Business Analysis Frameworks: SWOT, PESTLE, Five Forces

Published PESTLE analyses are generally speaking not easy to come by, they are less popular than SWOT even though information related to the factors included in the analysis can be easily available. Industry reports, articles, news and commentary can be found in the following databases in our library collection:

•  = Users listed next to this icon have access on campus. (This will often say ALL indicating all users have access on campus. There are a few exceptions.) 
•  = Users listed next to this icon have access off campus.

For a complete list of :

• business databases for NSU patrons click here.
• newspapers and current events for NSU patrons click here.
• statistical sources for NSU patrons click here.  

Search tips:

• Search by industry related keyword in the Anywhere field + “Plunkett Analytics Reports” in Publication title, click on title and then on Full text – PDF on the left.

• Fitch reports can be found by using Fitch or “Fitch Solutions Industry Insight Reports” in the Publication Title field + industry related keyword in the Anywhere field + “United States” in the Location field.
• Another strategy to get to these reports is to search by BMI in the Anywhere field + industry related keyword in the “Anywhere except full text” field, but this strategy will yield slightly more diverse results.

Search tips:

• Search by “MarketLine industry” in the title + United States in the title
• MarketLine in title + industry keyword in title + “United States” in title

Search tips:

• First Research reports have several sections that can be used a starting point for your own PESTLE analysis. Relevant sections are “Critical Issues”, Business Challenges”, “Industry Opportunities”.

Search tips:

• “Industry performance” is the section of these reports where you will find information about key external drivers and their impact on the industry, while demand determinants are discussed in the Products & Markets” section.
• Supply chain information can be found in the Products & Markets section. This is also where you can find information about international trade. Operating conditions are discussed in these reports as well.

IbisWorld has published a useful blog entry on

• How to Conduct a PESTLE Analysis

Search tips:

• Start from the Industry analysis tab, then click on Reports. Mergent Reports, accessed from the last tab to the right have a Current environment section, as well as an Environmental, Social and Governance section. The Industry profile sections of the report (one for US and one for Canada) include Policy and Regulatory Environment commentary.