Research Paper The final assignment for the course will be a research paper.  The Research Paper will contribute 25% to the course grade . Focus of the Research Paper This final research paper must demonstrate the understanding of new learning in the field of project management and how it relates to purchasing and supply management.  This is an assignment with a length of 10 – 12 pages that should integrate the reading, multi-media, and class discussion boards.  It is mandatory to have research from the classroom text as well as at least five sources from reputable sources or online library to support your views. Consider the validity of your resources carefully before using them in academic papers.  It is recommended to use examples from your professional experience where possible or build from your learning in the discussion boards.  Use at least one project of which you have been a team member or a project manager as an example to describe the topics below:  The following topics must be included in order for the paper to be complete:  Summarize the concepts of procurement and contract management and the importance to the business world.  Evaluate RFP selection tools and how to improve the assessment of proposals.  Summarize the concept of procurement planning and evaluate the various strategies necessary for project success.  Assess how to select the most qualified vendor in a proposal.  Appraise the contract and in particular, the legal aspects of procurement within the contract.  Compare the critical elements of a contract including relationships between the client, supplier, completion terms and payment terms.  The final Research Paper for the course must be submitted by to the instructor by 11:59 p.m. of the time zone in which you reside on the last day of the class. Writing the Research Paper The Paper: Must be 10 - 12 double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.  Must include a cover page that includes:  Title of paper  Student’s name  Course name and number  Instructor’s name  Date submitted  Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.  Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.  Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.  Must use at least four scholarly sources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford Online Library, in addition to the textbook.  Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.  Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide. Grading Rubric Description : Total Possible Score : 25.00 Summarizes the Concepts of Procurement and Contract Management and the Importance to the Business World Total: 3.00 Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes the concepts of procurement and contract management and the importance to the business world. I.

1. Research Paper
The final assignment for the course will be a research paper.
The Research Paper will contribute 25% to the course grade
.
Focus of the Research Paper
This final research paper must demonstrate the understanding
of new learning in the field of project management and how it
relates to purchasing and supply management. This is an
assignment with a length of 10 – 12 pages that should integrate
the reading, multi-media, and class discussion boards. It is
mandatory to have research from the classroom text as well as
at least five sources from reputable sources or online library to
support your views.
Consider the validity of your resources carefully before using
them in academic papers. It is recommended to use examples
from your professional experience where possible or build from
your learning in the discussion boards. Use at least one project
of which you have been a team member or a project manager as
an example to describe the topics below:
The following topics must be included in order for the paper to
be complete:
Summarize the concepts of procurement and contract
management and the importance to the business world.
Evaluate RFP selection tools and how to improve the
assessment of proposals.
Summarize the concept of procurement planning and evaluate
the various strategies necessary for project success.
Assess how to select the most qualified vendor in a proposal.
Appraise the contract and in particular, the legal aspects of
procurement within the contract.
Compare the critical elements of a contract including

2. relationships between the client, supplier, completion terms and
payment terms.
The final Research Paper for the course must be submitted by to
the instructor by 11:59 p.m. of the time zone in which you
reside on the last day of the class.
Writing the Research Paper
The Paper:
Must be 10 - 12 double-spaced pages in length and formatted
according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style
guide.
Must include a cover page that includes:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis
statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion
paragraph.
Must use at least four scholarly sources, including a minimum
of two from the Ashford Online Library, in addition to the
textbook.
Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style
guide to document all sources.
Must include, on the final page, a Reference Page that is
completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved
APA style guide.
Grading Rubric
Description
:
Total Possible Score

3. : 25.00
Summarizes the Concepts of Procurement and Contract
Management and the Importance to the Business World
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes the concepts of
procurement and contract management and the importance to the
business world. Incorporates detailed examples and concepts
from the text and other scholarly sources.
Proficient - Summarizes procurement the concepts of
procurement and contract management and the importance to the
business world. Incorporates examples and concepts from the
text and other scholarly sources. Minor details are missing.
Basic - Partially summarizes the concepts of procurement and
contract management and the importance to the business world.
Incorporates limited use of examples and concepts from the text
or other scholarly sources. Relevant details are missing.
Below Expectations - Incompletely summarizes the concepts of
procurement and contract management and the importance to the
business world. Does not incorporate examples and concepts
from the text or other scholarly sources. Significant details are
missing.
Non-Performance - The summary of the concepts of
procurement and contract management and the importance to the
business world is either nonexistent or lacks the components
described in the assignment instructions.
Evaluates RFP Selection Tools and Describes How to Improve
the Assessment of Proposals
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Thoroughly evaluates RFP selection tools and
comprehensively describes how to improve the assessment of
proposals. Uses scholarly sources to support the evaluation.
Proficient - Evaluates RFP selection tools and describes how to
improve the assessment of proposals. Uses scholarly sources to
support the evaluation, but the improvement of the assessment
is slightly underdeveloped.
Basic - Evaluates RFP selection and partially describes how to

4. improve the assessment of proposals. Limited use of scholarly
sources to support the evaluation and the improvement of the
assessment is underdeveloped.
Below Expectations - Attempts to evaluates RFP selection and
describe how to improve the assessment of proposals; however,
does not use scholarly sources to support the description and the
description is significantly underdeveloped.
Non-Performance - The evaluation of RFP selection tools and
how to improve the assessment of proposals is either
nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment
instructions.
Summarizes the Concept of Procurement Planning and Evaluates
the Various Strategies Necessary for Project Success
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes procurement
planning and thoroughly evaluates the various strategies
necessary for project success. Effectively incorporates examples
and concepts from the text and other scholarly sources.
Proficient - Summarizes procurement planning and evaluates the
various strategies necessary for project success. Incorporates
examples and concepts from the text and other scholarly
sources. The summary or the evaluation are slightly
underdeveloped.
Basic - Partially summarizes procurement planning and
somewhat evaluates the various strategies necessary for project
success. Limited use of examples and concepts from the text or
other scholarly sources. The summary and/or the evaluation are
underdeveloped.
Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize procurement
planning and evaluate the various strategies necessary for
project success; however, the summary and evaluation of the
various strategies necessary for project success do not
incorporate examples and concepts from the text or other
scholarly sources and the summary and/or evaluation are
significantly underdeveloped.
Non-Performance - The summary of the concept of procurement

5. planning and evaluation of the various strategies necessary for
project success is either nonexistent or lacks the components
described in the assignment instructions.
Assesses How to Select the Most Qualified Vendor in a
Proposal
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Comprehensively assesses how to select the
most qualified vendor in a proposal. Uses scholarly sources to
support the assessment.
Proficient - Assesses how to select the most qualified vendor in
a proposal. Uses scholarly sources to support the assessment.
The assessment is slightly underdeveloped.
Basic - Partially assesses how to how to select the most
qualified vendor in a proposal. Uses minimal scholarly sources
to support the assessment. The assessment is underdeveloped.
Below Expectations - Attempts to assess how to select the most
qualified vendor in a proposal; however, does not use scholarly
sources to support the assessment and the assessment is
significantly underdeveloped.
Non-Performance - The assessment of how to select the most
qualified vendor in a proposal is either nonexistent or lacks the
components described in the assignment instructions.
Appraises the Contract and in Particular, the Legal Aspects of
Procurement Within the Contract
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Comprehensively appraises the contract and the
legal aspects of procurement in a contract. Effectively uses
scholarly sources to support the assessment.
Proficient - Appraises the contract and the legal aspects of
procurement in a contract. Uses scholarly sources to support the
assessment. The assessment is slightly underdeveloped.
Basic - Partially appraises the contract and the legal aspects of
procurement in a contract. Limited use of scholarly sources to
support the appraisal. The appraisal is underdeveloped.
Below Expectations - Attempts to appraise the contract and the
legal aspects of procurement in a contract; however, does not

6. use scholarly sources to support the appraisal and the appraisal
is significantly underdeveloped.
Non-Performance - The appraisal of the contract and the legal
aspects of procurement in a contract is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Compares the Critical Elements of a Contract Including
Relationships Between the Client, Supplier, Completion Terms
and Payment Terms
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Provides a thorough comparison of the critical
elements of a contract including relationships between the
client, supplier, completion terms and payment terms.
Proficient - Provides a comparison of the critical elements of a
contract including relationships between the client, supplier,
completion terms and payment terms. Minor details are missing.
Basic - Provides a limited comparison of the critical elements of
a contract including relationships between the client, supplier,
completion terms and payment terms. Relevant details are
missing.
Below Expectations - Attempts to provide a comparison of the
critical elements of a contract including relationships between
the client, supplier, completion terms and payment terms.
Significant details are missing.
Non-Performance - The comparison of the critical elements of a
contract including relationships between the client, supplier,
completion terms and payment terms is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.
Organization: Introduction, Thesis Statement, and Conclusion
Total: 5.00
Distinguished - Paper is logically organized with a well-written
introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.
Proficient - Paper is logically organized with an introduction,
thesis statement, and conclusion. One of these requires
improvement.
Basic - Paper is organized with an introduction, thesis
statement, and conclusion. One or more of the introduction,

7. thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.
Below Expectations - Paper is loosely organized with an
introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction,
thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.
Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and
conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components
described in the assignment instructions.
Critical Thinking: Explanation of Issues
Total: 0.34
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains the issue
to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary
for a full understanding.
Proficient - Clearly explains the issue to be considered,
delivering enough relevant information for an adequate
understanding.
Basic - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, delivering
minimal information for a basic understanding.
Below Expectations - Briefly explains the issue to be
considered, but may not deliver additional information
necessary for a basic understanding.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
Integrative Learning: Connections to Discipline
Total: 0.34
Distinguished - Autonomously synthesizes or draws conclusions
by combining examples, facts, or theories from multiple
disciplines.
Proficient - Autonomously correlates examples, facts, or
theories from multiple disciplines.
Basic - Attempts to correlate examples, facts, or theories from
multiple disciplines.
Below Expectations - Displays inconsistent examples, facts, or
theories from multiple disciplines.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics

8. Total: 0.34
Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and
organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and
grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to
understand.
Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax
and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work
contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to
understand.
Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics,
such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few
errors which may slightly distract the reader.
Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of
syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written
work contains major errors which distract the reader.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: APA Formatting
Total: 0.34
Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently
throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper.
However, layout contains a few minor errors.
Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting
throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA
requirements.
Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA
formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout
difficult to distinguish as APA.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Resource Requirement
Total: 0.32
Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of
scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support
ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited

9. correctly within the body of the assignment.
Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to
support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and
cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support
ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the
reference page are used within the body of the assignment.
Citations may not be formatted correctly.
Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources
that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not
be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used
within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted
correctly.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Page Requirement
Total: 0.32
Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the
required number of correctly formatted pages.
Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the
required number of correctly formatted pages.
Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three
quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at
least one half of the required number of correctly formatted
pages.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or
lacks the components described in the instructions.
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