Project Requirements

The Project-Based Internship enables students to have a meaningful experiential learning

opportunity. Students will work in teams to conduct all research and project activities within the
limits of the online classroom. The project will allow students to make a real contribution to an
organization’s challenges or opportunities while working within their own time-parameters.
The culmination of the course will be the delivery of the completed project to the Instructor by
the end of Week 12.

Your report MUST be submitted with at least three (3) sources from the Berkeley College Library's
Online Databases and/or other resources.

Project Report must consist of five major sections (External Environment, Industry Analysis,
Marketing Initiatives, Location Analysis, and Competitive Analysis) using the four subsets under
each topic below:

i. Background – Provide an overview of the issue and company with the main objective or definition
of the problem stated. Students will conduct online research about the organization and issue for
which the project is being completed.

ii. Introduction – Provide a full introduction including a complete definition of the issue and items to
be included on the report. What will be the key area of analysis and what do you expect to gain from
general findings and results. Students consider the potential impact of the proposed project on the
achievement of the organization’s mission and goals. Propose ways to achieve objectives and layout
how the project meets company’s goals.

iii. Analysis – Provide data, graphs, sources and other important information collected. Describe the
methodology used for your analysis. Each Group will be assigned one of the following areas for their
portion of the Project: 1) External Economic Environment, 2) Industry Analysis, 3) Marketing
Initiatives, 4) Financial Implications, 5) Special Topic (relative to the specific client).

iv. Recommendations. Discuss recommendations and deliverables and suggested means of

implementation. Support your recommendations with analysis for all recommendations, indicating if
you believe the onsite museum should be created or not.
v.
Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_5095030_write-formal-report.html
Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2272372_format-business-report.html

Project Report Formatting and Presentation

i. Your report MUST be five full (excluding appendices and references) pages of content, double-
spaced, using the 12-point Times New Roman font. Please use the four main sections included above
to create your report.

ii. Your report MUST be submitted with at least three (3) sources from the Berkeley College Library's
Online Databases and/or other sources.
iii. Your report MUST be done in Microsoft Word.

iv. Your report must have proper in-text reference citations (2-3) to document your sources of
information.

v. Your report must not be limited to in-text references but must also include all sources cited
completely at the end of the report (the References page).

vi. Your report must be prepared in accordance with APA guidelines. This link has useful information on
APA Style writing The Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/

vii. The Writer’s Handbook folder within the CAS Writing Centers page of Center for Academic Success
link on Blackboard also consists of information to help you with APA Style of writing.

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing a research paper is just getting it started
(especially with a group). You may find it easier to follow the six steps listed below:

Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Set a Schedule

One of the biggest problems students have when beginning a research paper is that they don’t understand the
assignment. Make sure that if you have any questions you ask the professor, other students, or come into the
Writing Center. Some specific details you should know are:
● How long the paper has to be (5 pages)
● The type of citation preferred by the professor—APA
● Number and types of sources that are allowed (three or more peer-reviewed articles)
● Set a schedule according to the due dates and how long it will take you to complete each task
(day-by-day, week-by-week)

Step 2: Finding a Topic and Question

Once you have figured out what the assignment is about, it is time to identify your
specific topic to research. In this project, a topic will be assigned to you. Some things to consider:
● Narrow the focus of your paper. (try to make it as specific as possible)
● Choose specific areas to study that are important to the reader.
● As you research this area, it will ultimately lead to your recommendation(s)

Step 3: Begin Research

After the Group has decided the specific direction you want to take for the paper, it will be time to begin
researching the topic. Some things to keep in mind when researching:
● Make sure you use a wide variety of sources (librarian will help you)
● Allow yourself enough time to research. This will be the most intensive part of the paper.
Allow at least three hours per researching session.
● Keep records and copies of all of the information you obtain. Get all the bibliographical information
(References listings) while you are researching so you do not have to go back. Make sure you also
make note of where you found the information in case you need to retrieve it later.

Bibliographical information includes:

● Title of the article
● Date it was published or copy written
● Author(s) and publishing company
● Pages used
 ● Try to put information into your own words. It is helpful to paraphrase the information
in your own words while you are taking notes to avoid plagiarism later. If you do take
quotes directly from the source, make sure you make a note of that.
● You should also be making notes about specific recommendations that you are drawing
from the material.
● Look specifically for details that discuss your area of study—sometimes background
information is also necessary.

Step 4: Construct an Outline

Once you have collected all of the research, it may be helpful to organize your thoughts with an outline. To
construct an outline group your notes together and match information that fits together. An outline should be
formatted in this manner:
i. Introduction (Thesis Statement)
ii. Abstract
iii. Main heading/idea of paragraph #1
iv. Supporting detail 1
v. Supporting detail 2
vi. Supporting detail 3
vii. Main heading/idea of paragraph #2
viii. Supporting detail 1
ix. Supporting detail 2
x. Supporting detail 3
xi. Main heading/idea of paragraph #3
xii. Supporting detail 1
xiii. Supporting detail 2
xiv. Supporting detail 3
xv. Recommendations
xvi. References

Try to ensure that each paragraph contains approximately the same amount of information. Depending
upon how organized your outline is, you may be able to write your paper directly from the information in
your outline.

Step 5: Write a Draft

Now that the group has organized all research material, the next step will be writing the first draft.
Some things to keep in mind when writing a draft:
● Try to write with your own voice. Don’t just spit out researched information. Add
your own conclusions and thoughts (although the final paper should be statements of proven
research, not your own thoughts).
● Remember to cite your sources when you use them, even in a draft.
● Try to keep your information as organized as possible. That will help the reader understand what you
are trying to say.
● Once you have written a draft, proofread it! Have a peer respond to it or bring it to the CAS to
have a tutor help you with it.

Step 6: Write a Final Draft

After you have revised your initial draft, you should compose a final draft. This draft should have very few
errors, have a clear organization, and be formatted correctly. Before the paper is submitted you should make
sure you have the following elements following APA format:
● A cover page stating the course information, the title of your paper, and your name
● The final copy of your paper with any formatting necessary (footnotes, page numbers, citations, etc.)
● A References page listing the bibliographical information for each of your sources