Essential management guidance for real-world applied research
projects
Managing Applied Social Research equips you with the skills,
strategies, and knowledge you need to effectively manage research
projects. Written by a team of nationally-known researchers, this book
covers the systematic management of applied social research studies from
'soup to nuts, ' providing researchers with an easy-to-follow process
and the tools and templates for improving the quality, ethical conduct,
and usefulness of the final products. The authors merge expertise
adapted from the field of project management with their decades of
experience in using established research methodologies and practices to
offer readers; practical examples and insights gleaned from major
research houses such as Rand, Urban Institute, Mathematica, American
Institutes for Research, and others. Key concepts and methodologies are
systematically unpacked, with detailed discussion of both theoretical
bases and practical applications in the field. Written in plain English,
the case studies and vignettes illustrate typical approaches to
different scenarios, and the checklists, templates, and other tools
provide guides for action.
Starting from basic social research strategies, you'll build an
understanding of applied research issues and how projects are best
managed in a messy, imperfect world. From conceptualization and proposal
through implementation, analysis, and reporting, this book helps you
lead your projects to success.
- Learn the skills and concepts necessary to effectively manage applied
research projects for the social science disciplines
- Anticipate and prepare for common challenges and obstacles
- Understand the various roles and their requisite tasks and
responsibilities
- Learn strategies for making effective decisions about a study's scope,
work, schedule, people, budget, and risks during each phase of the
research study
Social science research is an essential well of information upon which
society is run. Proper management is the key to any research project's
success, and success becomes more critical in the field given the
potential ramifications in terms of policy and its effects on real,
everyday people. Managing Applied Social Research provides sound
guidance and expert insight with an essential real-world focus.
