FINANCIAL RESEARCH PROJECT ——- The project is 27% of the course grade, (Two parts, 13.5% each). This project is closely aligned with the Course Outcomes and Finance Program Objectives. Completion of this project can be used as part of a portfolio to show potential employers the student is skilled at performing company valuations and financial statement analysis and can be included on the student’s resume. Financial Research Project consists of two parts – Part 1 and Part 2, 13.5% each of the course grade. Research Project Part 1 is due at the end of week 5. Research Project Part 2 is due at the end of week 7.The detailed descriptions of the both parts of the project are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – file on the right side of the screen. Rubric for both parts of the Research Project are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – on the right side of the screen Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources. Due date is stated in the course schedule. Format of the Research Project: Both parts of the Research Project report should be about 6-8 or more pages double-spaced typewritten pages (without tables and graphs). The assignments for both parts include suitable comparative, quantitative and qualitative analyses and conclude with a specific and supported recommendation and reflection. The Research Project (Parts 1 and 2) must be posted to the LEO Student Assignments as Attachments. Attachments are limited to a maximum two files in doc, docx., xls. xlsx., or rtf. formats. OTHER FORMATS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, will not be reviewed or graded. Please note that hand-written and scanned works, pdf. files, jpg. files, pages. files as well as files posted in google drive, will not be accepted or graded. Please note that Use of APA Citation Methodology is required for the assignment. To support your opinion you can use quotes. Quotes should be not more than 20% of your posting (less is better!!!). All works must be Word processed. Handwritten and scanned work will not be accepted and graded. This Written Assignment is valued at 27% (13.5% each part) of your final course grade. This report will require (1) financial data research, (2) the application of a wide range of financial theories, and (3) quantitative analysis to prepare a professionally-sound and supported recommendation. The report will be evaluated based on the following three factors: –30%—-The quality of the supporting research and references. –50%—-The analysis of the data, presented in the report. The student demonstrates understanding and application of economic concepts and formulas. –20%—-The presentation approach, professionalism, logic and persuasiveness of your recommendation In accordance with the UMGC Academic Policy, notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, appropriately quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and papers and research projects should acknowledge these sources in the appropriate places in the text of the paper as well as in a reference list at the end of the paper, in accordance with accepted citation practices. No more than 20% of the text of the project should be made up of quotes. Written projects: Must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, with one-inch margins Must have the title page in APA-7th style Must have in-text citations in APA-7th edition style Must have reference list in APA-7th edition style. Please note that you must reference the data you are using for the project Must be prepared using word processing software (Microsoft Word preferred) PRESENTATION OF PAPER AND WRITING (15%) of the project grade): -Organization, Format and Presentation of Paper including the Title page, Introduction, Body, and Summary (4% of the project grade) Use of Tables, Figures and Other Graphics to Summarize and Support Analysis Presented in the Paper (3% of the project grade) Logical and Smooth Flowing Transitions and Relationships among Sections of the Written Report (3% of the project grade) Research Sources and Significance of Research Information and Data, Use of APA Citation Methodology (5% of the project grade) Essential research data, financial calculations and other documentation as necessary to support your recommendation should be referred to in summary form in your report and attached in detail as enclosures. All major sources should be referenced. There is no set limit to the size of the enclosures, but it is recommended that only essential enclosures be attached. You should use references and bibliography to identify any remaining supporting documents you wish to include. ***************************************************** Project-Related Questions All questions related to this assignment should be referred to me through the LEO classroom discussion or the Project Conference so all students can benefit from the questions and answers. As these are new and challenging assignments for many of you, your questions may well serve to better define what I really want and expect, which can lead to better reports
