During the White Paper Project, you will learn to identify ethical and technological issues relevant to a professional setting, to research and synthesize information, and to present that information in an objective fashion which contributes to action. Although this project involves some individual elements, the majority of the project is the result of collaboration.
In this project, groups of 2-4 members will be asked to do web-based and library research and then to write an informative white paper on methods for addressing an ethical issue created by an innovative technology. For instance, you might examine the electronic commerce, digital communiction and workflow, and content management systems in business and educational contexts, p2p file sharing and copyright law, safety issues, identity theft, etc. Alternately, you may choose to research another topic that does not revolve around technology, but it must be a current and relevant issue that is thoroughly researchable.This research will result in a visually sophisticated document of 10 to 15 pages that presents findings to an appropriate rhetorical situation. You must present at least three solutions to the problem which take into account the needs of the different readers. After producing the final draft of the white paper, groups will present their findings to the class in a brief and engaging oral presentation complete with PowerPoint and handout(s).
White Paper. A white paper is an informative and definitive overview of a well-focused topic. White papers typically include an "Executive Summary," "Background Information," "Key Issues" or "Key Developments," "Resource List," and a number of other sections, depending on the nature of the subject matter (a chronology, remaining challenges, future prospects, etc.)
Rhetorical Situation: The primary audience for your white paper consists of readers who are concerned in implementing solutions to the problem you are addressing. Though they are experts in their field, their awareness of the ethical issue and their familiarity with the technology and policies needed to address the issue will vary based on particular audiences. The purpose of the white paper is to identify a problem and provide objective information which could lead to a solution.
Length and Format: The length of your white paper will depend somewhat on your choice of topics, but should be within 10 to 15 pages (formatting will vary based on the design employed by each group, but every white paper should be visually sophisticated.)
Sample White Papers for Reference:
- Iraq: Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) (PDF)
- INTEGRATING FINANCIAL EDUCATION INTO SCHOOL CURRICULA (PDF)
- WHITE PAPER ON MANAGEMENT OF DCNR LANDS (PDF)
Info About White Papers:
- Effective Marketing Using White Papers (PDF format)
- Creating White Papers That Drive Sales (PDF format)
- How to Write a White Paper
This project emphasizes several important goals that all professional writers should bear in mind and that are consistent with those of the Professional Writing Program at Purdue. The White Paper Project emphasizes shaping research, writing and design to very specific situations and purposes:
Writing in Context
Analyze professional cultures, social contexts, and audiences to determine how they shape the various purposes and forms of writing, such as persuasion, organizational communication, and public discourse.
Writing Process
Develop and understand various strategies for planning, researching, drafting, revising, and editing documents that respond effectively and ethically to professional situations and audiences.
Collaboration
Learn and apply strategies for successful collaboration, such as working and communicating on-line with colleagues, setting and achieving project goals, and responding constructively to peers' work.
Research
Understand and use various research methods to produce professional documents, including analyzing professional contexts, assessing and using information resources, and determining how various media and technologies affect and are affected by users and readers.
Technology
Develop strategies for using and adapting various communication technologies to manage projects and produce informative and usable professional documents.
Document Design
Learn to argue with visual data, understanding and implementing various principles of format, layout, and design of professional documents that meet multiple user and reader needs.