Writing Support
- Academic Writer - APA Style Writing Platform This link opens in a new window
This database is available as a trial from 3/14/2025 to 5/13/2025
Academic Writer is an institution-wide APA style writing platform that is aligned with the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition). Follow the link above to access Boise State University's trial access of Academic Writer. To create and save references and papers, users must create an Academic Writer Account. The Learning Center lessons and samples may be accessed without creating an account.
- APA PsycTests This link opens in a new window
An authoritative source of structured information about tests of interest to a variety of fields. Produced by the American Psychological Association, it provides access to thousands of actual test instruments, most of which are available for immediate download and use in teaching and research. Includes a wide variety of test types and instruments including aptitude tests, personality scales, and cognitive functioning measures.
Common Knowledge and Professional Experience
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is one of the most difficult parts of academic writing. This short video isn't perfect (passive voice is rarely a good idea), but it can help if you are struggling to paraphrase effectively!
Finding Company Data
Internal Environment
- Mergent IntellectSearch by company name to access simplified financials, executive bios, and subsidiary family trees. Use the Company Brief to see the most recent news trends.
- S&P netAdvantageExtensive company financial data, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow, and ratios. Most data is pulled from SEC reports, but is presented in much more readable charts and tables.
- Business Source Premier - MarketLine Company ProfilesFrom the homepage, select Company Profiles then search by name. Not all companies are available, but for those that are reports include company history, key employee biographies, major products and services, SWOT analysis, and top competitors.
Finding Industry Data
External Environment
- ABI/INFORM - BMI Industry Reports and First ResearchFrom the homepage, select Browse > Business Monitor International (BMI) Industry Reports or First Research. BMI reports are country-based; there may not be a report for your industry in the needed country. If this is the case, try First Research instead. First Research reports may not be recently available for all industries.
- Data.Census.GovExplore and create data visualizations using census data, including economic.
Census Data can be tricky to set up, but very valuable once you know how. Visit the How-to Materials to help get you started.
Executive Summaries
- Harvard Guidelines for Writing Executive SummariesThis is the sample recommended by your professor for use in structuring your executive summary
Still struggling with formatting and structure? These resources may help...
Practical Strategies for Technical Communication by Call Number: T11 .M344 2013ISBN: 9781457609404Publication Date: 2013
- Business ReportsProvided by the University of Melbourne
Remember - your professor's instructions supersede any outside sources regarding content, headings, and length!