Dangerous Days for Video Games Nov 14, 2009
The team that made the game, which at one point numbered 400 people, used state-of-the-art computer graphics and relied heavily on focus groups. Then there's the marketing campaign, which is costing $25 million or so. (BusinessWeek)
U.S. Army: Troop morale falls in Afghanistan Nov 14, 2009
In Iraq, some 2,400 soldiers in randomly selected platoons filled out surveys from December 2008 through March 2009 and a mental health assessment team went to the warfront for a month starting in late February to analyze the results and hold interviews and focus groups. Mental health providers also were interviewed in each country. (MSNBC -- International)
Superintendent Search Committee seeking input Nov 13, 2009
In addition, two community input sessions and a series of focus groups will be held on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 ... The focus groups are targeted at specific school and citizen groups. (Newton Tab, MA)
Civil jury trials are becoming a vanishing breed in Hawaii Nov 11, 2009
Bickerton even uses mock juries, similar to focus groups, to hear details of a case during his trial preparations. In each of his four jury trials, the mock jury arrived at the same verdict as the actual jury, he said. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Downtown Action Corp. to develop strategic plan Nov 11, 2009
Committee and focus groups will be formed to address the specific goals for the DAC. The strategic plan will be a living document and subject to changes. We hope it will change as we identify other objectives and goals, Perry said. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
CBS and OMD Partner to Provide the Agency With Access to the Network's Television City Research Facility in Las Vegas Nov 10, 2009
CBS's Television City is a well-established research facility that incorporates traditional qualitative and quantitative methods like focus groups and surveys, as well as advanced bio-metric techniques such as eye tracking and brain scanning using NeuroFocus technology, in a transparent research environment. Located in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas -- the MGM Grand Hotel -- the facility provides singular, organic access to more than 1. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
e-Rewards to buy rival Nov 10, 2009
Rather than using traditional research tools such as focus groups or telephone surveys, e-Rewards invites selected consumers to fill out surveys electronically in return for free or discounted products or services. Research Now s approach differs slightly in how it recruits members, though the basics of how the companies do their research is essentially the same. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Wales 'old fashioned' says study Nov 9, 2009
The research questioned focus groups from the north, middle and south of England, north and south Wales and Ireland involving people aged from 20 to 70 and for those from outside Wales was targeted at people who had either never visited or did not know much about the country. There are a small number of miserable people in any part of any country in the world. (BBC News -- UK)
Jazzing it up, summer school style Nov 8, 2009
Those ideas came from student focus groups, said Lauren Meehan, project coordinator. One morning each week, students will attend a workshop designed to stir a passion or prepare them for college and work. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Will E-Commerce Catch The Flu? Nov 7, 2009
"A similar campaign developed by another agency-Health and Human Services-to publicize pandemic awareness strategies showed that such public education efforts can require months to prepare and cost millions of dollars to test and implement. For example, as part of creating various radio and television messages to provide information to the public about how to prepare for a pandemic, HHS conducted market research using various techniques, including focus groups, to gauge the public's opinion... (CBS News -- Opinion)
Gay Marriage Foes Win With Message About Schools Nov 7, 2009
With the help of focus groups, surveys and ammunition unwittingly supplied by their opponents, the two soon found a new way to frame the issue, by focusing on education. It's not the first time gay marriage opponents have played the education card, but not until the California campaign did it became the preferred strategy. (Newsmax)
Tell city where to go Nov 7, 2009
Teams and focus groups will meet Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to review information and maps from the public meeting. Some officials also will visit key locations mentioned during the public meeting to better understand issues raised by residents. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
All Dressed-up And Nowhere To Go: Inappropriate Clothing Prevents Children Playing Outside Nov 7, 2009
Through a series of focus groups, they found, unexpectedly, that clothing was potentially a significant barrier to children's outdoor physical activity. Inappropriate clothing included inadequate outdoor clothing, such as a lack of coats and gloves in the wintertime; unsuitable footwear, such as flip flops; and "nice" or expensive outfits that were not to be ruined. (Science Daily)
Fed-up sport supporters won't be the silent majority for muchlonger Nov 7, 2009
When we discussed issues around gambling and betting on sport with our initial focus groups, there was an overriding theme that tanking in the AFL to secure high draft picks and the alleged throwing of an NRL match by Sydney Roosters players dented the confidence of both fans who bet and those who don't but still wanted their team to win,'' Riley said. He said the focus group study, a precursor to a ''Great Australian Sport Supporters Survey'', indicated professional sports were perceived to be... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Meadville hospital begins construction of new breast imaging center Nov 6, 2009
"We did some focus groups with women, and it's one of the things they told us they wanted." The center will be housed at Meadville Medical Center's Liberty Street facility, part of which will be renovated and expanded ... Another concern expressed by focus groups is waiting too long for breast biopsies and test results. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Economic development groups meet with consultant Nov 6, 2009
Project leader Howard Benson and NCDS Sr. Vice President Craig Glogowski conducted personal, confidential interviews with 44 of these listed opinion leaders and conducted two focus groups with 30 of the individuals on the lists. Input gathered through the interviews and focus groups demonstrated a broad agreement on two basic points, according to a press release ... Findings from the interviews and focus groups will be used by NCDS to formulate specific recommendations. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Creekside groundbreaking: an “official beginning” Nov 5, 2009
You have participated in innumerable focus groups, town hall discussions and other community meetings about this project. Your ideas about Creekside have been an essential part of the process that has brought us to this moment today. (Walnut Creek Rossmoor News, CA)
One Year After Jena, Still Work to Be Done Nov 5, 2009
Another group, the Diversity Action Council, operates focus groups on diversity, provides funding for diversity-related events and collects and disseminates information on diversity. What we do is enable, Associate Provost and DAC co-chair Marjory Blumenthal said. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
BBA hires firm to develop strategy Nov 4, 2009
Market Street will collect data through in-person and phone interviews and focus groups. Additional stakeholders will be able to access an online survey on the BBA Web site. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Focus groups still provide low-cost solution to gaining consumer feedback Nov 3, 2009
In fact, according to advertising and marketing professionals, the use of relatively low-tech and inexpensive focus groups can be a useful way of understanding their audience and ultimately bolstering the business of their clients. According to Bandy Carroll Hellige principal Tim Hellige, focus groups are among the best ways to gather information. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Healthy eating tips Nov 3, 2009
Customer demand for vegetarian meals prompted the company which donates all profits to Open Hand, a nutrition program for senior citizens and the chronically ill to hold focus groups to find out what was important to vegetarians and to start testing recipes to fit nutritional guidelines. Vegetarian menus. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
A cup of coffee and a councilmember Nov 1, 2009
As chairman of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, a participant in numerous McKinney Independent School District focus groups and bond committees and a career as executive vice president of The Ballfields at Craig, Ricchi has met a few people. He sees them at Starbucks, and the coffee house environment rather than city council meetings he describes as stoic makes conversation easier. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Supporting adolescent emotional health in schools: a mixed methods study of student and staff views in England Nov 1, 2009
Qualitative student focus groups (27 groups, 154 students aged 12-14) and staff interviews (12 interviews, 15 individuals) were conducted in eight schools, purposively sampled from the survey respondents to ensure a range of emotional health activity, free school meal eligibility and location. Data were analysed thematically, following a constant comparison approach. (BioMed Central)
Prince William chambers mull a merge Oct 30, 2009
Members from both groups have led focus groups and created a steering committee and task forces about what the move would mean in terms of organizational structure, budget staffing and programming. The chambers, each of which have over 1,000 members, will hold membership information sessions over the next six weeks to introduce the concept and get feedback on it. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
A cup of coffee and a councilmember Oct 30, 2009
As chairman of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, a participant in numerous McKinney Independent School District focus groups and bond committees and a career as executive vice president of The Ballfields at Craig, Ricchi has met a few people. He sees them at Starbucks, and the coffee house environment rather than city council meetings he describes as stoic makes conversation easier. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Balser: A record of accomplishments driving a vision for the future Oct 28, 2009
I will introduce a system that puts the citizen at its center, with a call center and focus groups to determine citizen priorities. I will implement a performance management system, modernize our budget process so that it is based on results, and create a master capital plan to address our infrastructure needs. (Newton Tab, MA)
Melrose School Committees role, philosophy discussed at debate Oct 28, 2009
I think that the strategic plan is fine but I don t think we need to wait five years, she said, referencing the five-year strategic plan for the school district, for which the superintendent and School Committee are currently seeking volunteers from the public to serve in focus groups. I think we can start today immediately having a better relationship with the public and doing the business in the public eye. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Melrose Public Schools looking for volunteers for strategic planning process Oct 27, 2009
Members of the Melrose School Committee and Superintendent Joe Casey are looking for volunteers to participate in focus groups. The groups may include parents of pre-school students, parents of elementary students, parents of middle school/high school students, parents of recent alumni, parents of students who do not attend the Melrose Public Schools, senior citizens, and others as determined by the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
CSR in South African Diamond Mining Oct 27, 2009
The research was conducted via literature reviews, surveys and focus groups and comparisons with other mining sectors and other developed countries. The research reviewed the performance of De Beers, Alexkor and Transhex, across the environmental, social and economic dimensions. (Suite101.com)
The Debut of CBC NN and Nickelodeon... Oct 26, 2009
Nobody was confused at all by it, nobody in the focus groups thought that we were being like CNN or any of that, he told the the Canadian Press on Wednesday October 21st. In all fairness, it should also be noted that the network is identifying itself as CBC News Network and not CBC NN as some in the press are suggesting. (Suite101.com)
•Cities offer models for central library Oct 24, 2009
Other cities can offer recommendations of how much parking will be needed, what features would attract more patrons, how many focus groups should be conducted during the planning process and how the building can be designed to minimize the number of employees needed. Subscribers, to read full story. (The Daily Journal)
Local man receives national scouting honor (2) Oct 24, 2009
We were placed into focus groups that were tasked with identifying problems within a particular topic of concern and developing out-of-the-box solutions that may improve current aspects of the BSA program, Molina said. This group discussion tool will go way beyond the time we spent sitting around a table talking face-to-face. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
Amid Ad Slump, Fortune Redesigns Business Magazine Oct 24, 2009
The magazine said feedback from focus groups gathered at the beginning of the year showed that readers wanted information such as how to be a better executive or manage their careers. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Examine the facts about the Melrose School Committee Oct 23, 2009
As part of our 5-year strategic planning process, the committee will incorporate feedback from focus groups to help us set goals for moving the district forward. This is a parent, child and community member oriented process, providing yet another way for concerned parties to communicate their needs and concerns regarding the Melrose Public Schools. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Physicians Have Less Respect For Obese Patients, Study Suggests Oct 23, 2009
Some patients who don't feel respected may avoid the health care system altogether, surveys and focus groups have shown. One limitation of the new study, Huizinga says, is that it was unable to link low physician respect directly to poor health outcomes. (Science Daily)
Survey Finds DC Teens Reject Condom Brand Offered In Free Program Oct 23, 2009
The results were gathered in focus groups conducted by the Youth Sexual Health Project, which was set up under a city council committee on health. It said young people preferred Trojan brand condoms over Lifestyles and Durex brand condoms, because they felt that Trojans "are of better quality and offer more protection." Magnums were also viewed as thicker and "do not break.". (W-USA News, DC)
The psychology of saving Oct 22, 2009
Friedman says focus groups have shown that when people are asked if they would like to receive R2000 today or R2500 in a years time, they will choose the smaller amount immediately. This is because most people struggle to visualise what their future looks like. (iAfrica.com)
Cellphonometry: Can Kids Really Learn Math From Smartphones? Oct 21, 2009
"We conducted a series of focus groups -- high income, low income, middle," he says. "The one common element was that the students indicated that they wanted to be connected. They wanted to take advantage of a mobile device like a cell phone that would give them a support network. We offered them a laptop, a PlayStation -- but they wanted a phone.". (FastCompany)
'There will be system glitches': myki users to cop penalty Oct 20, 2009
Ms Ker Walsh said that Government focus groups had shown that Melburnians were looking forward to using the new card. There will also be a new $3 weekend fare launched. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Master Plan meeting rescheduled Oct 18, 2009
At the core of the master plan are data compiled through focus groups and questionnaires designed to gather input from residents regarding their recreational, cultural, historical, and artistic needs and desires for the community. Halff received 145 responses during public meetings and 755 responses citywide from questionnaires sent out with utility bills. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Rees urges public service: keep it simple, stupid Oct 18, 2009
I will therefore be directing the Department of Premier and Cabinet to arrange for random checks by focus groups of selected documents from every public sector agency. The focus groups will assess the documents for readability, clarity, and ease of comprehension. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Berkowitz: Expect slow recovery Oct 17, 2009
You don t have to go out and get expensive focus groups. You have people that actually understand. (Burlington Union, MA)
LC City Council Candidates Speak With KFOX Oct 17, 2009
In district six, the quickly growing Sonoma Ranch area, incumbent Sharon Thomas feels one of her biggest strengths is her focus groups. My goal has been to bring in and have a broader constituency, said Thomas. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Movie studios listen to online buzz Oct 17, 2009
In the past, movie studios relied heavily on focus groups, audience surveys and reviews by film critics to anticipate how their films would fare at the box office. But recent months have underscored the influence of online word-of-mouth in a world where a Twitter comment can help break or make a movie. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Denying consensus science is dumb and dangerous Oct 17, 2009
Remember 'Global Warming', well they stopped using that term because it was found in focus groups not to resonate. So they changed the term to 'Climate Change' - what a rort. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Edward Jones rolls out $30 million advertising campaign Oct 16, 2009
Edward Jones hired Karen Dubinsky to run focus groups and , a brand research agency, to conduct quantitative research for the campaign. St. Louis-based Edward Jones, the fifth-largest privately held company in St. Louis with $3. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Small Business Strategies Oct 16, 2009
They hire fancy market research firms to conduct studies, hold focus groups with high-priced consultants. As a small company, you don't have those resources available. (USA Today -- Money)
SC's Charleston gets National Trust Award Oct 15, 2009
The plan was developed after a year of work including 11 focus groups and a citizen's advisory committee as well as 33 workshops and meetings that generated 1,500 public comments. The city council then approved it unanimously. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
ITS makes the switch to double-sided printing in effort to be green Oct 14, 2009
About 2,300 students participated in the survey, and 80 students participated in various focus groups. "Students showed a lot of interest in duplex printing, especially in most focus group meetings," Tiedemann said. (Daily Orange, NY)
U.S. to strengthen trade relations with India Oct 14, 2009
It has five Focus Groups: Agriculture, Investment, Innovation & Creativity (intellectual property rights), Services, and Tariff & Non-Tariff Barriers. Besides bilateral trade relationship, Kirk and Sharma acknowledged the productive Doha Round discussions that took place last week in Paris. (Xinhuanet, China)
Cultural plan in works for downtown ABQ Oct 14, 2009
The effort now begins with a visit by a resource team that will lead a series of focus groups to collect data during three days of formal and informal discussions starting Oct. 20. They will then present their findings in a public meeting on Oct. 22 at The Box performance space, 100 Gold Ave. SW, at 11:45 a.m.. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Investigation Into Rell's Office Over A Focus Group Picks Up Speed Oct 13, 2009
HARTFORD - An investigation into why the Governor's office paid a Uconn Professor almost a quarter of a million dollars to conduct studies, with focus groups, seems to be picking up speed. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says his office is "following" the money to see if any laws may have been broken and if tax dollars may have been used to conduct polls for Governor Jodi Rell, as some are alleging. (FOX61, CT)
Activist builds on lessons of oil spill Oct 13, 2009
You have said that the residents of Cordova pulled themselves out of a downward spiral in 1993 by forming small focus groups to deal with specific issues, such as domestic violence and drinking. What did that experience teach you about community-based change. (Juneau Empire)
Promoting chlamydia screening with posters and leaflets in general practice - a qualitative study Oct 12, 2009
In focus groups doctors, nurses, administrative staff and receptionists were encouraged to discuss candidly their experiences about their use and opinions of posters, leaflets and advertising to promote chlamydia screening. Researchers observed whether posters and leaflets were on display in reception and/or waiting areas. (BioMed Central)
Traditional dorms make way for progress Oct 9, 2009
Student input is gathered through a variety of means, such as RSAB [Resident Student Advisory Board], focus groups held by architects and forums arranged by SU and CS40, he said. No Comments Yet. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Beavers Notebook: Athletic director says sports cuts not likely Oct 8, 2009
But at the same time, Oregon State formed focus groups of fans, alumni, donors, season ticket holders, students and other groups to explore how the Beavers might better raise money. This week, De Carolis wrote about what was learned on his periodic A.D. Report for the school s official athletics Web site. (Longview Daily News, WA)
HEALTHY EATING: Meal plan adds vegetarian menu Oct 8, 2009
Customer demand for vegetarian meals prompted the company which donates all profits to Open Hand, a nutrition program for senior citizens and the chronically ill to hold focus groups to find out what was important to vegetarians and to start testing recipes to fit nutritional guidelines. Vegetarian menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered in 1,200- and 1,700-calorie plans. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
BMO: Canadian entrepreneurs want straight-forward advice from banks Oct 8, 2009
" BMO Bank of Montreal has just launched BMO Business Essentials - three banking solutions specially designed to take the complexity out of banking decisions, by offering clear and customizable choices to three key business segments: - BMO Retail Essentials for new business Start-Ups and small business owners in the Sales and Service industries - BMO Professional Essentials for owners of professional firms with more demanding cash flow needs and growing transaction processing requirements - BMO... (Canada Newswire)
Masco superintendent screening committee to be formed Oct 8, 2009
Screening criteria will be developed by the School Committee, which will incorporate data supplied by the focus groups. If you are interested in serving on this Screening Committee, please send a letter of interest giving a one paragraph summary of your background and one paragraph on why you want to serve on the Screening Committee to Olga Langlois, Masconomet Regional School District, 20 Endicott Road, Topsfield or e-mail before October 23, 2009. (Boxford Tri Town Transcript, MA)
They're Just Not That into Your Intranet Oct 8, 2009
You've even put several focus groups together to make sure you're giving users what they need. But, despite your best efforts to woo users, they just give your intranet the cold shoulder. (IntranetJournal)
Payback time Oct 7, 2009
" There's a nugget for the brain to chew on. Over there, on the other side of the Hudson River, at Goldman Sachs World Headquarters on Broad Street in lower Manhattan, as the new hires start their 65-hour weeks and those gunning to be a partner go for 100, as their ever-scheming and calculating big brains concoct more and better rewarding financial stratagems of ever greater and greater ferocity, such as high frequency trading (see , Asia Times Online, August 5, 2009 ), or the $11 billion... (Asia Times Online)
Types of Business Research Oct 7, 2009
Get information on education programs that could help you increase your earning power. Search hundreds of franchises and business opportunities to find the one that is right for you. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Psychiatric jabs for cash tested Oct 7, 2009
He said: "We had to seek ethical approval and interviewed 25 focus groups of stake holders. We decided on the 15 sum because it is a relatively small amount of money. It is an incentive. "You do not want people to become dependent on the money. Also, if we had gone above 20 a week, it would affect people's entitlements to welfare benefits, and many of the patients will be on these. (BBC News -- UK)
All throwback jerseys, all the time for 49ers Oct 4, 2009
This was apparently conveyed by fans who were invited to two years of focus groups before this season's old fashion was introduced by 49ers President Jed York at the team's Draft Day Party. "Our fans are as much a part of the history of our team as the players and coaches who battle on the field," York said in a news release. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Council sex guide for the over 50s dismissed as bonkers Oct 2, 2009
A council spokesman said: "The guide was developed after listening to the concerns of older people through a number of focus groups. "It is written in a language older people understand and addresses the issues they have raised. " Acting director of public health for NHS Manchester Dave Regan added: "Sexual health is not just a concern for younger people and the research we have done suggests that many people will find this new guide useful and informative. (BBC News -- Health)
