This policy outlines the actions taken by Akerstream market & social research (AMSR) in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus virus on providing research services.
Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the COVID-19 pandemic gaining momentum, and unlikely to be resolved until at least this time next year, we have assessed the risks and opportunities involved in our business and would like to share our thoughts and responses with you, our valued clients, associates and suppliers.
Continuity of Service
An advantage in the current environment is that we are home based and have a variety of suppliers of key services. If for any reason one supplier is temporarily unavailable, another supplier who is already familiar with our needs and expectations can take over.
Home based with a decentralised network of researchers and suppliers.
As a member of the Independent Researchers Group (IRG) within the Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS), we have access to numerous talented researchers who are able to assist when necessary and respond quickly.
Click here for more information about the IRG
Adapting to a rapidly changing environment
It has been found that the practice of ‘social-distancing’ and the growing calls for avoiding crowds, public transport and confined spaces resulted in the rapid decline in people wanting to take part in research physically (eg, in focus groups or community consultations); and also in such situations as telephone interviewers not wishing to work in CATI centres, etc (eg, a problem for conducting telephone surveys).
Web communications technology and alternate data collection methodologies.
Of course, with advances in interconnectivity, many of us already also have experienced and trustworthy interviewers working from their home offices rather than in call centres.
In addition to these traditional techniques, for some time we have been building on our experiences with face-to-face interviews and group discussions, by substituting telephone or skype in-depth interviews and online focus group discussions, along with various variations or extensions of these approaches that do not require travel or face-to-face contact.
On-line surveys can also be employed better to fill the gap that may be left by the difficulties associated with call centres and telephone interviewing.
We are also increasingly conducting quite complex discussions, meetings and presentations with clients, associates and suppliers by phone or online conferencing wherever possible to avoid extensive travel and now also to avoid as much face-to-face contact as possible.
Updates to this policy
The policy was last updated in May 2022.
Enquiries
If you have any questions, please contact AMSR:
M: 0412 885 863
mail: PO Box 100, Little River Victoria 3211