critical success factors and emerging issues and trends in engineering

[snibril]

I am doing some research on the general engineering and manufacturing industry, with a particular interest in jobbing and foundry operations. I am trying to determine critical success factors relating to this industry and emerging issues and trends facing companies. <br>
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Where could I source such information, particularly statistics? Any assistance would be much appreciated. <br>
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Thanks<br>

 

[VSTOLcost]

I would recommend trade mags - such as Pulp and Paper, Design News, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every industry has 2 or 3 and each issue generally has some surveys about problems companies have, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;Try walking into the waiting room at your local factory that makes &lt;insert product here&gt; and reading their magazines.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or a university engineering library.