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Research Proposal

Initiating Research

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 937 ratings
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Jim Fong

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.

Read more

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started and Introduction to Market Research
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.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines market research tools and techniques, which is important for successful research practice
Covers foundational market research knowledge, making it suitable for beginners
Introduces various primary research methods, providing learners with practical skills
Focuses on writing research proposals, catering to learners seeking to develop this essential skill
May require additional knowledge in statistics and data analysis for effective application of principles

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Reviews summary

Foundational research proposal skills

According to learners, this course offers a solid introductory foundation in initiating market research and developing research proposals. Many found the content clear and well-structured, making complex topics accessible, especially for those new to the field. The capstone task of writing a research proposal is frequently highlighted as a highly practical and valuable assignment that helps consolidate learning and simulate a real-world task. However, some students noted that the material is quite basic, suggesting it might be too introductory for those with prior experience. There is also feedback indicating that the quality of feedback received through the peer review process can be inconsistent, which some found frustrating.
Well-structured with clear explanations.
"It covered all the basics... in a clear and structured way."
"The modules were well-paced and the concepts were explained simply."
"The syllabus flows logically."
"Easy to follow, well-structured..."
"Very clear explanations, especially for complex topics. The structure makes it easy to digest."
Writing the research proposal is a practical highlight.
"The final project of writing a research proposal was very practical and helped consolidate the learning."
"Really appreciate how this course breaks down the research proposal process... The final project felt like a real-world task."
"Fantastic course!... Writing the research proposal was the highlight. It really ties everything together."
"Writing the proposal felt intimidating at first, but the course breaks it down well. Definitely boosted my confidence."
"Provides a solid, clear introduction... The proposal assignment is a good practical component."
Provides a solid base for market research beginners.
"Excellent introductory course! It covered all the basics of market research..."
"A solid foundation in initiating market research."
"Good course for beginners. It covers the essential steps for planning research..."
"Provides a solid, clear introduction."
"The material is basic. Helpful if you know absolutely nothing about research proposals."
May be too basic if you have prior experience.
"The course provides a decent overview, but it's quite basic."
"If you have any prior experience in research or marketing, you might find it too introductory."
"The lectures were clear but lacked depth."
"Didn't meet my expectations. Too basic. I was hoping for more detailed guidance..."
Quality of peer feedback can vary.
"The peer review process for the proposal was a bit hit-or-miss with feedback quality..."
"The peer review assignment requires others to give feedback, and some feedback I received wasn't very helpful."
"The peer grading system is the weak point; the quality of reviews you get varies wildly."
"The peer review was frustrating; received low-quality feedback from some peers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Research Proposal: Initiating Research with these activities:
Review fundamentals of statistics
Reviewing the fundamentals of statistics will help to build a stronger foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on Univariate Statistics
Show steps
  • Brush up on basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, and mode.
  • Practice calculating probability distributions and confidence intervals.
  • Review different types of hypothesis testing and their applications.
Read 'Market Research: A Guide to Consumer Analysis'
Reading this book will provide a comprehensive overview of the market research process and its application in various industries.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters in order and take notes on key concepts.
  • Complete the exercises and case studies at the end of each chapter.
  • Discuss the book's content with a study group or mentor.
Explore online resources on market research
Exploring online resources on market research will provide access to additional materials and perspectives beyond the course content.
Browse courses on Market Research
Show steps
  • Visit websites of market research organizations and industry publications.
  • Attend webinars and online conferences on market research topics.
  • Read articles and blog posts written by market research experts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Discuss market research concepts with peers
Discussing market research concepts with peers will help to reinforce understanding and gain different perspectives.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Join or start a study group with other students in the course.
  • Attend class discussions and participate actively.
  • Organize a virtual or in-person meeting to discuss specific topics.
Solve market research case studies
Solving market research case studies will provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in this course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Consumer Behavior
Show steps
  • Identify the research problem and objectives.
  • Design a research plan and select appropriate data collection methods.
  • Analyze and interpret the data.
  • Develop recommendations and communicate findings.
Answer questions and provide support to other students
Mentoring others will help to solidify understanding of the course material and improve communication skills.
Show steps
  • Join a study group or online forum where students can ask questions.
  • Offer to answer questions or provide explanations to classmates.
  • Lead a discussion or give a presentation on a specific topic.
Develop a market research presentation
Creating a market research presentation will help to develop skills in communicating research findings effectively.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Gather and organize the key findings from your research.
  • Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
  • Create visually appealing slides using charts, graphs, and images.
  • Practice delivering the presentation to an audience.
Volunteer with a market research organization
Volunteering with a market research organization will provide hands-on experience and exposure to real-world projects.
Show steps
  • Identify market research organizations in your area.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation.
  • Assist with market research projects as assigned.

Career center

Learners who complete Research Proposal: Initiating Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst collects and interprets data about a particular market. They use this information to help companies make decisions about their marketing strategies. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, covering topics such as research design, data collection, and data analysis. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Market Research Analysts who need to choose the right method for a particular project. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in a career in market research, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field and the skills needed to be successful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. They work with other departments, such as sales and product development, to ensure that the marketing campaign is aligned with the company's overall business goals. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which is essential for Marketing Managers who need to understand their target market and develop effective marketing campaigns. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Marketing Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with other departments, such as engineering and marketing, to ensure that the product meets the needs of the target market. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which is essential for Product Managers who need to understand their target market and develop products that meet their needs. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Product Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Brand Manager
A Brand Manager is responsible for developing and managing a brand's identity. They work with other departments, such as marketing and sales, to ensure that the brand is consistent across all channels. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which is essential for Brand Managers who need to understand their target market and develop a brand that resonates with them. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Brand Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which is essential for Data Analysts who need to understand how to collect and analyze data. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Data Analysts who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps organizations improve their performance by analyzing their business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Business Analysts who need to understand their target market and develop solutions that meet their needs. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Business Analysts who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps organizations improve their performance by providing advice and guidance. They work with clients to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions to address those areas. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Management Consultants who need to understand their client's business and develop solutions that meet their needs. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Management Consultants who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Marketing Research Consultant
A Marketing Research Consultant helps businesses make better decisions by providing them with market research data and analysis. They work with clients to identify their research needs and develop a research plan. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which is essential for Marketing Research Consultants who need to understand how to design and conduct market research studies. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Marketing Research Consultants who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Research Consultant
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist helps organizations build and maintain relationships with the public. They work with clients to develop and implement public relations campaigns. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Public Relations Specialists who need to understand their target audience and develop campaigns that resonate with them. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Public Relations Specialists who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Event Planner
An Event Planner plans and executes events for clients. They work with clients to determine the event's goals and objectives and develop a plan to achieve those goals. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Event Planners who need to understand their target audience and develop events that meet their needs. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Event Planners who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner
Fundraising Manager
A Fundraising Manager raises funds for organizations. They work with donors to develop and implement fundraising campaigns. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Fundraising Managers who need to understand their target audience and develop campaigns that resonate with them. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Fundraising Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraising Manager
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and manages a sales team. They work with their team to develop and implement sales strategies and achieve sales goals. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Sales Managers who need to understand their target market and develop sales strategies that meet their needs. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Sales Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Advertising Manager
An Advertising Manager plans and implements advertising campaigns for clients. They work with clients to determine the campaign's goals and objectives and develop a plan to achieve those goals. This course provides a solid foundation in market research, which can be helpful for Advertising Managers who need to understand their target audience and develop campaigns that resonate with them. It also provides an overview of the different types of market research methods, which can be helpful for Advertising Managers who need to choose the right method for a particular project.
See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager
Customer Service Manager
A Customer Service Manager leads and manages a customer service team. They work with their team to develop and implement customer service strategies and achieve customer service goals. This course may be helpful for Customer Service Managers who need to understand their customers and develop strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager leads and manages a human resources team. They work with their team to develop and implement human resources strategies and achieve human resources goals. This course may be helpful for Human Resources Managers who need to understand their employees and develop strategies to improve employee satisfaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Research Proposal: Initiating Research.
Cover image
Marketing Research
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the market research process, from problem definition to data analysis and interpretation. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Marketing Research
Paperback
Check
Marketing Research
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Designing and Managing a Research Project
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to conducting primary research, including how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and analyze the results. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about how to collect their own data.
Designing and Managing a Research Project
Paperback
Check
Designing and Managing a Research Project
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Marketing Research
Save
Provides a decision-oriented approach to market research. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about how to use market research to make decisions.
Marketing Research
Paperback
Check
Marketing Research
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Analysis for Marketing Planning
Save
Provides a managerial perspective on market research. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about how market research can be used to make decisions.
Analysis for Marketing Planning
Paperback
$$$
Analysis for Marketing Planning
Paperback
$$
Analysis for Marketing Planning (McGraw-Hill...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Business Analytics + Mindtap Business Statistics, 1...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of marketing analytics. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about how to use data to make marketing decisions.
Business Analytics + Mindtap Business Statistics, 1...
Paperback
Check
Business Analytics + Mindtap Business Statistics, 1...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Marketing Research
Save
This textbook offers a complete overview of market research that can be useful as a reference or background reading for this course.
Marketing Research
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging...
Save
Provides a practical guide to conducting research for management purposes. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about the different methods that can be used to conduct research for management purposes.
Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging...
Paperback
$$$$
Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Using Action Inquiry in Engaged Research
Save
Provides a practical guide to conducting market research. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about the different steps involved in conducting market research.
Using Action Inquiry in Engaged Research (Engaged...
Paperback
$$
Using Action Inquiry in Engaged Research: An...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
Approx. 11 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructor
Jim Fong
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Market Research. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Chinese Characters for beginner 汉字
  2. Research Proposal: Initiating Research (viewing)
  3. Quantitative Research
  4. Research Report: Delivering Insights
  5. Qualitative Research
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines market research tools and techniques, which is important for successful research practice
Covers foundational market research knowledge, making it suitable for beginners
Introduces various primary research methods, providing learners with practical skills
Focuses on writing research proposals, catering to learners seeking to develop this essential skill
May require additional knowledge in statistics and data analysis for effective application of principles
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