4-1
Chapter 4
Business Research Requests and Proposals
4-2
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
4-3
Exhibit 4-1 The Research Proposal Process
4-4
Exhibit 4-1 The Research Proposal Process: Using a Research Supplier
4-5
Benefits of the RFP
Formalize research procurement process Provide control function Provide evaluation opportunity
RFPs
Provide monitoring device
Establish performance expectations
4-6
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
4-7
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
4-8
RFP Components
Proposal administration information
Summary statement of problem
Technical section
Management section Contracts and license section
Pricing section
4-9
Covering Kids RFP
4-10
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
4-11
RFP Elements
Instructions to bidders
Cost proposal
Background
RFP Elements
Services and support
Proposed solution Vendor information
4-12
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
4-13
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
4-15
Exhibit 4-3 Proposal Development
4-16
Exhibit 4-4 Proposal Complexity
4-17
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
4-18
Exhibit 4-5 Modules
4-19
Researcher Qualifications
Professional Research Competence
Relevant Management Experience
4-20
Budgeting for Samples
Scientific Telephone Samples (STS) provides random dial, listed, and business samples for telephone and online surveys
4-21
Exhibit 4-6 Sample Proposed Budget
4-22
Exhibit 4-7 CPM Schedule
4-23
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
4-24
The Research Proposal for MindWriter
4-25
Exhibit 4-8 Research Proposal for MindWriter Complete Care Satisfaction Research
4-26
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
4-27
Key Terms
Critical Path Method Executive summary Literature review Project management Proposal Unsolicited Solicited Request for Proposal
4-28
Covering Kids RFP