1. Research Project Management Dr.A.Indira Centre for Poverty Studies and Rural Development, ASCI Capacity Building for Principals of DIETs 14 th March 2007

2. Learning Objectives What is research? Generating a proposal Project management objectives Project life cycle Diagram networks of project activities Estimate the completion time of a project Determine how to reduce the length of a project effectively

3. if you want it done right, you may as well do it yourself

4. Research? Basic Research Applied (Action) Research Action research -- a form of self-reflective enquiry undertaken by participants in social situations to improve the rationality understanding the practices, and the situations in which carried out

5. TOPICFORMAL RESEARCHACTION RESEARCH Training needed by researcherExtensiveOn own or with consultation Goals of researchKnowledge that is generalizableKnowledge to apply to the local situation Method of identifying the problem to be studied Review of previous researchProblems or goals currently faced Procedure for literature reviewExtensive, using primary sourcesMore cursory, using secondary sources Sampling approachRandom or representative samplingStudents or clients with whom they work Research designRigorous control, long time frameLooser procedures, change during study; quick time frame; control through triangulation Measurement proceduresEvaluate and pretest measuresConvenient measures or standardized tests Data analysisStatistical tests; qualitative techniquesFocus on practical, not statistical significance; present raw data Application of resultsEmphasis on theoretical significanceEmphasis on practical significance

6. Community-based action research --explicit set of social values is democratic, enabling the participation of all people. is equitable, acknowledging peoples equality of worth. is liberating, providing freedom from oppressive, debilitating conditions. is life enhancing, enabling the expression of peoples full human potential. (Stringer 1999: 9-10)

7. Resources Public knowledge -- published" or made public. Collaborative knowledge -- field incident database. Shared personal knowledge -- notes, memos, job aids Experiential knowledge -- experiential knowledge space. A set of tools, test resources, and emulation systems which can simulate any of several customer operating environments

8. Kurt Lewin, 1940s

9. Generating a Proposal Idea –hypothesis Methodology Budget –heads Time Scheduling Manpower

10. What is a project? –Any endeavor with objectives –With multiple activities –With defined precedent relationships –With a specific time period for completion Examples? –A major event like a wedding –Any construction project –Designing a political campaign

11. Five Project Life Cycle Phases Conception: identify the need Feasibility analysis or study: costs benefits, and risks Planning: who, how long, what to do? Execution: doing the project Termination: ending the project

12. Steps for Classroom Action Research Decide on a question--Meaningful and important to you.Decide on a question Read literature on your topic Plan your overall research strategy and data collection strategiesresearch strategydata collection strategies Collect data (refine methods as needed) Make sense of the data (qualitative and/or quantitative) Reach conclusions about your question. What is the practical significance of your findings? Take action based on your conclusions Share your findings with others

13. Network Planning Techniques Program Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT): –Developed to manage the Polaris missile project –Many tasks pushed the boundaries of science & engineering (tasks duration = probabilistic) Critical Path Method (CPM): –Developed to coordinate maintenance projects in the chemical industry –A complex undertaking, but individual tasks are routine (tasks duration = deterministic)

14. Both PERT and CPM Graphically display the precedence relationships & sequence of activities Estimate the projects duration Identify critical activities that cannot be delayed without delaying the project Estimate the amount of slack associated with non-critical activities

15. Gantt Chart Showing Each Activity Finished at the Earliest Possible Start Date

16. The Critical Chain Approach The Critical Chain Approach focuses on the project due date rather than on individual activities and the following realities: –Project time estimates are uncertain so we add safety time –Multi-levels of organization may add additional time to be safe –Individual activity buffers may be wasted on lower-priority activities –A better approach is to place the project safety buffer at the end Original critical path Activity AActivity BActivity CActivity DActivity E Critical path with project buffer Activity A Activity B Activity CActivity D Activity E Project Buffer

17. Coping Strategies 1. Don't Give Up 2. Enlist the Help of Colleagues 3. Keep a Positive Attitude 4. Be Prepared to Compromise 5. Be Generous 6. Go Public 7. Join a Local Action Research Group 8. Establish a Reputation for Success 9. Publish Reports in Journals 10. Have Faith in Your Own Personal Knowledge

18. Most formidable challenges capturing expert/novice and peer-to-peer exchanges, making this information readily accessible to anyone who requires it at a particular moment and context. developing a strong sense of ownership among team members, leading to greater levels of collaboration, sharing, and knowledge documentation. finding processes and modes of access that best fit the working styles and preferences of team members

20. Thank you!