About This Guide
This assignment guide provides selected resources and research tips for your company project.
These resources will lead you to credible and accurate information about your company.
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Library Hours

Mon. - Thurs. 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
What Are the Database Passwords?
Only current students have access to library databases.
To obtain the library's login information:
- Login to eLearn
- Locate "Library Resource Passwords"
under the Library link.

Database passwords change each semester, so check eLearn!
Getting Started
Before You Select Your Company
Remember:
* Your company must be publicly traded.
* Have easy access to company information.
First Steps to Take
Some teachers will want you to Select a Company from the Dow 30.
Note the ticker symbol for your company (see box below).
1. Explore your company's website, the primary resource for your research.
However, the website will provide only ONE point of view
. . . the view the company WANTS you to see.
You will want to also explore the "Investor Relations" or "Shareholders" webpage.
Look for "Annual Report" or the company's "10K" report.
Within these reports, be sure to read:
*"Management's Discussion & Analysis"
*"Business Description"
Learn more about Annual Reports from:
Credo Reference
Investopedia
Need more? Read a Book:
Annual Reports 101: What the Numbers and the Fine Print Can Reveal about the True Health of a Company
2. Obtain the Company Dossier for your company.
The dossier, a collection of documents, is provided by the LexisNexis Academic database.
Use "Passwords" tab for off-campus access to library databases.
Questions to answer as you consider a company for the project:
Publicly-traded company?
Easy access to information?
Enough coverage?
Required project elements available?
Note the company's ticker symbol.
See box below.
Ticker Symbol
Company names can be tough to search.
Knowing your company's ticker symbol early in the project will ease the research process.
What Is a Ticker Symbol?
- A letter or group of letters selected by each publicly-traded company
E.g. Chattem's ticker symbol is CHTT. - Unique to each company
Symbol will retrieve information about your specific company and not another one with a similar name. - Facilitates trade of company's stock by eliminating confusion between similar names
- Sometimes referred to as "stock symbol"
Find the Ticker Symbol
Use the ticker symbol of companies when this search option is available.
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