Define Research Objectives & Methods

Define Research Objectives & Methods is for aspiring researchers, business analysts, and marketers who need to build foundational skills in designing effective research. You will learn to transform ambiguous business problems into specific, measurable research objectives and select the most appropriate research methodology. This course equips you to deliver real value on a research team by teaching you to initiate projects with clear objectives that prevent misalignment, wasted resources, and scope creep. You will learn why a properly defined research plan is the key to creating and maintaining stakeholder buy-in from day one. Through real-world case studies like the "New Coke" fiasco and Airbnb's growth story, you will master structured interview techniques to elicit stakeholder needs and define SMART objectives. You will also learn to conduct a formal cost-benefit analysis of different research approaches, such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to justify your methodological choices. The course features hands-on activities, including mock interviews with an AI coach and building a comparison framework in a spreadsheet tool. You will finish the course by creating a complete, portfolio-ready research brief that demonstrates your ability to set a research project up for success from day one, ensuring your findings are relevant, actionable, and aligned with strategic business goals.