Continuing Education

May 2012

A Powerful Framework for Sensory Product Testing

In this 2-day course, you will achieve a deeper understanding of traditional discrimination and rating methods by learning a common framework in which to interpret results across methodologies. In particular, you will learn how to select the most suitable and powerful discrimination methodology based on project objectives, how to develop standards to detect when sensory differences and ratings exceed a consumer-relevant acceptability threshold, how to assess and manage risks in product testing decisions, and effectively use the “no preference/difference” option. Invited speaker, Frank Rossi, Associate Director of Applied Quantitative Sciences at Kraft Foods, will talk about issues in risk management in product testing.

Location: The Radisson BLU EU, Brussels, Belgium
From: May 21, 2012 to May 22, 2012
Offered by: The Institute for Perception
Target audience: Intermediate
Cost: €750; 50% discount applied to each additional registrant from the same company, Academic discount available

Further information: http://ifpress.com/short-courses/

Targeting the Consumer II: Advanced Consumer Science for New Product Development and Choice Trials

The sequel to Targeting the Consumer I. This course aims to give you the latest knowledge and tools from across sensory, consumer, psychological and statistical sciences to ensure your work is at the forefront of methodology. After an update session detailing how the science has moved on in relation to the topics we covered in Targeting I, we examine more aspects of the New Product Development process. In the next three sessions we examine tools and theory to help Sensory and Consumer Insights staff integrate their work into the Marketing process. In the final session we examine recent developments in choice modelling, and see how consumer science is addressing the analysis of cross-cultural trials. A key feature of Targeting I courses was the time and value given to participants' discussion. This will be continued in this course. In every hour at least 15 minutes will be devoted to discussion and/or exercises. The small class size will also encourage interaction among participants, and between participants and instructors. Discussion is also encouraged during group lunches and dinner.

Location: Microtek Labs, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois, United States
From: May 22, 2012 to May 24, 2012
Offered by: Dr. Hal MacFie Consulting
Target audience: Advanced
Cost: $2400 USD; 25% discount for members of academia

Further information: http://www.halmacfie.com/pages/chicagomay2012.html

Hands on Path Analysis and Bayesian Networks Analysis

PATH analysis and Bayesian Networks analysis enable scientists to uncover and test the existence of complex networks of relationships in data. One example would be to model how appearance variables influence texture or flavour attributes and how these then determine liking. Another application would be to model how expectations derived from knowledge of the brand or packaging cues influence product choice, the consumption experience, and preference and satisfaction. The two approaches are distinct but complementary. Attendees will learn about PATH analysis and how to analyse the data using the XLSTAT PATH PLS algorithm. The concept of Bayesian networks analysis and its application to uncovering inter relationships between consumer and sensory measures of product characteristics will be introduced and the attendees will gain hands on experience using the software package HUGIN Explorer.

Location: Microtek Labs, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois, United States
From: May 29, 2012 to June 1, 2012
Offered by: Dr. Hal MacFie Consulting
Target audience: Advanced
Cost: $1900 USD; 25% discount for members of academia

Further information: http://www.halmacfie.com/pages/chicago29may2012.html