International Business Information: How to Find It, How to Use It [Paperback]

Ruth A. Pagell (Author), Michael Halperin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 2000

· The first such guide
· It isn’t enough to rely on local or even national knowledge bases any more

"The emerging global economy," "transnational corporation," "the world marketplace"--these phases will define the business environment in the twenty-first century. And here is how it works: A sports car is financed in Japan, designed in Italy, and assembled in Indiana, Mexico, and France, using advanced electronic components invented in New Jersey and manufactured in Korea. Hard to believe? Think about all the cross-border mergers and partnerships created in the last few years alone!

Changes in the economy required business professionals and researchers to learn about new sources of information, as well as to expand their understanding of international business subjects. The sources, language, document coding, and definitions are different--truly foreign. International Business Information was written to help business professionals find and use the latest and best business information, regardless of source of origin.

Among other subjects covered: Key international business publications; important new databases; Company information sources; international accounting standards and practices; international marketing resources; disclosure requirements for major stock exchanges; export/import sources and information; and industrial and economic statistics.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Reference librarians who have found that queries about international business information leave them feeling slightly inadequate will appreciate this new book. Modeled after Michael Lavin's Business Information: How To Find It, How To Use It (Oryx, 1992. 2d ed.), it describes key international publications and databases. In addition, background information for each chapter gives the researcher and librarian the necessary information to locate the correct and most useful source. The authors have been selective in the sources they have included, having examined all printed sources and searched the databases. A most useful element is the inclusion of sample entries from both printed and online sources, illustrating the information and providing researchers with a quick reference to see if the source has the information they are looking for. This is not a bibliography, though in many ways it is more useful. As more business enterprises become international, many libraries will find this book to be of tremendous value, especially given the affordable price. Highly recommended.
C. Christopher Pavek, Putnam, Hayes & Bartlett, Inc. Information Ctr., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

According to the authors, the emerging global economy requires "librarians and business researchers to learn about new sources of information and expand their understanding of international business subjects." With its own sources, language, and coding, mastering this field may seem a formidable undertaking. Thankfully, Pagell and Halperin, both business librarians, have modeled International Business Information (IBI) on a similarly titled, proven source, Michael Lavin's Business Information: How to Find It, How to Use It. Reviewed favorably by the Board [RBB Jl 92], Lavin established a model closely followed in IBI, which combines in-depth descriptions of major business publications with basic concepts essential to using them effectively.

IBI is highly selective, focusing on authoritative, affordable, and generally available English-language sources, both print and electronic. A practical guide for the researcher and librarian, it covers sources used in the core of business research, companies, industries, markets, and finance. The 16 chapters are arranged into five major areas, such as company information, marketing, and international transactions. Each chapter begins with a list of topics and a list of 6-10 major sources discussed in the chapter. (In total, IBI covers more than 600 sources.) Following is a succinct subject overview and in-depth treatment of each major source. Chapter 4, "Company Information: Directory Sources," is typical. It is generously sprinkled with signposts, making it simple to quickly find critical information. A checklist for selecting international directories (e.g., "If the book contains sales data, is the date for those figures given?") is followed by sections on basic company directories (international, regional, Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union), industry directories, product directories, and company histories. Principal International Businesses, D&B Europa, and Kompass International Editions are three of the sources given detailed coverage. Automated sources, while treated in each chapter, are allotted extra coverage in chapter 6, "Company Information: Electronic Sources." Given heavy coverage here are Dialog, Data-Star, Lexis/Nexis, and Dow Jones. IBI will not help with Internet use.

A major strength of IBI is its liberal use of exhibits (more than 150) and tables (more than 100). The exhibits are high-quality facsimile copies of entries from sources. For example, when discussing Dialog's International Dun's Market Identifiers file, the editors provide a reproduction of an IDMI record. Similarly, the researcher trying to decipher an entry from Business Directory for the Soviet Union is presented with a sample entry accompanied by explanatory notes. IBI ends with 10 appendixes (e.g., synthesis of accounting standards in 48 countries, disclosure requirements of major stock exchanges, checklist for selecting an international database) and two indexes, subject and title.

IBI is a highly recommended purchase for any library-- public, special, or academic--that provides international business information. The editors have done a skillful job of explaining major sources and the business concepts involved in their use. IBI will serve as both a teaching and a ready-reference tool. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 2 edition (March 20, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814405770
• ISBN-13: 978-0814405772
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,540,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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