Initiate Applied Research

Vision Colleges

Vision International College offers BSBINS603 Initiate and lead applied research to students in the Graduate Certificate in Christian ministry and Theology.  Applied research seeks to solve a specific problem or provide innovative solutions to issues affecting individuals, groups, or society. It is often referred to as a scientific method of inquiry or contractual research because it involves applying scientific methods to everyday problems.

When conducting applied research, the researcher takes extra care to identify a problem, develop a research hypothesis, and test these hypotheses via an experiment. This research approach employs empirical methods to solve practical problems in many cases.

In the book of Acts Ch 6, the church saw a need and responded by appointing men to resolve the issue.  By today's standards a rather crude but effective form of applied research.  As the church grew, the needs changed and became evident, and sometimes the growth created the problem.

The church of the 21st century lives in a world vastly different from the days of the book of Acts. At the same time, our message does not change our application must.  The needs of the people differ greatly from city to city, suburb to suburb and nation to nation—the impact of national and international legislation affects what we can do and how we can do it.

Too often, the church is bound in tradition and form simply because we do not investigate, inquire, or seek out problems and solutions. Consequently, the local church and even denominations risk becoming irrelevant to their community.

This unit will assist the graduate in recognising and solving issues that need to be addressed.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct and report on applied research to influence strategic practices and outcomes within the context of our church or any organisation. The unit also covers constructing an applied research strategy, using a range of applied research techniques, and analysing and presenting findings.

The unit applies to leaders or managers who use applied research to enhance individual, team and organisational performance. The intended purpose and approach to applied research may vary across various contexts and organisations. In this unit, the focus is on applied research to attain improved organisational outcomes.

Learning

• Evaluates and reflect on the need for research to contribute to ongoing organisational improvement

Reading

• Collects, analyses, compares and evaluates textual information from a range of resources to inform research strategies.

Writing

• Develops texts dealing with complex ideas and concepts
• Uses specialised and detailed language to convey explicit information, requirements and recommendations in accordance with legal, ethical and organisational requirements

Oral Communication

• Uses specialised vocabulary appropriate to context and audience to discuss and confirm research requirements
• Applies listening and questioning techniques to check or confirm understanding

Numeracy

• Applies knowledge of mathematical information to statistically analyse data and identify possible trends and confirm the reliability

Self-management

• Takes responsibility for determining applicable organisational policies and procedures and considering legal and ethical obligations
• Monitors adherence to legal and regulatory rights and responsibilities for self and others

Planning and organising

Develops plans for complex activities, regularly reviewing priorities and performance during implementation, identifying and addressing issues as they arise

Performance Criteria

1. Plan and develop an applied research strategy

1.1 Clarify and confirm the applied research purpose and requirements of relevant stakeholders

1.2 Identify policies and procedures in relation to conducting applied research

1.3 Establish methods for collecting and maintaining data in a systematic manner

1.4 Analyse factors affecting the reliability and validity of data

1.5 Review relevant research ethics and codes of conduct

1.6 Prepare applied research strategy and hypothesis

1.7 Frame a research strategy according to available tools and resources

1.8 Review and evaluate a range of applied research methods, theories and data collection techniques

1.9 Select methods to gather and analyse data according to the research strategy

2  Use a range of applied research techniques

2.1 Use suitable technology and technology services to support data collection and analysis

2.2 Access sources of information and contributors relevant to the research

2.3 Confirm the integrity of the data collected and analysis tools used

3  Analyse and present findings

3.1 Evaluate how research findings such as trends and changes will impact on requirements of relevant stakeholders

3.2 Review data and research findings for accuracy of details and adherence to any legal requirements

3.3 Collate and analyse data for relevance against the originally applied research strategy

3.4 Document and present research findings in a clear and logical manner consistent with stakeholder requirements

3.5 Identify the need for, and approach to, further research as required

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

• plan, conduct and report on applied research relevant to organisational strategic practices and outcomes on at least one occasion.

In the course of the above, the candidate must:

• formulate a research proposal or plan which includes:
• specific research questions or hypotheses
• valid population or sample size
• description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context within which the research will be carried out
• full description of the data collection methods
• analysis of the limitations of research design, including the reliability and validity of data
• Document and present research findings, including analysis of data, valid and reliable findings and recommendations for further research.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

• organisational communication processes and methods
• data collection and analysis methods, including the use of technology and technology services
• legal requirements, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to research
• common presentation techniques and reporting methods
• applied research tools and methods and how they are applied
• organisational policies and procedures are relevant to performance evidence.

Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

• workplace policies and procedures relevant to performance evidence
• legislation and codes of conduct relevant to research.