MBA570 - Global Sustainable Business

The following library databases are rich sources for country profiles. A country profile may include topics such as history, culture, politics, economy, risk, the investment environment and a PESTLE or SWOT analysis.

Fill in gaps from country reports with data and statistics from official and reputable sources.

Beyond the library there are numerous websites which may provide additional information.

Quality sources are often buried, use targeted Google searches and look out for content from governments (trade and statistical agencies), international organizations, regulatory agencies, trade associations, professional research/consulting firms etc.

With any resource, be sure to approach it with a critical eye and consider its authority, purpose, content, and currency.

Authority:

• Who is the author? Are they qualified to write on this topic? Do they have valid credentials?
• Are the affiliated with an institution? Does it display any bias?
• Who is the publisher? Does it display any bias?
• What types of resources do they typically publish?

Purpose:

• What is the purpose of this information? To inform, teach, sell, entertain, persuade?
• Do the authors make their intentions or biases clear?
• Does the purpose suit your research?

Content:

• How well does the resource relate to your topic?
• Is it at an appropriate level?
• Is it supported by evidence?
• Does it have footnotes or references?
• Has the information been reviewed by other experts (peer-review?)

Currency:

• When was the work published?
• Has it been revised or updated?
• Is currency necessary for your research?