State PADM6150, and Local Government Finance Spring 2009
Research Paper Assignment
In this assignment, you will pick a policy or operational problem facing a state or local government agency in Michigan, carryout the needed research to examine it, and make specific recommendations for a policy or operational decision. Your analysis needs to utilize appropriate research methodology and incorporate theoretical understanding of the relevant materials covered in the course so that the research outcomes are well informed and valid. Your task is to complete the following and submit a written paper not exceeding 12 pages of narratives by the 11th session. You will then be expected to brief your problem, theory, methodology, research outcomes, and recommendations in the 12 class. You can format your paper the way you prefer but it should include the following components. 1) Problem: You need to identify a financial policy or operational problem in a way that keeps you motivated to complete the research. The problem can be from your own workplace or from any other organization with which you are familiar. You can also pick a policy problem being contemplated at the state legislature or some other local governments. You will, however, need to describe the problem, explain why it is appropriate for your research, what is its organizational or policy context, and who will benefit from this research. (Contact me before pursuing any further if you are unsure about the appropriateness of the problem you are selecting.) 2) Literature Survey: Find appropriate literature from both the readings and outside to more fully understand the problem as it applies not only on its organizational or policy setting more but broadly. Review your literature and discuss the main issues/concepts involved and how they help examine the problem further. Be specific on what substantive concepts or theories you have borrowed from the readings. Use appropriate citations to make it more professional and scientific. 3) Methodology: Provide adequate detail about your methodological approach to investigate the problem further. This will include formulating research hypotheses or questions, identifying your data sources, describing variables and their measurement, and briefly stating your data analysis plan. (Use your skills from PADM6060) 4) Data Analysis: Analyze your data using valid quantitative or qualitative approaches and present the results using a legible format. Interpret these results and discuss their meanings so that others can draw specific findings as the valid contributions of your research. Make appropriate interpretations and avoid sweeping claims depending on your population or data. (Use your skills from PADM6070...