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Taking the temperature of the business environment
Being aware of external factors--economic, social, political, technological--that influence or affect business decisions is important when identifying strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Knowledge of the business environment can also help identify strategies for ensuring long-term-growth and continuity.
Library Resources
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Wall Street Journal via ProQuest This link opens in a new window
Thoroughly indexed, users will have access to top news stories and information contained in various sections of the paper in regard to local and regional news.
Freely Available Resources
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Doing BusinessProvides objective measures of business regulations for local firms in 190 economies.
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Country Commerical Guides on Export.gov (International Trade Administration)Provides information on market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business customs for more than 70 major markets. This information is prepared by ITA trade professionals at U.S. embassies worldwide.
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IMF eLibrary Data (International Monetary Fund)Access the IMF's periodicals, books, working papers and studies, data and statistical tools. Information provided includes macroeconomics, globalization, development, trade and aid, technical assistance, demographics, emerging markets, policy advice, poverty reduction and more.
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Top Markets Series on Export.gov (International Trade Administration)Each report ranks future export opportunities within a particular industry based on a sector-specific methodology, as well as, providing a detailed assessment of the competitiveness landscape within a sector and the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. exporters in key markets.
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World Bank DataProvides access to global development data.
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World Factbook (Central Intelligence Agency)Provides information on the history, people and society, government, economy, energy, geography, communications. transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.