MAPS is a survey that is focused on consumer insights and is developed by the Marketing Research Foundation, in partnership with Plus 94 Research. Built on AMPS, it includes product and brand research designed for marketers and media planners.

Plus 94 Research has indicated that the MAPS survey is available exclusively to subscribers who sign up for it. The research was designed to deepen consumer understanding for targeted marketing and as the foundation for media planning.

According to the research team, the insights provided by MAPS will be more vital than ever, due to the shifting consumer landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses now require sound research and consumer insights to guide their decision-making in a volatile, uncertain and dynamic landscape, says the team.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes in behaviour and purchase patterns. The lasting impact of research undertaken at this time is that the results obtained will present a chance for brands to address new opportunities and strategies," says Lomanja Malaba, project director at Plus 94 Research. "In terms of fieldwork, we have had higher chances of reaching respondents during the lockdown than at any other time."

Conducting fieldwork during the pandemic, Plus 94 Research says that it was forced to adjust how the research teams interact with the respondents. The protective clothing, face masks and shields worn by interviewers 'have challenged and encouraged' its research team to explain the research eloquently without the aid of visual cues and facial expressions.

Plus 94 Research started fieldwork in March; however, it became evident that COVID-19 would require face-to-face research to be paused. Fieldwork resumed under level four lockdown. The first fieldwork dip was completed in mid-August and the results for the first quarter will be released at the end of October 2020.

For more information, visit www.plus94.co.za. You can also follow Plus 94 Research on Facebook or on Twitter.