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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.

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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.
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Secondary and Internal Research
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.
Primary Research Introduction
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.
Research Plan or Proposal
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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Well-received research proposal course

Learners say this largely positive course effectively teaches key components of writing a research proposal. Through engaging assignments, students gain practical experience and enhance their research writing skills. The course is well-structured and provides a strong foundation for beginners in the field of market research.
A solid starting point for those new to market research
"I had no prior knowledge of this subject but I understood everything..."
"This course is helpful us to learn marketing research and improve our marketing research skill."
"The course is good, but getting reviewed by peers is compulsory, some people do not read and just give you any rating."
Well-structured course with清晰易懂的材料
"The course is very well planned and presented."
"It’s an excellent introduction to market research."
"The course has been structured and executed in a really nice way."
Numerous opportunities to apply knowledge through practical assignments
"This assignment increased my abilities in developing a research proposal."
"The final assignment is challenging, but I apprediated that I could immediately apply what I’d learned during the course in practice, which is important."
"The peer-graded assignment was a benchmark the learner had to show what they have learned."
Peer review process needs improvement in terms of response rate and quality
"Only four stars, as despite the clear request on how to give a feedback (well-packaged, constructive etc.), I just got an extremely offensive answer from a fellow-student with claims, that are just simply not true."
"I saw a couple of pending submissions that are still awaiting review since the last month or so."
"The idea was good in theory but it isn't working out on an online anonymous platform like this, where assignments and reviewers have no accountability."

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This textbook offers a complete overview of market research that can be useful as a reference or background reading for this course.
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.
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.

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