5W1H

How to implement

Who
Identify the people or groups involved in the situation, event, or plan.

What
Define the specific event, action, task, or object being discussed or planned.

Where
Specify the location or place where the event occurred or will occur.

When
Determine the time the event occurred or is scheduled to occur.

Why
Understand the reason, purpose, or motivation behind the event or plan.

How
Describe the manner in which the event occurred or the method for carrying out the plan.

Example

Let’s outline a research project into the feasibility of entering the Brazilian market using the 5W1H framework:

[Who]: Our research team will consist of market analysts, international business specialists, and potentially local consultants in Brazil. The target customers we’ll be studying are Brazilian consumers within the age range of 25-45 who are interested in online retail and technology products.

[What]: The research will aim to determine the viability and potential profitability of launching our e-commerce platform in Brazil, focusing on market size, competitive landscape, consumer behavior, and regulatory requirements.

[Where]: The primary geographic focus will be on major urban centers in Brazil, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia, as these areas typically have higher internet penetration and disposable income.

[When]: We plan to conduct this initial market research phase over the next three months, starting in April 2025 and concluding in June 2025.

[Why]: The primary business objective is to identify potential growth opportunities in new international markets and diversify our revenue streams, given the increasing saturation of our domestic market.

[How]: Our research methodology will involve a combination of secondary data analysis (market reports, economic data), online surveys targeting Brazilian consumers, and interviews with industry experts and potential local partners.