Select a report topic from the following suggestions or from the expanded list of Report Topics at www.cengagebrain.com. Prepare a five- to ten-minute oral presentation. Consider yourself an expert who has been called in to explain some aspect of the topic before a group of interested people. Because your time is limited, prepare a concise yet forceful presentation with effective visual aids.
a. What kind of incentives could your company offer to motivate employees to make healthier food choices and to exercise more?
b. How can businesses benefit from Facebook and Twitter? Cite specific examples in your chosen field.
c. Which is financially more beneficial to a business, leasing or buying copiers?
d. Tablet computers are eroding the market share previously held by laptops and netbooks. Which brands are businesses embracing and why? Which features are must-haves?
e. What kind of marketing works with students on college campuses? Word of mouth? Internet advertising? Free samples? How do students prefer to get information about goods and services?
f. How can consumers protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft?
g. How can companies and nonprofits protect themselves from hackers?
h. How could an intercultural training program be initiated in your school?
i. Companies usually do not admit shortcomings. However, some admit previous failures and use them to strategic advantage. For example, Microsoft acknowledged the shortcomings of Windows 8, its redesigned operating system that users find confusing and annoying. Find three or more examples of companies admitting weaknesses, and draw conclusions from their strategies. Would you recommend this as a sound marketing ploy?
j. How can students and other citizens contribute to conserving gasoline and other fossil fuels to save money and help slow global climate change?
k. What is the career outlook in a field of your choice? Consider job growth, compensation, and benefits. What kind of academic or other experience is typically required in your field?
l. Find a recent "disruptive" (i.e., game-changing or groundbreaking) start-up and study its business model. What need does it fill? Is it about to change its industry significantly? What are its prospects? (For example, check out Uber, Airbnb, or Coursera.)
m. What is telecommuting, and for what kinds of workers is it an appropriate work alternative?
n. What options (think aid, grants, and scholarships) do students have to finance their college tuition and fees as costs continue to rise?
o. What is the economic outlook for a given product, such as hybrid cars, laptop computers, digital cameras, fitness equipment, or a product of your choice?
p. What is Bitcoin and why are banks and law enforcement authorities concerned?
q. What franchise would offer the best investment opportunity for an entrepreneur in your area?
r. How should a job candidate prepare for a video interview via Skype or FaceTime?
s. What should a guide to proper cell phone use include?
t. Are internships worth the effort?