An issue for community organisations is that they are not funded for research and often have limited funds to initiate such projects on their own.
There are a couple of solutions to this problem. Firstly look to partner up with other like-minded community organisations. Identify organisations with similar aims to that of your organisation, someone who will actually benefit from the results of the research. Approach your local tertiary provider. Universities, TAFE's and Polytech's offer course in psychology, applied research, quality, marketing etc. Students in their final year of these courses are keen to undertake research projects. Often all they require is for their costs, not salaries, to be met. In return they get real world experience, they produce something that will be use and they retain a copy of the final report to use for their own purposes.
Every community organisation can benefit from applied research. It might be an audit of existing programs, research into how consumers percieve the value of programs, or even seeking opportunities for growth. Funding bodies appreciate evidence of need to support funding submissions.
Student researchers are not an alternative to consultants and they are not suitable for all projects. Students have only limited experience and limited time yet in some circumstances the funding simply isnt there for consultants and therefore students can be a good alternative.
Let The Journey Continue
John Coxon
Taking You From Frontline Manager to CEO
Email john@johncoxon.com.au
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