Quantitative and Market Research Reports

Doyletech has extensive quantitative and market research experience across industries and sectors of the economy. A major aspect of our research activities has been the development of economic impact assessments (our experience in this area is detailed elsewhere on the website).

Quantitative research is designed to determine the magnitude of a problem or the intensity of a perception or attitude. Our ability to conduct meaningful quantitative research across diverse industries and issues requires good research tools and procedures. The standard tools are statistical analysis and forecasting techniques as well as primary research vehicles such as focus groups, survey questionnaires and their implementation (by telephone, in-person, email, web, etc.). Our tools are not that different than others; what is different is how we implement them. For example, we devote significant time to identify and recruit the very best possible participants for the research program being designed. Furthermore, once the program begins, we ensure that appropriate response rates are received. Doyletech is recognized by public sector agencies for its track record in these two areas; we are often called upon to conduct research on difficult issues, or to engage industry when previous attempts to do so have failed.

Too often research is used to support decisions already made rather than being a predictive tool for the future. This is not the Doyletech approach. If research does not show you the way forward, then it has failed. Our research and analysis is designed to provide a roadmap for the future.

The following are the types of quantitative and market research that we have conducted:

	Complete research of industry market structure, trends, future prospects;
	Environmental scan of industrial sectors or new technologies and application areas;
	Market potential and penetration analysis (including market share) for new product and service ideas;
	Product and service positioning;
	Product migration research (including pricing research);
	Brand equity research and image assessment;
	Benchmark studies;
	International best practices research (especially in ICT);
	SWOT and PEST analyses;
	Cost / benefit analyses;
	Technology asset mapping (at the organizational level or at the community level); and
	Consumer satisfaction and loyalty measurement.

We offer a full range of field services to satisfy the primary data collection requirements of our research programs, including:

	Telephone surveys;
	Mail surveys;
	Email surveys;
	In-depth personal interviews (including executive interviewing);
	Combination of the above;
	Intercept and exit interviews;
	Focus groups (in-person and online; including recruitment and facilitation);
	Delphi sessions;
	Mystery shopping (on-site and over-the-phone); and
	Online communities.

Sample Projects:

Competitive Intelligence on the Ontario Private Vocational Training Industry
Advanced Technology Education Consortium (ATEC)

Market research on the private vocational training industry in Eastern Ontario and Canada was conducted. We also assisted in the development of various marketing collaterals – including website, brochures, and kit folders.

The PwC Canadian Software CEO Survey: Connecting Vision to Reality, 2004
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

This project was PwC’s first nationwide survey of CEOs of emerging software companies. In consultation with the client, we identified 350 emerging software companies across Canada, a subset of which were surveyed using online survey technology. The concept of a national survey of emerging software firms was developed as a means for the client to become better connected to these emerging technology companies and their entrepreneurs. The Canadian Software Purchasing Survey was conducted along side the CEO Survey. This separate survey was directed at Chief Information Officers (CIOs) of various organizations that purchase software solutions. Its goal was to provide CEOs with insight into the attitudes and behaviors of their customers. Several of the questions put out to CEOs in the CEO Survey were also put to software purchasers in the Canadian Software Purchasing Survey. A comparison of these results was then provided and they revealed some interesting differences between the opinions of CEOs and their customers, as well as several similarities.

Research on Intelligent Systems as it Impacts the Communities and Infrastructure Sector in Canada
Precarn Incorporated

Extensive intelligent systems (IS) research focused on the ‘Communities and Infrastructure’ sector in Canada. The objective of the research was to determine future market and technology trends in order to have a better idea of potential areas of future research in the sector. A focus group was also organized, attended by IS experts from across Canada and the U.S. Research in the areas of transportation infrastructure, environmental infrastructure (including water and wastewater, pipeline and building energy generation and management systems), and communications infrastructure was conducted.

Nanotechnology: A Preliminary Assessment of Canada’s Relative Strengths
Industry Canada

An overview of the activities and sector specifics of 120 Canadian companies active in developing and applying nanotechnology was conducted. This pioneering work resulted in the first comprehensive outline of nanotechnology’s ongoing emergence in Canadian industry. The objective was to identify areas of particular concentration where Canadian capabilities presented the beginning of strengths and the opportunity to develop niches.

Nanotechnology Activity in Automotive and Industrial Materials Manufacturing
Industry Canada

We assisted the Automotive and Industrial Materials Branch (AIMB) of Industry Canada to understand how various automotive and industrial material manufacturing sub-sectors are using (or planning to use) nanotechnology in their manufacturing processes. Our objective was to determine how nanotechnology is entering the industrial materials supply chain, e.g. in areas like chemicals, plastics, and metals. This project blended commentary from our contacts with insights gained from previous work in this area to analyze the dynamics of nanotechnology development. Key industry leaders and organizations across Canada were interviewed to determine how these technologies may be expected to benefit and impact Canadian industries and the products that they produce. The survey program was truly national in scope with more than 100 people contacted. In-person, telephone, and email surveys were utilized to seek out those most acknowledgeable about nanotechnology applications in Canada.

A Study on Nanotechnology Products being Imported into Canada
Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Industry Canada

Hundreds of telephone and email surveys with U.S.-based companies importing nanotechnology products into Canada were conducted. A comprehensive database was developed based on the extensive survey guide that was used.

Market Assessment of Materials Sciences Research in the NRC Physical Sciences Portfolio
National Research Council Canada (NRC)

NRC is implementing a new strategy that emphasizes multidisciplinary research projects, in particular collaborative initiatives that bring together its institutes. Our overall approach to synthesizing and analyzing the major questions was to develop a Scientific Assessment, a Market Assessment, and a Gap Assessment. Based on the results, action-oriented recommendations were made in several key areas impacting everything from organizational structure, marketing activities, human resources and compensation practices, management practices, and technology assessment activities.

An Environmental Scan of the Canadian ICT Industry (with International Comparisons) for NRC
National Research Council Canada - Institute for Microstructural Sciences (NRC-IMS)

A wide-ranging environmental scan of the Canadian ICT industry was conducted. It involved the collection of current secondary data on the size and composition of the industry as well as its position relative to other OECD nations. We supplemented the data with our own recent experience in the sector and the issues that Canadian ICT SME firms currently face.

An Analysis of U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Publications
National Research Council Canada - Institute for National Measurement Standards (NRC-INMS)

An analysis of recent NIST reports was carried out to determine how they might impact the NRC’s activities in terms of measurement standards.

Environmental Scan of the Canadian Healthcare Sector – Major Organizations and Activities
National Research Council Canada (NRC)

An environmental scan of the Canadian healthcare sector was conducted; its purpose was to provide NRC with an updated overview of public and private organizations involved in health care research and related activities.

A Needs Analysis of Ottawa-Gatineau's High Technology Industry
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism (MEDTT)

This research study identified the products and services purchased by technology-based companies in the Ottawa Technology Cluster (OTC). It has been used as a tool in assessing the ability of companies located outside the greater Ottawa region to supply such products and services. The major identifiable opportunity for selling products and services to a high technology company is associated with the company’s Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) which is the sum of the labour, materials, and overhead that go into the supply of the company’s own products and services.

The Legacy Skills Gap – A Trend Report
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)

Legacy applications are the backbone of IT systems in many large organizations. The retirement of baby boomers has left a legacy skills gap in the IT labour market. This study assessed the degree of impact that would be felt by organizations going forward, including both a qualitative and quantitative assessment of how large the problem is, or may become. Interviews were held with both legacy application users and suppliers to identify activities which would help these organizations deal with the legacy skills gap.

Market Research and Assessment
Larus Technologies Corporation & NRC-IRAP

A preliminary assessment of the market for products and services that could be developed through the exploitation of Larus’s intelligent sensor networking technology. We have also provided on-going mentorship to this firm.

Market Research and Assessment
Reg-iNet Inc. & NRC-IRAP

A comprehensive assessment of the market for products and services that could be developed through the exploitation of Reg-iNet’s technology. The project also provided a situation analysis, a product analysis, and a market analysis.

Market Research and Assessment
Eastern Welding

An assessment of potential supply linkages with the Ottawa technology industry was conducted.

Ottawa Technology Cluster (OTC) - Contact Database
Tality Corporation

A database on companies and contacts for every Ottawa technology enterprise was developed.

Market Research and Assessment
ASI Advanced Systems Integration

We identified potential new markets (and new prospects in those markets) for this established systems integration firm in Ottawa.

Market Research and Assessment
FPS Fedorski Performance Systems

An assessment of potential supply linkages with the Ottawa technology industry.

Market Research and Assessment
Manufacturing firm in Arnprior, Ontario

An assessment of potential supply linkages with the Ottawa technology industry.

Market Research and Assessment
Fisheries Technology Group Ltd., Newfoundland

Market research and assistance with a business plan were provided.

Market Research and Assessment
Manufacturing firm in Cornwall, Ontario

An assessment of potential supply linkages with the Ottawa technology industry.

Identification of Strategic Partners
Manufacturing firm in Kanata, Ontario

An assessment of potential strategic partners for an electronics manufacturing services firm in Kanata, Ontario was completed.

Market Research and Assessment
Manufacturing firm in Ottawa, Ontario

An identification of potential clients and partners was completed for an Ottawa-based electronics manufacturing services firm.

Market Research and Assessment
Transformix Engineering

An assessment of potential supply linkages with the Ottawa technology industry was completed. We also assisted this firm with market research and the development of marketing collaterals.

Market Research and Assessment
Infonium Incorporated

We have assisted this firm with market research and in the preparation of a marketing strategy. We have also provided on-going mentorship to this firm.

Market Research and Assessment
Autoskill International

Market research was conducted for Autoskill International, a developer of educational software products and services.

Market Research on the Ottawa Technology Cluster
PricewaterhouseCoopers

We provided historical and ‘genealogy’ data on several technology companies in the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region.

An Overview of Ottawa’s High Technology Industry
PricewaterhouseCoopers

This paper provided an overview of the origins of Ottawa’s technology industry, its driving forces, and its relative standing compared to the entire Canadian technology industry.

Research on the Ontario Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry
Client Name Withheld

Extensive research on electronics manufacturing service (EMS) firms throughout Ontario and Quebec was completed.

Exploratory Scan of New Application in the Technology Manufacturing Sector
3M Canada Company Ltd.

Based on our knowledge of local technology manufacturing activities and needs, we investigated potential new product applications for 3M Canada.

Feasibility Study for a Proposed High-End Private Retirement Facility
Client Name Withheld

This feasibility study examined the potential demand for a proposed high-end retirement facility. It required economic and demographic forecasting to determine if current and future demand would be sufficient to warrant its development. Several potential demand scenarios were developed, based on different economic and age profiles.

Feasibility Study for a Proposed All-Suite Hotel in Downtown Ottawa
Client Name Withheld

This feasibility study examined the economic viability of a new all-suite hotel proposed for Downtown Ottawa. Market share estimates and cash flow projections were provided. Also, the competitive advantages and disadvantages of the proposed property were weighed relative to other properties in the market. Our report was utilized by third parties for the purpose of securing mortgage financing and equity participation.

Feasibility Studies for Proposed New Home Development Projects
Client Names Withheld

Several feasibility studies have been conducted for new home builders and land developers to assess the potential demand for new home development. These studies involved forecasting of various economic and demographic data including local GDP and employment levels, net migration levels, and estimates of the number of ‘first-time homebuyers’.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Materials Needs of the Photonics Sector
National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Some 308 companies in nine countries were contacted to assess the materials needs of the photonics sector. The research indicated that the development and modification of new photonics materials was of critical importance to some (by no means all) of the companies surveyed. The development and modification of new metal alloys was of strong interest to selected companies in the aerospace sector. Potential industry linkages and specific industry needs were identified for NRC.

The Ottawa-Gatineau Family Tree of Technology Companies
8 Industry and Government Sponsors

This well-known ‘genealogy’ map (poster) traces the development of local technology firms from 1980 to the present. Several previous editions have been produced since the 1980s with approximately 5,000 copies printed each edition. The research required to complete the genealogy map is significant, involving interviews with hundreds of technology firm executives and entrepreneurs in order to obtain the right historical information on each company.

Marketing Strategy and Promotion Plan
Advanced Technology Education Consortium (ATEC)

This project provided a situation analysis of the Canadian microelectronics industry and a marketing strategy for ATEC. The strategy included the identification and analysis of target markets and a positioning strategy based on product and price considerations. A comprehensive promotion plan was developed including advertising, publicity, personal selling, sales promotion, and implementation milestones.

Distribution Channel Research
Advanced Technology Education Consortium (ATEC)

Research was conducted to identify relevant distribution targets. These included trade shows and job fairs, networking events, Ontario libraries, federal employment centres, corporate human resource departments, technology associations and economic development organizations, college and university career centres, human resource associations and educational organizations.

Demand Assessment for Importing Silk Scarves from China to Ontario
Client Name Withheld

This market research study examined the demand for silk scarves in Ontario. The first part consisted of primary research in the form of face-to-face and telephone interviews with distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. The second part consisted of secondary research into published data on scarf consumption. The client was provided with an estimate of the number of scarves sold in Ontario per year, the basic operations of the scarf distribution market, the factors involved in pricing scarves, and customer perceptions of the scarves themselves.

Directory of Kanata High Technology Companies
City of Kanata, Economic Development Department

Several directories and databases were developed and maintained on high technology companies in the former City of Kanata. Working with the economic development department, new startups were identified on a regular basis while data on all existing ones were continuously updated. Sales and employment estimates were developed for each company. Various employment forecasts were also developed, with high, low, and medium scenarios provided.

A Directory of Companies Manufacturing Environmental Products in Canada
Environment Canada

This directory was developed from a variety of sources such as manufacturing directories and trade association databases. Environmental product revenue estimates were also developed.

Canada’s Trade Performance in Advanced Technology Products
Industry Canada 

An analysis on Canadian trade in advanced technology products (ATP) was conducted including what they imply for policy makers at the federal government level. We acquired the list of U.S. ATP and, with the assistance of Statistics Canada, convened the U.S. product codes into Canadian product codes to derive a list of Canadian ATP. Using this schema, estimates of Canadian high tech imports, exports, and trade balances by technology were develo