International studies in particular require a great deal of care and experience, even during the preparation stage. We offer comprehensive advice on transferring the questions you want to ask into a concrete study design. We can help you:

• choose a suitable approach for your study (qualitative / quantitative / combined),
  
  
• define and delimit the target group (the specific sets of people/companies from whom data is obtained),
  
  
• select the best means of conducting the survey (online, in writing, by telephone, in person)
  
  
• determine the sample size (number of people/companies data is obtained from)
  
  
• choose a specific sampling method (random, quota), whereby we will naturally provide you with the basic data for the setting of quotas as required.

A significant feature of companies that operate across borders is the frequent discrepancy between the interests of group headquarters and branches or offices in the marketplace in terms of the information they want to find out.

While company headquarters are often interested in information of a more strategic nature, branches or offices in the marketplace are more likely to be interested in detailed information that can be exploited operationally.
While company headquarters have an overriding need for concise information that can be used for market comparisons and to assist with development, local branches are likely to be more interested in concrete data that will help with the development and communication of product features or brand attributes.

We make sure right from the initial concept stage that studies allow for the generation of both strategic decision-making tools and recommendations for operational action.