A Manager’s Perspective How to write a Paper A Manager’s Perspective 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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! 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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? 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

What are the Pieces Summary -- Up front and short why should I read this? What is asked of me? Introduction- Main Points and Conclusions Two Paragraphs; point form Main Points - Max 6 One section Each Strongest first 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

What are the Pieces Summary Bibliography - use standard format Connect points into argument Restate action desired/conclusion Bibliography - use standard format Bibliography - Provide URLs where used Appendices - Reference material Table of Contents 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper

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 11/14/2018 IS 483 How to Write a Paper