Study focuses on mainland China
A single-source media and marketing survey of the China mainland will be conducted by Sinomonitor Inc., a commercial research company related to CEMAC, a non-profit organization jointly initiated and established by the State Statistical Bureau of China and another Chinese government agency. The 1997 China Marketing and Media Study, based on 50,000 interviews with consumers across the country, will include information on demogaphics, product and brand usage, and media audience information for magazines, newspapers, television and radio. Sinomonitor will conduct the survey in conjunction with BMRB International and Telmar International.
New Las Vegas poll, gaming industry model from MRCGroup
The MRCGroup, Las Vegas, has announced the MRCVegasPoll, a monthly omnibus survey of the adult resident population of Las Vegas. Questions can be on any subject, including brand awareness, customer satisfaction, attitude and usage, media usage, concept screening and testing, and positioning. The telephone survey uses a sample of 900 adults. The company has alSO introduced MarketForecast, a research model capable of predicting a gaming market’s revenue potential. The product integates primary and secondary research with multivariate modeling to forecast demand and opportunity, based on a specific area’s unique population characteristics (demogaphics and market behavior) and industry dynamics.
Qscan scans questionnaires
Quantime Corp., New York, has introduced Qscan, its new system for scanning paper questionnaires. Qscan integrates ReadSoft’s Eyes & Hands scanning software into the Quantime System of survey research software. Qscan uses an enhanced version of Quanquest to design questionnaires and convert them into Microsoft Word format. The questionnaires contain the correct routing instructions and tick boxes and can be formatted to suit any user’s house style. A Word macro then generates the instructions for scanning. At the end of the survey, Qscan generates a Quantum data file for tabulation.
QI upgrade, NewView from SPSS
SPSS Inc., Chicago, has introduced NewView, a tool for personal data analysis and reporting. The product combines data and reporting features of conventional analytical packages and query and reporting tools. The company now also offers QI Analyst 3.5 and QI Analyst DB 3.5. QI Analyst offers added functionality and QI Analyst DB, a new multiple-user database version, also includes network capabilities.
Wessex offers demographic projections
Wessex, Inc., a Winnetka, Ill., supplier of demographic data to the desktop mapping market, is now offering current-year estimates and five- and 10-year projections. The Estimates & Projections data set includes numbers to block group, census tract and ZIP code, as well as larger geographies, for the entire nation. The product includes over 190 demographic variables, such as population by household type, labor force by status, industry and occupation, and age of head of household by income.
Virtual Insight tests concepts, products, packages
Decision Insight, Kansas City, Mo., has introduced Virtual Insight, a proprietary multimedia research application developed specifically for concept, product and package design testing. Artwork can be
sourced from photographs, 3D objects and electronic illustrations. High-end artwork editing allows for changes up to 24 hours before fieldwork begins. Computer stations can also be set up in almost any location. Many different research objectives can be achieved with multiple target segments. Computer programming allows for complex questionnaires and advanced analytics. Product and package attributes can be isolated and measured with greater accuracy. Interviewer bias and error are eliminated because the survey is self-administered and consistently delivered. Questions, products and attributes are automatically rotated and randomized. The interactivity of the interview is designed to reduce boredom and fatigue and make respondents more enthusiastic about the process. The self-administered surveys are Macintosh or PC compatible and use high-resolution monitors for optimal artwork quality. Data is captured at the computer station and then downloaded to Decision Insight’s headquarters for processing and tabulation.
MCNC debuts Web-based software service
MCNC, Research Triangle Park, N.C., has released PRO-survey, a Web-based integrated software service that includes hosting by MCNC over multiple high-speed Internet access paths. The software comes with a graphical interface for survey design. It features a relational database management system for real-time data analysis. PROsurvey is platform-independent and operates on virtually any PC, Macintosh or other terminal with a Web browser that supports tables and frames. Using a point-and-click design template, non programmers can create surveys that capture both quantitative and qualitative information. If they choose, survey designers can add their own HTML to customize the appearance and functionality of the survey and to include multimedia elements.
Statistics calculator from StatPac
StatPac Inc., Minneapolis, is offering a new Windows software utility program to perform common statistical tests and sample size estimates. The Statistics Calculator significance tests. The software sells for $49.95.
New Web survey software from Perseus
Perseus Development Corp., Braintree, Mass., has introduced SurveySolutions for the Web, Release 1.0, a Web-based version of its survey design and analysis software. The product enables users to create surveys, post them on the Web or distribute them via E-mail, automatically collect responses, analyze the results and produce presentations. Questionnaires are created and modified in a word processor without scripting, programming or dialogue sequences. Analysis functions include point-andclick crosstabs, frequency distribution reports, summary statistics and charting.
Upgraded Perception Analyzer
WinPA 5.2, the latest software version for the Perception Analyzer Wireless Audience Response System is now available from Columbia Information Systems, Inc., Portland, Ore. The new release features improved questionnaire editing capabilities and enhancements to data management and display. The Perception Analyzer is an interactive electronic group measurement system used in qualitative and quantitative research.
New merchandise planning and analysis software
MarketMAX, Inc., Danvers, Mass., has introduced MarketMAX IMS (Integrated Marketing Solution), a software system that brings merchandise planning and analysis to all product categories, including softlines. The product enables softline retailers to apply merchandise management techniques to the variety of racks, displays, product sizes, style characteristics, seasonal assortments and pricing/margin formulas common to softlines. The software combines assortment planning, category management, clustering, store and space planning and related financial functions into a single management system.