Business and Company Resource Center Database Update

Business and Company Resource Center database is being replaced by Business Insights:  Essentials as announced by Gale (part of Cengage Learning).  This latest resource will offer resources for research in business, companies and industries.  The new platform and features will be more intuitive and user-friendly so do give it a try! 


http://bi.galegroup.com/essentials/?u=naal_usam

The Top Ten Fastest Growing Industries

A great article from "The Street" on the top ten fastest growing industries - most will surprise you but on reflection, you will agree.  The fastest growing industries are:  correctional facilities, VoIP (Voice over IP so telecommunication and Internet providers),  video games, biotechnology, eCommerce and online auctions, Internet publications, insurance claims, environmental consulting, wind and solar power and recycling.

Here is the link to read more in detail:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/11086288/11/10-industries-that-are-growing-the-fastest.html
 
As you work through your projects that require industry analysis or you are simply thinking of career options, these industries are worth your review.

Plunkett Research Trial (Industry Research) available through 4/21/11

We have a free trial to Plunkett Research which provides information for industry analysis and trends (including finances, markets, technologies, deregulation, research/development and globalization).  Knowledge of industry trends include industry statistics, profiles of leading companies, glossaries and a database of industry associations.

We only have the trial through April 21, 2011 so give this resource a try in your assignments and research:

http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/mcob/sources/

How to locate that pesky NAICs (Industry Classification)

I am getting many requests from students trying to locate just the right classification code for their projects in MKT 382 and MGT 300.  While the easiest way is through the NAICs website, some of you have very unique companies.  If you cannot locate easily on the government website, we have the actual hardcopy of all NAICs codes and descriptions in the library reference section.  This is an example of when a researcher may need a print copy to browse for ideas versus searching in the dark so to speak.  Another great way is to look at your company's competition or other larger publicly held companies and use our databases such as Business and Company Resource Center, S&P netAdvantage or Mergent Online.  Of course, your friendly business librarian (namely me) is always ready to help you - just send your request to buscirc@usouthal.edu.

Industry Research, Part III

In prior industry research posts, you have been collecting data in various government websites as well as online databases in the Library.  One key database is S&P netAdvantage as you can review industry surveys which will provide you those key financial ratios important in a specific industry.  Also, in S&P netAdvantage, you can select 'company comparisons' to see how key companies are operating in this environment.  Another handy resource is a book we have here in the MCOB Library Reference Section called the "Almanac of Business/Industry Financial Ratios".  The call number location is HF 5681.R25 T68.  Using the NAICs code you located in Part I of your research, you will be able to view the industry ratios from this almanac that is sometimes easier to view in print.  More ways to learn more about the industry you are researching will be posted soon.

Industry Research, Part II

An earlier blog on conducting industry research, we pointed out that you first need to get an Industry NAICs code (industry classification) as this will be a key way you will research various government websites and our databases.  You will be able to research industries from such databases as S&P Index, Morningstar, MergentOnline to name a few. As you are researching, you will need to complete a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) for your company, the industry in which they operate and their competitors.  By organizing the information in a SWOT analysis, you are now ready to research even deeper but that will be in our next blog.  If you need assistance in this step or locating the NAICs code, please send a request to buscirc@usouthal.edu and we will happy to assist!