Every ARC project follows a simple, rigorous, and repeatable system that works across business, policy, and academic contexts. This is the backbone of ARC's publishing-first approach.
FINER
Designing a strong research question
SCR
Structuring the argument
CEW
Writing with analytical logic
Dossier
Organizing into professional structure
FINER: Designing a Strong Research Question
Every ARC project begins with a question that meets five critical criteria. This ensures students explore topics that are both academically sound and practically valuable.
Feasible
Can the student realistically explore this within 12 weeks?
Interesting
Does the student genuinely care about the topic?
Novel
Does the question offer a fresh angle or perspective?
Ethical
Is the topic appropriate, responsible, and academically sound?
Relevant
Does the question matter to a real audience in industry, policy, or society?
Outcome: A clear, focused research question that drives the entire dossier.
SCR: Situation, Complication, Resolution
SCR is ARC's core argument-structuring model. It teaches students to build arguments the way consultants, analysts, and strategists do—creating narrative momentum and analytical clarity.
Situation
The current state of the system, market, or environment. This establishes the baseline reality the reader must understand.
Complication
The tension, gap, or disruption that makes the situation unsustainable. This is the "problem worth solving"—the reason the chapter exists.
Resolution
The strategic answer to the complication. This is where the student proposes a direction, solution, or analytical conclusion.
Forces Clarity
Eliminates ambiguity in argumentation
Creates Momentum
Builds logical narrative flow
Mirrors Industry
Reflects real consulting frameworks
Analyst-Grade Writing
Prepares students for professional contexts
CEW: Claim, Evidence, Warrant
CEW is ARC's paragraph-level writing system. It ensures every paragraph is a mini-argument with internal logic—elevating writing from descriptive to analytical.
01
Claim
A clear, specific assertion the paragraph is making
02
Evidence
Facts, data, examples, or citations that support the claim
03
Warrant
The reasoning that explains why the evidence supports the claim
What makes ARC different: Most students never learn warrants—ARC teaches them explicitly. This is what transforms good writing into professional analytical work.
Outcome: Paragraphs that are clear, grounded, and professionally reasoned.
The ARC Dossier: Professional Structure
Once students have a strong question (FINER), structured argument (SCR), and paragraph-level logic (CEW), they assemble their work into ARC's professional dossier format—the macro-architecture that mirrors real industry deliverables.
1
Executive Summary
High-level overview of findings and recommendations
2
Industry Context
Current landscape and market dynamics
3
Gap Identification
Analysis of problems and opportunities
4
AI Solution Proposal
Strategic recommendations and approaches
5
Competitive Advantage
Differentiation and value proposition analysis
6
Recommendations
Actionable roadmap and implementation steps
Complete Workflow: From Question to Publication
ARC's methodology gives students a complete workflow that produces analyst-grade work ready for publication. This is what makes ARC a publishing-first institution.