Global Data Collection Network Launched

Former ACNielsen Exec Terilyn Reber has established an international coalition of data collection agencies, offering a full range of methods including CATI/WebCATI and online research, to clients around the world.

Reber has already recruited eight partners for her One Planet One Call (OPOC) network: Ask Africa; CBC Marketing Research in Asia; Canadian Viewpoint; INQUIRY, covering Central/Eastern Europe and Russia; GDV in Latin America; Herron & Associates and Galloway Research in the USA; and Swift Research covering Western Europe.

Reber describes the current members as 'the crème de la crème of data collectors' in each region. Membership to OPOC is by invitation-only, and each agency is required to use standardized practices to enable the network to offer clients consistency in global data collection. Representatives are also selected because of their ability to develop relationships with data collection providers across their entire region.

Reber says one phone call or e-mail can connect clients with data collection resources in more than 50 countries, or to the regional partner closest culturally or geographically.

'OPOC will enable us to provide a comprehensive service for our UK and European clients as well as opening up new business for ourselves,' explained Alison Flannery, MD of UK-based Swift Research. 'Clients will benefit from a directly managed inter-continental service, as opposed to other networks that use subcontractors, giving them access to high quality, reliable and flexible research.'

The majority of Reber's 32-year research career has been spent analysing the capabilities and practices of fieldwork suppliers around the world. Before leaving to set up the network, she was Executive Director, International Data Collection at Lieberman Research, prior to which she held senior positions at ASKi international Market Research, ACNielsen, and Procter & Gamble.

During this time, she has been 'in field' in more than 42 countries; observing and gaining an understanding of the cultural norms and standards used in global data collection and how they meet the needs and expectations of the client.

Flannery added: 'We have collaborated with Terilyn for many years. She has tremendous experience of the global research market which has enabled her to hand pick those research companies that she feels have the skills and resources to deliver across a range of industry sectors.'

Web site: www.oneplanetonecall.com .