Research Guides: SCADPro: Industry Research

Industry Research Strategy

It can be difficult to find reliable industry information. Use both the Web and library databases as your sources.

1. Use portal sites, such as government and industry association websites and news sites to find industry information, data, and statistics

2. When searching, it can be helpful to have the SIC and NAICS industry classification codes.

3. Find leading companies in the industry. Use their annual reports and SEC filings to find industry information.

4. If an industry is new or very specialized you may be unable to find information or market research about it. In this case, the best sources for information will be trade journals, industry/professional organizations, interviews, and articles. The library databases are an excellent starting-point for this type of research! Use the resources on the Business News tab.

Industry and Market resources from the web

Audit Techniques Guides
Guides provide industry overviews and explain unique industry issues, business practices and terminology
Business.com
Find, compare, and research business-to-business (B2B) vendors
County Business Patterns
U.S. economic data by industry organized by state, county, zip code and metropolitan area
Economic Census
The government conducts this survey of industries every five years. The most recent is 2012.
Industry Overviews
Guides to some of the largest industries written by the IRS
Market Research from Export.gov
International market research for U.S. businesses. Required free user registration.
Nonemployer Statistics
U.S. economic data for self-employed workers
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
System used by Federal agencies in classifying businesses for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
Select USA
SelectUSA seeks to highlight the many advantages the United States offers as a location for business and investment. Resources include a guide to incentives for business investment by state.
The Wall Street Journal
This important source for business news is available in print in the SCAD library in Savannah and Atlanta.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Organization dedicated to strengthening the competitiveness of the U.S. economy by supporting U.S. businesses.
U.S. County Business Patterns
Annual series that provides subnational economic data by industry. Businesses use the data for analyzing market potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting sales quotas, and developing budgets.
Valuation Resources
Guide to business valuation resources, industry and company information, economic data, and more.

SCADPro

Ask A Librarian

Need Additional Help? Meet With A Librarian

Industry Research Strategy

Industry and Market resources from the web