The Capstone Manuscript

Capstone Project Manuscript writing
General expectations:
The
minimum length should be no less than 4,000 words (not including any abstract,
executive summary, graphs, charts, appendices, or table of contents). There is
no maximum page or detail limit for the manuscript. You are encouraged to
publish all details necessary to introduce, illustrate, document, and summarize
all aspects of the Capstone.
Please
include the word count on the cover page. The written report should focus on
your recommendation and conclusion. The primary goal is to convince the reader
of the value creation, validity of your approach, and the sound logic of your
reasoning. The report should stand on its own (i.e., the reader should not have
to read your previous assignments or listen to your PPTX presentation)
Work on the final report
The
hypothesis of the problem
Analysis
– present the methods used to understand the benefit
Plan
forward and how I will get there
The
final decision is on the go or no go with the plan.
Assume that the reader:
Has
sound knowledge of common business-related concepts (i.e., no need to explain
NPV).
Has
only limited knowledge of your industry.
Knows
little, if anything at all, about your company or client. Avoid jargon and
spell out all acronyms the first time they are used in the manuscript.
Has
not read your Project Plans/Proposals or Progress Review Memo.
Structure
Cover
page, including the title of the report, your name, your pathway (entrepreneurial),
and the word count. The word count does not include the executive summary but
not the graphs, charts, appendices, or table of contents.
Executive
summary. In ideally one page or less, summarize your recommendation(s),
result(s), or conclusion(s) and briefly explain the work you did (what and why)
to someone who will not read your entire document. You should assume that the
reader of your executive summary understands the technical aspects of your work
only at a high level. Please note that an executive summary is not the same
thing as an introduction. Since you will submit additional copies of the
executive summary separately, please do not include any confidential
information and ensure that your name is included. The executive summary is not
included in the word count.
Table
of Contents, with page numbers for each section. Each page of the report should
have a page number.
Body
of the report. You are welcome to write in the first person (“I”/”we”) and to
choose the names and sequence of the headings as you see fit. However, the
expectation is that the headings and sub-headings will reflect the structure of
the overall argument. In other words, one should grasp the essence of the
report by reviewing the headings in the Table of Contents. The report’s structure
reflects a coherent and logical storyline, and each part should logically
follow the previous part.
Appendices.
The expectation is that you will include two appendices, raw data and one other
as applicable. These appendices can be printed out on paper or appended electronically
on two flash drives that are securely attached to your report. The appendices
SHOULD NOT be included in the word count. You do not need to include your
previous capstone assignments in the report or the appendix.
The
raw data can be in the form of a spreadsheet, survey responses, hand-written
interviews or meeting notes, etc. If confidentiality is an issue, you can
blackout, anonymize, or redact the sensitive data. Inclusion of your raw data
is critical to accurately assess your work.
Business
Model Canvas for your entrepreneurial or non-profit project that has been fully
completed and updated as you have gathered additional information.
Format for all written deliverables
Label/number
all graphs and charts, and give them a uniform look and feel when possible.
Make
sure all visuals are legible and add value. Refer to all visuals and appendices
in the text.
Use
a 12 point or larger font size. Line spacing, font type, and paragraph indentation
are up to you.
Your
writing should be clear, concise, professional, and without errors of grammar
or punctuation. Please spell and grammar check and proofread the final draft
before turning it in.
Tips on writing
Avoid
confusing professional with formal. Make sure that your sentences flow naturally
and the writing does not get in your way. Embrace your natural style and keep
it concise.
Rewrite
and refine your written deliverables several times, ideally taking a break of
at least a day in between drafts.

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