Week 9 Case Study Discussion

Week 9: Lecture

Case Study Discussion

During the first part of the week you posted your findings about HOME DEPOT in the discussion forum. The task during the second part of the week is to comment on the findings of other analysts (i.e., your fellow students) and to discuss those comments.

Guidelines
The following guidelines should be followed for your comment on the findings of other analysts (i.e., your fellow students) and to discuss those comments:

  • Pick out one report and comment on the findings in that one report. You may post comments on other reports as well (after someone else has done so), but you must comment on at least one.
  • Select a report that has not been previously commented on. If you see that a particular report has already been commented on, pick another that has not been addressed. Everyone’s post must receive at least one comment from another student.
  • Do not attack other students’ reports. If you disagree with the recommendations in the report you are commenting on, or believe there are errors in the findings, simply point that out in a calm and objective manner.
  • Do not be overly sensitive or defensive if someone else criticizes your report. Simply respond in a calm and objective manner. Remember, financial analysts often disagree, sometimes vehemently. It’s perfectly normal. That’s why there are many different opinions about what a particular stock is worth!

Outline
Use this outline for the message you will post in the discussion forum commenting on the case study findings from another analyst. The following should be included:

  • Subject Line
    The subject line for your comments message should say "Comments on [name]'s Report"
  • Title
    Your comments message should have the following title: "Comments on [name]'s Case Study Findings by [your name]"
  • Overall Summary
    Your assessment of how well the analyst described the financial status of the company.
  • Strong Points
    Things you especially liked in the analyst's report
  • Errors and Omissions
    Describe succinctly; be specific

Remember, the goal is to stimulate discussion. Many different views may be presented. Through discussion we seek to illuminate the true situation. Your own views may evolve as the week progresses. At the end of the week we should have a fairly accurate picture of what the HOME DEPOT is all about.