Last Updated: Sep 05, 2023 Views: 503

We recommend three databases for gathering this information:  MarketLine, IBIS World, and Statistical Abstracts (ProQuest). 

  • MarketLine has industry reports that can be very helpful for analyzing the factors of production.  You can run a search for your specific company and it should bring up the relevant industry reports.  Click on Industry Profiles to view all of the industry reports.  Look for the one for North America or the United States. You will find a table of contents on the right side.  Click on the Five Forces Analysis and you will see information on inputs and outputs of production. 

  • IBIS World also has industry reports that will help you isolate what the inputs and outputs are.  Again, you can search for a specific company and it should bring back the relevant industry report. Click on the Industry Performance tab and look especially at the Current Performance Section.  You will see an inputs costs section.  Inputs are also often mentioned under the Competitive Landscape and Major Companies tab.

  • For specific costs on raw materials, please use the Statistical Abstract of the U.S. - ProQuest.  For example, Section 14 has consumer price data from as far back as 1990 up until now. For example, table 756 has food retail prices of selected items from 1990-2017.

For additional assistance, please contact the Reference Desk:

  • email: ask@snhu.libanswers.com
  • chat: using the "Chat 24/7 with a Librarian" button at the top right corner of this page.

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