Analyzing Reports

Desmond Withers works as lead financial analyst at General Electric in Louisville, Kentucky. Desmond has been asked by senior financial analysts to present his proposal on the expansion of a GE plant into Columbus, Ohio. Being a part of Desmond’s team, you have been asked to provide a rationale for why GE should expand to Columbus, Ohio. You are to gather secondary sources on population statistics, skilled labor potential, and possible competition. He has asked you to put together a report so he can submit his initial ideas in a formal report to the board of senior financial analysts.

What type of informal report would be best to send to Desmond explaining the rationale for expanding GE to Columbus, Ohio? Why?

Using the Internet, look up three sources on Columbus population statistics, skilled labor statistics in Columbus, and possible competition to GE. Provide a two-paragraph rationale citing the three sources; use one of the three documentation styles mentioned in Chapter 12.

1		What kinds of reports and information-gathering methods should you employ to help Desmond prepare his analysis?
			A)	You should begin by conducting a telephone survey of the Columbus population and ask the respondents if they would be interested in working for GE. Next you should, prepare a proposal report detailing the cost of the plan and outlining a plan of action.
			B)	You should begin by conducting research on the Internet. Find out if there are any GE competitors in the Columbus area; and study the economy of Columbus for the last five years. Next, you should write a feasibility study.
			C)	You should begin by sending questionnaires to the residents of Columbus asking how they would feel the establishment of a GE plant in their town. Next, you should put together a justification report.
			D)	You should begin by conducting research on the Internet. Find out about the availability of skilled labor, and if other large corporations have fared well there. Next, you should submit a proposal report.