Here are some examples of the DVL Smith Group approach applied to four distinct case studies, each exemplifying the various ways we can engage with our clients and help them define the best method of competing and succeeding in their marketplaces.
| A major financial organisation wishes to launch a cutting-edge online bank. The aim is to create competitive advantage by making maximum use of the latest technology to provide highly interactive customer service, intuitive products and services, and personalised information for its customers. We have been closely involved in the development of this unique value proposition in online banking. |
 | By undertaking a landscape analysis of all of the leading developments around the world in the application of the latest Web 2.0 developments to financial services, we painted a picture of the leading edge players and their offerings. |
| We coupled this with insightful qualitative research in order to understand just how ready key segments are to embrace this new interactive and 'intuitive' i-style technology in a banking context. |  |
 | From here we were involved with major segmentation of the marketplace. This identified leading-edge adopters of this new highly interactive and personalised approach to online banking. |
| Increasingly, business schools are competing for international students in a very competitive market. We were asked to undertake a landscape analysis of changing developments in the international student marketplace. |
 | In addition, we conducted a communications audit that looked at ‘competitor’ websites and prospectuses in order to understand how other business schools were responding to these challenges. |
| This was coupled with qualitative research and surveys with key stakeholder groups to develop an effective re-branding and repositioning strategy that will allow the business school to win quality students from around the world over the next decade. |  |
| A major city, seeking to develop its reputation as a world class business and tourism centre, needed a detailed understanding of how to measure its current image and reputation, and then identify the key stakeholders that must be 'managed' in order to drive forward the reputation of the City. |
 | The first step was pinpointing, through detailed research, the key perceptions of the city. We then identified the extent to which there was dissonance between how the City was operating in practice, and how it was perceived by the key stakeholders who could influence the way the city was discussed in the media. |
| We developed a detailed communications strategy in order to address weaknesses in current perceptions of the City and highlight areas of strength. |  |
 | Again an holistic mixture of creative qualitative and quantitative research, coupled with an understanding the key business issues, was the key to the success of this project. |
| A supplier of different types of surgical equipment used in operating theatres has developed an innovative integrated solution. This solution is offered to the surgical teams as a kit. |
 | This study involved assessing the potential of this new idea via a complete audit of the competitive landscape and detailed qualitative research to explore potential users’ perceptions of the new, integrated concept. |
| This was coupled with a detailed assessment of the business risks associated with positioning the company with an integrated, rather than individual product, offer. |  |
 | This was important: should the new approach fail, then the attendant criticism could damage the overall image and reputation of the company. |
