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. Based on Dell's focus, what items on the income statement would Dell closely monitor to ensure that it was achieving its goals?

2. What balance sheet items would be very important to Dell?

3. Review Dell's comments on its website about its financial reporting. Notice how it emphasizes the integrity of its reporting process and how it implements systems, controls, and processes so that it can summarize timely and accurate information. Why do you think that Dell emphasizes its integrity when discussing financial reporting?