Publisher's Synopsis
The Informed Association: A Practical Guide to Using Research for Results will help you understand the importance of data-based decision making and the limitations of the data; making it more important than ever to know what the right questions are to ask and how to gather data in a way that will be meaningful and useful. Gaining knowledge through research will let you prioritise investments and resources for success in a competitive environment. Outlining all the essential principles you'll need to consider to get started through research design phase and implementation, you'll get all the insight you need to create a well-thought-out research plan. With detailed definitions, example charts, and case-studies throughout to help illustrate how associations can and have used research to help move themselves forward in an every-day environment, this is truly a resource that will give you guidance. Throughout the guide you'll learn: Why we use data to make decisionsWhen to say ""no"" to a research projectHow to manage the research process internally or through a vendorHow to create and develop a research plan to guide your projectWhat collection methods can work for you and how to determine and recruit your survey audienceThe ethical issues that arise when conducting researchHow to analyse and interpret data resultsTo identify common pitfalls and errors to avoidWhich medium is best for conveying your results to an audiencePlus, each chapter starts off with learning objectives so you can easily reference and find the information you're looking for, and ends with ""Questions to Ask Yourself"" to help you develop and assess what you've learned and how it can be applied to your own association as you move forward. Let your data guide the way!
