RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE
MANAGEMENT 3240
Much has been spoken and written about the generation of young employees entering the workforce over the course of the past five years (ages 22-30’ish). With labels such as the “entitlement generation”, “trophy kids”, and “generation why”, it is not difficult to see the potential for tension across the many generations current in the workforce.
On the other hand, employees in this cohort have been described as technically savvy, creative, hardworking, and unafraid of challenges.
As expected, there has been much research recognizing both the virtues (e.g., good stuff) and annoyances (e.g., bad stuff) of this generation. Undoubtedly, each of us sees the contrasting attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of this age group in action on a daily basis.
The underlying work-related questions: Do Millennials fit in? Do Millennials get along? Do Millennials contribute? How do others feel about Millennials? These are important issues to consider.
You may have an opinion on this topic – you may not (opinions are good…with some foundation to rest upon, of course!). But at some point, you should at least develop an informed understanding of the importance of the topic in contemporary work settings – “the contemporary work settings you are seeking to occupy…!”
This is where the “research” part of the research paper comes in. Specifically, you are to create a research paper that addresses key issues.
This is what you need to cover in this research paper:
-Introduce the topic by discussing the influence of generational issues in American work settings. Provide information regarding the expected participation rates of the various groups (e.g., Millennials, Baby Boomers etc.) in the years to come. Why is it important that they “get along” or at least can find ways to peacefully coexist? (Approximately 600 words).
-Acknowledge the various ways in which the youngest generation (i.e., Millennials) is different from others currently in the workforce. Why? What are the social and family sources of these differences? (550 words)
-What unique strengths and limitations (weaknesses) does this generation have? (450-550 words)
-What unique criticisms have been conferred on this generation by older employees and society? Basically, what things does this generation do at work that may have a negative impact on the company or others they work with? (500 words)
-How would you motivate younger employees to both contribute and remain loyal if given that task? I need you to set up a motivation plan that is designed to get the most out of these employees. Specifically, please come up with 8-10 specific tactics that managers must use to keep younger employees productive and engaged. Again, scour the research…there is much out there. For the 8-10 you come up with, please use a bullet-point format, as well as text as their explanation, for ease of review (i.e., not just bullet-points, use bullet point with content (500-600 words). Set it up with some written text. Just don’t drop a pile of bullets into this section without explanation.
-Finally, address the following questions as they relate to your first year at work. First, how are you going to try to connect with workers of generations? Second, how are you going to ensure that your work and home lives are in balance? Third, list the top five things that are important with respect to a job. Describe possible ways to increase your potential for securing them. Finally, describe the opportunities and challenges you face as you enter the work force. Please indicate how they relate to those faced by older generations (similar? different?)(500-600 words).
What is Research?
Legitimate Research
Peer-reviewed academic/scientific journals
Data provided in government reports (from research that is soundly conducted)
Well-established business/news publications (Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, New York Times, Time).
Facts/Statistics that have sources that can be substantiated/confirmed.
Primary source data – defined as first-hand testimony or direct evidence concerning a particular topic.
Try InfoTrac, Lexis/Nexis, Psychinfo (for a start).
For help, ask one of our 23,488,987 librarians.
Encyclopedia Britannica (okay for background information, but dated)
Not Legitimate Research
Wikipedia
Blogs
Sources with an agenda
Ask.com and others like this cite
Video and interviews
Questionable websites (just because it’s on the Internet doesn’t “mean it’s RESEARCH!!”)
Any non-legitimate references/sources will be immediately dismissed!!
Advice:
1. It is better to over-reference than under-reference. Newer references are preferred all things considered.
2. Don’t cut and paste! Ever! Never Ever!!
3. Definitions…reference needed.
4. Statistics…reference needed.
5. Not your idea…reference needed.
6. “According to Curly Howard…” reference needed.
7. The world changes quickly – think in current terms. Old research is like old spaghetti, really old spaghetti!
8. Keep referencing/bibliography/footnoting style accurate and consistent (8-10 per page is expected, 20-40 is expected for the complete paper). Zero to 10 references tells me that you did not dig deeply enough.
9. Go easy on the quotes. One per page is probably pushing it.
10. Handle the few direct quotes you may use correctly. Use the right format for everything (APA, MLA, whatever).
Other Expectations:
1. Double spaced; 1 inch margins: 12 point Times Roman exclusively. If it’s too small to read, you can’t get credit. It’s got to look the same throughout the entire paper (text matches references etc.).
2. Accurate and appropriate referencing (use the format you were taught/like best). CONSISTENCY!
3. Title page.
4. Headings for each section. Use headings in the order they are provided. Make them easily identifiable.
5. NO PLAGIARISM of any type will be accepted.
6. Make sure it doesn’t look like crap when you turn it in. It is expected to look like a well-developed, thoughtful, and polished piece of research. Look at it one more time before submission. If it looks lousy, it looks lousy.