Those who conduct research to inform policy and public action do not always do so at the international level, and they do not always conduct pure research within academia. Therefore this collection of 13 articles addresses a broad range of practical needs of those involved in policy research across an equally varied set of disciplines. Topics include reasons for conducting research, including the need for information and policy change, the boundaries for thinking and action to meet those needs, and means of raising awareness and communicating results. Contributors also describe conducting literature studies, interpreting institutional communications, using people as informants, conducting fair and objective research, and making the most of participatory methods, along with thinking quantitatively, using evidence in advocacy, creating organizational assessments and taking on challenging and high profile cases. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Instructors: Please click here to request a review copy of this title for adoption consideration.Desk copies are available by calling 1-800-818-7243.This book is a critical guide to conducting investigations under time- and resource-pressured conditions, equipping readers with the key skills and approaches for research designed to influence or inform development policies. Unlike a simple how to guide, Research Skills for Policy and Development also provides a critique of various methods and situates these approaches within real life organisational settings, enabling those working in or studying development to locate, evaluate and use relevant information quickly but rigorously. The successor to Finding Out Fast (SAGE, 1998) it reflects the changes in development management theories and practice over the last seven years, and includes new material and advice on critical use of the web as a resource and research tool. It is essential reading for development managers in NGOs and public sector agencies as well as students of development management and development studies more generally.
