Page:Graphic methods for presenting facts (1914).djvu/18

Chapter XIV. Records for the Executive 288

Need for complete records in curve form relating to all main features
of a business. Curve-card filing methods. Blueprints from the curve
cards allow a cross-index of all important operating curves. A complete record
department for a business. Methods for keeping records as used by
various large corporations. The need for education in the interpretation of
curves. Curves in conference meetings by using a reflecting lantern and
the curve-record cards without lantern slides. Curves on swinging-leaf display
fixtures.


Chapter XV. Corporation Financial Reports 307

The annual report of corporations not usually put in form to permit
intelligent comparison by the stockholders. Records of previous years
not usually given. The number of stockholders constantly increasing.
Best policy is to give complete and clear information. Recent examples
showing bad practice. Curves for the United States Steel Corporation as
a suggestion for the type of chart to be included in a corporation annual
report. Charts should be a feature of the annual report of every large
corporation.


Chapter XVI. General Methods 321

Methods for collecting and tabulating data. Punched-card sorting
and tabulating machines. Use of tabulating machines for manufacturing
records and for analyses of selling results. The slide rule as a great convenience.
The use and abuse of significant figures. Photographic copying
of charts. Use of the reducing glass. Preparation of copy for the engraver.
The Ben Day process. Charts for two independent variables. Card-board
models. Solid models. The desirability of curves and charts in political
campaigns. The projecting lantern with charts for campaign purposes.
Methods for presenting election returns to large numbers of people. Charts
in parades.


Chapter XVII. A Few Cautions 344

The importance of clear and accurate titles. Symbols which are easily
remembered. No necessity for plotting curves vertically. Errors resulting
in interpretation of curves if the zero of the vertical scale is not shown on
the chart. The selection of scales for curve plotting. Different impressions
from curves from the same data but with various scales. Optical illusions
which may affect graphic work. A checking list for final inspection of
graphic presentations. Need for standard rules of grammar for the graphic
language. A few suggested rules for graphic presentation. Great advantages
may result if graphic methods are more widely used for portraying
quantitive facts.