Undertaking small-scale applied workplace-based research presents a unique set of challenges including how to conduct good research in time pressured situations and how to thrive in unfamiliar work environments. This book will help you to meet these challenges by setting out a step-by-step guide to planning, conducting and delivering top quality small-scale work-based research projects. In addition this book will help you to adapt quickly to your new surroundings. It will provide a strong strategic skill set that will enable you to navigate the workplace and ensure that your research findings inform organizational decision making. It tackles the challenge of conducting rigorous credible research FOR and WITHIN organizations and provides tangible advice for those looking to complete their research in very short time frames and with limited resources. Written by established academics, with significant experience coordinating industry/government placements and internships, the book will help you to bridge the gap between academic expectations and the requirements of the organisation, including the need to Develop a 'pitch' as well as a proposal; Produce powerful visualizations as well as logical narrative; Present practicable recommendations as well as findings/conclusions; Develop persuasive deliverables as well as traditional research reports; Create presentations that persuade as well as inform. Packed full of real-life examples, actionable advice and sensitive pedagogy this book will get you through your placement with confidence and style.
Zina O'Leary is an internationally recognized leader in research methodologies and has a keen interest in the application of research to evidence-based decision-making. Zina is a Senior -Fellow at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government where she coordinates research and project units for their Executive Masters and Executive Education Programmes. Zina also has an extensive history as a consultant to both government and the private sector and was the research coordinator for the Centre for Environmental Health Development at the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. She is the author of Researching Real World Problems, The Social Science Jargon Buster, Workplace Research and three books in Sage's Little Quick Fix Series: Research Questions; Research Proposals; and Presenting Your Research. Jennifer S. Hunt is the Internship Program Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of Sydney US Studies Centre.
1. Understanding small- scale applied workplace based research 2. Finding your way through workplace 3. Developing practicable and valuable research questions 4. Doing the prep: Literature reviews, research plans & proposals 5. Working with existing data 6. Gathering primary data 7. Analysing your data 8. Producing effective deliverables
A much needed book. Practical, full of examples, it will be a valuable companion to any student who undertakes workplace learning. More and more students are undertaking work placements and internships as part of their studies. O'Leary and Hunt's book will help them to navigate the experience, define their research, and undertake it to benefit themselves and the workplace. -- Jackie Carter A must-have for anyone interested in doing or understanding applied small scale research projects in work places. The readings stress the need for rigorous inquiry, designed and executed to produce findings which can inform organisational decision making. In line with its emphasis on practicality and relevance, the book also advises how to proceed with limited resources (including time) with a special focus on projects done on internships and placements - a very valuable contribution. -- Keith Punch
