9 Stages to Marketing Research Success BY polloi Marketing Research Process: 9 Stages to Marketing Research Success Stage 1 : Formulating the Marketing Research Problem Formulating a problem is the first step in the research process. In many ways, research starts with a problem that management is facing. This problem needs to be understood, the cause diagnosed, and solutions developed. However, most management problems are not always easy to research. A management problem must first be translated into a research problem.
Once you approach the problem from a research angle, you can find a solution.For example, "sales are not growing" is a management problem. Translated into a research problem, we may examine the expectations and experiences of several groups: potential customers, first-time buyers, and repeat purchasers. Stage 2: Method of Inquiry The scientific method is the standard pattern for investigation. It provides an opportunity for you to use existing knowledge as a starting point and proceed Impartially. The scientific method Includes the following steps: Formulate a problem Develop a hypothesis Make predictions based on the hypothesis Devise a test of the hypothesisConduct the test Analyze the results Stage 3: Research Method In addition to selecting a method of inquiry (objective or subjective), you must select a research method.
There are two primary methodologies that can be used to answer any research question: experimental research and non-experimental research. Experimental research gives you the advantage of controlling extraneous variables and manipulating one or more variables that influences the process being Implemented. Non-experimental research allows observation but not Intervention.You simply observe and report on your findings Stage 4: Research Design The research design is a plan or framework for conducting the study and collecting data. It is defined as the specific methods and procedures you use to acquire the Information you need.
Stage 5: Data Collection Techniques Your research design will develop as you select techniques to use. There are many ways to collect data. Two Important methods to consider are Interviews and observation. Interview's require you to ask questions and receive responses.Common modes of research communication include interviews conducted face-to-face, by mail, by telephone, by email, or over the Internet. This broad category of research techniques Is known as survey research.
These techniques are used In both non- experimental research and experimental research-Another way to collect data Is by observation. Observing a person's or company's past or present behavior can predict 1 OFF analyzing company records and reviewing studies published by external sources. Len order to analyze information from interview or observation techniques, you must record your results.Because the recorded results are vital, measurement and development are closely linked to which data collection techniques you decide on.
The way you record the data changes depends on which method you use. Stage 6: Sample Design Your marketing research project will rarely examine an entire population. It's more practical to use a sample?a smaller but accurate representation of the greater population. In order to design your sample, you must find answers to these questions: From which base population is the sample to be selected? What is the method (process) for sample selection?What is the size of the sample? Once you've established who the relevant population is (completed in the problem formulation stage), you have a base for your sample.
This will allow you to make inferences about a larger population. There are two methods of selecting a sample from a population: probability or non-probability sampling. Stage 7: Data Collection Once you've established the first six stages, you can move on to data collection. Depending on the mode of data collection, this part of the process can require large amounts of personnel and a significant portion of your budget.Personal (face-to-face) and telephone interviews may require you to use a data collection agency (field service).
Lenten surveys require fewer personnel, are lower cost, and can be completed in days rather than weeks or months. Regardless of the mode of data collection, the data collection process introduces another essential element to your research project: the importance of clear and constant communication. Stage 8: Analysis and Interpretation In order for data to be useful, you must analyze it.Analysis techniques vary and their effectiveness depends on the types of information you are collecting, and the type of measurements you are using.
Because they are dependent on the data collection, analysis techniques should be decided before this step. Stage 9: The Marketing Research Report The marketing research process culminates with the research report. This report will include all of your information, including an accurate description of your research process, the results, conclusions, and recommended courses of action.The report should provide all the information the decision maker needs to understand the project. Let should also be written in language that is easy to understand.
It's important to find a balance between completeness and conciseness. You don't want to leave any information out; however, you can't let the information get so technical that it overwhelms the reading audience. En approach to resolving this conflict is to prepare two reports: the technical report and the summary report. The technical report discusses the methods and the underlying assumptions.
In this document, you discuss the detailed findings of the research project. The summary report, as its name implies, summarizes the research process and presents the findings and conclusions different representations of your findings. Powering presentations, graphs, and face-to-face reports are all common methods for presenting your information. Along with the written report for reference, these alternative presentations will allow the cession maker to understand all aspects of the project.
Resource Planning for Your Study As you are developing your study, you have to account for the expenditure of your resources: personnel, time, and money. Resource plans need to be worked out with the decision maker and will range from very formal budgeting and approval processes to a very informal "Go ahead and do it". Before you can start the research project, you should get yourself organized and prepare a budget and time schedule for the major activities in the study. Microsoft Project and similar programs are good resources for breaking down your tasks and resources.
