DS 631 - Decision Analysis

There are numerous library databases that provide profiles on specific companies. If you are using a real company for your team project, you can research that company. However, even if you are not using a real company for your project, you may still want to research major companies in your industry. 

Below are some suggestions for databases with company information to explore. 

D&B Hoovers: Extensive access to public and private company profiles and regularly updated industry profiles. You can also find information about a particular company's main competitors, and SEC filings for public companies.

Mergent Online: provides access to current and historical financial information on 15,000 U.S. and 20,000 foreign companies, both active and inactive. Included are firm descriptions, statistics, financial information, and annual reports. Mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, long-term debt, bond ratings, capital stock, insider trading, etc. are provided in the company records. 

It is important to establish realistic research goals since company information varies in quantity depending on the type of company.

• Public Companies: SEC financial filings, numerous press releases, earnings calls, media events, conference presentations, mentioned in national press (Wall Street Journal, USA, Time, Fortune)
• Private Companies: No SEC financial filings, few press releases or public events, mentioned in regional/local press (Crain's Detroit Business, local newspapers, etc.)

For either type of company, these are some core things to look for: 

• Established (when, where, by whom)
• Public or private company
• Services or products
• Customers
• Industry status
• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• Future plans for growth
• Culture
• Hiring practices (contract employee vs regular employee status)