Go to http://www.reportgallery.com and review Dell's most recent annual report. Also, go to Dell's website (http://www.dell.com) and in the section "about Dell," review the background material about Dell that relates to this chapter.

Questions

1. When Michael Dell started the busines in 1984, he focused on building relationships directly with customers, as explained on Dell's website. Explain how this business idea differed from those of other computer manufacturers.

2. How does Dell describe its goals in its annual report as they relate to its customers? To its employees? To its shareholders? Are these goals related? Explain.

3. What type of stakeholders is Dell trying to reach with its annual report? How do Dell's stockholders gain from the attention that Dell gives to its customers and its employees?