What is the basis for industry profitability? Follow the money!
What, exactly, are the products being made (or services being provided) and for whom? Are they for consumers or they intermediate?
What are the NAICS definition and code(s) for this industry? What was the SIC definition and code(s)?
How large is the industry, number of workers? Sales? In the U.S.? In Los Angeles County?
What is the market? Local? Regional? Global?
Identify and learn industry-related terminology
Get a sense of the history of the industry--note turning points, shifts in geography, production methods, type of product of service, labor force
What are the recent dynamics of the industry (consider competitiveness issues, industry strategies
Identify key trade associations, industry periodicals
List the major firms in Los Angeles, U.S., (and any key foreign-owned firms)
Question to consider:
[i] = industry as a whole
Questions to consider:
When looking at the structure of the industry, the following information is key. Please note that some will be industry-wide information, while others are available only for individual companies or firms.
[i] = industry as a whole
[f] = individual firms
Industry information is available primarily at the national level. To find information for Los Angeles county, city, or the region you will need to use a variety of business, news and article sources to piece it together. Depending on the industry, you may find information more readily available. If the leading companies in an industry are private, information will be more difficult to find, if it is available at all.
Common information and variables to help determine the internal composition of an industry:
Question to consider:
[i] = industry as a whole
Question to consider: