How do I find articles for a force analysis?

You can find articles for a force analysis by searching in the Library's business databases for keywords that represent the forces. You can then combine those keywords with the phrase strategic planning and keywords that represent your particular organization or industry to find relevant articles.

Note: A general force analysis assesses the forces that are at work in the external environment of a business or organization. Michael E. Porter first identified these forces in his article:

Porter, M. E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78-93.

Here is an example of a search that you can do in the Business Source Complete database to find articles for a force analysis:

1. On the Library homepage click on Research by Subject. 
2. Click on the link for Business and Management.
3. Click on Business & Management databases. This opens a list of databases. 
4. Scroll down and click on Business Source Complete.
5. Log in with your myWalden Portal user name and password if prompted.
6. Set up your search.
    

   In the first search box enter:

   strategic planning

   In the second search box enter your force keywords. For example:

   competition

   In the third search box you can enter keywords for your organization or industry. For example:

   auto

   
   
    
7. Click search to run the search.

More Information:

• Guide: Company Research

• Guide: Industry Research

• How do I find articles on my topic?
   

Do you have other business research questions? Ask a Librarian!