No research should be completed in a vacuum. Through situation assessments, the researchers should understand the context of the research and all client needs. The VanAmburg Group truly helped us recreate our research process. Most importantly, they took the time to understand our needs, and didn't try to force a canned approach on us. Every research study should be designed as a benchmark, providing baseline data to allow for timeline comparisons.
Companies can continuously improve through using research as an audit tool.
You should not accept notebooks of data as your results. Research reports should should give management specific direction for marketing, sales, promotion and distribution. Detailed analysis of results, identifying statistically significant results and eliminating the client's need to review all frequencies, cross-tabs, etc. Conclusions and recommendation s specific to the client's potential courses of action. Geocoded maps and full-color and graphics.