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Business Research Basics

This guide introduces key resources for general business, economics, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, and management. It features foundational resources for general research and links to specialized guides for more advanced or subject-specific needs

Business Research Basics

A table covered with printed research papers, some with handwritten notes and highlights. A pen rests on a blank sheet of paper, and a garden view is visible through the window in the background.Business research is the process of gathering and analyzing information related to business.

Business research supports everything from academic research and course projects to market analysis, competitive intelligence, and investment evaluation.

This guide introduces key resources and strategies for conducting business research, including company research, industry analysis, market and consumer insights, and financial data. It also highlights tools for finding business articles, raw data, and other information.

For more advanced or subject-specific resources, visit our specialized business guides.

 

 

"resorting to paper... #research# #proposal" by catherinecronin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 .

Types of Business Research

Business research can take many forms, depending on the goals of the researcher or the needs of the project. Common types include:

  • Company Research - Gathering information about a specific company’s performance, strategy, leadership, and structure.

  • Industry Research - Understanding the competitive landscape, market trends, and operating conditions within a particular industry.

  • Market and Consumer Research - Exploring target audiences, consumer behavior, and product demand to inform business decisions or new ventures.

  • Financial and Investment Research -  Analyzing financial statements, stock performance, investment activity, and funding history.

  • Data-Driven Research - Using statistics, economic indicators, and datasets to support analysis, forecasting, or benchmarking.

  • Scholarly and Trade Literature - Finding academic research, professional insights, and current events related to business topics.

Each type of research requires different tools, approaches, and strategies. Use the links above or menu tabs to explore resources and methods for each type of research.

Getting Started with Business Research

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Explore the Business Research Basics guide sections based on what kind of information you're looking for.
  2. Use the Top Sources page to find the most commonly used databases and other sources.
  3. Learn how to use business databases like Business Source Premier, Mergent Intellect, and IBISWorld.
  4. Reach out to the Business Data and Entrepreneurship Librarian for research help or to schedule a consultation.
  5. Visit the Help page for campus support options and library services.