The first stage of baseline survey of opinion leaders to be over in august

YEREVAN, August 25, /АRКА/. Within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) initiative, a consortium led by MWH Global with TNS Opinion and Mostra Communication implements a project "Opinion Polling and Research" (OPPOL) in 15 ENP countries including Armenia from March 2009 to March 2011. The America Bank told ARKA that the first stage of the project is a Baseline Survey of Opinion Leaders from May to August 2009.

Owning to the operational expertise in similar projects, Ameria was entrusted by the Consortium to implement the baseline studies in Armenia.

The general objective of the OPPOL project is to generate better information about the sources of information of different target groups in the ENPI (European Neighborhood Policy Instruments) countries, as well as about their awareness, understanding and perception of the EU and the role it plays in their respective countries; to test messages aiming at getting the overall EU policies and actions across or shift opinion; to provide a reliable research basis for the EU-related communication and information activities in beneficiary countries.

Currently Ameria implements the Baseline Studies. Seven categories of Opinion leaders (top experts and leaders in certain areas whose opinion is of public importance) have been identified. Within these categories 100 respondents are chosen, including well known politicians, high level state officials, top managers from the private sector, media professionals, religious leaders, NGO representatives and scientists.

The activities of this stage include sampling, participation in development of survey instruments, testing of questionnaires, training of interviewers, field work, quality control and reporting. All the interviews were conducted using face-to-face method. Chosen methodology of research, thorough preparatory activities, professionalism of interviewers and management staff, as well as extensive experience in conduction of such assignments ensure the most effective implementation process and achievement of the highest quality results within the limited time frame.

The scope of the OPPOL project activities cover opinion polls and opinion research, expert group research (through focus groups) and summative evaluations of the ENP awareness activities will be implemented through the EU initiatives. Based on the evaluations the Project will provide strategic, analytical support to the communication activities of the European Commission, its Delegations in ENPI countries including Armenia, ENPI regional projects and other communication partners. This should serve to better inform target audiences in beneficiary countries by improving the EU-related communication and information activities on the basis of reliable research.

Ameria is a leading full-service advisory firm in Armenia with significant activity in the areas of corporate restructuring, mergers, acquisitions, legal advice, direct and portfolio investments, government and corporate securities markets, business and strategic planning, financial advisory and tax planning, foreign-trade facilitations, project and company assurance, etc. As part of Ameria Group, Ameria renders independent, confidential, and objective counsel through a uniquely harmonious and efficient system of five advisory units: Management Advisory Services, Financial Advisory Services, Assurance and Taxation, Legal Practice and Investment Banking.-0-