The following blog post was written by Mark Dengler, President & Owner of RMS.

What's the #MRX Forecast for 2018?

One of today’s popular business approaches is known as “agile management.” Under this business method there is a keen focus on short development cycles, continuous improvement, product scope flexibility and work team input. RMS continues to see our clients looking for quick, detailed information that allows them to remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace. Technology advancements are driving new products and services, yet fundamentals such as strong customer service, reasonable pricing and outstanding quality remain the key differentiators within the marketplace. Knowing where one’s organization is positioned relative to these business basics is critical. We expect the demand for market research to continue to remain strong.

Optimism continues to grow about the Central New York business marketplace as recently shared at Centerstate CEO’s Economic Forecast Breakfast. The team at RMS agrees with this assessment and notes that it continues to experience an upsurge in market research service inquiries across all industry segments.

Looking ahead to 2018, we’re anticipating significant growth in our healthcare division. As one of only a limited number of CMS-approved CAHPS® survey vendors, RMS anticipates more healthcare clients adopting patient satisfaction surveying as a core quality measure in determining the patients’ overall experience. Moreover, healthcare organizations continue to consolidate and affiliate to create integrated delivery system networks. Healthcare consulting around practice transformation and efficiency is very strong.

At RMS, we’re also experiencing a resurgence of interest in traditional qualitative focus group style research. Companies across industry segments are looking to hear first-hand the voice of their customer (VoC) and customer experience (CX). With a state-of-the-art focus group facility located onsite, RMS hosts clients from across the country looking to take advantage of Central New York’s distinction as one of the top test markets.

Area colleges and universities are continuing to look at ways to work more closely with other industries. RMS is helping educational institutions identify workforce needs and assist with strategy development, ensuring the workforce is fully equipped to address demand along with what classes should be offered.

Market research interest is high. It’s easier and cheaper to reach out to suspects, prospects, and customers through digital means. RMS is gathering data using online surveys and mobile devices. We have a large research panel, ViewPoint, of fully vetted CNY residents who want to share their thoughts and perceptions. ViewPoint panel members are able to provide input on survey requests within 24 to 48 hours. Panel use in 2018 is expected to continue to grow.

Companies are finding that they often need to collaborate with others, work harder, and most importantly, work smarter — that means using data and information in decision making. The 2018 outlook for market research is positive and bright.

RMS is a full service market research and consulting firm located near Syracuse, New York. If you are interested in learning more about our research capabilities, please contact Sandy Baker, our Senior Director of Business Development & Corporate Strategy at SandyB@RMSresults.com or by calling 866.567.5422.