Begin by creating a list of subject headings to search for. For the subject "Managing Projects for Success," you might select such topics as "project management," "managing projects," "techniques for success" or "successful projects." Record your selections on card files using the proper format for resource categories, such as newspaper articles, book excerpts or periodicals.
Locate your resources and take balanced notes from the material. For the topic of "Managing Projects for Success," for example, you will want to specify both the advantages and disadvantages of management processes, the steps involved in managing a process to completion and the most effective recommended techniques. In your notes, record exactly what the authors convey, recording facts, not just opinions. Create note cards for each author that specify direct quotes, footnote information and where the material can be located.
Once you have gathered all of your material, review the note cards to determine the main headings and sub-headings for the outline of your term paper. Separate the cards into logical categories several times to isolate topics. For "Managing Projects for Success" the outline might include headings such as "Planning the Project," "Selecting Team Members," "Communicating with Stakeholders" and "Scheduling Deadlines." Select sub-headings for each of these categories that will detail all of the considerations necessary to achieve that portion of the process. Organize subjects by general topic.
Write the paper based on the outline, first providing the reader with a statement of intent -- the main purpose of the paper. Then write the main body of the paper with supporting evidence provided by your source material. Annotate all direct quotes and footnote material as used. Once each heading and sub-heading is fully explained with a logical, organized flow of ideas, write a summary for the end of the paper. In the summary specify what you discovered in your research and any recommendations that you suggest readers would find most helpful.
Read through the term paper and check for correct spelling and any terms that are specific to project management. Review the sentences for correct punctuation, phrasing and use of nouns, pronouns and verb tenses. Review footnotes and direct quotes to ensure they are in the proper format. Prepare your bibliography and end notes following the specified style format.