SRIworld.com

CAPABILITIES

Qualitative Research
One-on-one in-depth interviews or focus group sessions for purposes of developing preliminary insights into market structure, product positioning, or product or advertising conceptualization.

Consumer Motivation
Determination of the specific mix of characteristics that would maximize consumer acceptance of new products or services. These studies frequently incorporate segmentation techniques which identify discrete groups of consumers, defined in terms of differential needs regarding the product or service category. “Investors’ Choice” is a study of this genre, designed to define the market for socially responsible mutual funds on the basis of investor motivations.

Competitive Structure
Definition of the market in terms of how competitive offerings are perceived by their target audience on characteristics that are relevant to the purchase decision. These studies generally delve into aspects of consumer awareness and experience with these offerings and frequently provide analyses in terms of market segments, defined on the basis of differential needs regarding the product or service category. “CORPUS” (Corporate Responsibility Profiles in the US), a system for the continuous measurement of company reputations among investors is currently on our drawing board.

Concept Testing
Determination of the extent to which individual or alternative product, positioning or communications concepts are compelling to defined audience segments.

Tracking Studies
Periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of marketing activities, including the introduction of new or re-staged products and implementation of marketing communications programs.
CSR Report Monitor is a program by which various aspects of in-market effectiveness of corporate social responsibility reporting can be determined.

Satisfaction Studies
Periodic evaluation of the extent to which investors in individual corporations, mutual funds, and public and private pension funds are satisfied with the performance of these entities on financial and social responsibility criteria.

SRI LANTERN

Shining Light on the Socially Conscious Market

SRI LANTERN is a marketing research and consulting service that specializes in developing information for companies whose focus is the socially conscious consumer. We operate on the premise that the market for socially responsible products is highly fragmented on the basis of consumer needs and attitudes.

We believe that the market for socially responsible products can be described in terms of the various segments that comprise it, each segment defined on the basis of combinations of relevant needs and attitudes that sets it apart from the others. One of the complicating factors in attracting these customers is that characteristics that some people find highly attractive might cause others to reject a product offering. And, some characteristics that are “nice, but not essential” to some, are absolutely critical to others.

It is our contention that an understanding of these segments is key to the design and implementation of marketing programs. Our service assists in the development and evaluation of products and communications directed to population segments that are determined to be consistent with our clients’ capabilities and interests.

SRI LANTERN is a strategic alliance between SRI World Group, Inc. and Products & Programs Inc. It is staffed by individuals who have extensive experience in marketing research and consulting, and particular expertise in the financial and corporate reputation arenas.

SRI World Group, Inc., is an independent news, research, and consulting company that specializes in socially responsible investing and corporate social responsibility. The company is highly regarded for its socialfunds.com website, which provides daily news on the social investment world. Jay Falk, president of SRI World Group has nearly 20 years experience in social investing. Doug Wheat, SRI’s business development director, has more than a dozen years of experience in guiding investors, companies and governmental agencies on the integration of financially appropriate and environmentally sound practices.

Products & Programs Inc is headed by Mel Kram, who has more than 30 years of experience in conducting broad-based consumer marketing research. The firm provides research to companies whose focus is the socially conscious consumer. It specializes in studies that utilize needs-based market segmentation to support highly targeted new product development, positioning, and communications strategies. Joining the team is Mel Tainiter, one of the foremost research and statistical consultants in the U.S. Dr. Tainiter is a consultant to more than 100 corporations, including many of the Fortune 100.

If you would like to discuss your informational needs with us, please contact Mel Kram or Doug Wheat at 802-251-0500. You’ll find that we’re highly motivated, knowledgeable, cost competitive and reasonably personable.