1. Welcome Capstone Students! Sit with your team please! Log in using info on sticker to right of each PC monitor Reserved tables

2. MNGT 481: Project Session 1 Prof. Lori Kiyatkin Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/pages November 24, 2009

3. Better Searching Choose appropriate source Background A stingy search – each word reduces results Boolean searching (AND, OR, NOT) Coping “tricks” Watch the dates “Look for your answer, not your question” Sometimes the answer is not to search but to read… (example: value chain)

4. Searching for Strategy (or other concepts)? General Motors and strateg* Read: company reports Read C-level interviews Read testimony Watch for patterns (and patents?)

5. A SWOT 1.Access Business Source Complete database. 2.Search for your company 3.On left side of screen, look for link to SWOT Analysis (if available). Click. 4.Click on PDF file

6. Company Info / Strengths & Weaknesses GM Web site Hoover’s In-depth report Government Testimony & Other info News and analysis Remember company name issue – General Motors Co., General Motors Corp., Motors Liquidation Co.

7. Opportunities & Threats Competitor info Industry info Marketing info –http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/guides/ mktg_secondary_data_sources.pdfhttp://pages.towson.edu/sgass/guides/ mktg_secondary_data_sources.pdf Recession –http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/courses/ downturn_recovery.pdfhttp://pages.towson.edu/sgass/courses/ downturn_recovery.pdf News & analysis!

8. Questions? …feel free to contact me! Shana Gass (410) 704-2395 sgass@towson.edu *preferredsgass@towson.edu Or any reference librarian: Visit Cook Library Reference Desk (410) 704-2462 IM = tucookchat Email (see Library web site)