As you start analyzing your company, it's a good idea to get the broad view. The Company Profile and the Company website will give you information about the company's founders, history, mission, values, and major competitors.
The Company Profile is a publication found in the Business Source Premier database.
View the video below to learn how to find a Company Profile.
When you’re researching a company, many students turn first to the company’s own website. For assignments, this source should be used sparingly. A company designs a website for public relations purposes. These sites are generally upbeat, positive, and show a happy face to the world. If the company is having serious financial or management crises, they will rarely be spotlighted on a company website.
They are a reliable place to find audited financial statements. If the company chooses to share its mission statement and/or vision statement, these would be valuable finds on a company website.
For objective analysis of a company’s internal and external environments, the other sources covered in this tutorial will be a better bet.