Distinguished - Introduction and thesis statement are thoroughly and comprehensively developed, giving a clear direction and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Introduction and thesis statement are clearly developed and provide some direction and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Introduction and thesis statement are present and somewhat provide direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Introduction and thesis statement are present, but incomplete.  The direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction and thesis statement are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides an exceptionally clear and detailed company overview. 

Proficient - Provides a clear company overview.  Some minor relevant information is missing.

Basic - Provides a minimal company overview.  Many relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide a company overview.  The overview is somewhat incomplete and/or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The company overview is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively and accurately diagnoses the need for change within the selected organization.

Proficient - Diagnoses the need for change within the selected organization.  Some relevant details may be missing.

Basic - Minimally diagnoses the need for change within the selected organization.  Many relevant details may be missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to diagnose the need for change within the selected organization.  The need for change may be insufficiently described and/or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The diagnosis of the need for change is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Presents a well-structured, highly detailed, and perceptive plan to transform the organization.  Effectively uses Kotter’s 8-Step Approach in the development of the plan.

Proficient - Presents a concise plan to transform the organization.  Uses Kotter’s 8-Step Approach in the  development of plan.  The plan is lacking some detail.

Basic - Presents a brief plan to transform the organization.  Somewhat uses Kotter’s 8-Step Approach in the development of the plan.  The plan lacks detail and/or organizational structure. 

Below Expectations - Attempts to present a plan to transform the organization.  May not use all elements of Kotter’s 8-Step Approach in the development of the plan.  The plan lacks significant detail and/or there is little organizational structure. 

Non-Performance - The plan to transform the organization is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Conclusion is skillfully developed and thoroughly summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Conclusion is mostly developed and adequately summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Conclusion is present and loosely summarizes the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Conclusion is present, but somewhat incomplete.  It does not adequately summarize the research, content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Non-Performance - The conclusion is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Uses appropriate, pertinent, and persuasive content to discover and develop sophisticated ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Proficient - Uses appropriate and pertinent content to discover ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Basic - Uses appropriate and pertinent content, but does not apply it toward discovering or developing ideas. Overall content assists in shaping the written work.

Below Expectations - Uses content, but it may be unrelated or inappropriate to the topic. Content does not contribute toward the development of the written work, and may distract the reader from its purpose.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand.  Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content.  The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand.  There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work.  The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment.  There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes.  Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited.  The purpose of the writing is unclear.  There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes.  Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.  Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.  Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.  Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper.  However, layout contains a few minor errors.

Basic - Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper.  However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting.  There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Provides ample resources and uses the correct number of sources from the specified search agents.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Provides inadequate number of resources and does not include sources from specified search agents.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.