Research and Evaluation Project Management
Date:
16/09/2024
Organised by:
Social Research Association
Presenter:
Professor David Parsons
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Patricia Cornell
training@the-sra.org.uk
Venue: Online
Description:
Introduction/Overview
Anyone asked to conduct a research or evaluation project or study - small or large - faces the challenge of how best to manage this. University and professional training in research (and evaluation) principles and methods have long neglected this vital aspect of successfully delivering projects. More recently, shrinking budgets and timetables (but not expectations) have added to the challenges for those leading research projects and intensified the need for more structured approaches to project management. Using a mixture of shared slides, interactive sessions and exercises in small groups, this practical course provides an intensive introduction to how to rise to these challenges using tried and tested methods. It is aimed at participants from all sectors, those new to project management in research and evaluation, and those who may have some experience but are looking to widen their knowledge of structured approaches.
Course objectives
To introduce the role of effective project management in the project cycle
To be aware of what underpins effective research project management
To consider what makes an effective project framework plan, and how it is used to meet realistic research and evaluation needs
To review the use of team resources, roles and systems in effective management of research and evaluation studies
To identify pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Topics
The four pillar approach to effective research and evaluation management
Setting a fit for purpose management framework and project plan which meets realistic expectations for research or evaluation deliverables
Using the project cycle approach to plan organisation, team roles and responsibilities, oversight and controls for delivery of research or evaluation projects
Managing to meet research and user needs through task management, responding to issues and snags, and identifying and avoiding risks and pitfalls
Meeting challenges of R&E team management by balancing ‘control’ with ‘empowerment’
Using appropriate information and communications technology - options for research management templates and managing intra-team communication
Who will benefit
Social researchers across sectors who are new to research project management or who wish to extend their knowledge of systematic approaches to managing research projects and programmes.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course participants will:
Have a broad understanding of the contribution of project management in meeting client and funders expectations of research
Have a practical awareness of the success factors (and constraints) that contribute to effective research project management
Have an awareness of how to manage team resources, roles, responsibilities and systems to support effective and on-time delivery
Have an understanding of how to apply this awareness responsively to effective research project planning, problem solving and delivery.
Course tutor
Professor David Parsons is a highly experienced policy researcher and evaluator of public programmes in the UK and Europe. He has held faculty posts at three UK universities, is a past advisor to the National Economic Development Office, European Commission, ESRC and UKCES, and former director of a successful policy research company. David has directed and co-directed numerous research and evaluation studies for government, non-departmental public bodies and others in the UK, and for international bodies. He brings to this course very wide practical experience of project planning, task and team management, and of how to manage projects responsively to meet project (and client) expectations on time and to specification.
Cost:
£165 for SRA members, £220 for non-members
Website and registration:
Region:
International
Keywords:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Quality and Data Management , Research Management and Impact, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination
Related publications and presentations:
Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Quality and Data Management
Research Management and Impact
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination