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1. Introduction

For your assessments, in addition to the course content and sources, you may find it helpful to research industry relevant content which could include commercial sources as well as academic journals, books and conference papers.

This guide will help you do this.

Important: Before you begin, it is strongly recommended that you fully read the assessment instructions available on your course site.

2. Plan your search

To find information you will need to identify relevant keywords in your topic that you can use in your search.

Determine your keywords/search terms

Next think of synonyms or alternative words for these keywords

Keywords/search terms Alternative words
blockchain "digital ledger"
IoT

"internet of things"
XR

"extended reality", "virtual reality", "augmented reality"
Tip: Your selected industry

Include your industry name to narrow results to that industry. 

Consider adding 'innovation' or 'transformation' to focus on emerging solutions.

Tip: Revisit the readings included in the applicable weekly topics for this assessment for key concepts and examples. Applications of technology in other industries could provide a starting point for keywords to help with your research.

Above are just a few examples. For more information and tips on planning your search visit the Plan your Search page and the following resources:

3. Management consultancies

Management consultancies can be a source of technology information and application to business and in some cases specific industries.

Some suggested Management consultancies include: Accenture; Deloitte; EY; PwC, KPMG and McKinsey.

Tip: Conduct a google search for the name of the company and the technology and/or industry.

4. World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum has content on specific technologies and impacts on business and society as well as industry specific sections. Accenture is a partner of the World Economic Forum.

5. Key business magazines

Business magazines are a great way to get an insight into the latest business trends and challenges. 

Using Harvard Business Review

It is recommended to access the Harvard Business Review journal through Business Source Ultimate database. To search for articles on specific topics within the journal, click the 'Search within this publication' link and on the search page, enter the title or keywords starting from the second row.

Note: leave the first row as it is.

6. Finding industry reports

Industry reports are a good place to start to get an overview of an industry. These reports often include sections on industry trends and an analysis of the industry including insights into potential technology applications and insights.

Tip: Both Australian and global perspectives are useful.

Further suggested databases can be found on the Library's Company and Industry Information guide. This guide will help you search the web and our databases to find company and industry information. 

Top suggested databases include:

IBISWorld

IBISWorld - Finding Industry Reports


1. In the IBISWorld homepage, type your industry into the search box. 

2. Select the Industry report from the results lists Tip: Look for the industry symbol next to the report.  

3. When you open the report use the menu on the left hand side to browse key information. To download the report click this red arrow icon next to the industry name.  

To browse all Industry Research reports

1. Select 'Industry Research' from the menu on the IBISWorld homepage.

2. Select the 'Country' you are interested in from the options on the left hand side

D&B Hoovers

D&B Hoovers - Finding Industry Information

1. In the D&B Hoovers homepage, type your industry into the search box, e.g. motor vehicle manufacturing.

2. Open drop down menu, select Industries then click the search button.

3. Choose the appropriate link to the industry code from the search results.

Finding MarketLine Industry Profile

MarketLine Industry Profiles give a clear picture of the key dynamics in each sector, including analysis of factors affecting the sector's performance, details of the leading companies operating within each country or region, new entrants, key supplies and levels of competitor rivalry. Industry Profiles include five year forecasts, practical application of Porter's Five Forces analysis, and company financial metrics.

To access MarketLine Industry Profile, go to the left hand side of the industry page. Click the Country/Region on top of the table to sort reports by country.

7. Key databases

Databases are online collections of resources that include journal articles, conference papers, books, chapters and reports. They include advanced search options helping you to focus your search and find relevant, scholarly references quickly.

Tip: Read the help sections provided by the databases for tips on how to tailor your search.

 

Business Source Ultimate

This is an example of an Advanced Search using Business Source Ultimate.

You can limit your search to Full-text, Peer Reviewed (scholarly journals), and by publication date on the left hand side of the results page.

8. Google Scholar

Google Scholar searches only within academic or scholarly sites, rather than over the whole internet like a regular Google Search. 

Make sure you access Google Scholar from the library website, you will be able link directly to articles that the Library has access to by clicking on the Full-text at UniSA link.

Watch the video: Why use Google Scholar? (2 min 13 sec) to find out more. 

9. Industry in the news

Technology is constantly evolving. Searching the latest news and developments can provide insights into the current and potential opportunities within an industry.

See the News Media guide for a full list of relevant databases that provide access to Australian and international news media.

News Media Guide

How to search in NewsBank Newspapers
  1. Below is an example search on automotive industry
  2. Add your concept or search term into the search box
  3. Select Search.

  1. Newest articles are displayed as default.
  2. You can also refine your results by limiting the Source location > Australia

You can also browse news media articles by by using the 'Suggested Topics' on the homepage of NewsBank. To do this:

  • Select a suggested topic e.g. Technology
  • Then select one of the sub-topics within this area e.g. Information Technology > Artificial Intelligence
  • You can refine your results by applying filters such as date e.g. 2021-2022

10. Writing reports

Once you have all your information it is time to put everything together.

These resources from Study Help will assist you:

11. Referencing support

Important: Don't forget that you need to reference appropriately - keep a list of all your sources as you search.


Visit the UniSA's Referencing website to find in text-citations and reference examples, from different sources such as articles, books & chapters, websites, and more.

Other referencing support tools:

  • Referencing forum
    Discuss referencing, exchange advice and post questions and answers about referencing (facilitated by Student Engagement Unit).

    • What do you do with all those references you have found?

    Use a bibliographic management software to store, organise and cite your references. The Library supports the bibliographic management tool EndNote. There are also many free systems available.

    12. Rate this resource

    Please respond to the statement: "This guide has helped me with my assessment."