Selected Studies (Innovative Methods)

Innovation is most often achieved by using complementary methods to solve a business problem.  These studies involve either an innovative approach to getting information or its analysis.

Competitive Intelligence on a Global Scale
Problem:  Developing a global strategy that responds to competitor strengths & weaknesses
On behalf of a major global bank, The Brondesbury Group analyzed the competitive position of the top five trade banks in each of four global regions. The analysis focused on management structure, deployment of sales staff, handling of front and back office, product differentiation, and electronic delivery capabilities. It relied on sophisticated intelligence-gathering from banks, internet and commercial databases. The competitive analysis presented to the bank’s vice-chairman was the basis for the bank’s global strategy for international business.
Method: search of proprietary databases, internet site review, network communication analysis, selected customer and
employee interviews, purchase of 3^rd party research, knowledge brokerage

Strategy for a Financial Protection Company
Problem:  Develop a long-term strategy and tracking plan within 3 months
We developed a strategy for increasing general awareness of a financial industry protection company and specific awareness of its coverage. This included identification of target groups based on several criteria that indicate a "need to know" about its coverage, as well as a long-term strategy for better communicating with these target groups.  The strategy development began with the identification of target groups based on group size, awareness patterns, product understanding, financial need and risk of financial losses.  Specific communication strategies were identified for each target group based on their preferred means of communication and the key messages that would be effective for reaching them.                                                          
Method: Identification and synthesis of existing information including client surveys, government statistical sources, published research studies & articles and a few additional purchased studies. In several cases, the databases for studies and statistics were re-analyzed to extract more information.

Future of the Public Sector 
Problem:  Anticipate future changes in a complex market and identify emerging opportunities
A massive opinion leader study based on in-depth personal interviews of two hours in length with 150 of the most influential people in the country today, as nominated by their peers. Participants include politicians, deputy ministers, academics, executives, practitioners, associations and other qualified parties. The aim is to identify how the public sector will develop over the next 5-10 years and why this will happen. A modified Delphi method and the PEST model were used to guide the interview process and the analysis.  The study includes separate reports on five segments of the public sector including healthcare. 
Method: opinion leader study, PEST analysis, structured verbatim analysis, review of relevant research, synthesis

Financial Literacy Program Gets into Gear
Problem:  Over 60% of consumers don’t understand material published by financial institutions
After a year of in-depth research with consumers and advisors, we completed an Event-based Learning Guide for the Investor Education Fund (OSC). The “Guide” follows the decision-making path of consumers from a triggering event through the initial tough decisions to taking action. At each step, we noted the questions that consumers want answered in their own words. This information was used to structure 94 learning modules, each with its own objective.
Method: naturalistic observation, personal interview, structured verbatim analysis, synthesis

Strategy for Working Capital Management
Problem:  Help executives quickly develop a more client-centered strategy
We worked with the senior management team of a major North American bank to create a strategy for integrating trade, cash management and FX into a coherent working capital management program. Acting as both advisor and facilitator, our work included identification of best practices, advising on client buying behaviour, competitive positioning, product integration, identification of appropriate strategies and oversight on strategy proposals. The scope of the work included domestic, Americas and international markets for both commercial and large corporate clients.
Method: identification & sourcing of competitive information including best practices, facilitating strategy sessions, synthesizing work of multiple committees into strategy

Growing Barriers to New Technology
Problem:  Gaining acceptance for new technology
Getting buy-in to new technology is increasingly difficult. Large corporations are less willing to disrupt their companies with new systems and have certainly concluded that only fully operational systems are worth evaluating. Several recent studies point to the same conclusions, too many promises and too few concrete results have left the market wary about new services. Through a mix of in-depth personal interviews and follow-up telephone surveys, this study looks at the barriers to sale and implementation of supply chain systems.  Principles from industrial psychology and examples from case studies are used to present solutions to 10 key problems. 
Method: in-depth personal interview, internet survey, literature review, case study, synthesis

Global Competitive Analysis of the Credit Default Risk Market
Problem:  Anticipating changes across both insurance and capital markets to develop a strategy
On behalf of an export credit agency, The Brondesbury Group looked at competition in the credit default risk market. This market has become increasingly complex and now includes export credit agencies, private insurers, investment banks and project finance units. Our analysis focused on identifying market opportunities, handling of front and back office, product differentiation, and electronic delivery capabilities. It relied on a mix of interviews with insurance/ECA competitors and senior trade bankers, as well as intelligence-gathering from internet and commercial databases. The 30+ recommendations for responding to market changes help to position this ECA for the future.
Method: search of proprietary databases, internet site review, network communication analysis, selected customer and competitor interviews, and review of 3^rd party research, knowledge brokerage

Global Trade Services (Multiple Studies)                                                                         
Problem:  Assess future positioning of a company and how to improve performance
Developed and produced a 35-country (15 language) study focused on the bank trade services used by   mid-market and large corporations. Executive interviews covered usage of existing products, product trends, bank positioning, and buyer behavior that affects bank success in these markets. Based on the findings from the in-depth interviews, we developed four 20-variable multivariate model of competitive positioning – one for each major global region.  The models allowed us to identify strategies that could significantly improve our client’s potential, as well as identifying global trends that demand a long-term strategic response.                                                                                                                              
Method: personal/telephone interviewing provided information for analysis including optimal scaling to remove cultural differences in the use of rating scales, robust data analysis, quantification of impact using game theory and development of multi-dimensional market prediction models

Impact of Financial Institution Mergers
Problem:  How to assess public reaction without massive spending to create awareness
As governments scrutinize financial institution mergers, they wonder what is best for their country. The two key questions seem to be “What types of mergers most benefit domestic consumers?” and “What types of mergers help build the country’s ability to compete internationally?” Since politicians are often guided by a mix of national opinion leaders and informed local public opinion, we set out to understand what these groups think about FI mergers.  Key issues were impartially described to community leaders and their reactions were noted.  As the people who shape local opinion, their reaction was viewed as a predictor of community reaction.
Method: community leader survey

Equipment Financing More than a Commodity
Problem:  Providing a realistic analysis of revenue gains that will follow from service improvement
Equipment financing is a highly competitive business, particularly when the equipment is ‘factory floor’ rather than office equipment. Our recent study of competitiveness commissioned by GE Capital Equipment Financing (Canada) highlights and quantifies the impact of service and pricing on winning bids and retaining clients. The ‘six sigma’ approach to quality promoted by GE clearly yields big revenue benefits in the market proving that equipment financing is far more than a commodity.               Method: link internal & survey data, then statistical analysis derived from economic game theory