Research Paper Assignment Instructions

Overview

In developing your expertise in transnational organized crime (TOC) you will be writing a series of research papers. All together the writing contained in all these papers combined would be quite significant project! You will find that in some modules, the research papers mimic our readings with respect to subject matter and some modules, the research papers do not mimic the reading. Again, the goal of these research papers is to stretch the depth and breadth of your knowledge. You should feel well prepared to teach a course in TOCs after completing this course. The research papers and PowerPoints you create could serve as the basis for such class. Additionally, you will find that this course and the course CJUS701 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems complement each other very well.

Instructions

Each research paper should be a minimum of 6 to 8 pages.
The vast difference in page count is because some countries and/or crime/topics are quite easy to study and some countries and/or crime/topics have very limited information.
In some instances, there will be a plethora of information and you must use skilled writing to maintain proper page count.
Please keep in mind that this is doctoral level analysis and writing – you are to take the hard-earned road – the road less travelled – the scholarly road in forming your paper.
The paper must use current APA style, and the page count does not include the title page, abstract, reference section, or any extra material.
The minimum elements of the paper are listed below.
You must use a minimumof 8 recent (some countries/crimes/topics may have more recent research articles than others), relevant, and academic (peer review journals preferred and professional journals allowed if used judiciously) sources, at least 2 sources being the Holy Bible, and one recent (some countries/crime/topics have more recent than others) news article. Books may be used but are considered “additional: sources beyond the stated minimums. You may use .gov sources as your recent, relevant, and academic sources if the writing is academic in nature (authored works). You may also use United Nations and Whitehouse.gov documents as academic documents.
Again, this paper must reflect graduate level research and writing style. If you need to go over the maximum page count you must obtain professor permission in advance! Please reference the Research Paper Rubric when creating your research paper.

These are minimum guidelines – you may expand the topics covered in your papers.

Begin your paper with a briefanalysis of the following elements:
1. Introduction to the country
Analyze the nature of organized crime in the assigned area (you may narrow the scope of your analysis through your introduction or thesis statement if needed)
Analyze the impact of organized crime in the assigned area on the government.
Briefly propose policies that may be helpful in mitigating organized crime in the assigned area.
A Holy Bible comparison/analysis of the nature of the organized crime system, the impact on the country, or your proposed policy to mitigate the system.

The following is an outline of the minimum points to be covered in your paper – Crime Typology Topics:

These are minimum guidelines – you may expand the topics covered in your papers…

Analyze the nature of assigned crime/issue with respect to (at a minimum):
1. Scope of the crime/issue
2. Financial impact – if possible
3. Human impact – if possible
4. Analysis of various countries laws dealing with the crime/issue.
Briefly propose policies that may be helpful in mitigating the crime/topic on a specific country or transnational scale.

A Holy Bible comparison/analysis of the crime/topic

SOLUTION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring and Writing Your Research Paper

As your tutor, I understand that beginning a research paper—especially at the doctoral level—can be daunting. Follow this structured approach to confidently develop a strong, scholarly paper on transnational organized crime (TOC).

✅ Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Length: 6–8 pages (excluding title, abstract, and references).
Sources: Minimum of 8 recent, academic sources.
- At least 2 Holy Bible references.
- At least 1 recent news article.
- Peer-reviewed journals and professional journals are preferred.
- .gov, UN, and Whitehouse.gov sources are acceptable if academic in nature.
Style: APA (latest edition).
Tone: Scholarly and analytical (doctoral-level writing).
Check: Refer to the Research Paper Rubric for grading criteria.

📝 Step 2: Plan Your Paper Structure

Here is a suggested outline based on the assignment’s expectations:

I. Introduction

Briefly introduce the country or region.
Include contextual background relevant to organized crime.
Clearly state your thesis or scope of analysis.

II. Nature of Organized Crime in the Area

Define the type(s) of organized crime (e.g., trafficking, cybercrime, drug cartels).
Explain:
- Scope of the crime (local, national, transnational).
- Groups or organizations involved.
- How the crime evolved historically or culturally in this area.

III. Impacts of Organized Crime

Governmental Impact:
- Corruption, weakened institutions, security challenges.
Financial Impact:
- Estimated revenue, loss to GDP, economic destabilization.
Human Impact:
- Victimization, community disruption, migration, violence.

IV. Legal and Political Responses

Examine existing laws and enforcement mechanisms.
- Both local/national laws and international frameworks.
Discuss successes or failures of these responses.

V. Policy Recommendations

Propose specific, evidence-based policies to mitigate organized crime.
Address both national-level and transnational strategies.
Ensure your recommendations are practical and research-informed.

VI. Biblical Analysis

Apply a Holy Bible perspective to one or more of the following:
- The nature of the crime.
- Its impact on the country or people.
- The moral/ethical dimension of your proposed policies.
Use at least two scripture references to guide this analysis.

VII. Conclusion

Summarize key points.
Reinforce your thesis.
Highlight any final insights or call to action.

🔍 Step 3: Conduct Research

Start with academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest, Google Scholar).
Use government and NGO publications for data and legal analysis.
Select reliable media for your recent news article.
Locate Bible verses using tools like BibleGateway or Blue Letter Bible that relate to justice, law, and corruption.

✍️ Step 4: Write and Format

Draft the paper in APA format:
- Title Page
- Abstract (approx. 150–250 words)
- Body (6–8 pages)
- Reference Page
Cite all sources accurately in-text and in the reference list.
Keep your tone objective and analytical.
Use transitions and subheadings for flow and clarity.

🔄 Step 5: Review and Revise

Check against the Research Paper Rubric.
Proofread for:
- Grammar and spelling
- APA compliance
- Clarity and flow
Consider using Grammarly or another editing tool.
Seek feedback from peers or your professor if possible.

Final Tip: This paper is not just an academic exercise—it prepares you to teach and lead in the field of criminal justice. Let your research reflect that level of commitment and excellence.

Transnational Organized Crime Research Paper Guidelines