An environmental scan includes an industry analysis where you will discuss external factors that have, or could have, an impact on the product, activity or service you are considering.
There are different models for conducting an environmental scan. The suggestions below are meant as sample starting points for conducting a 'CREST' analysis of the product, activity or service you are considering. If you need more help, please consult us at the Library.
Can you find an industry overview for your product or service? Who are your leading competitors? What are their products or services and how do they compare to your product or event idea? What market segment do they target? What are your competitors' strengths and weaknesses – and how this can help you distinguish your company? What can you learn from watching your competition?
Sports business data and analytics using syndicated and custom proprietary research for professional and college sports categories as well as sports participation and equipment sales information. Data is driven from consumer research, industry reports, and licensed industry articles.
Look for an industry association representing your business. Some ideas include:
Many association websites include a membership directory:
Business, marketing, economics, some Canadian content. Journals, magazines, some online books, company profiles, and market, industry and country reports. Includes over 100,000 videos on management, business and economics. Business-specific documents available from Source type filter.
What existing laws must you be aware of? Are there any any new laws and regulations that may affect your business or service? What might be the financial impact?
Best bets for general sources:
There may be specific regulations that govern your service or product. For example:
What economic indicators are most relevant for your company? What economic trends might affect your business? What is the buying power of your target market?
Best bets
Sports business data and analytics using syndicated and custom proprietary research for professional and college sports categories as well as sports participation and equipment sales information. Data is driven from consumer research, industry reports, and licensed industry articles.
The bigger picture in Canada:
The local picture:
What do BC residents spend their money on? Find out how much we spend on travel, child care, pet care and more!
The "Survey of Household Spending" from BCStats provides the most recent data on BC and how we compare to Canada overall. You can also look at StatCan's "Survey of Household Spending" and limit your results to individual provinces.
Victoria often ranks as one of the best places in Canada to live or work - rankings that are usually based on climate, prosperity, access to healthcare, home affordability, crime rates and lifestyle. This is the social environment that your business or activity has to operate within.
Sources:
A statistics portal that integrates data on over 60,000 topics from over 22,000 sources. Find statistics, marketing information, digital markets, country reports and industry studies.
How is technology affecting your product/service? How soon can it be expected to become obsolete? Is your company equipped to adapt quickly to changes?
Sources:
Best bet
The Statista portal includes consumer market and digital market outlooks. The best place to start!
There are several good websites tracking consumer trends or uses of technology
