Business research and market research are essential for any company. They provide the data and insights needed to make informed decisions, develop effective marketing campaigns, and drive business growth. As the business landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for students to gain practical experience and develop a robust understanding of research methodologies and techniques. Engaging and well-structured assignments can play a significant role in enhancing students’ learning experiences, making theoretical concepts more relatable, and preparing them for real-world challenges.
Here are four assignment ideas designed to bring core research principles to life in your classroom. These assignments not only enhance students’ technical abilities but also foster creativity, critical thinking, and practical application. Each assignment is crafted to provide hands-on experience, promote active learning, and prepare students for the dynamic and challenging world of business research. Plus, we’ve incorporated free handouts for you to download and use for your next class!
1. AI Guides for Marketing and Business Courses
AI is taking over — not in a sci-fi movie kind of way (for now), but in a way where businesses are constantly changing how they strategize, gather data, and produce content. Equipping your students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in this modern workforce is crucial. We understand concerns with student assessment and the potential for academic dishonesty. That’s why we’ve created guides to help you navigate the benefits, ethical considerations, and limitations of AI.
These AI guides include classroom activities, discussions, and industry tools to get you and your students up to speed. By integrating AI into your business and marketing courses, you offer students valuable skills that are increasingly sought after in today’s digital landscape. Students can prepare for the modern workforce by using AI tools to automate tasks, provide data-driven insights, and enhance decision-making processes.
We have two AI guides for both marketing-related courses and business courses, so these are not just relevant to your research course. Feel free to share these with your colleagues.
2. AI Comment Analysis Assignment
Leveraging AI for customer feedback analysis is increasingly common. This assignment introduces students to the practical applications of AI in analyzing customer feedback to build their data analysis and interpretation skills. By using AI tools, students can efficiently summarize and identify key themes in customer comments, providing valuable insights into consumer perceptions and preferences.
In this assignment, students will use AI tools such as ChatGPT or YOU.com to analyze customer feedback for Timmy Tom’s sub sandwich restaurants. They will develop three prompts designed to analyze the comments, such as asking what themes are contained in the comments, identifying the top theme, and summarizing the comments into themes. These prompts will help students extract meaningful patterns from the feedback data.
The final part of the assignment requires students to select the most representative output and justify their choice, explaining why this particular analysis is the best reflection of the customer comments.
3. Career Exploration Activity
Exploring various careers in market research helps students understand the skills required, the job market, and potential career paths. This assignment requires no downloads and provides students with insights into their future career opportunities.
Start by asking your students to research different roles in market research, such as Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Consumer Insights Manager, and Market Research Director. For each career, they will identify the key skills, qualifications, and certifications required.
Next, students will analyze current job market trends for market research professionals. They will look into the demand for these roles, potential salary ranges, and geographical locations where these jobs are most prevalent. This will help students understand the economic landscape and opportunities available in the field of market research.
Students will then prepare a report that summarizes their findings, highlights the most appealing career paths, and lists the steps to pursue them. The objective is to help students make informed decisions about their career goals and the steps they need to take to achieve them.
Lastly, encourage students to discuss the following questions in class or on a virtual discussion board:
- What are the most common skills required for market research jobs?
- How do the responsibilities of a Market Research Analyst differ from those of a Consumer Insights Manager?
- What certifications or further education can enhance a career in market research?
- What are the current trends in the job market for market research professionals?
- Which market research career path is most appealing to you and why?
- How can you apply the skills learned in this course to a career in market research?
To assist with their research, here are some free online resources students can use:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook: Provides detailed information on various occupations, including job outlook, required skills, and typical salaries.
- Indeed Career Guide: Offers career advice, including job descriptions, salary information, and skills needed for various roles in market research.
- Glassdoor: Provides insights into companies, salaries, and interview questions, which can help students understand what to expect in different market research roles.
- LinkedIn Salary: Helps students research salary ranges for different positions based on location and industry.
- O*NET Online: Offers comprehensive information on job roles, including tasks, skills, and educational requirements.
4. How to Avoid Data Visualization Mistakes
Data visualization is a crucial tool used to interpret complex information. In this assignment, students will examine examples of ineffective data visualization to identify shortcomings and implications for decision-making. They will then create a list of best practices to follow.
By understanding the common mistakes made in data visualizations, students can learn how to improve their own visual presentations and ensure clarity and accuracy in conveying data insights.
Incorporating these assignments into your business research or market research course can help you create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the modern business world.
Engage Your Students with the Market Research Simternship™
The Stukent® Market Research Simternship™ offers students an immersive experience as research analysts at Buhi Supply Co., a simulated e-commerce company. Over 12 unique rounds, students analyze focus groups, identify key findings, create surveys, and visualize data. This simulation allows students to put classroom concepts to work in a real-world setting, enhancing their understanding and application of market research principles.
The Simternship can be bundled with the “Business Research Essentials” courseware or the “Market Research Essentials” courseware. To learn about Stukent’s first-in-the-world Simternships and courseware and to get FREE instructor access to Stukent materials, visit our website.
