Business Administration BSP
Dear students,
To aid you in the process or term paper writing we have assembled the following guidelines.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme stipulates that full and part-time
students in the second year write their first term paper during the 4th term of studies while
the second term paper is to be written by full-time students in their third year during the 6th
term of studies and part-time students in their fourth year during the 7th term. Each term paper
receives 2 credits.
Full and part-time students in their second year may choose any theme for the term paper
from the list offered by the dean's office or else propose their own research topic that should
be registered by the specified deadline in Room 312. The registration includes signing up for
the theme and its approval by the prospective advisor.
Full-time students in their third year and part-time students in their fourth year choose
themes for the term paper in the respective sub-programme. These students may choose any
theme proposed by the respective department or else propose their own themes. Students in
their third and fourth years of studies sign up for the themes by the specified deadline in
Room 312. To finalize their registration for the theme, the same as in their second year of
studies, students are to arrange to see their advisors. Each sub-programme has its own
conventions for term paper writing approved by the respective structural unit of the Faculty of
Economics and Management:
Department of Management
Department of International
Economics and Business
Management of Organizations
International Economic Relations
International Business
Tourism and Hotel Management
Department of Economic Systems
Management Theory and Methods
Environment and Business Administration
Department of Marketing
Marketing
We encourage you to read the given methodological guidelines timely and carefully, as well
as write term papers in accordance with the requirements set to their content and formatting.
We wish you the best of success with your research endeavours!
Study programme director prof. Margarita Dunska
Business Administration BSP
University of Latvia
Faculty of Economics and Management GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
1st TERM PAPER
Business Administration BSP
1. General guidelines
1.1.
The term paper at the Faculty of Economics and Management is an independently
developed and written up research. It aims at developing practical skills in research
based on systematization and synthesis of theoretical knowledge. The term paper
writing shall assist students in developing expertise and achieving critical engagement
with the subject matter of their research as well as help students to become skilled
professionals able to creatively and critically approach diverse empirical data and
make theoretical generalizations, substantiate conclusions and recommendations.
Writing up research offers a good exercise in developing a good writing style and
mastering the technicalities in paper and references/bibliography formatting.
1.2.
Students shall independently demonstrate knowledge gained while studying grey
literature, official documents, textbooks, professional and scholarly literature,
statistical data, etc. The research should be done by applying modern research
methods and tools. The term paper should hold an accurate and coherent presentation
of the research procedure and findings as well as respective conclusions and
recommendations.
The paper shall not contain any unacknowledged, copied material from the selected
sources. Students should ensure logical arrangement of insights and their
interpretation. The terminology used in the paper should be consistent. The paper
should be an example of coherent and self-contained reasoning and transitions from
one issue to another should be correlated.
1.3.
The term paper may be developed individually or as a team research (2-3 people). A
research team is recommended if a theme is very complex and the workload is so high
that quality can not be ensured by one person.
2. Key stages in term paper development
2.1.
The term paper development includes the following key stages: choice and approval
of the theme, preliminary planning, literature survey and necessary information accumulation,
research and systematization of obtained information, writing up and formatting.
2.2.
The object of the research is an enterprise (of any form or any industry), organization,
industry, sector, country or group of countries
2.3.
Students shall formulate the theme of their research papers and for that purpose may
be guided by study courses in management theory, corporate strategy and policy
management, strategic and operational planning and other courses that analyse
management functions in detail, as well as guided by their research interests and level
of expertise, or availability of necessary economic information and literature as well as
considering the needs of businesses that are chosen as an object of study. The theme of
the term paper should be topical. The research is considered to be topical and up to
date if it is designed to investigate issues that are important or unresolved for a
particular enterprise (organization).
Business Administration BSP 2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
When working on the outline of the term paper one should consider the integral
quality of separate items, therefore, the outline should contain interrelated and
logically arranged sections. One can draw up several variants of the outline. The
preliminary outline should be negotiated with the scientific advisor and the approved
version shall decide the organizational pattern of further research.
The third stage in term paper development is literature survey and collection of data in
relation to the research problem and in accordance with the research plan. Students' task
is to comprehensively explore the corpus of relevant theories and to critically review
the sources at their disposal. To save time and rationalize data and information
collection, it is advisable to draw up matrix tables before visiting a research object
(enterprise). To ensure that information is sufficient and adequate, it should be
promptly organized and systematized. In the subsequent stages of the research, the
author shall analyse the collected data and draw main conclusions and
recommendations.
The final stage in the term paper development is writing up. The first draft of the term
paper should be submitted to a scientific advisor for assessment. Taking into account
the critical remarks of the advisor, the paper should be corrected and supplemented.
Finally, the fair copy is submitted to the advisor.
3. Structure and content
3.1.
Conventionally, term papers comprise:
 Title page;
 Table of contents;
 List of abbreviations and acronyms (optional);
 Introduction;
 Chapters and subchapters;
 Conclusions and recommendations;
 References/ Bibliography;
 Appendix or Appendices (if the paper should be complemented and substantiated by
accumulated data or other information that is used to draw conclusions and prepare
recommendations).
3.2.
Title page is an integral part of the paper. Title page contains the name of educational
institution, faculty and department where the term paper is developed, the title of the
paper, information about the author and the scientific advisor (see Appendix 1).
3.3.
Table of contents lists all structural components, which are placed following the table
of contents: list of abbreviations and acronyms, introduction, chapters and
subchapters, conclusions and recommendations, references or bibliography list,
Business Administration BSP appendices. The headings of structural components in the table of contents should
precisely repeat the headings in the body of the paper (see Appendix 2).
3.4.
List of abbreviations and acronyms shall be drawn up if the number of abbreviations
exceeds 15. This list shall be made on a separate page and placed after the table of
contents before introduction. In other cases, where the abbreviations and acronyms are
few in number, they are spelled out at first mention in the text or in footnotes.
3.4.
The volume of the term paper should suffice to satisfy the development of the selected
theme, achieve the goal and draw up feasible recommendations. The volume of the
term paper may not be less than 20 pages typed and formatted in accordance with the
requirements. The recommended structure (as a percentage of the total paper volume)
is as follows:
 Introduction up to 10%;
 Chapters and subchapters 80-85%;
 Conclusions up to 5%;
 Recommendations up to 5%.
3.5.
A good introduction ensures success with the whole paper. The
introduction comprises the following information:
 the statement of the problem and importance of the theme, brief comment on existing
research on the theme;
 the goal of the research paper;
 the enabling objectives, i.e. the tasks to achieve the research goal;
 the methods of research;
 the substantiation of research time frame
 presentation of sources;
 key reading
 research limitations (when the required volume does not provide for in-depth discussion
and exploration of all issues related to the chosen theme).
3.5.1. Topicality of the theme should be supported by the research findings in economics,
economic law profile for the chosen object of the research, international experience,
general characteristics of the surveyed object obtained as a result of the preliminary
familiarisation. It is recommended to prepare a brief literature review; showing how
the scholars suggest to address the problem or justify the need to handle and resolve it.
If the researched problem is not sufficiently reflected in the economic literature, then
you can specify what issues have not been resolved, and which of them will be studied
in this research. Topicality of the subject should be also supported by the research
object (the company), thus pointing to major unresolved problems and deficiencies.
3.5.2. Considering the topicality of the theme, the author determines and formulates the goal
of the research. The goal should be specific and attainable.
Business Administration BSP 3.5.3. The goal should be supported by the enabling objectives, i.e. the tasks to achieve the
research goal. These objectives should represent the content.
3.5.4. Research methods are very diverse. The author may choose methods that best suit the
object of the research, the volume of accumulated information and the technical
possibilities available for its processing. Research methods largely determine the
quality of the research. For these reasons, the introduction should contain the reference
to the methods used. By and large, studies often resort to statistical and economic
analysis methods (grouping, comparison, calculation of mean and relative value,
progressive substitution method, etc.), as well as economic-mathematical methods
(correlation and regression analysis, optimization methods, network planning
techniques, methods in queuing theory, inventory management, game theory, etc.).
The research time frame should be specified and the respective choice substantiated.
The research time frame should secure valid conclusions on the trends in the changes
in economic performance and justify the feasibility of certain measures. The research
time frame should be negotiated with the scientific advisor.
3.5.5. References/ Bibliography section does not list all the sources used in the paper, but
rather indicates the groups of literature and data sources. For example, fundamental
research, national laws and government regulations of the Republic of Latvia or other
country, statistical data, general and specialized literature, national statistics
collections, periodicals. The names of organizations and companies whose
unpublished data is used by the author should be identified as well. If the authors
themselves make a special survey (working days photographs, timings, sociological
surveys, experiments, etc.), then the nature of the survey and the execution time
should be indicated. In the cases where the development of the term paper is secured
by one source (book published abroad, special methodology), its full name should be
mentioned in the introduction.
3.5.6. Research limitations should be mentioned only in cases where the required volume
does not provide for in-depth discussion and exploration of all issues related to the
chosen theme.
3.6.
The body of the paper holding the discussion of the research theme should be
organized into chapters. Every chapter should have a clear focus and centre around a
particular issue that it addresses. If the chapter is devised for the discussion of a
complex problem, it is recommended to split it into subchapters. The discussion of the
theme should concisely synthesize theoretical reasoning relevant to the research
interests (2-3 pages), description of the problem or situation in a particular company,
and the author's recommendations for changes in the situation or solution to the
problem. Every chapter (except for the theoretical part) should have illustrative
materials, data, calculations, which are grouped in tables, figures, etc.
3.7.
The conclusions are written as theses and numbered in Arabic numerals. These should
reflect all chapters. Conclusions should be drawn from the research and can not be
justified by the facts, which are not mentioned in the paper.
3.8.
The recommendations are the final part of the research. The recommendations are
written as theses and provide information on the measures proposed by the author for
Business Administration BSP management improvement and based on the findings and calculations as well as
techniques for the prevention of identified deficiencies and necessity and feasibility of
the implementation of best practices. Each recommendation shall be numbered in
Arabic numerals. Each recommendation must reflect the author's proposed solution
(what is to be done?), its economic justification (why?), addressee (to whom?) and the
form of implementation (how to do?).
3.9.
A reference list/ Bibliography contains a list of books, scientific journal articles, and
other sources that have been used in writing the term paper. (see Appendix 3).
When compiling the list, the entries should be numbered and arranged following the
established conventions. Firstly, the laws of the Saeima, then the Republic of Latvia
government regulations and other official documents, collections of official statistics,
collections of encyclopedic articles, and then the rest of the sources in alphabetical order
(according to the author's surname) should be mentioned. Journal or magazine articles
may be listed either alphabetically by the author's surname, or as a separate group
arranged alphabetically by author's surname.
The state standard of Latvia (ISO 690, ISO 690-2) for listing references should be
used.
3.10. Appendices may be used to provide relevant supporting evidence for reference, for
instance, completed document or report forms, the numerical data that serves as the
basis for grouping, extensive analytical calculations, copied tables, which are used in
calculations, instructions, regulations, methodological guidelines, etc. Appendices are
not counted to the ultimate page count and are numbered consecutively in Arabic
numerals.
4.
Formatting
4.1.The working language
The term paper should be written in the English language. The term paper should be
written in literary language. There shall be no pronoun "I" or the verb in the first
person. For example, it is advised to avoid such phrases as "I believe", "in my
opinion", etc. and rather use such form as "the research shows". The writing style
should clearly distinguish the work of the author from that of other authors. The
presentation of the content should be accurate, clear, logical, concise and to the point.
4.2.Formatting
A4 size white paper, text on one side;
Word processed using Times New Roman;
12 pt. for the main text;
14 pt. for chapter headings;
Spacing between lines 1.5 pt.;
Margins: 2.0 cm for top, bottom, and right margins; 3.0 cm for left margins;
Each paragraph is indented by 1 cm. Each chapter starts on a new page. The successive
heading or subheading should not appear at the bottom of the page. Capital letters are used for
Business Administration BSP headings; lowercase in bold, for subheadings. A full stop is not used after the heading or
subheading. One empty line is left before and one empty line after each heading or
subheading The page numbers are centred. Pages are numbered consecutively and numbers
start with the list of abbreviations and acronyms (if any) or the introduction
4.3.
The use of in-text citations, numerical data, charts, formulas, etc. as well as other
authors' findings or paraphrase and summary of other authors' words or ideas should
be acknowledged, i.e. the author’s surname, the year of publication and the page
number(s) should be credited. Quotations should be written in quotation marks.
Paraphrase of other authors' thoughts and conclusions shall be impartial and
undistorted. Failure to produce references adequately qualifies as a rude violation of
academic integrity.
4.4.
In-text citations
A reference to the source may be given in two ways: a) it may be inserted in the text in
parentheses, b) it may be given as a footnote reference.
a) a reference given in the text contains two numbers separated by a comma (for
example: (5, p.37), wherein the first number is the number of the source in the
reference list, and the other - a page. If reference is made to a number of sources, the
references are separated by a semicolon (5, p. 37; 8, p.12);
b) a reference given as a footnote is placed at the bottom of the page, below the line
indicating the author(s)' surname and initials, title, place of publication, publishing
house, year of publication, page. The references are numbered separately for each
page starting with 1. If a single page contains several references to the same source,
the first citation gives full bibliographic description, but if the text continuously refers
to the same source on the same page use ibid. (Latin for ‘in the same place’),
indicating the source page number.
4.5.
Numerical material of different data, calculations and tables copied from unpublished
materials of a company (organization) and used in the paper with no changes or
modifications should bear a reference where the reference shall be indicated by
mentioning the data source. If the paper contains the author's calculations, calculations
raw data source shall be referenced.
4.6.
Anything pictorial used in the paper (be it a diagram, a chart, a graph) is called a
Figure. Numerical and other information can be summarized and presented in easily
accessible tables.
4.7.
Table and figure formatting specifications
Each table should be cited specifically in the text and in numerical order. Conventionally,
tables are referred to as Tables in italic. The captions of tables are written above,
aligned right and numbered by chapter. For instance, Table 2.3 - the first number is the
chapter number and the second – the table sequence number in this chapter. The
caption itself should be in 11 pt. bold.
Figures (Fig.) include anything pictorial, be it a drawing, a photo, a scheme, a diagram
Business Administration BSP or other illustrations. The captions of figures are written below the data, the word
Figure in italic, i.e. Figure 2.1 and the caption itself in 11pt. bold. The number of the
figure consists of chapter number and the figure number. Figures should be inserted
immediately following the references to them in the text. Figures and tables should be
placed so that they could be viewed either with no need to rotate the page or rotate the
page 90 degrees right.
A full stop is not used after the captions of figures and tables (see Appendix 4).
If a table or figure is copied from some source, then the caption should contain the
reference to the source in parentheses. If a table or figure is based on numerical
information, the data source (or sources) should be indicated. Data source or sources
are indicated under the caption of a table or figure.
It is recommended to place tables on the same page. Tables that do not exceed two
pages might be considered an exception. If tables need to extend over to a second page, the
continuation of the table should be preceded by a caption, e.g.,“Table 1 (Continued)”,
indicating its number. In all events, tables must be anchored to move with the text.
It is recommended to avoid fully written large numbers, rather the rounded up values
should be used (for example,1.000 thousand. pcs. instead of 1,000,000 pcs. or 1 mln.
pcs.).
Numerical precision of decimal digits should correlate with the discussed
phenomenon. For instance, to present the degree of output-norm fulfilment, a single
digit after the decimal point would suffice, while calculating operation time in mass
production, with the duration of a minute, not only minutes but also fraction of a
minute should be calculated. If the operation time is measured in hours, the fraction of
a minute might be ignored.
The units of measurement and their expression used in the term paper should comply
with the standard. If all of the table data is expressed in the same units, then it can be
indicated in parentheses beneath the caption. If the table data is expressed in different
units, then those are indicated in a separate box or beside the column headings,
separated by commas.
The unit of measurement for the same variable should be used consistently throughout
the paper.
4.8.
Equations formatting
Equations and formulas used in the term paper are numbered by chapter in Arabic
numerals. Equation numbers must appear right aligned with open and closed parentheses at
the level of equation lower line. The equation should be separated by comma.
Example.
Necessary insertion reference value depends on the daily needs and the length of the
production cycle. It is calculated using the equation (12, p.137):
Business Administration BSP Ies = Vdn x Tc,
(2.4)
When referring to the equation, the number should be indicated in parentheses.
Example.
"The equation (2.4) calculates ...".
Equations derived or drawn by the author, should be referenced by a footnote with explicit
mention of the author, for instance: " equation (2.4) drawn up by the author." Equation that are
copied from other sources should be supported by relevant references.
The equation should be followed by the legend, which would clearly and concisely label and
explain symbols and numerical coefficients. Legends should follow immediately after
equations; symbols and numerical coefficients should be supplied in the order of their
appearance in the respective equation. Each symbol and coefficient should be explained in a
new line. The first line starts with the word "where" with no colon to follow. Explication
should provide units of measurement for every symbol.
Example
(2.4)
MPL = F(K,L+1)-F(K,L)
where MPL - Marginal product of labour;
F - the duration of the production cycle (process steps or the entire production
of the product) in days.
K – units of capital: tools, machines, and structures used in production
L- units of labour: the physical and mental efforts of workers
4.9.
The paper should not be overloaded with numerical data. Unnecessary numerical data
hampers comprehension. The information given in tables and figures should be
analysed.
4.10. The final version should be bound in cover and submitted to the advisor
5.
Miscellaneous
5.1.When the final version of the term paper is submitted, the scientific advisor sets the
date of defence.
5.2.
During the term paper defence, students report on the outcomes of the work (the most
important recommendations and conclusions), answer the questions of the advisor,
listen to the advisor's assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the paper.
5.3.
The major criterion in term paper assessment is the quality of analysis performed by
the author, the accuracy of conclusions and precision, substantiation and
feasibility of recommendations on optimization and improvements in the analysed
company (in any sector of the economy and of any business form), organization,
industry, sector, country or group of countries. If the paper is descriptive and has no
critical evaluation or practical recommendations, it can not get a high rating. The
Business Administration BSP students' ability to answer questions and defend their assumptions and
recommendation is an integral part of the final grade. The term paper assessment is
entered in examination record.
5.5.
Underdeveloped paper that does not meet formatting requirements is not admitted to
the defence. The term paper does not obtain an assessment if the author is not prepared
for the defence and is not capable of providing correct answers to questions. In this
case, an additional defence date is scheduled.
Appendix 1
Sample
University of Latvia
Faculty of Economics and Management
TERM PAPER
Managing the Production Process in the Company “INNO”
Author:
Business Administration BSP
2nd year student
Janis Berzins
JB93010
Advisor: professors, Dr.oec. Karlis Ozolins
Riga 2015
Appendix 2
Sample
Contents
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms .............................................................................. x
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... x
1.Heading for First Chapter .............................................................................................. x
1.1. First subchapter ........................................................................................................ x
1.2. Second subchapter .................................................................................................... x
2.Heading for Second Chapter ......................................................................................... x
2.1. First subchapter ......................................................................................................... x
2.2. Second subchapter ..................................................................................................... x
3.Heading for Third Chapter ............................................................................................ x
3.1.First subchapter .......................................................................................................... x
3.2. Second subchapter ..................................................................................................... x
Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... x
Recommendations. ........................................................................................................... x
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... x
Appendices ....................................................................................................................... x
Appendix 1 Title ............................................................................................................... x
Appendix 2 Title ............................................................................................................... x
Appendix 3
Sample
References/ Bibliography
Laws of the Republic of Latvia
1. Latvijas Republikas Komerclikums [tiešsaiste] – [atsauce 09.02.2012.].
Pieejams: http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=5490
Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers
2. Augstākās izglītības programmu licencēšanas kārtība [tiešsaite] – [atsauce
11.02.2012.]. Pieejams: http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=115551
Collections of Statistics
3. Iedzīvotāju skaits un dabiskās kustības galvenie rādītāji. Centrālās statistikas pārvaldes
mājas lapa. Iedzīvotāji – galvenie rādītāji. [tiešsaiste] – [atsauce 11.02.2012.]. Pieejams:
http://csb.gov.lv/iedzivotaju-skaits-un-dabiskas-kustibas-galvenie-raditaji
Books
4. Caune, J., Dzedons, A. Stratēģiskā vadīšana. Rīga: Apgāds „Lidojošā zivs”, 2009. 379
lpp.
5. Kalve, I. Apseglot pārmaiņu vējus. Stratēģiskā un pārmaiņu vadība. Rīga: Biznesa
augstskola “Turība”, 2005. 296 lpp.
6. Kaplan, R.S., Norton, D.P.. The Strategy – Focused Organization. Harvard Business
School Press, 2000.
7. Томсон, A.A., Стрикленд, А.Дж.. Стратегический менеджмент: концепции и
ситуации для анализа. 12-е изд. Мockba: Изд.дом «Вильямс». 2006. – 928 с.
Jourmal or magazine articles
8. Babris, S., Griņevičs, D. Taupīgas vadīšanas principi un to izmantošanas iespējas Latvijā.
LU Raksti, 758.sēj., Ekonomika. Vadības zinātne. Rīga, LU, 2010., 266.-278.lpp.
PhD, Master' or Bachelor's thesis
9. Osīte, A. Kvēpu noteikšana gaisā: bakalaura darbs. LU Ķīmijas fakultāte. Rīga : Latvijas
Universitāte, 2010. 65 lp.
10. Smith, G. W. Chromatographic Determination of Pesticides. Ph. D. thesis. Oxford:
Oxford University, 2011. 136 p.
Internet sources
11. Noteikumi par virszemes un pazemes ūdeņu kvalitāti. MK noteikumi Nr.118, 12.03.2002,
Rīga: Ministru kabinets [atsauce 4.01.2003.]. Pieejams: http://www.likumi./lv
12. Dukulis, I., Gultniece, I., Ivane A. u.c. Datorzinību pamati [tiešsaite]. Rīga: LIIS, 2011
– [atsauce 18.02.2004.]. Pieejams: http://www.liis.lv/mspamati
13. Diena [tiešsaite]. Rīga: a/s Diena, 2000 – [atsauce 10.01.2004.]. Pieejams:
http://www.diena.lv. ISSN 1407-7833.
14. A "New" Theory of Management by Andrew Sikula, Kurt Olmosk, Chong W. Kim,
Stephen Cupps http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=6&hid=113&sid=f72f5006-e8e2423d-97d6-6ca02ddc2f6e%40sessionmgr104
15. Theatrics of Leadership? David M. Boje.
http://cbae.nmsu.edu/~dboje/teaching/338/leader_model_boje.htm
Uzņēmuma „ABC” nepublicētie materiāli
SIA „ABC” gada pārskats par 2013.g.
SIA „ABC” darba drošības noteikumi.
Appendix 4
Tables
Table 1.1
Factors influencing the organization's activities (25)
Internal factors
External factors
Direct
Management
administration
Indirect
and
Customers
Political-legal dimension
Marketing
Rivals
Economic dimensions
Employees
Suppliers
Socio-cultural dimension
Finances
Labour market
Technological dimension
Production
International dimension
Technologies
Table 1.2
SIA “INNO” Revenues by product groups in 2011
Product
Revenues in thousands LVL ALBERT
190,2
APA
249,9
GORM
547,5
LINNARP
1240,5
SANSAD
109,0
Total
2337,1
Data source: SIA "INNO" reports Business Administration BSP Samples of Figures Figure 1.1. Management cycle (4)
8
7,08
7,22
7
5,7
6
5,3
5
4
3
2
1
0
2007
2008
2009
2010 Timber volume (million m3)
Figure 1.2. INNO used timber volume 2007 to 2010
Data source: SIA "INNO" reports