In order to remain at the forefront of the industry, Observant LLC maintains an active internal research and development program. Whether it be developing novel qualitative research methodologies or unique applications of quantitative science, we strive for innovation and creativity in every facet of our research. In order to ensure the integrity of this program, it is completely self-funded without industry support. We think the results speak for themselves. Recent achievements resulting from our R&D program include:

Proprietary Software to Improve Qualitative Data Collection: 

QUESTRILL® a proprietary qualitative data collection and analytic platform. This application greatly reduces the time for qualitative data analysis. The online applications of the tool make it particularly useful for large-scale multi-site studies. For further information see www.questrill.com

New Qualitative Techniques:
We are continually developing novel and custom approaches to meet individual client needs. These range across the gamut of techniques from advanced projective methods through to applied discourse analysis. One recent example is the development of a creative approach to gauging the importance of product attributes when designing new products. For a fuller description see our case study:

Build An Optimal Product: A Novel Approach to Assess Attribute Trade-Offs in
Qualitative Research

View other case studies

Self-Initiated Research Projects:
We periodically conduct our own in-house research projects (independent of outside support) in order to better understand trends and phenomena impacting the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Two recent examples include:

	Understanding the AMA’s Prescription Data Restriction Program (PDRP).  Observant LLC designed and conducted a qualitative project to gauge the potential impact of this program on physician/pharmaceutical representative interaction. Results of this important research by Neil Bergquist and Mike Feehan will be forthcoming in a 2007 Fall issue of Pharmaceutical Executive.
	Determining the Impact of the Profit Imperative on the Public’s Perceptions of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Observant LLC conducted a two phase project (focus groups followed by an online quantitative survey) with members of the public to uncover the critical behaviors of pharmaceutical companies that can positively and negatively shape public opinion. This study yielded some key strategic insights (some counter-intuitive) and was nominated for a Research Excellence Award by the Pharmaceutical Business Intelligence and Research Group (PBIRG). For a copy of the presentation, contact us at info@observant.biz

New Quantitative Reporting Tool:
In order to ensure our quantitative projects’ findings are not left in a folder on the shelf, we strive to increase the utility of our research through the development of user friendly simulators and interactive query engines.

In one recent study, we developed a novel software engine for ad-hoc analysis of quantitative data (currently in commercial development). This was used to facilitate interactive analysis by marketers and product developers working with a global dataset. In addition to developing the engine de novo for this study, we worked with the IT department of this leading pharmaceutical client to disseminate the engine through its worldwide internal networks without platform conflicts regardless of end-user country and technology infrastructure.