Analysing the Results Revision Notes for Junior Cert Business Studies

Analysing the Results

Once businesses have collected responses from their surveys or questionnaires, the next crucial step is to analyse this information effectively. This process transforms raw data into valuable insights that can guide business decisions and improve marketing strategies.

Converting responses into percentages

When businesses receive completed surveys, they need to make sense of the answers, particularly from closed questions. The most common way to present this information is through percentages, which makes the data easier to understand and compare.

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Percentage calculation formula

$\text{Percentage} = \frac{\text{Number of people with the same answer}}{\text{Number of people in sample}} \times 100$

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Worked Example: Supermac's Burger Survey

If Supermac's surveyed 60 customers about their favourite burger and 36 people chose the Big Tasty:

Calculation: $36 ÷ 60 × 100 = 60\%$

Result: 60% of customers surveyed prefer the Big Tasty burger

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Worked Example: Student Study Location Preferences

200 Leaving Certificate students were surveyed about their preferred study location, and 80 chose the library.

Calculation: $80 ÷ 200 × 100 = 40\%$

Result: 40% of students prefer studying in the library

Visual representation of results

Survey results become much more powerful when presented visually. Understanding visual representation techniques helps businesses communicate their findings effectively.

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Visual representations make it easy to spot patterns and trends quickly, transforming complex data into easily digestible information that stakeholders can understand at a glance.

Businesses commonly use:

Bar charts - showing different categories and their frequencies
Pie charts - displaying how responses are divided across options
Line graphs - illustrating trends over time

For instance, a Centra store might create a bar chart showing customer preferences for different sandwich fillings, making it immediately clear which options are most popular.

Why businesses analyse survey results

Understanding why analysis matters helps businesses make the most of their market research investment.

Making better decisions

By examining survey responses carefully, businesses can identify trends, patterns and insights that guide their decision-making process. This information helps them understand what customers want and how to meet those needs effectively.

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Real-world Application: Penneys Sustainability Decision

If Penneys discovers through surveys that 70% of teenage customers want more sustainable clothing options, they can make informed decisions about expanding their eco-friendly range.

Understanding customer behaviour

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Customer behaviour analysis involves studying customer preferences, habits and motivations to better understand what drives their purchasing decisions.

Analysis reveals deeper insights into customer preferences, behaviours and motivations. This understanding helps businesses tailor their products, services and marketing campaigns to better connect with their target audiences.

Consider Dunnes Stores analysing survey data about shopping habits. They might discover that customers aged 25-35 prefer online shopping during weekday evenings, leading them to focus their digital marketing efforts at these specific times.

Identifying opportunities

Through careful analysis, businesses can uncover new opportunities for growth and innovation. They can spot gaps in the market, identify emerging trends and find untapped customer needs that could drive business success.

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When businesses identify that 45% of customers want plant-based milk alternatives, this presents a clear opportunity to expand menu offerings and meet evolving customer demands.

Making business changes based on results

Survey analysis isn't just about collecting information - it's about taking action. Based on their findings, businesses often make significant changes to their operations.

Common changes include:

Pricing adjustments - if surveys show products are perceived as too expensive or too cheap
Product modifications - adding features customers want or removing unpopular elements
Distribution changes - selling through different types of shops or online platforms
Marketing focus - targeting advertising at specific age groups or demographics

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Business Adaptation Example: Tayto's Product Innovation

If Tayto discovers through surveys that customers want smaller portion sizes, they might introduce mini packets alongside their regular range, directly responding to customer feedback.

Practical calculation example

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Comprehensive Worked Example: Dublin Coffee Shop Survey

Scenario: A Dublin-based coffee shop surveyed 150 customers about their preferred coffee size.

Raw Results:

Small coffee: 45 customers
Medium coffee: 75 customers
Large coffee: 30 customers

Percentage Calculations:

Small: $(45 ÷ 150) × 100 = 30\%$
Medium: $(75 ÷ 150) × 100 = 50\%$
Large: $(30 ÷ 150) × 100 = 20\%$

Business Analysis: The coffee shop can now confidently state that half their customers prefer medium-sized coffees, helping them plan inventory and promotional strategies accordingly.

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Key Points to Remember:

Survey analysis transforms raw data into actionable business insights
Converting responses to percentages makes data easier to understand and compare
Visual representations like charts and graphs help identify trends quickly
Analysis helps businesses make better decisions, understand customers, and spot opportunities
Results should lead to practical business changes in pricing, products, or marketing strategies

Analysing the Results (Junior Cert Business Studies): Revision Notes