Expanding for maximum efficiency: welcome Balcostics Law
Expanding for maximum efficiency: welcome Balcostics Law
Tag: Balcostics
Balcostics in China: The 12th China-LAC Business Summit
Our first hand experience of participating in the 12th China-LAC Business Summit, held in Zhuhai, China.
Data Collection in August Town
Over a three day period (October 12-14) , team Balcostics was in the community of August Town interviewing residents. Thank you to the residents of this community for their warm welcome. Here are photo highlights from our visits: At Balcostics our mission is to empower leaders with the required data and information to make…
What you think you know: Compare to Statistical Facts
In this very insightful TedTalk, Alan Smith outlined the false dichotomy that there are only two types of people: those who're good with numbers & those who're not.
Fish Sanctuaries: Ensuring Jamaica’s Future Fish Supply
Recently we concluded a survey among fisherfolks across seven (7) fish sanctuaries in Jamaica
Conducting Qualitative Research across Jamaica: Highlights
Team Balcostics recently concluded a qualitative research (Focus Groups & Qualitative Surveys) project involving youths, small and large scale farmers across 9 parishes in Jamaica. The following are some lessons learnt: Scheduling & organizing participants - give participants at least one week notice to prepare and adjust their schedule.Logistics - Some of the target groups were located in deep rural…
This is how Small Businesses should use Market Research
Market research is very useful for small businesses. As a small business, especially doing something disruptive, you have to follow your gut much more than in other scenarios, for sure and there are some types of research that will not be applicable. Three things I have learned about marketing and market research: Online surveys are…
Training in the Electronic Data Collection System (EDACS)
Our team was trained in the use of eDACs, an automated paperless system developed by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This partnership with STATIN is a match made in statistics! We will collect data using tablet computers in our upcoming project with companies across Jamaica. Special thanks to Mr.Howard Hamilton. director of the information and…
Dare to be Different: 4 Best Practices
I was asked recently to present at a Youth Camp under the theme "Dare To Be Different". The camp was held in the cool hills of NewPort, Manchester. I was overjoyed to share my experience with so many wonderful campers. My first question... I hope you feel inspired to embrace your difference! Be the change you want…
Why we make bad decisions [Video]
Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness — sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A with some familiar TED faces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwQ5f5h_owY
Data Collection: Credit Unions across Jamaica
We would like to thank all the Credit Union Managers who took time out of their busy schedule to accommodate us. See highlights:
Data visualization of HIV’s complex risk factors
Hans Rosling unveils new data visuals that untangle the complex risk factors of one of the world's deadliest (and most misunderstood) diseases: HIV. He argues that preventing transmissions — not drug treatments — is the key to ending the epidemic. At Balcostics our mission is to empower leaders with the required data and information…
Yes you should smile more & we have research to prove it :-)
There is a saying that goes like this, "smile a while and give your face a rest" - now, we have science to verify the validity of this statement :-). Below, Ron Gutman reviews several research studies about smiling, and reveals some surprising results. Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you'll…
What’s your views on a Happy Planet Index?
Statistician Nic Marks asks why we measure a nation's success by its productivity — instead of by the happiness and well-being of its people. He introduces the Happy Planet Index, which tracks national well-being against resource use (because a happy life doesn't have to cost the earth). Which countries rank highest in the HPI? You…
Why smart statistics are the key to fighting crime
When she became the attorney general of New Jersey in 2007, Anne Milgram quickly discovered a few startling facts: not only did her team not really know who they were putting in jail, but they had no way of understanding if their decisions were actually making the public safer. And so began her ongoing, inspirational…
Corruption impact on economic growth
This study of forty two developing countries uses Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares – PDOLS - to examine the relationship between foreign direct investment, corruption and economic growth. The results suggest that corruption has a significant influence on per capita GDP in the short run but is not significant in the long run. It was…
Using Google data to visualize Vybz Kartel’s rise & fall (2004 – 2014)
With several local and international publications and online discussions surrounding the recent conviction of popular dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel, we got the idea to examine online "interest" in 'Vybz Kartel' from 2004 to present (March 2014). According to Google, interest in 'Vybz Kartel' peaked twice over the period (2004 - 2014), in October 2011 (Vybz…
Using research to better understand customers [Video]
How is it possible to effectively understand your target customers? One thing we know for sure, it's not magic! Answer: Market Research Learn more about our research services for individual and companies: Click here Get our daily JSE Reviews & other Caribbean related research articles via our Blackberry App (all models). Click here to download or scan…
“Thou shalt not be black”: Christianity & the distribution of power
Within the Caribbean, and more specifically the Jamaican context, the failure to acknowledge religion as a significant factor in the distribution of power, opportunities and status still exists. And although such failure is evident among all sections of the Jamaican society, the group that has lost and continues to lose the most is the lower…
Understanding sampling methods [Animation]
Random sampling is a myth. Practical researchers know this and deal with it. Theoretical statisticians live in a theoretical world where random sampling is possible and ubiquitous – which is just as well really ~ Dr Nic. This engaging and simple video covers five sampling methods that you need to know, they are as follows:…
Statistical Analysis of TEDTalks: Fun Stats [Video]
Sebastian Wernicke turns the tools of statistical analysis on TEDTalks, to come up with a metric for creating "the optimum TEDTalk" based on user ratings. How do you rate it? Get our daily JSE Reviews & other Caribbean related research articles & data visualization via our Blackberry App (all models). Click here to download or scan QR…
Boys & Girls Champs (1910 – 2013): Animation & Infographics
The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships, also known as CHAMPS is in its 104th staging. Did you know? 1. The Boys’ and Girls’ Championships were merged in 1999. 2. The inaugural staging of CHAMPS was won by the maroon and gold team from Wolmer’s Boys in 1910. 3. The first Girls’…
6 steps to executing a successful Focus Group
During my final year at university, I conducted my first focus group. What seemed like a daunting task, was a success due to adequate preparation. Today, I would like to share some best practices on how to effectively execute your first focus group. Focus groups are a form of qualitative research that basically explores different…
How Bad statistics can mislead you: Fun Stats [Video]
Many people quote statistics without doing their own research on the study's design, population/sample size, how the questions were worded etc. This video highlight some ways to identify and determine good versus bad statistics!
Understanding hypothesis testing [Animation]
Using practical business examples and animation, this entertaining video shows step-by-step procedure on how to execute a hypothesis test. You can also get access to an on-line course which contains little quizzes to help you understand the videos. This is on http://www.statslc.com/ At Balcostics our mission is to empower decision makers with the required…
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