If I were to ask you to do some research for an essay, you'd probably assume I was referring to digging up some academic journal articles, right?  The connection between scholarly articles and essays is undeniably strong, and with good reason: the peer review process involved in publishing such articles ensures their high quality.

Nevertheless, there is a vast world of information beyond journals. For many assignments it may be acceptable to cite government reports, think tank analysis, ebook chapters, and even news articles...

<Click here to learn about non-journal info sources using Universal Basic Income as a search example...>

 

Our BUS 447 (Global Marketing Management) students will be working on projects that involve the amazing United Republic of Tanzania this term, with a focus on Tanzania's tourism industry.

I've compiled a brief list of relevant sources to support that class... and I thought I'd share it here in case others are interested in such topics.

<Read on!>

As I'm sure you heard, SFU is moving away from in-person instruction starting tomorrow (March 16). For now, the library and other university facilities remain open, but even if our library buildings weren't open, you'd still be able to access many of our resources and services. 

**[Update (March 20]: Our Fraser and Belzberg Libraries are now closed and our Bennett (Burnaby) library will close as of 5pm tonight.  However, our online resources and services remain available. Read on for details... 

Need some statistics to support your argument?
How about time series data from a wide range of sources?
Company & market financials? 
Market & industry analysis?
News articles? Streaming video? Online journals & books?

<Click for a list of key online business/economics resources to help you study from home.> 

Time flies when you're having fun...

It was one year ago today that Canada legalized cannabis. Now that we are a year into this new world of legalized sale and consumption, we are seeing innovations such as edibles & low-cost, bulk buying, and there are reports of a boost to the economy of over $8 billion.

I thought I'd do a quick "anniversary" check today to see what new information resources might now be available on this hot topic... 

<Read on for lots of recent resources on this fast-changing topic!>

Our BUS 447 (Global Marketing Management) students will be focusing on the beautiful country of Rwanda this term.

I've compiled a brief list of relevant sources to support that class... and I thought I'd share it here in case others are interested in such topics. 

<Read on!>

I spotted an interesting story in the Wall Street Journal this morning: "Netflix U.S. Users Decline, Sinking Its Stock --- Video service reports 130,000 fewer domestic subscribers in second quarter."

To be frank, what was interesting for me about this article wasn't the content -- as much as I like streaming Netflix shows while I fold the laundry, I don't really need an ongoing blow-by-blow of its subscriber numbers.  No, what caught my attention was that this would be a good chance to highlight a couple of my favourite SFU Library resources: Factiva and Statista. 

<Read on for details!>

I was just scanning the news (that's what a business researcher does to relax) and spotted the following story at the BBC site: Britain in two-week coal-free record.

As the article states, "Britain has not used coal to generate electricity for two weeks - the longest period since the 1880s." The move toward alternative energy sources is gathering momentum in the UK and having measureable impacts. [...]

Since I am an opportunist at heart, this is a chance for me to highlight the many alternative energy industry overviews available in our databases...

<Read on.. learn lots... take action...>

 

A couple of our marketing classes are going to be doing some primary research on alternative protein products & consumers this semester.

In support of those classes, I've listed some key resources, but students in other classes may also want to use this post as a case study to learn about the powerful market research tools available to SFU researchers.  Bon appetite!

<Read on for a menu of delicious databases! >

Our Statista database has a new feature: Business Plan Export. 

Just to be clear: Business Plan Export does not deliver a business plan!  It does, however, gather secondary data that you might need when creating such a plan (or for many other purposes) and make it very simple to download with just a few clicks.  

Although this tool appears to be primarily aimed at those who are starting a new business, I think it has a wider audience as it is a real timesaver regardless of what you plan to do with the result.

<Read on for details!>

Students in one of our marketing classes are going to be doing some primary research on Orange Juice this term.

If you're in that class, see below for some initial thoughts on resources that might be helpful as you frame your topic and design your study.

(And if you're not in that class, but just want a sample topic to use as you explore our powerful market research resources... read on!)