A business term paper addresses a current issue in the business world or a specific economic theory that relates to the scope of the course. Only under very specific instructions from the teacher of the course should the student select a topic for a business term paper that does not have a bearing in the current business world.
Ordinarily, business term papers emphasize current events. This emphasis affects the student’s research method; rather than researching the chosen topic in books, the student will read weekly business magazines, newspapers, and Internet news sites. He or she will take notes on events as they unfold, and in the writing of the paper, he or she will draw conclusions based on the observed pattern of events. It is imperative that the student choose a topic early in the term, read articles on that topic at least several times a week, and keep an open mind on the information until he or she is ready to write. The student may complete the prewriting stages ahead of time thoroughly through notes, outlines, and brief written remarks, but he or she must remember that the final information on the paper's topic will not arrive until the last minute; therefore, the student who writes in advance of the due date should prepare himself or herself to do some rewriting before submitting the term paper.
After doing their up-to-the-minute research, students must be sure to draw their own conclusions from the facts and argue them skillfully in their business term papers. Unless the instructor requires a strictly factual, objective term paper, students should evaluate their findings and make their best prediction over the eventual outcome of the matter. Students should not rely on professional analysts to draw the correct conclusions; rather, they should examine the evidence and think independently and critically about it.
