Term Paper Guidelines

(1) Choose the topic

Students are required to form groups with at most four students in a group.  Each group may choose its own area as soon as possible.   In order not to have the same area chosen by two or more groups, each group's suggested area will be approved on a first-come-first-serve basis.  As soon as your chosen area is approved, you may start collecting information about the area and then determine the topic.  You are advised to come to me whenever you have problems about the area and the topic.  

(2) Progress report

In order to provide assistance to your writing of term paper, you are required to submit to me two progress reports, namely, Progress Report 1 (PR1) and Progress Report 2 (PR2). In the PR1, you should think of a preliminary topic, content and bring with you all the references for the topic, if possible. You need to download this file “ PR1”, complete the progress report (You need to do this by typing and handwriting is not accepted.) and discuss with me. PR2 is an updated version of PR1 with the revision of topic, content and references and I will collect the draft of the paper (about half of the paper). The time to submit the reports will be arranged in the class. Download this file “PR2” when you prepare the Progress Report 2. Read carefully the instructions which can help you prepare the term paper and have a good time management.

(3) Paper

1. The length of the paper cannot be less than 4000 words (excluding references) or not less than 16 pages (including content page, tables, figures charts and references). The font size is 12 and spacing is 1 1/2.

2. Use the file “Student Declaration for Group Assignment” as your 1^st page of the term paper.

3. 2^nd page of the term paper should be the Table of Content showing the sections and page numbers.

4. The last part of the term paper should be the References showing all the resources you have read and adopted in the paper. The website below shows the Harvard System of Referencing or you can refer to the format in the course outline http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm

5. Higher marks will be scored for providing evidence by showing updated statistical data, charts, figures, tables and so on. You are required to write down the Source of the materials as detail as possible below the data, charts, figures, tables and so on. Example.

6. Avoid scanning or copying from websites or other resources and paste the materials inside the paper. If you really have to do so, use the phrase “Adapted from ……….” and write down the source as detail as possible. However, you are encouraged to update and rearrange or reorganize the materials. Example.

7. Read carefully the file “Plagiarism & Academic Misconduct Policy”.

8. Please read the Term Paper Checklist before you hand in the project.  The checklist will help you write a good paper.

9. You are reminded to submit to VeriGuide and get the receipt so that you can submit the term paper with the receipt to my Box at LG4 (see the attached photos for the location of my Box).

10. When you submit the paper to VeriGuide, rename the file name as "fin243s2g5" for course code fin243, section 2, group 5. Remember to submit ONCE only.

(4) Presentation

1. After the presentation, your group will be assessed by me and other groups. The performance of the group as a whole (content + interesting) will be assessed by me and other groups. In addition, individual performance (presentation technique + preparation) will only be assessed by me. The sample of the Peer Group Assessment Sheet is shown below.

2. You are required to use English to present the term paper.

3. After the presentation, each group is required to set one multiple choice question (give me the answers separately). Then I will pick up one student randomly to answer the question. The answer of the question should not appear in the handout.

4. The time allowed for the presentation is 10 minutes per group and the maximum is 11 minutes (the time for multiple choice questions is not included). Each student is required to present about 2.5 minutes. Students will not be allowed to continue the presentation if the presentation is longer than 11 minutes. This rule will be strictly followed in order to make good use of the time.

5. A handout of about 1 to 2 pages must be prepared for every dear classmate for their references.

6. Hand in one hard copy of your PowerPoint slides for my reference.

7. The content of the presentations is very important to your learning. In order to show respect to other group members, you are reminded not to be late or absent from the classes. Some presentation techniques are suggested as below and please read carefully when you prepare the presentation. 

8. DON’T submit your PowerPoint files to VeriGuide.

9. Tips for preparing PowerPoint slides. Click here.

10. A sample of PowerPoint slides. Click here.

(5) Effective Presentation Techniques

• Your aim is to let the classmates learn "something" from your presentation. You are allowed and encouraged to add some Chinese translation of the banking and financial terms in your presentation. i.e. Renminbi Internationalization (人民幣國際化);Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect (滬港通).
• There is no need for your group to present all the content in the paper. Only present some parts of the topic that you really find it important and interesting.
• Tell what you do understand and don't tell what you don't or something you are not so sure.
• Don't just read the sentences from what you have prepared.
• You may write some short notes which may remind you the important points.
• Don't just look at the notes but face the beautiful and handsome classmates.
• Don't speak too fast.
• Try to use different kinds of method to seek the attention of your classmates.
• Learn how to use the audio-visual aids correctly and make good use of them.
• Try to have rehearsal.

(6) Peer Group Assessment Sheet

Course Code:________ Section No._____ Group No._____

Group No.	Marks (Content) Max.:10 marks	Marks (Interesting) Max.:10 marks	Total Marks Max.:20 marks	Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12