The document outlines the structure and content requirements for a research report on developing an effective entity relationship model (ERM) for a government personnel system, emphasizing problem statement, goals, research questions, literature review, methodology, and findings. It details necessary formatting guidelines, chapter organization, and elements such as the inclusion of diagrams and analyses of normalization processes. The document also includes a specific project scenario for students to analyze risks, rank entities, and diagram various data relationships.

1. Chapter 1 Introduction
Introduction
In this section, present enough information about the proposed
work such that the reader understands the general context or
setting. It is also helpful to include a summary of how the rest
of this document is organized.
Problem Statement
In this section, present a concise statement of a research-worthy
problem addressed (i.e., why the work should be undertaken –
don’t say required for the class). Follow the statement of the
problem with a well-supported discussion of its scope and
nature. The discussion of the problem should include: what the
problem is, why it is a problem, how the problem evolved or
developed, and the issues and events leading to the problem.
Goal
Next, include a concise definition of the goal of the work (i.e.,
what the work will accomplish).
Aim to define a goal that is measurable.
Research Questions
Research questions are developed to help guide the authors
through the literature for a given problem area. What were the
open-ended questions asked and why did the student find (or not
find) them adequate.

2. Relevance and Significance
The student should consider the following questions as they
read through an article stating how the author(s) supported, or
left unsupported the evidence, relevance, and significance of
their research literature:
Why is there a problem? What groups or individuals are
affected?
How far-ranging is the problem and how great is its impact?
What’s the benefit of solving the problem?
What has been tried without success to correct the situation?
Why weren’t those attempts successful? What are the
consequences of not solving the problem?
How does the goal of the study address the research problem
and how will the proposed study offer promise as a resolution to
the problem?
How will the research add to the knowledge base?
What is the potential for generalization of the results?
What is the potential for original work?
Barriers and Issues
In these paragraphs, identify how the problem is inherently
difficult to solve. How did the solution the author(s) propose
address the difficulties?

3. Chapter 2 Literature Review
In this section, it is important to clearly identify the major areas
on which the student will need to focus the student research in
order to build a solid foundation for the study in the existing
body of knowledge. The literature review is the presentation of
quality literature in a particular field that serves as the
foundation and justification for the research problem, research
questions or hypothesis, and methodology. The student will
develop a more comprehensive review of the literature as part
of the research.
Chapter 3 Approach/Methodology
This chapter includes a summary of how the student is going to
proceed with the evaluation of the problem statement and
associated research question(s). Given the short time of this
course, a compare / contrast or advantage / disadvantage
analysis is recommended
Chapter 4 Findings, Analysis, Synthesis
Include an objective description and analysis of the findings,
results or outcomes of the research. Limit the use of charts,
tables, figures to those that are needed to support the narrative.
Most of these illustrations should be included as part of the
Appendix.
The following topics are intended to serve as a guide:
Data analysis
Findings & discussion
Analysis

4. Synthesis
Discussion
Chapter 5 Conclusion
Conclusions - Clearly state the conclusions of the study based
on the analysis performed andresults achieved. Indicate by the
evidence or logical development the extent to which the
specified objectives have been accomplished. If the research has
been guided by hypotheses, make a statement as to whether the
data supported or rejected these hypotheses. Discuss alternative
explanations for the findings, if appropriate. Delineate
strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of the study.
Implications - Discuss the impact of the work on the field of
study and its contributions toknowledge and professional
practice. Discuss implications for future research.
Recommendations - Present recommendations for future
research or for changes in researchmethods or theoretical
concepts. As appropriate, present recommendations for changes
in academic practice, professional practice, or organizational
procedures, practices, and behavior.
References
Follow the most current version of APA to format the
references. However, each reference should be single-spaced
with a double space in between each entry.
Formatting Details

5. Margins
The left-hand margin must be 1inches (4 cm.). Margins at the
right, top, and bottom of the page should be 1.0 inch. (See
exception for chapter title pages below.) The Research Report
text may be left-aligned (leaving a ragged right edge) or may be
both left- and right-aligned (justified).
Line Spacing
Double-spacing is required for most of the text in documents
submitted during the Research Report process.
Paragraph Spacing
The text of the document is double-spaced. There should be no
extra spaces between paragraphs in sections; however, indent
the first line of each paragraphs five spaces.
6
Page Numbering
All pages should have page numbers in Arabic numerals in the
upper right-hand corner.
Type Style
The body text, the student should use 12-point Times New
Roman. Text for the cover page may be larger but should not
exceed 14-point size. Text for the chapter title text should be

6. 14-point size. Be consistent in the use of typefaces throughout
the document. Do not use a compressed typeface or any settings
on the word processor that would decrease the spacing between
letters or words. Sans serif typefaces such as Helvetica or Arial
may be used for relatively short blocks of text such as chapter
headings and captions but should be avoided in long passages of
text as they impede readability.
Title Page
Every document that is submitted must have a title page. The
title page includes the exact title of the research report, date of
submission, the team name, and the name of each team member.
Chapter Title Heading, Subheadings, and Sub-Subheadings
It is required that submitted Research Report use no more than
three levels of headings in the body text. All headings should
have only the first letter of each word capitalized except that
non-major words shorter than four letters have no capital
letters.
Instructions for heading levels follow:
Level 1: Chapter Title Heading
This heading starts two inches from the top of the page, is
centered on the page, and is set in 14-point type. The first line
contains the chapter number (e.g., Chapter 4). The second line
is blank. The third line displays the chapter title, is centered on
the page, and is set in 14-point type.
Level 2: Subheading
Start the subheading at the left margin of the page, four spaces
(i.e., two returns when the document is set for double-spacing)

7. down from the title, set in bold 12-point type. Double-space
(one return) to the subheading body text. Indent the first line of
the body text five spaces.
7
Level 3: Sub-Subheading
Start the sub–subheading at the left margin of the page, double-
spaced (i.e., one return when the document is set up for double-
spacing) from the subheading, set in 12-point italics. Double-
space (one return) to the sub-subheading body text. Indent the
first line of the body text five spaces.
Database Modeling and Normalization
Imagine that you work for a consulting firm that offers
information technology and database services. Part of its core
services is to optimize and offer streamlined solutions for
efficiency. In this scenario, your firm has been awarded a
contract to implement a new personnel system for a government
agency. This government agency has requested an optimized
data repository for its system which will enable the management
staff to perform essential human resources (HR) duties along
with the capability to produce ad hoc reporting features for
various departments. They look forward to holding data that

8. will allow them to perform HR core functions such as hiring,
promotions, policy enforcement, benefits management, and
training.
Using this scenario, write a 3–4 page paper in which you:
· Determine the steps in the development of an effective Entity
Relationship Model (ERM) Diagram and determine the possible
iterative steps/factors that one must consider in this process
with consideration of the HR core functions and responsibilities
of the client.
· Analyze the risks that can occur if any of the developmental or
iterative steps of creating an ERM Diagram are not performed.
· Select and rank at least 5 entities that would be required for
the development of the data repositories.
· Specify the components that would be required to hold time-
variant data for policy enforcement and training management.
· Diagram a possible 1:M solution that will hold salary history
data, job history, and training history for each employee
through the use of graphical tools. Note: The graphically
depicted solution is not included in the required page length.
· Plan each step of the normalization process to ensure the 3NF
level of normalization using the selected 5 entities of the
personnel database solution. Document each step of the process
and justify your assumptions in the process.
· Diagram at least 5 possible entities that will be required to
sustain a personnel solution. The diagram should include the
following:
· Dependency diagrams.
· Multivalued dependencies.
· Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the
required page length.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
· Paper should be typed, double spaced, using Times New
Roman font (12-point), with one-inch margins on all sides;
citations and references must follow APA or school-specific

9. format. Check with your professor for any additional
instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment,
your name, your professor's name, the course title, and the date.
The cover page and the reference page are not included in the
required assignment page length.
· Include charts or diagrams created in a drawing tool with
which you are familiar. The completed diagrams or charts must
be imported into the Word document before the paper is
submitted.
Grading Rubric
Determine the steps in the development of an effective Entity
Relationship Model (ERM) Diagram and determine
the possible iterative steps/factors that one must consider in this
process with consideration of the HR core
functions and responsibilities of the client.
Analyze the risks that can occur if any of the developmental or
iterative steps of creating an ERM Diagram are not
performed.
Select and rank at least 5 entities that would be required for the
development of the data repositories.
Specify the components that would be required to hold time -
variant data for policy enforcement and training
management.
Diagram a possible 1:M solution that will hold salary history
data, job history, and training his tory for each
employee through the use of graphical tools.
Plan each step of the normalization process to ensure the 3NF
level of normalization using the selected 5 entities
of the personnel database solution. Document each step of the
process and justify your assumptions in the
process.
Diagram at least 5 possible entities that will be required to
sustain a personnel solution. Include the dependency

10. diagrams in your diagram.
Diagram at least 5 possible entities that will be required to
sustain a personnel solution. Include multivalued
dependencies in your diagram.
Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements.