Assignment #2: Position Paper
Instructions
Assignment #2: Position Paper (20%)
Purpose: You will learn how to write a persuasive argument regarding an ethical issue.
Outcome Met by Completing This Assignment:
1. Identify ethical issues that arise in domestic and global business environments using an understanding of ethical concepts and of legal and business principles
2. Develop and evaluate alternatives to, and recommend solutions for, ethical dilemmas, taking into account ethical and legal requirements and the essential mission of the business enterprise
3. Effectively communicate to internal and external business stakeholders the complexities of ethical issues suggesting and analyzing various solutions in order to ensure appropriate business practices and accountability
Instructions:
NOTE: All submitted work is to be your original work. You may not use any work from another student, the Internet or an online clearinghouse. You are expected to understand the Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism Policy, and know that it is your responsibility to learn about instructor and general academic expectations with regard to proper citation of sources as specified in the APA Publication Manual, 6th Ed. (Students are held accountable for in-text citations and an associated reference list only).
Step 1: Preparation for the Assignment
• Before you begin writing the assignment, you will read the following requirements that will help you meet the writing and APA requirements. Not reading this information will lead to a lower grade:
• Read the grading rubric for the assignment. Use the grading rubric while writing the report to ensure all requirements are met that will lead to the highest possible grade.
• Third person writing is required. Third person means that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing). If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.
• Contractions are not used in business writing, so you are expected NOT to use contractions in writing this assignment.
• You are expected to paraphrase and NOT use direct quotes. You are expected to paraphrase, which can be learned by reviewing this link: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase2.html.
• You are responsible for APA only for in-text citations and a reference list.
• You are expected to use the facts from the case scenario paired with the weekly courses readings to develop the analysis and support the reasoning. Books cannot be used as resources for this assignment. The expectation is that you use of the course readings and that research is done on the topic. If any material is used from a source document, it must be cited and referenced and the page or paragraph number must be provided. A reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa. View the sample APA paper to gain a better understanding of how to use APA within the paper.
Step 2: How to Set Up the Paper
Create a Word or Rich Text Format (RTF) document that is double-spaced, 12-point font. The final product will be between 4-6 pages in length excluding the title page and reference page. It is important to write clearly and concisely.
• Create a title page with title, your name, the course, the instructor’s name and date
• Introduction
o Introduce the topic
o Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
o Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). The thesis indicates the topic and your approach as well as to pique the interest of the reader.
• Counter Argument
o Summarize the counterclaims
o Provide support for counterclaims
o Refute the counterclaims
o Give evidence for argument
• Argument
o Assert point #1 of your claims
? Provide your thoughts and ideas supported using a minimum of two sources
o Assert point #2 of your claims
? Provide your thoughts and ideas supported using a minimum of two sources
o Assert point #3 of your claims
? Provide your thoughts and ideas supported using a minimum of two sources
• Conclusion
o Restate/Summarize argument
o Bring paper full circle reflecting on the importance of the arguments and conclude their development.
Source: Writing a Position Paper (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sfu.ca/cmns/130d1/WritingaPositionPaper.htm
Step 3: Getting Started
A position paper provides a point of view and can be view as taking a side in a debate. What you want to keep in mind as you research and write the paper is that the viewpoint is yours but it is necessary to support your ideas, reasoning and conclusions.
Before starting, read the topic in Step 4 and lay out a plan for researching the topic. You will note that you have been given a few articles to get you started but the research you will do goes beyond these articles and must focus on identifying the ethical issue and taking a stance based on the ethical nature of the statement.
To present a fair and convincing argument, you will research and present the counterclaims to the position you take and refute the other positions.
Step 4: Read the articles below to gain a sense of the issue at stake. Research the issue further so that you are able to take a position.
Nestlé CEO: Water Is Not a Human Right, Should Be Privatized
Nestlé’s Attempt to Completely Privatize (Steal) Water in Oregon Put to a Stop: “Our Water, Our Future”
Nestlé’s Peter Braback: Our Attitude Towards Water Needs to Change
Step 5: Create the introductory paragraph. Within this paragraph, provide a brief overview of the scenario. Then, provide a thesis statement and tell the reader the main topics covered in the paper. The introduction comes at the beginning of the paper and tells a reader the main topics covered in the paper. View this website to learn how to write an introductory paragraph: https://www.writing.ucsb.edu/faculty/donelan/intro.html
Step 6: You will write a position paper in response to the quote below:
To write a position paper, you will first organize and outline the counterclaims and your viewpoints on the issue. Be sure to frame the discussion to define the key points covered in the paper. Establish credibility by supporting the reasoning and conclusions using the course readings and your research.
Quote:
“Water is not a right for all humans and; therefore, can become the property of a business.”
Step 7: Writing Steps
• Use the topic provided in Step 6
• Gather sources using the library, the classroom and the Internet (scholarly articles). Make sure that you have information that supports more than one viewpoint.
• Read the source documents and decide on a claim statement. The claim statement is the thesis of your paper.
• Use the gathered sources to prepare the thesis.
• Consider preparing an outline based on the steps provided in Step 2.
• Identifying the ethical issue.
• Present the counterclaims, your position on the counterclaims including evidence to refute the counterarguments.
• Then, write your paper by presenting your position. Argue your position by making three appropriate reasons with at least two supporting details for each reason;
• Lastly, conclude the paper by restating/summarizing the argument. Refer to the opening statements and main points made throughout the paper. Reflect on the importance of the arguments and conclude their development.
Step 8: Proofread the paper for spelling and grammatical issues and third person writing as this assignment requires college-level writing.
• Use the spell and grammar check in Word as a first measure;
• Have someone who has excellent English skills to proof the paper;
• Consider submitting the paper to the Effective Writing Center (EWC). The EWC will provide 4-6 areas that may need improvement.
Step 9: Submit the paper in the Assignment Folder (The assignment submitted to the Assignment Folder will be considered a student’s final product and therefore ready for grading by the instructor. It is incumbent upon the student to verify the assignment is the correct submission. No exceptions will be considered by the instructor).
Due Date
Jul 21, 2017 11:59 PM
Hide Rubrics
Rubric Name: Position Paper (20%)
Criteria 1 Outstanding Superior Good Substandard Failure
Introduction and background of topic, including position of each side 2 points
Introduces the topic, provides background on the topic to explain why it is important and asserts the thesis and approach in a clear and concise manner and comprehensively discusses the main points in the paper and piques the interest of the reader.
(1.8 – 2.0) 1.7 points
Introduces the topic, provides background on the topic to explain why it is important and asserts the thesis and approach in a clear manner but further development of the main points of the paper is needed.
(1.6 – 1.79) 1.5 points
Introduces the topic, provides background on the topic to explain why it is important and asserts the thesis and approach with some explanation of the general idea of the main points of the paper.
(1.4 – 1.59) 1.3 points
Attempts to introduce the topic, provides some background on the topic,and attempts to assert the thesis and approach but is irrelevant to the thesis.
(1.2 – 1.39) 0 points
No attempt at presenting an introduction.
(0)
Criteria 2 Outstanding Excellent Good Substandard Failure
Ethical Issue 2 points
Central ethical issue is identified thoroughly, concisely and logically concluded with a thorough use of research.
(1.8 – 2.0) 1.7 points
Central ethical issue is identified but argument needs more detailed development and/or support.
(1.6 – 1.79) 1.5 points
Attempts to define ethical issue but not defined appropriately or completely. Misunderstanding of the issue related to the situation. Some reasoning; minimal use of support.
(1.4 – 1.59) 1.3 points
Attempts to define ethical issue concluded with little or no use of reasoning and support.
( 1.2 – 1.39) 0 points
Failed to identify ethical issue and no support provided.
(0)
Criteria 3 Outstanding Excellent Good Sustandard Failure
Argument Against Thesis 4 points
Addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against position that is thoroughly, concisely and logically concluded with a thorough use of research without undercutting position.
(3.6 – 4.0) 3.4 points
Addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against position that is clearly, and soundly reasoned and concluded through the use of research but argument needs more detailed development.
(3.2 – 3.59) 3 points
Addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against position with some reasoning; minimal use of research.
(2.8 – 3.19) 2.6 points
Does not address and/or refute any argument(s) against position with little or no use of reasoning and research.
(2.4 – 2.79) 0 points
Failed to provide argument against thesis.
(0)
Argument in favor of thesis 4 points
Takes a strong, well defined position; Supports position with thorough and
concise argument(s) that uses at least three appropriate reasons with at
least two supporting details for each reason.
(3.6 – 4.0) 3.4 points
Clear position taken and defined and soundly reasoned and concluded through the use of research but argument needs more detailed development.
(3.2 – 3.59) 3 points
Position not clearly stated; development is brief; unrelated, unsupported general statements, reasons, and details; minimal research used.
(2.8 – 3.19) 2.6 points
No clear position taken; reasons undeveloped;
little or no use of reasoning and research.
(2.4 – 2.79) 0 points
Fails to present position and provide support.
(0)
Criteria 4 Outstanding Superior Good Substandard Failure
Conclusions 2 points
In a clear and concise manner, comprehensively concludes the paper by restating/ summarizing the argument. Refer to the opening statements and main points made throughout the paper. Reflect on the importance of the arguments and conclude their development.
(1.8 – 2.0) 1.7 points
In a clear manner concludes the paper by restating/ summarizing the argument. Refer to the o main points made throughout the paper. Attempts to reflect on the importance of the arguments but further development of the main points of the paper is needed.
(1.6 – 1.79) 1.5 points
Concludes the paper by somewhat restating/ summarizing the argument. Attempts to the bring in some explanation of the general idea of the main points of the paper.
(1.4 – 1.59) 1.5 points
Attempts to restate/summarize the argument but explanations are irrelevant to the main points of the paper.
(1.2 – 1.39) 0 points
Fails to present restatement/summarization of argument.
(0)
Criteria 5 Outstanding Excellent Good Substandard Failure
Attention to Instructions 3 points
The paper contains all major assignment tasks. The paper also includes completion of all minor aspects of the assignment such as third person writing, required use of course readings, outside sources if needed, and assignment format.
(2.7 – 3.0) 2.55 points
The paper contains all major assignment tasks. The paper missed one minor aspects of the assignment such as third person writing, required use of course readings, outside sources if needed, and assignment format.
(2.4 – 2.69) 2.25 points
One major assignment tasks or two minor aspects of the assignment missed.
(2.1 – 2.39) 1.95 points
Two major assignment tasks and/or three or more minor aspects of the assignments missed.
(1.8 – 2.09) 0 points
Three or more major assignment tasks missed.
(0)
Criteria 6 Outstanding Superior Good Substandard Failure
Writing Mechanics 2 points
Strictly adheres to standard usage rules of written English using paragraphs and sentence rather than bullets, including but not limited to capitalization, punctuation, run-on sentences, missing or extra words, stylistic errors, spelling and grammatical errors. No contractions or jargon used. Zero to two errors noted.
(1.8 – 2.0) 1.7 points
Excellently adheres to standard usage of mechanics: conventions of written English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Three to six errors noted.
(1.6 – 1.79) 1.5 points
Satisfactorily adheres to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Seven to 10 errors noted.
(1.4 – 1.59) 1.3 points
Minimally adheres to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of written English, including capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. More than 10 errors found.
(1.2 – 1.39) 0 points
Does not adhere to standard usage rules of mechanics: conventions of written English largely incomprehensible; or errors are too plentiful to count.
(0)
Criteria 7 Outstanding Superior Good Substandard Failure
Adherence to APA (6th ed.) 1 point
One to 2 APA style or usage errors; Proper citation of source material is used throughout paper; Reference titles follow APA with only the first word, the first word after a colon and proper nouns capitalized.
(0.9 – 1.0) 0.85 points
Attempts in-text citations and reference list but 3 – 4 APA style errors noted or fails to use APA citations when appropriate 1-2 times.
(0.8 – 0.89) 0.75 points
Attempts in-text citations and reference lists; APA style errors are noted throughout document with 5-6 errors noted; Fails to use APA citations when appropriate 3 – 4 times in document.
(0.7 – 0.79) 0.65 points
Attempts in-text citations and reference lists; Fails to use APA citation when appropriate 5-6 times; Fails to use APA citations when appropriate 5-6 times in document or presents a total of 1-2 in-text citations and reference list in a paper when requires APA citations are needed throughout the document.
(0.6 – 0.69) 0 points
No attempt at APA style; or attempts either in-text citations or reference list but omits the other.
(0 – 0.59)
Overall Score Outstanding
18 or more Superior
16 or more Good
14 or more Substandard
12 or more Failure
0 or more
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