This LibGuide has been prepared for students in the EI201 course to help with secondary research assignments.
Questions? Ask your Business Librarian by going to the "Contact Librarian" tab on this guide.
Not sure which research database to use? Go to the Business Database Help LibGuide to connect with the best database for your information needs.
Start with the IBISWorld database for reports that provide information on the industry in which the company operates. Reports are available for both broad and more specifically defined industries (ex: restaurants vs. fast food or retail trade vs. women's clothing stores).
Important: Use the table of contents found in the left menu of the reports to get to detailed information, such as the industry SWOT analysis and competitive landscape.
*If you do not find what you need in the IBISWorld industry reports, try the First Research database next.
Start with the Mintel Reports database for information on the target customer.
Statista (linked below) is also a helpful and easy-to-use database for consumer information, plus more.
For public companies: Start with the Business Source Complete database to find a company profile. For company financials, including competitor comparisons, go to the "Financials" tab in this research resources box.
IMPORTANT: Read the instructions below to make sure you are finding the detailed "Company Profile" in the Business Source Complete database and not just the limited information available from the "Company Information" option.
*If you do not find what you need in the Business Source Complete company profile, try the Mergent Intellect database next. To create a list of competitors, use the "Advanced Search" option in Mergent Intellect.
See below for tips on using a company's website for research.
Company Headquarters: Look for the company's headquarters address, especially the city/state. This helps with research when the company has numerous locations and you are trying to find the corporate profile in a database.
A public company's website targets at least two audiences: 1) Customers and 2) Investors
You will find a public company's financials in multiple resources, including the Investors section of the company's website. For your assignment, a good option for finding financials would be the Mergent Online database linked below.
Tips for using Mergent Online:
Email Butler University Libraries
Irwin Library: 317-940-9227
Science Library: 317-940-9937
CAT: 317-940-8575