Unit VII Case Study After completing this unit, you should now understand the ethical issues that can occur in every step of the research process, from identifying the problem to analyzing the data an

Strategic Issues As one of the largest emerging markets, China has had rapid economic growth in the past few years, and it has become a very attractive and lucrative market with great potential for new endeavors and foreign investors. Like most modern women from all over the world, Chinese women are becoming more and more interested in personal-care and beauty products and concerned with keeping their skin’s youthful appearance and overall healthy look. Research Objectives The primary objective was to assess the credibility of the concepts that had been developed and the market potential for new skincare products in China. The purpose of the research was to identify key differences and similarities between performing in-home beauty treatments on their own, compared to receiving beauty treatments at a salon with professional staff.

Research Design and Methods Decision Analyst had previously conducted a qualitative study for this client. After results had been analyzed, the client asked Decision Analyst to explore and strengthen propositions taken forward from the previous research, to redefine and strengthen those propositions, and to make strong links between identified unmet needs and propositions. In addition, Decision Analyst helped to identify the new products’ benefits and credibility, as well as pinpointed ways to increase the appeal and believability of the concepts.

China: A New World of Possibilities 604 Avenue H East • Arlington, TX 76011-3100, USA1.817.640.6166 or 1.800.ANALYSIS • www.decisionanalyst.com Copyright 2016 Decision Analyst. All rights reser ved. Case History The research was conducted with the Time-Extended™ online methodology, which allowed for the gathering of in-depth reactions from target consumers living throughout the world at the most convenient times for the consumers. Decision Analyst’s experience developing and using online forums, along with its worldwide panel of 8+ million consumers, made this a feasible and effective methodology. Decision Analyst recruited and invited participants living in two major and affluent tier-one cities in China to participate in the forums. The study included a total of six forums divided into three segments based on age, income, and skin type. These written discussions were conducted in Simplified Chinese. Results Overall, the discussions revealed that the concepts were viewed positively and indicated a probability of success. The respondents believed the concepts would help them achieve salon-quality results while performing skincare treatments in their home, and they expressed a universal need for the concepts. The research results indicated which concepts resonated most with the respondents and, thus, warranted further development. Decision Analyst recommended modifications to winning concepts based on elements that were seen positively and elements that were seen negatively. The results pointed the client’s new product development team in a direction that would enable the manufacturer to expand its skincare business in China. China: A New World of Possibilities (Continued) 604 Avenue H East • Arlington, TX 76011-3100, USA 1.817.640.6166 or 1.800.ANALYSIS • www.decisionanalyst.com Copyright 2016 Decision Analyst. All rights reser ved.