EMBA

This research guide has been created with your EMBA coursework in mind.  Using this will make it easier to find the right resources available to you as an Owen student. Feel free to download Library Research Tips: EMBA.

Did you know that all the information you need is not free on the Web? In fact, most information is hidden in databases, behind firewalls, or is available only by paying subscriptions, fees or memberships.

The Walker Management Library has paid for access to an extensive set of databases. In them, you'll find published industry studies, analyst reports, news articles, company profiles, market research, financial information, demographics, statistics and more. This is the kind of information you need to do a complete company, industry and country analysis.

Please don't hesitate to contact your library consultant for assistance.

Searching the internet is quick and easy, and a great source for so much information. However, caveat emptor: evaluate the resources you use. Use the CRAP test for more information on how to assess Internet resources, such as personal Web pages, blogs and Wikipedia:

• Currency - Is the information current? Is it updated regularly?

• Reliability - Is the source reputable? Is it accurate?

• Authority - Who created the information? Why?

• Purpose/Point of View - Is there a balance of perspectives? Is the information biased?

Reach out to industry experts: journalists that cover your industry, financial analysts, industry associations and academics. If you don’t know insiders in your network, identify them through publications, industry associations, and trade meetings. To find these easily, see the Trade Associations section of this guide.

Why give credit to the facts and ideas of others?

Giving credit to the ideas of others:

• Is standard practice in research and writing.
• Gives your ideas more credibility and authority when you incorporate expert opinions, ideas, and facts.
• Allows your reader to look for more in-depth information and expand on your work with additional study and research.
• Helps avoid plagiarism and U.S. Copyright Law violations.

The library has created a short guide to creating an annotated bibliography : Sample Annotated Bibliography.