MNGT 481:Project Session 2

Prof. Lori KiyatkinMs. Shana Gass, MSLShttp://pages.towson.edu/sgass/pages

December 1, 2009

Survey Says…(27 responses to date – thank you!)

Named 1, 48%

Named 2, 26%

Named 3, 21%

Named all 4, 5%

1. Databases for finding Business articles (Big 4): Named...

1 of Big 4 2 of Big 4 3 of Big 4All Big 4 databases

1 additional, 50%

2 additional, 25%

3 additional, 8%

Business web site, 17%

1. Business databases named, in addition to "Big 4":

1 additional 2 additional 3 additional Named business web site

11.1% named Ebsco as a business database.We subscribe to 45 Ebsco databases…covering a wide range of subject areas. Make sure you are searching Business Source Complete!

Standard & Poor’s NetAdvantage was another frequently mentioned database.Technically it contains analyst reports rather than articles, but it is still very useful!

Not always satisfied, 18%

Usually satisfied, 59%

Very satisfied, 19%

Don’t use library databases,4%

2. Level of Satisfaction with database searching skills

not always satisfied usually satisfied very satisfieddon't use library databases

Often, 11%

Occasionally,48%

Never,41%

3. I have to change research topics...often occasionally never

Often, 19%

Occasionally,48%

Never,33%

4. I am overwhelmed by library database results...

often occasionally never

Often,19%

Occasionally,37%

Never,44%

5. My professors have told me to use more authoritative sources...

often occasionally never

Some of the library research,100%

6. When working on team projects, I've typically been responsible for....

All of the library research Some of the library research

Something other than the library research

7. Which information have you either not had to find, or had trouble finding?

TYPE OF INFORMATIONUnfamiliar/

Had trouble finding

Market Share / Market Info 33%

Financial Ratios 30%

International Statistics 26%

Annual Reports 19%

Company financials 15%

Demographics 15%

Industry Info 15%

U.S. Statistics 11%

Company background 11%

Country info 7%

Market Share / Market Info

• Market Share Reporter [books on RESERVE; older in REFERENCE]

• RDS Business Suite > Table Base [library database]

• Datamonitor Industry Profiles in Business Source Complete [library database]

• NTDB/Globus [library database]

Financial Ratios• Companies & Competitors:

– Yahoo Finance– Mergent Online [library database]– Standard & Poor’s Net Advantage – Comparative Co. Analysis [library

database]

• Industry:– Mergent Online database – comparison report– Almanac of Business & Industrial Financial Ratios. (“Troy”)– Industry Norms and Key Business Ratios. (D&B)– RMA Statement Studies [these last 3 are books on RESERVE]

• Ratio Analysis Tips: – see Standard & Poor’s NetAdvantage database, Business Ratios and

Formulas: A Comprehensive Guide [book]

International Statistics

• CIA World Factbook• OFFSTATS web site• International trade organizations

• “Euromonitor” books on Reserve:– Consumer International, etc.– International Marketing Data & Statistics– Emerging Consumer Markets

Good luck with the project!Questions?

…feel free to contact me!

Shana Gass (410) 704-2395 sgass@towson.edu *preferred

Or any reference librarian:

Visit Cook Library Reference Desk (410) 704-2462 IM = tucookchat

Email (see Library web site)