DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Market Intelligence
Module Code MAD1003 (ITS: MG115)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Description

The objective of this module is to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills of designing and implementing marketing research projects. Throughout the course, students will learn how market intelligence, through the use of marketing research, can assist management in identifying and solving marketing problems. The role of collecting, analysing and interpreting data about markets and customers in the managerial decision-making process will be examined. Students will be introduced to each stage of the marketing research process from initial problem definition, and through to the presentation of the final results. Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques will be covered in this module. Lectures are interactive which involve seminars, various online activities, community visits; students showcases, presentations, guest speakers and workshops.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the role of market intelligence in supporting and developing managerial decisions.
2. Search and critically evaluate market data including social media and other forms of digital data.
3. Evaluate different methodologies and techniques employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
4. Develop skills in interpreting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data.
5. Develop skills in writing reports such as citing and referencing.
6. Apply data management principles and develop awareness of research ethics.
7. Develop presentation and communication skills.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture42Lecture attendance and engagement
Directed learning80Reading and research related to the project
Class Presentation10Group presentations
Online activity10Various online activities
Group work30Preparation of group projects
Independent Study78General reading, research and essay preparation
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN10961Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorYuhui GaoModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Exhibition EvaluationGroup showcase of product/service ideas10%As required
AssignmentIndividual case analysis20%Sem 1 End
Completion of online activityLoop discussion forums and simulation20%Once per semester
Group presentationGroup report presentation20%Sem 2 End
EssayIndividual essay30%Sem 2 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to market intelligence and the role of marketing research
The role of market intelligence in managerial decisions, key features of market research, market research industry.

The research process, secondary data and ethics in marketing research
The process of designing the research, the nature and types of data, accessing and evaluating secondary including digital data, data management and research ethics

Qualitative research procedures
Indirect and direct approaches: projective techniques, in-depth interviews, focus groups, personal observation and ethnography

Qualitative data analysis
Frameworks and classification techniques, presenting findings

Research design in quantitative studies
Measurement and scaling, questionnaire design, sampling design and procedures, data preparation

Analysing quantitative data
Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, univariate and multi-variate data analysis using statistical package SPSS

Communicating the results
Making effective presentations; the importance and content of research reports

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Alan Wilson: 2018, Marketing Research: Delivering Customer Insight, 4th, Red Globe Press, 9781352001112
  • Yvonne McGivern: 2013, The Practice of Market Research, 4th, Pearson, 0273773119
  • Paul Hague: 2022, Market Research in Practice: An Introduction to Gaining Greater Market Insight, 4th, Kogan Page Publishers, London, 9781398602823
  • Julie Pallant: 2020, SPSS Survival Manual, McGraw-Hill Education, London, 9780335242399


Articles:
  • Details are available on Loop: 0, as directed in class,
Other Resources

  • Details are available on Loop: as directed in class,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for MG115