Format of the Research Report (paper)

The research report is in fact a research paper. We recommend the following structure: the title of the paper and the student name are on the cover page. The body of the paper can be divided into the following sections:

• Synopsis: a precise summary of the problem, the objective of the research, the method, the results and recommendations.
• Introduction: a detailed statement of the nature of the problem and its importance. Relationship with current directions in the field or the profession, and how the issue relates to industry or academic thought. Summary of the methodology and data sources and findings.
• Background: a reasonable summary of prior research in the areas of the project and how the project relates to existing literature or rules of conduct in the industry.
• Hypothesis: from the analysis of the problem a testable hypothesis in appropriate form should be stated.
• Methodology: a description of the method to be followed in analyzing the problem or the issue of interest. Is it an empirical paper or analytical and descriptive? Is it dependent on archival data or surveys?Are you using statistical analysis? What type?
• Results: presentation and analysis of results.
• Conclusions and recommendations.

Note: The above is a general framework for a research project. After completing the project in this form, we believe that students will gain training in researching and analyzing relevant (job/work assigned) problems and will be able to write and communicate reports to their superiors.Descriptive papers that analyze and synthesize the literature on an accounting topic are also acceptable.

Feel free to ask any questions that may clarify the requirements.

Good luck.

DATABASES AVAILABLE AT PACE

• Lexis-Nexis: financial data and archived news.
• CRSP Tape: Center of Research in Security Prices.
• COMPUSTAT: Financial database and note disclosures.
• AUDIT ANALYTICS: Public company disclosures related to the audit, compliance, governance, corporate actions and federal litigation
• Moody’s Manuals: a. Industrial
• Stand and Poor’s Records:

HARD COPY DATA

b. Financial

c. Transportation

e. Other services

a.Stocks

b. Bonds

LITERATURE REVIEW SOURCES

Journal articles and research theses can be a good source for learning about the specific subject you are researching.

ABI database can be an effective source for collecting materials and literature by subject.