Internet Exercise

1. http://www.firestone.com/

The Nashville, Tennessee-based company was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. An international manufacturer with 38 production facilities throughout the Americas derives more than 75 percent of its revenues from tires. The Website identifies that its "corporate philosophy is to build not just better products, but better communities."

Research the company site for the articles on Tire recalls with Ford automobiles. Also research using either a yahoo search or similar search engines for independent sources. How would you rate the company’s communication efforts? Explain. In addition to the Internet, from your research what other avenues/media has the company been utilizing in its communication with its different constituencies? Do these media seem appropriate? Which others would you recommend given Firestone’s situation with tire recall? Explain.

2. http://www.microsoft.com/ms.htm

Bill Gates developed an idea that has grown to become the Microsoft Corporation of today. It is now celebrating its 25^th anniversary. This corporation has become the leader in the technology age of today’s global marketplace. With a focus on innovative technology, Microsoft is poised for meeting and exceeding the future needs of its customers.

Explore the information found on this Website. How do you perceive communication is being utilized by this organization? Does Microsoft demonstrate the benefits of effective communication? How? The chapter identifies communication strategies of leading companies. Are any of these strategies evident at Microsoft? Explain. Identify ways in which Microsoft may further improve its communications both internally and externally. Prepare a short report identifying and discussing your findings.