Research Paper Preparation Outline 1 2 3 Prior Tips

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Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of your primary text and review the DHS Strategic Plan: FY. Also, review the Week 5 Final Research Paper and Approved Research Paper Topics located in your online classroom. Then, you will conduct preliminary research in the Ashford University Library. The highlighted topics in the Approved Research Paper Topics document have a Research Starter for your use within the library. To access these Research Starters, type in the topic name within the Ashford University Library search function; the starters will immediately show.

For an example of how to format this assignment, click on the Research Paper Outline Template located in your online classroom. For an example of how to correctly format a research paper using APA, click on the APA Formatting Sample Paper. In your outline, draft an introduction and thesis for your Final Research Paper. Select one of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) goals as identified in the DHS Strategic Plan: FY that you will examine for your Final Research Paper. (This must be a stand-alone statement following your introduction and thesis. For instance: DHS Goal: Secure U.S. Borders and approaches or Secure Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure.) Explain a current issue, threat or hazard that leads to a homeland security vulnerability that you want to research. (Review the Approved Research Paper Topics document. You may select one of these, or select one of your own. If you do not select a topic on the list, your instructor must approve your topic). Write a paragraph discussing why you selected this issue or topic. Explain other associated issues, threats, or hazards that must be addressed to resolve this homeland security vulnerability. Identify any constitutional issues in play.

Provide additional information from your initial research. Identify three questions that you want to research prior to writing your Final Research Paper. Provide a paragraph explaining why it is important to answer these questions. The Final Research Paper Preparatory Outline must be two to three double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s APA Style. It must include a separate title page with the required information. For formatting assistance, refer to APA guidelines.

Utilize academic voice throughout your paper. Include an introductory paragraph ending with a clear thesis statement indicating the purpose of your paper. Use at least two credible sources in addition to the course text. Document all sources in APA style. Include a separate references page formatted according to APA style. Review the grading rubric for evaluation criteria.

Paper For Above instruction

This research paper preparation outline serves as a foundational step in crafting a comprehensive final research paper on homeland security topics. The objective is to develop a clear understanding of a specific DHS goal and the vulnerabilities associated with it, supported by preliminary research and critical questions to guide the investigation.

The process begins with an extensive review of core chapters from the course textbook, "Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All-Hazards Risk Management" by Bullock, Haddow, and Coppola (2016), focusing on concepts of homeland security, its history, and hazards, along with the latest DHS Strategic Plan (2019). These sources provide a contextual background and set the stage for identifying current threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities related to homeland security.

A key element involves selecting a DHS goal from the strategic plan—such as securing borders or protecting cyberspace—and analyzing a pertinent current issue or threat that underscores vulnerabilities in this goal. For example, if one chooses to examine cybersecurity, topics might include cyber-espionage, ransomware threats, or critical infrastructure protection. The rationale for selecting such an issue must be articulated, emphasizing its significance for national security and its potential impact on societal stability.

Further, the outline requires a discussion of related issues—such as legal, constitutional, or procedural challenges—that complicate managing these vulnerabilities. Understanding constitutional considerations, like privacy rights versus security needs, adds depth to the analysis and highlights the complexity faced by homeland security agencies.

Preliminary research must also identify three research questions intended to deepen understanding of the chosen issue. These questions could explore technological vulnerabilities, policy gaps, or interagency coordination challenges. Explaining why answering these questions is vital underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in homeland security policy and practice.

This outline, expected to be two to three pages, forms the scaffold for the final research paper by establishing a focused topic, underlying issues, and guiding questions, all contextualized within the DHS strategic framework. It emphasizes scholarly research, proper APA formatting, and critical thinking to lay the groundwork for an impactful final project.

References

• Bullock, J. A., Haddow, G. D., & Coppola, D. P. (2016). Introduction to homeland security: Principles of all-hazards risk management (5th ed.).
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2019). DHS Strategic Plan: FY. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/
• Hart, G., & Rudmand, W. B. (2001). Road map for national security: Imperative for change. U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century.
• National Commission on Terrorism. (2001). Countering the changing threat of international terrorism. U.S. Government Report.
• RAND-National Research Institute, Gilmore Commission. (2003). Executive summary. In Forging America’s new normalcy: Securing our homeland, preserving our liberty.
• Additional credible sources as needed for supporting evidence and current data on homeland security threats.