1. A Manager’s Perspective
How to write a Paper
A Manager’s Perspective
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

2. 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!
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

3. 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?
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

4. 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
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

5. 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

6. 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
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

7. 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

8. 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
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

9. 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
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

10. 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
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IS 483 How to Write a Paper

11. 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