Producing Research ‘Deliverables’

1. Producing Research ‘Deliverables’ Chapter 12

2. ‘It is of great importance that the general public be given the opportunity to experience, consciously and intelligently, the efforts and results of scientific research. It is not sufficient that each result be taken up, elaborated, and applied by few specialists in the field. Restricting the body of knowledge to a small group deadens the philosophical spirit of a people and leads to spiritual poverty.’ - Albert Einstein O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

3. The Key to ‘Deliverables’ • The key to the production of effective research ‘deliverables’ is • engaging communication • useful outcomes • broad dissemination in the real-world O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

4. Potential Deliverables • In addition to research accounts, research deliverables can include • recommendations • action plans • procedures, protocols, guidelines and programmes • tools and kits • prototypes and models • policy • education and awareness materials O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

5. Knowing your Audience • To write effectively you need to know your audience including • who they are • what they know • what they are likely to find useful • what their expectations are • what reactions they may have to your work O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

6. The Standard Structure • Your write-up can follow a standard structure that includes • introduction • literature review • methods • findings • conclusion O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

7. Alternative Structure • An alternative structure that may better suit a particular project’s aims and objectives • While alternative structures can allow for more creative expression, but it may not be what they tend to expect O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

8. Write as you go • Preparing research accounts and deliverables often involves a relatively unpractised from of writing that can be intimidating, so it’s well worth ‘writing as you go’ O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

9. Your ‘Story’ • Your research write-up should unfold as an interesting story. As the author of that story you need to • think of writing as a conversation • become familiar with the craft • find a voice • develop a structure • create a story line • make convincing arguments • get down to the business of writing and rewriting O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

10. Drafting • Moving from first to final draft is a multistage process that sees you working systematically through the development of • logic and argument • coherence and consistency • fluency and readability • copy editing O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

11. Dissemination • Once your project is complete you are likely to want broad dissemination • Options here include • community forums • workplace presentations • academic conferences • publications O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.

12. Utilization • You are likely to reach the ultimate goal of having your study affect change if you • construct meaningful questions • involve stakeholders • have political nous • ensure rigour in methods • produce credible findings, feasible recommendations, and tangible deliverables • communicate effectively • disseminate widely O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 12.