Foundation Of An Ethical Journey

The final project will be a paper that should be the foundation of your ethical journey. It will include identifying and expanding on various pillars of ethical practice which we have identified and elaborated on with each module.
Topics
· Awareness
· Trust and Integrity
· Caring Citizen
· Fairness
· Respect and Equity
Explore the five topics listed above individually, under separate headers. Discuss its relationship to individual, professional and workplace ethics. Each topic should be at a minimum of 1 page (and probably will be 2). Resources should be properly incorporated and cited. All resources should be scholarly. This portion of the paper will account for half the grade.
Decision Making Tree
The second half of your project (and grade) has you creating an individual Ethical Decision-making Tree. Each step of the decision making tree needs to include information about if yes/ then go here; if no/ then go to this section. You should review a variety of business decision making trees before beginning the steps of your tree. I have several Decision Making Trees and ideas listed in the file below this one (Decision Making Tree – Resources). Please be sure to write about your process, and include a time to review, revise and adjust your decision making process based on results.
Decision Making Tree Resources
Here are some additional resources which may be beneficial to your final project. You may also want to review some of the Additional Resources in Module 4.
Ethical Leaders Decision Tree by Constance E. Bagley (from February 2003 issue of Harvard Business Review).
A Guidelines to Making Ethical Business Decisions (from TGS), excellent layout of a decision tree.
Ethics Decision Tree for CPAs in Government (PDF opens in new window)
Help in Making Ethical Choices (opens in new window) Includes a detailed listing of a variety of companies and their ethical decision making trees and processes.
Explore Decision Tree, Presentations, and More (pinterest pictures) opens in new window This site provides a lot of pictures and a wide variety of layouts for making an Ethical Decision-making Tree.
Decision Tree Charting Tools
Exceeds Expectations
7-8 Points
Meets Expectations
4-6 Points
Need Improvement
Under 4 Points
Main Idea
Clearly defines concepts, problems, or dilemmas as outlined in the assignment.
Thoroughly answers all questions presented.
Introduces new ideas or concepts.
Utilizes critical thinking tools.
Concepts explored, defines purpose (which may be too broad or too narrow).
Answers all questions presented.
Applies some critical thinking aspects.
Does not address concepts or questions presented.
Lacks an understanding of the material and main concepts.
Flow
Ideas are introduced, foundation is laid, a variety of positions explored, individual perspective provided, conclusion reviews main points.
Writing is arranged in a clear, logical order that is easy to follow. Transitions guide the reader smoothly from one idea to the next
Conclusion supported from authoritative sources (several academic sources including text or assigned articles)
Conclusion summarizes main idea and shows why it matters
Ideas are arranged logically
Transitions give the reader some help in following the argument
Conclusion restates main idea
Movement between ideas is abrupt or illogical.
Paragraphs not fully developed.
Paper lacks a beginning, middle, and conclusion.
Examples
Excellent and current example(s) integrated which highlight main elements within the paper.
Complete details surround the example are included.
Examples are appropriate. Includes connection to the main points as outlined.
Lacks examples, or examples are not appropriate or fully examined.
Integration of Material
Clearly integrates the module assigned reading materials along with additional resources within the paper. Minimum of 3 resources included (of which one is a new source)
Integrates the module assigned reading materials. 1-2 resources included.
Does not reference text or assigned reading materials. No resources included.
Format
Writing is grammatically correct, void of spelling errors and incorrect use of words. A few minor errors may exist, but these are exceptions.
APA style is followed, including in-text citations for paraphrasing. Direct quotes are infrequent, but documented. References cited are complete.
Some minor errors may exist (no more than 5).
Generally follows the APA format.
All sources used are attributed to original source.
Material is plagiarized
Writing difficult to follow. Numerous errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
No references included.
APA Style
I realize the APA format may be new for some of you. It is not meant to be confusing. However, learning this style will help you in your academic endeavors. If you have not purchased an APA Style book, there are numerous online resources readily available.
I am including links to 3 websites which are all excellent in providing information about the APA format. These have a search option, so you can resolve specific issues (i.e., how do you cite a discussion post, etc.).
Hope you find these resources helpful.
APA Style this link provides quick search for a wide variety of topics as well as a tutorial for beginning (free).
OWL English from Purdue is always one of my favorite websites! Lots of information. Easy to use.
General Rules for APA format provides good general information about APA format and academic writing. Also includes videos.
How Papers are Divided
Typically, your paper will have 4 sections:
· Title Page
· Abstract
· Body of Paper
· References Cited