Researching And Analyzing A Company And Industry

researching And Analyzing A Company And Industryhello And Welcome To

In this tutorial, we explore how to utilize CSU Library resources effectively for company and industry research and analysis. The focus is on understanding the functions of key databases such as Mergent Online, Business Source Ultimate, ABI/INFORM Collection, and IBISWorld, which are essential tools for detailed and targeted research on companies and industries.

The CSU Library homepage provides a Discovery Search box suitable for initial searches, but for more precise results, it is recommended to access specific databases through the Databases list. These databases offer targeted search options for company or industry data, enabling users to refine their searches based on specific criteria such as company name, ticker symbol, or industry keywords.

For researching companies, Business Source Ultimate’s Company Information feature allows searches by company name or ticker symbol, with the option to filter by U.S. public companies. However, for comprehensive details, Mergent Online is preferred, providing detailed company overviews, financial reports like the 10-K filings, and comparison tools for analyzing competitors. Users can customize reports by selecting different companies and viewing statistics, financials, executive lists, and recent stock prices.

To analyze company-specific issues, challenges, or scandals, multiple keywords can be combined using the OR connector in search queries. Advanced filtering options, such as publication date, peer-reviewed sources, and source type, enable refined results. Preview features allow quick inspection of articles directly within the database to assess relevance before fully accessing the content.

Similarly, ABI/INFORM Collection serves as another valuable database for finding articles and reports focused on company issues and industry analysis. Exact phrase searches with quotation marks and specific field limiters help narrow down results, while result sorting and limiting options enable efficient information retrieval.

For industry research, IBISWorld is the primary database recommended. It offers detailed industry reports, including industry definitions, supply chain visualizations, key external drivers, and profiles of major players. The industry reports include quick summaries, detailed analyses, and forecasts, making it an invaluable resource for understanding industry trends, growth potential, and competitive dynamics.

Each industry report contains segments such as Industry at a Glance, Industry Structure, Executive Summary, Industry Outlook, and Major Companies. These sections provide statistical analysis, trend forecasts, and insights into industry evolution and major market participants, allowing researchers to build a comprehensive understanding of the industry environment.

If users encounter difficulties or are unsure about which database or search strategy to employ, CSU Librarians are available via phone, email, and chat to assist. Effective use of these resources requires exploring multiple databases and employing advanced search techniques tailored to specific research needs.

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Effective research and analysis of companies and industries are pivotal in strategic decision-making, investment analysis, and understanding market dynamics. Utilizing specialized library databases enhances the accuracy and depth of research, providing nuanced insights that are often unavailable through general internet searches.

One of the foundational tools for company research at CSU is the Business Source Ultimate database. This database allows users to search for company profiles by name or ticker symbol, offering essential information such as financials, key executives, and company contacts. Its interface simplifies navigation with links to detailed reports, including recent 10-K filings, which are comprehensive annual reports providing insights into a company's financial health and strategic direction. Companies can also be compared directly using customizable features, enabling researchers to evaluate competitors on various financial and operational metrics. This comparison is particularly useful for understanding a company's positioning within its industry and identifying strategic advantages or vulnerabilities (Datta & Wensley, 1992).

In addition to business databases, Mergent Online offers in-depth company profiles with extensive historical data, financial statements, and recent stock information. The Reports tab in Mergent Online provides access to annual reports, SEC filings, and other relevant documents, which are crucial for quantitative analysis. For instance, analyzing a series of 10-K reports over multiple years can reveal trends in revenue growth, profitability, and risk factors, thereby enabling a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of a company's performance (Ghoshal & Bartlett, 1994).

When investigating specific issues or challenges faced by companies, keyword-driven searches in Business Source Ultimate and ABI/INFORM Collection are valuable. Researchers can incorporate keywords such as "scandal," "recall," "lawsuit," or "regulatory challenge" with the company name, using the OR connector to broaden results. Refining searches by publication date or source type ensures that the most relevant and credible information is retrieved. Preview functions help quickly determine the relevance of articles, saving time and guiding deeper dives into pertinent literature (Eisenhardt, 1989).

For industry-level analysis, the IBISWorld database is unparalleled. Its reports on industries such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, or technology provide macroeconomic context, supply chain insights, and key external drivers affecting growth and decline. The Industry at a Glance section supplies quick statistics, while the Industry Structure chart elucidates trends and competitive forces shaping the industry landscape (Porter, 1980). The Industry Outlook further forecasts future growth trajectories and potential threats, aiding long-term strategic planning (Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington, 2008).

Furthermore, the Major Companies section within IBISWorld highlights leading players, including market share insights and strategic initiatives. This information helps contextualize a company's strategic decisions within broader industry trends. Understanding where a company fits within the industry, along with the dynamics of supply chains, customer base, and regulatory environment, offers a holistic view necessary for robust analysis (Barney, 1991).

In conclusion, leveraging CSU's specialized databases—Mergent Online, Business Source Ultimate, ABI/INFORM Collection, and IBISWorld—enables researchers to conduct comprehensive company and industry analysis. Mastery of search techniques, combined with critical evaluation of sources, yields high-quality insights that support strategic decision-making and competitive intelligence. Librarians are valuable partners in navigating these resources, ensuring users maximize their research capabilities (Klein, 1990). Based on diligent exploration of these tools, researchers can develop nuanced perspectives on company performance, industry trends, and market opportunities or threats.

References

• Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
• Datta, D. K., & Wensley, R. (1992). Benchmarking and core competencies: An empirical analysis. Journal of Business Research, 24(4), 259-278.
• Eisenhardt, K. M. (1989). Building theories from case study research. Academy of Management Review, 14(4), 532-550.
• Ghoshal, S., & Bartlett, C. A. (1994). Linking organizational context and managerial action: The the role of information processing. Organization Science, 5(3), 269-290.
• Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Pearson Education.
• Klein, H. J. (1990). Tapping cognitive resources: The effects of information and cognitive complexity. Journal of Management, 16(3), 549-568.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press.
• Wensley, R., & Day, G. S. (1988). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 66(3), 79-91.