MKT 492: Seminar - International Marketing:
Country/Cultural Analysis
Secondary/Data Sources
This assignment guide was created to assist students in locating secondary/data sources for course related international marketing projects.
The guide focuses on suggested strategies and best places to begin research efforts. For information & assistance in using any of the sources, please contact library staff:
For specialized assistance, please contact the Business Reference Librarian to set up a consultation appointment:
Country Analysis:
Background Notes (U.S. Dept. of State) - "Factual publications that provide information on all the countries of the world with which the US has relations. They include facts on the country's land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and its relations with other countries and the United States."
Britannica World Data Analyst
"Combining detailed statistics with powerful tools for analysis and display, this resource features a unique collection of in-depth information about the countries of the world and allows you to create interesting and information comparative charts and tables. "
Business Source Premier (EBSCO)
For Country Reports:
- Click on the 'Advanced Search' tab at the top of the search page.
- In the first search box, enter the name of the country. Use the pull-down-menu to select 'Geographic Terms'.
- Click the 'search' button at the top of the screen.
- On the results screen, look to the left and click on 'Country Reports'.
Note: Includes reports from Business Monitor International, CountryWatch, Datamonitor, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Global Insight, Going Global, ICON Group International, Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD), PRA Group, Superintendent of Documents.
CIA World Factbook (Central Intelligence Agency) - The CIA provides users with an excellent concise country overview (map, introduction, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues).
Country Studies/Area Handbook Series (Library of Congress) - "The Country Studies Series presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world and examines the interrelationships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural factors. At present, 102 countries and regions are covered. Notable omissions include Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and other Western nations, as well as a number of African nations."
Everything International/Market Entry Assistance (Russow/Philadelphia University)
Export.gov - Use this web site in place of STAT-USA database. The Country Commercial Guides publication for each country can be obtained through the Export.gov website. Click on the link to the left 'Market Research'
For Country Reports:
- Click on 'Home' to the left of the top menu bar.
- Click on 'Market Research' on the left menu bar.
- Click on the link to 'Market Research Library'.
- Fill in the search form by selecting a country from the pull-down menu .
- Select report type (Country Commercial Guide, Best Market Reports, or Market Research Reports.
- Review the results list and click on title links to access PDF files which can be saved to your thumb drive or specific pages printed.
For Country Information:
- Click on 'Home' to the left of the top menu bar.
- Click on 'Find Country Information' on the right menu bar.
- Click on your region from the results list OR choose 'Trade Information Center Database.'
Global Competitiveness Report
MCOB Reference HF 1414 .G559
globalEDGE: International Business Resource Desk (Michigan State University) - Browse the wealth of data links by categories 'country insights', 'global resources', or 'market potential indicators'.
International Trade Administration
Mergent Online
To Locate a List of Companies by Industry in a Specific Country:
- Conduct a 'Basic Search' for a list of companies operating within a specific industry within a country. Use the pull-down menu to select a country. Next, enter the NAICS code for the industry and click on the 'Search' button.
- Next, click on your company's name on the results list.
- Click on the various tabs across the top of the screen for detailed information (Company Details, Company Financials, EDGAR (SEC Documents), News, & Tear Sheets (Stock performance snapshot)).
To Locate Country Profiles:
- Look at the bottom of the search screen on the database home page for 'Country Profile'.
- Use the pull-down menu to select your country; also see the pull-down menu for 'Enhanced Country Profile'.
Portals to the World (Library of Congress)
World Bank - Choose a specific country from the main page for quickest access to information. Next, choose the following topics from the left menu bar: Country Overview, Data & Statistics, Publications & Reports, Development Topics, and Public Information Center.
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Cultural Analysis:
Business Source Premier (EBSCO)
For country or cultural information:
- Click on the 'Advanced Search' tab at the top of the search page
- In the first search box, use the pull-down menu and select 'geographic terms' and enter the country name in the search box
- In the second search box enter 'culture'
- One could also use any of the terms: business, society, etc.
- Click the 'search' button at the top of the screen
CultureGrams
MCOB Reference GT 150 .C85 2005 v. 1-4
Each volume contains country reports featuring categories (some not found in other sources) such as: Land & climate, History, Population, Language, Religion, General Attitudes, Personal Appearance, Greetings, Gestures, Visiting, Eating, Family, Dating & Marriage, Diet, Recreation, Arts, Holidays, Commerce, Government, Economy, Transportation & Communications, Education, Health, Events & Trends, and Contact Information.
v. 1--The Americas
v. 2--Europe
v. 3--Africa
v. 4--Asia & Oceania
International Business Culture & Etiquette (Executive Planet) - Includes links to business culture guides for major countries.
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries, 2nd ed.
MCOB Reference HF 5389 .M67 2006
Concise outline for each country which covers cultural overviews, behavior styles, negotiating techniques, protocol, and business practices.
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Locate additional materials using USA Library's Catalog. Conduct a keyword search for your country's name and the term culture. Ex. spain and culture
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Last Updated: 8/23/09 DLH
