Financial statements are critical tools for successful planning. By accurately analyzing the information they provide, those individuals both within and outside a company can make informed financial decisions based on past and current performance, as well as examine the long-term potential value of the company. For this week’s second discussion, you will analyze the role and importance of financial statements and reporting. Specifically, you should address the following in your response:

• Which statements provide the most information about the historical accomplishments of the firm and future projections?

• Out of the four financial statements, which is most important? Which would you utilize first and why? As you work through each course of your selected specialization, you should begin to identify potential topics for your dissertation that you will submit at the end of the PhD in Management program. Based on this week’s readings and class discussions, what research problems or dissertation topics can you identify?