Applied research

BSBRES801 Initiate and lead applied research

This unit is about planning, conducting and reporting applied research to influence strategic practices and outcomes within an organizational context. The unit also covers constructing an applied research strategy, using a range of applied research.

This unit applies to leaders or managers using applied research to ensure learning can improve individual, team and organizational performance. The intended purpose and approach to applied research may vary across a range of contexts and organizations. In this unit, the focus is on applied research to improve organizational outcomes by means of leading a range research activities and techniques. In all cases, research is applied, that it, it is used to improve the practices of the organization. Consequently, if research is theoretical then the student must demonstrate its applicability.

 

Three assessment roles

There are three possible roles in which you can be assessed for this unit. Whichever role you are assessed in, you must still write and present at least one research paper yourself. The three roles are:

  1. As leader of a team of researchers
  2. As a researcher doing research yourself
  3. As a leader who finds relevant research and applies it in Evidence Based Practice (EBP).

Asssessment as leader of a team of researchers
Evidence must include:
• A team research strategy that addresses the requirements below
• At least one research paper

Asssessment as a researcher doing research yourself
Evidence must include two research reports of at least 2,000 words each, or one major research report of at least 4,000 words, using at least two distinctly different research methodologies. Expect your assessor to interview you on the content of your research after you hand it in.

Asssessment as a leader in applying Evidence Based practice (EBP)
Evidence must include:
• An organizational EBP strategy that addresses the requirements below (i.e. proposal, design, reporting)
• Application of specific items of research for EBP
• At least one research paper

Specific assessment requirements

RE

  1. Plan, conduct and report on applied research relevant to organisational strategic practices and outcomes
  2. Formulate a research proposal or plan which includes:
    1. Specific research questions or hypotheses
    2. Valid population or sample size
    3. Description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context within which the research will be carried out
    4. Full description of the data collection methods
    5. Analysis of the limitations to research design including the reliability and validity of data
  3. Design an applied research project using applied research tools and techniques
  4. Document and present research findings including analysis of data, valid and reliable findings and recommendations for further research.

Example research paper plan

  1. Choose a topic that is relevant to improving your organization's strategic practices and outcomes
  2. Write a proposal that includes:
    1. a specific research question or hypothesis
    2. state why this research is important and relevant
    3. a description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context
    4. full description of the methodology, including valid population or sample size, methods of data collection and analysis
    5. statement of the limitations of the research design including the reliability and validity of data.
  3. Write your paper including purpose, method, data, analysis of data, findings, application, and recommendations for further research.
  4. Present your paper according to your organization's guidelines for a formal report.

 

Other assessment requirements

CA

You will be assessed in a safe environment that is typical of applied research, and will need access to sufficient real situations to do your research. You will also need suitable business technology, relevant workplace policies and procedures, relevant legislation and codes of conduct.

Your assessor might choose to visit and observe you on the job and/or ask your supervisor for a reference.

Interview/assignment based on the requirements below.

 

Interview/assignment questions

RK

  1. Describe your organization’s communication system for doing applied research.
  2. Give three examples of applied research methodology (including data collections tools) and explain how they are applied.
  3. Your research methods.
    1. Explain your methods and tools for collecting data.
    2. Why did you choose the methodology that you did?
    3. Explain your methods for analyzing data.
    4. How did you use technology and technology services for collecting and analyzing data?
  4. What privacy and freedom of information legislation applies to handling or storing data?
  5. What other legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to handling or storing data?
  6. Describe your techniques for research presentation.
  7. Describe your method(s) of reporting to superiors.
  8. If you did research with human subjects, what ethical code did you follow?
  9. Explain briefly the key points of the code of research ethics.

Note: Your assessor may also ask you a variety of what if questions.

 

Detailed requirements

1. Devise an applied research strategy. El 1/PC, RS

  1. Clarify and confirm applied research purpose and needs of the target group.
  2. Determine policies and procedures for doing applied research.
  3. Establish ways of systematically collecting and maintaining data.
  4. Analyse factors affecting the reliability and validity of data.
  5. Review relevant research ethics and codes of conduct.
  6. Prepare applied research strategy and hypothesis.
  7. Frame a research strategy, in consideration of available tools and resources.

 

2. Use a range of applied research techniques. El 2/PC, RS

  1. Review and evaluate a range of applied research methods, theories and data collection techniques.
  2. Select appropriate methods to gather and analyse data.
  3. Use, as appropriate, suitable technology and technology services to support data collection and analysis.
  4. Access appropriate sources of information and contributors relevant to the research.
  5. Get optimum relevance of the research by getting maximum integrity of the research data collected and analysis.

 

3. Analyse and present your findings. El 3/PC, RS

  1. Evaluate how research findings such as trends and changes will affect learning strategy.
  2. Check that data and research findings have accurate details and adhere to any legal and ethical requirements.
  3. Collate and analyse data for relevance to the original research strategy.
  4. Document and present your research findings in a clear and logical manner consistent with your audience's needs.
  5. Identify the need for further research and suggest appropriate approaches.

 

4. Other.

  1. Manage tasks and contingencies on the job.

 

Code for unit reqts:
CA: Conditions of assessment
El/PC: Element & criteria
RE: Required evidence
RK: Required knowledge
RS: Required skills