Research Guides: MBA Research Guide: Industry Resources

Introduction to Industry Research Video

Note: Some of the database interfaces have changed since this video was recorded. I am working to update videos, but in the meantime I would advise that all of the same data should be available and if you're having trouble navigating, please don't hesitate to email me. I am always happy to help.

Industry Reports

IBISWorld Industry Reports This link opens in a new window
IBISWorld Industry Reports are probably best bet starting points for background on US industries down to the 5-digit NAICS level. Reports on an industry will include information on industry performance and outlook, major products & markets, an overview of the competitive landscape and major players, and a section on operating conditions. This is a great place to start getting a detailed industry overview.
NetAdvantage This link opens in a new window
NetAdvantage is primarily an investment research database, but it also provides access to Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys, which analyze industry activity in broad categories for the U.S. These reports include financial metrics, key industry drivers, industry trends, Porter's Five Forces analysis and a section on 'How to analyze a company in this industry'.
Fitch Connect This link opens in a new window
This database is primarily focused on providing information for risk analysis. Industry reports cover a five-year outlook, a SWOT analysis, consumer demographics and trends while Country Risk Reports provide the reader with political and economic SWOT analyses, information about relevant monetary and fiscal policies, information on operational risks, a ten-year forecast and more.
BCC Research This link opens in a new window
BCC Research publishes market research reports that cover major markets and applications for technology, industry structure information, major players and their market shares, industry dynamics, five-year outlooks and more. These reports look mainly at global markets and coverage is especially strong for engineering, health, chemical, technology and materials areas.
Statista This link opens in a new window
Statista is an online statistics portal providing insights and data on over 170 industries and more than 150 countries. As well as accessing individual statistics, users can also find consumer, industry, country and other reports which compile relevant statistics.
D&B Hoovers This link opens in a new window
This database can be used for company research as well, but it also provides access to a range of industry and market research reports. You can choose to 'Research Industries' directly from the homepage or go into a company profile page and link out to the relevant industry from there. An industry page will show top participants in the industry, regional company counts and links to market research reports, particularly RMA Industry Norms and MarketLine Industry Profiles.
EMIS Intelligence This link opens in a new window
This database focuses on industry analysis for countries regarded as emerging markets. The database includes access to The Economist Intelligence Unit Industry Reports and country profiles include information on major industries, statistics and forecasts, news, and information on the equity market.
Sports Market Analytics [Selected Articles in Full Text] This link opens in a new window
This database includes international sporting goods equipment market reports for 35 countries, export and import statistics, trade magazine and newsletter pages dealing with finance, licensing, fashion, women's and youth sports, marketing, sponsorship, research reports, sports broadcasting, ratings and more.
IBISWorld Procurement This link opens in a new window
This database provides very detailed reports that analyze price trends, buyer power, supplier information and much more for an analysis of the issues at play in procurement in a particular industry. Limited industries covered, but very good information.

Industry Classification

Some industry resources are organized or indexed by an industry classification number. It can be helpful to note this number when using some of the Libraries' resources to browse more effectively for relevant information.

North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
Standard Industry Classification (SIC)
SIC is a system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. The NAICS was developed to replace the SIC code, but some resources still contain the SIC.