Q The instructor will provide further guidance on how to choose a topic and plan/execute a research strategy. The paper will be written as though it were designed for a particular decision-maker in government, with the student assuming the role of a policy analyst. The paper will be expected to convey emergency response issues and recommendations in a clear, concise, and organized fashion, using the required and recommended readings from the course for analytical support. Each student will develop this final paper during the quarter. The paper is due the last week of the term, on a topic pre-approved by week 5. Please note that a superior paper will demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge, and critical thinking appropriate for doctoral level scholarship. The paper must follow APA Publication Manual guidelines and be free of typographical, spelling and grammatical errors. I expect a minimum of 25 pages of text, not counting title page, abstract, or references. This project will serve as MPA's student's portfolio project to be used in their Capstone course. MPA students should be sure to save this paper for future use. Title page, abstract, and conclusion are a must! Total length is 20 - 25 pages of text (not included title, abstract, and references). Wikipedia, media and such are not appropriate references. References: Every statement made in a scholarly research paper must be supported by a reference. Be very cautious when stating your opinion, or using terms suggesting absolute facts, or values, as these MUST be supported by references. Note that textbooks including our course text, are composed of information cited in other sources (see the reference section in our assigned textbook). With this in mind, I expect an adequate number of appropriate references. A good "rule of thumb" would be to include approximately 3 pages or more of references in APA style. Please note that primary sources are to be used. Peer-reviewed journal articles should make up the bulk of your references (90%). If referring to a book, be sure to include all information in APA style, including specific page numbers. Note that an article referred to in a book is a secondary source. More on this topic is available in the APA Publication Manual and in the Walden Writing Center.