Market Research Proposal Template

[RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE]

Prepared By [NAME] of [COMPANY]

1. SUMMARY

The market research project, entitled [RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE] hopes to

discover more information regarding market trends in [SPECIFIC AREA]. The
following summary will give an overview of the causes, processes, and possible
effects of the market research proposal, detailed below.

PandaTip: This section will summarize the entire project to be outlined below. In this section, give a brief overview of the
purpose of the project as well as the intended outcome. Provide reasoning for the need of this specific market research
and let the reader know what contributions this project will make to the field. You can use this Summary section to
discuss who called for the project if there was a specific impetus requiring this research.

2. OBJECTIVES

The proposed market research project contains the following objectives:

PandaTip: In this section, discuss in detail the purpose of the project. Show why there is a specific need for this research.
Describe the goals which you hope to achieve with this project.

3. EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

PandaTip: This section should focus in depth on the background circumstances which indicate a need for the specific
market research project proposed. You will address the current body of knowledge concerning the topic of research.
Here you will bring forth information from existing sources regarding the specific topic to be researched. It is great to
provide cited sources, graphs, charts, and statistics. You will use this section to demonstrate that you know a great deal
about the market you will be researching, but you will also show the holes in the current knowledge. You can then
demonstrate the specific need for your proposed research plan, and how this market research plan will fill these holes
and contribute to the knowledge of this subject.

4. INTENDED OUTCOMES
PandaTip: Similar to a hypothesis, you can include in this section what you believe will be the likely outcomes of your
research, and/or what you hope to learn from the research.

5. TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS

PandaTip: This is possibly the most important section in this proposal, as you will provide information on what part or
parts of “the market” you will be researching. Be very detailed in this section, addressing not only the exact demographic
regions your research will cover, but how you will ensure that you are reaching the proper demographics.

6. DATA COLLECTION

Our methods of data collection will be best suited to the project at hand.
Research methods will include:
 Focus groups
 Collection of social media data
 Surveys via the Internet, phone, or email
 Long range in-home consumer tests
 Distribution of samples
 In person promotionals

PandaTip: This section is also a vital one in which to be extremely detailed and clear. Here you the will thoroughly
describe all data collection methods to be utilized in your market research and how they will be carried out. Use specifics
and consider potential questions. How will you maintain accuracy of data? How will you approach potential survey or
research candidates? Will these participants be paid for their time? At what times of day will you make phone calls? In
what ways will you ensure an accurate data sample? The more information you can provide in this section, the better.

7. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

PandaTip: Use this section to discuss the strengths and possible limitations of your research methods. Give an overall
blueprint for your methodology in approaching research data. Describe the implications of each method of data
collection, and explain the methodology you will use to interpret the data. Discuss the means of evaluating the collected
data and how you will account for errors, holes in data, or inaccuracies.

8. TIMELINE

PandaTip: Provide a timeline for the completion of the project, including data collection times, and allotted time for
research analysis and conclusions.

 Task 1 ([DATE] [TIME])

 [TASK] [DESCRIPTION]
 Task 2 ([DATE] [TIME])

[TASK] [DESCRIPTION]
 Task 3 ([DATE] [TIME])

[TASK] [DESCRIPTION]

9. PROPOSED BUDGET

PandaTip: Provide an overall budget for the proposed project. Make sure to include all possible cost considerations. You
can provide a breakdown of those here. Don’t forget budgets for sections such as Participant Reimbursement, funds for
documents, rental space, etc.

10. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

PandaTip: Ethical considerations are vastly important in market research. Using this section, demonstrate how the project
will adhere to an ethical code in method and practice. Include waivers or documents you plan to provide to research
participants, if applicable. Among other possibilities, address factors such as confidentiality, data security, privacy, and
consent of research participants.

11. FURTHER OUTCOMES

PandaTip: This section can serve as a conclusion for the market research proposal. You can add ways in which this market
research will provide further benefits or include unique applications of the potential results.