The following methods may be particularly useful at this particular stage in the research process.
There are many elements of the research and impact process that can benefit from an online discussion e.g. collecting ideas or input, sharing progress, planning dissemination activity, sharing findings. Pretty much any point that could be helped by a discussion, could benefit from an online discussion. The added advantage of holding that discussion or conversation […]
Twitter is a micro blogging social network that limits updates to no more than 140 characters. Like any social network the benefits only become clear after investment of time and effort in building your network and contacts (see Network Building), however it can be a great way to reach new audiences, or specialists in your […]
While they can be stand alone events in their own right, workshops are often used alongside Conferences or Unconferences. The key to a good workshop is that they utilise a group of interested people in the room, to do the work. Identify a theme or topic that you wish to focus on e.g. it could […]
A stakeholder map is a visual or physical representation of the various groups and individuals involved with your research. The creation of a stakeholder map ensures that you have an awareness (and record) of potential influencers, collaborators, partners and other players to consider throughout your research and impact activity. Draw up a list of all […]
An unconference seeks to avoid many of the elements of traditional conferences, including fees and top-down agenda setting. Instead an open space methodology is used to set the agenda, on the day. This guarantees that those present address issues that are important and relevant to them. Despite being an unconference, it still requires preparation and […]
Podcasts have grown in popularity in recent years as an easy way for people to access information. The term podcast refers to a downloadable series of audio or video files. They allow research information to be accessed at the listeners convenience e.g. while in the gym or travelling, and consequently social care practitioners report that […]
Developing a network of supporters and people interested in your work is useful for individuals, research projects and departments or research groups. Network building is the effort applied to increase the size, activity or intensity of a part of the whole of the network. Identify stakeholders (see Stakeholder Mapping Tool) Identify core and peripheral members and network […]
Blogs are online websites made up of a series of discrete posts. They have grown in popularity over the last decade and are increasingly being used as support for conducting research, gathering information and opinion, and sharing expertise. A good tool for individual, project or departmental use. Building your digital footprint is highly recommended as a way to […]