Through our many years of academic and
social research experience we have particular expertise in a
range of research methods and when designing a programme of
work for a client we draw on the following -
We conduct literature reviews to provide
a context for the research. We are aware of the need to give
a broad and comprehensive overview, while highlighting the issues
most relevant to the current piece of research. Where there
are conflicting views on an issue these are presented in a balanced
way, setting out the arguments and counter arguments. For examples
click on Rail
Safety and Standards Board and
Transport
for London.
We have a good track record in designing
and undertaking surveys that achieve a good response with
service users, residents, staff and/or organisations. These
range from self-completion surveys, on line surveys, face-to-face
street or household interviews. We work collaboratively with
clients in the design of questionnaires and advise on the
method likely to achieve a good response, including from so
called ‘hard to reach’ groups. Purposive sampling
is used where we are seeking responses from a target population,
for example through the use of quota and snowball sampling
methods. Data from the surveys is analysed using a software
package and then the results interpreted. Example case studies
of surveys we have conducted include Commission
for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), Soho
Housing Association and Wychavon
Community Action.
We are skilled in designing structured
and semi-structured interview schedules, in consultation with
the client. Both face to face and over the telephone we establish
trust and rapport, creating an environment in which the interviewee
is able to give their own account while being held within
the scope of the enquiry. Being aware of subjectivity we build
safeguards against this to ensure the interviewees’
words are objectively ‘heard’ and analysed. For
case study examples of this method click on Association
of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and
Public
Law Project (PLP) and National Association for Voluntary and
Community Action (NAVCA).
Focus group discussions are a valuable
tool to obtain greater insight into issues raised in quantitative
data (for example from survey findings) and their inter-relationships.
We create a safe and non- judgemental atmosphere that ensures
participants are able to fully describe their experiences
and express their views with confidence. We analyse them using
a matrix method in order to identify recurring and minor themes.
For examples click on Worcestershire
Infrastructure Consortium, Nottingham
Trent University and Notting
Hill Housing Trust.
There is usually a range of stakeholders
that have an interest in and influence over the area of work
a client is undertaking. We often recommend consulting with
stakeholders but recognise that whilst these views are important
they may also be sensitive or controversial. We therefore offer
confidentiality to stakeholders and ensure their views are included
anonymously. For examples click on Governance
Hub and Wychavon
Community Action.
Individuals and communities, as purchasers
and users of services, have a breadth of knowledge and experience
that yields useful data for many projects. We have sought
their views through self completion surveys, face to face
surveys, focus group discussions and community events. For
example click on Golborne
United.
Research often reveals very different
perspectives from the range of agencies involved. A Round
Table Discussion can enable all parties to hear and understand
each other’s perspective, and to reach a common agreement
about the way forward. A format that we have used has involved
experts making a series of brief presentations as a prompt
for discussion. For examples click on Department
for Transport and Governance
Hub.
We undertake analysis of national and
local statistics, and of data generated from our own research
for clients. We believe that the quality of the data relies
on the research questions and topic guides being clear and
comprehensive. We use the matrix method to analyse our qualitative
findings and are trained in the use of Nvivo software. For
examples click on Commission
for Architecture and the Built Environment and
Department
for Transport.
These can provide an independent understanding
of the working of an initiative. They can be used –
for example - to observe an initiative as it is experienced
by users, or the situations and problems that staff encounter
during the normal course of their work. In order not to influence
behaviour, the researcher does not identify themselves to
either staff or members of the public. For example click on
Department
for Transport.
We prepare a report for the client
in a format agreed in advance with them. This usually consists
of an executive summary giving a concise overview, a methodology
section explaining how the research was conducted, a discussion
of the key findings of the research, conclusions and recommendations.
Any statistical data, survey or discussion group findings
are, where possible, analysed in terms of the profile of the
respondents (for example, by gender, ethnicity and age).
Our reports are written in plain English
so that they are accessible to a non-technical audience. Any
technical jargon is fully explained. |
Whether a client wants a specific question
researched like that of Nottingham
Trent University or the Department
for Transport or asks for an evaluation
to be undertaken similar to that carried out for Golborne
SRB, or wishes to know the needs of
their clients like the Black
Country Change Up Consortium, we adopt
a similar process.
We consider the client’s brief, identify
the most appropriate research tools (quantitative and/or qualitative)
which would achieve the best results and we provide the client
with a detailed, costed proposal and delivery timetable. Before
commencing the work, we like to meet with clients to ensure
the proposal matches their needs and revise it if necessary.
Each contract is project managed in order to achieve timely
outcomes and a quality service. |
Research skills