1. Instructor: Hajar Fatemi
Business Information Sources
For
Marketing Problems, , Winter 2019
Instructor: Hajar Fatemi

2. Introduction
I’ve tried to put together some resources that will help you with your assignments. If you need further help, please contact me: Katharine Ball at (519) , ext or
Some of the resources are freely available on the web. Others are Leddy Library ( subscriptions and so, if you are off-campus, you will need to sign on with your University of Windsor ID and password.
You can get back to all the business databases and guides on the Business Administration page (

3. General Business Environment and Economic Outlook
Question:
Your boss is looking for the economic outlook for Windsor in the next year. Where would you look for this type of information?

4. General Business Environment and Economic Outlook
Conference Board of Canada E-Library
This is one of the best sources for information on the business climate and economic conditions.
Browse by Topic and look under Economic Trends.
Reports are available for Canada, the provinces, and all major Canadian cities, including Windsor (search: Windsor metropolitan outlook)
There are also reports for the United States, Europe, and Asia.
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Some other free sources of Canadian economic information include the Bank of Canada (Business Outlook Survey: Statistics Canada, and the chartered banks.
For all countries, look at the Economist Intelligence Unit (
The Country Commerce reports are particularly useful.

5. Industry and Market Research Reports
Question:
In your spare time, you have developed a new kind of tasty, but healthy, cat treat. You are wondering whether there would be a market for this product. Where would you look for information?

6. Industry and Market Research Reports
For a comprehensive listing:
North American Industry Information (
Some of the more popular databases are:
IBISWorld
Canadian, U.S. focused; covers many goods and services; manufacturing, wholesaling, and retail
Global Market Information Database (GMID): Passport
Many countries; consumer goods and services focused
MarketResearch.com Academic
U.S./globally focused; covers many goods and services

7. Company Information
Question:
You are working in the wine industry in Essex County and want to investigate Andrew Peller, one of Canada’s largest wine companies. Where would you look?

8. Company Information
For a comprehensive listing:
Canadian Company Information
From the company’s viewpoint:
The company website is the obvious place to start. For public companies, look for headings such as Investor Relations, Corporate Governance, Company Profile. You should find the annual and quarterly reports, financial statements, and information on their history, philosophy, operations, products/services, etc.
SEDAR
Covers publicly traded companies. Contains annual reports, annual information statements, md&a reports, interim statements, and other financial documents. It often supplements information on company websites; filings are up-to-date; began in 1997, so there is a 20 year archive. EDGAR ( is the American equivalent.

9. Company Information From an outside viewpoint:
Business Source Complete and ProQuest Business
and
Type the name of your company in the search box. Limit by date, if appropriate. You will find articles about your company and company profiles for larger companies.
Thomson One
use the Internet Explorer browser; detailed company information, including analysts' research reports; also information on corporate governance, financial data, deals, share ownership, and officers and directors.

10. Other Useful Resources
Mergent Intellect
Includes U.S., Canadian, and international companies; allows you to create lists of companies by location, industry, and size; includes private companies; has basic industry overviews; a variety of report and download options are available.
ThomasNet  
An excellent database for suppliers of industrial products and services in the United States and Canada; can limit by location, company type, certifications, ownership, and product detail.
Statistics Canada. Census Profile Data
Used to identify customer groups, locate operations, etc. Includes variables such as age, sex, education, occupation, income, ethnic origin, and many others; covers very small geographical areas.