Sampling and Contact Control
A majority of companies face major challenges when providing sample for market
research that is both balanced and sufficient in quantity.
Whether working with a panel or a customer database the provision
of large volumes of sample regularly and efficiently requires considerable
skill and robust systems.
Survey samples in market research are generally constructed according
to the principles of a random probability sample or a quota sample.
MARSC can generate
balanced samples according to both of these methods.
MARSC’s core functionality is in the
process of sampling from a database for the purposes of market research.
Dimensions and Quota Cell Definition
MARSC's easy-to-use sample
definition screen enables the set up of complex demographic sample
selection and will verify, in real time, that there are sufficient
eligible customers to meet your sampling requirements.
It is possible to define sample in up to 7 dimensions using the user
interface in MARSC.
An “advanced” function is also used to define more complex
criteria, and this can be done without knowledge of SQL script.
Other features:
-
Sample can be defined in terms of percentages or actual
numbers depending on the wishes of the user.
-
Once targets in quota cells are derived, it is possible to
manually adjust these numbers, e.g. to modify specific quota cells
where experience tells that the derived values are unrealistic. [NB
For Interlocking cells only]
-
Reporting facilities giving detailed info about available
sample in quota cells, and reasons for unavailability.
-
Each sample definition is saved enabling its re-use, or
alternatively adjustments can be made and a new name given it for a
different project.
MARSC Sample Definition Screen: click image
to enlarge
...For more
information on Sampling Models click here
Contact Management and Re-contact Rules
MARSC's built-in contact
management facility will ensure that no one is over-researched.
Two-way communication between MARSC
and the interviewing system (even if you are subcontracting this work to a
research agency) ensures the contact history within MARSC
is kept up to date.
MARSC has the flexibility to
define "resting periods". These can be fixed or set to
different lengths for different types of research activity; ensuring
research is even more sensitive to its respondents and fully complies with
data protection legislation.
Database Flexibility
MARSC normally operates from
its own SQL Server database. However,
a number of other options are available.
Centurion has expertise in enabling customer updates or the
synchronisation of the MARSC
database with an established customer database or data warehouse.
It is also possible to introduce data from an external file or
database table for a sampling project so long as unique customer
identifiers are maintained.
The database can be easily filtered before quota cells are
defined allowing the user to focus on the data required.
Again this can be achieved without the need to write SQL code.
Once the sample is defined, MARSC
exports the data in any of a variety of standard formats to allow easy
upload into an interviewing system.
Hit Rate Calculation
For any sample definition in MARSC
it is possible to define an expected hit (response) rate.
This can either be defined manually or, if some history of contact
exists, you can choose to have MARSC
calculate the expected hit rate from historic records for that type of
project.
It is also possible to choose to calculate individual hit rates for
each quota cell of the target matrix. This ensures that appropriate levels of sample are issued.
Without this automation, excess sample will often be issued (based
on a pessimistic assumption of volumes required because no historical
statistics are available) leaving less for future research projects.
Reward Points
On defining a sample for a research project it is possible to define an
allocation of rewards points to all respondents who successfully complete
the interview.
MARSC is therefore a flexible
and unique solution for ad-hoc sample control that can be installed as an
"out of the box" solution or tailored to meet your business
needs.
back to top
MARSC Benefits to your business
MARSC Features
