Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Yes - let the good times roll in Mobile and indeed Mardi Gras is in full swing as is our spring semester.  I know many of our students are facing deadlines and counting the days until spring break (so are we in the Library).  So, please note we will be closed March 8th to join the Mardi Gras celebration as well as spring break week (including Sunday, March 13th). You will not have access to the library during these closed times so plan your assignments and your 'good times' accordingly.

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.

Organizational Behavior, Mgt 340 Research hint

Need assistance in locating the required peer-reviewed journal articles for your research paper?  If you have narrowed your topic to terms you can search, I recommend first trying an index such as Business Index ASAP: http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/111/1/1/purl=rc6_BIM?sw_aep=naal_usam

By searching an index, you are able to select 'refereed publications' as part of your search and do select the option for 'full text' as well.  You can also browse journals that are appropriate for this paper and narrow your search to specific journals.  I recommend California Management Review, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Harvard Business Review and Sloan Management Review as a start.  You will see the option to 'browse journals' and when selected, you can choose the title from an alphabetical listing.

MCOB LRC Computer Lab

Please note that the computer library in the library always closes fifteen minutes before we close the Library.  We need this time to ensure the computer lab is shut down and secured until we re-open.  We do have signage posted to this effect but want to remind you to please not start any major projects or tests in the computer lab thinking you have more time to complete than you actually do! As an example, if the Library is closing at 9:00 p.m., we will close the lab at 8:45 p.m.

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!

Brand Management 382

For those of you taking Brand Management 382, here the link to the Course Guide with resources to assist you:

http://libguides.southalabama.edu/mkt382