usaid’s sabeq program initiates a three day market research workshop for industry-specific and cross cutting business associations
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality (SABEQ) Program, initiated two sessions consisting of a three-day market research workshop for 22 industry-specific and cross cutting Business Associations. The training course aimed at building the capacity of the aforementioned associations in conducting marketing research which consequently enables them to enhance their sustainability and relevancy. The course participants included the CEOs, board members, and technical staff of the associations.
The sessions examined the basic concepts and techniques used in marketing research as a problem solving aid in decision making processes for business associations, understanding the overall role and process of marketing research as well as examining the interlocking components of thorough marketing research techniques and their strategic uses to Business Associations. In addition, the course aimed at identifying and understanding the importance of the different types of marketing research conducted by the business associations.
“The course has conveyed both the academic foundations and the practical implementation of contemporary market research related to business associations” said Samar Kilani, Architects Engineers Business Council Executive Manager. “The course highlighted the importance of market research and its methods of implementation giving associations a better understanding of marketing techniques” she added.
Follow on work entails the business associations to conduct marketing research over the coming weeks and reconvene to revise or develop their business plans. By the end of course, participants are expected to convey the information onto their members and to build a capacity within the associations to enable business associations to stand alone and generate revenue.
It is noteworthy to mention that Business Associations in Jordan have been identified as USAID/SABEQ’s entry point for developing the sectors they represent and are considered to be a vehicle for cooperation between private organizations and a platform from which to identify and address issues with a common voice.
The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.
