4 Industry Information

It is important to understand the industry in which a company is operating. Consult a variety of resources for opinion and commentary to establish which legal, political, social, and economical factors will influence a company’s performance or the overall industry outlook.

Industry reports

Industry reports contain information about the main products, main competitors, suppliers, industry performance, future outlook and political factors. Search using the industry name provided in your company research, or use the ANZSIC codes used by government organisations such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Industry reports are generally prepared by an analyst and provided through a subscription database. These library databases are recommended for locating accurate and comprehensive financial data and industry analysis that is reported in a consistent format throughout. Using these databases is explained in the chapter Library databases for business research.

Business environment profiles

Every industry faces a set of drivers outside its control that have a material effect on industry performance. It is important to consider the broader business environment when researching an industry. Search for business environment profiles from qualified commentators.

A business environment profile considers the:

• legal environment that requires compliance with legislation and all regulations
• political change that impatcs business, particularly international trade
• changes in social attitudes, consumer behaviour and demographics
• economic trends that impact on the business operating environment.

These library databases provide detailed business environment profiles. Using these databases is explained in the chapter Library databases for business research.

Business Source complete – Search for market insights or emerging trends in a variety of industries. Includes industry profiles and SWOT analyses for global companies.

IBISWorld – Business Environment Profiles provide insight into the industry’s key drivers, which include exchange rates, commodity prices, interest rates, weather conditions, consumer attitudes, demographics, and many more.

Case studies

Case studies provide valuable insight into how an industry works and help to understand decision-making. You may not be able to find a case study that exactly matches the company or industry you are researching, but you can explore similar products in similar markets and draw conclusions from their successes, challenges, failures, and pain points.

Using these databases is explained in the chapter Library databases for business research.

SAGE Business Cases – offers thousands of business case studies for global companies.

Emerald insight – Includes case studies on business decision-making and management development throughout key global emerging markets. Search using a company or industry name and refine the content to case studies only.

World Advertising Research Centre (WARC) – Offers advertising best practices, evidence, and insights from the world’s leading brands, and includes campaign and online videos. This database is mainly focussed on brand, marketing, and advertising.