Case Studies - Research

Desk Research

Generally speaking, desk research is a low budget exercise which is often used to determine the need for further investment in a more comprehensive programme of qualitative and quantitative research (referenced below).

Details of primary and secondary competitors, the type of work companies choose to retain, decline or sub-contract, the numbers of staff employed, their specific skills and the levels of innovation, are areas often considered. In one such piece of research, we produced sufficient levels of quantifiable data at an early stage; the client felt confident enough to press ahead with their plans for developing their core services.

Whilst this is rare to find large volumes of detailed and insightful data from such an exercise, exceptions do occur, dependent on the market sector under review.

Detailed Qualitative & Quantitative Research

We conduct various forms of market research for our clients from 'top-line' desk research (mentioned above) to more detailed surveys or, if necessary, a full census of an entire population. Many methods are used including focus groups, telephone research, postal and online surveys and when complete, we will often extrapolate the findings and report these to the client.

Once we have been briefed on the client's objective, our unbiased and impartial approach ensures the client receives an accurate and true reflection of the eventual findings. To achieve this, we will recommend the most suitable method for research, decide on the size and content structure of the sample (assuming of course we are not conducting a full census), and prepare the questions and the manner in which they are communicated, before finally conducting a test for efficiency.

We have surveyed specific target markets, internal staff, memberships and current customers on a host of subjects using our specialist software. On completion we will provide analysis of the results and where required put this into context against general market trends.

We are, however, unable to present actual examples of the questions asked, or the results that were derived from them for obvious reasons. Suffice to say, the business decisions gleaned from these findings have enabled these clients to focus budget, time and effort on delivering improved efficiencies for both the customer and, ultimately, the organisation itself.