Sampling
Exhibit 33.1 Sample size is a commercial decision that weighs the costs of a larger sample against the benefits of greater accuracy.
“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” — W. Edwards Deming.
A sample is a subset of the universe that is used for making conclusions or inferences about the universe. It reduces the time, effort and cost in estimating parameters of interest to marketers such as brand awareness, penetration, brand equity, market share, sales or distribution.
This chapter reviews the different sampling methods, and the mathematics of computing sample sizes for retail tracking and quantitative research studies. It covers the sampling standards commonly used by research firms. It also explains sampling and non-sample errors, and their impact on data accuracy.
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What they SHOULD TEACH at Business Schools
Marketing has changed. More so in practical terms, and marketing education is lagging.
The fundamental change lies in the application of analytics and research. Every aspect of the marketing mix can be sensed, tracked and measured.
That does not mean that marketers need to become expert statisticians. We don't need to learn to develop marketing mix models or create perceptual maps. But we should be able to understand and interpret them.
MarketingMind helps. But the real challenge lies in developing expertise in the interpretation and the application of market intelligence.
The Destiny market simulator was developed in response to this challenge. Traversing business years within days, it imparts a concentrated dose of analytics-based strategic marketing experiences.
Dare to Play
Like fighter pilots, marketers too can be trained with combat simulators that authentically reflect market realities.
But be careful. There are plenty of toys that masquerade as simulators.
Destiny is unique. It is an authentic FMCG (CPG) market simulator that accurately imitates the way consumers shop, and replicates the reports and information that marketers use at leading consumer marketing firms.
While in a classroom setting you are pitted against others, as an independent learner, you get to play against the computer. Either way you learn to implement effective marketing strategies, develop an understanding of what drives store choice and brand choice, and become proficient in the use of market knowledge and financial data for day-to-day business decisions.
