Final answer:
To research a supplier's financial data for the past five years, you should use trade publications and online databases. Interviews with experts are useful for primary research and focus groups are not suited for historical financial data collection. Ensure sources used are credible and relevant.
Step-by-step explanation:
To research and compare financial data on a supplier for the past five years, several secondary sources should be utilized. Among those you should consider are:
- Searching for trade publications relevant to the supplier or industry.
- Searching online databases for material that relates to the financial performance of the supplier.
These sources will likely contain valuable information such as financial reports, analyses, market trends, and professional insights. While conducting interviews with subject experts could be beneficial for primary research, it is not typically categorized as secondary research. Focus groups are generally used for gathering opinions and attitudes, not for collecting historical financial data. Therefore, for the purposes of secondary research, focusing on trade publications and online databases will be most useful and relevant to the task at hand.
Remember to evaluate your sources for credibility, relevance, and bias. For this, peer-reviewed journals, reputable trade publications, and established databases are preferred. Since the research process can evolve, keep it flexible; you might need additional resources as your knowledge of the subject grows.