Introduction/Overview

Anyone asked to conduct a research or evaluation project or study - small or large - faces the challenge of how best to manage this. University and professional training in research (and evaluation) principles and methods have long neglected this vital aspect of successfully delivering projects. More recently, shrinking budgets and timetables (but not expectations) have added to the challenges for those leading research projects and intensified the need for more structured approaches to project management. Using a mixture of shared slides, interactive sessions and exercises in small groups, this practical course provides an intensive introduction to how to rise to these challenges using tried and tested methods. It is aimed at participants from all sectors, those new to project management in research and evaluation, and those who may have some experience but are looking to widen their knowledge of structured approaches.

Course objectives

• To introduce the role of effective project management in the project cycle
• To be aware of what underpins effective research project management
• To consider what makes an effective project framework plan, and how it is used to meet realistic research and evaluation needs
• To review the use of team resources, roles and systems in effective management of research and evaluation studies
• To identify pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Topics

• The four pillar approach to effective research and evaluation management
• Setting a fit for purpose management framework and project plan which meets realistic expectations for research or evaluation deliverables
• Using the project cycle approach to plan the organisation of the project, team roles and responsibilities, and for its oversight and delivery controls
• Managing to meet research and user needs through task management, responding to issues and snags, and identifying and avoiding risks and pitfalls
• Meeting challenges of R&E team management by balancing ‘control’ with ‘empowerment’
• Using appropriate information and communications technology - options for research management templates and managing intra-team communication

Who will benefit

Social researchers across sectors who are new to research project management or who wish to extend their knowledge of systematic approaches to managing research projects and programmes.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course participants will:

• Have a broad understanding of the contribution of project management in meeting client and funders expectations of research
• Have a practical awareness of the success factors (and constraints) that contribute to effective research project management
• Have an awareness of how to manage team resources, roles, responsibilities and systems to support effective and on-time delivery
• Have an understanding of how to apply this awareness responsively to effective research project planning, problem solving and delivery.

Course tutor

Sally Cupitt started working as an evaluator in 1999. Now freelance, she previously ran evaluation and impact consultancy teams at NCVO and Charities Evaluation Services. Sally has carried out a wide range of external evaluations and helped hundreds of organisations self-evaluate, through training or consultancy support. She has helped organisations develop theories of change, and used these as the framework for evaluation plans and processes.

Sally has made a significant contribution to the practice of evaluation in the UK voluntary sector, writing some of the first widely-used publications in the field. She developed CES’ outcomes-focused training and co-designed and co-delivered the pioneering, award-winning National Outcomes Programme (2004-11), cascading outcomes training through England. She has worked on a number of cross-sectoral initiatives to improve evaluation skills in the UK, including Measuring Social Value, the Impact Management Programme and Inspiring Impact.

  This course contributes 6 hours to the MRS CPD programme

Looking to book for four or more people from your organisation? Please let us know before booking by emailing: [email protected]