• Research Paper on Evaluation: Each student in the course selects an evaluation area of interest to them (policy or program), designs a study, conducts the study, and prepares a paper on the analysis and results of the study. The study can be qualitative or quantitative. The study can be related to the student’s organization or an area of interest outside of their parent organization. Two key elements of the paper are: a) to apply concepts and principles of evaluation discussed in the course, and b) to the extent possible, demonstrate utilization of either some or all of the following subject areas: i) accounting/public finance, ii) economics, iii) quantitative methods, and iv) administration in public sector organizations.

 

Research Paper’s Format: The paper is to contain at a minimum: 1) cover page, 2) short table of contents, 3) introduction & conclusion(s) sections, 4) four references in the form of footnotes/end notes, and 5) a bibliography page. The minimum length of the paper is 8-10 pages  (excluding the cover page, table of contents, end notes page, and bibliography page). The paper is to be typed double-spaced and turned in on the date in the course schedule that will be listed in the Course Calendar section of the course. The Canvas system in the course should be used to send the paper to the instructor, through the Assignments Tab. If you cite a reference from a download off the Internet, please give the appropriate citation, including the date you viewed it on the Internet. Suggest that a citation/reference manual, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Manual, be used. Emphasis in the research paper is for students to apply analytical techniques (qualitative or quantitative) to the student-selected subject matter in the area of program/policy evaluation, and then draw conclusions – that may also contain recommendations on how to solve any identified problems within the subject area.