WEEK 10 EOC Your Own Grade

The Boc’s and Eoc’s were as normal and keeping up with the tweets were the same. I think, as an independent study class it was successful although when I wasn’t able to get to class it was tough because there wasn’t anything posted in the eclass for that week, when all other weeks it was. I understand that is why it important to be in class, but an email of what I needed to do would have been acceptable in my opinion. I had attended all classes but that one, with that being said I think I did well. I feel I have learned from the book and it was an easy quick read. I enjoy the ideas in market research and it changes everyday. The marketing and advertising world is growing at such a rapid pace its good to learn the basics. I would recommend the book to anyone doing market research. I also would recommend the class. I thought as an independent study it was going to be harder but it wasn’t. It was nice with the three of us girls because we are all in the same major and we all communicate together for most part.

Week 10 Final Project Analysis

Marketing today is evolved! With all the new medias we have access too marketing is turning into a even bigger world then it ever was. Before marketing just included basic newspaper and radio advertisements, now it can virtually be anything.

"It is a luxury to be understood." Ralph Waldo Emerson. These are mearly words whether you understand them is always the question in marketing and advertising. If the message isn't clear then you may have wasted your time. The marketing research project I conducted at Floor & Decor clearly shows examples of why marketing if not done correctly may not even attract consumers. When consumers are not getting the message potential sales are lost which can in turn mean millions of dollars wasted in advertising and market research, not only that but potential loss of consumers as well.

Hypothesis: Changing the marketing signage colors and details for our markdown products will increase sales volume on clearance items.

In a three week period I conducted a test to see how we could reduce the quantity of our dead sale items ( Items not being sold anymore) and increase our sales volume. The first step were basic sale signs, which listed the price and product information in black on white paper. The following week we changed our sale area completely, by adding a large banner and new signs which illustrated how many thousands of sq ft in stock and savings for each item in sale area, the signs were white with black writing and red outline. The last week we left our banner, removed the pricing signs and how sq ft we had in stock, and replaced that with these hot deals signs that are in red and yellow on white paper. Following each of these changes we watched our sales and not much changed. Last but not least we finally thought we would survey our client. What did our customer really see in our sales?

Well results show that yellow is more recognized as sale in our store. We also learned that having sale in one area is helpful, but having it throughout will increase sales on full price merchandise. Also when reviewing the survey results we found that people go in looking for sales but usually leave paying full price at this location. There were so many things that once we reviewed the surveys we knew we could benefit from these customers opinions. Plus if they know we care and we want to know they are more willing to fill them out. "Pre-testing can help you recognize what the best approach for data collection is for your circumstance." (Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg 362) We found that this is really true, sometimes you want to know so much you forget what your goal is at that time. Sometimes the biggest challenge is getting the surveys answered and accurately. "To motivate your respondents about your research and thus secure their thoughtful participation., you must compensate them in a meaningful way; after all their time isn't free!" (Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg. 363)

The most important part of market research is the research and the results, these can be heavily effected if your customer doesn't feel comfortable and if they are in a hurry. Also if the questions are not relevant to the content in which the problem is. "Identifying the correct problem is a prerequisite for solving that problem, without identifying the correct problem, you will end up solving the wrong problem." (Market Research for Dummies, Pg. 13)



WEEK 8 EOC:Hypothesis and 12 Questions

Hypothesis:
Changing the marketing signage colors and details for our markdown products will increase sales volume on clearance items.


1.) What stands out the most on the sale signage?
-Price
-Savings
-Product information
2.) Do you understand the sale signage?
-Yes
-No
3.) Do you notice red as sale or yellow?
-Red
-Yellow
4.) Do you shop sale items?
-Yes
-No
5.) Where is the sale area?
-Front of store
-Back of store
-Not sure
6.) Do you get excited when you see a sale sign outside a store?
-Yes
-No
7.) How important is it that you know what you are saving in dollars?
-Not at all
-Somewhat
-Most important
8.) Do you look for sale items only?
-Yes
-No
9.) How many sale items did you see today?
-
10.) Did you come in today for a sale item?
-Yes
-No
11.) Did you purchase any items from the Bonanza area ?
-Yes
-No
12.) How did you hear about us?
-Friend
-Newspaper/Flyer
-Radio
-Contractor
-Online
-Other
13.) Did the marketing get you excited?
-Yes
-No

WEEK 8 BOC: Hypothesis and 20 Questions

Hypothesis:
Changing the marketing signage colors and details for our markdown products will increase sales volume on clearance items.
1.) What stands out the most on the sale signage?
-Price
-Savings
-Product information
2.) Do you understand the sale signage?
-Yes
-No
3.) Do you notice red as sale or yellow?
-Red
-Yellow
4.) Do you shop sale items?
-Yes
-No
5.) Where is the sale area?
-Front of store
-Back of store
-Not sure
6.) Do you get excited when you see a sale sign outside a store?
-Yes
-No
7.) How important is it that you know what you are saving in dollars?
-Not at all
-Somewhat
-Most important
8.) Do you look for sale items only?
-Yes
-No
9.) How many sale items did you see today?
 -
10.) Did you come in today for a sale item?
-Yes
-No
11.) Did you purchase any items from the Bonanza area ?
-Yes
-No
12.) How did you hear about us?
-Friend
-Newspaper/Flyer
-Radio
-Contractor
-Online
-Other
13.) Did the marketing get you excited?
-Yes
-No
14.) Do you like the marketing throughout the store?
-Yes
-No
15.) Whats more important cost or quality?
-Cost
-Quality
16.) Do you receive emails or flyer's?
-Yes
-No
17.) What did you purchase today, and was it on sale?
-
18.) How long did you stay at the store?
-1hr
-2hr
-3+hrs
19.) How often do you purchase sale items?
-Always
-Sometimes
-Never
20.) Did you spend more money then you expected to?
-Yes
-No

WEEK 7 EOC: Examples of Questions

There are a lot of surveys everyday and all kinds of types of questions get put into these surveys. Questions on a survey are the most important aspect of the survey next to the surveyor. Think about all the times you have taken a survey, now think of the questions you answered, were they appropriate and did you feel comfortable answering them. the person answering the questions needs to feel comfortable and the questions need to be relevant to the information you are trying to obtain.
Mentally challenging questions: If you ask mentally challenging questions, you should place them after the midpoint of your questionnaire. Otherwise respondents faced with a tough question may become frustrated and decide not complete your questionnaire. 
(Marketing Research kits for Dummies, Pg. 194)
I find these are more realistic when getting information they tend to give better information.
Sensitive questions: Sensitive questions consist of age, income, occupation, family configuration, these are better towards the end. (Marketing Research kits for Dummies, Pg. 194)

I am sensitive to the age question myself.

Open ended questions: Open ended questions give a range of answers, sometimes can be clouded by opinion.

Closed questions: Yes, and No. These are best to get direct answers and specifics to the survey questions.

Choosing answer formats can mis-interpret survey answers as well. Using the appropriete answer formats consist of scales, least to best, yes or no, and open ended answers. Its best to stay consistant with your answer format throughout the whole survey.

Practices to avoid: Regardless of the questionnaire format you choose, avoid needlessly complex formats. Doing so will help keep your respondents in good frame of mind and motivate them to complete questionnaire. (Marketing Research kits for Dummies, Pg. 201)
You can produce surveys and market research but if its not real information and answers its completely a waste.
"I like to do my principal research in bars, where people are more likely to tell the truth or, at least, lie less convincingly than they do in briefings and books."- P.J. O'Rourke quotes

WEEK 6 EOC: Tax Cut Survey

Part of the problem in this survey is that over half of the people that are taking this survey don't even pay taxes. They are surveying about making the information irrelevant and isn't consistent with its survey questions. The questions give the answers. The questions are very vague and not as relevant as need to be detailed in a survey for such information.Inaccurate Information Gleaned from the Web Costs IT Departments Time and Money

A survey commissioned by Safari Books Online finds that IT professionals spend as much as two hours each workday searching the web for information they need to do their jobs. Unfortunately, the information they get isn't always accurate and leads to costly, embarrassing and time-consuming mistakes.

By Meridith Levinson
Thu, May 29, 2008

(http://www.cio.com/article/373013/Inaccurate_Information_Gleaned_from_the_Web_Costs_IT_Departments_Time_and_Money)
The problem today is we are so into getting information from the internet, but are we getting reliable information.

WEEK 5 EOC : Privacy

Today there are so many hackers! Hackers can consist of many types, web hackers, credit card hackers, and identity hackers. Microsoft built Windows 95 to have an ability to log into the computer. Microsoft made it possible to have engineers access your computer for potential help. Pretty soon file sharing is going to share all information, however now hackers can get into your system and control your ability from a distance, and then take all of your private information.
Instead of being the one getting hacked, protect yourself, here are  a list of ways to better protect your privacy. (https://www.eff.org/wp/effs-top-12-ways-protect-your-online-privacy)

 1) Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.

 2) Turn on cookie notices in your Web browser, and/or use cookie management software or infomediaries.

 3) Keep a "clean" e-mail address.

 4) Don't reveal personal details to strangers or just-met
"friends".

 5) Realize you may be monitored at work, avoid sending highly
personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your
home computer.

 6) Beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in
exchange for your contact info.

 7) Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.

 8) Be conscious of Web security.

 9) Be conscious of home computer security.

10) Examine privacy policies and seals.

   Check out the website and read more detail on how to keep yourself protected today. Don't trust any site until you have researched it properly. The only person responsible for your information is yourself. Take time to protect your computer and your identity, be sure to take all precautions and you can never be too safe.
Along with making sure that you are safe, always making sure your children are safe as well. Children fall into a whole other protection. Its one thing to be violated, but to have your child in danger of their identity. A lot of hackers will use children to get information. The reverse of this is children hacking, today it is known that violence and crime starts at an earlier age, hacking is just one method of child crimes today.
CP - Children’s Online Privacy
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids. If you run a website designed for kids or have a website geared to a general audience but collect information from someone you know is under 13, you must comply with COPPA’s two main requirements. For answers to particular questions, call the COPPA Compliance Hotline at 202-326-3140.(http://business.ftc.gov/controller/cp-children%E2%80%99s-online-privacy)

 

WEEK 4 EOC: Marketing Research Methods Used In The Movie BIG

In the movie Big with Tom Hanks magically turning into a brilliant product researcher from being a child just overnight! The movie illustrated several ways that research was done. "Unfortunately , theres no magic solution to orientation based conflict. If you've established a trusting relationship, trying to appreciate each others perspectives is the path to conflict resolution." (Market Research For Dummies, Pg. 75)
The movie shows many examples of Tom Hanks trying out the products, I remember this was so exciting, it brought ideas to television no one ever really thought of as a majorly fun job to have as a researcher. Although Tom Hanks was acting as a grown up in the movie his child like mind set helped him be a kid again and think like one, which in marketers eyes this was great to be in the actual mind of a child. This would allow them to get accurate data and research as needed. "It is also critical that you remember the research benefactors : your business and it's customers." (Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg. 75) With Tom Hanks still having child like mindset it was perfect. The movie did a great job of executing a fun yet interesting way of showing market research! "Keeping these benefactors in mind should also help minimize conflict between the two of you." ( Market research For Dummies, Pg. 75)
Today many market researchers use these same techniques to do realistic research, they will use focus groups to test product and get feedback. Also I have noticed many of this consumer research is paid for by the companies but they will also pay you as well. Many times you can also receive free product merchandise from the company doing the research study. These studies are happening everywhere today and like I said you can get paid and as stated in the book college students need money! Here's a Focus Group Number I have (702-733-0305)

WEEK 4 BOC: The Significance of Beautiful Stranger T.V.

"Beautiful Stranger TV is a style hub featuring the most fabulous looks from the street (and occasionally backstage at fashion shows). The compelling content, which is raw, edgy and fun, totally unscripted and completely authentic, drives the consumer to shop the looks right off the backs of the best dressed." ( Beautiful StrangerTV.com)

I had never heard of this site before, its very interesting, still kind of trying to understand how it all works and how these people were found. It's kind of a confusing website until you actually read into whats about. The content is awesome shows anybody and everybody that are everyday people doing fun things in the business and fashion world. They all share some common interests. To be honest I am still trying to figure this website out.

"BeautifulStranger was created by an Editor and Executive Producer whose combined credits over the past 25 years include: Women's Wear Daily, Real Simple, Glamour and W magazines, Showtime Networks, Inc., Nederlander Television and Film among others."( Beautiful Stranger TV)
There are a lot of blogs today especially fashion ones! Independent Fashion Blogger is a awesome one as well. Beautiful Stranger TV. is connected to Stylist website as well. There are many fashion blogs that can potential information to help you get jobs, noticed or even ideas. Fashion blogs today have become so wide spread they are utilized so much as a social networking tool! just as Beautiful Stranger TV. is. I recently started a fashion blog but have too many ideas to add to it. I feel like what can I do to make my blog stand out from others to actually get noticed like a full page advertisement in a newspaper! "The compelling content, which is raw, edgy and fun, totally unscripted and completely authentic, drives the consumer to shop the looks right off the backs of the best dressed." ."( Beautiful Stranger TV)

WEEK 3 EOC: 9-5 Secretaries Want to Kill Their Bosses

After Watching the movie 9 to 5, it definitely gives a whole different idea of how the work place once was before Human Resources came into play. It also shows that we as people are truly more sensitive then we used to be. There would be no toleration for what happened back then now. There would e law suites flying left and right. It really reminds me of Mad Men Series, the office idea is some what the same as in the movie 9 to 5. The movie was very accurate to how it was in those days. They were able to do independent research on secretaries that lived this day to day. They would have actual experience in an office by actually taking up a job in the field. This is a great way to get real research done. They also used a sort of focus group to interview and talk to real secretaries. "Regardless of your preferred level of assistance or research budget, you can turn to local entities, such as universities and research firms to help you design and execute a marketing study." (Marketing Research For Dummies, Pg. 66)

"Students whom engage  in real world research projects, typically receive extensive advice from one or more faculty members, instructors or advisers can give their input in support of students actual learning experiences should ensure proper conducted and hassle free market research." (Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg 67) I feel this is so true, having the faculty help guide you through these life experiences or on the job duties really help and can be helpful when executing a research method. Help from anyone knowledgeable is good but you have to be careful where they get their research from, then decide how valuable it really is. "Fortunately a good researcher can help you understand and structure your true problem." (Marketing Research For Dummies, Pg, 71)

The movie illustrated lots sf discrimination, and sexism and just plain out rudeness. Again what went on in that office would not stand a chance today. The location would have gotten shut down and those male bosses would be in jail!

WEEK 2 EOC: Research Survey and Results

In researching surveys online I found that most important is the data collected. If correct accurate data isn’t collected then the surveys and research done is basically a waste. In marketing there are several research strategies. “Basic research is the type of research that academics use." (Market Research For Dummies, Pg. 37) These are commonly used for journalism. “Applied Research is the type that research consultant departments use." (Marketing Research For Dummies. Pg. 38) This gives different ideas for different scenarios. The best research which I found in most of the surveys you had us view online at http://academic.marketresearch.com/index.asp?prid=1078246724.

was Exploratory, descriptive and applied. I talked about applied research earlier but exploratory and descriptive give descriptive and qualitative report information. “Exploratory research is qualitative research in depth interviews and observations."(Marketing Research For Dummies, Pg. 39) I think in my research for my project causal research will be effective, in which you will be able to tell if there is an effect from the cause. “Causal research chiefly relies on experiments to establish cause and effect relationships.”(Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg. 39) 

  A main thing to remember in doing research and surveys is combining information from various sources. “ Merging data from several sources is far more prohibited in Europe than in the united states. In Fact, some European laws preclude this practice.” (Marketing Research For Dummies, Pg. 55)
"Remember conducting unnecessary research merely to earn fees and cover overhead exspenses- which analogous to physcician performing unnecessary  surgery or dentist performing aunneseccary dental work, is a major abuse that you should avoid." (Marketing Research For Dummies, Pg. 58) Thats why its necessary for you to make a plan for your research technique, and try to foolw the best route that will elude any un-needed information or wasted data.

WEEK 1 EOC : What Do I Expect From this Class

I never expect anything these days, I hope to get out of this class a variety of things. There are many aspects to market research, one being consumer markets, product knowledge, and most importantly research! I want to learn the best ways to utilize gathered research. I would also like to learn the best ways to do market research , and the best methods to market research. Being as i have had you before, I am not expecting to not learn anything, I have always learned in your classes more then I have ever hoped! I have paged through the book (Marketing for Dummies, by Micheal R. Hyman) and read the first chapter and find that it is an easy read. I am glad it is a book you have provided because then I can actually read it thoroughly. I am delighted to be in your class love the subject matter, book and instructor already!

I also hope to acheive an A grade in your class! I will make it to every class ( I hope god lets me...) I no matter what will make it whether its late or early! I have always learned life lessons in your classes as well. Some people gripe about your teaching methods but me personally I love them! I was very thankful the book was provided as well.

Just to add something I have never asked my teacher before, I would like a teacher that would do all the work we did and share with the class their work, I think student might be more willing to do the work. I think marketing is important for all of us art students, we need marketing to introduce ourselves into our industry. I hope everyone gets the most out of the classes as I do.

WEEK 2 BOC: Online Quiz

1. 1. What is a booty pop, and what is its significance?
2. 2. Who spends more $$$ online, men or women?  Proportion? (%, $)
3. 3. Who spends more time online, men or women?
4. 4. What advantage do marketers have for women shopping online than men?

Booty Pop is padded pantie for a Hollywood backside. (www. BootyPop.com) The significance of this product is to give someone whom doesn't have a "booty" to have one. Makes them want to be confident. Woman judge each other.

"Men buy woman shop." (Moneying.com)
Men tend to spend more online with larger purchases and researching products. Woman purchase fast and spend smaller amounts on a lot of items. "Men spend 19% more online!" (Moneying.com)

Marketers have an advantage to woman because woman tend to use coupons and special mark downs more then men. Men won't look for coupon ads or discounts. Coupons and discounts are driven towards mothers and wife's.

Marketers need to be open to the their audience and consumers. "You don't know your targeted customers or competition as much as you would like to know them." (Marketing Research for Dummies, Pg. 3) I think a lot of times marketers don't acknowledge their audience and their open range of consumers. That is one of the most important parts of market research and product development.

In my own experience I have noticed this that men want radios, televisions, boats, trucks, and just big toys in general. Woman tend to want lots of small items and get stuck paying for the mens necessities. Generally larger items are higher priced and so it seems more of an impact then a bunch of small items but, the small items are generally worn out or disposed of within the first part of its lifecycle.