Herobuilders

1. Which of the four types of studies are presented in this case?

Vicale did a reporting study. He looked online and he went to retail stores to see how many action figures were being sold. He did go a little further by asking an attorney if he could legally make the dolls. This case reports that they used exploratory research to find a niche and action figure business.

2. Using the Criteria in Exhibit 1-5, evaluate the research that HeroBuilders.com conducted prior to launching its hero and villain action figure business.

a. Purpose Clearly Defined

The purpose was somewhat defined. The company wanted to honor the heroes after 9/11. The idea started with a personal collection. Once there were requests for more dolls they looked into mass-producing them.

b. Research Process Detailed

the research process was not very detailed. He talked about looking on the Internet and then looking at the retail environment. Anyone else would be able to do that kind of research but he did not give much detail about what he found.

c. Research Design Thoroughly Planned

I found no evidence of the planned research design. This project was more personal in the beginning and was not intended to be sold in a mass-market.

d. High Ethical Standards Applied

The company did contact an attorney to make sure they were not violating the rights of the heroes they were creating.

e. Limitations Frankly Revealed

The limitations were not addressed in this case.

f. Adequate Analysis For Decision Maker's Needs

The decision-maker did not provide adequate analysis for this project. This project went backwards. These dolls were made more for a personal collection in the beginning and only after interest was shown did the designer decide to mass-produce them.

g. Findings Presented Unambiguously

the findings presented in this case were very minimal because of the reasons already provided.

h. Conclusions Justified

the conclusions in this case were not justified....