Noun And Apostrophe

Chapter 10 Proposals and Formal Reports 323

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10.21 formal Report: netflix & Company—Movies After dVd and Blu-ray the competition for consumer film rental dollars is fierce. A 400-employee company, Netflix offers flat rates for DvD and blu-ray disc rentals by mail. Users can also stream certain movie titles on the Web and view them on their computers and tvs. Netflix has all but won the race against blockbuster, a company that seemed invincible only a decade ago and traded at around $29 a share. today, blockbuster is in trouble; its stock price has slid to the level of penny stocks.

However, Netflix is still competing with Redbox, Amazon, Apple, and the cable companies, all jostling to become the leading provider of online films. After outpacing blockbuster, Netflix is vying with Apple for leadership in digital streaming services. experts predict that DvDs and blu-ray discs will go the way of such dinosaurs as vHs tapes and, eventually, music cDs. Apple’s release of the iPad only inten- sifies the rivalry among the competing streaming services. Netflix ceO Reed Hastings has no plans to stream films to the Apple device.

Your Task. Using ProQuest, Factiva, LexisNexis, or the Web, find information about the movie rental market and video on demand today. Research the latest trends in the use of DvD/blu-ray discs and Web streaming. in a report, discuss the future of this important entertainment sector. based on your research, expert opinion, and other resources, reach conclusions about the current state and future prospects of the movie rental business. if possible, in your formal report make recommendations detailing how Netflix could modify its business model to survive the cutthroat competition. Use one or more of the techniques discussed in this chapter to track your sources. if your instructor requires it, write a memo or letter of transmittal to Netflix ceO Reed Hastings.

10.22 More Proposal and Report Topics A list with over 90 report topics is available at www.cengagebrain.com. the topics are divided into the following categories: account- ing, finance, human resources, marketing, information systems, management, and general business/education/campus issues. You can collect information for many of these reports by using electronic databases and the Web. Your instructor may assign them as individual or team projects. All involve critical thinking in organizing information, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations. the topics include assignments appropriate for proposals, business plans, and formal reports.

Grammar/Mechanics Checkup—10

Apostrophes Review sections 2.20–2.22 in the Grammar/Mechanics Handbook. then study each of the following statements. Underscore any inappropriate form. Write a correction in the space provided and record the number of the G/M principle(s) illustrated. if a sentence is correct, write C. When you finish, compare your responses with those at the back of the book. if your answers differ, study carefully the principles shown in parentheses.

example: in just two years time, Marti earned her MbA degree.

1. Mark Hanleys smartphone was found in the conference room.

2. the severance package includes two weeks salary for each year worked.

3. in only one years time, her school loans totaled $5,000.

4. the board of directors strongly believed that john Petersons tenure as ceO was exceptionally successful.

5. several employees records were accidentally removed from the files.

6. the last witness testimony was the most convincing to the jury members.

7. everyone appreciated Robins careful editing of our report.

8. i always get my moneys worth at my favorite restaurant.

9. three local companies went out of business last month.

10. in one months time, we hope to have our new Web site up and running.

11. i need my boss signature on this expense claim.

12. that legal secretarys credentials and years of experience qualified her for a higher salary.

13. in certain aerospace departments, new applicants must apply for security clearance.

14. Our companys stock price rose dramatically last year.

15. several businesses opening hours will change in the next three months.

years’ (2.20b)

CHE-GUFFEY9E-11-0315-010.indd 323 03/01/12 7:34 PM

Draft Of A Rhetorical Analysis Of A Public Document Assignment

Goal

 

Write a 750-1,000-word essay that analyzes the rhetorical situation of a public document. This public document is the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) found at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html.Your analysis should include at least TWO scholarly sources outside of class texts.

 

Directions

 

Complete a close reading of the assigned public document. Then, write a cohesive essay that:

 

1.Introduces and summarizes the CDC website on ADHD.

 

2.Analyzes the rhetorical tools used on the site (here, you will want to incorporate ideas from your pre-analysis below). For instance, your essay could analyze the CDC’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

 

3.Evaluates the site’s effectiveness (again, ideas from your pre-analysis below will be helpful).

 

This essay is NOT simply an expository or descriptive essay or an analysis of ADHD. It is an analysis of the site and how effectively the site uses rhetorical tools to get its point across.

 

Use Chapter 2 in The Call to Write and the sample rhetorical analysis on pages 57-60 as a guide.

 

First Draft Grading

 

•You will receive completion points for the first draft based upon the successful submission of your draft.

 

•Because your first draft is a completion grade, do not assume that this grade reflects or predicts the final grade. If you do not consider your instructor’s comments, you may be deducted points on your final draft.

 

Final Draft Grading

 

The essay will be graded using a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

Sources

 

•Include in-text citations and a References page in GCU Style for at least TWO scholarly sources outside of class texts.

 

•These sources should be used to support any claims you make and should be present in the text of the essay.

 

•Use the GCU Library to help you find sources.

 

•Include this research in the paper in a scholarly manner.

 

Format

 

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

 

Turnitin

 

•You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

 

•Please be sure to review your Turnitin score before submitting the draft to your instructor.

 

•Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.

 

Preparing to Write the Essay

 

Read the site closely:

 

1.Read the webpage on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

 

2.Use the reading strategies in Chapter 2 of The Call to Write to help you better understand the site:

 

 

oDo a first reading that uses underlining, annotation, and summary to make sure you understand what the writer is saying. Go back to any sections that need clarification.

 

oOn a second reading, pay attention to what the writer(s) of the CDC site is doing by describing the writer’s strategy.

 

Conduct a pre-analysis:

 

1.Use your close reading to analyze the rhetorical situation of the site.

 

2.Here are some questions to guide your analysis.

 

3.You do NOT need to answer all of them—pick three that make the most sense to you. Your close reading will help you generate ideas for your essay.

 

 

•What is the context of the issue(s)?

 

a)What do you know about the topic?

 

b)What issues does the topic raise?

 

c)Is there a larger debate, discussion, or controversy already going on?

 

d)What seems to be at stake?

 

 

•Who is the writer?

 

a.What do you know about the writer’s background, credibility, knowledge of the topic, beliefs, and social allegiances?

 

•What is the publication?

 

a.What do you know about its intended readers, reputability, political slant, and the topics it covers?

 

•How does the writer define the rhetorical situation and identify the call to write?

 

a.What is the writer’s orientation toward the issues involved?

 

b.What is at stake for the writer?

 

•Who is the intended audience?

 

a.Is the writer addressing one group or more than one group of readers?

 

b.Is the writer trying to bring an audience into being?

 

c.What kind of relationship is the writer trying to establish with readers?

 

d.What assumptions about readers does the writer seem to make?

 

•How does the writer use language?

 

a.How does the writer use ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to the audience?

 

b.What is the writer’s tone?

 

c.What does the writer’s word choice show about his or her assumptions about readers?

 

d.Does the writer use specialized terms or slang?

 

e.Are there memorable figures of speech?

 

f.Does the writer stereotype?

 

•What is your evaluation of the rhetorical effectiveness?

 

a.Does the writer accomplish his or her purposes?

 

b.What constraints, if any, qualify the writing’s effectiveness?

 

Draft the essay:

 

Once you’ve completed the pre-analysis, draft the essay. The essay should include:

 

1.Header, essay title, heading in GCU Style

 

2.An introduction paragraph with a thesis statement

 

3.At least three body paragraphs

 

4.A conclusion paragraph

 

Also, you will need to include a References page and in-text citations formatted in GCU Style with at least TWO scholarly sources outside of class texts.

Evidentialist Argument And Contrast Clifford’s Position With One Of The Nonevidentialist Positions Encountered

Recall Clifford’s evidentialist argument and contrast Clifford’s position with one of the nonevidentialist positions encountered. the non evidentialist argument falls most within my system of belief in God and matters of faith. Please view and argue for that position. Also,  In this paper, please defend my position using points made by non evidentialist philosophers, contrasting arguments set forth by evidentialist philosopher W. K. Clifford in his essay, The Ethics of Belief. Defend a thesis and should proceed according to the following format: Thesis, Argument, Objection(s), Response(s), Conclusion · Include citations to the primary required class readings. These and any additional sources must be properly cited using MLA format. · Fall within the following length requirements: 1200-1500 words.

  • Nyarko 2

     

    Priscilla Nyarko

    Mark De Bellis

    PHI-110RS-OL02

    8 June 2017

    Evidentialism V. Non-Evidentialism

    Evidentialism is an aspect that can be described as believing on evidence basis. Non-evidentialism, on the other hand is not the opposite of Evidentialism, but a substitute that lets in for additional non-public evidence in justifying one’s belief. Since our category is about faith as well as philosophy, the two main arguments basis will be on religious trust and believe in that God exists. If we can in a careful manner consider these two arguments, through the assignments we study in class as well as my own research, the argument on non-evidentialist mainly falls in my faith system both in God and in faith related issues. This paper will shield my function by making use of factors made via non-evidentialist group of philosophers, in his essay regarding belief ethics; philosopher E.K.Clifford sets forth a contrasting argument.

    Clifford commences his dissertation about a particular story touching a person who owned a ship dispatched by the sea. The ship-owner developed doubts regarding sea-worthy of the airplane as an alternative, rather than inspecting and repairing his vessel that dispatched it in imitation of sea concerning an ill-fated voyage. The ship sunk in the middle of the sea, and the fate over the workers onboard was sealed. Further, the owner of the ship was accountable for all the deaths that was caused to the ship crew, due to the fact she did not have the right in conformity with considering among the reliability of his own ship. Primarily based entirely concerning his faith then past ride along the vessel, of so much that had always safely performed preceding journeys and back in imitationof port except incident. According to in conformity with Clifford, in that place was once now not enough proof within it precise case by allowing him after proceed. Additionally, he suggests that if the shipowner had examined it himself, he would bear it in mind that she acted incorrectly by sending out the vessel outdoors per blue. Clifford further explains what he believed in. He explains that it was not as a result of the mistaken believe of the owner regarding the well being that was incorrect, but rather the action of going ahead and sending the ship to the sea not having enough evidence to have his belief supported regarding the worthiness of the vessel. According to Clifford, an individual does not truly have a conviction at all unless an opinion influences the holder to take action. It was his argument for evidence to support his theory.(Saint Leo University 499). I found that pompous; due to the fact so much unique declaration mirrors a part regarding the argument of Kierkegaard’s on existentialism. It suggests that one’s passion, as well as sincere belief is lived out through action. His argument regarding course, suggests that, an amount that is between the work place particularly lives his nature primarily based on his intestinal passion. On the other hand, Clifford in his statement proposes that amount postulate and absolute does not practice promptly based on his beliefs that is saved because of future coming guidance, in conjunction with ignoble beliefs, yet finally desire reason an outburst on labor. Similar, but at the same time exclusive statements, since Clifford no longer subscribes to the beliefs existence in private, inner yet internal. In somebody case, Clifford supposes to that amount among the scenario concerning the ship-owner, faithful of inadequate proof is wrong than one can’t feed their belief with the aid of quelling theirs doubts yet averting research similarly

    Clifford’s thought appears in imitation of the lie that, every belief are commanding above our actions of some courses in life; moves that are based totally on our beliefs barring proof causes harm to both ourselves as well as others since the beliefs are now not considered private, regarding an individual. Then it is continually not in order because each person by accepts something as true besides evidence (Saint Leo University 500-501)

    Pascal Wager. Blaise Pascal was once a Christ-like truth seeker whichever tasked him in delivering the unbelievers to almighty God. The legerdemain is considered as one of the weakest argument towards Evidentialism, in that place more power behind that of postulate though hold a better appreciation regarding Pascal as the times she lived. Medieval philosophy in this case was once considered dead, or in other words theology. This aspect was once life omitted and laughed at by the intellectuals during the seventeenth century as coined by (Howard, 1996). The traditional arguments in proving God’s essence no longer could finish somebody cloud during its period of passionate disbelief. Just to note, Pascal’s wager was no longer, therefore, plenty according to persuading humans up to expectation that God exists, however according towards fulfilling them and reflecting on the consideration that was against the customary trust regarding the age, agnosticism, then force a preference both because then in opposition to God or Christianity. Pascal knew so much and was sure that what he proposed is nowhere near leading human beings within a gray yet extreme faith, but it used to be a starting factor because of many, who would yoke a tampon within the flow concerning atheism after a secure dosage (Kreeft Web). The introduction on the betting is this: we hold a preference into looking on us. The preference can be said to be either God or he is not. If one agrees based on the advice by wager, then he or she chooses the former, which is finding out the fact that God exists indeed and that will hold gained infinitely everything. If one wants to trust God does not exist, one has only a comprehensive loss, which is the only loss of one’s finite ethnic life due to the fact absence over and above is there. If some chooses not to accept the truth about God, then he believes that he does not exist. If one chooses not in imitation of belief in God and that does not exist, there is solely the finite overmatch of human life or naught greater (Saint Leo University 497). A person who is Evidentialism is likely to traverse so much cause thus will not enable one after shielding both professions. Mooreover Pascal and would find everybody who chooses according to stand at fault due to the fact again, there is no justification. Agnostics regarding the age would oration the only harbor is no longer in conformity with choosing; not after wager. Pascal was prepared for it then restated as some must choose; it used to be a pressured alternative and warding off a choice was no longer part of the alternative (Saint Leo University 497). Since dying is an inevitable reality for us all, the bet did cause a compelled option choice, yet it is for this reason to that amount the feat mill yet is enhanced than such seems at an advance glance. Another realistic contravention in imitation of the wager would stay so much some sincerely cannot convey himself Per agree with within God. Pascal responds including equally practical psychology yet endorse up to expectation some “act into” the desire as like condition certain believed, even agreement the person ought to now not yet “act out” on that belief. Pascal thought to that amount trust would take place.

    Regarding nonsecular beliefs, James solely had twins significant issue definitions: 1) the right things, like perfection, are eternal. 2) We are better off convincing among the preceding factor than not at (Chignell, 10). In James’ opinion, religious faith is where she referred to as a immense option. This ability according to the state to that amount real that then no longer may want to redact a significant distinction agreement such turns out after stand true. It is also a stay option because the hypotheses are each life: either remain Christ like and keep agnostic. Each of the hypotheses intention petitions in conformity with the thinker, also condition the compose toward some over them is altogether weak. It is additionally a pressured option. Like Pascal’s forced alternative together with his wager, James suggests that we can’t stay on the rail between agnosticism because of salvo law yet the belief in God is right; we would now not get hold of the strong we would find agreement we have been genuine believers. Remaining of agnosticism than now not make a preference is slicing afar one’s nose by spite their face; it cuts us far away out of residing a spiritual life. The agnostic considers additionally places between the role on perhaps by no means acknowledging partial types of truth; the at all ones she is near concerned about knowing. Finally, James suggests Clifford’s acceptance regarding the governance over evidence is incoherent proviso such militia any person to stay of agnosticism (Saint Leo University 503).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    REFERENCES

    Chignell, Andrew. “The ethics of belief.” (2010).

    Higgins, Kathleen, Soren Kierkegaard, Louis Pojman, Michael Rea, Robert Solomon.      Encountering the Real: Faith and Philosophical Enquiry. Ohio: Cengage Learning, 2013.

    Howard, Christopher. “Transparency and the ethics of belief.” Philosophical Studies 173.5 (2016): 1191-1201.

    Kreeft, Peter. The Argument from Pascal’s Wager. Web. 2014.

OilCO & ExploreCO Case Study

After you’ve read the case study, answer the following questions:

  1. Compare and contrast the implementation of OilCO and ExploreCO. What were the similarities and differences between the two implementations?
  2. Why do you think the projects were successful? Was it the articulation of CSFs? Was it their strategy of minimal customization? Or something else? Explain.
  3. What can we learn from this case? Also, provide suggestions for improvement.

When answering the case study questions, use terminology from the chapter. Each answer should be grammatically sound, and free of spelling errors. Follow the instructions below when you are ready to turn in your work. This is a graded assignment and is due before the end of this module.

CASE 4-2 Real-World Case

Two Short Cases: OilCO & ExploreCO

Source: Based on article by Parr, A., and Shanks, G. (2000). A Model of ERP Project Implementation. Journal of Information Technology, 15, 289–303.

The first company, OilCO, is a refiner and marketer of a broad range of petroleum products in Australia and 11 countries in the Pacific. As one of Australia’s major industrial companies, OilCO directly employs more than 2,000 people and owns assets valued at approximately $2 billion. OilCO is the Australian subsidiary of one of the world’s largest multinational oil companies. It has a nationwide network of 1,800 locations, is one of the four major oil companies in Australia, and enjoys a substantial market share. When the global oil industry underwent significant restructuring and increasing competition, OilCO decided to implement a new system to achieve full process integration and automation, improve customer service, and facilitate planned business restructuring. To meet these complex business requirements the company selected a mainframe-based ERP solution. With 1,600 users in Australia, NewZealand, and the Pacific Islands, this ERP system became one of the largest and most complex mainframe implementations in the world. Itprocessed 25,000–35,000 transactions per hour and handled more than 1,000 orders per day across the country.

The implementation of the system at OilCO involved major change to the company’s business processes, so they matched the ERP’s processing methods. Even though they recognized that some existing business process changes were necessary, OilCO aimed to maximize the integration benefits of the ERP while simultaneously streamlining the company’s existing processes. The implementation also involved the development of an oil industry–specific module. The ERP (referred to here as ERP-1) implementation resulted in substantial business benefits for OilCO. They included better sales forecasting, fully automated ordering and delivery processes, real-time financial data, improved data quality, and streamlined business processes. Like any other ERP project, however, ERP-1 went significantly over budget and over time.

The second company, ExploreCO, is an oil and gas exploration and production company in southwest Australia. ExploreCO is an affiliate of OilCO. The company is involved in offshore gas and oil exploration and production. When OilCO acquired another oil exploration company that had an operational resource system it became the ExploreCO operational system; however, there was substantial dissatisfaction with this system within the ExploreCO system. ExploreCO had to decide either to rework and upgrade the existing system or to replace it. They chose a new system and conducted a feasibility analysis of several ERP systems. For budgetary reasons and, because it suited their exploration business, they decided to implement an ERP system (referred to here as ERP-2). The budget and project scope were considerably more modest than the OilCO implementation, so they planned to implement and “Go Live” with the system in 11 months.

Documentation on the existing system indicated that an understanding of the requirements was already advanced, but they took the opportunity to renew and reengineer the system, particularly given the level of dissatisfaction with the old system. Moreover, they needed to align the new system (ERP-2) with OilCO’s existing ERP (ERP-1). The implementation project was driven by OilCO’s head office, which performed cost analysis, set the scope, made recommendations, and provided leadership on the steering committee. System goals were set via performance indicators. For example, the indicators included the number of check runs in a given period, a measured reduction in off-system payments, and a reduction in suppliers from 6,000 to 600. Given the lessons learned in the OilCO implementation, the steering committee insisted that the best people be released full time for the life of the project and a “project champion” (that was the official title) placed on the steering committee.

The project was completed on time and on budget and was described by the highly experienced project manager as the “easiest implementation” he had “ever been involved in” (from an interview with the project manager in December, 1999). The business benefits of the ERP-2 system were significant. These include (1) a measured reduction in manual processes, manual transactions, and the number of suppliers, which has led to improved procurement and inventory systems; (2) streamlined, real-time accounting systems; (3) a reengineering of processes that involved a devolution of responsibility back into the hands of the operators; and (4) improved time accounting (to 15-minute intervals). This last benefit has been particularly important since this company had many joint ventures. The critical success factors (CSFs; Table 4-5 ), identified in ERP-1, were used to augment the second project.

Tabular summary of the importance of each CSF is then presented in Tables 4-6 and 4-7 . Table 4-6 represents the OilCO case study findings and Table 4-7 the ExploreCO findings. The tables show the CSFs in a particular phase. The number of dots in each cell represents the strength of the participants’ consensus that that particular CSF was necessary in that phase. Four dots indicate that the particular CSF was considered to be of major importance in that phase of the PPM. Three dots indicate that the CSFs were considered very important. Two dots indicate that the CSFs were considered important. One dot indicates that the CSFs were considered to be of minor importance. No dots indicates that the CSFs were considered to be unimportant. We have not included “smaller scope” as a CSF in Table 4-7 because one implementation was clearly large in scope and the other smaller in scope.

Table 4-5 CSFs for ERP Implementation

Critical Success Factors Description
Management Support Top management advocacy, provision of adequate resources, and commitment to project
Release of Full-Time Subject Matter Experts (SME) Release full time on to the project of relevant business experts who provide assistance to the project
Empowered Decision Makers The members of the project team(s) must be empowered to make quick decisions
Deliverable Dates At planning stage, set realistic milestones and end date
Champion Advocate for system who is unswerving in promoting the benefits of the new system
Vanilla ERP Minimal customization and uncomplicated option selection
Smaller Scope Fewer modules and less functionality implemented, smaller user group, and fewer site(s)
Definition of Scope and Goals The steering committee determines the scope and objectives of the project in advance and then adheres to it
Balanced Team Right mix of business analysts, technical experts, and users from within the implementation company and consultants from external companies
Commitment to Change Perseverance and determination in the face of inevitable problems with implementation

Table 4-6 OilCO—ERP Implementation Incorporating CSFs

Phase Project
Factor Planning Setup Reengineering Design Configuration Installation and Testing Enhancement
Management Support · · ·
Champion ·   ·     ·
Balanced Team   · · · ·     · ·
Commitment to Change ·   ·     · ·
Vanilla ERP     · · · ·    
Empowered Decision Makers   ·   ·      
Best People Full Time   · · · · · · · ·  
Deliverable Dates   ·         ·
Definition of Scope and Goals · · · · · ·     ·

Table 4-7 ExploreCO—ERP Implementation Incorporating CSFs

Phase Project
Factor Planning Setup Reengineering Design Configuration Installation and Testing Enhancement
Management Support … . · · · ·
Champion · · · · · · ·
Balanced Team   · · · · · · · · ·
Commitment to Change · · · · · · ·
Vanilla ERP · · · ·   · ·    
Empowered Decision makers · · · · · ·  
Best People Full Time · · · · · ·
Deliverable Dates · · · · · · ·
Definition of Scope and Goals · · · · · · · · ·

Even when both companies identified what appeared to be the same CSF, they differed in that ExploreCO devised a process and structures in order to facilitate its achievement. The starkest example of this concerns their recognition that a project champion was crucial. In ExploreCO the champion was actually known by that title, was allocated to the project for its duration, had defined responsibilities, and, most importantly, was a member of the board (called the leadership council) of the company. This level of seniority, plus the daily hands-on approach, proved to be invaluable. In contrast, in OilCO this person was not officially recognized and the person in the role changed over time. The drive for the system initially came from a U.S. managing director who promoted the ERP as a global strategy. The venture manager (brought in from the United Kingdom) subsequently became the de facto champion, and there later was an in-house senior ERP “convert.” There was no defined role, nor were there processes or structures via which his influence could be conveyed.

There is considerable variation in the pattern of CSFs between the two companies. Both companies adopted a policy of minimal customization and deliverable dates; however, OilCO was forced to commission an oil industry–specific module, and they generated endless reports because it was often possible rather than desirable (according to the project manager). These changes were accompanied by extensive company restructuring, and it is unclear which of these caused them to go years beyond their projected end date. ExploreCO adhered to the principles of minimal customization and deliverable dates until their project was well advanced in the configuration and testing phase, when it became clear that the interfaces were unacceptable to the users, at which time they brought in Lotus Notes and wrote the necessary interfaces. This meant they ran two weeks past their “rock-solid end date.”