Managing research

1 Research project management

Researchers face unique problems in the design and management of their research. We offer workshops tailored to your institutional needs that can run over one day or two days, or longer. We look at the qualities of good research and good researchers, how to understand the research environment, the origins and formulation of ideas and research problems, defining the problem, planning the research and costing projects. Project simulation exercises support the learning experience which is directed to a systematic approach to project design. We include a discussion of the principles of preparing grant applications.

In the management of research we can explore ways in which objectives can be set and measured, how research is validated, how to select and work with collaborators and the recruitment of staff or students to contribute to the project. The principles of time management are revealed and the ways success can be achieved and measured discussed.These workshops can be prepared for research students or research and academic staff, or for a mixed audience selected according to learning need.

2 Preparing for the doctoral examination

Research students face a complex and sometimes very testing examination at the end of their degree programme. In this half-day workshop we break down the processes and stages into simple components and discuss each one. What are examiners asked to do and what do they look for? We consider the way the thesis will be assessed and the purpose of the viva voce examination, how the candidate can prepare for the interview and engage with the examiners in an active dialogue.

An important part is for the candidate to understand how their research fits into a larger picture, what they have actually achieved and what their research may mean. The workshop involves role play and simulation of the viva voce, and participants are given suggestions for specific things they can do to prepare for the examination. We talk about the rules and regulations, and the possible outcomes and their meaning.

We look at the importance of understanding - half day. Regulations and purpose of the exam. Building a positive confident approach.

3 Managing your supervisor

A different slant on supervision: this half-day workshop is for graduate research students introducing them to the principles of supervision – as seen from both sides – and encouraging them to make the most of the supervision available to them. The premise is that understanding the behaviour and preferences of supervisors, and the demands placed upon them, and finding ways to express their own expectations and objectives will significantly help research students to maximize the benefits of supervision, and other resources, in their research programme.

The workshop involves short presentations and discussion and can, on request, include study of case histories.