This report is about the business methods. The report is based on the achievements acquired in the last modules. Suitable methods are needed in the business module to help the team move forward in their product development process.
Currently, the team has developed several concepts with different connection types and design styles. However, the team has no idea whether others will like this product. Without such awareness, the team would be blind to see the potential risks and shortages in the project. Thus one method is introduced to make the team aware of how potential clients or companies think about this product. The method described is a focus group. It is introduced in more detail in this paper to discuss the advantages and few disadvantages it contains.
In a focus group different target customers are gathered to discuss their views about the product’s materials, the designs and whether they would purchase this product or not. If they are not interested in buying the product it is of value for the team to know, what influenced their decisions. Since this is a very special product, not only the views of potential customers are of interest, but also the knowledge and experience of experts, such as funeral companies. Therefore an interview was conducted with a funeral company to validate customer opinions.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Background case company
1.2. Results from module 2-design and module 3-engineering
2. Theoretical framework for business methods
Procedure when conducting a focus group
Advantages and disadvantages of focus groups
3. Empirical data collection
3.1. Secondary research
The funeral market
The funeral market in Sweden
Process from death to burial
3.2. Focus groups
Test focus group with students
Focus group with relevant customer
Relevant information gathered from the focus group.
3.3. Interview with funeral home
4. Analysis of the methodology
4.1. Critical evaluation of the method focus group
4.2. Critical evaluation of the method interview
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This report aims to validate a new business concept for a paper-based product—specifically fiber board coffins—by utilizing qualitative research methods. The primary objective is to assess customer perceptions and industry requirements to guide the product development process.
- Application of focus groups to validate business concepts
- Analysis of the funeral market and industry standards in Sweden
- Comparative evaluation of consumer preferences regarding coffin materials and design
- Methodological critique of qualitative research techniques in sensitive contexts
Excerpt from the Book
Focus group with relevant customer
Given that broach the subject of coffin is sensitive, the decision to do the focus group with participants that know each other was made. The decision was to ask a family member, which lead to doing the focus group with one of the group member’s grand-mother and her two friends to participate as focus group.
The focus group took place at the relative's apartment around a fika. It was important that the participants were in a familiar place to be comfortable to share their experience and opinion.
A cozy atmosphere was set up to help the three participants to feel at ease to talk about the topic. From the previous focus group it was understood that students are not relevant regarding the current concept, because it was difficult for them to imagine the coffin they would choose when being confronted with the situation of funerals. Hence, it seemed more appropriate to discuss the topic with experienced consumers. They are closer to the topic of burials and have experience with being confronted to choose a coffin. Elisa, one of the group members, served as moderator when conducting the focus group. She decided to start from a general aspect by talking about the funerals, to finish with the specific product that is being developed.
To begin the session, the company was introduced and their products were shown to the participants. Then the topic of funerals was approached. The discussion started when the participants shared their experience with funerals and how they chose or would choose a coffin. Afterwards, the conversation was oriented around the concept of cardboard coffin. Next, some products of cardboard coffin competitors were compared to analyze what is appreciated or not about the coffins. Especially, aspects for the fiberboard coffin were discussed. The last part of the focus group was to show the fiberboard coffin developed for The case company. The aim was to have their opinion about the product to know how it can be improved.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the project background involving a Swedish papermill and the transition from home office products to fiber board coffins.
2. Theoretical framework for business methods: Defines the focus group methodology and discusses best practices regarding group composition and moderation.
3. Empirical data collection: Details the findings from secondary research on the funeral market, test focus groups, and a professional interview with a funeral home.
4. Analysis of the methodology: Provides a critical assessment of the effectiveness and limitations of the applied focus group and interview methods.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the research outcomes and emphasizes the necessity of combining multiple qualitative methods for sensitive topics.
Keywords
Business methods, focus groups, funeral industry, fiber board, cardboard coffins, qualitative research, consumer insight, product development, sustainability, market validation, Sweden, funeral home, methodology, customer preferences, empirical data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating a new product development concept, specifically fiber board coffins, through the application of qualitative business methods to ensure the concept meets market needs.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the work?
The core themes include business method implementation, market analysis of the Swedish funeral industry, consumer sentiment regarding burial products, and the iterative product development process.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if the proposed fiber board coffin concept is viable and accepted by potential customers, while simultaneously identifying necessary design and product adjustments.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilizes primary qualitative research, including a student test focus group, a focus group with experienced consumers, and a semi-structured expert interview with a funeral home professional.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers the establishment of a theoretical framework for focus groups, the collection of empirical data, and a critical analysis of the methodologies used to gather and interpret that data.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as Business methods, Focus groups, Funeral industry, Fiber board, and Consumer insight.
Why were specific participants chosen for the final focus group?
Participants were selected based on their experience and maturity, as they are closer to the topic of funerals than students, providing more relevant insights into purchasing decisions.
What was the role of the interview with the funeral home?
The interview provided essential market knowledge and industry perspective that the focus group participants lacked, such as details on industry standards and existing competition.
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- Anna Lena Bischoff (Autor:in), 2016, Focus Groups as a method for product development. The funeral market in Sweden, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/316999
