| University Libraries
See Updates and FAQs for the latest library services updates. Subject Librarians are available for online appointments, and Virtual Reference has extended hours.
| University Libraries
Thanks for your interest in the GMU Libraries' Business Research Toolkit! The Spring 2021 offering of the toolkit will run from March 15 - April 26, 2020. Registration for Spring 2021 is closed. Email Kelly Bennett at kbenne4@gmu.edu with any questions.
Original Guide from University of Alabama Birmingham: http://guides.library.uab.edu/businesscertificate
George Mason University Business Subject Guide: https://infoguides.gmu.edu/business
This is a 6 week program consists of 7 modules (5 required and 2 elective), each of which take approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Each module is offered online in an asynchronous format within Blackboard. It takes 6 weeks to complete the toolkit at the pace of 1 required module per week, and 2 electives completed on the final week.
Required Modules
Company Research
Industry Research
News Searching
Demographics & Marketing
International Business Research
Elective Modules (Choose 2)
Investment Research
Career Research
Academic Integrity
The Business Research Toolkit (originally the Business Research Certificate) originated at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Libraries. Created in 2010 by Jeff Graveline, the program was developed to meet the business research needs of students, faculty, and staff across campus. Since it was started, hundreds of students from all backgrounds have received a certificate of completion. The program was originally designed to cover specific areas of business research including: the research process, company research, industry research, advanced news searching, demographics & business statistics, and international research. The program also includes a module designed to cover all aspects of academic dishonesty.
Kara Van Abel took over the program in the Spring of 2017 adding new modules and re-designing the format to make the Business Research Toolkit accessible to anyone regardless of their location or schedule. The George Mason University Libraries' Business Research Toolkit program is modeled off of this version and was adapted by Business Librarian Jo Ann Henson and Research & Instruction Specialist Kelly Bennett. Much of the content was taken directly from UAB's Business Research Toolkit with permission. You can access UAB's Toolkit here: https://guides.library.uab.edu/businesscertificate
Q. Who can take the Business Research Toolkit?
A. The toolkit is open to all GMU students, staff, and faculty.
Q. How much does the Business Research Toolkit cost?
A. There is no cost to participate.
Q. Is the Business Research Toolkit asynchronous?
A. Yes, however each required module is open for 1 week at a time. All requirements for those modules must be met during the assigned week.
Q. Will I receive course credit for completing the toolkit?
A. No, however you can add it to your resume and professional portfolio. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the toolkit.
