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APRD 4405 Strategic Communication Capstone (all sections): Industry & Market

A guide to conducting research for APRD 4405. Includes databases like Mintel, IBISWorld, and Statista for industry, market, and consumer research. Tips for researching company and competitors, and resources for media strategy.

Definitions

An industry is made up of a group of companies that have similar business activities [definition summarized from Investopedia].

market is a physical or online location where parties meet to exchange goods. It's where prices are determined by the supply (supply is created by the sellers) and demand (demand is created by the buyers) [definition summarized from Investopedia].

Questions to Think About as You Research

  • Before opening a database, think about what your client's industry or market is called. If the client claims they have created a new market/industry, what are some of the traditional markets/industries it stems from? Use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes Search to browse industries.
  • Some of these reports are written in the context of large companies. If you have a small business client, as you read the report, think about:
    • What information in the report is relevant to your client and what is not relevant?
    • How can information related to large entities be scaled down to be relevant to your client?
    • How can you conduct primary research to make up for the lack of secondary research?

Resources to Research Most Industries

Specific Industries & Markets

Higher Education

Sports

Consumer Technology and Social Media

Non-Profits

Solar Energy

Related Guides

Off Campus Access

APRD, Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies Librarian

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