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Field research is a form of market research that involves collecting primary data (first hand information). Examples of field research are surveys, sampling and experiments.
Advantages
- If completed properly, the information collected can be more accurate than the information obtained from desk research.
- The person performing the field research can collect information on exactly what they want to know about.
- The information collected will be recent.
- The information collected can be kept confidential.
Disadvantages
- Field research is more time consuming than desk research.
- Collecting primary data is harder work.
- The researcher cannot remain in the office.
Research Technique
Questionnaire
Surveys prepared by college or business students
Informal talks with customers
Interviews (one on one)
Focus groups (8-12 people)Workshop
Suppliers, distributors, agents and brokers Analysis
Competitors Analysis
Retired from the industry ( Old Stalwart)
Mentor (experienced business person outside the industry)
Web Search - Latest Trend
As the Web grows rapidly, search engine databases undergo from information overload. As a result, technology and consumer search behaviour adapts and changes.
Another of the initial changes to search was the advancement of multiple personalised databases within general search. Whether you go to Google or Yahoo, you'll see category choices such as Web, video, images, local, news, etc. These are all various databases that can help you target specific queries.
Along with the development of multiple databases on niche products or subjects came the vertical search engines. These verticals are particularly useful for B2B companies. The newest trend in the progress of the market is social search engines, which give customers the ability to interact with search queries, putting the human touch in search results. Social search engines seek to connect people through personalization and human understanding, using community knowledge to boost significance.
Research Industry and Trends
Is market research industry in sync with businesses?
Internet law professor Michael Geist takes a look at a fundamental shift in the way research journals become available to the public
An interesting example of what he’s talking about, when asked what’s wrong with most market research:
Free Market research Tool
Market Research Forum
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Market research involves collecting and analysing information. Businesses may undertake market research for a variety of reasons, especially when introducing a new product or service. The results of the research can indicate whether the general public would be interested in the new product or service.
There are two main methods of collecting data: field research and desk research.
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Desk research is a form of market research, where the information is collected using secondary data (data collected by another person). Secondary data can be found from a variety of sources including the internet and books.
Advantages:
- It's a quick method of collecting information.
- Desk research is easier than field research.
- The secondary data is often ready to use or process.
- The person doing desk research often doesn't need to leave the office.
Disadvantages:
- The secondary data may not be recent.
- It might not be accurate.
- Sometimes can be hard to find, depending on the subject.
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