At GCiS, the importance of strong methods cannot be understated. For each service we provide, methods play a key role. We believe that the recipe for good research, and strong market knowledge in China consists of several elements, with methods at the center. China knowledge, industry knowledge, and operating experience are all important, all structural, and all part of the GCiS package, but methods are the key. These are in large part structural or systemic, and attributable to our organization as a whole. For example, our mainland analysts have strong ability to interact with market sources in obtaining data, GCiS Chinese principals have tremendous relations with government ministries, and western principals and staff are proficient in business analysis. This is, we believe, the best of both worlds.

Upon this is built the analysis appropriate to the questions presented. Here opinion and experience are melded with the research results with the client’s objectives and particular circumstances clearly in mind. Good research makes a clear distinction between these levels. This distinction serves the very practical purpose of allowing the client to execute its own analysis on the basis of the research results. Thus a practical planning knowledge base is obtained, a neutral third party opinion set is provided and the client is left able to execute


The Recipe for Success

Good research is like a recipe- all the elements are necessary for total effectiveness. For example, if data is unreliable, then analysis has no basis. If analysis is poor, then much of the value is lost. If recommendations or poor, or trite, then research loses much of its purpose, as companies want more than just data. GCiS research and services are very systematic, or process oriented. The main components of the process are:

1) Defining the Interview Targets, Sample Structure. This determines who is to be interviewed and how.
2) Interview Plan. This reflects a balance of information needs, company types, reliability concerns,and     geographical coverage.
3) Questionnaire Design. As noted above, this is critical, and there are typically several questionnaires     perproject. This is all IT-based.
4) Questionnaire Review and Testing. Questionnaires are reviewed by both GCiS management and     clients, and field-tested prior to use.
5) Interview Execution. This is followed by systematic review at fixed intervals.


The GCiS Project Management System

The GCiS project management system consists of 4 distinct parts and 62 distinct steps- each entailing a specific task, responsible party, and timing. All analysts are managers at GCiS are trained to use this, and understand clearly what role they need to perform. This system is used for most services we provide- market research and consulting, market entry, partner search, investment research. The specific tasks and steps may differ by service, but the underlying process remains the same. This allows GCiS to undertake large and diverse projects in a limited timeframe.


Results Analysis

In reality, the process of analysis begins at the very beginning. One of the most important differences between GCiS and our competitors is that we consider the client’s needs beyond the immediate research even during the Background Research Phase and the Questionnaire Design Stage. By scanning the environment critically, we are typically able to add additional questions – not specified by the project – that when analyzed yield additional insight and value. The results analysis can be thought of as a three stage process.

The first stage is the reporting of results

The second stage is the first level analysis of the reported results

The third stage is the value added analysis and recommendations

Just as the processes for each other stage of the research are mapped, planned and managed, so too is the results analysis portion. GCiS uses a variety of tools in this process to assist in organization of data and analysis of results. These tools range from the mundane such as Excel, project databases, statistical analysis packages and graphical representation packages, to the more specialized such as GCiS’ own internal analysis guide.
The end result is to establish a base line of study results that are organized and presented clearly. These form a base set of data that the client can then use internally – regardless of their opinions related to any analysis that is built upon these results. Upon this is then built the first level of analysis. This level is tied to the strict interpretation of the research results and is intended to provide “first derivative” meaning to the study results.
The important thing to emphasize about these first two levels is that all data, organization, assumptions, and calculations are completely open and transparent. This is a key step in creating value for the client’s internal use of the study results. GCiS then formulates any recommendations that are appropriate to the environment, the client and the other variables that are a part of the project.


Means of Quality Control

In China, Quality Control can easily slip. GCiS uses the following means to maintain quality control:

Feasibility of Project Design. First, the project that GCiS undertakes, as detailed in this proposal, will be  feasible to accomplish within the given timeline, and the Client will know what to expect from the study.

Complete understanding. This means that GCiS will intensively communicate with the Client to  completely understand the subject matter and the Client’ precise requirements, in order to best meet these requirements. GCiS will communicate with the Client frequently, and on-demand, to ensure that the Client’ needs are being met, and that the Client is kept up-to-date on the project.

Project Management. This project will be managed by GCiS principals, whose experience and  qualifications are outlined above. GCiS uses an established project management process proven effective in China.

The Right Team. GCiS will insure that the right team of analysts is assigned to this project. All of these  have worked on custom projects previously.

Analyst Education. Before the research process begins, analysts will be trained on the particularities of the project, the technical side in particular. GCiS analysts are experienced in industrial research, and most have engineering backgrounds, but such training remains necessary to ensure complete familiarity in order to interview and research more effectively.

No Outsourcing. GCiS never has and will not out-source any interviews or other research functions. This will remain true for this project. Outsourcing of research functions is one of the easiest ways to lose control of quality, especially in China and especially in projects that require active analyst follow-on questions.

Analyst Interview Ability. All GCiS analysts are trained to conduct interviews in an effective and professional manner. This applies to both phone and in-person interviews. Moreover, the majority of analysts that will be assigned to this project have experience conducting interviews in other provinces.

Background Research. GCiS is highly accomplished in the art of background research in China. This process is planned in detail like all other research phases and is executed with daily objectives and oversight.

GCiS Information Verification. Once information has been collected, GCiS uses a system of verification and cross-checking to best ensure that the information is valid. In general, it is best to receive the same information from more than one source. We realize that this cannot be done for all information, but we carry out this process systematically so that all the information that can be verified is verified. Moreover, we state in the report if there is information whose reliability is questionable, and to what degree. For statistical analysis, GCiS uses the most recent version of SPSS Statistical Software as well as internal Excel models and Access databases, and designs research to obtain the maximum feasible level of reliability.

International Standards of Analysis and Presentation. Analysis of information, writing, and presentation will meet or exceed international standards.

For additional information on this service, e-mail us and request the GCiS In-depth Methods PDF file.