Introduction
A
research paper is exploring other people’s findings on a topic and combining
them with your knowledge to make effective conclusions on the subject. We have
chosen to use the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers not only
as a standard but also to help you learn how and be able to produce a good
quality paper.
The
first step you need to do is get the most current copy of the MLA book (6th
edition paper back at Amazon.com is about $16.00) Start out by reading the
forward and chapter 1. The rest of the book can be used more as a reference as
you need to know how to do things. You should plan to use 3-4 sources in the
form of interviews, articles, books or online information to be able to produce
a good quality paper. The intent is once you have chosen your topic you
research and find other sources that help you solve or support the question you
are trying to answer.
You
open a research paper with a thesis statement which states what you are
presenting or the challenge at hand. Then your paper follows as you identify a
problem or opinion and you present the information you found during your
research. We are all problem solvers in our every day jobs, just think of this
as a thorough investigation you must present to your board and you want it to
be as creditable as possible.
You
may want to use the “Step by step, a week by week guide to getting your paper written” to
keep you focused on the process.
Review the current procedures
and guidelines from the website.
When you are prepared to write
your paper you must contact the VP
of Education to review your topic.
Remember you may not submit your paper until after completing both weeks of
training.
Research paper
Guidelines
A. Topic – The paper can be on
any subject that is directly related to the Facility Management of a church.
B. Style – The paper should be
written from a “guidance perspective” to direct and help others with the same
need.
C. Length – The paper main body
needs to be a minimum of eight (8) pages.
D. Font – The paper needs to be
written in Times New Roman, double spaced 12pt.
E. Format – The paper needs to
be written to MLA standards using endnotes. The use of material, including
interviews, without citing the author or source is considered plagiarism.
F. Autobiography - Each paper
will include a one (1)-page Autobiography.
G. Order – The sequence in
which to place sections of the paper:
·
Cover – (larger font, each item on it’s own line)
Your Name
NACFM Research Paper
Title
Final Approval Date
·
Autobiography – One (1) page about yourself
·
Main Research Paper – Eight (8) pages minimum
·
Works Cited – Last page listing all sources in MLA format
H. MLA – Found at most college/
university bookstores or online, gives information on how to do research,
interviews and format.
MLA Handbook for writers of Research Papers Gibaldi, Joseph; The Modern
Language Association of America; New York 2003
I. Approval – Send all drafts
with a self-addressed stamped envelope into:
Ms. Victoria Hardy, CFM, CFMJ
Chief Executive Officer
Star Island Corporation
30 Middle Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Email: vhardy@starisland.org
PH: 603-430-6272 Ext. 104
FAX: 603-430-6270
J. Binder – All draft copies
need to be stapled in the upper left hand corner.
K. Electronic – All papers need
to be saved as a Microsoft Word ® document using your full name + research paper
+ year as the file name.
L. Questions - Should be
directed to the V.P. of Education at vpeducation@nacfm.com.
Research paper procedures
A Author completes both the
spring and fall certification weeks. (Does not matter which order)
B. Author contacts the VP of
Education to review topic.
C. Author writes paper and
sends it to Ms. Hardy for review (Note: can only be sent in after completing
both weeks).
·
First draft of paper has to be mailed no later than March 15th
in order for completion by the June conference.
·
Before sending first draft, have the paper pre-proofed by a third
party for spelling, grammar and structure.
·
Send in first draft with a short cover letter introducing author &
organization for Ms. Hardy to establish a relationship. She does this for more
than just the NACFM so it assists her while opening her mail and setting
priorities.
·
Be sure to include a self addressed stamped envelope for the
return of your paper each time you
send it in.
·
Author e-mails the V.P. of Education the title of paper and lets him
know the paper’s first draft has been sent in.
D. The paper will go back and
forth to Ms. Hardy as many times as needed to make it a quality paper.
E. After final review by Ms.
Hardy, the author will get their paper back as OK.
·
Ms. Hardy will inform the V.P. of Education of the completed paper.
·
V.P. of Education will send an email to author and all active Board
Members, acknowledging authors completion.
·
Author sends final electronic copy to the V.P. of Education, the V.P.
of Communications, and the NACFM Secretary. Note current names and contact
information can be found online.
·
This is done by E-mail with the document attached as a WORD document
saved in the following title style. (Authors first & last name Research
Paper year. doc)
(Note: V.P. of Education archives file; V.P. of
Communications archives file, places paper online and announces accomplishment
in the next newsletter publication; Secretary keeps file for future
reproduction to other organizations.)
·
The author will receive a certificate of completion and recognition at
the next National Conference.
F. The papers will be available
online to NACFM members.
G. The papers will be sold to
those not in the NACFM wishing to obtain the knowledge of the research paper.
·
The author of the paper maintains the rights to the paper but gives
permission to the NACFM to reproduce and sell the paper as they see fit.
·
All inquirers will be sent to the NACFM Secretary who in turn will
handle the financial transaction and shipping of the requested paper(s).
·
The price for NACBA members will be $25.00 which includes all copying
and shipping costs. The NACFM Secretary
is the only person that can reproduce and sell the papers. (Price is subject to
follow an NACBA price change)
·
The price for all others is to be a minimum of $35.00 and will be
considered on a case by case basis with input from the Executive Director.
Certification Maintenance
In
order to have the CCFM designation maintain value to the organization we want
to be sure those with the designation stay actively involved in church facility
management. The following will be used to verify a member’s involvement:
Certification will be valid for three (3) years. During this time CCFMs are required to earn a minimum of 120 maintenance points (Avg. 40 pts. / year) in at least three of the following categories. Practice, Continuing Education, Professional Involvement, Development of the Profession.
Activity and Possible Points |
Actual Points Earned |
|
|
1. Practice 60 points maximum |
Documentation Required |
Points |
|
Church Facility Management 20 pt./year full time, 10 pt./year part time |
Business card, years of service start date, direct supervisor |
|
|
2. Continuing Education 60 points maximum |
||
|
Attend NACFM national conference 15 pt./year |
Logged by Executive Director |
|
|
Attend other Facility Management seminars one day = 3 pts., two day = 6 pts, three or more days = 10 pts |
Seminar flyer with copy of paid receipt |
|
|
Completing Facility Management class from a degree granting institution 20 pt./ course completed |
Copy of report card |
|
|
3. Professional Involvement 80 points maximum |
||
|
Attend NACFM local chapter meetings 5 pt./ mtg. 15 pt./ year maximum |
Letter from chapter showing attended meetings |
|
|
NACFM membership dues paid by Dec. 31st 10 pts/ year |
As noted by treasurer |
|
|
Membership in other facility management professional organizations 5 pt./year/organization 10 pt./ year maximum |
Organizations paid dues receipt |
|
|
Holding a leadership position for the NACFM either local or national 10 pt./ year maximum |
Leadership position title Includes assisting positions |
|
|
4. Development of the Profession 80 points maximum |
||
|
Teaching an NACFM workshop 20 pt./ workshop 60 pt. maximum |
Logged by V.P. of Education |
|
|
Hosting and /or conducting a one week NACFM certification course 30 pt./ week |
Logged by Executive Director |
|
|
Hosting an NACFM National Conference 30 pt./ conference |
Logged by Executive Director |
|
|
Working on an NACFM Mission Trip 30 pt./ Trip |
Logged by Executive Director |
|
|
Submitting a newsletter article to the NACFM on a professional issue 10 pt./ article 30 pt. maximum |
Name of article and date submitted |
|
|
Being actively involved on the NACFM chat group 5 pt./ year |
Noted by Board of Directors |
|
To maintain their designations every three years CCFMs need to fill out an on line form showing activities they performed (and be able to support it with documentation if asked) as well as paying a $75.00 renewal fee. The V.P of Education must receive the maintenance verification any time from three months prior to three months after their anniversary to be considered on time. If submitted three months and one day to six months after the anniversary a $50.00 reinstatement fee must also be sent to the treasurer. If more than six months past, the designation will have expired and the candidate will have to pay the $50.00 reinstatement fee as well as submit and have approved a new research paper to regain the CCFM status.
|
Full
time (active national member) - Practice 20 pts x 3 yrs. = 60 pts - Cont. Ed (conf.) 15 pts x 3 yrs. = 45 pts - Proff. Invl. (dues) 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts 135 pts |
Part time (active national member)- Practice 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts - Cont. Ed (conf.) 15 pts x 3 yrs. = 45 pts - Proff. Invl. (dues) 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts - Devl. (article) 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts 135 pts |
Full time (active local member)- Practice 20 pts x 3 yrs. = 60 pts - Cont. Ed (seminar) 3 pts x 3 yrs. = 9 pts - Proff. Invl. (dues) 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts (chapter) 15 pts x 3 yrs. = 45 pts 144 pts |
Part time (active local member)- Practice 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts - Cont. Ed (seminar) 6 pts x 3 yrs. = 18 pts - Proff. Invl. (dues) 10 pts x 3 yrs. = 30 pts (chapter) 15 pts x 3 yrs. = 45 pts 123 pts |
Step by step
A week by week guide to getting your paper written
Go find a place to sit for
one hour with paper and pen in hand (you high tech individuals can use your lap
top). All the information should be in your head, no research needed yet and
you are the topic for now. Your goal is to tell those that will be reading your
paper, who you are. Don’t get too hung up on grammar yet, just get it down then
we can clean it up later. Start with a sentence or two about where you were
raised then move to your education and career path that led you to church
facility management. Let them know about your facility management career and
how God called you to it. Be sure to tell the readers who your spouse is and
how many children you have. God put them in your life for a reason so don’t
leave them out.
If you are still experiencing
“writers block” reschedule your one hour writing session and go to the NACFM
web site and read some of the autobiographies that are posted in the research
paper section. After reading a few I am sure you will be ready to write your
own autobiography.
That is all for this week,
put it in a folder labeled NACFM Research Paper.
This week we are going to
concentrate on cleaning up our autobiography. First step is to book yourself a
one-hour time block when you can dedicate yourself to the project. At that time
pull out your rough draft from last week and read through it. A couple
questions to ask yourself are; does it flow well, do you have good transitions
and did you cover all the major points, if not make some notes.
We will be using the MLA
Handbook for Writers of Research Papers to set up how the paper will look
and the proper way to list the sources we used to get the information for our
paper. For now just set all margins at one inch and use Times New Romans 12 pt
font double spaced. It is now time to get it typed on the computer; this is the
best way to check your spelling and grammar. You should try to make it fit on
one page but no more than two pages. I also find as I type I may have ideas
that make it sound better so I adjust as I go.
After you have your
autobiography typed, ask a couple of your closest friends to read it and give
you feed back on how well you communicated your life and why you are doing
church facility management. Take any corrective criticism and make the
adjustments needed. Congratulations you have completed the first part of your
paper!
To prepare for the next part
of the research paper, if you have not already done so, purchase a copy of the MLA
handbook for Writing Research Papers and read the forward and chapter one.
The other part of this
assignment is to decide on what topic you are going to be researching and
writing about. If you are having problems choosing you may want to visit the
NACFM website and look through a few papers and get a feel for how a completed
paper looks and flows.
When you have chosen a topic,
make sure to contact the VP of Education for approval.
By now you should have a copy
of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and read the forward
and chapter #1 Research and Writing (p.1-40) the other five chapters will be used
as you create your final copy of your paper.
Picking a single topic seems
to be one of the biggest hurdles, so if you have not done so take heed of the
words of a father and “buckle down and do it”. No need for a catchy title at
this point just the subject you are going to write on.
Once the topic is picked you
will want to create an outline of the main points you plan on communicating. An
example would look like this:
A.
How a vacuum
cleaner works
B.
Types of vacuum
cleaners
C.
Pros & cons
of different vacuums
D.
Manufactures of
commercial vacuum cleaners
E.
Repair and
Maintenance
Sorry
if I just used your topic but think how far ahead you are now.
Remember
this needs to be fluid. I even switched points around in the example because it
very seldom comes to mind in the correct order. You may have sub-points that
just ooze out at the same time and that is fine. Get it down on paper then you
can clean it up later.
Example:
A.
How a vacuum
cleaner works
B.
Types of vacuum
cleaners
1.
Upright
2.
Canister
3.
Hip vac
4.
Back pack
5.
Shop vac
C.
Pros & cons
of different vacuums
Next week we will begin to
add substance to the outline.
By this time you should have
a main topic and an outline of the main points you plan to write on. Next step
is to think about what your main purpose in the paper is. You are writing in a
persuasive or guidance style. Who is your audience and what do you want them to
gain from reading your paper? From the answers to these questions you formulate
a thesis statement. It should answer the overall main question of your topic.
For example on our vacuum cleaner paper our thesis statement could be; “how you
select the best vacuum for your cleaning operation” or it could be “ what makes
vacuum cleaners clean and how do I keep them working” or “the only vacuum
cleaner you will ever need is the _____ vacuum”. As you can see these
statements will bring out some of the same information about vacuums yet each
will present unique information to answer the thesis statement. As you go
forward with your research you may find yourself wanting to adjust the thesis
statement and that is all right as long as you realize that you are doing so.
Your goal this week is to
schedule yourself a block of time to write your thesis statement and to refine
your outline of main topics and sub topics. The MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers chapter #1 would be a helpful resource as it has valuable
information on outlines, thesis statements and research.
If you want to work ahead,
next week we will be digging in and doing the research on each part of the
outline.
Now that we have our Topic,
Thesis Statement and Outline we need information to bring it all together. You can
get this information from various sources like books, magazines, the Internet
and interviews, but they all need to be given the proper credit. It is
important to document each place you get information from so it can be included
in your “works cited” section at the end of your paper. In the chapter
“Compiling a working bibliography” of the MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers it gives you what information is required for each type of
source.
This week’s goal is to review
chapter 1.5 on bibliographies and read 5.1-5.3 on citing sources of the MLA
Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and then to gather as much
information on your topic as you can. A good way to stay on track is to use
your outline and try to answer each point and think about how you will
substantiate it with facts or reliable sources.
Next week we will use this
information and put it into sentences so we can clearly communicate our points
to our readers.
This is the time all your work
of research and planning come together. With your outline and thesis statement
as your guide, it is time to begin putting all the information you have on your
topic into meaningful yet interesting sentences. I would recommend looking at
the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers chapters 1.9-1.11 and
5.1-5.3 for pointers on writing your draft.
Remember this is only a
draft, go with your thoughts and after you have them down you can go back and
clean them up, add and rearrange. I also find it helpful after I create a draft
to put it away for a day or so. Then I get it back out and read it as someone
that does not know anything about the topic, to see if I am conveying clearly.
Work your draft copy into a
well thought out communication of information and add your creative touch with
your own writing style.
Next week we will use your
draft and work it into a more complete writing with proper spelling,
punctuation, grammar and giving credit to your sources.
At this point you should have
a draft that is quit refined and you will need to set aside some blocks of time
in order to create a well written paper.
First you will need to study
the MLA Handbook, next you will need to apply it to your draft and lastly you
will need to find a friend (critic) to give you feed back before you can move
on.
If you have not done so yet
you need to read the following chapters from the MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers. 2.1 – 2.7 on mechanics of writing, 3.1 - 3.9 on format and
4.2 - 4.5 on how to quote within a MLA paper. The balance of chapter 4 can be
used as a reference as needed. Also look at the samples of an MLA paper after
the appendix in the back of the book.
Once your studying is done
you will be prepared to turn your draft into a well-presented MLA format paper.
Once you have it done find someone to read it and give feedback on how well it
was presented as well as grammatical errors.
Hang in there, you are almost
done and it will be worth it. Remember if you plan to be recognized as a CCFM
by the June conference you will need your draft submitted by March 15th.
This week is the time to put
the finishing touches on your paper. By now you should have found someone to
have read your paper and given you feed back.
First item is to clean up all
the text so it reads not only correctly but also fluently with proper
references to your sources. This is also the time to insert any pictures,
graphs or tables if you have not done so already.
Second item is to recheck
your MLA format for margins, quotes, etc.
Third is to make your works
cited page. Using the MLA book as a reference guide, list all the sources used
in writing your paper. This usually is just one page but may go longer if you
had a lot of sources.
When you feel your paper is
ready it is time to send it in for accreditation. Look up the submitting
instructions in the guideline document found on the NACFM web site. On a cover
page write a short paragraph to Ms. Hardy introducing yourself and your paper.
Remember to send me an email with your name and subject of your paper when you
mail Ms. Hardy for the first time so I can track it and make sure your
certificate is ready by the conference date.
Now wait for Ms. Hardy to
give you feedback.
Once your paper is sent in
for accreditation it can take three to four weeks to get it back with comments.
It is important that you make any adjustments and return it for final review
ASAP. Our goal is to have all the papers being presented at the June conference
completed and approved by the first week of June.