Sources Of Published Information (Secondary Data):
In the desk research, published information is used extensively. Such information is available from internal and external sources. Normally, information (secondary data) for desk research is available from the following sources:
(A) External Sources:
External sources are the reports and publications of various agencies including commercial press. External sources are used when internal records are not adequate or do not provide the required information readily.
(1) Trade Journals: Trade journals are published regularly for the information and guidance of business community. They collect and publish commercial information regularly. Some journals even conduct surveys and publish- the data collected. Companies can subscribe to suitable journals and use the information published therein. A researcher can even refer to back issues of known journals for reference purpose. In India, large number of trade journals are published. They include, “Business Today”, “Business India” and so on. Even business newspapers (e.g.. Economic Times) publish varied information on industrial, financial and economic matters. Such information can be used for research purpose.
(2) Directories: Trade directories are published by different agencies like chambers of commerce and trade associations. They supply information in a compact form to researchers for different purposes.
(3) Subscription Services / Syndicated Services: Some commercial organisations collect and supply information on specific subject/subjects regularly to its subscribers. Interested companies should pay the subscription fees periodically and in return they get required information in a compact form which can be used for research purpose.
(4) Publications of Trade Associations and Chambers of Commerce: These associations collect and supply trade information to their members through journals, special reports, annual reports, booklets and other publications. Sometimes, surveys and special studies are conducted and the reports are given wide publicity through such publications. These associations maintain reference libraries for the benefit of their members and researchers where Indian as well as foreign journals are made available for reference purpose.
(5) Publications of Management and Economic Consultants: Management consultancy companies collect information on business matters and give publicity to the same. This information is useful for research purposes. Even the research reports prepared by MR organisations can be used in the desk research
(6) Publications of Banks and Financial Institutions: Banks, financial institutions, investment trusts and stock exchanges publish information on financial matters through their annual reports and other publications. In India, RBI publishes information on all aspects of Indian economy regularly. Such publications provide reliable statistical information to researchers.
(7) Company Reports: Public limited companies publish their annual reports and financial statements which contain information about their activities and also about general economic situation in the country. Such reports can be used for desk research purpose
(8) Specialised Libraries: In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, specialised libraries are available. They provide whatever information is required by researchers. Even the libraries of foreign embassies are useful for data collection on commercial matters
(9) Government Publications and Publications of International Organisations: Government departments, public corporations and other government agencies publish information of varied nature through their publications. Censusreports are also published by the government. Such reports provide valuable information to researchers. Along with this, international agencies like IMF, WTO, FAO and other agencies of United Nations publish useful information on trade, finance and other economic matters. Such information can be used for desk research.
(B) Internal Sources:
Along with external sources of secondary data, internal sources also supply sufficient information for research purpose. Internal sources are the documents, registers, and records (accounting and sales force) available within different departments of the organisation itself. Huge internal data are available within the organisation but in an unorganised manner. Such data need to be collected and arranged properly before actual use in the research project. Researchers go to external sources when they are unable to get required data within the organisation itself.Various departments of the company can provide information in the form of
(1) periodical statements, reports and statistical data.
(2) Past research reports, files, documents and correspondence of the company are also useful for reference purpose.
(3) sales orders, customer’s complaints and sales reports of different areas are useful for marketing research.
(4) salesmen’s reports are useful for securing information about market situation.
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