Aurora BUS 217 Business Communications

Individual Research Project: Controversial Issues in Business and Society

This assignment has two parts; a proposal and final paper. This assignment can be done
individually or with a partner as a team of two.

The purpose of this assignment is to build understanding of various issues facing business and
society today. This assignment will require heavy research. Through this research the student
will:
Learn the background history of the chosen topic,
Discover why this topic is controversial,
Explain both sides of the controversy, and
Develop an opinion

Choose a Controversial Business Issue/Topic (Here are some examples):

Multi-level marketing is a legitimate business model.
We need a minimum wage so that companies dont take advantage of their employees.
Human Resources shouldnt be allowed to ask questions about an applicants marital status,
religion, age, medical history, or immigration status.
Companies shouldnt look at prospective employees social media profiles.
Casual dress codes are beneficial for the company.
Companies should have strict policies against dating at work.
Open floor plans are better than cubicle farms.
Happy employees do a better job.
Its okay for bars, restaurants, casinos, and other businesses in the service sector to only hire
attractive employees.
Social media sites should be blocked at work.
The minimum wage should be raised.
Employees that work from home are more productive.
Companies should be allowed to drug test their employees.
Non-financial incentives are better motivators than financial incentives.
Corporations should not be allowed to make large campaign contributions to political
candidates.
Men should be given more time off for paternity leave.
We need laws to regulate the unpredictability of part-time schedules.
Companies should be forced to provide health care to full-time employees.
Companies should be forced to provide health care to part-time employees.
We need laws to ensure that women receive salaries comparable to their male counterparts.
There should be gender quotas for women on boards of directors.
Students Choice If there is not something on this list you are interested in; choose
your own topic!
The proposal will include:

1. Students name

2. Create a question regarding the selected topic that will be answered throughout the duration
of the project. The question is designed to give a clear focus to the content of the project. Be
careful not to develop a question that is too vague or too specific. A vague question can cause
confusion, while a specific question can create limitations.

Example: If the chosen topic is Women should get one year paid maternity leave;the question
could be: Should women be given one year paid maternity leave?

3. An overview of why this topic is considered controversial. This proposal should include at
least two paragraphs explaining each side of the argument.

Example: What makes paid maternity leave controversial?

We have FMLA, why do we need anything else?
Maternity leave is a huge burden to a woman's employer. Why should the company pay extended
absences for workers who aren't contributing?
Becoming a mother is a choice, so why should others have to pay for your choice?
But it's unfair to men who have children, or other women in the workplace who choose not to
have kids.
Fine, take paid maternity leave, but just know that it's going to increase the wage gap.
Why can't you leave this for individual companies or states to work out? Why does it have to be
mandated?

4. An APA reference list of three sources already used in conducting the preliminary research.

Submit proposal via D2L dropbox October 3, 2017; 11:59 PM

The final paper will include the following information:

1. Full APA cover page, an abstract, in-text citations, and a final reference list. You must
include section headings:
Research Question
Overview of Controversy
Arguments For
Arguments Against
Current Status
My Opinion
2. The question developed in the proposal.

3. A full overview as to what makes this topic controversial.

4. A full explanation of two or more differing positions on both sides of the controversy.
Various outside sources are required. The two arguments may include popular opinion, but
also must be based in stated FACT.

5. *What are the two sides of the argument? *Why do people think what they think? *What
facts can be given to support each argument?

Example: Continuing with example in the proposal assignment instructions. If my topic were
Women should get one year paid maternity leave; I would discuss pros and cons of both sides.

6. An explanation on the status of the issue today.

Example: Here you can research current news about your topic. Is there any new legislation?
Are there business trends emerging?

7. A final summary of your personal position on the issue. Think for yourself. What side of the
argument do you personally agree with? Why do you agree with one side (stating facts and
opinion) and why do you disagree with the other side (stating facts and opinion)?

Submit proposal via D2L dropbox October 17, 2017; 11:59 PM

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