Business

MODULE 3: Finding Information 

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Finding Business Information

Researching business topics requires an interdisciplinary approach. The listings below are University of Maryland databases and free websites relating to business research. These important sources include: Google, selected Federal, State, Local Government, Education and University of Maryland Resource sites. 

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Searching by Specific Domains for Background Information

Start With... 

Google Links to an external site.is a great place to begin your search.You can get authoritative, reliable information from Google by limiting your search to a particular domain.

This module will introduce you to Google's three core domains – education, organization and government.  The examples below are based on the topic - should student athletes be paid. 

  • To get the education perspective for your topic - how it is treated in a school setting, i.e. university, college, high school, elementary school (issues dealing with programs/students/faculty) – use the .edu domain –

site:.edu pay student athletes pro con

  • To get the perspective from associations or other non profit agencies use the .org domain –

site:org pay students athletes pro con

  • To get the government perspective – how do the different government agencies view your particular topic or issue - use the .gov domain

site:gov pay students athletes pro con

Try these domains to see what thought-provoking results you can find on your topic.

This is a quick and effective way to find information.  However - be vigilant, pay attention as to the source of the information?  what are the author's credentials?  or the credentials of the organization - are they biased? is the data current? do links work? is there a bibliography of sources used? Carefully examine each site.  Information from government agencies and organizations is usually reliable and authoritative, but you still need to be pay attention and critically evaluate each source 

 "Tips & Tricks" for searching the web - Infographic: Get More Out of Google  Links to an external site.-

 

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  Business Intelligence Network

The sources below are listed in the sequence that one might use when projects deal with marketing to consumers, developing a business or a product, designing a new program, business or marketing plans etc.  

Start With...

American Factfinder  Links to an external site. - data about your consumer/audience

         University of Maryland Resources

The sources listed below are useful when projects deal with campus or education related issues.

Start With...

Search UM Links to an external site. - search engine for University of Maryland web site

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Not-For-Profit

 

Start With...

GuideStar: National Database of Nonprofits Links to an external site. is the most complete source of information about U.S. charities and other nonprofit organizations. 

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Questions? 

For assistance developing your research strategies, or finding resources for your topic, or any other questions, please contact business specialists:

Zaida Díaz (zdiaz@umd.edu) and Lily Griner (griner@umd.edu)