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MKT 425 (Professor Elmer) Consulting Project Research Guide

How to Analyze Context/Climate?

Where to Look for Information?

Macro-level political, economic, social, and technological factors and trends are often analyzed by think tanks (e.g. Pew Research Center), consulting firms (e.g. Bain & Company), government agencies (e.g. U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis), intelligence and research firms (e.g. IHS Markit), and reported by reporters and journalists (e.g. Forbes, Fortune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal). A broad online search may work as well (with the keywords such as macro trends, demographic trends, consumer trends, and technology trends), but pay attention to recent content and authoritative sources mentioned above.

The First Research Industry profile also briefly mentioned industry drivers (Changes in the economic environment that may positively or negatively affect industry growth.) Mintel Academic include consumer and economic outlook report.

Major PESTLE Analysis Sources:

Bain & Company Macro Trends and Industry Insights
Bain & company provides insights on how companies can prepare for the coming changes and thrive in the new global economy.

Deloitte Perspectives - Industry Outlook
Deloitte Industry Outlook provides key trends, challenges, and opportunities that may impact businesses and influence their strategy.

Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center is a fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis, and other empirical social science research.

Brookings
The research agenda and recommendations of Brookings's experts are rooted in open-minded inquiry and our 300+ scholars represent diverse points of view. Research topics cover foreign policy, economics, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

BEA U.S. Economy at a Glance
BEA produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics that influence the decisions of government officials, business people, and individuals. These statistics provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy. 

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