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Title:
Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them Fast - At Little or No Cost
Review:
Sooner or later, everyone needs to find statistical data. The issue is
how quickly and inexpensively one can locate the information needed
at any given time. Paula Berinstein provides readers with a starting
point in her recent book 'Business Statistics on the Web: Find Them
Fast - at Little or No Cost'. Free or relatively inexpensive sources
are the primary focus of the book. Premium or commercial sources are
mentioned occasionally, especially those that offer some free content.
Sites that have fees associated with them are clearly marked.
The book begins with a Quick Start chapter for those in a hurry. The
next two chapters provide background information on the nature and
sources of statistics in general. General search tips are covered
in depth in chapter four, but tips and tricks are also presented
throughout the book where relevant. Subsequent chapters cover U.S.
and non-U.S. industry, market research, economic, financial,
demographic, and population statistics as well as company information,
special tips and tricks, and estimating company-related numbers that
cannot be located in publicly-available materials. Sidebars and case
studies appear throughout the book to illustrate various points,
resources, or the author's approach to locating particular
information. All but one was easily followed. The one relating to
health club membership contains an error in the wording of the text
that causes some momentary confusion. The book finishes up with a
glossary of statistical terms and a subject index.
The author's website at <http://www.berinsteinresearch.com> includes
statistics links, some of which are unique to the site. Berinstein
suggests you consult both resources for the most complete coverage.
The author states that the book is targeted at anyone needing to find
business and/or economic statistical data. However, it seems more
directed towards the novice or casual researcher. Given that, and the
fact that statistics are easily manipulated, as discussed by the
author, I would like to have seen certain caveats mentioned more
frequently throughout the book, including those relating to: time
lags; the potential bias of sources; the need to verify data, etc. In
addition, oversimplification and generalizations resulting from
presenting complex issues in easy-to-understand language can lead, at
times, to erroneous conclusions by some readers. For example,
guidelines are given for estimating certain company numbers. In some
instances, this may lead readers to conclude that the guidelines are
always applicable to every company in every industry at any given
time. Readers, especially novice or casual researchers, might benefit
from citations for the source of the guidelines or benchmarks used in
the examples as well as a reiteration of the relevant caveats.
The issues above aside, the book succeeds in presenting a starting
point for finding business statistics on the Web. Even more
experienced or professional information researchers could find the
book and the related website useful additions to their resource shelf.
While many of the sites listed throughout the book will be familiar to
experienced researchers, the topics covered are broad enough to allow
for the identification of new sites or the rediscovery of previously
forgotten ones.
FreePint Reviewer:
Penny Leidtke, principal of On-Target Information Services, has over
18 years experience analyzing, researching, and reporting on
companies, industries, economic conditions and financing strategies.
On-Target helps the corporate, financial, and legal communities meet
their information needs in connection with valuations, product
development, competitive analysis, mergers and acquisitions,
securities analysis, strategic planning, and market, industry or
economic trend analysis. Recent projects relate to various segments
of the automotive industry, educational institutions, publishing,
organic chemicals, and healthcare. Articles and presentations include
starting an information services business, market research methods,
and automotive industry resources. Penny can be reached at
<on-targetinfo@erols.com>.
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