Formal Research v. Business Proposal

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In order to better understand, compare and contrast the differences between formal research and a business proposal, we need to gain an understanding of what these two elements mean. According to Sekaran (2009), formal research is the process of finding one or more solutions to a problem, after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors. Interestingly enough, a business proposal is a sales tool utilized by the author to elucidate a particular idea or point of view in an uncomplicated and rational way. The business proposal tool attempts to provide details and clarification to the reader (who might be ignorant to the idea) as to what the proposition is and how it will work. The point is to show the reader how it is in their best interest to concur to what the author is proposing (Strauss, 2007). It is important to note the immediate differences between these two elements: the former is a process used to search for solutions and its main objective is to inform through analytical means and the latter is a tool used to inform the reader about an idea so to persuade and intrigue.

There are different types and approaches to doing research and business proposals. Basic research is done when the author wants to gain a better understanding of certain issues or problems in the organizational situation. Applied research is performed on specific problems the author wants to address and at the same time apply or implement the results of his / her findings. Therefore, basic research has a broader goal, and at the same time its findings are specific to the problem at hand (Sekaran, 2009). In comparison, there are some fundamental elements that have a propensity to be similar across business proposals, and there are also some that could be different. For example: A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a customer driven business proposal. This type of business proposal is primarily driven by the customer’s needs; therefore it will vary from customer to customer and will necessitate extraordinary attention to detail. A well written Request for Proposal will let the author know what should go into the proposal and how it should be presented (Captureplanning.com). Normally, this type of business proposal answers the strategic and tactical questions of how the work will be done, what needs to be done, who will do the work, where will the work be done, when will you start and why should the customer select you (Captureplanning.com).

There is an enormous wealth of resources and technologies available when preparing a business proposal. Digital technology, the internet, intranet, search engines, electronic libraries, automated databases and electronic media devices (DVD’s, flash drives, CD-ROM) are all sources one can access in order to analyze, collect and store information while preparing a business proposal (Sekaran, 2009). There are many web sites with samples of business proposals and with self tutorials on how to write one. The same can be said when performing formal research. There are lots of digital resources available to the researcher with a variety of subjects and information.

There are some very obvious differences one can not ignore when evaluating and contrasting the business proposal and formal research. Research is a dynamic process that involves several chronological steps – meaning that as the research develops, the process may evolve (Research Methods and Processes, 2007). According to Sekaran (2009), the research process includes a variety of steps such as: observation, preliminary data gathering, problem definition, theoretical framework, generation of hypothesis, scientific research design, data collection analysis and ...