The Benefits of Sampling - Research Paper Example

Market research Introduction Market research is a salient tool for defining the viability of market offerings before and after introducing them to the market. Researchers should focus on defining the population encompassed in a particular sample and identify the sample group. Therefore, there will be ease of obtaining relevant and precise data from the sample population rather than targeting the whole population (Majumdar, 2011:45). As a researcher, obtaining of a sample population is relative to the theory of Samuel Johnson, who declared, “You do not have to eat the whole ox to know that the meat is tough”. The theorist implied that obtaining research from the entire population would be considerably expensive and injurious to a firm’s operations (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:56). His emphases were that a proper survey and random sampling of the population would present relevant data that would adequately provide information about the population. The following script argues out on the various concepts related to market research. 2. The benefits of sampling Sampling is a crucial process of accruing relevant data from the target population. As a researcher, sampling denotes the best approach to a study with the provision of different sampling methods for research. The methods range from probability and non-probability sampling, stratified sampling, quota and area sampling, and cluster sampling. The following are the benefits of a good sampling method. I. Time Researchers engage on marketing research to identify the factors and solutions to a business problem. This process requires an effective and efficient approach as delays may pose negative impacts to a company’s production, processing, and delivering of satisfaction to the final consumer (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:38). Therefore, time is a beneficial tool in relation to the issue of marketing research, and to the establishment of viable factors for business progression and success (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:57). As a marketing researcher, the appropriate sampling method should be time effective and precise on obtaining the amount of data required. The essence is that a sample method determines the longevity of obtaining data for use in forecasting different prospects of the business. Whenever a sampling method takes a long time, businesses may fail external forces that may threaten to halt operations. For instance, the global market is competitive and a time-consuming sampling plan may draw the attention of rival competitors. II. Cost Research is a necessary tool in amassing information relevant in establishing the long range forecasts for a business’ operations. However, marketing researcher should intrigue and determine on the most effective approaches to conduct research. The ideal program shall depict a considerable and cost effective approach. Researchers should consider a cost effective mechanism that enables them to conduct the study within the stipulated amount of time. It is important to determine a minimum and a maximum amount of cost incurred as each edge reflects on different consequences (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:39). For example, overspending in a sample plan may ruin a company’s profits and reserve amount thus; such a company becomes vulnerable to external threats in case of any occurrence. On the contrary, spending a minimized budget in the research may injure operations since researchers would not have the ability to access all the required sample population (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:58). III. Low level of non response Researchers often encounter hindrances whenever conducting their studies. The research study determines the amount of response that researchers may draw from the interviewees. For example, a study that intrigues on determining a private aspect of live may limit the amount of response from the population. Forecasting on the viability of engaging a research tool is a complementary factor in determining the eventual outcomes. Therefore, study depicts that the best sampling plan should present the required rate of response as it is the key to establishing the required data and information. Researchers have the knowledge that different interviewees would establish different responses depending on the nature of the interview and the extent of communication between the interviewer and the interviewee (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:38). The beneficial factor of a sample plan should focus on amassing and relaying the amount of response relevant to use in the obtaining actual information. IV. Less error as a benefit of sampling A determined researcher should focus on practicing neutral approaches to the individual population in the sample frame. The approach is essential to curb erroneous practices from different researchers in relation distinct perceptions, beliefs and practices. For example, a researcher executing the data collection process in a form that is irrelevant to the sampling method. Such an approach is ill to obtaining the required data thus drawing to the reference of random sampling error. On the contrary, researchers identify beneficial sample methods as less of error in establishing the target results. Different studies reveal that personal differences should be separable from the study as these would lead to the accumulation of neutral results from the sample population (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:59). Therefore, less error sampling approach increases the chances of amassing the most relevant data from the population since none of the subjects of study would give biased feedback either to encourage or discourage the researcher. V. Realistic benefit of sampling A research study entails all aspects that would be key determinants to solve an organizational or research problem. On the other hand, sampling determines the prospects of the problem of study in order to amass resolutions. Researchers should establish sample methods that focus on establishing high quality and relevant data to resolve the problem. Therefore, determining a precise sample method would lead to actual obtaining of relevant and required data. Realistic sample methods should depict a higher degree and relevance to the study (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:44). For instance, the requirements of a study that focuses on establishing the purchase of model for a given product across different demographic categories should not entail data from a specific segment of the population sample. A formal and realistic approach shall prevail in order to contain equal and appropriate samples from the total population thus; realistic approach benefits the researcher in obtaining accurate data (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:70). 3. Characteristics of a sample i. Completeness Samples are characteristic of determining the final data of a study in all research expeditions. Whenever undertaking researches to resolve pressing issues in the business, researchers should focus on establishing the most credible sample methods and procedures. Completeness of samples is the key to obtaining the required outcomes upon studies executed in every research process. Individuals should perceive the factor as intrinsic in the acquisition of the ideal study objectives. Emphases are that completeness of sample methods guarantees researchers that all considerations are vital and shall eventually be ascertained (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:45). The characteristic approach of completeness curbs unexpected drawbacks of the study by ensuring that all aspects and attributes draw equal importance. Eventually, a complete sample method causes ease in the expedition since all items of study are assigned to their most appropriate fields. Lastly, a complete approach leads to the resolution of the pressing task in the long run. ii. Accuracy of the sample method The attribute of accuracy is a precise approach and a characteristic of identifying significant and insignificant data from a research study. Every research study has specific and identifiable forecasts in the long-run. Researchers reflect on the accuracy measure as valuable in establishing a criteria approach before establishing and on the establishment of the research survey (Cant, 2006:63). All research expeditions are vulnerable to unpredictable challenges thus; the extent at which a research may obtain accuracy of a survey remains limited to the knowledge held from the individual researchers. Market researchers should undertake initial surveys to scrutinize the available sample methods of study and determine the most accurate, which lead to the acquisition of the anticipated goals and objectives. Eventually, market researchers amass the desired objectives on using the most appropriate methods of sampling (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:62). The accuracy characteristic of sampling is intrinsic to the acquisition of the required data in accordance with the stipulations and instructions of the study. iii. Adequacy Research studies often meet different hindrances that may threaten the achievement of the set goals and objectives. However, a researcher would find ease after determining and identifying the level of adequacy associated to a certain research method (Nargundkar, 2004:41). Essentially, all research conducted maintain focus on resolving pressing issues that concern a particular business or the entire market. In order to accrue the forecasted values and objectives in the study, researchers engage in defining the extent at which a sample method shall lead to the acquisition of the target data (Xu, 2005:53). The best sample methods should be characteristic of enabling researchers to acquire the desired data to resolve the business issue. Market research enables businesses to define the target market environment and determine the marketing mix. Therefore, adequacy as a characteristic of a good sample method is a critical approach in defining marketing challenges and establishing long-term solutions. iv. Up-to-dateness Research problems pressurize the management to engage in a process of identifying obstacles and solutions to the problem at hand. As a marketing researcher, one should consider the fact that the business environment is dynamic thus; it is vulnerable to drastic changes that serve to create opportunities and threats (Cant, 2006:64). A researcher should focus on establishing the various environmental changes and their effects to the market and subsequent flow of goods and services (Nargundkar, 2004:43). Researchers should engage on the proper execution plan in order to amass the required data from the study. It is essential to consider the most current information when undertaking a research study as it is the accurate approach in providing information (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:63). The most appropriate sample method in research studies should depict the highest chances of the most current data for conceptualizing on the appropriate solutions thus; the sample method should bear the capacity to present the latest information. v. Convenience A sample method should reflect a degree of convenience achievement of the desired results. Convenience elaborates on the degree at which an item fastens or steers achievement of a set of target goals and objectives. In market research, the characteristic is an essential tool in ascertainment of achieving the best solutions to the problem of study (Xu, 2005:54). The characteristic of convenience is a considerable factor since all research studies shall lead to the acquisition of the required findings. Market researchers should identify market problems before hindering business activities. Identification of the business problem leads to research on probable solutions to the issue thus; the ease at which the solutions are arrived at, leads to the establishment of convenience (Cant, 2006:65). vi. Non-duplication Different researches depict different approaches and solutions as well. Market research diverges from local to international research depending on the marketing scope and the expected future outcomes (Nargundkar, 2004:46). Although the marketing research process is strenuous, researchers should endure all the challenges and undertake the right processes to acquire the required data (Xu, 2005:55). The most appropriate sample method entails a process that encourages the involved party to undertake their research studies. The fact is that business problems differ from one business to another thus; the research findings differ accordingly (Cant, 2006:66). Eventually, non duplication of research findings from separate studies is important in ensuring that researchers shall always obtain data in their bid to solve a specific problem without the use of borrowed data and information. 4. Conclusions Samuel Johnson expressed on a theory which states, “You do not have to eat the whole ox to know that the meat is tough”. The theory helps market researchers in acquiring better options of research instead of engaging in a major research process (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:45). The theorist implied that obtaining research from the entire population would be considerably expensive and injurious to a firm’s operations (Cant, 2006:67). His emphases were that a proper survey and random sampling of the population would present relevant data that would adequately provide information about the population (Wiid and Diggines, 2009:64). Therefore, the study creates an understanding that research is an expensive factor thus; only sample frames obtained from the population shall undergo the research process. Market researchers should undertake initial surveys to scrutinize the available sample methods of study and determine the most accurate, which lead to the acquisition of the anticipated goals and objectives (Xu, 2005:56). Eventually, market researchers amass the desired objectives on using the most appropriate methods of sampling. Emphases are that completeness of sample methods guarantees researchers that all considerations are vital and shall eventually be ascertained (Cant, 2006:68). The characteristic approach of completeness curbs unexpected drawbacks of the study by ensuring that all aspects and attributes draw equal importance (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2007:46). The study reveals that sampling is a critical tool in business-related research as it is less expensive and most appropriate because of the presence of different samples for different research problems. Bibliography Majumdar, R. 2011. Marking research: text, applications and case studies. New Delhi: New Age International Ltd. Wiid, J., and Diggines, C. 2009. Marketing research. Lansdowne: Cape Town: Juta. Czinkota, M. R., and A. Ronkainen, I. 2007. International marketing. United States: Thompson. Cant, M. C. 2006. Marketing management. Cape Town: South Africa Juta. Xu, J. 2005. Market Research Handbook: Measurement, Approach and Practice. Lincoln: IUniverse. Nargundkar, R. 2004. Marketing research: text and cases. New Delhi: Tata McGra-Hill. Read More