Research

Maia Consulting are skilled researchers and have utilised a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the collection of data used for marketing, planning and policy development.  Maia Consulting personnel have considerable experience in designing survey instruments for use in social and market research.   This critical part of any research project requires exceptional skill in order for the data collected to be relevant, useful and able to meet the project outcomes.

For over 10 years Maia Consulting has conducted field research measuring the standby power of electrical appliances used in the residential sector.  This research has culminated in the measurement of over 10,000 products on the market. This work was extended internationally in 2007 with Maia staff helping to develop an internationally accepted methodology, provide training and demonstrations to other countries and assist with the review and analysis of the data.

Maia Consulting is able to provide the following research services: desktop research, field surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative surveys including in-person and phone interviews.  Examples of our research include:

• Australian Retail Store Surveys (2001-2012) – more than a decade of quantitative surveying, collecting data in retail outlets of electrical appliances consumption;

• Desktop research into emerging efficiency technologies for residential use – for example solar chimneys, water tank walls, geothermal cooling, for Sustainability Victoria;

• Desktop research producing factsheets for residential, commercial and industrial audiences to communicate energy efficiency and climate change information, for the Australian Government;

• A qualitative survey of slum dwellers in Mumbai India, examining perceptions of poverty.