Public Administration Researchers Learn Research Skills
by Nur Şat, Associate Professor, Hitit University, Türkiye
(originally published on March 12th, 2024)
In this blog post, I am going to present to you the Public Administration (PA) training program on qualitative research methods that took place between June 8-10, 2023.
Our project experience can guide academics interested in organizing projects The main goal of our project is to enrich the competencies in qualitative research by bringing together master's students and related academics in the field of PA to better grasp fundamental concepts such as ontology and epistemology. This project emphasizes a deep understanding of the qualitative approach and its effective use in practice. This project emphasizes a deep understanding of the qualitative approach and its effective use in practice.
The qualitative research approach is indispensable for deeply understanding and illuminating complex social phenomena in various disciplines of social sciences.
The discipline of PA is particularly notable for such research due to its intertwined nature with various layers of society and its role in shaping current policies.
To address gaps in knowledge and skills in qualitative research methods, the organizing committee developed an applied training project specifically for the field of PA.
We promoted the program via coordinators' and trainers' social media and NGO communications.
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), under the 2237-A support program, provided participants with a free training workshop.
This workshop was presented via the Microsoft Teams© online platform to reach a wide audience cost-effectively and efficiently.
The Project Poster
Our training included practical research proposal work in Microsoft Teams© breakout rooms.
This approach allowed our researchers to identify new and original study topics, develop their analytical skills, and exchange ideas with trainers.
The project website was designed on wix.com by the project coordinator to meet the requirements set by TÜBİTAK. A mobile-friendly version of the website has also been created.
It is maintained after the training to ensure continuity.
For content, visuals were created using the paid services of canva.com.
The website lists details like project goals, scope, team, content, schedule, and application info.
Additionally, the project blog published articles and book reviews on qualitative research techniques with regular weekly updates.
The website content is Turkish only. According to analytics, the website received visits from 1,998 different IP addresses over a six-month period and continues to attract interest.
As of February 2024, the site has reached its first anniversary and will remain active until August 28, 2025.
We would be pleased if you visit our website: https://www.kamuyonetimindenitelarastirma2237a.org/
Now let's focus on the development process of the project:
Being registered in the Türkiye Researchers Information System (ARBİS) and working in the field of PA or being an academician in this field were determined as application requirements.
Out of 70 applications, 60 met the criteria and the results were announced on the project website.
All 46 eligible participants were sent a customized PDF certificate, either for participation or achievement, via email according to their respective qualifications.
The instructors were individuals holding academic titles, and the participants consisted of faculty members from various universities as well as public employees from different governmental institutions. The instructors delivered the following courses to the participants:
The Impact of Qualitative Research in PA on Society
Conceptual Framework of Qualitative Research in PA
Philosophical Approaches and Interpretive Frameworks in Qualitative Research
Methodology in PA Research: Boundaries and Opportunities
Systematic Literature Analysis in Social Sciences
Use of Software in Qualitative Research: The MaxQDA Example
Discourse Analysis in Public Administration and Policy Analysis
The program provided a comprehensive 20 hours of theoretical training over three days.
Additionally, On the final day, participants were given the chance to present their research proposals and engage in individualized discussions with trainers for 3 hours through a structured activity on Microsoft Teams©. Feedback was solicited from each participant at the end of the final session. Subsequently, an in-depth evaluation form was made available on the website for a limited period, which all qualifying participants were encouraged to complete. A total of 38 forms were returned, yielding new ideas and insights.
In this survey form, the recommendation rate for the training workshop received the highest score at 92.1%; course content selection was rated as "Exceeds Expectations" by 65.7%.
The theoretical and practical gains provided by the training intended to be used in research processes in the field of PA and to increase scientific research capacity are as follows:
Development of Research Skills
During the event, participants gained comprehensive knowledge about data collection and analysis techniques by focusing on the ontological, epistemological, and methodological foundations of qualitative research.
In this process, they acquired skills in interpreting findings.
Research Proposal Design
Our participants enhanced their abilities to formulate research questions, create conceptual frameworks, and develop research designs.
We discussed what skills are necessary to plan the execution of qualitative research projects specific to the field of PA.
Our participants were able to focus on qualitative data collection and analysis techniques.
Writing Research Reports or Papers
Thanks to group work in our training workshop, participants had the opportunity to direct questions about their research studies to the instructors.
As a result, they contributed to research reports.
Presentations and Discussions
During this process, our participants tested their verbal communication skills and critical thinking abilities by having the chance to present their research findings and discuss them with peers and instructors.
Collaboration and Networking
The peer learning environment and exchange of ideas that emerged throughout the event excited the participants and laid the foundation for a supportive research community.
A few of our instructors have reported their intention to organize similar activities within their institutions.
It is posited that the training program significantly facilitated participants' comprehension of qualitative research methodologies and the enhancement of their research proposals. This, in turn, is deemed critical for the advancement of scientific knowledge and academic collaboration.
The tangible output of the project also emerged as a direct response to the importance of the discussed topics, underscored by participant feedback. Consequently, work has commenced on a book dedicated to qualitative research within the discipline of PA.
The organizing committee believed that training was key to improving participants' understanding of qualitative research methods and developing research proposals, emphasizing the essential role of 'scientific communication' in effectively disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering academic collaboration. My advice to colleagues considering organizing a similar project is as follows: Identify the specific needs of your discipline, take advantage of opportunities offered by online platforms, and organize interactive sessions that will ensure active participation by attendees.
Additionally, consider allocating separate times in your schedule for content creation and visual preparation.
Throughout this process, I frequently reflected on what I wanted, from whom, how, and to what extent.
This introspection could be the most crucial aspect of the design.
Remember that every successful project starts with well-defined goals and an effective training program aimed at achieving these goals.
My esteemed colleagues, I trust that the experience shared in this post will inform your practices.
I wish you success in your academic endeavours and hope that such projects will add new perspectives to your scientific journey.