research report

Research Reports

Corporate research is an important but often overlooked aspect of getting a job. You should learn about the companies you apply to and interview with to demonstrate to them how you could fit with their organization.

· Select two companies that you would like to work for, either ideally or realistically.

· Research those companies. Consider consulting

· Official company Web site

· Lexis-Nexis, Business Search Premier, or other databases for newspaper, magazine, and journal articles related to your companies

· Hoovers.com and other business sources on the Web

· In a memo addressed to me, write up your findings.

· Organize the memo thoughtfully. Consider using graphic highlighting such as bullets and subheadings to organize your information.

· Each memo should be at least 1 page long and provide a well-rounded picture of the company. To be both concise and thorough, aim for 1½ - 2 pages.

· Research report #1 is due on Monday, October 22.

· Research report #2 is due on Monday, October 29.

· Each report is worth 25 points towards Research Report final grade.

· Reports will be graded on

· Thoroughness of company profile

· Organization of information in memo

· Conciseness of expression

· Memo format

· Correctness (spelling, punctuation, mechanics)

· Neatness

· You must address at least 7 of the 9 areas listed below to have a complete report. In the 7, you must include “Employment Prospects” and “Your Connection.”

Suggested Areas to Address in Research Reports

Business Overview

· What does the company do?

· What are the major products or services offered?

· Where is the company headquartered? Where are branch offices located?

History

· How old is the company?

· What are the major accomplishments or milestones in its history?

Financials

· What is the company’s operating budget?

· What is the status of the company’s finances?

· Is the company’s stock traded publicly? How has the stock fared?

People

· How many employees work for this company?

· Who runs the company?

· What kinds of salaries and benefits does this company offer to employees?

Perceptions

· How does the public perceive this company?

· Have there been any recent high profile legal actions involving this company?

· Have there been any recent news stories involving this company?

Competitors

· What are the company’s major competitors?

· How well are their competitors faring?

Future

· What direction is the company going with its products or services?

Employment Prospects

· Is the company hiring? For what types of positions?

· What benefits does the company provide to employees?

· Where does the company advertise open positions?

Your Connection

· How do you see yourself fitting in with this company?