Page 118 - Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

National size and shape surveys for apparel design 81

3.5.1 The CAESAR study

Concerning CAESAR (summary details in Table 3.2), active participants are reflected
on the study and flagged four recommendations.

3.5.1.1 User support

It is vital to get plenty of feedback from prospective users of the data, from the con-
ceptual stage of a study right through to the delivery of results.

3.5.1.2 Equipment

The team should test all equipment before initiating data collection, even where a new
item appears to be very similar to one used previously.

3.5.1.3 Recruitment
It is a good idea to use more than one means to recruit subjects. For example, invita-
tions and advertisements may need to be translated into many languages. Allied to this
is the need to consult on the recruitment strategy with representatives of the different
segments of a sampling strategy.

3.5.1.4 Planning
Be flexible and have a backup plan for every stage and aspect of the study that might
go wrong (Robinette and Daanen, 2003).

3.5.2 SizeUK

The experience of the authors outlined earlier leads them to concur with some of the
conclusions drawn from the CAESAR study. In addition the following observations
are considered:

3.5.2.1 Press and publicity
It is important in creating momentum for a survey that major public interest is gen-
erated. All journalists need to be given equal opportunity and access as if some parts
of the press are favored; then, others may decline to give coverage or, in extreme
cases, to disparage a project.

3.5.2.2 Funding
Most surveys use a mix of government cash and, from industry, a mix of cash and
“in-kind” support. It is important to underline the need for prior agreement among
partners on what is meant by “in-kind” contributions (e.g., personnel costs) and (if
to be offered) to allow for the different levels of popularity between shopping
vouchers.