TOPIC: Research Proposal in Logistics/Supply and Operations Management Each week you will build towards the Final Project, an extended research-based argumentative essay. You should review the requirements below so you can begin planning and developing your topic. During Week 1, you will complete a proposal. As one of the main goals of this course is to develop an appropriate and organized research topic through all stages of the writing process, the proposal is a first step. While the proposal is meant to guide your exploration, it is not a final blueprint. Throughout the upcoming weeks, you will engage in the research process by evaluating sources, asking questions, applying the knowledge that you gather and synthesizing evidence and ideas from various sources. This is the beginning of an academic journey and you are not expected to have all the answers. You are expected to embrace the path laid out before you by completing the assignments, discussions and learning activities to the best of your abilities. To do so, follow the instructions carefully, review the rubric here Proposal Rubric.pdf Proposal Rubric.pdf – Alternative Formats , and when in doubt ask questions—reach out for help! Purpose: 1. This assignment will help you to 2. Explore your chosen topic 3. Identify a controversy related to the topic 4. Develop and organize a research topic through all stages of development 5. Create a path to the successful completion of the final Argumentative Research Essay Task: For this assignment, respond to each of the following prompts fully and thoughtfully. Questions 5 – 8 should be answered in fully developed paragraphs ( 5 – 7 sentences). See below for sample proposal. 1. TOPIC TO BE RESEARCHED AND HOW IT RELATES TO YOUR CAREER OR FIELD OF STUDY 2. RESEARCH QUESTION: [Look to Table 3.2 on p. 44 of The Bedford Researcher for examples. You may also view the video posted in Week 1 discussion or click here] 3. SUPPORTING ELEMENTS: [What examples, evidences, and supporting details help substantiate your argument on your topic?] 4. THESIS STATEMENT: [What are you arguing about your topic and what helps prove your argument? Make sure to weave your three supporting elements from above into the thesis statement. Put your argument in bold font and underline your three supporting elements.] 5. AUDIENCE: [Who are your readers? What might your readers want or need to know about your topic? What knowledge or biases might your readers already have on this topic?] 6. POTENTIAL SOURCES: [What types of sources will be helpful to support your stance? What will these sources reveal about your topic?] 7. CHALLENGES TO THE RESEARCH: [What might make your argument difficult to prove?] 8. GOALS FOR THE PROJECT: [What do you want to accomplish within your Formal Research Assignment? What do you want the reader to feel after reading your essay?]
