ImportantGuidelines.pdf

ECON372: Specific Guidelines for Writing the Term Paper

Important Notes for Effective Writing of Ch. 1 through 3 of the Term Paper:

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

For Ch. 1 write up: You must go by the following guidelines:

1. Topic must be clear in understanding and making sense related to the field of
comparative econ systems.

2. Start with a brief background of the topic followed by its importance of the issues, why
it is interesting and why it motivates the writer to write about it. In this part, relevant
citations, and corresponding reference list a must to provide.

3. The objectives (what does the author/writer intend to do in this term paper) and what to
accomplish or expect to accomplish in doing this research?

4. Finally, it is a good idea to end Ch.1 by writing in a paragraph with the plans for the
rest of the chapters stating what will be included in Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4 and ch. 5.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

For Ch. 2 (Literature Review), as discussed in the class, the following steps are important
to follow:

1. Do HWs by reading and collecting the study materials in the field of the topic that fit
to the objectives of the paper mentioned in Ch. 1. Read them and make notes of important
points relevant to the topic and objectives that the authors of those materials have
contributed.

2. Provide a very brief intro about the experience from reading for Ch. 2 in the first
paragraph of Ch. 2 followed by the literature review of the study materials read so far and
made notes about them. Subdivide the review based on covering different sub-categories,
if chosen to do so (but don’t have to). In the review, cover a critical evaluation of the
contributions those authors made relevant to the topic and objectives. While writing
critical evaluations, avoid technical aspects, and include only the key important areas
contributed in the literature, which would help understand the issues in the topic.

3. At the end of Ch. 2, provide a very brief summary of the literature review in a single
paragraph before moving onto to Ch. 3.

4. A researcher must give proper citations and corresponding references in the reference
list for every source of materials used in the Literature review.

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY/ANALYTICAL APPROACH

For Ch. 3 write up (Methodology/Analytical Approach), the general guidelines are as
follows (specific approach will vary among individuals/groups):

1. It is important to start with the experience from Ch. 2 write up by saying what type of
analytical approach would best fit to use for the analysis in Ch. 4 and why (give some
logics to substantiate your approach as appropriate).

2. Provide the type of data/tables and sources of data to use and justification for it. Be
honest about strengths and limitations for collecting the data given the constraints and
scope of this paper. The instructor will go over that in more details in the class.

3. If a researcher use any published resources to write Ch. 3, make sure to give proper
citations(s) and corresponding references. If he/she does not use any other resources, no
need for citation in this section.

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

Course Instructor will go over the steps to write Ch. 4 and 5 in due course

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Course Instructor will go over that in due course