Typical questions

• • I need to write a business plan.

• • Where can I access business case studies?

Starting points

• • Business can be studied at a number of levels ranging from secondary school to university study. It can also include demands from budding entrepreneurs!

• • Information needs can be theoretical (management theory) or practical (business plans, case studies). Start by ascertaining what is required.

• • Common queries relate to case studies. Some can be obtained via the Journal article and Study guides sub-sections but in many cases items cannot be accessed easily without a subscription so students should always check with their course leaders.

• • Access to data can be problematic as most sources found via the internet are very expensive. If the resources listed are not available locally, advise students to try the Libraries listed here as they allow visitor access to databases.

• • Students may also benefit from consulting the related topic areas of Management, Banking, Economics, Marketing, and Company Information. The latter includes materials covering corporate responsibility.

Recommended resources

Key organisations - business schools

Chartered Association of Business Schools

charteredabs.org

Represents British Business schools. Website includes news from the sector plus professional development resources. These include lists of recommended business journals, impact reports and policy documents. Some accessible to non-members. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

www.aacsb.edu

Established in 1916. Now connects 1,600 member organisations and nearly 800 accredited business schools worldwide. Members may access business school data and research reports via the website. Non-members can use the news stories, events listing and global business source directory.

Academy of International Business (AIB)

aib.msu.edu

International association of scholars. Website has an excellent directory of links to academic websites worldwide.

Key organisations - trade associations

Use these to trace news, views and comment on business policy from industry. All have sections on career development. Some access is restricted to members. British Chambers of Commerce

www.britishchambers .org.uk

National network of chambers of commerce.

CBI

www.cbi.org.uk

UK's largest business lobbying group. Website is a useful starting point for tracing business reaction to UK economic policy. Also includes regular surveys of business prospects.

FSB

www.fsb.org.uk

National federation of small businesses and self-employed in the UK. Website has a resource hub with blogs, factsheets and legal guides designed for smaller businesses.