4-1
Chapter 4
Business
Research
Requests and
Proposals
McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2006 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
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 Provide
control evaluation
function opportunity
RFPs
Provide Establish
monitoring performance
device 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 • Facilities/ Equipment
• Data collection • Pilot tests
• Data analysis • Report preparations
• Client meetings • Computer models
• Travel • Project management
• Respondent survey • Questionnaire/
incentives reproduction costs
• Mail costs • Labor
• Telephone costs • Deliverables
• Design meetings
4-11
RFP Elements
Instructions to
bidders
Cost proposal Background
RFP
Elements
Services and Vendor
support information
Proposed
solution
4-12
Exhibit 4-2 Qualifying
Research Suppliers
Research Supplier/ Staff Compatibility/ Desirability
• Experience and industry Supplier Facilities/
status Procedures
• Code of ethical • Project management
performance system
• Skill and experience • Contractual arrangements
– Project management • Complaint handling
– Research skills procedures
– Business knowledge • Quality assurance
• Facilities
• Reporting procedures
4-13
Exhibit 4-1: The Research
Proposal Process:
Doing the Project Internally
4-14
The Research Proposal
Present
management question
Suggest data Discuss
collection Purpose research
and analysis 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 • Research
• Problem Statement Qualifications
• Research Objectives • Budget
• Literature Review • Schedule
• Importance/ Benefits • Facilities
of Study • Project Management
• Research Design • Bibliography
• Data Analysis • Appendices
• Nature/Form
4-18
Exhibit 4-5
Modules
4-19
Researcher Qualifications
Professional Relevant
Research Management
Competence 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
Management
Financial/ competence Organization
Legal of research
responsibility team
Plan
Team Elements
relationship Procedures
with client
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 • Proposal
• Executive summary – Unsolicited
• Literature review – Solicited
• Project management • Request for Proposal
4-28
Covering Kids RFP
