Case Studies

Radio Advertising Campaign: Migrant Workers

The client ran a radio advertising campaign to raise awareness of a new law being introduced to employers of migrant labour. Two quantitative pieces of research were completed. The first was in the form of a telephone interview targeted at employers across the UK. The second involved face to face interviews with migrant workers. We were responsible for designing the questionnaires, translations (Polish and Portuguese) undertaking the fieldwork, data processing/analysis and producing a detailed final report.

Perceptions on Recruitment Advertising Media

A Local Authority was concerned that young people, particularly males and those from ethnic minority backgrounds were under-represented, in terms of employees, within its organisation. A series of focus groups were recruited and moderated to obtain the views of the target audiences on current advertising, proposed materials and barriers to employment.

Employee Opinion & Satisfaction

A national museum wanted to track and benchmark its employee satisfaction levels and perceptions on working for the organisation. Over 500 questionnaires were distributed via the internal mail system. The data was benchmarked against another national museum (also conducted by Bright Sparks Research) and the results presented to both companies.

Youth Site: How to Increase On-line Purchases

The client identified the need to develop their ‘youth’ site and to establish the most effective promotion channels/methods of communication. The aim of the research was to address awareness of the company and the services it provides, perceptions on the web pages and the most effective medium to drive purchases via the site. A series of focus groups were undertaken with 18 to 25 years olds. The project was completed within a short deadline and an in-depth report presented.

New Product Development: Alcoholic Drink

An international brewing company wanted public opinion on a new type of lager it was considering launching, including who its target customers were likely to be, the price, the taste and the packaging/bottle design. Focus group discussions were undertaken with a mixture of professional people aged between 25 and 35 year olds. The results of the research enabled the client to identify market potential, measure future demand levels, pricing structures and finalise marketing/ advertising activities.

Perceptions and Awareness Study of a University

The client needed to understand prospective students and key influencers opinions on the University as a potential place to study. A multi-faceted approach was adopted: focus groups moderated with parents, in-depth interviews with students/Year Head Teachers/Careers Advisors and questionnaires completed with students at various Secondary Schools.

The Independence of Young Disabled Adults

The aim: to obtain young disabled adults’ opinions on what services they require to support their independence. In-depth interviews and focus groups were undertaken with a mixture of 18 to 25 years olds with physical (including hearing and sight impairment) and learning disabilities. The findings have been presented to a wide number of organisations and we were awarded by the Market Research Society for this innovative piece of social research.

Is There a Future for Libraries?

The aim: to evaluate what models of libraries should be adopted for the future and what kind of facilities different communities require. The focus was to understand non-users and young peoples’ opinions. 600 street interviews and four focus group discussions were completed. A detailed report has been produced and it is being used by the client to develop their strategy and service over the next ten years as well as to encourage further public debate.

Vulnerable Adults - How to Support Them

The aim was to assess how vulnerable adults would like to be treated should they find themselves victims of abuse. The findings are to be used to redesign processes and guidelines that staff members should follow in the event of a case of adult abuse being reported.

The solution: a complex and sensitive qualitative piece of research was undertaken. In-depth interviews were conducted with a cross section of the public who could be potential abuse victims in the future. These included discussions with physical and mentally disabled people, those with learning difficulties, ethnic minorities and the elderly.

Mystery Customer Research

A Housing Association required a mystery customer research programme to be organised and managed on their behalf. The research included recruiting and training housing tenants to become mystery shoppers as well as designing the questionnaire and scenario tests. Three waves of telephone research were undertaken. The final report highlighted the strengths and weakness of the customer service provision as well as recommending changes to improve customer service levels.