Last modified Feb. 12, 1996.
This page written and maintained by Joe Touch touch@isi.edu
GENERAL
The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate one topic of distributed operating systems in depth, and to demonstrate your understanding in written form. The paper should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the literature of the topic, contain original analysis of the papers you choose to cover, and suggest directions for future research on the topic. The references should demonstrate understanding of the contribution the paper makes to the area, and critically review its material. Be careful to choose a topic that isn't too broad or too narrow.
In limited cases, you may be permitted to submit a programming project and written report on that project in place of a research paper. However, because such projects are very time intensive, you must provide substantive convincing evidence that you have a research goal, show how it relates to and extends existing research, a specific course of action (with a timetable), a measure of its completion, and a novel concept to test. Remember that incompletes are not granted in this course. If you are not sure whether the project is acceptable, feel free to discuss it with me before submitting the proposal. When preparing the timetable, keep in mind that things rarely go as smoothly as one hopes. If you choose this option, you will be responsible for obtaining the needed computing resources.
FORMAT
It should be approximately 10 double-spaced pages, and not exceed 15 pages maximum (this is a limit!). Use a 10-point font, and at least 1-inch margins. You may choose any technical topic that relates to the issues addressed in this course.
PROPOSAL
On March 7 (at the beginning of class before the Midterm exam) will be required to submit a brief (half-page) description of your proposed topic, the particular issues you plan to cover, the questions you plan to answer, and have a short list of references (4-5, at least 3 must be beyond those included in this course, and at least ONE MUST BE PUBLISHED SINCE SEPT. 1995).
DUE DATE
The research paper is due April 25, on the last day of class. Papers may be submitted prior to that date, but, due to time considerations, papers cannot be accepted late.
GRADING
Both technical content and presentation affect how much a reader will learn from what you write, so you will be graded on both aspects of this paper. Technical writing skills will be required; the TA's will have material on technical writing organization and style. At least one friend with good English writing skills should proofread your paper, although all papers should be individual effort.
Many things are required make a good research term paper. The basic question you should address is, "Would I want to read this paper if I didn't have to grade it?". The following is a list of things you should consider:
choice of an interesting topic (it should be interesting to me and others in your class)
choice of appropriate references (did you reference landmark work, does each paper have a reason for inclusion?)
synthesis of material (did you show unique comparison or grouping?)
analysis of material (did you critically review the research in the papers?)
understanding the predominant issues (what are the issues of the area?)
critical conjecture (what are some possible future directions - be creative, but convincing!)
Last modified Feb. 12, 1996.
This page written and maintained by Joe Touch touch@isi.edu