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Chapter 4
Business Research Requests and Proposals

McGraw-Hill/Irwin

2006 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

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Learning Objectives
Understand 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

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Exhibit 4-1 The Research Proposal Process

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

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Benefits of the RFP

Formalize research procurement process Provide control function Provide evaluation opportunity

RFPs
Provide monitoring device

Establish performance expectations

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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

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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

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RFP Components
Proposal administration information

Summary statement of problem

Technical section

Management section Contracts and license section

Pricing section

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Covering Kids RFP

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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

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RFP Elements
Instructions to bidders

Cost proposal

Background

RFP Elements
Services and support
Proposed solution Vendor information

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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

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Exhibit 4-1: The Research

Proposal Process: Doing the Project Internally

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The Research Proposal

Present management question

Suggest data collection and analysis

Purpose

Discuss research efforts

Propose necessary data

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Exhibit 4-3 Proposal Development

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Exhibit 4-4 Proposal Complexity

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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

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Exhibit 4-5 Modules

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Researcher Qualifications

Professional Research Competence

Relevant Management Experience

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Budgeting for Samples

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

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Exhibit 4-6 Sample Proposed Budget

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Exhibit 4-7 CPM Schedule

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Elements of a Project Management Plan

Financial/ Legal responsibility Management competence Organization of research team

Team relationship with client

Plan Elements Procedures Examples of past work

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The Research Proposal for MindWriter

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Exhibit 4-8 Research Proposal for MindWriter Complete Care Satisfaction Research

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Evaluation of a Research Proposal

Informal Formal Development of review criteria Assignment of points Assignment of weights Generation of a proposal score Consideration of other factors

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Key Terms
Critical Path Method Executive summary Literature review Project management Proposal Unsolicited Solicited Request for Proposal

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Covering Kids RFP