1. Research for advocacy

2. Benefits of research
Understanding why an issue is a problem to business
Understanding the scale & impact of the issue
Understanding the history & rationale for current public policy; understanding harm that regulation is designed to avoid
Understanding how changing public policy will help business & other stakeholders
Frame issue in clear language
Be able to communicate issue effectively

3. Identifying issues Important to members
Number of businesses affected (breadth)?
How are they affected (depth)?
Priority areas for Government
Chances of success?

4. Understanding the issue
History & rationale for public policy
Implications for business
Possible solutions
Public sector decision making processes
Current opinions and attitudes of policy makers

5. Structure your research
Define the problem
Identify who else is interested
Summarise what you already know
Fill in the gaps

6. Research techniques Secondary research Surveys Focus group discussion
Other BMOs
Research institutions
Government
Surveys
Face to face
Telephone
Semi-structured
Different stakeholder groups
Focus group discussion

7. Primary research Define problem Determine relevant information
Existing knowledge
Design research
Test out research
Do research
Analyse data & report on it
Analyse data & report on it
Use it
Use it

8. Stages in surveys

9. Focus groups 8-12 participants
Small number of questions, with opportunity to probe and assess whether issues are shared by group or peculiar to one participant
Quantitative and qualitative analysis

10. Structure your research
Define the problem
Identify who else is interested
Summarise what you already know
Fill in the gaps
Care with statistics

11. Cost benefit analysis Costs – usually accrue to business
Benefits – usually accrue to society
Present values

12. Structure your research
Define the problem
Identify who else is interested
Summarise what you already know
Fill in the gaps
Care with statistics
Develop responses
Prepare a formal policy proposal

13. Commissioning consultants
Terms of reference
Clarity about experience & expertise required
Clarity about evaluation criteria
Word of mouth & recommendation
Formal proposals
Panel assessment
Formal contracting

14. Next steps

15. wiki.businessadvocacy.net