The After-Sales Services are an independent unit which provides support to our users. The After-Sales Service is a stand-alone unit which is not connected to any particular Distributor, Reseller or Retailer.

Support is provided on a contractual basis to Account Holders; and on an Ad Hoc basis to retail & non-account users.

Database specificity

The After-Sales Service can only provide support for the specific database(s) licensed to the user. We cannot generally provide data from unrelated databases, unless there is a specific agreement for this.

Costs

The current cost is $95 per hour; this includes all researchers / computer / database access costs.  This costing is based on work which is scheduled at off-peak times.

Delivery

We normally seek to fulfill orders in 7-14 days. For more urgent After-Sales Service work the costs depend on the client’s time frame and the availability of our researchers.

Telephone Support

Account Holders receive telephone support via their Account Manager. We are unable to offer telephone support to Ad Hoc or retail clients unless there is a specific agreement for this.

Online Support

Account Holders receive online support via their Account Manager. We are able to offer online support to Ad Hoc or retail clients by specific agreement for this.

Quotations

Client will usually be provided with a formal proposal and quotation for After-Sales Service work. This will underline the work which is to be provided and the cost of that work.

How to order After-Sales Services

The After-Sales Service is most effective if users plan their orders sequentially, i.e. extract the basic data which will then lead to more complex data or correlations. This also helps to reduce costs as the use of automated processing & standard data formats are always less expensive to produce than Ad Hoc work.

Modular research

Once the After-Sales Service understands the general data requirements they will send the Client a Modular Proposal as a Word document. The Client can then select the Parts required, and amend or modify the information objectives.

The best way to organise the ordering of data is as follows:-

1   Additional Market Research Data

2   Distribution Channels & End Users 

3   Survey Data

4   Corporate Data

5   Additional Requirements

Once a client has specified exactly what data is needed, and that specification is available, then the After-Sales Service will produce a written quotation of cost and delivery time.

1. Market Research

Markets & Products

Clients can order data for additional Product and Market Sectors. This will always include data, by year Historic: from 1997, and a Forecast by year to 2040.  Data can be provided for up to 200 countries.

The client can specify Product & Market breakdowns as needed:

2. Distribution Channels & End Users Data

 Distribution Channels

This section can investigate the Product Distribution Channels in the selected Markets. The data is based on a series of existing Databases.

 End Users

This section can investigate the End Users of the Products in the selected markets. The data is based on a series of existing Databases. 

The client can specify information as needed.

3. Survey Data

Supplementary Survey Data for the selected Products & Markets

Each survey (Suppliers, Distribution Channels, Decision Makers, and End Users) contains 5 sub-sets for Products, Supplier Operations, Buyer & End Users, Trading Area, & Competitors in the selected Markets.

The client can specify information as needed.

These surveys cover the Markets, Products, Competitors, Operations and Product Flows in terms of the Suppliers, Distributors, Decision Makers, and End Users.

Industry & Supplier Performance

One can investigate the product Industry in the selected Markets. Industry Performance Survey results.

Distribution Channels

One can investigate the product Distribution Channels in the selected Markets. Distribution Survey results.

Decision Makers

One can investigate the product Buyers and Purchasing Decision Makers in the selected Markets.

Purchasing Decision Makers Survey results.

End Users

One can investigate the End Users in the selected Markets. End User & Buyer Survey results.

The client can specify information as needed.

4. Corporate Data

This database contains data on significant Companies (Suppliers and Distribution Channel members) worldwide.

This part is provided as a  PDF file or a     Word file, as specified by the client.

Data Objectives for each Target Company

The data objectives have to be set by the client and were possible these will be achieved by the research. For example:-

1.     Financials: historical sales, forecasted sales, gross profit margin.  By industry sector and application sector as defined by the client.

For example, for the sales made by a Target Company those products sold to specific categories of customers, how much of their revenue is generated from providing various products, or application to specific categories of customers,  et cetera.

2.     A list of products produced by the Target Company or sourced from other suppliers.

3.     Type of distribution channel, e.g. direct sales to End Users, OEM sales, via specifiers, via importers or distributor, partnering with third party providers,  et cetera.

4.     Partners by type (e.g. specifiers, product distributor, customer service partner) per country

5.     Pricing by product sector defined by the client.

6.     Discount structures

7.     Capacity by product/market defined

8.     Availability of products (% of product in stock versus product to be ordered)

9.     Sales by the type of Support for all categories specified by the client.

10.  The average Modernization and Upgrades period by Product Sector defined by the client.

11.  Customer Perceptions

12.  The size (in terms of number) of management team per country, number of field sales persons per country, number of customer service staff per country.

13.  Countries covered by the competitors, production sites (city), customer service sites (city), headcount, documentation.

14.  Technology and innovation: innovative technology or application developments.

15.  Et cetera…    

The client can specify any particular data which needs to be covered.

List of Target Companies

The Client may either select the target themselves, or can specify the Top 10 or Top 15 in the World / Europe / individual Country / et cetera. 

The client can specify here which Target Companies are to be covered.

Base data objectives for the Target Company

Key Personnel:

• Chairman

• Chief Executive

• Directors:

• Executives:

Corporate Summary:

• Company Description

• Company History

• Legal Entity & Ownership

• Company Facilities

• Company Key Assets

• Mainline product / service

• Product / services provided

• Parent Company

• Bankers

• Year established

• Current employees

• Issued capital

• Shareholders

• Last published turnover

• Subsidiaries

• Associated companies

• Companies represented

• Agencies

• Physical processing locations

• Capital investment

• Advertising expenditure

• Advertising media

• Advertising posture

• Sales promotion activity

• Method of selling

• Distribution

• Distribution network

• Use of distribution channels

Corporate Observations:

• Premises

• Product Brands

• Product Sales Channels

• Products Carried & Services Offered

• Consumer Features & Benefits

• Current Market Analysis

• Competition

• Competitive Advantage

• Target Markets

• Target Customers

• Current Strategy & Implementation

• Current Management

• Current Financial Plan

• Investment Fund Sources & Use of Funds

• Future Target Customers

• Future Process  Trends

• Future Market Analysis

• Projected Market Size

• Planned Products & Services

• Development Plans

SWOT Analysis:

• Strengths

• Weaknesses

• Opportunities

• Threats

Future Strategy Planning & Implementation:

• Philosophy

• Product Development

• Internet Strategy

• Marketing Strategy

• Sales Strategy

• Strategic Alliances

• Operations

Goals:

• Renovating premises, stocking, staff hiring and marketing.

• Market Penetration

• Penetrate and raise awareness in the targeted markets.

• Achieving a higher profit margin.

• Building the customer base.

• Generate repeat and referral sales.

• Expansion potential.

• Reputation as a quality Supplier.

• Exit Strategies

Management:

• Organisational Structure

• Leadership

• Staff Members

Financial Plans:

• Finance Requirements

• Use of Funds

• Cash Flow

• Balance Sheet Topics

• Financial Assumptions

Specific Additional corporate data required on Target Companies

The client can specify any particular corporate data which is needed.

These above items are a qualitative analysis of the Target Company. This data is derived from the Surveys of Industry sources, Distribution Channels and Buyers of the products supplied by the target company. This data is not quantified, but is presented as the qualified and subjective opinions of those responding to the surveys.

Financial Data for the Target Company

The financial data is provided in sections:-

1. the most salient Management figures and margins, and 

2. a full Balance Sheet and Management Accounts simulation.

Management Accounts

Management figures for the Target Company:   as an Excel file:

Balance Sheet and Management Ratios

Balance Sheet and Management Accounts for the Target Company:    as an Excel file:

5. Additional Data

The client can specify information as needed.

This section can be used to specify non-Market or non-Corporate data and research, for example:-

·         Product Data

·         Distribution Data

·         Processes

·         Technologies

·         Macro-Economic Issues

·         Political Issues

·         National Legislation and Regulations

·         Product Certification and Conformity Issues

·         Demographic Data

·         Physical & Geographical data (for example, Highways, Elevations, et al)

·         Business Resources

·         Et cetera…

Database Products supported by the After-Sales Service

The After-Sales Service support all products and databases, including those shown below.

Real Time Support

The After-Sales Service can offer client Real-Time Support. This usually involves using a software utility called TeamViewer (an installation program can be found in the Toolkit on your DVD or Hard Disk Drive) which allows the After-Sales Service support staff to directly link to the client’s computer and work with the users in real time.

Toolkits

To assist users there are various Toolkits available on request:

The Files, Data, Documents, Software, Tools, Utilities and other items provided on these DVDs are supplied for the sole use of the recipient. These items are the property of the publishers concerned and they may not be released or distributed without the express permission of the publisher of each item.

Toolkit 1

 1. Data Manuals

 2. Document Templates

 3. Help files

 4. Manuals Templates

 5. Microsoft Utilities

 6. OpenOffice

 7. Business Plan Images

 8. Reference files

 9. US Census Data Tools

10. Utilities & Tools

Toolkit 2

1. Database Utilities

2. Enterprise Resource Planning

3. Integrated Development Environment

Toolkit 3

There are about 40 Statistical packages provided in this Toolkit.  These are Open-Source packages which are generally free to use:  

acslX, ADaMSoft, ADMB, AMPL, Analyse-it, Analytica, Angoss, APMonitor, ASReml, Automlab, Baudline, Bayesian Filtering Library, BMDP, BV4.1, CalEst, Ch, Chronux, COMSOL Script, CSPro, DADiSP, DAP, Data Applied, Dataplot, Demetra+, EJS, ELKI, Epi Info, Euler Mathematical Toolbox, EViews, FAME, FEniCS Project, Fityk, FlexPro, GAUSS, Genedata Analyst, GenStat, GeoDA, GLIM, GNU Data Language, GraphPad InStat, GraphPad Prism, gretl, Hermes, IBM SPSS Modeler, IBM SPSS Statistics, IDAMS/WinIDAMS, IDL, IGOR Pro, IMSL Numerical Libraries, Izenda, JAGS, JHepWork, JMP, JMulTi, Julia, KPP, LabPlot, LISREL, Macsyma, Madagascar, MadArtSoft, Madeline, Maple, Mathcad, Mathemagix,, Mathematica, MATLAB, MCSim, MedCalc, Minitab, MINUIT, MLwiN, Mondrian, NCAR Command Language, NCSS, NMath Stats, numberGo Publisher, NumXL, Octave, O-Matrix, OpenBUGS, OpenEpi, OpenMx, OptimJ, Orangesrc="images/ Origin, OriginPro, PARI/GP, Partek, PAW, Perl Data Language, Ploticus, Primer-E Primer, PSPP, PV-WAVE, Q research software, QtiPlot, Quantum, R, R Commander, R Rattle GUI, RapidMiner, RATS, Revolution Analytics, ROOT, Sage, SALOME, Salstat, SAS, scikit-learn, Scilab, SciPy, SHAZAM, Shogun, SigmaStat, SigmaXL, Simfit, Simul, SOCR, SOFA Statistics, SPC XL, Speakeasy, S-PLUS, SPSS, Stata, Statgraphics, STATISTICA, Statistical Lab, Stat-JR, Stats Helper, StatXact, SUDAAN, Systat, The Unscrambler, Trilinos, Unistat, VisSim, Waffles, Weka, WinBUGS, Winpepi, X-12-ARIMA, XLfit, Xlisp-stat, XploRe, Yorick

Toolkit 4

Utilities & resources, for clients using databases on Microsoft Server 2003 systems.

Toolkit 5

Utilities & resources for clients with Microsoft Server 2008 systems.  Microsoft Server 2012 migration utilities are also provided in this Toolkit

Proprietary Software package compatibility

If you use proprietary corporate planning software then it is easy to use these databases as they are compatible with the following packages:-

Some Compatible Software products (See the Database Support site for a full list)

Project Management Software: 24SevenOffice, Assembla, AtTask, Basecamp, Central Desktop, Cerebro, Clarizen, codeBeamer, Collabtive, Concerto, Contactizer, CredAbility.info, dotProject, Easy Projects .NET, eGroupWare, FastTrack Schedule, Feng Office Community Edition, FogBugz, GanttProject, Gemini, Genius Inside, Glasscubes, Huddle, Hyperoffice, InLoox, JIRA, Journyx, Kayako, KForge, KPlato, Launchpad, LiquidPlanner, LisaProject, MacProject, MantisBT, MatchWare MindView 3 Business, Merlin, MicroPlanner X-Pert, Microsoft Office Project Server, Microsoft Project, Mingle, O3spaces, OmniPlan, Open Workbench, OpenProj, Oracle Project Portfolio Management, Planisware 5, Planner Suite, Pmplus+, Primavera Project Planner, Project KickStart, Project.net, Project-Open, Projectplace, ProjectSpaces, Projektron BCS, PSNext, QdPM, QuickBase, Redmine, Rachota, SAP RPM, Smartsheet, TaskJuggler, Teamcenter, Teamwork, Tenrox, Trac, TrackerSuite.Net, Ubidesk, VPMi, WorkLenz, WorkPLAN Enterprise, workspace.com, WebSPOC, Wrike, Zoho Projects

ERP Packages:   Adempiere, BlueErp, Compiere, Dolibarr, Fedena, GNU Enterprise, JFire, Kuali Foundation, LedgerSMB, OFBiz, Openbravo, OpenERP, Opentaps, Postbooks, SQL-Ledger, Tryton, WebERP, 1C:Enterprise, 24SevenOffice Start / Premium / Professional, abas ERP, Accpac, Agresso Business World, AMS Advantage, BatchMaster ERP, Bowen & Groves, CGram Enterprise, Clear Enterprise, Comarch Altum, Compass ERP, Compiere, Comprehensive Patient Administrator, COA Solutions Ltd - Smart Business Suite, Consona Corporation – Intuitive / Made2manage / AXIS / Cimnet / Encompix / DTR, Epicor Enterprise, Global Shop Solutions One-System ERP Solutions, HansaWorld, ERP Adage (Adage), ERP LN (Baan), ERP LX (BPCS) ,ERP SL (SyteLine), ERP Swan, ERP SX.Enterprise (SX.Enterprise), ERP VE (Visual Enterprise), ERP XA (MAPICS), IFS Applications, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne & JD Edwards World, JustFoodERP.com, kVASy4, Kingdee, Lawson M3 / Movex, Lawson S3, Log-net, Maximo (MRO), Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Momentum, MyWorkPLAN, NetSuite, Openda QX, OpenMFG, Oracle e-Business Suite, Paradigm, PeopleSoft, Plex Online, QAD Enterprise Applications, Ramco Enterprise Series 4.x, Ramco e.Applications, Ramco On Demand ERP, MAS 90, MAS 200, MAS 500, Technology One, SAGE ACCPPAC, SAGE Pro ERP, SAGE ERP X3, SAP Business Suite, SAP Business ByDesign, SAP Business One, SAP Business All-in-One, TaskHub, SYSPRO, SYS-APPS, mySAP, Visibility.net, WorkPLAN Enterprise

Enterprise Feedback Management Systems: SynGro, Perseus (Vovici), Clicktools, DatStat, Inquisite, SPSS, FIRM (Confirmit), NetReflector, Allegiance, Enetrix, Satmetrix, RightNow Technologies, Mindshare Technologies, Data Illusion, KeySurvey (WorldAPP), Kinetic Data, CustomerSat, Medallia, Interview SA, Surveynomics, Invoke Solutions, Qualtrics, Fizzback, Grimmersoft, QuestManager, QuestBack, Globalpark, DataCycles, Dub Studios, eLustro, Kinesis Survey Technologies, Knowledge Wave, myK (myKnowledge), mySurveyLab.com, QuickSearch, Ransys, ResponseTek Networks Corp., TalkFreely, XTCO, Zarca

Resource Web

Sometimes clients also want the data loaded onto a password protected dedicated website for the use of their staff and any other persons they may authorise.

The main benefit of these Resource Webs is that the data is available to all the client’s staff and professional advisors wherever they may be, and also when data is updated, or new data is added, then there is a common point of access for that data.  Resource Webs are maintained for the use of the client for a period of 12 months from the last update to that site.  These dedicated web sites are provided by the After-Sales Service. 

For a detailed view of a typical Resource Web:   http://www.eni-italy.info   produced for ENI, the Italian Oil group

Research & Survey Methodology Analysis

Some client may wish to understand the statistical and methodological basis of the specific research conducted and this can be provided as part of the After-Sales Service.

Statistical Appraisal of Datasets   (via the After-Sales Service)

Sampling:

o    External Validity

o    Sampling Terminology

o    Statistical Terms in Sampling

o    Probability Sampling

o    Nonprobability Sampling

·Measurement:

·         Construct Validity

o    Measurement of Validity Types

o    Construct Validity

o    Convergent & Discriminant Validity

o    Threats to Construct Validity

o    Nomological Networks

o    Multi-trait / Multi-method Matrix

o    Pattern Matching Construct Validity

·         Reliability

o    True Score

o    Measurement Error

o    Reliability

o    Type of Reliability Analysis

o    Validity

·         Levels of Measurement

·         Survey Research

o    Survey Type

o    Selecting the Survey Method

o    Construction of the Survey

§  Questions

§  Question Content

§  Response Format

§  Question Wording

§  Question Placement

o    Interviews

o    Appraisal of Survey Method

·         Scaling

o    General Issues in Scaling

o    Thurstone Scaling

o    Likert Scaling

o    Guttman Scaling

·         Qualitative Measures

o    Qualitative Discussion

o    Qualitative Data

o    Qualitative Approach

o    Qualitative Method

o    Qualitative Validity

·         Unobtrusive Measures

Design:

·         Internal Validity

·         Establishing Cause & Effect

·         Single Group Threats

§  Regression to the Mean

·         Multiple Group Threats

·         Social Interaction Threats

·         Design Development

·         Design Type

·         Experimental Designs

·         Two-Group Experimental Design

§  Probabilistic Equivalence

§  Random Selection & Assignment

·         Classifying Experimental Designs

·         Factorial Design

§  Factorial Design Variations

·         Randomized Block Design

·         Covariance Design

·         Hybrid Experimental Design

·         Quasi-Experimental Designs

o    Non-equivalent Groups Design

o    Regression-Discontinuity Design

o    Other Quasi-Experimental Design

·         Relationships of Pre-Post Designs

·         Formulation of the Designs

·         Modification & Experimentation

Analysis:

·         Conclusion Validity

o    Threats to Validity

o    Validity Improvements

o    Statistical Control

·         Data Preparation

·         Descriptive Statistics

o    Correlation

·         Inferential Statistics

o    T-Test

o    Indicator Variables

o    General Linear Model

o    Post-test-Only Analysis

o    Factorial Design Analysis

o    Randomized Block Analysis

o    Analysis of Covariance

o    Non-equivalent Group Analysis

o    Regression-Discontinuity Analysis

·         Regression Displacement Analysis

Database Compatibility

The increased use of Database Management Systems, Business Planning and Control Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning, Management Information Systems, and other tools amongst management professionals has produced a critical need for the harmonisation of data across various software applications and systems platforms. The After-Sales Service ensures that its output, where required, will be fully compatible with every product and database.

For this reason all the databases use harmonised database and data sets; thereby users can obtain any database from any of the publishers, for any of their brands, with the assurance that these databases are fully compatible and can be used in conjunction with one another and the various platforms, operating systems and software.

Since 2007, we have undertaken the harmonisation and convergence of the database specifications and definitions of the various database providers. This is to allow users a uniform and standardised reference to use with their planning and forecasting; and to allow cross-database functionality.

The data sets, modules and standards shown are now fully harmonised and standardised to allow data and software interflow and cross-platform usage of the databases.  Users may obtain older data dictionaries and standards, and/or data sets and data dictionaries for their own national standards. The standard product and market definitions have been harmonised and are provided (in the standard database products supplied), often as the NAICS classifications. Users wishing to remain with the previous SIC classifications may obtain these databases under that classification system. Users requiring other (U.N., European, Japanese, et cetera) classification definitions and norms may obtain those as necessary. Accounting standards are also harmonised according to the U.S. regulatory norms; however other norms are available. Data dictionary and data definition bridges and converters are available to allow users to update or standardise their databases. We have undertaken to maintain support for the older data dictionary standards and definitions until 2025; however users are urged to update at their earliest convenience.