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