Research Paper Guide

1. What are the mandatory requirements for the company research paper?

a. Follow APA or MLA Formatting and Style.

b. The paper mustanswer the questions found on page 3 below and be typed, double-spaced

on standard-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).

c. Margins will be 1 inch all around.

d. Font will be Times New Roman and Size 12.

e. Paper will be approximately5-6 pages in length. The Cover page and Reference page are not

included in the total number of pages.

f. You must have a minimum of 3 citations or references in your document.

g. No Abstract Required.

2. What work submitted will result in earning a high grade on the assignment?

a. Completing and submitting the company research paper on time and not plagiarizing work.

b. Plagiarism Statement: Metropolitan Community College recognizes the seriousness of plagiarism, which is defined as turning in someone else's work and calling it your own. At MCC, plagiarism is treated as a dishonest action, an issue of dishonorable behavior.

There are two types of plagiarism to beware of--intentional and unintentional plagiarism. Intentional plagiarism is an obvious type of cheating that includes turning in writing that you are falsely presenting as your own. It may be writing that was produced by a roommate, a spouse, an essay bought from the Internet, and passages copied from a research source such as a book, magazine, or web site. Allowing another student to copy your work is another type of intentional plagiarism.

In addition, students are expected to avoid unintentional plagiarism, which means including in your own work and passing off as your own writing, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, or more, that are only slightly changed from the original source. To avoid unintentional plagiarism, you must paraphrase properly and identify the original writer and source; this is called citing your work. Citations can be done in a few different formats, and your instructors are eager to help you learn how to cite your sources correctly. Unintentional plagiarism can also include passing off somebody else’s ideas (not just words) as your own without indicating that the idea or information came from somewhere else. Finally, unintentional plagiarism also can be allowing someone else to make significant wording alterations or editing changes to your writing.

Penalties for plagiarism, according to MCC’s Violations of the Student Code of Conduct, can be severe. They may range from failure of an assignment to failure of a course, to referral to the Dean, to dismissal from a program of study. These actions are not meant to be threatening, but to ensure that students understand that the school takes plagiarism seriously. The underlying message of the MCC plagiarism policy is that instructors are committed to encouraging student writers to use source material correctly and develop the confidence to express themselves in their own unique ways.

3. Can I write more than 5-6 pages?

a. Yes; however, you are only required to write 5-6 pagesusing 12 point, Times New Roman. Keep in mind that you must have a minimum of 5 pages. You must use 12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced when preparing your written company research paper.

4. What if I’m late turning in my paper?

a. Late papers will not be accepted. You must submit your completed paper before the deadline listed in the syllabus under the Schedule of Assignments. Contact the instructor BEFORE the due date if you are not able to complete and submit it before the due date.

5. What type of Writing Mechanics will you be looking for?

a. I suggest you read the sample research paper that I have posted on the faculty website in the Introduction to Business link as this will provide you with a good idea of what is expected in terms of content and format.

b. Your paper should have an introduction, a body, and a summary. I expect you to be able to organize and create complete sentences and paragraphs. I will be looking for research content, not just definitions or descriptions.

c. Organization and Flow is very important and you must be able to organize your thoughts and research in a logical pattern that will inform me; not confuse me! I have read too many papers that have a great message or awesome research but make no sense because it just doesn’t flow because the document is unorganized.

7. What if my topic is too large and will require more than 5-6 pages to explain?

a. Usually your topic is not the issue, but more the fact that your topic is too vague or broad. In this case I would advise you to streamline or be more detailed about your topic. And more importantly, be very precise on the issues or topics that you are going to research and write about. Remember, your research paper is approximately 5-6 pages, so don’t pick a topic like “The Federal Tax Code” but how about a topic like “The 3 Most Important Tax Initiatives that will Impact the Middle Class Next Year”.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I will try to help you. Good Luck and have some fun with it, I’m sure you will do just fine!

Instructions: You are to select one publicly traded company of your choice. Prepare a 1,700-2,000-word paper (5-6 pages) in which you provide an overview of your company and answers to the following questions:

  1. Company and Market Overview:
  2. What is the company’s product or service? (2 pts)
  3. When was the company established? (2 pts)
  4. When did the company go public? (2 pts)
  5. What is the name of the industry for the company? (2 pts)
  6. Who are their primary market competitors? (2 pts)
  7. What is the “ticker symbol” for the company stock? (1 pt)
  8. What is its current stock price? (2 pts)
  9. What is its lowest and highest stock price over the most recent 52 weeks? (2 pts)
  10. How does the company distribute or sell its product or service? (2 pts)
  11. How does the company promote or advertise its product or service? (2 pts)
  1. Company Financial Information: (Be sure to list the data in the correct denomination)
  2. What are the types of financial data found in the company’s financial statements? (Hint: Find the Annual Report online at the company website.) (2 pts)
  3. What were the total dividends paid in dollars over the last three years? (3 pts)
  4. Does the company have more than one type of stock (common, preferred, treasury)? (2 pts)
  5. How many common stock shares are outstanding? (2 pts)
  6. What is the Beta of the Company? Is it more volatile or less volatile than the market (2 pts)
  7. Does the company have any long term debt on its balance sheet? How much? (2 pts)
  8. Review the statement of cash flows in the annual report and identify how much cash was generated or used by 1) operating, 2) financing, and 3) investing activities. (3 Pts)
  9. What was the dollar amount listed on the income statement for both revenue and net income over the last three years. (3 pts)
  10. Calculate the financial ratio for the company given below:

1)Current ratio (Hint: Current Assets/Current Liabilities) See the Balance Sheet (2 pts)

2)Profit Margin (Hint: Net Income/Total Revenue) See the Income Statement (2 pts)

  1. Future Company Prospects:
  2. Examine the management summary discussed in the Annual Report to identify how future opportunities for growth in revenue and earnings will be achieved. (2 pts)
  3. Explain future growth opportunities and provide examples learned from your research. (2 pts)
  4. Summarize what you have learned and how it may help you in the future (2 pts)
  5. Cite sources used as references in your paper as shown in the example at the bottom page of the link include a cover page. (2 pts)

Suggested Sources*:

*Important Note:When citing sources, please use the proper format shown in the example provided directly above in the link under Part 3D.

1. Company Website – search under “Investor Relations”

2. – enter company name in search box on the left side of your screen to find one stop source that includes company news, stock information, financial results “Key Statistics” and other useful information.

3. Ebsco Host - (Copy &Paste below link) and enter zip code – free resource that provides a useful search for company news and information

4. Omaha Public Library – (Copy & Paste below link) – resource to the public library

Select “Business & Finance” under the “Category” column and then “Value Line” from the “Databases” column and then select “Search” from the “Details” column. You will be promoted for your library card number and 4-digit PIN. The Value Line provides detailed financial and industry information for a specific company and is available in print editions at the downtown and Millard Branch locations.

  1. Metropolitan Community College Library – (Copy & Paste below link) – Resource to the college

Library