Global Programs: Business Resources
Top Databases
Don't forget about UB's OneSearch!
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Business Source Complete This link opens in a new windowIndexes more than 4,100 journals, including nearly 3,300 full-text titles. Many of the full-text items are also available as scanned images. Topics cover nearly every area of business including management, economics, marketing, finance, accounting, international business, and more. SWOT analysis is also available through Business Source Complete.
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Gale Business: Insights This link opens in a new windowDetailed company and industry reports, profiles, and news.More InfoFull-Text UB ONLY
Additional Databases
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Access World News This link opens in a new windowProvides the fulltext of many USA and international newspapers.More InfoFull-Text UB ONLY
Global statistics and data
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EurostatEuropean statistics.
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Business Ready (B-READY)The World Bank’s flagship report benchmarking the business environment and investment climate in most economies worldwide. The report assesses the regulatory framework and public services directed at firms, and the efficiency with which regulatory framework and public services are combined in practice.
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Our World in DataThe research publications on Our World in Data are dedicated to a large range of global problems in health, education, violence, political power, human rights, war, poverty, inequality, energy, hunger, and humanity’s impact on the environment. Our World In Data is a project of the Global Change Data Lab, a registered charity in England and Wales.
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UNdataA web-based data service for the global user community. It brings international statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single-entry point. Users can search and download a variety of statistical resources compiled by the United Nations (UN) statistical system and other international agencies. The numerous databases or tables collectively known as "datamarts" contain over 60 million data points and cover a wide range of statistical themes including agriculture, crime, communication, development assistance, education, energy, environment, finance, gender, health, labour market, manufacturing, national accounts, population and migration, science and technology, tourism, transport and trade.
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United Nations Population DivisionThe key UN agency responsible for population. Selected links deal with projections; contraceptives; migration; living arrangements. Includes reports, datasets, newsletters, databases and more on international topics such as family planning, marriage, migration, urbanization, etc.
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International Data Base (IDB)United States Bureau of the Census. International Data Base (IDB)
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Enterprise SurveysThe surveys cover a broad range of business environment topics including access to finance, corruption, infrastructure, crime, competition, and performance measures. To date, over 164,000 interviews in 144 countries have taken place under the Global Methodology.
Research & Business Cases
The business case provides justification for undertaking a project or program. It evaluates the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options and provides a rationale for the preferred solution.
The library can help with a number of elements within the business case, including: market research, SWOT analysis, industry drivers, and more!
Market Research
A full market research guide is available here.
Recommended resources include Business Insights, Entrepreneurial Studies Source and IBISWorld.
For example, try using the keyword search feature in Business Insights to find news and reports on niche markets.
SWOT Analysis
Need examples of a SWOT analysis? Log into the Business Source Complete database and search SWOT analysis in the top search box.
You can also use the Publication Type filter in Business Source Complete to limit your search to SWOT Analysis.
Competitors
Use the Top Databases list to research articles and case studies on existing companies. By researching industries in IBISWorld, you can find information on competitors, market share, supply and demand industries, marketing efforts, etc.
Business Models
A business model is a company's plan for making a profit. It identifies the products or services the business will sell, the target market it has identified, and the expenses it anticipates. Business models can be a crucial way for a new company to attract investors and recruit talent.
It is important to keep in mind that a business model is NOT the same as a business plan. "Your business model is the core concept upon which you build your business plan." (Muehlhausen 25)
Much like with Business Cases, UB Libraries can help researchers with background and industry information for inclusion in the business model. Contact me anytime!
References
Muehlhausen, Jim. Business Models for Dummies, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/lib/buffalo/detail.action?docID=1195722.
Articles
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A development of sustainable and successful business model for Thai local products: The mixed crispy rice noodle, Phra Na Khon Sri Ayutthaya ProvinceThe aims of this research are: 1) the community business of the mixed crispy rice noodle, 2) the opinions and satisfaction of Thai and foreign consumers on the mixed crispy rice noodle and 3) enhancing the performance of enterprises. This is a Participatory Action Research (PAR) using qualitative and quantitative data.
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Sustainability: insights from a business model perspectiveThis paper uses business model perspective to understand how different organisations can through their corporate sustainability policies contribute to the social innovation/entrepreneurship processes.
Online Resources
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Flourishing Business CanvasThe Flourishing Enterprise Innovation Toolkit and Flourishing Business Canvas are a new set of tools and methods created to support these leaders in their efforts to design flourishing enterprises; businesses and organizations that are socially beneficial, environmentally regenerative and financially viable.
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Business Model CanvasThe Business Model Canvas was proposed by Alexander Osterwalder based on his earlier book: Business Model Ontology. It outlines nine segments which form the building blocks for the business model in a nice one-page canvas.
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Business Model Canvas PDFPDF version with guiding questions.
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Business Model Innovation: An Interview with Alex OsterwalderIn this interview, Alex Osterwalder, coauthor of Business Model Generation and Value Proposition Design, discusses the increasing importance of business model innovation and the application of the visual tools he has invented, which have been useful to companies of all sizes seeking to develop new business models.
Librarian
Related Guides
Business Plans
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Gale eBooks (formerly Gale Virtual Reference Library) This link opens in a new windowAvailable online as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library. A collection of representative business plans compiled by entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses.
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Bplans.comMost plans here can be purchased from the publisher, but 50 sample plans are freely available on the Web.
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Business Plans IndexA subject index to sample business plans, including those published in book form and those available from Web sites. Compiled by the Pittsburgh Public Library (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh).
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Mplans.comA small collection of sample marketing plans are available at no charge (approximately 25 of them); users can also purchase additional plans for a fee.