ACCT 3317 ACCOUNTING INFO SYSTEMS

SPRING 2016
FORMAL RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES

General Overview
This activity is intended to provide you with hands-on experience in developing, researching, and
reporting a topic that directly connects with accounting information systems using a variety of research
sources. Students are highly encouraged to choose a topic of personal interest that they would like to
learn more about so as to increase their level of AIS understanding.
Topic(s):

Students will investigate a topic of their choice related to accounting information

systems. Whatever your topic, please make sure you tie it together with AIS. Students
should speak with their instructor to have their topics approved.

Product:

You will create a professional quality Word document containing the report. You will
submit a paper copy for grading and an electronic copy via Blackboard. Your electronic
file should be named as follows:
ACCT3317LastNameS16.docx

Length:

The length of the paper should be between 10-12 pages of written narrative plus a title
page and references section. Bear in mind that the use of visual aids may increase the
total page count slightly.

Due Date:

The Report is due Thursday, March 10th at the beginning of class. NO

EXTENSIONS UNLESS APPROVED WELL IN ADVANCE!

Structural Outline
The research paper will include the following sections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Title
Introduction
Text of paper
Conclusion
References

Total Report

1 pg
1 pg
8-10 pgs
1 pg
1-2 pgs
12-15 total pages maximum

Evaluation
The evaluation of the finished product will be as follows:
Mechanics (50%):
Mechanics refers to the nuts and bolts construction of the project and following the guidelines for
parts, placement, alignment, and overall quality of the assembly process. The following guidelines
apply:

One inch margins top and bottom, 0.75 1 inch on the sides.
11 point serif-style typeface for body copyTimes Roman, Bookman, New Century, etc.
Each page sequentially numbered as discussed in class.
Header and/or footer containing your name.
The title page is page number 1 but does not have a page number; likewise the title page has no
header or footer.
Properly constructed title page with only the title at the top, your name in the center, and the date
at the bottom. See example at the end of this document and follow exactly
Reference page(s).
Use a single paperclip, NO STAPLES!!!!!
Strict adherence to the APA or MLA style manual
Content (25%):

Length of project not shorter than 10 pages of body text nor longer than 12 pages of body text.
Research topic clearly presented in the introduction.
Content must be well organized with appropriate section headings.
Content must be sufficient to achieve your purpose.
Content must be tightly written, concrete, and 3rd person passive voice.
Content must be sufficiently supported by research, especially any statements of fact not
considered general knowledge.
Tie-in with AIS clearly stated in the conclusion.

Organization (25%):
Your project will only be as good as the reception given the final product. Often, mediocre projects
that have great presentation get accepted while great projects that have mediocre presentation are
ignored. Presentation will be based on the following:

Overall look of the finished product. In other words, are the margins even, do the typefaces
match, are the headers/footers correct, page numbers correct, reference page correct, etc..
Proper adherence to the required section outline.
No unsightly gaps between sections of the paper.

Proper use of headings, sub-headings, and layout.

Proper use of all required pages.
Visual aids, if used, properly placed, titled, and referenced in the text.
Visual aids included where necessary to aid the readers understanding.
The product looks professional in all aspects.

NOTES:
1. The correct use of the Kings (and/or Queens) English cannot be overemphasized. Sloppy
English usage makes you look ignorant and dooms the projectas well as your career. Therefore,
the following will apply:

2.

10 point deduction for EACH spelling error or typographical error.

10 point deduction for EACH grammatical error.
5 point deduction for each punctuation error.
When 100 points are accumulated, the project will be assigned a 0 grade and the evaluation
will stop. Please do not let careless English sabotage an otherwise excellent project.
Your professor is here to help youtake advantage of this!!

YOUR TITLE GOES HERE (1.5)

YOUR NAME GOES HERE (4.25)

THE DATE GOES HERE (Last available line)