Most research tools allow users to perform text searches. However, evidence suggests that text searches are not very effective. Studies suggest that a user's chance of locating the appropriate document with a text search is about 35 - 40%.
Accounting Research Manager provides multiple means of locating the appropriate documents based on the user's knowledge at the time of research. For example:
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- Some users know the exact document (and use the Contents View)
- Other users know the author (and browse using the Contents View)
- Other users know the general topic (and use the Topics View)
- Other users know an accounting topic (and use the Accounting Standards Reference feature)
- Other users know the information was created or updated recently (and use the What's New View)
- Other users know they need a form for performing audit procedures on inventory (and use the Financial Statements View)
- Other users need to locate a very unique keyword (and use the Search functionality)
As such, you should carefully consider the information you must research and choose the most appropriate vie
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- What's New -- when you know a document was recently issued or updated
- Contents -- when you need a particular document and you know the author's name
- Topics -- when you know the general topical area
- Financial Statements -- when you need a specific type of information regarding a financial statement caption
