Applied Research Methods in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (ePub)

A complete guide to applied research, featuring original data
and detailed case studies

Applied Research Methods in Public and Nonprofit
Organizations takes an integrative approach to applied
research, emphasizing design, data collection, and analysis. Common
case studies across chapters illustrate the everyday nature of
research, and practical exercises reinforce concepts across all
sections of the text. The book includes forms and formats for data
collection and analysis, plus writing excerpts that demonstrate
results reporting and presentation. The accompanying instructor's
guide features assignments, discussion questions, and exercises
referenced in the book, and the authors' own data sets are
available for use online.

Conducting research, analyzing results, and synthesizing the
findings for key stakeholders is fundamental to the study and
practice of public and nonprofit management. Aligned with
management curriculum for both sectors, the book focuses on the
common ground these organizations share when it comes to planning,
conducting, and using research in day-to-day professional
activities. The original research examples presented are in the
context of this shared commonality, including resource acquisition,
evaluative processes, and future planning through the lens of
common social policy issues facing leaders today. Topics
include:

* The research process and applied research designs

* Applied research questions and literature

* Data collection in the field and survey research

* Data analysis, writing, and presentation

The examples highlight intergovernmental institutions in which
public service occurs, and provide expanded reach to nonprofit
organizations and the networked collaborations that make up a
significant portion of today's public service. For students and
practitioners of public administration, public policy, and
nonprofit management, Applied Research Methods in Public and
Nonprofit Organizations provides a comprehensive reference to
this critical skillset.