Question

Select an existing product that could be improved and write five questions that could be asked of a focus group to elicit needed responses for the improvement of the product. You will need to ask several people to serve as your focus group who are knowledgeable about the product. After asking your focus group the questions, prepare a written report and write it within the forum from your learning. Your submission must include: A brief description of the product you choose to improve. A list of the 5 questions you asked your focus group and their summarized responses. Summary and action plan: Based upon the responses received, create a strategy for implementing changes to improve the product and write specific action steps for achieving your goal of improving your product.

Answer 1

The product chosen is soap used by the adults. It is a glycerine-based soap which is transparent and has very mild fragrance. The soap is available for Rs 90 per bar in the market. The probable questions for the improvement of the product can be asked as :

1. Are you satisfied with the quality and texture of the soap?

2. Do you prefer a mild fragrance or strong fragrance soap?

3. What are the features for which you are not satisfied with the soap?

a) Price b) Mildness c) Germ killing iv) Fairness

4. if given a chance, how would you improvise the product?

5. How do you rate the soap compared to other competitors? How do you bring the soap at par with the competitors level?

Most of the customers are satisfied with the quality and texture of the soap. They always look for mild fragrance soap and thus like the soap in terms of its fragrance. People feel fresh after using the soap. Most of the people prefer competitor's soap as the soap is very high priced. If the soap manufacturer and the retailers want to enhance their sales, they should focus on reducing the product. In order to lower the price, the manufacturers need to reduce the cost of production .

In order to bring down the cost of production, the raw materials should be sourced in large quantities so that economies of scale can be achieved and the average cost of production comes down. The company should have low cost of operations and thus the price would automatically come down.