Project Integrity
The integrity of our work is our number-one concern. Every step of every project is conducted under strict in-house supervision and control. No part of any data processing procedure is sub-contracted to outside suppliers and data integrity is assured by our unique four-tiered quality assurance system, the most stringent in the industry.
From project planning to data collection, coding to computer cross-tabulation, analysis to reporting; each task is completed to our exacting qualifications. Our clients are our partners and provide approval throughout the research process. We invite all clients to take part in project training and briefing and to monitor interviewing, either in person or remotely.
Since meeting our clients' needs is paramount, every project is thoroughly planned and open lines of communication are maintained throughout the project.
Data Collection Technology
Market Decisions operates a state of the art Telephone Operations Center with capacity for 60 interviewing stations, operating two to three shifts a day, seven days per week. Our operation frequently runs 24/7 when conducting international surveys. We use the latest version of Voxco Software's Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing software (CATI). CATI technology maintains tighter controls on quotas than possible with other techniques and improves sample / randomization management. These are critical elements in producing appropriately representative samples. CATI also automates the presentation of survey questions and maintains strict control of rotated questions and multiple response questions.
When conducting large international surveys, we employ "Globe CATI", a web-based CATI system that allows native-speaking interviewers around the globe to conduct our surveys. Data is collected in real time, and Market Decisions monitors and manages data collection much like we do domestic surveys.
Additionally, Market Decisions Field Supervisors use a suite of management tools that give them up-to-date production / quality statistics by interviewer, leaving them with more time and targeted information to actively work with interviewers to improve quality and production.
Market Decisions' flexible voicemail system and 800 number capabilities can be customized for specific research projects to provide easy access for potential respondents who call in response to survey requests.
Quality Assurance
Data quality / integrity starts with rigorous interviewer training. After completing classroom training, a new interviewer is placed on live practice surveys until competence is demonstrated. Ongoing quality monitoring and modular training continues for as long as the interviewer is employed at Market Decisions. Many of our interviewing staff have worked here more than 5 years, demonstrating the commitment we make to staff and quality.
Finally, our four-tiered quality program ensures adherence to our quality commitment ethical standards:
- Market Decisions' Supervisors manage data collection activities, employing case-by-case computer monitoring of productivity.
- Quality Assurance Editors review all open-end responses within hours of data collection. Problems -- if any -- are noted quickly and feedback is given to Interviewers so that they can re-contact respondents and correct errors as soon as possible.
- Continuous audio monitoring of Interviewers, with real-time onscreen feedback, occurs while they are administering surveys; they receive regular feedback on their interviewing skills.
- Supervisors provide one-on-one immediate feedback, assistance and training by circulating among interviewers as they work.
Turn Around Times
We pride ourself on exceeding our clients' deadlines. While care should be taken to develop realistic project timelines, we have created many strong client relationships through our ability to complete last-minute, quick-turn projects.
Generally, a project timeline for a 400-case quantitative telephone survey would look something like this.
| Project planning -- research and questionnaire design | 1 Week |
| Pretest and fielding (400 case business-to-business survey with a 1.0 / hour interview completion rate) | 2 Weeks |
| Coding and table development | 1 Week |
| Analysis and reporting | 1 Week |
Quicker turn-around, however, is commonplace. Working closely with our clients, it is possible to compress timelines from weeks down to days. For clients who "just can't wait," it is also possible to run preliminary computer cross-tabulations prior to completion of the survey. There are additional "rush" charges to cover overtime and accelerated production, but if you need information quickly, we can guarantee you'll have it.