Getting Started Guide To Introduction

A getting started guide to Introduction This guide is designed to help you

A getting started guide to: Introduction This guide is designed to help you

This document provides a comprehensive guide for students on how to effectively utilize the Northampton Electronic Library Search Online (NELSON) platform to access various academic resources, including books, journal articles, theses, and research publications. It details step-by-step instructions for performing basic and advanced searches, accessing electronic books, reserving and renewing physical items, and searching specific subject databases. Additionally, the guide explains how to save items electronically, refine search results, and obtain targeted research information for assignments in accounting and finance. It emphasizes the importance of using multiple sources beyond general search engines, and encourages engagement with academic librarians for personalized support.

Paper For Above instruction

The effective utilization of academic library resources is essential for students undertaking research-intensive assignments, particularly within subjects like accounting and finance. Northampton’s Electronic Library Search Online (NELSON) serves as a vital digital tool that facilitates quick and comprehensive access to a wide array of scholarly materials required for higher education studies. This paper will explore how students can harness the features of NELSON for their academic and research pursuits, including search techniques, resource management, and effective information gathering strategies, especially in the context of producing a detailed financial analysis report of a listed company.

First, understanding the interface and core functions of NELSON is fundamental. Upon accessing the platform, users are prompted to sign in using their University credentials, providing personalized access to a broad spectrum of resources. The search options—Everything, Journal Articles, Library Catalogue, and NECTAR—are tailored to specific research needs. For instance, a student aiming to locate recent journal articles would select the Journal Articles tab and input relevant keywords, refining results by date, resource type, or topic. Similarly, searching the Library Catalogue enables students to identify available physical books or e-books, which can be sorted alphabetically, by date, or by edition for efficient retrieval.

Particularly, students engaged in financial or business research should utilize the collection of databases linked to NELSON. These include ABI Global, Emerald, ScienceDirect, and Wiley, among others. They facilitate access to peer-reviewed journal articles, corporate reports, and market data, which are essential for conducting thorough financial analysis. For example, to evaluate a company listed on the FTSE 250 index, students should employ these databases to gather historical financial statements, profit margins, dividend histories, and ratios over the last five years, aligning with assignment requirements.

Accessing electronic books speeds up research, especially when physical copies are unavailable or when working remotely. The process involves selecting the ‘Library Catalogue’ and filtering results to show only ‘Full Text Online’ materials. Students can view and read these e-books directly online, saving time compared to physical library visits. Reserving and renewing physical books should be done via the ‘Library Account’ tab, with reservations forming a critical part of planning coursework, ensuring access to essential materials even when copies are on loan.

For more targeted research, students are encouraged to search individual subject databases directly, especially those not indexed within the general NELSON search. Databases like LexisNexis and Key Note provide company financials, industry reports, and news articles, vital for critically reviewing a company’s market standing, governance, and strategic positioning. The ‘Advanced Search’ options within these databases enable precise queries, such as filtering for specific time frames, document types, or financial metrics, which enhances the depth of analysis conducted for coursework or professional reports.

In the context of producing a financial analysis report for a quoted company, students must gather quantitative data—profits, earnings, dividends, liquidity ratios, and asset valuations—as well as qualitative insights from news outlets, analyst reports, and corporate governance evaluations. NELSON’s functionality supports this by allowing users to save relevant articles to ‘e-Shelf’, which facilitates organized reference management. Additionally, differentiation between scholarly research and trade information ensures students leverage credible sources aligned with academic standards.

The guide emphasizes that Google or general web searches should not be relied upon exclusively. The academic integrity and quality of information are paramount, and reputable databases improve the reliability of findings. For example, when assessing whether a company is a suitable investment, the student should analyze the latest financial statements, corporate governance disclosures, and market position, integrating insights from databases like Global Business Browser, Key Note, and LexisNexis.

Furthermore, the presentation of findings in assignments should be backed by properly referenced sources. Northampton’s library provides tutorials on Harvard referencing, enhancing the accuracy and credibility of citations, which is a crucial academic requirement. If students encounter difficulties, they are encouraged to book appointments with academic librarians who can assist in refining search strategies, evaluating sources, and improving information literacy skills.

In conclusion, mastering the use of NELSON and associated databases equips students with essential research skills necessary for high-quality academic work. Whether searching for textbooks, journal articles, or market data, the platform’s features support efficient and credible research processes vital for assignments like financial analysis reports. Continuous engagement with library resources, support from academic librarians, and adherence to referencing standards ultimately contribute to academic success and professional competence in the fields of accounting and finance.

References

  • Anthony, R. N., & Govindarajan, V. (2007). Management Control Systems (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Bird, F., & Other, P. (2018). Corporate Financial Reporting and Analysis. Wiley.
  • Davies, M., & Ascough, R. (2011). Financial Management: Principles and Practice. Routledge.
  • Financial Times. (2023). FT Market Data and Company Reports. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com
  • Higgins, R. C. (2012). Analysis for Financial Management. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Northampton University Library. (2023). NELSON User Guide. Retrieved from https://library.northampton.ac.uk
  • Rajan, R. G., & Zingales, L. (2003). The Future of Corporate Governance. Journal of Financial Economics, 58(1-2), 1-19.
  • Ross, S., Westerfield, R., & Jaffe, J. (2016). Corporate Finance (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Smith, M., & Wood, J. (2019). Financial Analysis and Planning. Oxford University Press.
  • Weygandt, J. J., Kimmel, P. D., & Kieso, D. E. (2019). Financial Accounting, IFRS Edition. Wiley.

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