Topic Selection (Due in Week 2)

1. Select a specific organization of interest to you and identify a problem at the firm related to organizational behavior (OB). This maybe an organization where you currently serve or one where you have served.
2. Think of yourself as an organizational consultant. Assume that a key manager has requested a thorough analysis and recommended course of action to resolve an actual organizational problem. Your goal is to develop recommendations that will make a positive difference to the performance of the organization.
3. Your research paper should address the following three course objectives, at a minimum:
   1. Course Objective A - Evaluate how organizational theories and practices can improve organizational operations.
   2. Course Objective B - Analyze how values, attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and personality influence decision making in the workplace.
   3. Course Objective D - Analyze the impact of different structures and lines of authority on organizational strategy and culture.

(WEEk 5,6,8)

1. Framework papers are research papers that are typically used as a basis for additional exploration of specific topics in a larger study. A framework paper introduces and further explains a specific aspect of the study while also furthering an explanation of the main research question. During week's 4, 5 and 6, you will be assigned specific topics to continue your research and to further explore. Your individual weekly papers should demonstrate an understanding of the background theories and concepts from within our course that is relevant to your topic.
2. How to get started? Research your topic - Research it a great deal using the DeVry Library and/or any other academic library. Further, review all of the course material as well as the relevant research (typically journal articles) that help explore and study the organizational research problem you are studying.
3. What is the overall purpose of a framework paper? Essentially, the purpose of a framework paper should be to explain the meaning and the challenges of the organizational problem as well as continue building on the body of knowledge as the beginning of plausible (and possible) solutions to ultimately help benefit the organization being studied.
4. Steps to consider when drafting your Framework Paper:
   • Review your (preliminary) research paper title and your research question.
   • Review all research articles and information that you have found, so far.
   • Review the course information paying particular attention to the relevant theories that address the week's topic/question.
   • Discuss and present the assumptions that relate to the theory or theories.
   • Include the relevance to your research and topic. Be sure to explain why and how this is important to consider and discuss.
5. For each weekly Framework Paper, include the following sections.
   • Introduction
   • Preliminary statement of the problem
   • Detailed explanation of how this helps answer the stated research question
   • Discuss and present the assumptions that relate to the theory or theories.
   • Include the relevance to your research and topic. Be sure to explain why and how this is important to consider and discuss.
   • What additional research is suggested by this information? Which solutions are suggested? Why? Do they appear valid? Relevant? How can you tell?
   • Conclusions