Question

Compare and contrast the use of research for academic work and the use of research in a marketing plan and relate it to primary and secondary research.

Answer 1

Research for academic work and research for a marketing plan are two type of researches which have the same use which is gathering information and understanding the situation that has to be dealt with. Research for academic work refers to the research done to gain knowledge about a particular subject or information in a particular field. Gathering information by self study, observation, questioning, and writing the thoughts and ideas about a particular topic on which the research is done. This information is complied together to make it an effective research study material. This research is done in academic environment such as university, college laboratory rooms, library etc.

The primary research done in academic work can be the factual study made by the researcher as the rsult of his study and experiments. It is basically the original research which the person does based on the information and his views on it. Secondary information is based on the analysis and interpretation of the basic or original research. To write a secondary research the points and information is gathered from the primary research and thoughts based on it. It may also compare two or more primary researches.

Research in marketing plan refers to the research and study done about the market where the product is to be placed and sold. Identifying and understanding target customers, their needs, their tastes and living habits, their spending capacity, surveying the market competition, identifying products that can replace our products, and all market and environmental factors that can effect the product are studied in a market research. It is a useful tool for selling the product successfully in the market, satisfy the custome needs, earn profits and make a sustainable position in the market for long term. This research helps in making the market plan that is effective and beneficial for the business. The information gathered in a market research helps in forming strategies of selling the product in the market in the most effective and efficient way.

The primary research in a market can be gathering of information directly from sources about which the information is. It can be done through surveys, questionaires, interviews and direct observation and study. To research about the market the researcher will be present in the market talking to customers about their views and collecting information through it. Knowing the market trends from the vendors, the demands of the customers and other environmental factors that can effect the product sale is also collected in this type of research through a direct survey. Secondary research on the other hand refers to the information gathered from other researches and conclcusions made based on it. It can be collected through internet, results of market research already been done by other organizations, information from the existing customers and list of stocks or product history and information gathered from other agencies. For example, to launch a new cream in the market, primary research will include talking to customers directly and knowing their need and expecations from the cream and secondary research will be browsing on net about any such cream in the market and understanding from the data given the points that may effect bringing the product in the market.