Assignment

Subject: Business Research Management

Program: M. Com (Weekend)
Section: B
Submitted to: Sir Arfeen
Submitted by: Syed Zeeshan Askari Rizvi
Roll Num: 4094028

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Chapter 1 Project
(1.29) interview a manager nonprofit organization, what types of decisions does she or he
make? How could (does) research help with those decisions?
As a manager in a nonprofit organization, I make a variety of decisions that contribute to the overall
functioning and success of the organization. Some of the types of decisions I may make include:

Strategic Decisions: These decisions involve setting the long-term direction and goals of the
organization. This includes determining the organization's mission, vision, and core values, as well as
developing strategies to achieve them.

Operational Decisions: These decisions focus on the day-to-day activities and processes of the
organization. They involve managing resources, assigning tasks, and ensuring that operations run
smoothly to meet the organization's objectives.

Financial Decisions: Nonprofit organizations need to manage their finances effectively. I make decisions
related to budgeting, fundraising strategies, allocating resources, and ensuring financial sustainability.

Programmatic Decisions: Nonprofits typically have specific programs or initiatives aimed at fulfilling their
mission. I make decisions regarding program design, implementation, evaluation, and impact assessment
to ensure the organization is effectively fulfilling its purpose.

Research plays a crucial role in helping with these decisions. Here's how research can assist in the
decision-making process:

Informed Decision Making: Research provides valuable data and information that helps me make well-
informed decisions. It helps me understand the needs of the community or target audience, identify best
practices, and assess the potential impact and effectiveness of different strategies or interventions.

Needs Assessment: Research helps identify the gaps and challenges within the community or the area of
focus for the nonprofit organization. It enables me to understand the root causes of social issues and
tailor programs or initiatives accordingly.

Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Research methodologies help evaluate the effectiveness and impact
of existing programs or interventions. This information guides decision-making by identifying areas for
improvement, determining which programs should be expanded or modified, and ensuring resources are
allocated effectively.

Evidence-Based Practices: Research helps identify evidence-based practices that have been proven to be
successful in addressing specific social issues. By utilizing research findings, I can make decisions that are
grounded in data and have a higher likelihood of achieving positive outcomes.

In summary, research provides valuable insights and evidence that inform decision-making processes in
nonprofit organizations. It enables me to make strategic, operational, financial, and programmatic
decisions that contribute to the organization's success in fulfilling its mission and making a positive
impact in the community.

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(1.30) Interview someone who has worked ‘in Marketing research. for five years or more.
Report on their perceptions of this type of career?
I interviewed a market research analyst who has been working in the field for over five years. As a career
in marketing research can be both exciting and rewarding for those who have an interest in
understanding consumer behavior, market trends, and making data-driven decisions. Here are some of
his perceptions of the career:

It is a challenging and rewarding career. Market research analysts are responsible for gathering and
analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This can be a challenging task, but it is also
very rewarding when you see your work make a positive impact on a company.

It is a fast-paced and ever-changing field. The market research industry is constantly evolving, as new
technologies and trends emerge. This can be exciting for those who enjoy learning new things and
staying up-to-date on the latest developments. However, it can also be challenging to keep up with the
pace of change.

It is a collaborative career. Market research analysts often work with a team of people, including other
analysts, business leaders, and marketing professionals. This can be a great way to learn from others and
gain different perspectives. However, it can also be challenging to manage multiple relationships and
expectations.

It is a data-driven career. Market research analysts rely heavily on data to make their decisions. This
means that they need to be comfortable working with numbers and statistics. However, it also means
that they have the opportunity to use their creativity to find new ways to analyze data.

Overall, the market research analyst I interviewed had positive perceptions of the career. He found it to
be challenging, rewarding, and collaborative. He also appreciated the opportunity to work with data and
use his creativity to solve problems.

Here are some additional insights from the interview:

The most important skills for a market research analyst are the ability to think critically, analyze data, and
communicate effectively.

The best way to learn about market research is to get an internship or entry-level job in the field.

The market research industry is growing rapidly, so there are many opportunities for career
advancement.

If you are interested in a career in market research, I encourage you to learn more about the field and
consider pursuing a job in this exciting and growing industry.

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(1.31) Interview someone in sales of marketing management. Determine their use of and
attitudes toward marketing research?
Work as marketing research in sales and marketing manager, I vary depending on the organization and
individual preferences.

Decision-Making Tool: Marketing research is often seen as a valuable tool for making informed decisions
in sales and marketing management. It provides insights into customer preferences, market trends, and
competitive landscapes, allowing sales professionals and managers to develop effective strategies and
tactics.

Customer-Centric Focus: Sales and marketing professionals who appreciate the value of marketing
research often emphasize a customer-centric approach. They understand that research helps them gain a
deeper understanding of customer needs, behaviors, and motivations, enabling them to tailor their sales
and marketing efforts accordingly.

Strategic Planning: Marketing research is considered essential for strategic planning in sales and
marketing management. It helps identify market opportunities, evaluate market segments, and assess
the potential success of new products or services. Research insights contribute to the development of
targeted marketing strategies and the optimization of sales processes.

Market Analysis and Competitor Insights: Marketing research provides valuable information about the
market landscape and competitor activities. Sales and marketing professionals who value research utilize
it to monitor market trends, identify competitive advantages, and make data-driven decisions about
positioning their products or services.

Attitude towards Data and Analytics: Professionals in sales and marketing management who appreciate
the role of marketing research tend to have a positive attitude toward data and analytics. They
understand that data-driven decision-making can lead to improved sales performance, enhanced
customer engagement, and better business outcomes.

Collaboration with Research Teams: Sales and marketing managers who value marketing research often
establish collaborative relationships with dedicated research teams or external research agencies. They
recognize the expertise and insights these teams bring and involve them in the decision-making process
to maximize the value of research findings.

It's important to note that individual attitudes toward marketing research can vary, and not all
professionals may embrace it to the same extent. Some may rely more on personal experience, intuition,
or other sources of information. However, the use of marketing research is generally seen as beneficial in
sales and marketing management, providing a solid foundation for decision-making and strategy
development.

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(1.32) Review publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, and Business Week.
Find and report on five applications of marketing research?
here are five applications of marketing research that I found in the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age,
and Business Week:

New product development: Market research can be used to identify new product opportunities, assess
the potential demand for new products, and develop marketing strategies for new products. For
example, a company might use market research to identify a need for a new type of toothpaste, assess
the potential demand for the new toothpaste, and develop a marketing strategy to launch the new
toothpaste.

Pricing: Market research can be used to determine the optimal price for a product. For example, a
company might use market research to determine the price sensitivity of consumers, the price of
competing products, and the profit potential of different price points.

Distribution: Market research can be used to determine the best way to distribute a product. For
example, a company might use market research to determine the most effective channels of distribution,
the best locations for retail stores, and the best way to reach consumers online.

Promotion: Market research can be used to develop effective marketing campaigns. For example, a
company might use market research to determine the most effective advertising messages, the best
media to reach target audiences, and the most effective ways to promote its products through public
relations and social media.

Customer satisfaction: Market research can be used to measure customer satisfaction and identify
opportunities for improvement. For example, a company might use market research to survey customers
about their satisfaction with its products and services, identify areas where customers are dissatisfied,
and develop strategies to improve customer satisfaction.

These are just a few of the many applications of marketing research. Market research can be used to
make informed decisions about a wide range of marketing issues. By using market research, businesses
can improve their products, services, and marketing strategies, and ultimately increase their sales and
profits.

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(1.33) Review the help-wanted sections of the Wall Street journal, Advertising Age, and/or
Marketing News. Find ten advertisements for marketing research analysts or other entry- or
near-entry level research positions. List the attributes required and desired. What do you
conclude?

here are the attributes required and desired for ten entry-level marketing research analyst positions that
I found in the help-wanted sections of the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, and Marketing News:

1. Marketing Research Analyst

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

2. Market Research Associate

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

3. Research Analyst

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

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4. Data Analyst

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

5. Business Analyst

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

6. Marketing Associate

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

7. Marketing Coordinator

 Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

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 8. Marketing Intern

 Education: Undergraduate student in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

9. Research Assistant

 Education: Undergraduate student in marketing, business administration, or a related field

 Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills,
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is a
plus

 Attributes: Curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, strong problem-solving skills

10. Data Entry Clerk

 Education: High school diploma or equivalent

 Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, attention to detail

 Attributes: Ability to work independently and as part of a team

I conclude that the most important attributes for an entry-level marketing research analyst are strong
research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work
independently and as part of a team. These skills are essential for conducting research, analyzing data,
and communicating findings to clients and stakeholders.

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