Articles
Article searching is important for company and industry research due to its ability to provide current, relevant information. Additional benefits of article searching include:
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Timely Updates: Offer recent information on events, trends, and competitive analysis not always in financial reports.
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Expert Insights: Include expert opinions, case studies, and historical context for a deeper understanding.
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Validation: Help validate and cross-check data from other sources.
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Public Perception: Reveal media coverage and public views of a company or industry.
There are two primary methods for searching articles:
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Article Databases: Ideal for broad, efficient searches across multiple sources.
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Specific Publications: Best for in-depth, targeted information on particular topics.
Choosing between these methods depends on your research needs. Each method is described in further detail below.
Article Databases
Article databases offer several key advantages:
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Broad Coverage: Access a vast array of content from numerous sources, including academic journals, industry reports, and news articles. This broad reach ensures you can find diverse perspectives and comprehensive information on your topic.
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Advanced Search Options: Leverage sophisticated search tools, such as filters and keyword searches, to narrow down results. This allows you to find specific information quickly and efficiently, tailored to your research needs.
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Efficiency: Quickly compile detailed information from multiple sources in one place, saving time and effort compared to manual searches.
Search Tips:
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Start with Basic Keywords: Begin your search using primary keywords related to your topic, such as the company name or industry (e.g., "Mattel" or "toy industry"). This helps you gather a broad set of initial results.
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Refine Your Search: Use additional keywords and filters to narrow down your results. For instance, adding terms like "trends" or a product name, such as "Barbie" and applying filters for date range or publication type can help you zero in on the most relevant articles.
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Explore Specific Journals: For more in-depth or targeted information, check specific journals and publications listed under Specific Publications. These sources often provide detailed analyses and specialized insights.
Below are some of the most well-known article databases for business research. For more options, consult our A-Z Databases list for additional article databases that may suit your needs.
- ProQuest One Business This link opens in a new windowOffers a wide array of business information, including company profiles, industry reports, market analysis, and academic journals, designed to support in-depth research and decision-making.
- Business Source Complete This link opens in a new windowProvides full-text access to a wide range of business-related journals, magazines, and reports, covering topics such as company profiles, industry reports, and market trends.
- Factiva This link opens in a new windowGlobal news and business information from diverse sources, including newspapers, trade publications, and financial reports, for comprehensive research and analysis.
- Nexis Uni This link opens in a new windowVast collection of news, business, and legal information, including case law, company profiles, and industry reports, to support comprehensive research and analysis.
Specific Publications
Specific Publications Provide:
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Targeted Content: Offer specialized, high-quality information and expert analysis tailored to particular topics or industries. These publications often provide detailed and focused insights that may not be available in broader sources.
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In-Depth Coverage: Focus on niche subjects or specific sectors, delivering comprehensive coverage and expert commentary on particular areas of interest.
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Limited Coverage: Searching within a single publication might yield fewer results and less variety compared to broader sources. This limitation means you might need to consult multiple publications for a complete view.
Search Tips:
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Start with Keywords: Use relevant keywords related to your topic, such as the company name or industry (e.g., "McDonald's" or "fast food industry"), to find articles within specific publications.
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Refine Your Search: Apply additional keywords and filters to narrow down your results (e.g., date ranges, or terms like "competitors" or with a product name such as "Happy Meal"). This helps in pinpointing more precise and relevant information.
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For Broader Research: Complement your search in specific publications with the broader Article Databases mentioned above. These databases provide access to a wider range of sources and general context.
Below are a few key business journals to consider. For more publications, use the Journal and Newspaper Titles feature in BU Libraries Search.
- Wall Street JournalLeading global business newspaper known for its comprehensive coverage of financial markets, economic trends, and corporate news.
- Bloomberg BusinessweekLeading business magazine that provides in-depth analysis, reporting, and commentary on global business trends, financial markets, and economic developments.
- The EconomistRenowned weekly publication offering insightful analysis and commentary on global economic, political, and social issues.
- Financial TimesLeading international newspaper known for its comprehensive coverage of global financial markets, economic trends, and business news.
