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MCOB Learning Resource Center (LRC) Resources: Competitive Analysis

This guide is to inform and update the Mitchell College of Business students and faculty of the resources and services available in the business learning resource center. [Originally created by Marty Branch, Business Librarian]

Overview

I encourage you to take a moment and read the following article (access via Business Source Premier) "The Five Competitve Forces that Shape Strategy" by Michael E. Porter, Harvard Business Review, January 2008, pp 79-93.  By understanding the basics in this article, you are prepared to create your own competitive analysis outline.

Library Reference Sources

There are reference print sources available to those who need to conduct competitive analysis whether for an industry, company or product.  Typically, when researching a company or an industry, it begins with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis and comparing industry or business ratios is an excellent way to compare performance:

Almanac of Business and Industry Financial Ratios (MCOB Reference HF 5681.R25 T68) 

Online Resources

Competitive Analysis Databases

There are several databases that will provide information on a company's competitors.