# 2. Searching strategically

# Have a search strategy or plan

Well begun, is half done. This is also true when you are looking for literature for your study assignment, research or thesis.

Researching the business environment requires a research strategy, critical thinking, creativity and an open mind.

A good research strategy is based on your research questions and your research objectives.

Once you have formulated your research questions, both your main research question and your sub-questions, you can start putting together your search strategy.

The base of your search strategy is shaped by subjects derived from your main research question and your sub-questions. For each of these subjects you need to collect search terms/keywords.

A good search strategy is made up by the following components:

- The collection of search terms (Keep in mind synonyms, jargon and related subjects)
- The identification of relevant sources
- The creation of search strings that will lead you to the best results (using phrase searches, Boolean operators, parenthesis etc.)
- The identification of Industry or statistical classification codes (if and where applicable)

When building your search strategy, you might benefit from using the Form Search strategy business information. You can open this form by clicking this link.

Tips!

- Be aware: there is not always an (exact) answer to each of your questions. Sometimes you will have to come up with an acceptable alternative.
- Keep an eye open for relevant search terms
- Be creative in your overall approach