Much business and economic information is quantitative and is best presented as tables, charts, graphs, rankings and the like. Economic data in particular is often reported in time series format, a term which refers to the fact that the information is presented in intervals arranged by some time-based frequency (e.g., daily, weekly, annually). Long time series of data are those that include historic depth, which are particularly valued because they enhance statistical certainty in spotting trends and making forecasts for the future.
Many of the databases discussed previously include articles from trade journals and industry newsletters that are likely to include tables and other graphics. In addition, there is a database that specializes in tables and other types of quantitative data.
TIP: Using Statistics and Tables
• Be aware of units of measurement in a table, especially when comparing data from multiple sources. Are figures reported as dollars, percentages, percent change, indexes, or whole numbers?
• Use source notes to identify leads to more detailed and in-depth information. For example, a table of market share data for the textbook publishing industry could lead to an annual special issue devoted to the topic in Educational Marketer, a trade journal.
• In his book Business Information: How to Find It, How to Use It (2nd edition; Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1991), Michael R. Lavin offers a comprehensive treatment of business statistics. In
addition to defining basic concepts such as averages, percent change, ratios, index numbers, and rankings, there is discussion of advantages and disadvantages, logic, abuses and potential
pitfalls of numeric data. This excellent overview is in his Chapter 13, “Introduction to Statistical Reasoning.”
The statistical publications of more than 1,000 leading trade associations and professional societies, universities and research centers, commercial publishers, and state government agencies are described and analyzed in SRI, which began publication in 1980. All types of publications are treated, including periodicals (Advertising Age, Sales and Marketing Management, etc.), annuals (Trends in Advertising, U.S. Hispanic Market, etc.) and other serials, and one-time publications; many of the titles covered are indexed in no source other than SRI.
As the subject coverage tends to emphasize economics, business, and industry, SRI will usually be found in academic or public libraries serving a high demand for business information; however, the scope of the index encompasses many other fields as well.
Many of the databases discussed previously include articles from trade journals and industry newsletters that are likely to include tables and other graphics. In addition, there is a database that specializes in tables and other types of quantitative data.
TIP: Using Statistics and Tables
• Be aware of units of measurement in a table, especially when comparing data from multiple sources. Are figures reported as dollars, percentages, percent change, indexes, or whole numbers?
• Use source notes to identify leads to more detailed and in-depth information. For example, a table of market share data for the textbook publishing industry could lead to an annual special issue devoted to the topic in Educational Marketer, a trade journal.
• In his book Business Information: How to Find It, How to Use It (2nd edition; Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1991), Michael R. Lavin offers a comprehensive treatment of business statistics. In
addition to defining basic concepts such as averages, percent change, ratios, index numbers, and rankings, there is discussion of advantages and disadvantages, logic, abuses and potential
pitfalls of numeric data. This excellent overview is in his Chapter 13, “Introduction to Statistical Reasoning.”
The statistical publications of more than 1,000 leading trade associations and professional societies, universities and research centers, commercial publishers, and state government agencies are described and analyzed in SRI, which began publication in 1980. All types of publications are treated, including periodicals (Advertising Age, Sales and Marketing Management, etc.), annuals (Trends in Advertising, U.S. Hispanic Market, etc.) and other serials, and one-time publications; many of the titles covered are indexed in no source other than SRI.
As the subject coverage tends to emphasize economics, business, and industry, SRI will usually be found in academic or public libraries serving a high demand for business information; however, the scope of the index encompasses many other fields as well.
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