1. MNGT 481: Research for Business Strategy & Policy Dr. Sonya Merrill Ms. Shana Gass, MSLS, MS, sgass@towson.edu http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/courses February 2011

2. Better Searching Choose appropriate source Background A stingy search – each word reduces results Boolean searching (AND, OR, NOT) Truncation: strateg* finds strategy, strategic, strategies… Coping “tricks” – re-sorting, narrowing down, searching in title, etc. Watch the dates “Look for your answer, not your question” Sometimes the answer is not to search but to read… (prime example: value chain)

3. Boolean Searching Makes your searches work better in library databases AND: use to require words in results Examples: Google and advertising Netflix and strategy OR: use to give wiggle room, options for what words can appear. Usually use for synonyms or related terms. “Or = More” Examples: regulation or legislation supplier or distributor NOT: use to exclude results that have that word The nuclear option – use with caution! Examples: Microsoft not antitrust Apple not juice

4. Searching for Strategy (or other concepts)? [ company name ] and strateg* Read: company reports Read Annual Report > Letter to Shareholders Read C-level interviews Watch for patterns (and patents?)

5. A SWOT: Steps 1.Access Business Source Complete database. 2.Search for your company 3.On left side of screen, look Refine your search > source types > Show More > SWOT Analyses (if available). Click. 4.Click on PDF file

6. Company information – SWOT from Business Source Complete Article searching – Business Source Complete Company financials – Mergent Company news scan – Factiva

7. Company Info / Strengths & Weaknesses Company web site – especially Investor Relations page Hoover’s In-depth record in LexisNexis Academic database > Companies > Company Profiles News and analysis

8. Opportunities & Threats Competitor info Industry info (often clues to external environment) Marketing info – http://cooklibrary.towson.edu/marketing http://cooklibrary.towson.edu/marketing Recession – http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/courses/ downturn_recovery.pdf http://pages.towson.edu/sgass/courses/ downturn_recovery.pdf News & analysis!

9. Cite Your Sources! Remember to cite in-text (using parenthetical citations) as needed AND to include a bibliography with complete information about all your sources Shana’s APA Citation GuideAPA Citation Guide

10. Questions? …feel free to contact me! Ms. Shana Gass (410) 704-2395 sgass@towson.edu *preferredsgass@towson.edu Or the reference department: Cook Library Website > Ask a Librarian for options (visit, email, call, IM, text…)