Research Reference

Internet research can be quick, easy, and abundant 7 but also challenging. Research sites sometimes come and go, and sources can be questionable. The Business Research Solutions Series provides comprehensive business and financial research reference guides and online training manuals to bridge a major gap in the field of online research methodology. This resourceful and innovative eight-volume series of reference guides teaches readers how to approach a research problem, how to select the best online sources, and how to effectively use these sources. It also suggests alternate low-cost solutions for many standard questions and problems. A must-have for professionals involved in company research, these invaluable tools provide step-by-step advice on how to analyze, interpret, and present data for informed decision-making.Introduction to Online Competitive Analysis Research gives you the tools you need to stay ahead of your competitor's moves. Numerous typical problem scenarios with suggested research strategies are included. Step-by-step methodology takes you through the CI research process, including planning and direction, data collection, analysis and dissemination.Like all the titles in the Business Research Series, this book is conveniently divided into four sections containing a number of business research applications that can be used for both in-house research training and reference.

Can research have an immediate practical benefit in the place where it is undertaken? Action research is a form of research closely linked to practice and can readily be undertaken by practitioners and service users. A Handbook for Action Research in Health and Social Care offers a comprehensive guide to action research as a strategy for inquiry and development in professional contexts with particular reference to health and social care. It features: -- an introduction to the theories behind action research and how these are related to other forms of research -- fully described case studies from social work, nursing, mental health care, community work and service-user research -- a step-by-step study guide. The theoretical section of the book provides a general definition of action research and compares action research with other forms of social research. It outlines the nature of a 'culture of inquiry' in the workplace and describes the links between action research and service-user research, management, community development, evaluation, reflective practice, feminist research and anti-racist research. The case studies show the variety of approaches possible in action research in a range of settings, for example: an acute surgical ward; a supported housing scheme for people with mental health problems; a Day Centre for people with profound learning disabilities, and a coronary care unit. They include examples of large and small-scale projects carried out by practitioners, managers and service-users. The practical study guide covers all stages of the research process from preparing a proposal, gathering and analysing data, to writing a final report. Issues arising fromthe ethics and principles of action research procedure and the links between action research and critical reflection are also explored.