Research Proposal: Initiating Research (Coursera)

Research Proposal: Initiating Research (Coursera)

Market Research is a growing and important field that is used in many industries around the world. Given all the data that is collected whether by organizations, industries, social media, governments, etc., it’s important that someone can review and sift through all the noise to provide valuable insights. And that’s where you come in as a market researcher. This course will only scratch the surface and provide you a foundational understanding of this field.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In this course, you will be able to define market research and identify some tools used in the industry. You will be able to discuss the importance of secondary and internal research in terms of the planning process. You will be able to define what primary research is and identify the various ways to conduct primary research. You will be able to focus on an actual research plan or proposal for your peer review project. You will be able to compose a response to a request for a proposal or research plan and be able to address the various components of the proposal and package it in a professional manner.
Course 1 of 4 in the Market Research Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Getting Started and Introduction to Market Research
In this module, you will be able to define what market research is and identify the tools that are used. You will be able to discuss the various motivations behind a research inquiry and what goes into a market research request. You will define the services, the roles and the qualities of a market researcher. You will also be able to identify constraints to help you ask the right questions. Finally, you will be able to respond to a market research proposal.

WEEK 2
Secondary and Internal Research
In this module, you will be able to recognize the importance of secondary and internal research in the planning process. You will be able to assess the value and credibility of the secondary and internal data you have at your disposal. You will also be able to identify a starting point should a new client approach you. You will recognize the pros and cons of each method of research. And you will be able to budget appropriately and decide what type of market researcher you need or want to be for a given project.

WEEK 3
Primary Research Introduction
In this module, you will be able to discuss various primary research methods for collecting data. You will be able to define what primary research is and be able to choose the appropriate method for your proposal. You will be able to consider various sampling and survey methods and even the less used observational method.

WEEK 4
Research Plan or Proposal
In this module, you will be able to write a research proposal for a client. You will be able to recognize and take action when a proposal has been requested. You will be able to collect and compose the necessary proposal requirements and be able to professionally package your proposal. You will be able to apply strategies on how to follow-up with a client about your proposal and be able to take action when you are awarded the bid.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research (Coursera) Coursera
Erasmus University Rotterdam

Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research (Coursera)

Are you looking to learn more about how to conduct scientific research, specifically in an urban or local context? Then you have found the right course: Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam. During the course you will gain more insight in the different steps of the research cycle, and build a firm foundation for your own future research endeavors.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Qualitative Research Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Amsterdam

Qualitative Research Methods (Coursera)

In this course you will be introduced to the basic ideas behind the qualitative research in social science. You will learn about data collection, description, analysis and interpretation in qualitative research. Qualitative research often involves an iterative process. We will focus on the ingredients required for this process: data collection and analysis.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong (Coursera) Coursera
Yale University

Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong (Coursera)

How can you tell if the bold headlines seen on social media are truly touting the next big thing or if the article isn't worth the paper it's printed on? Understanding Medical Studies, will provide you with the tools and skills you need to critically interpret medical studies, and determine for yourself the difference between good and bad science. The course covers study-design, research methods, and statistical interpretation. It also delves into the dark side of medical research by covering fraud, biases, and common misinterpretations of data. Each lesson will highlight case-studies from real-world journal articles.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
L'analyse marketing (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

L'analyse marketing (Coursera)

Les organisations, quelle que soit leur taille, sont inondées de données sur les choix des consommateurs. Mais cette abondance d'informations ne se traduit pas toujours en de meilleures décisions. Savoir interpréter les données est le défi à relever, et il est de plus en plus attendu que les professionnels du marketing utilisent l'analyse pour éclairer et justifier leurs décisions.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Try RRI! A guide for Responsible Research and Innovation (Coursera) Coursera
University of Amsterdam

Try RRI! A guide for Responsible Research and Innovation (Coursera)

In this online course you will learn how to apply Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in your own work. First by understanding why it is important to act responsibly in your research and innovation processes at all. In a second step, you will get introduced to several tools that will help make your own work in research and/or innovation more aware by introducing concepts of RRI.

Aug 17th 2026
3 Weeks
Foundations of Health Equity Research (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Foundations of Health Equity Research (Coursera)

Introduces students to the core principles of health equity research. Covers topics such as defining health equity, engaging community and policy stakeholders, patient-centeredness, cultural competence, and dissemination of research findings. Content will recognize different geographic, cultural, and social contexts where health inequities occur.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Business English: Meetings (Coursera) Coursera
University of Washington

Business English: Meetings (Coursera)

This course will teach you vocabulary and skills related to participating in meetings. You will learn terms and phrases used both in email and in speaking to arrange, participate in, and conclude meetings. The goals of this course are to enable you to participate effectively in on-site meetings and teleconferences and to prepare you to write a proposal as an outcome of a meeting.

Aug 17th 2026
4 Weeks
International Organizations Management (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

International Organizations Management (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to International Organizations and the United Nations, and explores how business and management tools can be applied in these settings to achieve better, more effective results. With a focus on cross-sector partnerships in a changing world, the course offers you insights into the inner workings of international organizations and the challenges they face today.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Transferencia tecnológica: De la investigación al mercado. (Coursera) Coursera
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Transferencia tecnológica: De la investigación al mercado. (Coursera)

Este MOOC fue desarrollado para fortalecer las capacidades de gestión de la transferencia tecnológica de académicos e investigadores de las diferentes disciplinas, gestores tecnológicos y estudiantes de postgrado. Pretende ser un apoyo para todos aquellos que quieran que sus resultados de investigación se conviertan en productos o servicios que impacten en la calidad de vida de las personas mediante su transferencia a empresas o instituciones, o a través de la generación de emprendimientos de base tecnológica.

Aug 10th 2026
4 Weeks
From Brand to Image: Creating High Impact Campaigns That Tell Brand Stories (Coursera) Coursera
IE Business School

From Brand to Image: Creating High Impact Campaigns That Tell Brand Stories (Coursera)

There are many different ways to approach clients to assess their needs and develop creative campaigns which fulfill your creative desires. Many agencies have established methodology, terminology and processes, and oftentimes, have spent decades or even years developing these processes. However, whether you are a freelancer, designer, illustrator, photographer or marketing director, or perhaps a small business owner, you will be looking to develop a simple process to create campaigns for yourself or your client.

Aug 17th 2026
4 Weeks