I. 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 “how-to perspective” as a learning opportunity for other churches.

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 1995  

I.       Approval – Send all drafts with a self-addressed stamped envelope into:

            Ms. Victoria Hardy, CFM, CFMJ

Chief Executive Officer

Star Island Corporation

10 Vaughan Mall, Suite 8

Portsmouth, NH  03801

 

J.      Binder – All draft copies need to be stapled. The final draft that goes in for archival needs to be in a soft style binder.

K.    Electronic – All papers need to be saved as a Microsoft Word ® document using your full name + research paper as the file name.

L.     Questions - Should be directed to Ken Meines, the V.P. of Education.  vpeducation@nacfm.com or (616) 956-5125.


 

II. Research paper procedures

 

A.    Author completes both the spring and fall certification weeks. (Does not mater which order)

B.     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 April 1st 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 to let him know the paper’s first draft has been sent in.

C.    The paper will go back and forth to Ms. Hardy as many times as needed to make it a quality paper.

D.    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.

·         Author sends an 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 on the Web page.

·         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)

(Note: V.P. of Education archives file; V.P. of Communications archives file, places paper on web page and informs newsletter editor of title for newsletter publication; Secretary keeps file for future reproduction to other organizations.)

·         Author sends a soft bound written copy to the Executive Director for archival in a fire file.

·         V.P. of Education will send an email to all active Board Members, acknowledging authors completion.

·         The author will receive a certificate of completion and recognition at the next National Conference.

E.     The papers will be available to NACFM members on the web, free of charge by way of a pass code.

F.     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.