Imc Research Corporate Profile

Corporate Presentation
[ imc Research Mathematical Sciences & Statistics ]

Market Research Department
Disclaimer
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Research.com, IMC Research.net, and IMC
Research Dynamic Server are trademarks or
registered trademarks of imc Research Corpora-
tion in the United States, other countries, or
both. If these and other IMC Research
trademarked terms are marked on their first
occurrence in this information with a
trademark symbol (® or ™), these symbols
indicate U.S. registered or common law
trademarks owned by IMC Research at the
time this information was published. Such
trademarks may also be registered or common
law trademarks in other countries.
A current list of IMC Research trademarks is

available on the Web at “Copyright and
trademark information” at:
www.imc-re.com/legal/copytrade.php
Other company, product, or service names may

be trademarks or service marks of others.
Research, the IMC Research logo, IMC
Research.com, IMC Research.net, and IMC
Research Dynamic Server are trademarks or
registered trademarks of imc Research Corpora-
tion in the United States, other countries, or
both. If these and other IMC Research
trademarked terms are marked on their first
occurrence in this information with a
trademark symbol (® or ™), these symbols
indicate U.S. registered or common law
trademarks owned by IMC Research at the
time this information was published. Such
trademarks may also be registered or common
law trademarks in other countries.
A current list of IMC Research trademarks is
available on the Web at “Copyright and trade-
mark information” at:
www.imc-re.com/legal/copytrade.php
Other company, product, or service names may

be trademarks or service marks of others.
PAGE ( 1 ) imc Research Confidential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

[ ABOUT imc ]
• Regional Team & Coverage Capabilities
• What We Do
• Corporate Mission
• Our History
ABOUT imcResearch®
SALES:
USD 220 million (prior year +5.0%) Organic
growth: 8.5%
EMPLOYEES:
December 31, 2008: 1,692 full-time staff; 28%
of which outside US
SERVICES:
• Comprehensive information services on
consumer goods, healthcare, media and
services markets
• Research know-how
• Marketing consultancy
CORE BUSINESS:
Pure market research, delivering information
services to major global players in the services,
media, consumer goods and healthcare indus-
tries.
MARKET POSITION:
Largest consulting based market research
company in the US.
USP
Fully custom research design worldwide: more
than half of our top 50 clients consult imc in at
least two of our three sectors and in at least five
of our six regions, when ti comes down to
critical marketing decision making.

ABOUT imcResearch®
What We Do Corporate Mission

Corporate - About imc Research: Mission statement:
imc Research is a syndicated intelligence corpo- Imc Research was founded with the vision of
rate with leading market positions in custom producing innovative and cutting edge market
research and research technologies and recog- research models to enable researchers of
nized innovative research products design, helping people enjoy life more by rising and
online intelligence, business intelligence and deploying understanding. To realize this vision,
media research. Our clients rely on imc we are developing evolutionary building blocks
Research insights and analysis for their starting with affordable data collection tools
business growth and future regionally & and their associated subsystems.
globally.
imc Research provides a spectrum of world To retain and build the team necessary for
class consulting services in market research. these developments, imc Research is fostering
a corporate culture that attracts and retains
We offer our clients authentic information creative, practical, and energetic associates
gathered from using research methodologies who are driven to "make life happen".
hiring the most internationally recognized
research consultants to tackles the words most
sophisticated business issues.

ABOUT imcResearch®
History
Looking back, the founding of The imc Research Something else about these legendary early
Ronald Eleventh 1981 seems especially remark- years of the corporates history. Something
able, for the beginning was anything but auspi- elusive and intangible, yet very real. Something
cious. The 38-year-old founder, Ronald E. about the people. People like Donald, actually
Eleventh, purchased the company’s first office trying to liquidate family-owned property in
down in New York City with a $66,500 down 1989 when he ended up taking that once-in-a-
payment -- using money he borrowed from a lifetime chance to buy -- at a bargain – the
brother-in-law. The only advanced statistical Chrysler building office that became the head-
software’s available at the time were of the quarter. People like Morey M. Jonson, a man
industry had to be bought from halfway around who avoided crowds and never made a speech,
the world, from Japan. Even the man the yet had a gift of integrity and foresight that
company’s name memorialized. guided imc Research’s sales through 20 years.
Yet the timing couldn't have been better. The

market research basic understating of the With just 13 employees, imc Research began on
1980s was booming. The horse. So on August November 21, 1981, with a focus on product
29, 1988, imc Research was incorporated with a engineering,. The first recorded payroll
capital stock of $1,000,000. amounted to $201,107.86 based on the prevail-
ing wage of 1300 to 2500 dollars an hour for a
Lark M. Lee, who purchased $30,000 of stock, 8-hour day. After the first year of business, sales
became the first president. But it was the amounted to $ 800,246.00 since research
dynamic and visionary founder, hard-driving of assignment by Coca-Cola its way toward becom-
the growing foundation, who chose the name ing the country’s largest market research
and determined the distinctive trademark. The consulting firm, a title it earned in 1991 when it
three letter trademark, inspired by a creative adopted the slogan "Research with Cause".
director conveyed the purist of being the first
consulting firm across the US. Yet, it remains an
integral part of the imc international signature,
a symbolic link with the company’s historic
past.

Regional Team & Coverage Capabilities
CORE BUSINESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
• This venture - a unique MR group in ME (imc

expertise and local knowledge)
• With a Dubai base - Full service; and One
promoter based in KSA
• And ‘home’ grown promoters for the region:
Abdelrahman Elsharawy
Member Management Board and MD
Custom Research 12 years in Marketing and
MR, 8 years in ME market.
Last Position:
Director, ME/NA/P, The Nielsen Company)
Suresh Adwahwi
Member Management Board and MD
Operations, 15 years in MR, 8 years in MENA
market.
Last Position:
Director, Operations, TNS
Johan Mayer
Member Management Board and Head of
Research Practice
11 years in MR, extensive experience in MR,
consulting and social research.
Last Position:
Board Member, TNS NOP

[ RESEARCH ]
• Addressing Market Issues
• Addressing Market Issues
• Research Products
• Research By Sector
• Research By Service
ADDRESSING MARKET ISSUES
Leading provider of 200 research Technology, telecoms,

tailored consumer & professionals in media, consumer
B2B research solutions 40 countries electronics
MARKET CONVERGENCE of the Telecommunications, IT and Media industries has led to a far
greater degree of competition and new entrants, a rethinking of strategies and both defensive and
offensive acquisitions to build greater credibility and speed to market

ADDRESSING MARKET ISSUES
Manage customers
efficiently & effectively
Understand new media Understand Market

and sales channels development
Maximize retail Develop new products

opportunities & services
Trial new
Address branding
products and
issue &
services
Opportunities
Assess and improve

the user experience

RESEARCH BUSINESS STRUCTURE
Retail & technology custom Research Media

25% 64% 11%
SECTORS
Business
Auto Consumer Financial Healthcare Social technology
& industry
AREAS OF EXPERTISE - CROSS INDUSTRY

PRACTICES RETAIL TRENDS
Business Business Business

Auto
& industry & industry & industry
Business Business Business

Auto
& industry & industry & industry
INSIGHTS & CONSULTING
• Custom Research is one of three divisions within the imc Group

(representing 64% of the group’s annual turnover)
• Imc CR is one of seven industry specific groups that sit within Custom Research
• Custom Research is supported by a number of cross-industry expertise areas

RESEARCH
Research Products:
imc Research is a syndicated intelligence corporate TABLE OF CONTENTS
with leading market positions in custom research and • Advertisement Concepts
research technologies and recognized innovative • Advertising Tracking
research products design, online intelligence, • Awareness, Attitude and Usage
business intelligence and media research. Our clients • Brand Equity
rely on imc Research insights and analysis for their • Brand Positioning
• Brand Tracking
business growth and future regionally & globally. • Business-to-business
imc Research provides a spectrum of world class • Competitive Analysis
consulting services in market research. • Customer Satisfaction
We offer our clients authentic information gathered • New Products
from using research methodologies hiring the most • Packaging, Design and Name Testing
• Pricing
internationally recognized research consultants to • Product Feature Evaluation
tackles the words most sophisticated business issues. • Segmentation
• Software User Interface Testing

RESEARCH | RESEARCH PRODUCTS
Advertisement Concepts the effect that the communications have on
their intended audiences. Two types of meas-
Description: urements are generally referred to as "advertis-
Before committing to a major media buy, ing tracking." The first is a one-time assessment
companies often wish to check the reaction of of an individual ad's performance. This meas-
potential recipients of the advertising. These urement normally begins with a "baseline"
reactions can be tested at several stages of the reading on awareness and perception prior to
creative development cycle. When the idea is the ad's release. Immediately following the
young, it can be tested as a "concept state- "flight," another, similar wave of research is
ment" which is a succinct paragraph describing conducted and the results are compared to the
the key messages. As the idea proceeds to baseline. In a large enough sample, changes in
actual renderings, various options can be awareness and perception can be traced to the
tested to see which one produces the best effect of the advertisement (assuming nothing
results. It is often desirable to test the various else has radically influenced the market). The
underlying messages' appeal to make sure that second type of advertising tracking study traces
the messages themselves are on target (e.g. the long-term effect of the communication
you can have an ad which communicates unim- plan. This is referred to as "longitudinal" track-
portant messages very well.) ing. Companies find this type of research useful
because, over time, the general effectiveness of
any specific advertisement begins to diminish.
Advertising Tracking The life cycle of an ad's effectiveness can be
mapped, and at the correct time it can be
When companies advertise their goods and replaced with new material to revitalize" the
services, they are often interested in measuring communication of the desired messages.

Awareness, Attitude and Usage users? Other demographics, such as gender,
age, income, etc. also help to isolate particular
One of the most basic, exploratory forms of groups that are particularly good (or bad)
marketing research is the AAU (Awareness, prospective customers.
Attitude and Usage Study.) This type of survey is
used to assess the general state of the market
for a particular brand, product, or service. Brand Equity
These surveys can draw on the opinions of both
Is the research concerned with those attributes
consumer and/or business customers.
associated with a brand which can be consid-
ered assets for the company. Like any form of
Awareness is almost always tested first in this
assets, brand equities are usually purchased for
type of study (otherwise the respondents
a price.
would be biased by other information being
gathered.) Awareness is tested in both unaided
Years of advertising, promotion, quality and
and aided forms. Unaided awareness consists
customer service can form a lasting impression
of all the brands, companies, product names,
of the brand that create unique and differentiat-
etc. that the respondents can think of on their
ing competitive advantages in terms of
own. In a quick, reactive type survey this meas-
consumer recognition and good will. Equities
urement of awareness is also called "top of
fall into two distinct categories: "abstract
mind" awareness. Aided awareness is then
equities" and "tangible equities."
tested by reading a list of pertinent brands,
products, etc. and asking the respondent to
Abstract equities are those attributes of the
state which ones they have heard of (not includ-
brand, product or service that exist in the mind
ing the ones already mentioned.)
of the customers. Examples of abstract equities
include perceptions of "high quality," "trust,"
Total Awareness is usually given as the sum of
"performance," etc. Tangible equities are the
unaided plus aided awareness. Attitudes are
physical manifestations of the brand including
the opinions associated with the brands, prod-
design elements such as packages, logos,
ucts, etc. that are being tested. The attitudes
typefaces, colors, characters, etc.
towards the brands can help determine
strengths or "equities" (which should be
[See Packaging Tests] Before making major
preserved) and weaknesses (that should be
design or positioning changes, many firms like
corrected.)
to research what their current equities are and
then assess what would happen if changes are
Usage patterns, which are a subset of the demo-
made. Moving too rapidly to a new look or
graphic profile, help reveal the how the
corporate personality can disenfranchise
respondents are interacting with the brand,
current customers and wash away advantages
product or service. This is particularly impor-
derived from awareness and long-term brand
tant as a comparative measurement against the
associations.
attitudes -- e.g. Do heavy users have different
opinions or priorities than the occasional

Brand Positioning referred to as longitudinal studies), brand track-
ing measures changes in the market over time.
Brand positioning refers to the strategic way in
which the brand's image is conveyed to custom-
Examples of these changes might include things
ers. Positioning helps to create a unique, differ-
like new product introductions, new competi-
entiable rationale for the purchase of your prod-
tors, advertising campaigns, public relations
ucts or services versus a competitor's.
initiatives, articles in the press, etc.
Examples of various positioning strategies
With each successive change, how people
include messages such as: "Value Brand," "High
perceive one brand versus another may be
End Brand," "Known for Customer Service,"
subtly impacted. Companies track their brand's
"High Quality," "Technology Leader," etc.
positioning for many reasons...to keep the
Positioning is usually driven by three things: 1)
brand contemporary, to counter competitive
Management Desires, 2) Market Needs, and 3)
actions, to create marketing communications
Competition within the market segment. Man-
plans and to provide a feedback mechanism on
agement desires often involve the way that the
long-term strategic positioning plans. Often a
company's leadership would "like" the market
long-term brand tracking study will begin
to perceive them (e.g. good value, high quality,
within an [Awareness, Attitude and Usage]
on-time, etc.)
study, to provide a baseline reading, then the
brand's position is tracked over time.
Research can provide a picture of customer
perceptions that reflect how well the market's
Business-to-business
opinion of the brand match those of manage-
ment's desires. Specific areas of strengths and Business-to-business research differs in several
weaknesses can be identified for corrective key ways from general consumer research.
action. Market needs can be identified as gaps
between desired product and service character- First, the target audience for a business-related
istics (market ideals) and those currently product is generally more sophisticated and
available. Measuring these "need gaps" can better informed about a particular class of prod-
help to identify new positioning opportunities. ucts than a typical consumer.
Current competitive positioning is also very Second, the purchase decision may be spread
important to bear in mind when evaluating out among more people in the business setting
your own brand position. It is usually safer, -- requiring the researcher to determine the
more productive and less expensive to assume level of purchase influence that various
a unique position in the market than one that is respondents may have.
very close to another competitor. This is particu-
larly true when the other competitors are well Third, the business market is usually more time-
established. Research can be used to produce a conscious than the general consumer -- necessi-
"brand map" of the market which shows the tating rapid, to-the-point survey techniques.
key competitors' current perceived positions. imc Research offers many ways in which
businesspeople may be surveyed, including
Brand Tracking methods with high entertainment value and
time-savings. Contact us for a detailed proposal
Like other forms of tracking studies (sometimes designed to meet your specific needs.

Competitive Analysis related to commercialization.
One of the most frequently requested types of
Determining the market requirements involves
information that companies desire is insight
determining the gaps between what is
into the competition they face.
currently available and what customers'
ultimately desire. In addition, market require-
Competitive comparisons are built into most
ments research attempts to determine how
types of studies. Two major forms of competi-
much better a new product must be in order to
tive analysis are 1) Competitive Intelligence and
2) Market perceptions of competitors. Competi-
tive intelligence is the gathering of all types of be perceived as "goodn enough to switch.
hard data on a competitor from both published
and unpublished sources. An example of " Finally, this stage of research can be used to
published sources might include a scan of the determine overall reactions to a new product
Internet for company facts, credit history, new concept and get a preliminary read on market
product announcements, etc. potential for the product or service. During the
design phase of the product or service,
Unpublished sources might include interviews frequent iterations of testing with potential
with employees and or the trade press to deter- customers can provide valuable feedback to the
mine the direction of product or service devel- design team. Feature testing, in-home studies
opment before it is officially made public. and focus groups can be used to answer ques-
Market perception competitive studies are tions from the consumers' standpoint. Prior to
usually done to ascertain the competition's launch, [positioning], [competitive analysis],
strengths and weaknesses with regard to the [product feature evaluation], [pricing],
consumer's desire to do business with them. [packaging, design and name testing] and other
studies may prove useful to product manage-
ment.
New Products
Getting customer feedback for the develop-
ment of new products is a vital role of market- Packaging, Design and Name Testing
ing research. In general, there are three distinct imc Research believes in the use of sensation
phases of new product development in which transference techniques for testing packaging.
research can be useful: Sensation Transference: The phenomenon
related to how people make judgments on an
1) Determining market requirements, "object's" attributes, based on the context in
2) Testing features and design alternatives and which the object is presented.
3) Measuring aspects of market feedback

Pricing of purchase or preference for each alternative.
How to price products and services is of critical
As the respondent continues to make choices, a
interest to many of imc Research clients. Three
pattern begins to emerge which, through
methods are traditionally used in assessing
complex multiple regression techniques, can be
pricing strategies:
broken down and analyzed as to the individual
features that contribute most to the perception
1) Comparative Worth Analyses,
of value. The measurements of the value
2) Part-Worth Modeling and
3) Conjoint Analysis Comparative worth analy-
ses work on the premise that if you know the contributed by the component parts are given
value of an existing competitor's products or in relative units called "utils.
services, and you can measure the approximate
difference in perceived worth between that " Conjoint analyses produce several types of
competitor's product desirability and your own, information. First, they tell us what features
then you can establish a relative price position (and levels of features) are most valued by the
that should be stable over some period of time. customers. Second, they allow us to model how
For instance if people perceive your product as likely people will be to purchase various configu-
producing 20% more of a sense of value than rations of products, the share of revenue that
your competitor -- you should price your prod- the product most likely will receive and what
uct or service 20% higher than theirs. role price plays in the assessment of acceptabil-
ity. Adaptive Conjoint Analysis™ is a computer-
If they drop their prices, you should take up a based form of conjoint that "learns" as the
new position 20% above their new price point. respondent makes choices -- limiting the overall
Part-Worth models use regression to identify number of choices that have to be presented in
individual features that add to the sense of order to calculate accurate utilities. ACA™ can
product value. be included as a module in disk-based surveys
or can be run on its own as a stand-alone test.
These models work by "adding up" the sum of
the individual parts to approximate the relative Discrete choice conjoint is similar to regular
value that one company's products or services conjoint except that, in addition to specific prod-
has versus another's. uct configurations that we wish to test, the
respondents are also allowed to choose "none"
Again, you use these relative price positions to of the options. This form of conjoint is helpful
peg your prices to the competition.Conjoint, or when trying to measure the actual unit volume
tradeoff analysis, is a method by which respond- of products that people will most likely
ents consider alternatives and state a likelihood purchase.

Product Feature Evaluation
Assessing the value of specific features and Second, they allow us to model how likely
how much people will be willing to pay for new people will be to purchase various configura-
functions or benefits is of tremendous interest tions of products, the share of revenue that the
to product managers. Many of the same product most likely will receive and what role
techniques used to evaluate pricing can also be price plays in the assessment of acceptability.
used to judge the relative impact of features on Adaptive Conjoint Analysis™ is a computer-
overall perceived value. In particular, imc based form of conjoint that "learns" as the
Research prefers to use conjoint analysis for respondent makes choices -- limiting the overall
this type of study. number of choices that have to be presented in
order to calculate accurate utilities. ACA™ can
Conjoint, or tradeoff analysis, is a method by be included as a module in disk-based surveys
which respondents consider alternatives and or can be run on its own as a stand-alone test.
state a likelihood of purchase or preference for
each alternative. As the respondent continues Discrete choice conjoint is similar to regular
to make choices, a pattern begins to emerge conjoint except that, in addition to specific prod-
which, through complex multiple regression uct configurations that we wish to test, the
techniques, can be broken down and analyzed respondents are also allowed to choose "none"
to reveal the individual features that contribute
most to the perception of value. The measure- of the options. This form of conjoint is helpful
ments of the value contributed by the compo- when trying to measure the actual unit volume
nent parts are given in relative units called of products that people will most likely
"utils." Conjoint analyses produce several types purchase.
of information. First, they tell us what features
(and levels of features) are most valued by the
customers.

Segmentation
Segmentation analysis is frequently used to This helps the manager to determine what
identify potential target customer groups in a things are most important in the market.
market. Segmentation may be performed on "Segment sizing" shows how large the various
either feature-based, attitudinal, behavioral or groupings of people are. (If segments are very
demographic data using many different multi- small it may be hard to market to them.) "Com-
variate clustering techniques. munications profiling" gives the manager
insight into the key messages that can be used
The type of technique used generally depends to reach any one specific segment.
on the nature of the data and how the clusters
are to be interpreted. In general, segmentation These messages can be compared to the
helps you to break up the market into groups of customer's current perceptions of the product
customers who tend to view things similarly. or service to determine how good a fit there is
for marketing to any one specific segment.
For instance, within a given market there may
be a group of people who are particularly price
sensitive or who are interested in the latest
technology no matter what it costs. By isolating
and identifying these various groups, research
can provide the marketing manager with
several important tools: "Market dimensionali-
zation" is a term used to describe the mapping
of the key issues that influence people -- such
as "cost," "brand consciousness," "techno-
phobia," etc.

RESEARCH
Research By Sector:
We measure markets and trends at the customer TABLE OF CONTENTS
points an report it back real time. We offer custom-
• Business
ized consumer research services focused on specific • imc Research Tailored Solutions
issues and opportunities, using advanced research. • imc Research for Business Leaders
We evaluate and forecast the potential markets for • imc Research for Business Leaders consists of
new products. We identify and help clients reach the following products
specific consumer segments. • imc Research for Product Management &
Marketing
• imc Research for Market & Competitive
In imc Research we track the results of marketing and Intelligence
sales programs. imc Research provides advanced • Core research
analytical service for marketing and merchandising • imc Research industry
planning. And we provide integrated combinations of • Education
• Energy & Utilities
products and services aimed at revolutionary • Government
solutions to clients’ key issues. • Healthcare Providers
• Insurance
Our services help clients understand competitive • Media
results, diagnose and solve problems, improve brand • Retail
and banner performance, develop and launch new
products and identify new growth opportunities.

RESEARCH | RESEARCH BY SECTOR
Business Spend less time searching for information-and
In imc Research we provide market-focused more time applying the right insight in the
intelligence, through an integrated information context of your business.
research system that help businesses go to imc Research for Business Leaders
market more effectively and efficiently. A new series of role-based research offerings
designed to help business leaders in the energy,
Serving more than 30 individual industries, healthcare, real-estate, retail and communica-
spanning the entertainment, marketing, media tions industry be more successful.
& visual arts, retail and building design indus-
tries, imc Research provides business-to- imc Research for Business Leaders delivers the
business products and services in print, online insight that will enable you to conceive break-
and in person. through ideas, make more successful decisions
and win more business, with confidence. Our
reinvigorated focus on serving the needs of
imc Research Tailored Solutions business executives leading healthcare,
The insight you need-when you need it. Instant real-estate, retail and communications organiza-
access to exclusive imc Research that's tailored tions is designed to help you achieve your goals
to your specific business area. and let you concentrate on making your
Advice from world-renowned imc Research programs and products successful in your
analysts to help you make the right decisions marketplace.
with confidence.

imc Research
for Product Management & Marketing
imc Research for Product Management & including focus area topics. Upgrading to
Marketing is designed to proactively deliver Advisor, a more personalized option, puts you
insight custom-tailored to your job function via in direct contact with our Core Research
a personalized systematic research tools organ- analysts.
ized into a simple dashboard framework of
Customers, Competitors, Markets and Technolo-
gies. imc Research industry
With research that gives you a competitive Advisory services Many CIOs, CTOs, and other
edge, discover new market or growth opportu- senior business executives need research
nities, understand what is on the mind of your within the specific context of their industry.
buyer, invent breakthrough products and Through imc Research Industry Advisory
create more effective marketing strategies. Services, analysts write to a client-prioritized
agenda with highly targeted advice aimed at
generating new business value and new
imc Research sources of competitive advantage. Learn More
for Market & Competitive Intelligence Banking & Investment Services In a sea of
imc Research for Market & Competitive Intelli- commoditized banking products and increasing
gence reduces the time-consuming and labor- global regulation, research professionals and
intensive task of conducting research by deliver- business leaders in the banking industry must
ing insight custom-tailored to your role via a invest in the right insight provides to support
fully systemized research tools . growth, preserve margins and aid in compli-
ance. imc Research banking industry research,
With the insight and analysis you receive, you staffed by top industry analysts, provides the
are better able to offer indispensable advice, critical insights you'll need to gain competitive
generate results and add greater value to your advantage.
organization every day.
Education
Core research
Educational institutions need thorough under-
imc Research Core Research is your primary standing of current trends and issues to exploit
window to the imc Research data and analysis changing enrollment patterns and deliver
that will help you plan, implement, and manage research-dependent offerings such as student
on a day-to-day basis. Detailed care and innova- services and e-learning.
tive research design is the foundation of most
client relationships at imc Research, the point imc Research industry research analyzes the
of access to our analysts and their advice. latest developments affecting the education
industry, with specific focus on both the higher
There are two service options within Core education and K-12 segments.
Research: Reference and Advisor. Reference
gives you self-serve access to imc Research
Core Research facilitating your private access to
both your research history and the markets’,

Energy & Utilities
Analysis, research and actionable advice on imc Research industry research provides
energy and utility industry-specific develop- in-depth analysis on the priorities and options
ments, challenges and trends for energy indus- confronting healthcare decision makers.
try executives. imc Research helps business-
focused energy filed leaders and energy-
focused service provider companies to under- Insurance
stand and act on changes in this rapidly trans- Analysis, research, and actionable advice on
forming, increasingly volatile industry space. selected industry-specific developments,
challenges and trends for insurance executives.
By surveying the most active segments of the
Energy & Utilities industry and the general industry landscape —
Analysis, research and actionable advice on while leveraging the research generated by imc
energy and utility industry-specific develop- Research’s other advisory and consulting
ments, challenges and trends for energy indus- services — the service provides unparalleled
try executives. imc Research helps business- advice to clients.
focused energy filed leaders and energy-
focused service provider companies to under-
stand and act on changes in this rapidly trans- Media
forming, increasingly volatile industry space. The global media industry is in the early stages
of a digital revolution that will enable more
consumers to purchase media in more ways
Government than ever; increasing media power and profits
Strategic decision making and innovations are for well-positioned companies. New strategies
frequently blocked by outdated policies and are needed to capitalize on behavioral and
other complications endemic within the public trend changes. imc Research industry research
sector. covers the business opportunities and evolve-
ment issues surrounding this transition.
Government leaders must ensure that policies
keep pace with resources in hand. imc Research
industry research provides best research meth- Retail
ods and tactics for public-sector governance, As retailers research to improve business and
and funding strategies by designing a tailor- enhance the customer experience, navigating
made module based research to solve faced the right path through the complex array of
issues. offering options can make the difference
between competitive success and failure. imc
Research industry research helps retail execu-
Healthcare Providers tives assess the impact of research alternatives
Healthcare research has taken an increasingly on market share, productivity and profit.
central role in supporting clinical care. Research
evolving from a "nice to have" differentiator to
a core competency whose absence can place a
care delivery organization's future at risk.

RESEARCH
Research By Service:
Analysts & Consultants
imc Research has been the trusted advisor by many TABLE OF CONTENTS
of the world's largest and most demanding enter- • Analysts
prises for over 29 years. Accurate answers to difficult • Consultants
• The imc Research Advantage
questions; innovative research solutions to complex • Market Independence
business problems. That trust is based on relation- • Industry Focused Research
ships. Those relationships are not with a faceless • Benchmarking
company but with the remarkable people you'll find • Custom Benchmarks
on these pages. No one sees the implications of • Telephone Interviews
• One-to-one
research so clearly, so consistently. • Postal Surveys
• On-line Surveys
Critical mass is the great advantage that our people
bring to our clients. imc Research analysts and
consultants draw constantly from the real-life prob-
lems and solutions experienced by 500 imc Research
clients worldwide. The value of this resource,
combined with our deep analysis and delivered
insights, is unrivaled. This is why business and market
leaders turn to us more than anyone else. You simply
can't get the same quality of observation and advice
anywhere else.

RESEARCH | RESEARCH BY SERVICE
Analysts Hire an Analyst Join our Analysts team

We are often asked what makes imc Research Ask an Analyst Did you know you can schedule
analysts and consultants different. an appointment to speak to an imc Research
analyst? Ask your most important questions.
In a word: experience. Get person-to-person insight, now.
“You must be a client to access this feature.”
It begins with who we hire. imc Research, like
Market Independence
all companies at the very top of their field,
attracts a pool of talented applicants that is imc Research's market independence ensures
almost breathtaking. We get the best of the that our advice is about making our clients
best. In the research world, it is a distinct profes- successful; it is not about driving implementa-
sional honor to be an imc Research analyst. As a tion or outsourcing.
community, our 172 analysts are the most
formidable brain trust of independent research Industry Focused Research
experts on the planet. Hand-picked. Rigorously
imc Research ensures our analyses and advice
trained. Carefully mentored. Our clients get the
is based on a deep understanding our clients’
tremendous value of that process and that
business environment through our industry
thinking on a day-to-day basis.
focused account management micro organiza-
tional structure.

RESEARCH | RESEARCH BY SERVICE
Telephone Interviews
Postal Surveys
This is the most cost effective solution for
clients who would like information from a large Postal surveys are more economical than face-
sample size or from a number of geographical to-face surveys and less intrusive than
locations. telephone surveys.
They can be particularly useful when respond-
This would be time intensive and prohibitively ents need time to assess various products or
expensive using one-to-one interviews; consider their answers before completing a
however telephone interviews allow such questionnaire.
projects to be carried out in a relatively short
time and with the minimum outlay. Similar to telephone interviews, postal surveys
can be used where a large sample or number of
One-to-one locations are required.
Undoubtedly, one-to-one interviewing can be
the most thorough method of obtaining infor-
On-line Surveys
mation from a market sector.
Online surveys provide a fast, economical
A combination of intelligent questionnaire means of reaching a wide audience.
design and an experienced interviewer can
provide a wealth of information or actionable This research method is particularly useful for
data. projects where low penetration levels are an
issue and traditional recruitment costs would
One-to-one research is particularly well suited be prohibitive.
to providing feedback on various locations in
the form of entrance or exit interviews – i.e. It can also provide a cost effective method for
why a consumer decided to visit a particular gauging consumer opinions of new concepts or
venue, or their thoughts / level of satisfaction packaging designs, where responses are
on leaving. required to visual stimuli.

[ RESEARCH APPLICATIONS]
• CAPI imc fielder® Face to face interviews
• CAWI fielder ® web interviews
• CATI / Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
CAPI imc fielder ®

Face to face interviews:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Benefits
imc® aims to transfer the region from the pen and • Introduction
paper to CAPI , providing a cutting edge fully • Face-to-face interviews advantages
integrated infrastructure field support solution that • The System® Never been easier
includes both the hardware and the software, in an • The Process
affordable costing. That enables agencies taking their • Media Assisted System
• Functions Features and Aides of the composer
data processing department concerns to whole new • The perfect tool for a host of situations
level.
Benefits
• Uses the Internet to update (thought our servers)

and consolidate CAPI data without user intervention
• Centralizes the management and dispatch of CATI
projects, including individual quotas
• Implements changes transparently in the course of
field operations

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CAPI
Introduction
We can create engaging, the entire field
When using the CAPI method, the question- machines from scratch in less than 12 hours.
naires are programmed in software. The inter- Just you questionnaire directly imc® support .
viewer receives a laptop and can in this way To set-up the preferred look and feel for your
conduct computer-steered interviews at the touch screen survey, simply express your inter-
respondentsâ€™ homes, at some central point ests; we will make sure the screen is shown in
(e.g. in a shopping centre), or at the respond- the one you want to display for your respond-
ents' workplaces, etc. ents - done. You are ready to start data collec-
tion with imc Research Launcher using your
own or using rented touch screen survey equip-
Face-to-face interviews ment.
have the following advantages:
• Face-to-face interviews can be conducted The Process

everywhere.
• One can make use of images. And various • Create your questionnaire
multimedia file types. • Translate to the targeted languages ( can be
• There is a direct and visual contact between provided separately by imc Research®)
the interviewer and the respondent. • Send it to imc Research®
• One can give an incentive for the collabora- • We will the project logistics
tion. • Assist you initiate & Launch the fieldwork
• There is no limit to the length of the inter- • Communicate the progress
view. • Receive you clean data file right after field is
• Empiric evidence can be used in the research. over.
• Good geographic distribution
• Very professional instrument for B-to-B inter-
views. The perfect tool for a host of situations:
• Concept testing
imc fielder™ CAPI makes use of the infrastruc- • Advertising testing
ture to deploy and manage surveys conducted • Public health research
on mobile computing devices. The devices can • Employment and economic studies
last up to 9 hours in the field, to insure full • Transportation studies
productivity, on an individual level • Collection of engineering data
For face to face interviews where interviewers • Tracking
must be highly mobile (airports, stations, • And any Ad-hoc research
subways, shows, sporting events, polling etc).
The System - Never been easier
Just drop us your questionnaire! imc® question-

naire Composer Module lets us craft difficult
surveys, quizzes, assessments and interactive
forms in an easy, intuitive way and helps stream-
line remotely and accelerate the project
creation process.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CAPI
Ask with pictures
show brief videos, play audio files
At times, a picture or video says more than thou- • Fully customizable branching and skip
sand words. You can use this feature for brand patterns on an option level
recognition, when asking for differences in • Fully secure and encrypted data collection of
technical products and difficult to explain prod- data and results
ucts, aided recalls, ad recalls, preferences for • Instruct your interviewer during the interview
product packaging, and similar situations. using our (Notice ) feature
• Showcard feature is create to assist the inter-
imc Research Composer also allows you to mix view display the answer in a respondent
answer choices in text, pictures, videos and friendly fashion
sound within the same question. • Import and export questions and answers
immediately to ready data format, our system
create an SPSS (*.sav) on the spot
The most important functions • All data collection operations conducted on
Features and aides of imc®composer: individual computers are synchronized and
centralized through Internet sessions (using
• Unlimited number of projects (limited only by imc® servers)
computer storage space) • Multiple concurrent surveys supported
• Unlimited number of questions (limited only • Changes to questionnaires made
by computer storage space) transparently during the study
• Questionnaire design, including answer • The CAPI Manager server is available 24/7
choices with text, pictures, multimedia • imc fielder TM is compatible with all our other
(pictures, video clips, audio clips) By imc®, head- collection modes (CATI/CAWI) allowing for
ache free servicing system mixed mode-projects
• Add questionnaires in foreign languages as • Several randomization modes on the options
needed level , to ensure the most salient statistical
• Format fonts, font colors, sizes and designs of responses
buttons, import background screens • Full integration to open ended answer in the
• Preview screens and see how our creation will structured of upcoming questions
appear in front of the respondent, once you are
satisfied Without needing a permanent connection Inter-
• Provide virtually unlimited number of answer viewer CAPI runs questionnaires locally on the
choices PC. When an connection to our server and
• Create a wide variety of closed-end and open- under imc’s® supervision is possible, question-
end question types (numeric and alphanu- naires and other components are updated, and
meric); scales, opinion grids and more sample and the encrypted data are securely
• Fully customized question types , you can mix exchanged without intervention on the part of
in our system both multiple choice and all that the interviewer. This mode minimizes connec-
can apply under one question tion time, enabling studies where there is only
• Print questionnaire in English and foreign intermittent connectivity, with the highest
languages (now including Arabic) levels of data security possible.
• Determine time-in and time-out and get the
interviews average.

CAWI fielder ®
web interviews
Internet research: CAWI
Today, Web Interviewing is the most technically TABLE OF CONTENTS
innovative way to gather data. • Mechanism
The Internet opens new perspectives for market • Advantage
research, which complement the traditional studies. • Limits
For example, studies may be conducted over the • Characteristics of our surveys & forms
• Customized design
Internet via specific customer files or via randomly
• Branding
recruited Internet user consumer panels, cf. imc • Multilingual
Research panel. • Services provide

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CAWI
Mechanism
The CAWI questionnaire appears in the browser • Avoidance of positioning effects by standard-
as a web-page that respondents can reach in ized rotation and randomization of items
different ways depending on the sample design • Automatic control
required for the study. • Possibility to integrate logos and pictures and
The computerized environment enables great demonstrate video and audio materials
logical intricacy in the interviewing process.
Filtering and the implementation of logical
relationships happen in the background, out of Limits
sight, and only the questions to answer appear
The target is not representative of the national
on the screen.
population, the Internet equipment rate of
The answers for the questionnaire get immedi-
households being 57% in the UK for instance
ately to the main server so the data collection
and 61% in the US. Senior citizens are poorly
and the results can be tracked continuously.
represented. Difficulty to check the validity of
Even multimedia materials (pictures, audio or
answers and the respondent identity.
music files) can be integrated into the question-
• Professionalisation and spontaneous
naire.
self-recruitment of certain panelists.
• Facility to quit the questionnaire.
• Obligation to protect the data.
Advantage
There are no print, interviewer and data input To see further information please visit imc
costs. Research at:
The collection time is reduced and there is no www.imc-research.com/CAWI
input time. Real time processing. Real time data
follow-up.
Characteristics of our surveys & forms
Better access to certain targets (Net surfers,
• Require no special software to be installed on
working population…). No geographical
respondent's computer
constraint. CAWI is well adapted to broad
• Can be used without any need for training
geographical areas.
• Implemented to appropriate International
Suppression of skews due to the interviewer
standards
and input errors. The respondents have all the
• Full compliance to the international research
time they want to answer the questionnaire.
code of conduct of ESOMAR, MRS &CASRO
• Time and cost effective
• Data collected is kept in a secure environment
• Comfort for respondents – fast filling and
that protects your privacy and the privacy of
guarantee of anonymity
your respondents
• Complete and thought-through answers from
• Our testing ensures that online surveys work
respondents
with all major web browsers
• Data and reports available immediately and
• Fully customisable look and feel
on-line
• Surveys can be pre-populated
• System of data protection
• Speed of loading
• Support for any question and logical construc-
• Very extensive range of features.
tion of the questionnaire including switching in
accordance with respondent’s answers

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CAWI
Customized design
The display of information on a monitor screen Our survey interface is also available in differ-
is different from any other medium. As such, ent languages, for ex. text viewed while access-
presenting, for example, a printed form online ing a survey.
may not be very effective unless specific online The content of the survey or data collection
design issues are considered. systems is provided by clients (questions, ...).
In designing online surveys and forms, we Each survey will have a different web address.
consider design features that will make your A link in the appropriate language is sent to
questionnaires appealing and easy to complete. potential respondents, or a list of web
Imc Research is dedicating resources for addresses where respondents choose their
programming and scripting the required preferred language. Alternatively, we set up a
surveys for research agencies and research no main page in the survey with links to the differ-
matter how sophisticated of complex the ent versions and respondents just click on their
survey design is. preferred language.
Branding Ability to merge survey results for ease of analy-
sis.
Each CAWI system can be branded in the Assuming the different versions of the survey
customer's own corporate brand, event or have an identical structure then you can
image, with logos, images, company colours, combine the results in the reporting area
fonts, etc (therefore you do not have to analyse the
surveys separately unless you want to). For
example, they must have the same number of
Multilingual questions, the same number of options per
Our Computer Assisted Web Interviewing question, etc. If the survey structure differs
(CAWI) and Computer Assisted Telephone Inter- then the results cannot be combined
viewing (CATI) system is extremely powerful
and can create surveys in multiple languages,
allowing you to reach customers and internet Services provide
users around the globe By imc Research are two types of basic on-line
Our CAWI system supports any language capa- surveys:
ble of being displayed on the web, including
non-Latin and right-to-left scripts. It has been • Full cycle research including questionnaires’
used to create online questionnaires in the composure and programming, fieldwork, data
following languages: analysis and final report
Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, • Questionnaires’ programming, fieldwork,
Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Guja- providing access to data and basic reports
rati, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithu- on-line, and primary data processing for
anian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, research Agencies
Slovak, Slovenian, Somali, Spanish, Swedish,
Turkish, Urdu, Welsh.

CATI
Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
With technology from imc Research, we can develop about our CATI software and automated
your CATI (computer assisted telephone interview) survey
applications and stations using our interactive voice solutions.
response IVR solutions. Phone surveys can be
initiated by outbound phone calls or can be a To view articles about IVR surveys and
response to callers. Using our phone system with the computer assisted phone interview appli-
Smart Message Dialer and phone interview IVR cations, please visit our Phone Survey
software, we can call a potential interviewee and play Tech Library web page.
a custom greeting.
The caller is given the option to be interviewed by

phone or can talk with a representative (if you TABLE OF CONTENTS
choose), leave a voice message, hear additional infor- • Features
mation or simply decline the interview. The phone • Benefits
interview application can be programmed to accept • Outsource Your CATI
touchphone response or can record each question
response for later analysis.
Contact imc Research technical team to learn more

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CATI
Features
In general, computer assisted telephone inter- since many potential interviewer errors, such as
viewing offers some very appealing benefits missed questions or inappropriate skips, are
and features. Here are just a few: virtually eliminated. Also, apparent discrepan-
cies between responses may be automatically
• Standardized sampling and call-back proce- identified for probing during the course of the
dures can be programmed in the system to interview.
insure uniformity of practice and more efficient • Tabulations and data files are available sooner
calling routines. because data entry and most manual editing
• Interview questions can be automatically and data cleaning steps are eliminated. For
modified to insert information already more complex studies, this may save weeks
obtained and to phrase questions appropriately between the completion of interviewing and
by such personal characteristics as gender and the beginning of analysis.
marital status. • Automatic record-keeping, by date, time,
• Computer-controlled skip patterns permit far sample segment facilitates both interim and
more complex interviews than are possible final reports on sampling outcomes and perfor-
with paper and pencil forms. Questions can be mance. Automatic timing of alternate question
designed to vary according to answers given wordings and sequences can aid in the design
earlier in the interview or even according to of interviews that are less burdensome to
random numbers. Complex experiments can be respondents and more efficient for researchers
integrated into the survey.
• In-process data cleaning is a standard benefit,

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS| CATI
Benefits
Imc Research has the full CATI setup for • It is simple to check up on sampling and
research agencies including the computer response.
predictive dialer. • Real time online reporting
Besides these important advantages, one must
The fieldwork supervisors can keep an eye on bear in mind the limitations accompanying
the different CATI stations and always follow telephone interviews:
the work of the interviewers by means of • The time of the survey is limited.
central computers. • It is impossible to show images.
Telephone research may be used for both

business-to-business research, and for Outsource Your CATI
consumer research. Telephone numbers may
Outsource Your CATI Applications At Our Call
both be supplied by the customer and selected
Center.Imc Research can provide your organiza-
by us from the databases we have available.
tion with a complete turnkey application and
Telephone research has a few important advan-
phone interview system. But you can also
tages to offer:
outsource your telephone interview projects
such as customer satisfaction surveys at very
• The sampling is more correct.
affordable rates through our call center.
• Complicated skips and complex routing
Using our phone dialer and your survey repre-
present no problems whatsoever.
sentatives, you can enjoy the benefits of this
• There is no need to provide separate data
latest technology without the investment of
input.
phone equipment and support personnel.
• Every question has to be answered to
continue with the questionnaire.
This "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY" option lets you
• Blank, invalid or impossible answers are
experience the results we know you can
automatically impossible.
achieve through automation. Contact DSC
• Increased data quality: how long the survey
today for a free quote.
takes, its starting time
• The prescribed quotas are automatically
recorded by the software.

[ AUDITING ]
• Concept
• Abstract
• The Problem
• Imc Auditing - The Agency
AUDITING
CONCEPT
This paper introduces the creation of the research integrity & health
Index, as a tool for marketers and research experts, to asses and
evaluate the objectives, implementing, and data outcomes being on
the receiving side of the research conducted . In addition, to
provide a detailed insight to research buyers in regards to the health
of their conducted research. It uses the REHI to evaluate the overall
level of accuracy of the research done; driving the quality of the
research Society today, as well as its future development of the
industry, and shows how the REHI can yield real impact into develop-
ment of research implementation quality internationally. The REHI
is a practical tool for research health evaluation in a just and equita-
ble way, as envisaged by several ESOMAR experts outcome docu-
ments.

AUDITING | 1
ABSTRACT
The need for this concept comes from the This most fundamental problem, we are
uncertainty of research results after the seeking to resolve using a systematic methodol-
research is ogy; is named - research integrity and health
evaluation- . Till this point of time research
done and the preliminary report is provided, experts on the on the receiving end of the table
and before the final one. never had the formal tool to doubt, audit.
This censorship methodology will systemati- Nevertheless, check the data provided to them
cally evaluate the main dimensions of imple- by the research agency, as ESOMAR confidenti-
mentation of any given research, and will ality code protects the rights of the agency not
provide with an overall score that indicate how to revile the names of the respondents selected
healthy / integrity the research was throughout for the research as a sample.
the entire process. As well as the categorized
scores that indicates the health / integrity of Hence, the auditing of research is solely
each dimension. Moreover, this system will dictated by the implementing research
create a construct of the needed measures / provider, if anything is to go wrong, the agen-
Actions that shows how the results quality can cies will be the only side who will know, and
lifted up. If necessary. decide whether to take any action or not.
This concept will serve both scientific as well as Research providers are usually hesitant to take
market research across any given industry as it action, as it is costly, time-consuming, and
evaluates the more importantly will affect the reputation of
the research agency itself.
• Objectives delivery
• Research process & implementation
• In addition, data health / integrity provided. • Costly: The resources dedication to carry out
On both the data file and reporting levels. a supplemental sample that fixes a reviled issue
with the conducted research is often not a budg-
eted action. Even if needed. Avoiding it is the
THE PROBLEM favorable course of action to most agencies.
• Time Consuming: research project are always
Thousands of research experts every day run with a strict timelines, where research
receive from their research provider; both clients are easy about. Hence, corrective meas-
agency and consultants, hundreds of research ures when it comes to research health are
reports. Many times; the results come vague, overlooked or disregarded. Sometimes, the
weak, missing information, does not match the difficulty of the sample it self and the limited
objectives, late, and even sometimes not timelines asked by the research buyers effect in
compatible with the basic research reporting a direct manner the quality of data.
techniques. Most importantly, the delivered • Affects the image of the research: taking a
research results raise serious doubts about the corrective field measure raises the research.
actual integrity, validity, and reliability of the
research implementation process itself and
outcomes.

AUDITING | 2
ABSTRACT IMC Auditing- The Agency
In response, to the need of a statistical measure- To achieve these objectives, the respective
ment methodology of research health and partners should have combined resources and
integrity (IMC) and several major international coordinated activities related to measurement
research clients carried this concept through. of the information. One of the first activities
IMC as an Organization is seeking to join forces undertaken on behalf of the partnership after
to create a global Partnership for ‘Measuring IMC-Research communicated the statistical
research health and integrity evaluation methodology of the index through a workshop
centers around the world through IMC- on ‘Monitoring the research health and integ-
Research�. The Partnership will be officially rity: Data, Measurement & Methods’ to be held
launched during the global conference to be as a side event while initiating the partnership.
held in the United Arab Emirates end of 2010. The role of the IMC-Auditing� has of utmost
The main objectives of the Partnership are the importance to the Partnership. In providing
following: guidance on methodologies and experiences in
REHI data collection, analysis and dissemina-
1. To agree on a common set of core-measured tion. Whereas, IMC-Auditing� have voiced their
indicators those are comparable at the interna- challenges and needs with regards to research
tional level. health and integrity measurement, making the
2. To assist in building the statistical capacity in Partnership a practical forum for exchanging
to set a global research health norms by indus- experiences.
try and research practice.
3. To set up a global database for hosting data
on core REHI indicators.

[ PANELS ]
• Sampling as a core of research quality delivery
• Solutions that fit
• imc Research® Omnibus
• Benefits achieved with imc Research® Panels
• Tracking study sample delivery
• Custom Panels
• Recruitment
• Quality management system
• Bringing a holistic approach to panel quality
PANELS
Sampling as a core of research quality delivery And we fully stand behind our sample on a
pay-for-performance basis by guaranteeing the
At Imc Research® we understand that research satisfaction of our clients. We charge only for
results are only as good as the underlying qualified completes delivered, and we simply
sample being used. That's why we put so much will not accept payment for sample delivery
emphasis on the quality of the sample that we that does not meet or exceed our clients' expec-
provide our clients. tations.
Sample delivery is our core focus of our
business, and that's why we only undertake If this sounds like what you are looking for in
studies where sample delivery is a major your research vendor, we look forward to the
component of our project involvement. opportunity to respond to your next research
Through our Consumer, Business, and Specialty quote request
Panels, we provide the widest range of online
sample options.
We have employed and developed a cutting
edge open-architecture, secure tracking
technology platform that allows sample
supplied by imc Research to flow seamlessly
into the survey instruments that are hosted by
us or even our clients.
Over thousands of separate studies, we've
refined the science of sample tracking and
integration — so that's one less headache to
worry about.

PANELS
Sampling as a core of research quality delivery Solutions that fit
At Imc Research® we understand that research Through the advanced developed research
results are only as good as the underlying applications by imc Research® Consumer and
sample being used. That's why we put so much Business Panels have been crafted to support a
emphasis on the quality of the sample that we broad range of research study applications. The
provide our clients.
Sample delivery is our core focus of our
business, and that's why we only undertake following are a list of some study examples that
studies where sample delivery is a major imc Research has supported in the past:
component of our project involvement.
Through our Consumer, Business, and Specialty • Concept Testing
Panels, we provide the widest range of online • Conjoint Analysis
sample options. • In-Home Usage Tests (IHUTs)
We have employed and developed a cutting • Pre- and Post-Market Campaign Tests
edge open-architecture, secure tracking • Customer Satisfaction Studies
technology platform that allows sample • Loyalty Program Design Studies
supplied by imc Research to flow seamlessly • Longitudinal/Tracking Studies
into the survey instruments that are hosted by • Advertising Effectiveness
us or even our clients. • Brand Comparison Research
Over thousands of separate studies, we've • Logo Testing
refined the science of sample tracking and • Website Usability
integration — so that's one less headache to • Discrete Choice/Factor Analysis
worry about. • Market Size and Share Estimation
• Competitive Analysis
And we fully stand behind our sample on a • Price Elasticity Evaluation Studies
pay-for-performance basis by guaranteeing the • Channel Effectiveness
satisfaction of our clients. We charge only for • Political/Voter Opinion Polls
qualified completes delivered, and we simply • Media Awareness Testing
will not accept payment for sample delivery • Product Usage Diaries
that does not meet or exceed our clients' expec- • Movie and Entertainment Opinion Tracking
tations. • Online Focus Group Recruitment
• Offline Focus Group Facility Recruitment
If this sounds like what you are looking for in • Phone Interview Recruitment (IDIs)
your research vendor, we look forward to the • Direct Mail Survey Recruitment & Execution
opportunity to respond to your next research • Attitude and Usage Testing
quote request. • ‫ﺫ‬Omnibus Study Support

PANELS
Final Data
Product Sample Frequency Deliverables
Question Due Delivery
1,200 U.S. adult panel

members (age 18+)
using a U.S. census
Consumer Weekly Monday10:00 a.m. Thursday5:00 p.m. Excel Data files and tabs
sample framework.
Middle East will start
on October 2010
500 U.S. adult panel

members (age 18+)
with household
Affluent incomes of at least Biweekly Wednesday5:00 p.m. Tuesday5:00 p.m. Excel Data files and tabs
$150,000+ and net
incomes of above
$750,000.
500 Decision-makers
at U.S. companies with
Small Business 5 to 99 employees. Biweekly Friday5:00 p.m. Following Friday5:00 p.m. Excel Data files and tabs
on October 2010
500 Manager-level+ at
U.S. companies with
100 or more
ITDecision-maker Biweekly Friday5:00 p.m. Following Friday5:00 p.m. Excel Data files and tabs
employees.
on October 2010

PANELS
Please contact us to find out more about our Retention

Omnibus service. With annual retention rates of approximately
We look forward to the opportunity to respond 85%, imc Research can meet your sampling
to your next research sample quote request! needs, even if your tracker requires unique
We're here if you need us. respondents over multiple waves.
• Survey programming and hosting Reach

• Sample only
• Sample plus omnibus Having access to a large universe of respond-
• Survey programming and hosting ents enables the consistency of sample compo-
• Hybrid interviewing sition over the course of a tracking study. imc
• International sample services Research has millions of deeply profiled panel
• Tracking studies members offering a broader, more consistent
• Custom panels respondent base.
Targeting
In over 80% of the projects we support, we With 300+ member profile dimensions, imc
handle the survey programming and hosting. Research can efficiently target the audiences
For those companies who are looking for added your tracking studies require. Utilizing our
support during overload situations or who do dynamic profile enrichment protocol.
not consider survey programming and hosting
to be their core competency, we can help.
Research integrity
Research Integrity Makes the Difference It all
Benefits achieved with imc Research® Panels starts with research integrity.
• Highly skilled survey programmers who under- • The integrity to adhere to the highest quality
stand research science recruitment methods.
• Customized branding options • The integrity to achieve the highest levels of
• Ability to handle even the most complex panel maintenance and data freshness.
survey designs • The integrity to appropriately reward survey
• Secure technology participants for their time.
• Online portal access to real-time data and
reporting Tracking study sample delivery. With the rapid increase in online sample
availability in recent years; research integrity
Delivering consistent sample wave after wave. has come under fire as corners have been cut
imc Research ensures the stability of your track- by others that have allowed “professional
ing study results with dedicated support staff survey takers " to pollute respondent samples
and proven panel management methodologies at alarming ratesImc Research®, we have
that produce consistent, industry-leading remained unwaveringly committed to the
response and retention rates. highest standards of research integrity and to
Response maintaining social science standards in online
imc Research experiences typical response research.
rates of 18%-35%, depending upon the
targeted audience. Utilizing reliable sampling
procedures, we can maintain consistent
response rates from wave to wave

PANELS
Recruitment
One of the most important questions that a of their panel until after members have joined
researcher can ask a sample provider is, "How
did you recruit your panel?" Imc Research® we 2. Less "Self-Selection" Bias
pioneered a very effective panel recruitment We believe panels that use "open" recruitment
methodology to attract quality consumers and techniques such as multi-panel co-registration
business professionals alike by partnering with sites are allowing large-scale self-selection
some of the largest and most respected global biases into their panels, attracting "professional
companies. Using a controlled mix of both survey takers" and causing a widespread
online methods (e.g. e-mail invitations and amount of membership duplication across
other targeted online modes) and offline meth- many other online panels. To reduce the poten-
ods (e.g. physical post-card invitations, direct tial for self-selection bias, imc Research
mail inserts, etc.), we have been able to build a panelists may join only if they are first invited
geographically and demographically diverse After an individual responds to an invitation
panel. Since our founding in 1999, every imc and joins an imc Research panel, he or she
Research member has experienced the same completes a 300+ item member profile, which
standardized member enrollment experience. collects information about
Same practice is being enrolled by our repre-
sentatives internationally. i. demographics,
ii. interests,
In order to remain as balanced as possible, our iii. life events,
panel members have been recruited from a iv. health ailments,
diverse set of consumer and business-to- v. various product purchase intent data, and
business sources using a "by-invitation-only" more.
approach. This means that we have been able vi. We also collect extensive business-related
to control and manage the demographic make- information from business professionals,
up of our panels "up front" and invite only the vii. including their occupation,
types of individuals that fit the current normali- viii. title,
zation needs of the imc Research Consumer ix. functional role,
Panel and the imc Research Business Panel. All x. industry,
panel establishment methodologies employed xi. company size
by us are fully compliant with CASRO guidelines xii. and purchase decision-making role for over
By employing our "by-invitation-only" 20 product/service categories.
approach, we:
Upon enrollment,
1. achieve higher levels of panel normalization, panelists earn reward currency for participating
2. effectively avoid the "professional survey in online research surveys, then redeem
takers" that are plaguing other online research currency for valuable rewards from leading
panels. companies like Delta Air Lines®, Hilton®,
BLOCKBUSTER®, eBags®, FTD.COM®, Omaha
1. More Normalized Steaks®, and Sony among others.
Other panel companies cannot achieve the
same level of normalization that we can since
their "open" recruitment methods do not allow
them to determine the demographic make-up

PANELS
Bringing a holistic approach to panel quality

imc Research Quality Management System, that are either out of date or are likely to
ensures the highest quality sample by employ- change frequently.
ing a holistic approach to quality management. The Dynamic Profile Enrichment capability also
imc Research Quality Management System allows us to continuously learn about each
makes certain that our panelists remain panelist and build additional knowledge about
engaged, that each of our panelists are authen- them.
tic and honest in their responses, and that our In turn, we maximize relevant communications
clients are well-served. The system begins with and minimize having to "canvas" the entire
imc Research' “by-invitation-only” recruitment panel to conduct low-incidence research
method and continues throughout the panel studies Furthermore, we utilize our online
life of every imc Research member. In order to Census capability to conduct full profile reviews
ensure the authenticity of our panel members, and updates at specific anniversary dates of
then applies the following quality management panelist participation.
procedures Important measures of how well we are doing
at panel maintenance are our panel response
• ID Validation and retention rates, both of which lead the
• Profile Validation industry.
• Survey Performance Monitoring
• Duplicate Elimination Panels that perform. imc Research has built the
most powerful online research panels available
We utilize our proprietary Dynamic Profile to researchers today — the imc Research®
Enrichment™ capability to maintain the fresh- Consumer Panels and Business Panels. Addition-
ness and accuracy of all panelist information. ally, we offer a host of specialty panels tailored
to meet the specific (and low-incidence) needs
This state-of-the-art method uses incentives of our research clients.
and an intelligent database algorithm to
perìodically present panelists with opportuni-
ties to update certain aspects of their profile

PANELS
Panel Sectors
imc Research Consumer Panels
Are comprised of millions of members and panel, imc Research enables researchers to
continue to grow daily. Our Consumer Panels engage the youth audience in a manner that
deliver a representative sample of the online speaks directly to their likes and interests.
populations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France,
Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and the Middle
East. imc Research Specialty Panels
were created as a direct result of our research
clients' feedback about their most demanding
imc Research Business Panels sample needs. imc Research offers 12 separate
Are the premier business panels being offered Specialty Consumer Panels and 10 different
for B2B research in North America and Europe. Specialty Business Panels within North America
With deep occupational and company profile and Europe
information on millions of business decision-
makers and influencers our business panels can
deliver the respondents you need. Response rates
Response rates are vitally important to survey-
based research studies because the level of
imc Research Healthcare Panels non-response bias and the studies' findings are
brings quality market research to medical ultimately linked to the response rates.
panels. Through our multi-mode methods, we We have achieved industry-leading response
are able to provide a clearer view of healthcare rates because of our unique combination of
research to our clients. imc Research offers a the following best practices:
Physician Panel, Healthcare Professional Panel,
and Consumer Ailment Panel. • Establish trust relationship with panel mem-
bers
• Active panel management and maintenance
imc Research Youth Panel • Utilize best practice incentive program
• Send reminder e-mails when necessary
delivers highly responsive, quality youth
respondents. Utilizing a specialized opinion

[ TRAINING ]
• Why imc Research
• Training courses
TRAINING
Why imc Research B

Through courses, workshops and seminars • Being a Consultant
based on our proven methodologies imc • Building Client Relationships
Research will strengthen and support the
professional skills of those engaged in market, C
marketing and social research. • Researching Children and Young People
We are committed to raising and maintaining • Advanced Client Relationship Management
high professional standards in the quantitative, • Building Client Relationships
qualitative and social research industry. • Winning New Clients in a Recession
Imc Research is one of the few international • Developing Effective Clientside Roles
research and consulting firms in the world. Imc • Enhancing the Value of Clientside Research
Research has helped companies for all sectors • Online Panels & Communities
understand and accurately predict marketplace • Confidence Intervals and Significance Testing
behavior. in Non-standard Situations
We provide our customers with data, informa- • Being a Consultant
tion, guidance and far more. Imc Research • Market Research - A Cook’s Tour
strives to become a valued business partner • Creating Presentations with Impact
who focuses on finding and implementing • Creative Writing for Researchers
solutions to the most critical problems facing
our clients today. We give our customers a D
competitive edge. • Impact of Data Protection on Research
• Effective Depth Interviewing
Curriculums • Survey Design Effects in Market Research
• Developing Effective Clientside Roles
Browse for Market Research training courses
• Researching Disabled People
Locate your Market Research training course by
taking a step by step browse through our list.
E
Find all Market Research training courses in the
• Effective Depth Interviewing
US or the Middle East or choose your Market
• NLP for Excellence in Elicitation
Research training.
• Employment Law
• Enhancing the Value of Clientside Research
Training courses • Essential Skills in Marketing
Course alphabetically: • Essentials of Qualitative Research
• Essentials of Quantitative Research
A • Essential Skills in People Management
• A Guide to Online Qualitative Techniques • Ethnic Research
• Research in Action - MRS Summer School • Extending Moderating Skills
• Advanced Client Relationship Management F
• Advanced Moderating Skills • Facilitation Skills
• Advanced Qualitative Thinking
• Advanced Semiotics G
• Advanced Thinking in Quantitative Research • Idea Generation
• Researching Advertising
• Qualitative Analysi H
• Quantitative Analysis • Health & Safety

TRAINING
I • Introduction to Qualitative Research

• Idea Generation • Advanced Qualitative Thinking
• Impact of Data Protection on Research • Refining Skills in Qualitative Research
• Influence and Impact • Qualitative Analysis
• International Research • Introduction to Quantitative Research
• Effective Depth Interviewing • Essentials of Quantitative Research
• Introduction to Qualitative Research • Advanced Thinking in Quantitative Research
• Introduction to Quantitative Research • Quantitative Analysis
• Introductory Moderating Skills • Questionnaire Design
• Introductory Statistics
R
L • Refining Skills in Qualitative Research
• Employment Law • Refining Skills in Statistical Methods
• Leading for High Performance • Advanced Client Relationship Management
• Building Client Relationships
M
• Market Research - A Cook’s Tour • Mobile Research
• Essential Skills in Marketing • Research in Action - MRS Summer School
• Social Media and Market Research • Creative Writing for Researchers
• Mobile Research - Webinar: Part 1 of 2 • Researching Advertising
• Mobile Research - Webinar: Part 2 of 2 • Researching Children and Young People
• Introductory Moderating Skills • Researching Disabled People
• Extending Moderating Skills • Researching Websites
• Advanced Moderating Skills
S
N • Health & Safety
• NLP and Excellence in Market Research • Advanced Semiotics
• NLP for Excellence in Elicitation • Semiotics - Made Practical
• Confidence Intervals and Significance Testing
O in Non-standard Situations
• A Guide to Online Qualitative Techniques • Social Media and Market Research
• Online Panels & Communities • Refining Skills in Statistical Methods
• Introductory Statistics
P • Research in Action - MRS Summer School
• Online Panels & Communities • Survey Design Effects in Market Research
• Essential Skills in People Management
• Leading for High Performance T
• Writing Winning Pitches and Proposals • Confidence Intervals and Significance Testing
• Presentation Skills in Non-standard Situations
• Creating Presentations with Impact
• Pricing Research WXYZ
• Researching Websites
Q • Winning New Clients in a Recession
• Essentials of Qualitative Research • Creative Writing for Researchers
• A Guide to Online Qualitative Techniques • Writing Winning Pitches and Proposals
• Researching Children and Young People

www.imc-re.com | info@imc-re.com

Imc Research Corporate Profile

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[ imc Research Mathematical Sciences & Statistics ]

Research, the IMC Research logo, IMC

A current list of IMC Research trademarks is

Other company, product, or service names may

Other company, product, or service names may

PAGE ( 1 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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What We Do Corporate Mission

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Yet the timing couldn't have been better. The

PAGE ( 4 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

• This venture - a unique MR group in ME (imc

PAGE ( 5 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

Leading provider of 200 research Technology, telecoms,

PAGE ( 6 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

Understand new media Understand Market

Maximize retail Develop new products

Assess and improve

PAGE ( 7 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

Retail & technology custom Research Media

AREAS OF EXPERTISE - CROSS INDUSTRY

Business Business Business

Business Business Business

INSIGHTS & CONSULTING

• Custom Research is one of three divisions within the imc Group

PAGE ( 8 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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PAGE ( 10 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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Analysts Hire an Analyst Join our Analysts team

PAGE ( 22 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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CAPI imc ﬁelder ®

• Uses the Internet to update (thought our servers)

PAGE ( 24 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

• Face-to-face interviews can be conducted The Process

Just drop us your questionnaire! imc® question-

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PAGE ( 28 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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The caller is given the option to be interviewed by

PAGE ( 30 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

PAGE ( 31 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

Telephone research may be used for both

PAGE ( 32 ) imc Research Conﬁdential - Imc Research - Research with Cause

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