Associations can be a great source of free information on industries. In addition to what is available on the website, you can contact them using your SMU email address and let them know you are working on a class project. You may also want to reach out to a local chapter for personalized assistance. Each of these databases includes a list of appropriate associations for the industry.
These citations are based on APA 7th edition but have been modified to meet the requirements of SMU Cox School of Business instructors. Check with your professor regarding the appropriate citation style for your course.
The following is an example of references on a reference page for the type of articles you will be using for this assignment. Examples of in-text references can be found in Citing Business Sources.
References
Bloom, B. (2021, April). Salty Snacks – US - April 2021. Retrieved from Mintel database
eMarketer. (2020). Retail e-commerce sales including digital services in the United States from 2014-2020. [Chart]. Statista. Retrieved from http://www.statista.com
FTSE Russell. (2020). Consumer data. Retrieved from Mergent Intellect database
Mintel. (2020, May). Marketing to Gen Z – US - May 2020. Retrieved from Mintel database
MRI-Simmons. (2022). Spring 2019 NHCS adult 06-month. [Computer software]. Retrieved from Simmons Insights database
Pew Research Center. (2019, Jan. 8-Feb. 7). College graduates especially likely to read books in a variety of formats. Retrieved from http://pewresearch.org
SimplyAnalytics (2020). Map with % housing tenure. Retrieved from SimplyAnalytics database
The Nielsen Company (2020, January). Prizm household distribution 2018 [Collin County report]. Retrieved from Mergent Intellect database
U.S. Census Bureau (2020). Means of transportation to work in Texas. [Data]. American Community Survey. Retrieved from http://data.census.gov
To create a business plan you will need to include data on the industry, competitors and potential customers. This research guide will direct you toward potential sources to ensure success.
The Business Plan Template is used for the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition and some classes.
The one-hour, hands on Demographic & Consumer Research workshop focuses on resources that provide demographic and psychographic data.
Need a different time? If you have a group of 4 or more, we can add a session for you. Request a workshop.