Final Project-Term Paper Guidelines, Expectations, and Rubric
In this course, you will complete a Final Project-Term Paper. The Final Project-Term Paper must be
double-spaced and 8-10 pages in length not including your cover sheet and reference page. It also must
be in proper APA format. You may choose any topic to research as long as it relates a concept or subject
you will be learning in this course. All topics are required to be approved by the instructor before you start
your Term Paper. Students may not research the same topic. You must email the instructor to request
approval of the topic no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.
1. Research a topic in network security management and identify a thesis that logically develops
and communicates your ideas throughout the research paper.
2. For the topic found above, effectively synthesize and integrate new information, including peerreviewed articles that are appropriate for the topic, and identify similarities and differences from
your reading assignments.
3. Develop a research paper based on that topic that is sufficiently cited to support arguments,
incorporates peer feedback, includes evidence of graduate-level writing mechanics, and is
properly formatted in APA style.
4. Describe in your research paper a discussion of the relevance of personal development, including
the critically ethical behavior critical in using computers in an organization’s environment.
5. Your instructor will assign all students a classmate to review their Final Project-Term Paper and
provide feedback. You must email your completed Final Project-Term Paper to the classmate
assigned to you no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 6. You will also receive an
email of a classmate’s completed Final Project-Term Paper to review and provide feedback no
later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 6.
6. You will have one week to review the classmate’s Final Project-Term Paper your instructor
assigned you. You are encourage to use the rubric below to assist in providing feedback. After
reviewing the Term Paper of your assigned classmate, email both the instructor and the
classmate your feedback no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7. The
classmate who has been assigned to provide you feedback on your Final Project-Term Paper will
email his/her feedback no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 7.
7. In Module 7, you will review the classmate’s feedback, make revisions, and submit your Final
Project-Term Paper to the Dropbox no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT of Module 8.
(This Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.)
Rubric – Final Project-Term Paper Rubric
Name__________________________________ Date Completed_______________
Students will complete the assignment with attention to the criteria below.
Rating:
Exceptional corresponds to a grade of A- to A (94-100). Performance is outstanding; significantly
above the usual expectations.
Proficient corresponds to a grade of B- to B+ (80-89%). Skills and standards are at the level of
expectation.
Basic corresponds to a grade of C (75-79%). Skills and standards are acceptable but improvements
are needed to meet expectations well.
Insufficient/Missing corresponds to a grade of F (below 75%). Performance is weak; the skills or
standards are not sufficiently demonstrated at this time.
NOTE TO FACULTY: Compute a holistic score for each element by placing check marks in the
appropriate boxes, or compute an analytic score by assigning points for each element, following the
percentages indicated with the assignment.

Elements Criteria
Ratings
Exceptional Proficient Basic Insufficient Missing
Knowledge/Understanding
Shows depth and
understanding of the subject
Thesis for paper is clearly
identified and logically
develops throughout the
paper
Reasoning is sound,
compelling, and well
supported
Research
Peer-reviewed articles are
selected and are appropriate
for the paper topic
Articles are synthesized and
integrated effectively
There is sufficient research
cited to support arguments
New information from articles
addresses similarities and
differences with prior course
readings and individual’s
prior knowledge
Writing
Demonstrates evidence of
graduate-level writing
mechanics*
Minimum paper requirements
(length, topic, research,
integration of core values)
are met
Follows formatting
requirements given (e.g.,
APA or MLA)
Statement on graduate-level writing requirements:
Your writing reflects your ideas and communicates your understanding of the topic to the instructor. This
assignment will be graded on the composition elements listed below, as well as your understanding of the
content.
Successful graduate-level writing should demonstrate:
 Proofreading skills
 Correct grammar and punctuation
 Logical organization
 Proper content presentation (introduction, body, conclusion)
 Correct formatting for citations, references, and heading