Sunday, March 21, 2010

Data Collection and Analysis

Questionnaire

Image by Ikhlasul Amal via Flickr

Up until now, all data collected for the Cedrone family has been primary data. primary data is researcher collected via questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observations, diaries, portfolios, and case studies. Although the most difficult to design, questionnaires are the most popular method of data collection, as with any other data collection method questionnaires come with advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of using questionnaires are the ability to post, email, or fax them; they can cover a wide array of people; they are inexpensive to develop and use; require no prior agreements, eliminates participant embarrassment; and no interviewer bias. Disadvantages are design; simplistic questions; low response rate; time delay; assumes literacy; incomplete answers; and the participant may review the questionnaire before deciding to participate.

Given that the Cedrone parents would like to know their current customers opinions on the business and whether they think changes should be made questionnaires would be the most effective method for obtaining the information. Questionnaires can be handed out with purchases or they can be mailed to those customers whose addresses are known.

Due to the Cedrone parents’ reluctance to commit to allocating funds for research secondary data will also be collected for comparison purposes. Secondary data is information that has already been compiled by someone else for different purposes and can be internal or external. The secondary data can come from a marketing organization, company reports, or government statistics. When collecting secondary data one must consider the source and geographic location. One must also determine if the data is outdated and if it is comparable to the primary data.

There are many paper-based sources for collecting secondary data such as books, journals, periodicals, indexes, and annual reports. Electronic sources include CD-ROMs, on-line databases, Internet, videos and broadcasts. Government and businesses are also sources for collecting data. Secondary data also has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages are less expensive to gather; unobtrusive; allows for covering a wider geographic area; and it does not exhaust good-will by recollecting available data. Disadvantages are the ability of the researcher that compiled the data; poor documentation; confidentiality; and the purchase cost.

Secondary data for the Cedrone’s can be gathered from Main Street Newton’s Economic Development webpage. The webpage has all of the demographic and spending information needed on ethnic populations as well as for the population as a whole:

 

  • Population – 28,236
    • White – 25,881
    • Black – 936
    • American Indian and Native Alaskan – 35
    • Asian – 721
    • Hawiian and Pacific Islander – 10
    • Other – 336
    • More – 317
    • Male – 13,803
    • Female – 14,433
  • Income – $ 92,397 median
  • Household by income, children, size
  • Employment by status, class, and occupation
  • Transportation by number of vehicles, travel to and from work
  • Consumer Expenditures (specialty food store) $ 1,719,251
  • Retail Sales (specialty food store) $ 4,613,902

    US Census Bureau Regions, centered on and divi...

Additional secondary data on business patterns in Newton are available from the U.S. Census Bureau. The data is listed by zip code (07860) and industry (retail > supermarkets & other grocery). It can be used to pinpoint area competitors and can be compared to surrounding towns, provinces, and zip codes. Within the town of Newton there are only four (4) establishments in the afore mentioned segment.

Researchers will conduct secondary research first through Main Street Newton’s Economic Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Main Street Newton’s Economic Development was chosen as a source due to their comprehensive revitalization focus and current statistical analysis. U.S. Census Bureau complements Main Street with its comprehensive business pattern analysis per zip code. Research into Newton, NJ began at the American Marketing Association’s Secondary Data Sources site, which lists twenty reputable secondary marketing research sources.

After completing the secondary research our researchers will then conduct primary research by means of a questionnaire that is being developed. The secondary research lays the groundwork and the primary research helps fill in the gaps. By using both types of market research, the Cedrone family will get a well-rounded view of their market and have the information they need to make their next big business decision.

http://cynthiacutright.wordpress.com/2010/03/12/ethics-in-marketing-research/

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Reblog this post [with Zemanta] WordPress Tags: advertising, branding, e-business, ecommerce, Marketing, packaging, placement, price, product, promotion, research, return on imvestment, ROI

[Via http://cynthiacutright.wordpress.com]

HOT 110 INTERVIEW JASPER WATTS OF ROGUE STATUS/DTA


Be sure to read this in-depth interview with Jasper of Rogue Status, DTA and DTALDN in regards to the history of the brands he manages and the London Bass scene. This rad interview was conducted by the crew over at Hot 110.

Read it here. Also, be sure to stay tuned for our very own upcoming interview with the entire Rogue Status/DTA Crew. Sit tight for that…

As the Rogue Status Crew would say; ‘Nice One!’

[Via http://xwhereeaglesdarex.wordpress.com]

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Moderators Interview Page!

Hey guys! About a month ago I started a new moderators interview page. I didn’t really update it that often. Then, I realized because today’s party was going to have a bunch of special guests, I decided to interview them!

This was one of the many dinosaurs I interviewed at the party

 The party was awesome! I even got some information from SaintPatricksSaur, the star of the party!!! He was a monster in giving away coin codes!!! To see the interviews of SaintPatricksSaur, Juiceking, Walnut, Mischief and more visit the new page! The link is:

http://webosaursguides.com/moderator-interviews/

Enjoy! ~Hornstrkier

[Via http://webosaursguides.com]

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Interviewers losing the plot

Michael Parkinson talks to Meg Ryan. Sort of. “It’s awkward,” says Meg, who trained as a journalist at NYU (3 mins)

George Lamb interviews Ray Davies of The Kinks, somewhat insulting the rock legend. (3mins to conclusion of Ray Davies interview, 4mins 40secs including George Lamb ‘justification’).

Fox host Ainsley Earhardt’s line of questioning is unsettled by author Uri Man’s flirtatious comments (2 mins)

Icelandic band Sigur Ros are encouraged to be monosyllabic by interviewer Luke Burbank asking an endless stream of closed questions (6 mins)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2007/10/when_good_interviews_go_bad.html

The Sigur Ros interview broken down to its components (15 mins)http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2007/10/anatomy_of_an_interview_gone_w.html

Tom Cruise interviewed on MSNBC by Matt Lauer. Cruise calls Lauer “glib” and tells him he should do his homework, taking control of the interview despite making nonsense claims. (6 mins)

Bill Grundy and the Sex Pistols – Today Show, ITV, 1976 (2 mins 40s). WARNING! Contains profanities!!!

The Word. My word. Terry Christian demonstrates the fine use of ‘dead air’ interviewing Keanu Reeves live, via satellite, from Los Angeles (4 mins)

Very, very awkard interview with Jake Lloyd who appeared as the Young Anakin Skywalker when he was a boy but has since given up acting. If only the interviewer had conducted some research.

A 54-year-old mystery revealed by ABC News that, well, is still a mystery. How not to make gripping television!

NBC News – Bush keeps reporter in line (stop at 1 min in before Bush’s war speech!)
“You want another follow-up? They’ve taken your mic away.”

SKY NEWS – Bush kept in line by Sky News reporter Adam Boulton

KTNV: And to conclude, how not to communicate with people in the street, even if your are a reporter and they are drunk

Interview reminders:

The term ‘off the record’ is meaningless.

Interviewee’s have the right not to answer a question, as much as interviewers have the right to ask.

Establish what is going on – is this interview live, pre-recorded, delayed?

Prepare!

Establish ground rules – remember who should be driving the interview.

[Via http://dmjblog.wordpress.com]

Podcasts I Love, Part One

I’m addicted to podcasts. Podcasts take up about half of the space on my iPod Touch and I spend more time  listening to them than I do to music. They’re amazing! They’re free, and there really is something for everyone. Comedy, news , sports, arts and crafts, movies, books, audio journals, public radio, hobbies, language learning, cooking…there’s a podcast for almost anything you could possibly be interested in. Here’s what’s on my iPod (you can subscribe to any of these on iTunes):

American Public Radio’s The Splendid Table is “the show for people who love to eat”, according the the show’s host, Lynne Rossetto Kasper. My cookings skills don’t reach any further than toasting bagels or brewing coffee at work, but I sure do love food! And I love hearing about food. They do talk about cooking equipment and techniques, but it’s so much more than that. You hear about food from around world and around the country and at the end of the show, listeners of the show can call in and ask Lynne a question about food, cooking, or culture. The Splendid Table is an hour-long weekly show on NPR, released for download every Saturday.

American Public Radio’s The Story is all about stories. Hosted by Dick Gordon, The Story is another hour-long NPR radio show I’m in love with. In short, it’s basically a show that interviews ordinary and extraordinary people about particular events in their lives. Each show consists of two interviews, one long and one short. Interviewees have ranged from a family that traded homes with a French family for a few weeks to a woman telling her story about her life as a train-hopper. Dick Gordon is an amazing interviewer.

Best of YouTube is, put simply, the best of YouTube. They release a few video episodes each week of funny and/or interesting videos you might have missed otherwise.

The New York Times’ Book Review is a 20-minute long weekly podcast from the NYT. They review and discuss bestsellers and hidden gems, so it’s great for those times when you just can’t find anything to read. I’d recommend listening this when you’re in a position to jot down the title of a book that intrigues you.

[Via http://mattiemkim.wordpress.com]

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Meet @AlcideHerveaux

Our intrepid junior correspondent traveled to Shreveport one afternoon in search of this interview. I think she was satisfied with the way it turned out……

Shannon: *walks into the Shreveport office of Herveaux and Son* Hi, I’m Shannon. I’m here to see Alcide Herveaux…..he’s expecting me. *smiles at receptionist*

Connie Babcock: *gives a judgmental look, gets on intercom* Excuse me Mr Herveaux…Your 2 o’clock is here, do you want me to send her in?

Alcide: *over intercom* Please do Connie, and hold my calls. *opens door* Why hello there. *shakes hand* Nice to meet you.

Shannon: *smiles and returns handshake* Likewise, Mr. Herveaux *Mary Kay was right, he is good looking and his hand is really warm.* I won’t take up too much of your time, I just have a few things to ask. My readers are super interested in hearing about you. *smiles*

Alcide: Why, thanks. Have a seat. *takes a seat in the chair across from the couch* Fire away.

S: *sits on couch and grabs notebook from my bag* Can you tell me a bit about the business you and your dad run here? *sweet smile* I know you are surveyors, but are you local only or do you travel at all?

A: *sits forward, elbows on spread knees, hands clasped loosely* Well, we have three offices – Baton Rouge and Shreveport in LA, and Jackson MS.  We do quite a bit of business around the South, but I have been known to travel ’round the country in service of a good friend.  *sits back and talks with hands a bit* You are correct, we are Surveyors, that is, we use various maths and measures to determine both fixed and three-dimensional space for land use and property determination. We also determine the grade, terrain and elevation of areas. I like to say both land and lake, as we are also equipped to handle the bayous of the south and other bodies of water. We retain skilled map makers on payroll, as to help meet the needs of various property owners or legal requirements. I don’t know if you want to get more technical than that, but we like to think of ourselves as Louisiana specialists as we have had our equiptment and people out to every parish and nearly every small town in this fine state.

S: *damn, Mark Kay is gonna kill me if I don’t “accidentally” take a picture with my phone*

You seem very knowledgeable about your work. I’d hire you. *giggles, Man, why am I giggling? Get a grip Queen of the BELLES*

With all that travel, it must be hard to maintain a successful personal life. I’ve heard you have an on-again, off-again relationship with a girl named Debbie? I don’t men to pry, but I’m sure the ladies who read my blog would be interested.

A: *gosh this reporter is cute* Um, oh, yes…Debbie, Debbie Pelt. Well, she and I have had a rough relationship, to say the least. She is fiery and can be such a wild child, something I am attracted to, but other times she can really be, well, evil. I don’t want to get into it, but the dark side of her is really really dark, and I know it. Then again, there is a fire between us and the makeup sex is… *realizes this conversation is getting too personal* Oh, excuse me…I apologize. I am not one to kiss and tell. I prefer not to date Were females as they are mainly interested in settling down and progressing the pack. I am not so sure I want these genes passed *looks towards @JacksonHerveaux’s closed office door* if you catch my drift. *shakes it off and looks at you* That and I’m also a bit of a flirt *cracks a roguish half grin, and runs a hand through my hair*

S: *blushes crimson from combination of “make-up sex” and grinning* Well, um….where was I? Oh yes *smiles* You mentioned traveling in service of a good friend. Would that be a business associate? *snaps discreet picture for MK*

A: Well, yes, to a point. Sometimes I have had business pushed my way from various Supes in connection with E(E)E, my good friend John @QuinntheTiger will sometimes mention Herveaux and Son to his clients. Other times our “silent” partner @EricNorthman has me do favors for his associates around the state and, sometimes, nation. *shifts uncomfortably* But I prefer to work here in Shreveport because I am a Louisiana boy through and through.

S: *scribbling down some notes* I understand, I  like it here myself. Even though I’m still very much a Yankee at heart. Try not to hold that against me. *smiles and laughs*

There seem to be quite a few Weres in my area now fitting your description with very similar names. What’s your reaction to the sudden insurgence in the population?

A: Yankee? Why Darlin’ you sure do act like quite a Southern Charmer if I dare say. *looks up, thinking* ‘Bout those, um, other guys, well now, I think some are finally wanting to get in on a good thing, and I expect we’re gonna see more before all is said and done. You know that show that came out on HBO, True Blood?  Well, I have seen all kinds of doppelgangers runnin ’round these parts.  I do think I come across as genuine Alcide, that’s “Al-see(d) Her-voh” ‘case some are wonderin’. I reckon an original is bound to have imitators, but it is all in good fun.   Those in the know, well, they know how to spot the real deal.

S: *nodding* Yes, I’ve heard of that program. The actors that portray some of the individuals on there are spot on. One of them is so perfect, I swear I’m watching this devilishly handsome friend of mine. It’s uncanny. *crosses legs* You know, I would have to agree with you about people wanting to get in on a good thing. There have been so many people interested and getting involved. I’ve heard you have a couple of fan groups similar to my own. I believe they are called *looks at notes* @HowlingHotties and @AlcidesLilReds. I imagine that’s quite flattering.

A: *watches legs cross* What was that? Sorry, I was distracted*shoots a roguish grin* Oh yeah…*a bit of a blush rising* the Hotties and the Reds have been such sweet groups of ladies it is all too much sometimes. I am flattered, really, it is nice to have such pretty women paying a guy like me attention. I think it is overwhelming too, as I never was one of those pretty boy Hollywood types. But don’t get me wrong, chère, the creativity and um, stimulation these women provide makes a man feel real good *winks*.

S: *laughs* I imagine some of the things they say are a good stroke to the ego. That’s just what the Belles do for the object of their affection. You boys give us so much to work with, how could we not adore and stimulate you? *realizes that came out sounding wrong* I mean, well your ladies….you give them so much to love and *stammers* They just want you. I mean want to please you. *ugh, shut up Shannon*  Um, I think you get the picture. *looks down and pretends to write*

A: *belly laugh, grins* No worries darlin’, I understand what you mean just fine, *knowing look*, you know, you really do have a way with words…

S: *blushes* Hardly, I seem to stumble all over them most of the time. *smiles and starts to gather up my things.* I think I have all the information I need *stops and looks at you* That is unless you have anything else to add? Something you’d like to tell my readers?

A: *pauses to think for a sec* Well, I would like people to know I’m around. I may be a bit quite at times, but I always have my nose to the wind and catch a lot of what is happening. I very much like to meet new people and Herveaux & Son is looking for new business opportunities in the area, so people can check out our information on HerveauxAndSon.com, which also redirects to my blog AlcideHerveaux.com. *light bulb of memory clicks on* Oh, and on a side note, I know you spoke to Debbie Pelt a bit ago, and I want you to know you can’t always believe what she says.  That is part of our problem. I’m not “working on myself” as much as she disappears for weeks and comes home smelling of vamp and all other kinds of were. *frustrated* You didn’t come here to hear it, but I wouldn’t want you to have the wrong impression…

S: *laughs* I’m a woman and I know how some of us can be and how relationships can be trying sometimes. No worries, I would never judge you for that. *smiles* I’ll be sure and add your email links to the interview and my blog. *stands up smoothing my skirt* I really appreciate you meeting with me. This will be a great help to bolster my readership. *extends hand* It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Herveaux…..*glances down* Alcide.

A: *don’t look down her shirt man, don’t look down her shirt, don’t do it, be strong…ah damn.* It was so nice meeting you.

S: *shaking your hand* Likewise. *looks up, realizes what you’re doing and blushes crimson* Um…bye.

A: *she caught you! So unprofessional man…* Bye, Shannon. *watches her hips sway out the door…palms forehead-again!*

[Via http://billsbelles.wordpress.com]

Talking to Anthony Lister

Question: What is your favorite beer

my least favorite beer has cigarette butts in it and i drank it last night.

Spinning Tricks

Fat Batman


[Via http://artczar.wordpress.com]