The research process is a flexible process that varies based on your goals and assignment requirements. It involves asking questions, finding answers and sharing what you have learned. Depending on your needs, the research process might include the following steps:
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Understand your assignmentLearn how to break down your assignment by reviewing the guidelines, grading rubric, due dates and citation requirements. |
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Develop your topicGet help exploring your topic. Learn how to find background information and key terms to better understand and refine your topic. |
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Find InformationLearn how to search for books, articles, websites, multimedia and other reliable sources using the library’s tools |
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Evaluate your sourcesLearn how to check if your sources are trustworthy, accurate, and useful for your assignment |
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Write and organize your ideasGet tips for writing a draft or outline, using sources to back up your ideas, and improving your writing through revising and editing. |
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Cite your sourcesLearn how to give credit to the sources you use in your work. Get help from the Library or Writing Center if you are not sure how to cite. |
Company research is the process of gathering information about a business or company to better understand its operations, financial performance, competitive position, and strategic direction. This type of research is often used for academic projects, investment analysis, job preparation, or starting a business.
When researching a company, consider examining the following aspects:
Relevant company information is rarely found in one single source. Some data may not be publicly available especially for privately held companies. Therefore, it is essential to combine open web searches with business databases.
For example, a company’s official website can offer valuable details:
In addition, NSCC business databases like Business Insights, Business Market Research Collection and Statista can provide insights, including:
Effective company research starts with a good strategy. That means selecting the right tools and building a clear, focused search string.
Refer to Business Reports for key resources or Creating Your Search Strategy for research tips.
Industry research involves collecting and analyzing information about a specific industry to better understand its structure, trends, key players, and overall market conditions. This type of research is essential when evaluating the potential for launching a new business, entering a new market, or analyzing competitive dynamics.
Key questions to consider:
NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System. It is a standardized system used by the governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico to classify businesses and industries based on the type of economic activity they engage in.
Each industry is assigned a unique six-digit NAICS code, which helps organize and compare data across sectors. These codes are used in economic research, market analysis, and business databases to find industry-specific information such as trends, competitors, and performance metrics.
While many databases allow you to search using keywords, using your industry's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code can significantly improve your search.
Effective industry research starts with a good strategy. That means selecting the right tools and building a clear, focused search string.
Refer to Business Reports for key resources or Creating Your Search Strategy for research tips.
Market research is the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about a market, specifically about a target audience, competitors, and trends. It helps businesses make informed decisions by identifying customer needs, estimating market size, and spotting opportunities or challenges in the marketplace.
Key questions to consider:
There are two primary approaches to conducting market research:
Primary research involves gathering new, firsthand data directly from potential customers. This could include:
Secondary research uses existing data that has already been collected and published by others. This could include:
Effective market research starts with a good strategy. That means selecting the right tools and building a clear, focused search string.
Refer to Business Reports for key resources or Creating Your Search Strategy for research tips.
A business plan outlines a company's goals and the strategies to achieve them. There is no one single format for creating a business plan; however, there are key elements that should be included.
The Business Model Navigator.
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Creating Business Plans
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Disciplined Entrepreneurship Startup Tactics
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The Financial Times essential guide to writing a business plan
How to Write a Business Plan
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This Is Strategy
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The following resources offer a range of sample business guides and templates that can serve as learning tools or inspiration. These resources cover a variety of industries and business types, providing practical insights into market analysis, financial projections, operations, and strategy.
The following resources feature sample business plans. They provide real-world examples of how plans are structured, including key sections like executive summaries, market analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections from a variety of industries and business types.
The following resources offer guidance for on how to effectively pitch a business proposal. Whether you are presenting to classmates or potential investors, these tools can help you structure your pitch, communicate your ideas clearly, and make a strong impression.
Explore these resources for pitch competitions and funding opportunities to support your business plan. Special focus is given to programs and funding available in Nova Scotia and across Canada.
