Table of Contents

1. Understanding small- scale applied workplace based research
2. Finding your way through workplace
3. Developing practicable and valuable research questions
4. Doing the prep: Literature reviews, research plans & proposals
5. Working with existing data
6. Gathering primary data
7. Analysing your data
8. Producing effective deliverables

About the Author

Zina O’Leary is an internationally recognized leader in research methodologies and has a keen interest in the application of research to evidence-based decision-making. Zina is a Senior ­Fellow at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government where she coordinates research and project units for their Executive Masters and Executive Education Programmes. Zina also has an extensive history as a consultant to both government and the private sector and was the research coordinator for the Centre for Environmental Health Development at the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. She is the author of Researching Real World Problems, The Social Science Jargon Buster, Workplace Research and three books in Sage’s Little Quick Fix Series: Research Questions; Research Proposals; and Presenting Your Research.

 

Jennifer S. Hunt is the Internship Program Coordinator and Lecturer at the University of Sydney US Studies Centre. 

Reviews

A much needed book. Practical, full of examples, it will be a valuable companion to any student who undertakes workplace learning. More and more students are undertaking work placements and internships as part of their studies. O’Leary and Hunt’s book will help them to navigate the experience, define their research, and undertake it to benefit themselves and the workplace.
*Jackie Carter*

A must-have for anyone interested in doing or understanding applied small scale research projects in work places.  The readings stress the need for rigorous inquiry, designed and executed to produce findings which can inform organisational decision making.  In line with its emphasis on practicality and relevance, the book also advises how to proceed with limited resources (including time) with a special focus on projects done on internships and placements – a very valuable contribution. 
*Keith Punch*