Directions

The Paper Topic (composed of the business you have chosen to research and the three topics you will research) is due this week. Please post it below in the discussion area by Sunday at midnight, Central Time zone.  

Step 1: Select a company to research. Company lists may be explored using these two Web sites.

Loudenback, T. & Martin, E. (2015, Sept. 28). The 50 most powerful companies in America. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/most-powerful-companies-in-america-2015-9/#50-prudential-1

Forbes Media. (2016). The world's most valuable brands. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/powerful-brands/list/#tab:rank

Once you have selected your company, you can then go to the company's main Web site to begin reading more about the company.

Note also, students may use Park's online library to research companies. For info about  Park's online library click on the PP presentation below:

PP presentation about the library

*Your local public library will also contain research sources.

Step 2: With your company now selected, you will then need to decide what three main business related topics you would like to explore in your paper. For example, if a student chose the company Uber, the student could explore the company's stance regarding corporate social responsibility, as well as the various issues the company is facing (business, legal, ethical, etc.). Next, the student could explore best practices the company is using or should use to address those issues. The student should also highlight any cases or controversies involving the company and how they were resolved.

Step 3: Post your selection. Here's a sample post:

Selected Company: Uber - https://www.uber.com/drive/

Topic #1: Corporate Social Responsibility Stance - Uber believes its services helps to strengthen economies and helps to provide safer roads for riders.  https://www.uber.com/helping-cities/

Topic #2: Lawsuits and Controversies

Uber has been accused of engaging in unlawful business practices (consumer protection) http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-uber-lyft-20141209-story.html

There is a class action case against Uber regarding safety issues: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/technology/uber-settles-class-action-suit-over-safety-background-checks.html?_r=0

Topic: #3: Best Practices to address issues -  

Uber can no longer hire drivers as independent contractors when in reality it treats them like employees. California Labor Commission designates Uber drivers are employees versus independent contractors - http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/17/technology/uber-employee-ruling/index.html

To ensure customer safety, Uber has agreed to closely screen drivers -http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/uber-pledges-to-strengthen-background-checks-for-drivers/