Business Research 101

Experience and knowledge with research tools will enhance your business skill set. Efficient use will benefit your academic and business career. Upskill your research capabilities by using the following tips to find answers to the most common business research questions.

The following examples are from VU's most commonly used business databases, with each having a different focus. Each database vendor has their own search platform which makes using the special features of the database worthwhile to obtain the best results.

Statista aggregates data and statistics from a multitude of sources including government agencies, trade organizations, etc. Dossiers and reports on a topic are a great place to start when you are learning about a new topic, especially since Statista highlights the original source and links out to them. Provides market, consumer company and eCommerce insights, along with daily data. 

IBISWorld: Global industry market research reports include insight on the business environment. Search by industry name, NAICS code or company name. Use for understanding market size, competitors, drafting business plans, pitch books, benchmarking, forecasting, business valuations, litigation support, due diligence and more. Search by industry name, industry code, or company name to access industry reports.

Industry reports include:

• Industry Performance
• Industry Outlook
• Industry Life Cycle
• Products & Markets
• Competitive Landscape
• Major Companies
• Operating Conditions
• Key Statistics
• Jargon & Glossary

1. Go to the database Hoover's
2. Search for the company you are researching. 
3. Tip: make sure you are looking at the PARENT company record.
4. The company landing page gives you a quick overview.
5. The left side of the page has more detailed chapters on: Competitors, Financial Data, Analyst Reports, SWOT, etc.

1. Go to the database Business Source Complete.
2. Search for: hospital patients.
3. You get almost 20,000 results. Too many! Click "Refine Search."
4. Search for: hospital patients AND fall.
5. These results are closer: look at the left side of the screen and click on appropriate Thesaurus and Subject terms. Subject terms are the primary focus of the article.
6. You can see that HOSPITALS is in the thesaurus and "FALLS (Accidents)" is a subject.
7. Do a new search for FALLS (Accidents) Prevention (in SUBJECT terms) AND hospitals (in SUBJECT terms).

Use your skills! These databases contain articles: Business Source Complete, ProQuest Business and Factiva.