How to write a Paper
A Manager’s Perspective
11/14/2008
IS 483 How to Write a Paper
1
What is a Paper
A Coherent Presentation of your Work and Ideas It has a Purpose It stands alone Onus is on Writer to ensure communication occurs with reader Clarity and Brevity are good!
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 2
Technical Talk
The 10 Commandments has 298 words The Bill of Rights has 519 words The Gettysburg address has 269 words Recent legislation to regulate the price of cabbage has 26, 911 words Who got the point across?
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 3
Why Write a Paper
In school as an assignment to demonstrate understanding of topics In business to sell an idea, position, concept or to document a body of work Purpose is to move what you know into the mind of the reader for action
11/14/2008
IS 483 How to Write a Paper
4
What are the Pieces
Summary -- Up front and short
why should I read this? What is asked of me? Two Paragraphs; point form One section Each Strongest first
Introduction- Main Points and Conclusions
Main Points - Max 6
11/14/2008
IS 483 How to Write a Paper
5
What are the Pieces
Summary
Connect points into argument Restate action desired/conclusion
Bibliography - use standard format Bibliography - Provide URLs where used Appendices - Reference material Table of Contents
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 6
How Connect the pieces
Use of Language is the key element In Introduction describe what paper will cover/not cover In main body, use connecting language to bridge paragraphs, main points In Summary reiterate what you have told the reader
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 7
What is your desired result
Decide before you start anything What result do I want? What data will I need to achieve the result? What options are there? How do I address these options? Does the reader have preferences
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 8
How can I ensure the result
Clarity and directness Strong arguments Focus from Strategic to Details Use headings and bolding to highlight key points Where appropriate use graphics and/or refer to appendix Repetition is fine if used sparingly
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 9
What can derail my paper
Lack of structure - reader loses focus Wandering around -- mixing many topics in one paragraph
Lose Reader’s attention
Complicated Graphics/too fancy Not covering a Point(s) you promised in the introduction Fuzzy or poor logic
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 10
Writing Papers is a Learned Skill
Take time to invest in developing this skill Necessary for Technical Professionals to communicate with business managers Vital for Technical Professionals with aspirations to leadership roles Essential if IT staff are to contribute fully to their organizations
11/14/2008 IS 483 How to Write a Paper 11