Research Proposal: Initiating Research

This course is part of Market Research Specialization

Instructor: Jim Fong

What you'll learn

Determine possible market research constraints and be able to determine the appropriate questions to ask in the research planning process
Assess the credibility and value of secondary research
Apply basic sampling theory to a given situation
Compose a professionally packaged research plan or proposal

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Market Research Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

There are 4 modules in this course

Market Research is a growing and important field that is used in many industries around the world. Given all the data that is collected whether by organizations, industries, social media, governments, etc., it’s important that someone can review and sift through all the noise to provide valuable insights. And that’s where you come in as a market researcher. This course will only scratch the surface and provide you a foundational understanding of this field.

In this course, you will be able to define market research and identify some tools used in the industry. You will be able to discuss the importance of secondary and internal research in terms of the planning process. You will be able to define what primary research is and identify the various ways to conduct primary research. You will be able to focus on an actual research plan or proposal for your peer review project. You will be able to compose a response to a request for a proposal or research plan and be able to address the various components of the proposal and package it in a professional manner.

In this module, you will be able to define what market research is and identify the tools that are used. You will be able to discuss the various motivations behind a research inquiry and what goes into a market research request. You will define the services, the roles and the qualities of a market researcher. You will also be able to identify constraints to help you ask the right questions. Finally, you will be able to respond to a market research proposal.

What's included

9 videos5 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 30 minutes

Course Introduction3 minutesPreview module
Survey to Build Our Database1 minute
Introduction to Market Research0 minutes
Defining Market Research3 minutes
Motivation for Market Research5 minutes
Requests for Market Research3 minutes
The Services, Roles, and Qualities of a Market Researcher3 minutes
Complexities, Constraints, and Questions to Ask4 minutes
Planning a Response to a Market Research Inquiry5 minutes

5 readingsTotal 60 minutes

A Note from UC Davis10 minutes
Take the Specialization Smartphone Survey15 minutes
Market Research Is the Answer to 'Uberization' and the Customer Challenges of the 21st Century10 minutes
20 Market Research Questions to Ask Your Customers10 minutes
13 Questions Every Marketing Consultant Should Ask Prospects15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes

So, why Market Research?20 minutes

In this module, you will be able to recognize the importance of secondary and internal research in the planning process. You will be able to assess the value and credibility of the secondary and internal data you have at your disposal. You will also be able to identify a starting point should a new client approach you. You will recognize the pros and cons of each method of research. And you will be able to budget appropriately and decide what type of market researcher you need or want to be for a given project.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

8 videosTotal 41 minutes

Introduction to Secondary and Internal Research1 minutePreview module
The Importance of Secondary and Internal Research6 minutes
Secondary and Internal Research in the Planning Process6 minutes
Starting Cold with Secondary and Internal Research6 minutes
Pros and Cons of Secondary and Internal Research5 minutes
Three Levels of a Professional Market Researcher6 minutes
Budget Considerations While Initiating Market Research5 minutes
Developing Your Research Skills Further2 minutes

3 readingsTotal 35 minutes

Quirk's: Time-Saving Tips for Conducting Secondary Research10 minutes
Quirk's: Save Money - Conduct Secondary Research10 minutes
Quirk's: Meta-Analysis Offers Research on Research for MR15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 20 minutes

Compare Secondary and Internal Research20 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss various primary research methods for collecting data. You will be able to define what primary research is and be able to choose the appropriate method for your proposal. You will be able to consider various sampling and survey methods and even the less used observational method.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

7 videosTotal 33 minutes

Introduction to Primary Research1 minutePreview module
Defining Primary Research4 minutes
Sampling and a Sampling Frame4 minutes
Deciding on the Kind of Sampling and How Many to Sample6 minutes
Observational Research4 minutes
Surveys6 minutes
Methods and Tools in Qualitative Research5 minutes

2 readingsTotal 25 minutes

Quirk's: What Everyone Needs to Know About Sampling10 minutes
Quirk's: Forget Exact Science: Drawing Conclusions from Observational Research15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 35 minutes

Sampling Frame15 minutes
Observational Research20 minutes

In this module, you will be able to write a research proposal for a client. You will be able to recognize and take action when a proposal has been requested. You will be able to collect and compose the necessary proposal requirements and be able to professionally package your proposal. You will be able to apply strategies on how to follow-up with a client about your proposal and be able to take action when you are awarded the bid.