About OCR

Mission

The mission of the Office of Consumer Research is to provide excellence in student learning and consumer research by guiding, supporting, and conducting market research of consumers and business leaders in Tennessee and providing a means for interaction between the academic community in the Jones College of Business and our business partners. 

Objectives of the Office of Consumer Research

1.  Measure consumers’ outlook on the state and national economy using the Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index online surveys.   Online surveys of 600 randomly selected Tennessee residents are conducted through out the year (Winter, Spring, Fall).  A stratified sampling procedure using the panel sampling services of Qualtrics is used to assure an equal representation from each of the major regions of the state (west TN, middle TN, east TN).  Results from these surveys are disseminated to statewide media outlets through the office of news and media relations at MTSU. 
   The overall purpose of the Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index is to gauge the “pulse,”; or “mood”; of consumers. It reflects prevailing business conditions and likely developments in the future. It measures consumers’ perceptions of current business and economic conditions, as well as their expectations for the future. Because consumer expectations and outlook can have dramatic effects on business and the economy, a measure of expectations and outlook can prove extremely valuable to business planners.
2.  Measure Tennessee business leaders’ outlook on the economy using the Tennessee Business Barometer Survey.  The Tennessee Business Barometer Survey is a collaborative effort between Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  The online survey of Tennessee business leaders is conducted through out the year (January, May, September) measuring the mood and outlook of business leaders statewide.

For more information about the Tennessee Consumer Outlook Index or the Tennessee Business Barometer, contact Dr. Michael Peasley, Director, Office of Consumer Research, 615.494.8992 or Michael.Peasley@mtsu.edu.

For more information about the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visit www.tnchamber.org or call 615.256.5141.

Benefits of the Office of Consumer Research

By conducting these surveys, the Office of Consumer Research:

• Provides Tennessee consumers with a measure of how other consumers in Tennessee view the state and national economy.
• Enables the Jones College of Business to fulfill its public service mission.
• Provides Tennessee business leaders with key measures of consumers’ outlook and future expectations regarding their economy and their personal financial situation. Such measures can help business leaders plan for the future.
• Provides a valuable linkage between the academic community in the Jones College of Business and business practitioners.