Collection and analysis of information from sections of the public in order to discover the level of demand for a type of product or service.

Market ResearchCollection and analysis of information from

sections of the public in order to discover the level of demand for a type of product or

service

Primary researchProspective or existing customers are interviewed by organizations themselves

Secondary researchExamination of existing data that has already been published, usually by another organization.Cheaper but can yield inaccurate results

Research in advertising mediaTwo ways data can be used:Specific to a company or productMore generalized manner

Research in public opinionAnalysis - reaction to proposed economic

changes or legislation that they are planningPublic opinion pollCookies are placed on their computers to

indicate that they have voted.

Interview methodsInterview methodsComputer-assisted personal interviewing

(CAPI)Interviewer and interviewee are together in the

same room interviewee answer questions put to them by the

laptop Interviewer asks questions as prompted by

computer

Interview methodsComputer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI)

Interviewer in a call centre Computer dials the phone number of selected

interviewee Personal interview, asking questions and recording

answers

Interview methodsComputer-aided web interviewing (CAWI)

Online data captureDatabaseCustomers log on to a particular site and answer series

of questions onlineCompleting questionnaire or web formCustomers must have access to Internet+web browserMultiple-choice response typeQuestions can be altered based on the customer’s

response.Pop-ups - However, not as successful - pop-up

blocking software

Research ApplicationsMedicineresearch into causes of illnesses and diseases

curesComputer models3D models

MedicineDeveloping new drugsResults of previous research are storedcomputer cross-match previous research to

results of new drugcomputer monitors amounts of ingredients

that are being usedresearchers can vary amounts by very small

differences (computer's very accurate)Drug structures can also be altered

MedicineGenetic analysisUse of supercomputersAnalysis can be performed by the use of

parallel networks in a few minutesIdentifying genes presentHealth records kept on database, info on

genetic make-up of patientsCan be used to identify those patients at risk

ScienceInvestigating the causes of these events and

how improvements can be madeSupercomputers

Much larger memories and processing power than predecessors

Ability to simulate any type of scenario

Space ResearchSimlulating future space shuttle launches

Improving crew safety and survivabilityEffectiveness of parachutes has been modeledDifferent arrangements of the shuttle systemDifferent methods of landing

Predicting impact of human activity on weather patternsModeling of various human activities that affect climate

Changing use of land (agricultural to urban, deforestation, etc.) Greenhouse gasses Air pollutants Increasing risk of loss of species, reduction in forests

Designing safe space exploration vehiclesThe actual flying of the vehicles

UniversitiesPromote research in science

Topics in probability and statisticsResearch in modeling and numerical simulationModeling and simulation of diseases and

medicinesMathematical biologyPsychologyComputers: includes numerical analysis and

scientific computingweather-based simulation models: aims to

predict the timing of pest and disease outbreaks

UniversitiesResearch into areas of energy and sustainability are also carried out

Fusion power: high performance computing to study what is required to sustain nuclear fusion

Renewable energy: sources such as wind, water and hydrogen

Sustainable crops: approaches to reducing energy usage in production crops

The impact of agricultural land

EducationUsing ICT in lessons allow students to become more

independent and to be responsible for their own learning

Carrying out own research in all subjectsOnline tutorialsInteractive whiteboards

Used by teachers, allowing use of images, video, sound and hyperlinks

Web designUsed to promote scchools and provide informationShow pupil's work to parentsCommunicate information to parents

EducationDigital imaging

Use of specialized computer software to make drawings

Enjoyable and productivePodcasting

Audio broadcastsBlogging

developing ICT skillsCreative writing, report writing

Online ApplicationsHave to employ web designers to design their websites

Using web authoring software packagesBuild security into the website

Online bankingWhen customers log on data is transmitted to bank's

web serverWhen requests for data are made, they are passed on

to the bank's Internet banking serverwhich then accesses the customer information

database serverConnection from customer's PC to the web server is

secureUse of firewalls - prevent direct access from customer

to customer info databaseWeb server acts as a 'go-between' between the

customer and the personal data on the database

Online ShoppingSimilar to online banking

need to have access to a web serverShopping cart system - shopping cart

software/shopping basketused to create the representation of a shopping

cart for customers to buy goods onlineCan be part of the web hosting service and is

integral to the web server software usedAlso handles payment process

Online booking systemAKA Computer Reservation Systems (CRS)Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

Capable of dealing with many airlines at the same time

HolidaysTrain ticketsplane ticketscinema ticketstheater ticketsappointments

Online booking systemsBookings can be made at any timeTime and cost are saved

with travelling to travel agent/hotelconcerns: security and fraudNeed to have access to a web server

contains details of all flights, hotels, car hire, etc

Also services integrater server - deals with request from user and search the relevant services required

Stock ControlAutomated systems

Stock controlled by computerwithout actually allowing it to take over the

processWhen barcode is scanned,

System finds this barcode in the file using direct access

Reduces number in stock by onecomputer compares no. in stock with re-order

levelcomputer creates automatic order for re-order

quantity using suppliers contact details

Benefits to customer and Supermarket? Research

Just in time systemGoods are ordered so that they arrive at their

distribution point as requiredCompany places order with supplier when they are

on the verge of running out of stockOrder is placed so the goods will arrive at the

company when they are required for manufacturing/selling

Benefits:Avoids them having too much stock and unsold stock

piling upDisadvantage

May be unable to cope with sudden rise in demand