In this episode of the MRX Lab from FlexMR, we speak with Sally Nicholls on how to approach the design stage of the research process. Drawing on years of industry experience, Sally highlights a number of the common challenges that insight professionals often face, and practical ways to overcome them.

In particular, we discuss the role of robust debate - finding the common ground between insight professionals and stakeholders. Additionally, Sally draws attention to the real world  considerations that must be factored into effective research design and cautions against an over-reliance on the research question alone.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
Featuring: Sally Nicholls, Insight Manager @ FlexMR
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 3 - Effective Approaches To Research Design

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we look at the forces of sacred & profane consumption, and their effects on consumer behaviour. We ask what relevance these theories have to modern researchers and examine the ways in which our investigation of behaviour can be shaped by such a lens. After defining the sacred and profane, we discuss the role of brand cathedrals, consumer rituals and other parallels that can be drawn from both the secularization of religion and the sacralization of the secular.

---

Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 10 - The Effect Of The Sacred And Profane On Consumer Behaviour

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we talk about the slow movement; cultural revolution against the notion that faster is always better. We identify some of the key areas that the movement has influenced and ask whether there is a place for market research that is conducted at a deliberately slow pace.

Over the course of 10 minutes, we examine how science, journalism, marketing and other practices have been affected before turning our sights on the popularity of agile practices in market research.

---

Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 11 – How the Slow Movement Challenges Agile Market Research

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we talk about the economic principles that are relevant to the insights industry. We start by defining the key differences between behavioural and more traditional economics, as well as exploring how the two fields have blurred lines of enquiry in the past.

Over the second half of the episode, we dive into a number of key economic ideas and how they relate to the work researchers undertake – from marginality to calculating cost, understanding the trade-offs people make to how incentives change behaviours. Importantly, we draw conclusions about the value of both the rational and irrational consumer mind.

---

Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 12 - Ceteris Paribus (and Other Economic Principles For Insights)

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we discuss a valuable but rarely discussed soft skill that plays a vital role in research – critical thinking. While strategic thinking may have taken the spotlight in recent years, the ability to think in a critical manner and minimise cognitive bias is one all insights professionals need to succeed.

Throughout the course of this episode, we examine some of the potential reasons why critical thinking may have been side-lined, what value it holds and some simply ways to develop the skill.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 13 - The Rabbit Hole Of Critical Thinking

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we investigate three project management methodologies that are not agile. While agile research has quickly become part of the insights lexicon, there is much to be learnt from examining other techniques that have guided management principles over the past decades.

Throughout the course of this episode, we dive into the manufacturing roots of waterfall, the extreme ends of agile that comprise lean ideals, and the statistically driven Six Sigma process – evaluating the merits and drawbacks of each in turn.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 14 - Thinking Outside Agile The Case For Waterfall, Six Sigma & Lean Projects

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we take an in-depth look at philosophical constructs of knowledge, and how our beliefs about the nature of information shape the very work we do. In particular, we discuss the ideas of rationalism, empiricism and pragmatism through the unique lens of the insights sector.

Throughout the course of this episode, we investigate the theses that define each of these systems of thought, the key differences between them and identify how we can use each to deliver better, more impactful research reports to decision makers.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 15 - Rationalism, Empiricism And Other Important -Isms

In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast from FlexMR, we look at the opposing forces of globalization and localization. What do these trends mean for the market research industry and how do they affect the work that we do? After a brief introduction, we examine the challenges that a connected world poses and identify ways local knowledge can be used to build a competitive edge.

In the second half of the episode, we outline simple ways in which market research teams under pressure to deliver more for less can influence both global decisions and act as the voice for territorial differences at the same time.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
For more info on FlexMR, the technology led research agency, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 16 - Glocalisation: Should It Impact Research Strategy?

The MRX Lab podcast is back for a brand new season in 2021. In our first episode, we chat insights empowerment with FlexMR CEO, Paul Hudson. A 15+ year industry veteran, Paul explains how the modern pressures placed on research professionals are creating a strong need to find new ways of working.

We discuss the role of efficiency, reach and influence as key drivers of change and investigate creative tactics for overcoming common challenges. Paul highlights the role of video in research as a stand out method of activation, and identifies how empowerment moves data out of insights departments to underpin a customer-centric culture.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
Featuring: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR (pd_hudson)
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 1 - Insights Empowerment: Improving Efficiency, Reach and Influence

In the second episode of the MRX Lab, we investigate what it takes to make research happen. Joined by Gareth Bowden and Sally Nicholls from FlexMR, the episode explores the common challenges and pitfalls that can hold up a project before it even gets off the ground – from business-wide input to budgetary decisions and sudden, unexpected developments.

We also discuss the ways in which insight professionals can avoid and mitigate the impact of these challenges – speeding up the research process and driving improvements in efficiency. Gareth highlights the importance of a reliable network, while Sally underlines the need for flexibility and adaptability to change.
---
Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR (CJ_24K)
Featuring: Gareth Bowden, Research Project Manager @ FlexMR, and Sally Nicholls, Insight Manager @ FlexMR
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net

Episode 2 - Cutting The Red Tape: How To Make Research Happen

Driving informed decisions at the speed of business through on-demand insight and enterprise-grade research technology.