RPM can be subdivided in four phases: start-up, company acquisition, research and final phase. These four phases are described below.

Phase 1: Project start-up
In this phase the emerging markets are investigated to eventually choose the destination of Research Project. The selection of the country where research will be conducted has been executed by a country-specific market scan, where not only the market, but also the economical, political and cultural situation has been analyzed thoroughly. In this period also students, interested in participation of the project, are subjected to an intensive selection procedure.

Phase 2: Acquisition phase
The acquisition phase takes place from June to December 2009, in which companies will be contacted and informed about the project. During this phase, our aim is to clearly identify the research question(s) of clients interested in Brazil. In order to facilitate this, we support clients in obtaining the relevant information and visit their representative(s). After having clearly identified the nature of the research question, RPM will construct a proposal that contains all the relevant information and a comprehensive research design. Furthermore, an additional visit will be scheduled to further edit the proposal to the client's needs if necessary. If the client is satisfied with the proposal, a contract will be signed which will inter alia provide for a confidentiality clause and the exclusiveness of the research will be guaranteed. After signing the contract, RPM will perform a preliminary analysis and research in order to ensure that the team is prepared and possesses the necessary knowledge and skills upon departure to Vietnam. 
In addition a seminar will be organized in September 2010 where experts will present their knowledge and findings about the (economic) developments in Vietnam, with respect to the future. The seminar is meant for companies, the Maastricht University and all parties interested in doing business in Vietnam.

Phase 3: Contractual research
From January to May 2010 RPM will stay in Vietnam. During the entire process the client will be informed and updated about the progress of the project. In addition to the customized research, the general economical, political and cultural situation in Vietnam will be analyzed.

Phase 4: Final Phase
In the months following the stay in Vietnam, the results of the research will be analyzed. Reports are written for the contracted companies and the results and recommendations are to be presented to the company. The team members will give presentation about their research in Vietnam to the Maastricht University, upon which they will be assessed.