CMNS 230 Research for Final Essay

1. CMNS 230Research for Final Essay Sylvia Roberts sroberts@sfu.ca CMNS 230 research guide

2. Topic C: Media or Cultural company • Who they are and why they are significant (or why you are writing about them)? • History, structure and size of the company (current sources of revenue, geographic area of operations, market share, principal competitors). Focus on the years since 2000 with only a brief prior history • Who are the other companies they are linked to, both as a supplier or a purchaser of goods and services (i.e. their position in the value chain)? • Identify the principal areas of the market that it is operating in, along with the branding and positioning of the company? What is unique about the company? • How is the success of the company measured (give examples and supporting evidence)? • What is the reputation of the company? Who are its primary markets? • Identify the business and technological challenges facing the company, and how well positioned is it to meet those challenges. Consider what the future challenges and opportunities are for the company.

3. Topic C: Media or cultural company • To begin research, is your company: • Profit or not-for-profit? • Private or public? • Independent or subsidiary? • Sources for company / organization research • Also web site, news & trade articles, trade associations, NGOs

4. Topic C: Media or cultural company • Industry surveys • Library catalogue for books, reports • Industry associations • Trade journals & news • Statistics • Research on major players in the industry may serve as case studies for the industry operating environment

11. Topic A: Regulatory or Policy Institution • Purpose • Stakeholders • When established, by whom and why (historical background) • How is it funded? Describe its financial operations if provided support to the industry • Details of the scope of its operations, forms of intervention or types of regulation • Importance & impact on the particular industry as a result of the regulation / intervention • Possible future of the institution (challenges, future opportunities) given the current economic, political / regulatory, social and technological environment

12. Topic A: Regulatory or Policy Institution • Web site for institution: mandate, annual reports, budget information, reporting structure • Academic journal articles, news, business & trade journals : impact of regulation on industry, future of institution, stakeholders • Government sources (legislative, executive), trade associations: stakeholders, impact on industry, future

13. Topic B: Specific cultural policy • Purpose • Stakeholders • Historical background as to why the policy or regulation was established (what was the problem that was being solved?) • Who is responsible for administering the policy or regulation • Impact on society and / or industry (the stakeholders) • Possible future of the policy or regulation (challenges, future opportunities) given the current economic, political, social and technological environment

14. Cultural policy research • Background sources • Government agency web site(s) • Impact on society / industry & possible futures: academic journal articles, news, business & trade journals ; web sites for impacted trade associations & NGOs

15. QUESTIONS?COMMENTS? Sylvia Robertssroberts@sfu.ca