Company websites can provide quite a lot of information, particularly for public companies. Look for the "about us' or "our story", press releases, investor information including presentations and events and filings, annual reports or corporate social responsibility reports. Use information from the company carefully and watch for bias or an overly optimistic interpretation of factual data.
Many governments have corporate regulatory agencies similar to The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), which provide current company information to the public. See below for a selection:
Industry Associations are key information gateways for their industry. Through their membership lists they can identify the major players and stakeholders within the industry. Associations are aware of government regulations, funding opportunities, trends and drivers in their industry.
Evaluate your sources using the CRAAP test to find reliable, quality information.
• Currency: when was it created?
• Relevance: is it on my topic?
• Authority: is it by an expert?
• Accuracy: is it correct?
• Purpose: why was it created?
Evaluate web and social media sources in 4 moves using the SIFT method.
• Stop - think before using a source.
• Investigate where it is from.
• Find alternative sources.
• Trace claims, quotes and media.
Fact checking is an important skill. Find out how to assess and verify your sources with RMIT's Fact checking guide.
• Assess websites and social media.
• Lean how to spot fake news.
• Develop your media literacy skills.