Research
A large part of our work involves different forms of research. The two key methods are desk research and case study research.
The desk research we undertake can involve a combination of the following elements: formal literature reviews; web-based research; searches of academic and commercial libraries; document review; secondary data analysis.
One resource which has added value to a number of studies is the IDOX search facility which enables a review of published public sector documents and unpublished ‘grey literature’. This often reveals research and evaluation carried out in similar or related sectors.
We use software such as Excel and SPSS to analyse secondary data and to maximise the analytical potential which can avoid expensive primary research.
We make extensive use of case studies as a means to understand, in greater detail, specific units of analysis. For example, a case study may involve a more detailed visit to a project and consultation with the project manager, project stakeholders and project beneficiaries. This has the potential to highlight good practice or areas for development. Alternatively it can help to describe a range of different approaches to similar challenges. In another context a case study might describe an individual’s background and how they might have benefited from a particular intervention.
For some projects we use case studies as a means to sample projects within a programme. Depending on the number of projects, and the selection method, this can be a very cost effective means of understanding a complex programme.