Research gives an indication of the strength of the market for farm produce and, therefore, future demand for seed. There are also quality factors which should be understood and incorporated into plant breeding objectives. Examples are barley used for making malt, wheat used for bread making and cotton used for high quality yarn. Sources of information Internal information Much of the information required by management can be found within the company so that is the best place to start. Often, extensive records are kept but the data is not made available in a form that can be readily used by management.
All organizations collect information in the course of their everyday operations.
For example, orders are received and delivered, costs are recorded, activity reports are submitted and invoices are sent out. Such information helps managers analyse sales performance, target the sales and promotion effort, evaluate distribution channels and dealer performance, and follow up late payments when credit is given. There are many sources, depending on the particular type of information required. Some of these sources are listed below, with examples of the kind of information available. Data must be treated with care.