Market research reports play an important role in improving the productivity of a business. The information in these reports help companies to make informed marketing strategies. The goal of market research is to examine how the target group will receive a product or service. This is done by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
Generally, a market research paper begins with
- Defining the problem
- Collecting data
- Analyzing and interpreting the data collected
- Reaching a conclusion
- Implementing the research findings in fruitful manner
Market research reports helps businesses understand legislative trends, industry shifts, and changes in consumer preferences. This explains the significance market reports hold for entrepreneurs.
Market Research Format Sample – A Brief
The format of the market research report is as important as the market research process. The market report sample provides a broad understanding on the content and the quality of the report.
A market research sample includes
i) Title page
ii) Letter of transmittal
iii) Letter of authorization
- Table of contents
- List of tables
- List of graphs
vii) List of appendices
viii) List of exhibits
ix) Executive summary
- Major findings
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
x) Problem definition
- Background to the problem
- Statement of the problem
xi) Approach to the problem
xii) Research design
- Type of research design
- Information needs
- Data collection from secondary sources
- Data collection from primary sources
- Scaling techniques
- Questionnaire development and pretesting
- Sampling techniques
- Fieldwork
xiii) Data analysis
- Methodology
- Plan of data analysis
xiv) Results
xv) Limitations and caveats
xvi) Conclusions and recommendations
xvii) Exhibits
- Questionnaires and forms
- Statistical output
- Lists
Another example of market research format is
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Summary
The summary section of a market report gives a brief overview of the purpose and the result of the research. Thus at the very beginning the reader gets a clear understanding on what to expect from the report. The summary section also highlights the reason for the research work and ways in which the report can help the business.
Objectives
The objectives section is like the summary section. Under this section, the objectives of the market research report are mentioned in an in-depth manner. Details like reason behind the research, names of analysts involved in the research process are also included.
Existing Knowledge
This is one of the important sections of the market research format. The research analysts highlight the existing knowledge on the research topic. This provides a positive picture about the analysts’ knowledge.
The reader also gets to know about loopholes in the existing knowledge system.
Intended outcomes
This is a self-explanatory section of the market report template. The intended outcomes or goals of the report is emphasized here.
Target group
The target group is possibly the most important aspect of a market research format. Here the analysts clearly mention the exact demographic region covered in the research. Through this section readers can gain a clear understanding on preferences of the target group.
Data collection
The process which went into data collection is clearly mentioned under this segment. It can range from surveys, social media data, in-person promotions, to sampling of the focus groups.
Aspects like accuracy of the data collected, and methods employed to gain information are also mentioned here.
Research Methodology
An overall blueprint of the research methodology employed is provided in this segment. The implications of data collected using the particular methodology is discussed here.
This section also explains how the inaccuracies in the data collected will be accounted by the market analysts.
Ethical Considerations
Following ethical codes is an important aspect of market research. Ethical considerations like data security, privacy, confidentiality, and consent of the research participants, are covered under this segment of the market research report.
Further Outcomes
Usually the market report sample ends with a section on further outcomes. Here ways in which the research report can provide additional benefits to the users are clearly mentioned. This section also explains how businesses can beat the competition by employing results of the market research in a unique manner.
