The following article is part of the self-preparation for the modern BVOP® Product Management Certification program.
At the very beginning of product development or at any other stage, choosing and defining research practices may help product teams to organize and plan their upcoming work.
- Collecting information from third parties
- Collecting information from internal organizational assets
- Development and implementation of research tools and practices
- Organizing research events and practices
Depending on the organizational policies, available resources, constraints, or and any other factors, the Business Value-Oriented Product Management (BVOPDM) office chooses the product research practices. They may include:
- Collecting information from third parties.
- Collecting information from internal organizational assets.
- Development and implementation of research tools.
- Organizing research events and practices.
Collecting information from third parties
Third parties may share valuable information and knowledge related to users, customers, markets, or already collected statistical data that may provide a direction for future development.
Collecting information from internal organizational assets
An organization usually collects significant data and information about its markets, users, customers, and current products that may be used as a valuable source for product development initiatives. Departments, teams, and individuals with different competence may share valuable knowledge that may be used during the product development stages.
Development and implementation of research tools and practices
The BVOPDM office develops and implements research practices and tools that provide efficiency for the product being developed.
One tool or practice may not be appropriate for all products developed by the organization.
Depending on product type or its material form, research and development practices may vary.
The BVOPDM office identifies the most appropriate approaches for each product, team, market, and target audience.
Organizing research events and practices
Research events and practices may have a different format, duration, and periodicity. They can be organized and implemented in the initial phases of product development and run periodically throughout the entire product development and maintenance cycle.
Product research events may include:
- Interviewing internal or external stakeholders.
- Conducting competitive analysis, marketing analysis, interviews, surveys, focus groups.
- Analyzing collected data
- Conducting periodic sessions for collecting new user needs, problems, and benefits.
Modern markets and consumers are dynamic. Therefore, the periodic format of the research sessions is essential to ensure and maintain the business value of the product.
The following issues related to chapter "Product research practices" are included in the certification exam. The sequence of questions is presented in the table.
The data is current as of September 7, 2024, 3:13 pm
| ID | Issue | Time | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Collecting information from third parties | 60 sec | PDM, PM |
| 1 | Development and implementation of research tools and practices | 60 sec | PDM, PM |
| 2 | Organizing research events and practices | 60 sec | PDM, PM |
| 3 | Collecting information from internal organizational assets | 60 sec | PDM, PM |
Comments from the BVOP™ community on “Product research practices”
Summary
Choosing research practices can help product teams plan their work.
BVOPDM office selects product research practices based on policies, resources, and constraints. These may involve gathering data from third parties or internal assets, creating research tools, and conducting events.
Collecting information from third parties and internal organizational assets is valuable for product development. The BVOPDM office develops and implements research practices and tools that are appropriate for each product, team, market, and target audience.
Product research events can take different forms and happen at various times during product development. They can involve interviewing stakeholders, analyzing data, and collecting feedback from users. It's important to conduct these events periodically to keep up with changing markets and consumer needs.
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