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Albert S. Cook Library

BUSX 301: Remote/Hybrid Work Policy

Sources & strategies for the remote work research project.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning has videos on all aspects of business, from a practical standpoint.
Examples relevant to this project: remote teams, work from home policies, DEI strategies for remote work, the software development process, consulting client relationships

Databases for Finding Articles

Tips for an Effective Database Search

  • Identify keywords to describe what you are looking for.  You can look at the assignment and literally circle words that are coming up, You can also brainstorm words or phrases that get at elements of the assignment. One hack is to imagine an article that would answer the question you are looking to answer: What words would be in the title?
  • You may be able to come up with alternative terms, synonyms, or related terms (for instance, you could search for "employee engagement" or things you would consider are the opposite of that!). Hang on to these related terms so you have options in how you search
  • This is a complex assignment! Like real workplaces, it's a bit messy. One search will not be sufficient for this project. Keep track of what you've searched, where, and stay organized about what you are finding
  • Consider where you will search. Interested in scholarly studies about telework and productivity? There are plenty, and Business Source Complete is a good place to find them. How about companies whose telework policies are in the news? You might find some articles in Business Source Complete, but will have more to choose from in a news-focused database like Factiva or NexisUni. Statistics on how many Americans telework? For databases, Statista could be worthwhile, or try a statistical website like the Bureau of Labor Statistics perhaps.(See the first page on this guide)
  • When you are ready to go with at least one of your questions, connect your essential keywords/phrases with AND
  • You may use OR in between related words/phrases to get more results (that's where the related terms come in)
  • You can put quotation marks around a phrase to keep the words together, example: "employee engagement"
  • You can find different word endings by using a * at the end of a word stem, for example, telework* finds telework, teleworks, teleworker, teleworking, etc.

 

Lateral Reading for Evaluation

How do you know which sources to use? Try lateral reading -- a technique that makes you better informed about the sources and will save you time using sources that are less than credible.