, e.g. Enron, Tyco, etc.

Companies
• AIGThe Assignment is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
• Air Canada
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• Bombardier
• Canadian Tire
• Co-Operators Insurance
• McFarlan-Rowlands Insurance Brokers
• Eaton’s
• Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac
• ING
• Krispy Kreme
• Labatt’s
• London Life
• McDonald’s
• Molson
• Nortel
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Seagram’s
• Sleeman’s
• Tim Hortons
• Wal-Mart
• WestJet

 News Stories
• National daycare plan
• American BailoutThe Assignment is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
• GM gets Federal Money to Buy Chrysler
• Wendy’s/Tim Hortons merger
• Productivity in Canada/US
• German takeover of Dofasco
• Imprisonment of Mikhail Khodorkovsky (Yukos) in Russia
• Russian oil industry – Ukraine gas dispute
• Stalled auto sales in North America
• The tea industry – recent boom in sales
• Starbucks in China

Miscellaneous
• The euro
• Bank mergers
• Kyoto Accord
• Online shopping
• Canadian diamond industry
• Personal credit ratings
• Alternative energy sources
• Soaring gas prices
• Foreign aid
• International debt forgiveness
• BankruptcyThe Assignment is provided by UK Assignment http://www.ukassignment.org
• Insurance fraud – fake injuries
• The “brain drain”