Business Administration: ENTR 4100

Click the links below to jump to sections: 

• Resources for industry analysis
• Industry Classification Codes
• Resources for macro environment analysis
• Resources for company information
• Resources for consumer/market research
• Writing and Citing  (opens new page)

Determining an industry designation or classification code can be helpful to get a sense of your industry.  Many business databases allow searching by classification codes. The codes also provide useful descriptions of industries and sub-industries as well as ideas for search terms.

The most commonly used industry classification system in Canada and the U.S. is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The system is hierarchical, organized by broad industry categories, each divided into more specific industries.

• NAICS 2017 (North American Industry Classification System) (Canada)
• NAICS (U.S.)

The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) , although replaced by the NAICS in 1997, is still useful for identifying companies within a specific industry and is also used by a number of licensed databases and print reference material. The SIC codes group companies based on their primary activity, whether a good or service.

• SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) (Canada)
• SIC (U.S.)

Note: If you are researching a very specific or newer industry, it may not be included in these industry classification systems. Please consult the Business Librarian for assistance.

Key databases for industry reports

News, Trade, Scholarly Journals Providing Industry Info:

Useful links

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Useful Links

News, Trade, Scholarly Journals Providing Company Info:

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Patent databases

For more information and resources on patent research, consult: Patent Databases LibGuide

Real Estate:

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