How to Conduct Business Research

 

"Do your research" is often the response to accounting-related questions. But how should you start your research journey? What are easy ways to research accounting, finance, and business questions? Luckily, Wikipedia is a free research tool that is easy to use. 

Here is a simple guide on how to use Wikipedia for business research.

 

Step 1: Define Your Research Objectives

Clearly outline the specific information you are seeking to gather for your business research.

Determine the key topics, industries, companies, or trends you want to explore using wikipedia.

 

Step 2: Conduct Keyword Searches

Use the Wikipedia search tool in this blog (located in the main menu). Enter keywords related to your research topic. Refine your search queries by using quotation marks (“ ”) for exact phrases, or exclude terms with a minus sign (-).

 

Step 3: Evaluate the Search Results

Assess the credibility and reliability of the information.

Look for citations, references, and external links to verify the information provided.

Pay attention to the editing history and discussion pages for insights into the content's bias.

 

Step 4: Cross-Reference Information

Cross-reference the information obtained from Wikipedia against other reputable sources such as scholarly journals, industry reports, and news articles. Verify the people, events, key facts, statistics, and assertions mentioned in the content.

 

Step 5: Explore Related Topics and Categories

Explore related topics, categories, and hyperlinks within Wikipedia to discover additional relevant information. Navigate through linked pages and explore related categories to gain a comprehensive understanding of your research area.

 

Step 6: Engage with Industry Professionals

Consider participating in professional communities for valuable insights, networking opportunities, and access to expert knowledge.

 

Step 7: Document and Organize Findings

Document your findings including key insights, references, and relevant data points. Organize your research notes in a structured format for easy reference and future use in business analysis or decision-making.

 

Step 8: Stay Updated

Regularly use the Wikipedia search tool to stay updated on the latest developments, trends, and changes in your research area. Explore updates, including emerging topics, niche industries, or international markets.

 

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively leverage Wikipedia as a valuable resource for conducting business research. Remember to approach all content critically, verify information from multiple sources, and document your findings to make well-informed decisions for your business.