Project Management
Brief Introduction to Database Searching
Keyword and Phrase
In most cases you will search by keyword. Type a single word (eg. benchmarking) or an expression consisting of two or more words (eg. risk management, or project delivery systems). Most databases are capable of phrase searching and will attempt to retrieve results matching the exact phrase, ie. the words next to each other, exactly as you typed them.
Combining Search Terms
If you want to conduct a more focused search, you can combine several search terms. This is done using the word and. You need to type the word 'and', do not use & or + instead. For example:
benchmarking and building industry
risk and injury and manual handling
If you need to exclude certain terms from a search, use not. For exampble:
project management not control
Some databases require and not instead of 'not'; check the help pages of the database you are using.
Synonyms, Alternative Terms
Synonyms or alternative expressions can be searched together using the word or. For example:
human resources or HR
strategic planning or strategic management
It is possible to combine and and or in a single search. Use parentheses to group similar terms together. For example:
(strategic planning or strategic management) and leadership
Some databases have drop boxes for convenience. In a complex search strategy, always keep alternative terms together in the same box, combining them with 'or'.
Consult the help or search tip pages for more information.
Truncation
Truncation allows you to search for singular and plural as well as other forms or spellings of a word, in a single search. The asterisk * is the most common symbol in use.
For example:
incentivi* will look for incentivised, incentivizing, incentivisation etc.
Symbols other than the asterisk * may be in use. Check 'search tips' or 'help' in the database you are using.
Author Searches and Other Features
Searching by author/s is made easy with the use of drop boxes, as illustrated below. If this feature does not appear by default, look for 'guided search' or 'advanced search' to find it. You can also use it when searching for words in Journal Name, in Full Text or other fields.
For more information refer to the online help or search tips in the database you are using.
Database examples
Using words such as AND, OR and NOT to compose a complex search strategy is known as Boolean Searching. It is available in most databases. Check Search tips or Help to find out more.
The following parts of this tutorial will provide examples of searches in a number of full-text databases: Business Source Premier, Factiva, Compendex, Web of Science and Agile Project Management Online Resource Center.
