Skip to Main Content

BUSG J501: Developing Strategic Capabilities

Reference this collection of resources for assistance with meeting course objectives.

Google Scholar Search Box

Google Scholar Search

Using Google Scholar for Academic Sources

A great starting place to begin your research journey is by accessing Google Scholar. 

After you identify search terms for your research, enter them in the search box for relevant articles. Any article listed that has either a [PDF] or “Find It @ IUPUI” link attached in the right margin is available to view in full text format.

Also, you can apply a filter for time relevancy by using the “Custom range…” option present in the left margin.

Off-Campus Access to Library Resources

Most library resources are IP-restricted. This means that, while on-campus, you can connect to any resource; but if you are off-campus you won't. Luckily, there are multiple ways to access library resources while off-campus.

  1. Connect to resources like databases and journal articles from the library's web page. Once you click on a database or e-journal link, there will be a pop-up screen where you log-in to authenticate yourself as being affiliated with IU Indianapolis. As long as you keep your browser window open, you should not have to re-authenticate.
  2. Set up a VPN link. For the most reliable connections across the widest range of platforms and network configurations, UITS recommends connecting to the VPN with the Ivanti Secure Access (formerly Pulse Secure). The benefit to this method is that as long as you are logged in, you can open and close browser windows just as you would on-campus.
  3. Set up a secure Citrix Workspace App (formerly Citrix receiver) on mobile devices to browse resources directly and run IUanyWare Software virtually.

Search Strategies for Databases

Before you start entering any search terms, spend a few minutes trying to think of as many relevant terms and combinations of terms as you can. This will help you to avoid getting stuck in a rut with the first terms that come to mind.

If you need help in coming up with terms, you may want to try the "Thesaurus" or "Subject Headings" features in the database you've chosen.

Check out the "Help" or "Search Tips" to learn some of the search features specific to that database. Most databases provide similar features, but the methods may vary. Some common tricks:

  • truncation = To use truncation, enter the root of a search term and replace the ending with an * (asterisk). For example, type comput* to find the words computes, computer, computing or computational.
  • searching a phrase = Typically, when a phrase is enclosed by double quotations marks, the exact phrase is searched. For example, "employee retention" searches for the two words as a phrase.
  • Boolean terms (AND, OR, NOT) = Use these terms to connect your keywords. They work best in all capital letters:
    • AND combines search terms so that each search result contains all of the terms. For example, travel AND Europe finds articles that contain both travel and Europe.
    • OR combines search terms so that each search result contains at least one of the terms. For example, college OR university finds results that contain either college or university.
    • NOT excludes terms so that each search result does not contain any of the terms that follow it. For example, television NOT cable finds results that contain television but not cable.
  • Putting it all together: You can combine these Boolean terms with truncation and phrase searching to create powerful search statements. For example, if you are interested in what motivates students in higher education, you might try a search that looks like: (college* OR universit* OR "higher education") AND (student* OR undergraduate* OR "graduate student*") AND motivat*

Try the databases' Advanced Search feature, which usually gives you the ability to search multiple fields (author, title, keyword, subject, etc) with one search and may offer additional ways to expand or limit your search.

If your first search strategy does not work, try another approach. Remember that you can also get help from the library. Check out the links below.

Resources Included in Library Databases