6.9 KiB
6.9 KiB
Market Research Report Validation Checklist
Research Foundation
Objectives and Scope
- Research objectives are clearly stated with specific questions to answer
- Market boundaries are explicitly defined (product category, geography, segments)
- Research methodology is documented with data sources and timeframes
- Limitations and assumptions are transparently acknowledged
Data Quality
- All data sources are cited with dates and links where applicable
- Data is no more than 12 months old for time-sensitive metrics
- At least 3 independent sources validate key market size claims
- Source credibility is assessed (primary > industry reports > news articles)
- Conflicting data points are acknowledged and reconciled
Market Sizing Analysis
TAM Calculation
- At least 2 different calculation methods are used (top-down, bottom-up, or value theory)
- All assumptions are explicitly stated with rationale
- Calculation methodology is shown step-by-step
- Numbers are sanity-checked against industry benchmarks
- Growth rate projections include supporting evidence
SAM and SOM
- SAM constraints are realistic and well-justified (geography, regulations, etc.)
- SOM includes competitive analysis to support market share assumptions
- Three scenarios (conservative, realistic, optimistic) are provided
- Time horizons for market capture are specified (Year 1, 3, 5)
- Market share percentages align with comparable company benchmarks
Customer Intelligence
Segment Analysis
- At least 3 distinct customer segments are profiled
- Each segment includes size estimates (number of customers or revenue)
- Pain points are specific, not generic (e.g., "reduce invoice processing time by 50%" not "save time")
- Willingness to pay is quantified with evidence
- Buying process and decision criteria are documented
Jobs-to-be-Done
- Functional jobs describe specific tasks customers need to complete
- Emotional jobs identify feelings and anxieties
- Social jobs explain perception and status considerations
- Jobs are validated with customer evidence, not assumptions
- Priority ranking of jobs is provided
Competitive Analysis
Competitor Coverage
- At least 5 direct competitors are analyzed
- Indirect competitors and substitutes are identified
- Each competitor profile includes: company size, funding, target market, pricing
- Recent developments (last 6 months) are included
- Competitive advantages and weaknesses are specific, not generic
Positioning Analysis
- Market positioning map uses relevant dimensions for the industry
- White space opportunities are clearly identified
- Differentiation strategy is supported by competitive gaps
- Switching costs and barriers are quantified
- Network effects and moats are assessed
Industry Analysis
Porter's Five Forces
- Each force has a clear rating (Low/Medium/High) with justification
- Specific examples and evidence support each assessment
- Industry-specific factors are considered (not generic template)
- Implications for strategy are drawn from each force
- Overall industry attractiveness conclusion is provided
Trends and Dynamics
- At least 5 major trends are identified with evidence
- Technology disruptions are assessed for probability and timeline
- Regulatory changes and their impacts are documented
- Social/cultural shifts relevant to adoption are included
- Market maturity stage is identified with supporting indicators
Strategic Recommendations
Go-to-Market Strategy
- Target segment prioritization has clear rationale
- Positioning statement is specific and differentiated
- Channel strategy aligns with customer buying behavior
- Partnership opportunities are identified with specific targets
- Pricing strategy is justified by willingness-to-pay analysis
Opportunity Assessment
- Each opportunity is sized quantitatively
- Resource requirements are estimated (time, money, people)
- Success criteria are measurable and time-bound
- Dependencies and prerequisites are identified
- Quick wins vs. long-term plays are distinguished
Risk Analysis
- All major risk categories are covered (market, competitive, execution, regulatory)
- Each risk has probability and impact assessment
- Mitigation strategies are specific and actionable
- Early warning indicators are defined
- Contingency plans are outlined for high-impact risks
Document Quality
Structure and Flow
- Executive summary captures all key insights in 1-2 pages
- Sections follow logical progression from market to strategy
- No placeholder text remains (all {{variables}} are replaced)
- Cross-references between sections are accurate
- Table of contents matches actual sections
Professional Standards
- Data visualizations effectively communicate insights
- Technical terms are defined in glossary
- Writing is concise and jargon-free
- Formatting is consistent throughout
- Document is ready for executive presentation
Research Completeness
Coverage Check
- All workflow steps were completed (none skipped without justification)
- Optional analyses were considered and included where valuable
- Web research was conducted for current market intelligence
- Financial projections align with market size analysis
- Implementation roadmap provides clear next steps
Validation
- Key findings are triangulated across multiple sources
- Surprising insights are double-checked for accuracy
- Calculations are verified for mathematical accuracy
- Conclusions logically follow from the analysis
- Recommendations are actionable and specific
Final Quality Assurance
Ready for Decision-Making
- Research answers all initial objectives
- Sufficient detail for investment decisions
- Clear go/no-go recommendation provided
- Success metrics are defined
- Follow-up research needs are identified
Document Meta
- Research date is current
- Confidence levels are indicated for key assertions
- Next review date is set
- Distribution list is appropriate
- Confidentiality classification is marked
Issues Found
Critical Issues
List any critical gaps or errors that must be addressed:
- Issue 1: [Description]
- Issue 2: [Description]
Minor Issues
List minor improvements that would enhance the report:
- Issue 1: [Description]
- Issue 2: [Description]
Additional Research Needed
List areas requiring further investigation:
- Topic 1: [Description]
- Topic 2: [Description]
Validation Complete: ☐ Yes ☐ No Ready for Distribution: ☐ Yes ☐ No Reviewer: **____** Date: **____**