Industry Research
Adapted from Pagoda (Reading, Pennsylvania) by FirozAnsari via Wikimedia commons under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Key Industry Research Databases
- NAICS (North American Industry Classification System)Identify the relevant NAICS code(s) for your company and the industry it operates in; then, search by NAICS code in the industry research databases to optimize your results. Tip: search by industry keyword (ex. hotel), not by company name (ex. Marriott).
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowIndustry market research reports, including some nonprofit industry reports. Try both keyword searching (for specialty industry reports) and NAICS searching to optimize your results.
- Key Business Ratios This link opens in a new windowLocate financial ratios by industry or company for strategic analysis. Tip: Search on the Industry tab by NAICS code. Wait for the search suggestion to pop-up, and click it to see results!
- Value Line This link opens in a new windowNOTE: Only 10 simultaneous users.
Contains industry analyses and company profiles. Tip: Select the most relevant option in the Industry Screens menu at the bottom of the page. Then click the Industry Analysis button at the top-right to access industry reports. - Mergent Market Atlas (replacing Mergent Online) This link opens in a new windowAccess the Industry tab to retrieve industry reports, including business environment scans, industry performance and leading companies, investment, and trends outlook.
Trade Associations
Trade associations often have information on their industry. They also organize trade shows or conventions to showcase upcoming trends, products, and services.
If you know of a trade association pertinent to your industry, visit their website.
If you need to locate one, you can:
- see individual IBISWorld industry reports - sometimes associations are listed under "Additional Resources"
- do a Web search of key industry terms and add "association"
Trade and Scholarly Literature
Find articles for business professionals and scholars.
- Business Source Premier This link opens in a new windowSearch by keyword or business metadata like NAICS industry code, company name, or ticker symbol. Retrieves news and trade articles as well as scholarly research.
- ABI/INFORM Collection This link opens in a new windowSearch by keyword or business metadata like NAICS industry code, company name, or ticker symbol. Retrieves news and trade articles as well as scholarly research.
More Industry Information Sources
Generative AI
Use the text-to-text generative AI of your choice in accordance with the academic integrity guidelines for your course. Be sure to cite generative AI (examples for APA style) and include a footnote explaining your prompt!
- PROMPT Design Worksheet (fillable PDF)Use the PROMPT Design Framework to optimize generative AI output by specifying a Persona, Requirements, Organization, Medium, Purpose, and Tone.
- [accessible version] PROMPT Design WorksheetUse the PROMPT Design Framework to optimize generative AI output by specifying a Persona, Requirements, Organization, Medium, Purpose, and Tone. Printable and fillable Word doc.
Access In-class Activities
- Copy in-class activities via Google DriveUse this link to make a copy of today's in-class activities if you prefer to work in Google Drive. You can share the file with your teammates.
- Download in-class activities as a Word .docx fileDownload the in-class activities as a Word .docx file to work locally or upload and share via OneDrive, Sharepoint, Teams, etc.
