Before you start researching, make sure you know:
All of this can be found in a good company profile.
The Mergent Online database provides a company profile that is easy to locate and read.
Most company profiles in business databases will list competitors based on the primary NAICS and/or SIC codes of the company. Some databases also consider secondary NAICS and/or SIC codes. If you do not like the competitor list provided by one database, check another database. Here are links to the NAICS and SIC websites to help you understand the industry codes used to identify competitors.
Developing a strong knowledge of core business information sources will help prepare you for a successful career in business. If you take the time to learn how to search efficiently and effectively, to exercise discretion when using text and data, and to cite the sources you use, you will earn the respect and trust of your professional associates.
Planning how your team will conduct research, collect data, and ensure that all sources are properly cited is as important as submitting your deliverables.
TIPS
Complete the activity after the library instruction session. Submit one report for the entire team.
Email your team report to jsuda@fordham.edu or mmagilligan@fordham.edu (the librarian who taught your library instruction session) and copy all of the members of your team.
Subject of the email should be your Company name and your team cohort.
Here is a screencast of how to search Mergent Online for a Company Profile:
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