Suggested steps for writing a thought paper

What is a thought paper?

A thought paper usually contains:
A thought paper is the best way to deliver an 1. Current industry problems/
organization’s thought-leadership content to the trends/issues, technology
marketplace. A well drafted thought paper delivers the 2. How the service offered or the
new technology or business
essence of solutions and services of the organization model works
that could play a key role in influencing a customer or 3. Benefits/application/ROI/case
prospect to make a buying decision; establishing studies
4. How to choose a solution /
market leadership and supporting sales and vendor summary; conclusion.
marketing initiatives.

Easy steps to writing a thought paper

Theme / Topic: Decide the theme / topic

Title: Create a title. This will act as an anchor to decide the other sections / sub heads for the
paper.

Examples of a title
Creating and sustaining the high-performance business
Research and Insights on the
Role of Supply Chain Mastery
s- SOX and its impact on retail supply chains
Business Intelligence and Logistics

Sections / Sub heads in the thought paper: Decide the sections that you want to present in the
thought paper. The naming of these sections / sub heads can be finalized at the end.

Must items in the TOC are: Introduction, Conclusion, References, Abbreviations (if used in the
paper), About the Authors

Flow of the content in the paper: Once the sections / sub heads are decided, start the putting
the info / content that you want to publish in the thought paper. You can use graphical / pictorial
content wherever required.

Abstract / Summary / Synopsis: Once the content is in place, make a summary of the thought
paper. A summary / synopsis / abstract should clearly say in brief what the thought paper has in
store. Every synopsis should start out with a statement that describes the paper content in
approximately 25 –30 words. Identify the key elements of your paper, which should form the base
of the synopsis.

Example of an abstract (on the topic of Role of Supply Chain Mastery):

Few companies question the value of supply chain excellence. But until recently, empirical data
connecting financial and supply chain performance did not exist. In this thought paper, the
authors report the results of a groundbreaking study that proves supply chain mastery is
rewarded. They then examine the supply chain insights and behaviors of nearly 20 major
companies that have demonstrated ongoing financial success and consistent leadership in supply

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chain management. Supply Chain Perspectives helps senior management improve business
performance through supply chain innovation. (Source: Accenture)

Conclusion: After the content flow, write a conclusion to the paper. A conclusion should stress
the importance of the thesis statement, give the essay a sense of completeness, and leave a final
impression on the reader.

An example of an outline of a thought paper

Title Interaction of RFID technology and public policy

Abstract / synopsis / summary The rapid growth of technology has made it possible to track the
shopping habits and consumption patterns of consumers through embedded transponders in the
products they buy. Nowadays radio frequency identification (RFID) is widely used by retailers in
this regard. However, consumers, privacy advocacy groups like CASPIAN (consumers against
supermarket privacy invasion and numbering) are totally against the use of these as they think
that these processes breach privacy policies and contractual obligations to the consumer.

The thought paper discusses the need for developing a comprehensive public policy that
balances marketers’ information needs and consumers’ concerns regarding privacy. The paper
also explains various issues relating to personal data security and how current laws may impact
the ability of future efforts to frame a comprehensive public policy on usage of RFID
internationally.

Author name Points to keep in mind

Table of contents Keep the paper short and concise

Summary / Abstract / Synopsis Make a point and stick to it.
Introduction
Understanding RFID Incorporate visual elements
RFID and its application areas Pages and pages of text are not effective. Provide clear
Suitability of RFID black and white graphics that can be printed out, and
use charts, tables, and workflow diagrams.
Case studies
Privacy in the context of RFID A good subject flow is a must
Cradle-to-grave surveillance A good thought paper assumes the reader knows
Various alternatives available in present context nothing about the topic and provides information beyond
Alternatives on the technological front the basics as well.
The smart RFID tag approach
Selective disclosure of information Use case study
The regulation approach An actual case study to supplement the content helps
Self regulation the readers understand how the solution solves their
Ethics and RFID problem.
Formation of privacy policies on public opinions
Differences across cultures and continents Complex terminology
Avoid using a complex term. It can take off attention of
Branding the RFID right the reader due to lack of understanding.
Conclusion
References (can be URLs / Bibliography)
Wrap up with a strong summary
Acknowledgements
Make sure readers leave with the salient points—the top
About the author three bulleted issues.

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Content flow
Having the TOC as base, relevant content needs
to go in the sections / sub heads. The thought paper must offer balanced content.

Pictorial / Graphical Content

Use pictorial / graphical representation to supplement content wherever needed.

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