OSCM 3001: Home

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About this guide

This guide was written for Professor Jeff Brand's OSCM 3001 courses in spring 2024.

Off campus access methods (authentication)

Brief description of 3 authentication methods:

  1. New Library Login (OpenAthens):  Many library resources use this method for logging in; requires no setup. When prompted, select "Marquette University Libraries (AZURE)" and then sign in using your Marquette email/password.  
  2. Library Login (legacy version):  This method is quick and requires no setup.  Just login before clicking on library database links or when prompted to do so. A few library databases will not work with it. 
  3. VPN (virtual private network): The VPN requires you to download an app onto both your cell phone and your computer. A few library databases require it for off-campus access. Outline of the steps required for the VPN:
    • Register for Duo Mobile if you haven't already (see "detailed VPN instructions" linked just below).
    • Download Duo Mobile app onto your cell phone. Allow push notifications for it.
    • Download GlobalProtect app onto your computer. Complete GlobalProtect setup on your computer.
    • Find detailed VPN instructions from ITS here.

Finding company information

Google, obviously!  And the company's own website.

But I hope that the resources below will provide different kinds of information, and access to information that may be paywalled if you only use Google. 

Company profiles:

Here I mean profiles from independent entities, not from the company itself. 

Important note:

The resources below will work primarily for public companies only!

Mergent Online:

Company financial information and more. An academic competitor to FactSet, LSEG Workspace (formerly Refinitiv), Bloomberg ...

About Mergent Online:

Search for your company, then look in the green tabs for the following items. 

Annual Reports:

There are actually two types of annual reports:  the ARS (Annual Report to Shareholders) and the 10-K.  (Yes, they are often also available on the company's investor webpages, too.) 

The ARS and 10-K are now sometimes lumped together, but originally the ARS was written for current and potential shareholders/investors, while the 10-K was written for the SEC.

Sections to look for ...
  • ARS:  CEO Letter to Shareholders
  • 10-K:  Part 1, item 1 - Description. This is the company's own description of their business.
  • 10-K:  Part 1, item 1A - Risk factors that must be disclosed and discussed. 
  • 10-K:  Part 1, item 2 - Properties
  • 10-K:  Part 2, item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).  This is the company executive team's discussion of what they perceive as currently important issues for the company.  
Supply Chain module: 

It has the following very useful features/sections:

  • Lists of suppliers, customers, partners, competitors
  • Lists of brands, tradenames and sometimes, products

Company history: