Topic(s) for the Physical Security Research Paper and Presentation
The majority of the paper MUST address the highlighted topic(s) below as it relates to Physical Security. Specific case studies, individual hardware, software, service or systems may be used as short examples but should only represent a small portion of the total paper.
Topic: Physical Security Practices on National Borders Compare the Physical Security (technology, methods, etc.) used at the national borders of at
least 3 countries. Focus on Information Technology but can include Safety, Equipment, Assessment and/or Policies/Procedures.
This research paper should include approximately 7-10 Cited Works but MUST have at least 5
Cited Works of which 2 must be Peer Reviewed. Highlight in YELLOW the Peer-Reviewed
works on the Reference page. Also, include all References as the last page of the Powerpoint
Presentation (start by creating a heading called “Peer-Reviewed works”, followed by the Peer-
Reviewed works. Then create a heading called “All Other works”, followed by the other
works).
This research paper should be approximately 10 double-spaced pages (but must be at least 5
pages), using 12-font Times-Roman or Calibri-Body. The Cover Page, Reference Page and any
space needed for pictures/images are not included in the required pages.
Once the paper is completed, add an Overview to the start of the paper. The Overview must
contain at least one Hypothesis (see Rubric) and a Synopsis of what is contained in the paper.
Include the Hypothesis, under the title, on the 1st page of the Powerpoint presentation.
For this paper, a Hypothesis is a statement you believe to be true based on the research you
conducted. As an example: “Small businesses are less likely to provide adequate physical
security”.
The quality and thoroughness of the paper, as defined in the rubric, will determine the grade
assigned. Papers containing the minimum number of references and/or minimum number of
pages will most likely not earn a high grade.
Go to http:// inside.ucumberlands.edu/library and search the Databases/Journals
Other sources include:
Academic Search Complete Google Scholar ERIC
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses ACM Digital Library IEEE Xplore
Computing Research Repository (CoRR) Microsoft Academic CiteSeerX
Find White Papers ScienceDirect
Web of Science (and InCites ESI & JCR) Computers & Applied Sciences Complete
Computing Database (1998-current) Homeland Security Digital Library
Journals include:
Security Technology Executive Journal of Physical Security Security Management
Journal of Applied Security Research Security Journal Computer World
Security Technology & Design Technology Executive iSecurity
Information Security Security
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M.E.A.L. Plan:
There are many ways to write this paper but you might consider one of these as a framework:
Option #1: Create MAIN-Topics for each Country identified and then Sub-Topics for the Physical Security
components identified in the research
OR
Option #2: Create MAIN-Topics for each Physical Security component identified in the research and then Sub-
Topics for each Country identified:
Physical Security components might include any of the topics discussed in the textbook or in your research:
Environmental Design, Physical Barriers and Signage, Locks & Biometrics, Illumination, Surveillance, Alarm
Systems, Fire Suppression, Access Control and Identification, Security Forces, Network Architectures,
Risks/Threats/Countermeasures