Chapter 3 - Evaluating Online Information

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OAC 104: Internet Research for Business

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CHAPTER 3
Evaluating Online Information
Content:
1. Importance of reliable sources for business research
2. Common pitfalls in online information evaluation
3. Key criteria for assessing online information credibility
4. Tools and techniques for fact-checking online content
5. Case studies of businesses affected by misinformation
6. Best practices for integrating online research into business strategies

Introduction on Evaluating Online Information for Business Research

In today’s digital age, the internet


is a critical source for business research.
However, the sheer volume of
information can be overwhelming. To
make informed decisions, its essential to
evaluate the credibility and reliability of
online sources.

All websites should be evaluated


for a number of different criteria,
especially if you are planning to use the
information found there in a course
assignment or other scholarly research.

In evaluating content on the web,


you will look for many of the same
characteristics that you look for in other
resources, and evaluate based on some
additional criteria, such as the host of the
website and functionality of the website.

Evaluation is especially important


for using web sources for research
assignments, but it is also important to
view websites critically even if your
research is only for personal purposes.

IMPORTANCE OF RELIABLE SOURCES FOR BUSINESS RESEARCH


Using reliable sources in business research is paramount for ensuring the
accuracy of findings. Reliable information helps in making sound decisions, guiding
strategies, and identifying market opportunities.

1. Accuracy and Validity


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Reliable sources provide accurate and verified data, minimizing the risk of
making decisions based on faulty or biased information. In business,
decisions influenced by incorrect data can lead to financial losses,
reputational damage, or poor strategic choices.

2. Credibility and Trust


Using reputable sources helps build trust with stakeholders, including
investors, clients, and partners. Reliable information signals that a business
or researcher is well-informed and thorough in their approach.

3. Informed Decision-Making
Business strategies depend on sound, evidence-based research. Reliable
sources allow businesses to forecast market trends, understand competitors,
and identify risks with greater precision.

4. Competitive Advantage
In rapidly changing industries, timely access to reliable information can give
businesses a competitive edge by allowing them to respond effectively to
market changes or seize new opportunities ahead of competitors.

5. Compliance and Ethics


Many industries have regulatory requirements that demand the use of
verified and trustworthy information, particularly in areas like finance, law,
and healthcare. Relying on reliable sources ensures compliance with these
standards and upholds ethical business practices.

6. Risk Mitigation
Unreliable sources can introduce risks such as misinformation, outdated data,
or biased perspectives. These can lead to flawed strategies, legal challenges,
or reputational harm.

In conclusion, reliable sources form the backbone of high-quality business


research, leading to sound strategies, stakeholder trust, and sustainable success.

COMMON PITFALLS IN ONLINE INFORMATION EVALUATION

1. Confirmation Bias
People often seek out information that supports their pre-existing beliefs,
ignoring or dismissing content that contradicts their views. This selective
attention can lead to flawed conclusions and the reinforcement of inaccurate
beliefs.

2. Reliance on Unverified Sources


A common mistake is to rely on sources that have not been fact-checked or
verified. Websites, blogs, and social media platforms may publish information
that lacks editorial oversight, leading to the spread of misinformation.

3. Misinterpreting Authority
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Not all authoritative-sounding websites are reliable. Some may have biases or
hidden agendas, while others may present data out of context. It's important
to evaluate the expertise, credentials, and affiliations of the author or
organization behind the information.
4. Outdated Information
Failing to check the date of publication can result in using outdated data or
conclusions that no longer apply. In fast-evolving fields like technology,
finance, or medicine, using old information can lead to poor decision-making.

5. Superficial Skimming
Skimming content instead of thoroughly reading and evaluating it can result
in
misunderstanding
key points or
missing important
nuances.
Superficial reading
leads to incomplete
knowledge and
flawed analysis.

6. Ignoring Biases
Many online
sources have
inherent biases,
whether political,
corporate, or
personal. Ignoring
or failing to detect
bias can skew the interpretation of the information. It’s essential to critically
assess the objectivity of the source.

7. Overreliance on Popularity
People often mistake popularity (e.g., likes, shares, or high search engine
rankings) for reliability. Just because a piece of information is widely shared
does not mean it’s accurate or trustworthy.

8. Misleading Headlines or Clickbait


Many online articles use sensational or misleading headlines (clickbait) to
attract readers. Relying on headlines without reading the full article can lead
to misconceptions, as the headline often does not reflect the actual content.

9. Overlooking Primary vs. Secondary Sources


Many users fail to differentiate between primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources offer direct evidence or firsthand accounts, while secondary
sources interpret or analyze primary sources. Confusing the two can result in
less reliable conclusions.

10. Not Cross-Referencing Information


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Relying on a single source without verifying the information with other


reputable sources can lead to the acceptance of inaccuracies. Cross-
referencing multiple sources helps ensure the reliability of information.
11. Falling for Fake News or Misinformation
Some websites deliberately spread fake news or disinformation for political,
financial, or ideological reasons. Without carefully verifying information, users
can fall victim to these falsehoods.

12. Confusing Correlation with Causation


Misinterpreting data by assuming that a correlation between two variables
means one causes the other is a frequent issue in online information,
especially in health or social science articles.

By being aware of these pitfalls, users can develop better habits for critically
evaluating online information, ensuring they use credible, accurate, and relevant
data.

KEY CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING ONLINE INFORMATION CREDIBILITY

1. Author Expertise and Credentials


 Who is the author? Check if the author is an expert in the subject
matter, with relevant qualifications, experience, or expertise.
 Affiliation: Look at the author’s affiliations (e.g., academic institutions,
industry positions) to gauge their credibility.
 Author’s Track Record: Review other works or publications by the
author to see if they are consistently credible and respected.

2. Source Authority
 Institution or Publisher: Reputable organizations, academic institutions,
government bodies, and well-known news agencies are more likely to
provide reliable information. Check whether the source is recognized
and respected within the field.
 Peer Review: For academic articles, peer-reviewed sources are highly
credible as they’ve been evaluated by experts in the field.

3. Accuracy and Verifiability


 Citations and References: Credible information will typically cite
sources and provide references to back up claims. Ensure that these
references are from trustworthy and relevant sources.
 Cross-Verification: Verify the information by checking it against other
reliable sources. If the facts are consistent across multiple credible
outlets, they are likely accurate.

4. Date of Publication
 Timeliness: Check the publication date to ensure the information is up-
to-date, especially in fields where data and findings evolve rapidly,
such as technology, science, or business.
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 Relevance: Even older information may be credible but consider


whether it’s still relevant to the topic at hand.

5. Purpose and Objectivity


 Intent of the Content: Evaluate whether the purpose of the information
is to inform, educate, sell a product, or promote a viewpoint. Sources
with an agenda may present biased information.
 Bias and Objectivity: Determine whether the information is presented
objectively or with a noticeable bias. Look for language that is neutral
and fact-based, rather than emotionally charged or promotional.

6. Quality of Evidence
 Data and Research: Credible sources provide well-researched,
evidence-based content, often supported by data, statistics, or
empirical studies.
 Logical Consistency: The arguments and conclusions presented should
be logical and well-supported by the evidence. Beware of flawed
reasoning or unsupported claims.

7. Reputation of the Source


 User Reviews and Feedback: In some cases, user reviews or feedback
can provide insight into the reputation of a source, especially for news
outlets or businesses.
 Industry Recognition: Check if the source has received recognition,
awards, or citations from other credible source.

8. Design and Professionalism


 Website Quality: Professional-looking websites are often better
indicators of credible sources. Look for proper grammar, well-organized
content, and a lack of pop-up ads or intrusive marketing.
 Domain: Websites with domain extensions like .edu, .gov, and .org are
generally more credible than commercial sites ending in .com,
although this is not an absolute rule.

9. Transparency
 Author and Source Transparency: Credible sources are transparent
about their authors, sources of funding, and editorial policies. If such
information is hidden, it may be a red flag.
 Contact Information: Reputable sites often provide contact details,
allowing users to verify the authenticity of the publisher or
organization.

10. Emotional Appeal or Clickbait


 Sensationalism: Credible information tends to avoid sensational or
exaggerated headlines designed to attract clicks (clickbait). If the
headline seems too extreme or unrelated to the content, it may
indicate a lack of credibility.
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 Tone: A professional tone, with factual and reasoned arguments, is


generally a marker of credibility.

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR FACT-CHECKING ONLINE CONTENT

Fact-checking online content is essential to ensure its accuracy and reliability,


especially in an era of widespread misinformation. Here are some key tools and
techniques for effective fact-checking:

1. Cross-Referencing Multiple Sources


Technique: Verify information by checking multiple credible and independent
sources. If the same facts are reported consistently across different trustworthy
platforms, the information is likely accurate.
Tools: Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing) can help cross-reference, while
databases like Google Scholar are useful for academic content.

2. Check Author and Source Credibility


Technique: Investigate the author's credentials and the reputation of the
publishing platform. Look for expertise in the subject area and affiliations with
reputable organizations.
Tools:
LinkedIn or Google Scholar: Useful for checking an author’s qualifications.
Whois.net: Allows you to check the registration details of websites, helping to
verify if the site is legitimate or affiliated with known organizations.

3. Reverse Image Search


Technique: Use reverse image search to verify the authenticity of images. This
can help identify whether an image has been altered or taken out of context, as
well as its original source.
Tools:
Google Reverse Image Search: Upload an image or paste the URL to find its
origin and other instances where it appears online.
TinEye: A dedicated reverse image search engine that tracks where and how
images are used online.

4. Verify Claims with Fact-Checking Websites


Technique: Use established fact-checking websites to confirm the truthfulness of
specific claims. These websites specialize in investigating and debunking false or
misleading information.
Tools:
Snopes: One of the oldest fact-checking platforms, covering a wide range of
topics.
FactCheck.org: Focuses on political claims and public policy issues.
PolitiFact: Rates the accuracy of statements made by politicians and public
figures.
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AP Fact Check and Reuters Fact Check: Associated Press and Reuters offer
reliable, journalism-based fact-checking services.

5. Use Tools for Checking Website Reputation


Technique: Evaluate the reputation and safety of websites to assess their
reliability. This can include checking for potential biases or unsafe content.
Tools:
Web of Trust (WOT): A browser extension that rates websites based on user
feedback regarding trustworthiness, vendor reliability, and privacy concerns.
Media Bias/Fact Check: Offers ratings on the bias and credibility of news
organizations and websites, helping to identify biased or misleading sources.

7. Analyze the Domain and URL


Technique: Review the domain name for signs of legitimacy. Be cautious of fake
or spoofed domains designed to mimic reputable websites (e.g., replacing ".com"
with ".co").
Tools:
Whois Lookup: Use to check the registration information of websites and verify if
a website is owned by a legitimate organization.
ICANN Lookup: Provides information on domain registrars and ownership, useful
for verifying domain credibility.

8. Use Plagiarism Checkers


Technique: Detect whether content has been copied or taken out of context.
Plagiarism tools can reveal if an article or claim is original or duplicated across
various unverified sources.
Tools:
Grammarly (with plagiarism checker): Highlights copied text across the web.
Copyscape: A tool that scans the internet for plagiarized content.

9. Analyze the Writing Style and Tone


Technique: Pay attention to sensationalist or biased language, which can indicate
a lack of objectivity. Legitimate content typically uses neutral, evidence-based
language.
Tool: Hemingway Editor or Grammarly can help analyze the readability and tone
of a text to spot sensationalist or overly emotional language.

10. Check for Data Authenticity


Technique: Verify the accuracy of data or statistics cited in articles by cross-
referencing original research or official sources.
Tools:
Google Scholar: Use to find peer-reviewed research papers and validate
scientific claims.
Statista: A reliable database for verified statistics and data across industries and
topics.
World Bank Open Data and OECD Data: Offer credible, internationally recognized
databases for economic and social data.

11. Use Browser Extensions and Fact-Checking Plugins


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Technique: Install browser extensions that automatically flag questionable


content or alert you when information from potentially unreliable sources is
detected.
Tools:
NewsGuard: A browser extension that provides credibility ratings for news
websites, showing whether they meet basic journalistic standards.
Fakespot: This plugin assesses the credibility of e-commerce reviews, helping
users avoid fake product reviews.

12. Verify Social Media Claims


Technique: Fact-check viral posts on social media by examining the original
poster, checking comments for corrections, and searching reputable sources for
corroboration.
Tools:
CrowdTangle: A tool that tracks how information spreads across social media,
useful for understanding the origin and legitimacy of viral content.
First Draft News: Offers resources and tools for verifying information spread on
social platforms.

13. Evaluate Metadata of Content


Technique: Examine metadata embedded in online content, such as photos or
documents, to reveal details like creation date, location, and software used.
Tools:
ExifTool: A metadata tool to extract hidden information from images, documents,
and files, useful for verifying the authenticity of digital media.

By employing these tools and techniques, you can significantly improve your
ability to fact-check online content and avoid falling prey to misinformation or false
claims.

CASE STUDIES OF BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY MISINFORMATION


Misinformation can have serious consequences for businesses, affecting their
reputation, operations, and financial health. Here are some notable case studies of
businesses impacted by misinformation:

1. Chipotle (E. coli Outbreak Rumors)


Overview: In 2015, Chipotle faced a real crisis when several of its restaurants
were linked to an outbreak of E. coli. However, as the crisis unfolded, rumors and
misinformation began spreading online, further exaggerating the severity of the
situation.

Impact: The misinformation compounded the damage, as false reports


circulated about the number of affected restaurants and the alleged scale of the
outbreak. The company’s stock price plummeted by nearly 50%, and it took years
for Chipotle to recover from the public relations nightmare.

Response: Chipotle worked hard to regain customer trust by overhauling its


food safety protocols and launching public relations campaigns to set the record
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straight. The company introduced transparency initiatives and reassured customers


about the steps taken to prevent future outbreaks.

2. Wayfair (Human Trafficking Conspiracy)


Overview: In 2020, Wayfair, an online home goods retailer, was falsely
accused of being involved in human trafficking. A conspiracy theory began on social
media, suggesting that the company was trafficking children through overpriced
furniture listings.

Impact: Although the claims were entirely fabricated, the theory gained
traction on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. The viral nature of the misinformation
led to a significant reputational hit for Wayfair, causing negative publicity and a loss
of consumer trust.

Response: Wayfair quickly issued a statement refuting the claims, asserting


that the rumors were "completely false" and clarifying that the prices were
legitimate for specialized furniture products. However, the company struggled to
control the spread of the misinformation due to the conspiracy's virality.

3. Corona Beer (COVID-19 Misinformation)


Overview: In early 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a wave
of misinformation linked Corona beer to the coronavirus due to its name. Social
media jokes and false reports suggested that consuming Corona beer was somehow
connected to contracting the virus.

Impact: This misinformation led to a significant dip in Corona’s brand


perception and sales, especially in the U.S. At one point, 38% of Americans polled
said they would not buy Corona beer, despite there being no logical connection
between the product and the virus.

Response: Corona’s parent company, Constellation Brands, issued multiple


public clarifications to combat the false association. Despite the efforts, the
misinformation affected the brand’s sales, and it took a significant public relations
effort to restore consumer confidence.

4. P&G (Satanism Rumor)


Overview: Procter & Gamble (P&G) faced an enduring rumor beginning in the
1980s that its moon-and-stars logo was a symbol of Satanism. The false rumor
alleged that the company was affiliated with Satanist groups and donated profits to
these organizations.

Impact: The rumor gained traction through word-of-mouth, pamphlets, and


later the internet, damaging P&G’s reputation and leading to boycott campaigns.
Despite repeatedly denying the claims, P&G saw some negative impacts on its
public image and sales.

Response: P&G went so far as to sue organizations that perpetuated the


rumors, including religious groups that promoted the false information. Eventually,
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the company dropped the logo altogether to distance itself from the false
accusations.

5. McDonald's (Worm Meat Scandal)


Overview: In the 1970s and again in the early 2000s, McDonald's was
plagued by false rumors that it was using worm meat in its hamburgers to cut costs.
Despite being entirely untrue, the rumor gained widespread attention and harmed
the company’s brand image.

Impact: The rumor contributed to public mistrust in McDonald's food quality,


leading to temporary dips in sales and damaging the company’s reputation for
years. It became one of the earliest examples of how misinformation can spread
widely even before the internet era.

Response: McDonald's launched a public relations campaign to dispel the


rumors, including publishing the actual ingredients used in their products. The
company also took legal action against individuals spreading false claims.

6. Samsung (Note 7 Explosion Reports)


Overview: In 2016, Samsung faced a legitimate crisis when several Galaxy
Note 7 smartphones caught fire due to faulty batteries. However, after Samsung
issued a recall and replacement, misinformation began to circulate that even the
replacement devices were exploding.

Impact: The misinformation, combined with the initial legitimate problem,


severely impacted consumer confidence in Samsung. Despite efforts to manage the
issue, the misinformation about replacement phones continued to spread, leading to
the permanent discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7 line. Samsung's reputation and
market value took a significant hit.

Response: Samsung ramped up its communication efforts, stressing that the


replacement phones were safe and investing in comprehensive public apologies and
compensation for affected customers. The company eventually rebounded by
increasing transparency about its manufacturing and testing processes.

7. Domino’s Pizza (Viral Prank Video)


Overview: In 2009, two Domino’s employees in North Carolina uploaded a
prank video showing them tampering with food while preparing it for customers.
Although the video was meant as a joke, it quickly went viral and led to significant
backlash against the company.

Impact: The video spread misinformation about Domino’s food safety


practices, causing widespread public outrage. Customers lost trust in the brand, and
the company faced significant reputational damage and a public relations crisis.

Response: Domino’s acted swiftly by firing the employees involved and


publicly addressing the issue. The CEO issued an apology via YouTube, and
Domino’s increased its social media presence to directly engage with customers and
restore trust.
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8. Nike (Child Labor Allegations)


Overview: In the 1990s, Nike faced accusations of using child labor in its
overseas factories. While there were genuine labor concerns regarding working
conditions, much of the information that circulated was exaggerated or inaccurate,
leading to a widespread boycott.

Impact: The misinformation significantly damaged Nike's brand image,


particularly in Western markets, leading to protests and a loss of consumer
confidence. The backlash negatively impacted Nike's sales and reputation for
several years.

Response: Nike eventually took action to improve its supply chain practices,
introducing transparency initiatives and third-party audits to ensure better working
conditions. The company worked on rebuilding its image through corporate social
responsibility programs and partnerships with NGOs.

Lessons from These Cases:


 Speed of Response: Swift, transparent communication is critical to
counteract misinformation before it spreads further.
 Proactive Monitoring: Businesses should actively monitor social media and
news outlets for early signs of misinformation.
 Public Relations Strategy: Companies must develop a robust PR strategy
to address false claims and reassure customers.
 Legal Action: In some cases, legal action may be necessary to stop the
spread of harmful misinformation.

These case studies show that misinformation can have a lasting impact, but
with the right response strategies, businesses can recover and rebuild trust.

BEST PRACTICES FOR INTEGRATING ONLINE RESEARCH INTO BUSINESS


STRATEGIES
Integrating online research into business strategies is crucial for making
informed decisions, understanding market trends, and staying competitive. Here are
some best practices to ensure the effective use of online research in your business
strategies:

1. Clearly Define Research Objectives


Best Practice: Before diving into online research, clearly identify your
business goals and what specific information you need. Are you trying to
understand customer behavior, identify market trends, analyze competitors, or
evaluate new products?
Example: If the goal is to assess customer preferences for a new product,
focus the research on customer reviews, online surveys, and industry reports
related to the product category.

2. Use Credible Sources


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Best Practice: Ensure that the information you gather comes from reliable,
authoritative sources such as academic journals, government publications,
reputable news outlets, and industry reports.
Example: For market data, rely on reputable databases like **Statista**,
**Gartner**, or **Forrester**. For financial trends, use reports from
**Bloomberg** or **Reuters** rather than relying solely on social media or blog
content.

3. Leverage Market Intelligence Tools


Best Practice: Utilize advanced market intelligence tools that aggregate
data from multiple credible sources and provide insights into trends, consumer
behavior, and competitor activities.
Example: Tools like **SEMrush** for SEO research, **Google Analytics**
for web traffic insights, and **Sprout Social** for social media trends provide in-
depth data that can guide business decisions.

4. Stay Current with Real-Time Data


Best Practice: Use online tools that provide real-time data to keep up with
fast-moving markets, especially in industries where trends change rapidly (e.g.,
technology or fashion).
Example: Tools like **Google Trends** help track the latest consumer
interest, while real-time financial data from **Yahoo Finance** or
**TradingView** can inform investment strategies or pricing models.

5. Evaluate the Relevance and Context of Information


Best Practice: Always assess the relevance of the information to your
business context. Online research should be contextualized to fit your industry,
market, and target audience.
Example: A tech startup should prioritize research related to emerging
technologies, innovation funding, and user experience trends, rather than
general business data that might not apply.

6. Analyze Competitors Systematically


Best Practice: Integrate competitor research by analyzing their online
presence, social media strategies, customer reviews, and financial data. This
gives you a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses.
Example: Use tools like **SimilarWeb** or **Ahrefs** to evaluate
competitors' web traffic and **Brandwatch** to monitor competitor brand
sentiment on social media.

7. Combine Qualitative and Quantitative Research


Best Practice: Blend qualitative insights (e.g., customer reviews, forum
discussions) with quantitative data (e.g., market reports, surveys) for a
comprehensive understanding of the market.
Example: Use consumer forums, product review websites, or social media
comments to gather qualitative insights about customer satisfaction, while
leveraging surveys or sales data to quantify customer preferences.

8. Incorporate Social Listening


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Best Practice: Use social listening tools to understand customer sentiment,


identify emerging trends, and gauge public perception about your brand or
industry.
Example: Platforms like **Hootsuite** or **Brand24** allow you to track
mentions of your brand, industry trends, or competitors on social media,
enabling you to adjust marketing strategies based on real-time feedback.

9. Ensure Ethical Data Collection


Best Practice: Ensure that the data you collect online is ethical and
complies with legal standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) for privacy protection.
Example: If conducting surveys or gathering customer data, obtain
explicit consent and ensure the proper use and protection of sensitive
information. This is especially critical for online research involving personal data.

10. Incorporate Consumer Feedback Loops


Best Practice: Include online research tools, such as feedback forms,
surveys, or polls, to gather direct insights from your target audience. This helps
tailor strategies based on consumer needs and preferences.
Example: E-commerce businesses can send post-purchase surveys or use
tools like **SurveyMonkey** to gather feedback on new products and services,
incorporating this into product development.

11. Regularly Update Your Research


Best Practice: Online information can quickly become outdated. Make it a
regular practice to update research and reanalyze the market landscape as part
of your strategic planning process.
Example: Review key industry trends at least quarterly, update market
reports annually, and continuously track changes in customer behavior or
emerging competitors.

12. Implement Data-Driven Decision Making


Best Practice: Base decisions on the insights gained from online research
rather than relying solely on intuition or past experience. Use research-backed
metrics and KPIs to guide business strategies.
Example: An online retailer could use A/B testing tools like **Optimizely**
or **Google Optimize** to test the impact of different website layouts on
conversion rates, then use the data to refine the website design.

13. Incorporate Trend Analysis


Best Practice: Use online research to identify and analyze industry or
consumer trends that could influence long-term business strategies.
Example: A fashion brand can use **Pinterest** and **Instagram**
analytics to spot upcoming trends in clothing styles or colors, allowing them to
adjust their upcoming collections based on popular demand.

14. Monitor Online Reviews and Ratings


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Best Practice: Customer reviews and ratings provide critical insights into
customer satisfaction, pain points, and areas of improvement for your product or
service.
Example: Businesses can use tools like **Yotpo** or **Trustpilot** to
aggregate and analyze online reviews, addressing customer complaints and
improving products based on direct feedback.

15. Integrate Findings into Business Intelligence Platforms


Best Practice: Integrate online research data into your Business
Intelligence (BI) platforms for comprehensive insights that inform business
strategies.
Example: Use BI tools like **Tableau** or **Power BI** to visualize market
data, customer trends, and competitor performance in one place, helping
decision-makers access research insights easily.

16. Adapt Quickly to Emerging Opportunities


Best Practice: Use online research to stay agile and adapt quickly to new
opportunities, such as emerging markets, technological innovations, or
consumer preferences.
Example: A software company can monitor trends in artificial intelligence
(AI) development using **CB Insights** to identify potential areas of innovation
and adapt its product offerings accordingly.

17. Educate Your Team on Research Use


Best Practice: Ensure that key stakeholders within the business
understand how to use online research effectively. Provide training or workshops
on evaluating research credibility and integrating insights into strategy.
Example: Provide your marketing team with guidance on how to use tools
like **BuzzSumo** for content research or **Kantar** for consumer insights,
ensuring they make data-driven decisions in campaigns.

By incorporating these best practices, businesses can leverage online


research to make more informed, agile, and data-driven decisions that align with
their strategic goals and enhance their competitive edge.

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Activity!
"Research Explorers: Curating Insights in Business and Office Management"
__________________________________________________________________________________

Instruction:
1. Form a group with 4 members in each group.
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2. Choose and list three (3) research topic which is connected to the field of “business
management, management, and office administration”.
3. Write your 3-research topic in a ¼ yellow pad paper and show it to your instructor for
finalization of your topic.

If a final topic of your group is already assigned:


4. Research for 30 literature and studies which is related to your research topic.
5. Get only the abstract and findings of the research paper.
6. Related literature and studies should be 5 years old (2019-2024).
7. Remember to apply the techniques and tools in finding and evaluating a reliable
online information.
8. Use the different search engines discussed in the previous chapter.
9. Ring bound the compilation of your collection of related literature and studies.
10. Use 8.5” x 11” (short bond paper) size of bond paper.
11. Check the Sample format on the next page for your reference.
Format:
1. Cover Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Compilation of Abstracts and findings
4. References
12. Deadline of submission will be on October 11, 2024.

Title of Your Topic

Compilation of Related Literature and Studies

Submitted to:
MS. MARIEL MAY S. KIDKID
Subject Instructor
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1st Semester, SY 2024-2025

Submitted by:
Name of Group Members
Name of Group Members
Name of Group Members
Name of Group Members
OAC 104: Internet Research for Business
M O D U L E Chapter 3
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