This paper describes the key elements of Custom Research Inc.'s quality management system and the role technology has played in Custom Research's continuous improvement, a system which has been recognized by its success in United States national and state quality recognition programs. The paper presents a case history, in specific terms, of what one company has done to achieve significant, measurable quality improvements, which have translated into business and financial success, too. These improvements and the approaches that provided them are real life, proven practices-not just theory. Moreover, the practices outlined are ones any research firm or company research department could adopt for its use.
This paper presents the results of what we believe is the first such experiment to be publicly reported: simultaneously testing five actual new product concepts in four countries around the world. What makes this experiment unique is that since the research institutes conducting the test sponsored it, the case histories can be presented and discussed openly without divulging client confidences. As a result, this paper provides an opportunity to see how concept testing results compare from country to country based on actual concept testing results.
This paper analyzes the similarities across countries in the way consumers respond to new product ideas, then describes a technique that can successfully screen new product ideas around the world.