Free Essay

Research Tools

In:

Submitted By kalik127
Words 1238
Pages 5
Research Tool|Describe who creates the report andthe data sources|How can it be used to assess market viability?|Notable Findings|
1. US Department of Commerce Country Commercial Guides[->0] |Created by US embassies with assistance from several US government agencies. |The reports can give you a better understanding of a countries current commercial environment. Access to information such as market overview, challenges, opportunities, entry strategies, political and economic environment, trade regulations, investment climate, trade events etc Can be useful to determine if a product/business will have potential growth in a given market.|Prepared annually. Reports created by using economic, political and market analysis. Pretty thorough report but some countries do not have a report. For example not all Caribbean countries are featured.|
2. AT Kearney Global Retail Development Report[->1] (also provides other good reports, such as Globalization, and FDI confidence)|Report is created by AT Kearney, a global management consulting firm. Analyzes 25 macroeconomic and retail-specific variables|The Global Retail Development Index ranks the top 30 developing countries for retail expansion. The reports help retailers create global strategies and identify market opportunities. It helps retailers assess current and future markets for possible continued expansion.|Annual report.|
3. World Bank’s Doing Business in…[->2] |The World Bank Group|The doing business reports measure business regulations and their enforcements in 189 economies. These reports provide data on the ease of doing business, rank each location, and recommend reforms to improve performance in each of the indicator areas. It is useful because it helps you gain a better understanding on the business environment in each country before doing business with them.|A lot of data. Very useful in assessing a particular country.|
4. Transparency International Corruption[->3] |Transparency International Organization, an organization taking a stance against corruption around the world.|The organization provides an overview of corruption challenges and ranks each country on a scale based on their level of corruption. It is important to be aware of a countries corruption when assessing it as a potential market for your business. If a country is too corrupt it will not be a viable market.|Provides recommendations for each country to battle their respective corruption challenges.|
5. Global Edge Market Potential Index[->4] (Global Edge[->5] is also a fantastic resource portal for all things International Business research)|Funded by US Department of Education. The Market Potential Index is conducted by the Michigan State University International Business Center. Sources include World Bank, US Energy Information Administration, International Telecommunication Union, Euromonitor International, Heritage Foundation, Freedom House US Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division, Swiss Export Risk Insurance, Coface, and Credimundi.|Market Potential Index helps marketers evaluate which international markets to enter and what kind of strategy would be applicable for that particular market. It provides an idea of the overall market potential for a business or product.|Only provides market potential for 87 countries.|
6. United Nations (UN)Human Development Index[->6] |The Index is created by the United Nations Development Program. Sources include the UN Department of Economics and Social Affairs, UNESCO Institute for Statistics, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. |The Human Development Index gives marketers an idea on the development of a particular country based on the people and not merely its economic growth. It is based on a summary measure of human development such as a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and have a decent standard of living. |Covers 187 countries. Why HDI is important: Malaysia has GNI per capita higher than Chile but life expectancy at birth is about 5 years shorter, mean years of schooling is shorter and expected years of schooling is 2.5 years shorter resulting in Chile having a much higher HDI value than the Malaysia. Offers a broad proxy measure a countries level of development.|
7. Heritage Foundation Economic Freedom[->7] |The Heritage Foundation research staff|Economic Freedom is associated with healthier societies, greater per capita wealth, democracy, etc. The Index of economic freedom covers 10 freedoms in 186 countries. The index is useful in analyzing economies throughout the world and providing long term insights of a country’s political and economic developments which affect market viability. |10 economic freedoms include property rights, freedom from corruption, fiscal freedom, government spending, business freedom, labor freedom, monetary freedom, trade freedom, investment freedom and financial freedom.|
8. Logistics Performance Index [->8] |The World Bank. Based on a survey of operators such as freight forwarders and express carriers that provide feedback on logistics in the countries they operate in and trade with.|Helps countries identify challenges and opportunities they may face in trade logistics in different countries. Important if marketers plan to export or import their products. |Comparisons across 160 countries. Helpful for trade and logistics. Available for domestic and international. International ranks 160 countries on six trade dimensions (customs performance, infrastructure quality, timeliness of shipments). Domestic LPI looks at the logistics environments in 116 countries. Surveyed logistics professionals assess the logistics environments in their own countries.|
9. Passport Global Market Information Database[->9] |Euromonitor International research company for consumer markets. Data derived from databases, reports, books, andconsulting.|Provides key business intelligence on countries, markets and companies. It connects market research to your company goals and annual planning, analyzing market context, competitor insight and future trends impacting businesses globally. Good tool for access to a lot of information and easy way to filter the data.|Must pay for access or have access via a university. |
10. Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions[->10]|Hofstede Center operated by itim International, an organization focusing on cultural influences. Based on the work of professor Geert Hofstede (how values in the workplace are influenced by culture).|Understanding cultural values helps you understand what may and may not work in different countires. This tool allows you to compare the values of different countries based on 6 dimensions and provides marketers with the meaning people from different cultures attach to various aspects of life and how that influences their respective societies. This tool is very useful in market viability because it gives marketers a better understanding of the culture of where they plan to do business.|Only offers cultural information for 100 countries. Does not mean everyone in a society is programmed the same way. |
11. Nation Brand Image[->11] ||||
12. World Economic Forum[->12]||||
13. Economist Intelligence Unit[->13]||||
14. Big Mac Index[->14] ||||
15. IMD World Competitiveness Index[->15]||||
16. Worldwide Governance Indicators[->16]||||
17. Freedom House Political Freedom Index[->17]||||

[->0] - http://www.buyusainfo.net/adsearch.cfm?search_type=int&loadnav=no
[->1] - http://www.atkearney.com/research-studies
[->2] - http://www.doingbusiness.org/
[->3] - http://www.transparency.org/
[->4] - http://globaledge.msu.edu/Knowledge-Tools/MPI
[->5] - http://globaledge.msu.edu/
[->6] - http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2010/
[->7] - http://www.heritage.org/index/
[->8] - http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTTRANSPORT/EXTTLF/0,,contentMDK:21514122~menuPK:3875957~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:515434,00.html
[->9] - http://library.fiu.edu/~/tabid/380/Default.aspx?sub=58
[->10] - http://geert-hofstede.com/
[->11] - http://www.simonanholt.com/Research/research-introduction.aspx
[->12] - http://www.weforum.org/reports
[->13] - http://library.fiu.edu/~/tabid/380/Default.aspx?sub=58
[->14] - http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/07/big-mac-index
[->15] - http://www.imd.org/research/publications/wcy/index.cfm
[->16] - http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/index.asp
[->17] - http://www.freedomhouse.org/?page=1

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Accounting Research Tools

...TOPIC: THE RESEARCH PROCESS – RESEARCH TOOLS When attempting to find resolution to accounting issues, a key component of the research process is being aware of and utilizing research tools. Research tools may consist of many types of media, resources, and viewpoints. Because accounting is ever evolving, it is imperative to know where to go to remain informed of relevant changes and clarifications. The AICPA & PCAOB websites can be good places to start. There are links to white papers, exposure drafts, articles, accounting and auditing standards, and areas of interest like XBRL. Additionally, the Big 4 accounting firms publish guidance, interpretations, and literature in their public online libraries. There is also accounting research software, one of which is called “Accounting Research Manager, the ultimate research tool.”1 This software provides updated information from FASB, AICPA, the FASB’s EITF (Emerging Issues Task Force), IASB, and industry-specific guidance.1 Also, IASPlus.com and IFRS.com are useful research tool websites when exploring current events and international accounting. EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) is an online, publicly accessible tool best used when researching US SEC registrants and their filings. Lastly, any search engine, such as Google, can be helpful when navigating the rough waters of online research. As graduate students, we find that professors can be a wonderful resource. They are passionate about their particular...

Words: 436 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Maketing Research Tools

...Marketing Research Tools Paper MKT/441 September 10, 2012 Marketing Research Tools Paper Companies utilize various tools when performing market research whether doing primary or secondary research. For the purpose of this paper, different research tools will be discussed as well as the differences between primary and secondary research when applying qualitative or quantitative methods. It is vital for companies to research whether a new product or an existing one will make a hit on the market. Company’s may even want to grow geographically and need to know whether the investment is a prudent one. The dynamics of a business and their target markets can be impacted by change whether it is a new organization or an existing one. Primary and Secondary Market Research There are two different types of market research, primary and secondary. Primary research or field research is the most frequently used method. Primary market research is customized to meet specific needs of the business can be handled within the company or outsourced to a marketing firm. Focus groups, surveys, interviews and observations are good examples of primary market research methods. These particular tools are utilized to evaluate distinct issues that are of key interest to the organization and where feedback is required to carry out a strategic action plan. On the other hand secondary market research is founded on information gathered from reports that existed before the original evaluation of...

Words: 919 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Marketing Research Tools

...Marketers engage the use of primary and secondary research tools to determine results of current and past information. The information acquired from the results of the inquiries defines the data in two different terms. Marketers dissect the information and categorize it in qualitative or quantitative terms. For marketing it is important to differentiate between primary and secondary research when using qualitative and quantitative approaches to use each one effectively and determine why. Primary Research Part of the marketing strategy implements research to determine results for the final goal. In a perfect world the information would be filed away and broken down in descriptive categories. When no established information has been provided researchers must turn to new collection processes. “When the researcher collects fresh data to meet the needs of research it is primary research. The tools of primary research include surveys, interviews, and observations. This is a direct method of carrying out research and so its tools are entirely different from that of secondary research” (Stewart, 1993, p.67). Primary research collects information from a variety of sources. Marketers use surveys, videos, laboratory testing, organizations records, and observations to gather information and relate it to data. Observations tend to be collected from focus groups, usually from the moderator. The moderator will conduct the group discussions on behalf of the organization and observe...

Words: 862 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hamilton Power Tools (a)

...Hamilton Power Tools marketed industrial products by catering to constructional and industrial tool market. Their construction product lines included power trowels, power trowels, concrete vibrators, generators and power driven tools. Their industrial lines were primarily pneumatic tools: drills, screwdrivers etc. One of their products – gasoline-powered chain saw was slightly different from the above tools. Mr. Campagna, the marketing manager for Hamilton Power Tools knew that the chain saw industry primarily catered to following markets:-Professionals (lumberjacks), farmers, institutions and casual users. Among these casual user segment was considered to be the future growth market. Hamilton Power Tools thus hired Consumer Metrics of Chicago to conduct two research projects. The first one was a projective technique known as Thematic Apperception Test(TAT) using picture response techniques. The basic premise of TAT research is that it in an unstructured and indirect manner encourages respondents to project their emotions, needs, motives, attitude and values at a sub-conscious level. Purpose of research: The research was primarily exploratory to gain insights into reasons why people make certain purchases. Mr. Campagna also wanted to get a flavour of language people use in talking about chain saw. Analysis of method: The research was conducted in states of Illionois and Wisconsin. People who were selected for TAT were screened on basis of whether they planned to purchase...

Words: 856 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Black And Decker Essay

...TABLE OF CONTENTS Situational Analysis 3 Alternatives 7 Decision Criteria 11 Action Plan 12 In 1910, Black & Decker was founded by two 23 year olds S. Duncan Black, and Alonzo G. Decker in Baltimore. 73 years after receiving its first patent, Black & Decker was the world’s largest producer of power tools, power tool accessories, electric lawn and garden tools, and residential security hardware. The brand has also made its successful foray into households with products such as the DustBuster, and Spacemaker amongst other things. The franchise also holds nearly 30% of market share overall in the US power tools market. With strong segment shares in the professional industrial and consumer market at...

Words: 1009 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Research

...Chapter 3 MATERIALS, METHOD AND PROCEDURES Research Design In this study, the researchers used the descriptive-developmental research design since its purpose is to develop a new product, the Meat Pie. Once formulated, the treatments were subjected to evaluation using the Hedonic Scale for sensory evaluation to describe the qualities of the treatment to determine which among the treatments is the most acceptable. Tools and Equipment The following table shows the different tools and equipment used in the making of Meat Pie as souring agent. Table 3. List of Tools and Equipment Tools | Functions | Measuring CupsMeasuring SpoonMixing bowlWooden spoonFrench or chopping knifeChopping boardGas stove | Containers that come in graduated sizes, used to measure the amount of foodUsed to measure small units of ingredientsLarge container used to hold the ingredientsUsed to mix and stir the ingredientsA cutting tool with a long wide blade used to slice, chop, and dice the ingredientsUsed to protect the preparation table when slicing or when chopping foodA kitchen appliance designed for the purpose of cooking food | The following were the ingredients and proportions used during the production process. Research Procedure The following are the steps undertaken in the processing of the Meat Pie as souring agent. 1. Prepare and measure the ingredients. 2. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, nutmeg and margarine until completely mixed (use your hands for the right texture)...

Words: 624 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nothing

...Science Salary Survey Tools, Trends, What Pays (and What Doesn’t) for Data Professionals John King & Roger Magoulas Take the Data Science Salary and Tools Survey As data analysts and engineers—as professionals who like nothing better than petabytes of rich data—we find ourselves in a strange spot: We know very little about ourselves. But that’s changing. This salary and tools survey is the second in an annual series. To keep the insights flowing, we need one thing: People like you to take the survey. Anonymous and secure, the survey will continue to provide insight into the demographics, work environments, tools, and compensation of practitioners in our field. We hope you’ll consider it a civic service. We hope you’ll participate today. Make Data Work strataconf.com Presented by O’Reilly and Cloudera, Strata + Hadoop World is where cutting-edge data science and new business fundamentals intersect— and merge. n n n Learn business applications of data technologies Develop new skills through trainings and in-depth tutorials Connect with an international community of thousands who work with data Job # 15420 2014 Data Science Salary Survey Tools, Trends, What Pays (and What Doesn’t) for Data Professionals John King and Roger Magoulas 2014 Data Science Salary Survey by John King and Roger Magoulas The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Owen S. Robbins and Benchmark Research Technologies, Inc., who...

Words: 6640 - Pages: 27

Free Essay

Personal Responsibility as a Development Tool

...Personal Responsibility as a Development Tool Arquímedes Cedeño University of Phoenix, Puerto Rico Campus GEN/200 February 14, 2012 Lic. Lopez-Rivera Personal Responsibility as a Development Tool In the society, the persons require a high degree of personal responsibility to be considered as a successful person in life. If they want to be successful must take responsibility as a habit necessary to create, without it, they are predetermined to fail. As Tracy says in his study: The more responsibility you take, the more in control you are. And the freer you are, especially in your own mind, to make decisions and to do the things you want to do. So there’s a direct relationship between responsibility, control, freedom and happiness. The happiest people in the world are those who feel absolutely terrific about themselves, and this is the natural outgrowth of accepting total responsibility for every part of their lives (p. 1). What is Personal Responsibility? Personal responsibility is the ability to determine one’s own decisions, choices, and actions (What is personal responsibility?, 2012). Are those actions that help us improve our quality of life, our relationship with people and the environment around us. Complying with the rules imposed by our society and enforces them through the rest of it. Responsibility is not a burden, it's a blessing (Gallozzi, 2012) How we acquired it? We acquired it through the teaching of our parents, early education. Those little...

Words: 1217 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Esdf

...Cardinal Ambrozic CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL HOSPITALITY & TOURISM TECHNOLOGY GRADE 10 – TFJ 201 MR. F. GROE Course Overview Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Grade 10, Open Mr. F. Groe Cardinal Ambrozic Catholic Secondary School Identifying Information Course Title: Hospitality and Tourism Technology Grade: 10 Course Type: Open Ministry Course Code: TFJ2O Credit Value: 1 credit Department: Technological Education Description/Rationale This course emphasizes the scope of the hospitality and tourism industry. Students study food origins, food handling techniques, food preparation, health and safety standards, and the use of specialized tools and equipment. They also investigate travel and tourism activities in Ontario, develop effective communication and management skills, and identify career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. Unit Titles (Time + Sequence) Unit 1 | Safety and Sanitation | 10 hours | Unit 2 | The Scope of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry | 10 hours | Unit 3 | Food Preparation and Handling | 30 hours | Unit 4 | Food Origins and Tourism | 30 hours | Unit 5 | Communication and Management Skills | 30 hours | Unit Descriptions Unit 1: Safety and Sanitation Description This unit introduces students to basic principles of personal, workplace, and food safety in hospitality and food service. Students examine their role in safety and sanitation in the hospitality and food service...

Words: 1148 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Material Handling

...conveyor. MHS based flatbed conveyor systems bring themselves to control complexity, additional storage equipment such as baskets and trays and additional user activity. The meat processing industry in the UK has refused to adopt the system because of the cost of installation if there is no commercial benefit in a financial decline through food fear accompanied by potential incompatibility between the issues of system reliability and the imposition of additional stress operator. Based on time constraints, the research has been conducted on the MHS can solve the limitations of the current system. Therefore, a consortium project called Meatract, was established to research and develop novel MHS automatically detect and track cuts in the boning hall. Simulation techniques have been implemented to analyze and present activities in the boning hall and different material handling devices are tested to investigate the effect of using the system in the boning hall. Research carried out in various techniques from economics and engineering aspects of an overhead conveyor been regarded as a more cost-effective alternative, even if...

Words: 747 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Is535 Milestone 1

...Oakland, CA 94601 IS535 - Managerial Applications of Information Technology Milestone 1 Refocusing Mission Tool & Mfg., Co. Dale Reynolds DeVry University Refocusing Mission Tool & Mfg., Co. 1. The Subject Mission Tool & Mfg., Co. (MTM) has an internal problem which I believe could be resolved by a propose solution. MTM can benefit with this proposition, as well as resolve its many financial issues that it’s facing with the bad economy and still trying to compete in the manufacturing business without spending an arm and a leg. MTM has an overall IT costs that are too high to be spent on while trying to gain profit and stay in the manufacturing competition. With this proposition MTM could also make employees work more users friendly and the company can gain independency by not being dependent to local company’s network. With this MTM can be more efficient by getting rid of all the paper work that is cluttering and hard to organize to be found by any employee or personnel that needs documents. 2. Company Background Mission Tool & Mfg., Co. Mission Tool is a business specializing in precision stamped and machined components. They have capabilities to suit every need, ranging from those of a start-up company through to the demands of a thriving corporation. The plant is located in Hayward, CA and is based on nearly 40 years of experience, Mission Tool utilizes the talents of a dedicated staff coupled with the latest in high-technology machining, stamping and...

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Black and Decker

...Executive Summary Black & Decker had always been a market leader in the power tools industry. Many changes took place that helped out in the company in the short run, but hurt in the long run. In 2000 Black and Decker Corporation was still reeling from the financial and strategic problems stemming from the company's acquisition of Emhart Corporation in 1989. In late 1998 Black & Decker management celebrated the completion of an almost decade-long effort to divest nonstrategic business gained through its 1989 acquisition of Emhart Corporation and expected the company to enter a long-awaited period of growth as its entire management refocused its attention on its core power tools, plumbing, and security hardware business. Archibald believed that "This portfolio restructuring will allow us to focus on core operations that can deliver dependable and superior operating and financial results." However the portfolio restructuring did little to improve the market performance of the company's securities. Yet Archibald and the management continued to express confidence that the company's streamline portfolio would allow Black & Decker to achieve revenue and earnings growth that the market would find impressive. So far the 1998 divestitures have not produced steady increases in the company's stock price, but look promising for the future due to the efforts to refocus efforts on the successful power tools line. Strategic planning team evaluation Over the years, Black & Decker...

Words: 1575 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Chad's Creative Concepts

...To: Chad Thomas Founder Chad's Creative Concepts From: Subject: Chad's Creative Concepts Date: Jan. 07, 2015 Chad's Creative Concepts is a small custom furniture manufacturing company that has earned a reputation for innovative designs and excellent quality by focusing production on specialty designed furniture. Chad's Creative Concepts has grown substantially and has caused significant problems between standardized furniture and specialty designed furniture production. The problems concern external operations and internal operations of manufacturing. Chad's Creative Concepts has to set priorities to schedule different orders. Orders for low running and high running furniture pieces are being accepted because sales have increased. Chad's Creative Concepts has not increased the amount of equipment or capacity needed to handle the business growth. Low running and high running furniture pieces are now competing for the same manufacturing capacity. Chad's Creative Concepts has to emphasize the importance of on time delivery and manufacturing costs. Low running furniture pieces and high running furniture piece have a different set of priorities. Sales and marketing have not considered the conflict between dedicating equipment to standardized pieces and specialty equipment for custom pieces. Producing standard furniture pieces has created significant growth for the company. The growth has also caused the cost of inventory and operational costs to increase...

Words: 290 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Williams Machine Tool Company

...For 85 years, the Williams Machine Tool Company had provided quality products to its clients, becoming the third largest U.S.-based machine tool company by 1990. The company was highly profitable and had an extremely low employee turnover rate. Pay and benefits were excellent. Between 1980 and 1990, the company’s profits soared to record levels. The company’s success was due to one product line of standard manufacturing machine tools. Williams spent most of its time and effort looking for ways to improve its bread-and-butter product line rather than to develop new products. The product line was so successful that companies were willing to modify their production lines around these machine tools rather than asking Williams for major modifications to the machine tools. By 1990, Williams Company was extremely complacent, expecting this phenomenal success with one product line to continue for 20 to 25 more years. The recession of the early 1990s forced management to realign their thinking. Cutbacks in production had decreased the demand for the standard machine tools. More and more customers were asking for either major modifications to the standard machine tools or a completely new product design. The marketplace was changing and senior management recognized that a new strategic focus was necessary. However, lower-level management and the work force, especially engineering, were strongly resisting a change. The employees, many of them with over 20 years of employment at Williams...

Words: 608 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Student

...In this individual paper, we would like you to consider how you might use the tools from the Leading Teams course to develop your leadership skills over the coming year. This assignment has two goals: • Nudge you into practicing the tools and concepts discussed in class. • Launch your leadership development efforts now, at the beginning of the program. Assignment length: Because I want you to put the majority of your effort into "doing" and "thinking" (drawing lessons from the experience, deciding on next steps), we are going to keep the writing part short. 3 pages maximum, double spaced. Due date: Tuesday, September 2, 5 pm (via Turnitin on Blackboard) (Note the due date has been moved back by one day) Preparation: Step 1: Identify a leadership skill you would like to develop, and a tool or framework from the course that might help you to do so. For example, you might decide that you want to develop the emotional facet of your leadership, and will use one of the emotion management tools to do this. Step 2: Apply the tool or framework multiple times over the coming two-week period. • IMPORTANT: Get started now. The time investment can (and should) be short (a few minutes a day), but could not usefully be crammed into the last day. • Be creative. If you can think of a novel way to apply some of the course ideas, great. The important thing is that you do something. • Track what you are doing. Step 3: Reflect on what...

Words: 793 - Pages: 4