Market analysis is a term used to describe the process of determining how best to sell products and services. A professional performing market analysis might look at the spending habits of certain demographics, the economic outlook of relevant industries, and the behaviors of competing businesses. Market analysis training often includes instruction in basic principles of business and marketing. Individuals engaging in market analysis training may also take courses in the social sciences, such as psychology and sociology. It is also common for this kind of training to include instruction in statistical analysis.
In order to perform market analysis, individuals need to understand the economic indicators that are most relevant to answering designated marketing questions. For this reason, a person undergoing market analysis training can count on learning about factors that contribute to a business's success or failure. Trainees might read case studies so they can learn how established analysts pick important data from business profiles and economic snapshots.
Market analysis often aims to determine the kinds of people who are most likely to purchase certain products and services. For example, if a business is considering introducing its products to a new region, market researchers might seek to learn about what motivates individuals who buy products that are similar. Market analysis training often includes instruction in consumer behavior. Motives related to age, environment, and income are considered important aspects of market analysis.
People learning about market analysis for specialized industries might undergo instruction specific to an industry. For instance, if a person is interested in market analysis of the medical software industry, he or she might need to learn about the factors specific to the needs of medical professionals. In order to learn what drives sales in this field, a marketing trainee needs to understand which kinds of functions most benefit doctors, nurses, and medical administrators.
Most people undergoing market analysis training learn about statistical analysis. They learn how to sort through data and how to find meaningful patterns. Mathematical instruction often is an important part of this kind of market analysis training.
When professionals talk about market research, they often are referring to the gathering and analysis of data regarding consumer opinions. For example, if a marketing professional wants to understand what customers like about a certain product, he or she might distribute surveys that allow customers to talk about features that they like. When this kind of market research is included in market analysis training, students might learn which kinds of questions are likely to generate the most specific and useful answers from customers.