Chapter 4 Business Research Requests and Proposals 4

Chapter 4 Business Research Requests and Proposals 4 -1.

Learning Objectives • The purpose of the request for proposal and the research proposal; how each is used • The variations on each and their contents • The processes for evaluating the quality of proposals 2

Exhibit 4 -1 The Research Proposal Process 3

Exhibit 4 -1 The Research Proposal Process: Using a Research Supplier 4

Benefits of the RFP Formalize research procurement process Provide control function Provide monitoring device RFPs Provide evaluation opportunity Establish performance expectations 5

Unethical Uses of RFPs • Help sponsor plan project budget • Gather cost estimates and design ideas for in-house projects • Create impression of competitive bid for sole-source project 6

Activities in the RFP Process Qualify potential vendors Write and distribute RFP Answer supplier questions Evaluate submissions Award contracts and start Provide critique to all suppliers 7

RFP Components Proposal administration information Summary statement of problem Technical section Management section Contracts and license section Pricing section 8

Pricing Section • • • Services Data collection Data analysis Client meetings Travel Respondent survey incentives • Mail costs • Telephone costs • Design meetings • • • Facilities/ Equipment Pilot tests Report preparations Computer models Project management Questionnaire/ reproduction costs • Labor • Deliverables 9

RFP Elements Instructions to bidders Cost proposal RFP Elements Services and support Background Vendor information Proposed solution 10

Exhibit 4 -2 Qualifying Research Suppliers Research Supplier/ Staff • Experience and industry status • Code of ethical performance • Skill and experience – Project management – Research skills – Business knowledge Compatibility/ Desirability Supplier Facilities/ Procedures • Project management system • Contractual arrangements • Complaint handling procedures • Quality assurance • Facilities • Reporting procedures 11

Exhibit 4 -1: The Research Proposal Process: Doing the Project Internally 12

The Research Proposal Present management question Suggest data collection and analysis Purpose Discuss research efforts Propose necessary data 13

Exhibit 4 -3 Proposal Development 14

Exhibit 4 -4 Proposal Complexity 15

Structuring the Research Proposal • • • Executive Summary Problem Statement Research Objectives Literature Review Importance/ Benefits of Study • Research Design • Data Analysis • Nature/Form • Research Qualifications • Budget • Schedule • Facilities • Project Management • Bibliography • Appendices 16

Researcher Qualifications Professional Research Competence Relevant Management Experience 17

Budgeting for Samples Scientific Telephone Samples (STS) provides random dial, listed, and business samples for telephone and online surveys 18

Exhibit 4 -6 Sample Proposed Budget 19

Exhibit 4 -7 CPM Schedule 20

Look before you leap Source: Cooper R. D. & Schindler, S. P. (2006). Business Research Methods 9 e. Mc. Graw. Hill 21