Assignment #3
Submit a narrative outline for your proposed research report.
Include a one-paragraph introduction, one paragraph problem statement,
one paragraph on each theory, concept, or practice that relates
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to the problem and your proposed resolution; and an annotated
bibliography with a minimum of eight references on the faculty approved topic.
After receiving approval for your topic, you will need to complete additional research
and study related to the problem. In doing so, you may be able to present a better
problem statement and may identify additional or different research resources. This
narrative outline and annotated bibliography must represent your progress toward
completing the research paper.
To assist in writing the narrative outline it may be beneficial to first develop a formal
outline as presented in The Little, Brown Compact Handbook (pp.19-20, 7th ed.). In a
formal outline the information is presented in short bullet type statements. In the narrative
outline present the information in paragraph form. Begin the narrative outline with a oneparagraph
introduction. The introduction should set the stage for the research the author
will be completing and clearly state the purpose of the research. Next present the problem
statement for your research. The problem statement should clearly identified and outline
the problem to be addressed. The problem statement should convey the following three
messages:
1. Presents the specific problem (specificity is important)
2. Evidence should be presented showing the problem is of sufficient magnitude to
the fire service to warrant consideration.
3. Lastly present a brief statement of the current state of the management problem.
Follow the problem statement with one paragraph on each theory, concept, or practice
that relates to the problem. Conclude the narrative outline with proposed resolutions.
Resolutions should be supported by research presented as well as clearly relate to the
problem and purpose of the paper.
The annotated bibliography must include at least 8 resources that apply to this problem.
Your references need to be current. Do not include materials that are more than ten years
old unless you provide specific justification for doing so. If your problem is based on a
current issue, then you must include references that are no more than 12 months old to
identify and define the issue.
The 1989 edition of Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English
Language defines annotate as to supply with critical or explanatory notes; remark upon in
notes. Each entry in the annotated bibliography must be followed by one short paragraph
(about 5 to 10 sentences) that describes the content of the work and its applicability to the
management of the fire service.
The following is an example of an annotated bibliographic entry for a book. The elements
of the entry are in accordance with the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association. (6th ed., 2001)
Jones, G. R., George, J. M., & Hill, C. W. L. (2000). Contemporary management (2nd
ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
This textbook presents management theories and concepts that apply to managers
who must deal with the new issues and challenges such as promoting and sustaining a
competitive advantage, managing new information technology, developing global
organizations, and managing a diverse workforce. Some unique chapters discuss
managers as real people with their own personalities, strengths, and weaknesses plus how
managers can successfully manage organizational politics, conflict, negotiation, and
change. The book places an emphasis on applied management and uses relevant
examples of how the theories, concepts, and practices are applied in the real world.
Note: All work being submitted for grading shall be double-spaced.