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Finding resources for your assessments - BUSS 1068 Exploring Digital Technology in Business

1. Introduction

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

This guide will help you with 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.

  1. Determine your keywords/search terms
  2. Next think of synonyms or alternative words for these keywords

Keywords

Alternative words

Data

"data analytics", "Big data", "business data", "data strategy", "intelligent data"

AI

"artificial intelligence", "machine learning", "AI learning", "AI business"

Cloud

"cloud business", "cloud strategy"

Security

"cyber security", "cyber security strategy"

Tip: Your selected industry

Include your industry name to narrow results to that industry. 

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

Above are just a few examples. For more information and tips on planning your search look at the Plan your Search tab of this guide.

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 also provide a starting point for keywords to help with your research.

More help

3. 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.

Databases

Top suggested databases include:

IBISWorld

Finding industry reports in IBISWorld

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

Search box in IBISWorld homepage2. Select the Industry report from the results lists.

Screenshot of the industry report from the results list

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 the red arrow icon next to the industry name. 

Download report button from IBISWorld

Browsing all industry research reports

1. Select the 'Industries' drop down from the menu on the IBISWorld homepage. Select View all sectors to browse the full list.

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

 

D&B Hoovers

Finding industry information in D&B Hoovers

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

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

Industries search in D&B Hoovers

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

Sample Industry code                                 

Finding MarketLine Industry Profiles in D&B Hoovers

MarketLine Industry Profiles give a clear picture of the key dynamics in each sector, including an 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
  • Company financial metrics

1. To access MarketLine Industry Profiles, go to the left hand side of the industry page.

2. Click the Country/Region heading on the top of the table to sort reports by country.

Screenshot highlighting the MarketLine Industry Profile heading

4. 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:

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

5. World Economic Forum

6. Key business magazines

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

Using Harvard Business Review

It is recommended to access the Harvard Business Review journal through the 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.

Harvard Business Review search boxesNote: Leave the first row as it is.

7. Key databases

Databases are online collections of resources that include journal articles, conference papers, books, chapters, and reports. They include advanced search options that help 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

Example of an Advanced Search in the database:

Search for: (automotive OR transport) AND cloud

In the results page, you can then limit your search to full-text, peer reviewed (scholarly journals) and can filter by publication date.

8. Google Scholar

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

Screenshot of Library website, highlighting the Google Scholar tab above the search bar.

Watch the video below 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.

How to Search in NewsBank

How to search in NewsBank:

  • Below is an example search on the automotive industry. 
  • Add your concepts or search terms into the search box and select Search.

Example search in NewsBank

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

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

  • Choose 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. 2022-2024

10. Writing reports

Once you have all your information it is time to put everything together. This video on report writing (2 min 53 sec) will give you some tips:

11. Recording video

For assessment 2 you need to record a 5-7 minute video with you presenting onscreen as picture-in-picture . Refer to your course site for full assessment instructions.

These resources can help you with creating and recording your video: 

12. Referencing support

Managing your references

What do you do with all those references you have found? You can use a bibliographic management software to store, organise, and cite your references.

There are many free systems available. The Library supports the bibliographic management tool EndNote. EndNote automates citing your references and allows you to create and organise a library of references. For more information and to download the software, check out the EndNote Guide:

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