Unit 4: Hero or Leader

 What kind of hero|leader should you be on a research project?

We often misunderstand that in order for ourselves to do something we need to lead ourselves away from distractions and start what is needed. Lead by example comes to mind in this context. A research project you need to be the leader of your research. To do this we need to take our ideas and create plans for the future.

Unlike the TedTalk by Lorna Davis video given in Unit 4. I do believe a research project in the beginning should have clear plan like a hero. Especially if you are going to be asking for data from private companies. I can not imagine being able to ask a company for data and then explain "I'm not to sure what I will do with it" going down very well. BUT I do you believe not having a clear plan to achieve the goal also allows for outside input and help, like the described leaders. 

Is there a way to utilize both? Would a research project with a clear goal and no plan be more appealing to some? 

Well I have a clear goal right now. Find the reasoning for the minimal use of EMR and EHR systems in Southern Africa. Would this alone be able to receive help and data from corporate companies? I think it may reside to culture and the wants of each company. Could they profit from such a thing? 

Project Plan

What is a project plan? Well it is essentially a formal document that lays out your plan to complete a project. What steps need to be first? How long will they take?  How much will it cost? These are the questions a project plan should be able to answer.

In regards to a research project a project plan is a great tool to help break down a maybe extremely daunting research project. We can simplify and break up the research so we do not fall behind. 

Research Evaluation Approach

What will be the outcomes of this research? Are these outcomes brought about by great research or are they just flung out of nothing? 

You have many types of evaluation research. 

• Formative- assessing the needs of a target market before embarking on a project. 

• Mid-term Evaluation- checking if the project is still inline with its goals.

• Summative Evaluation- Done immediately after project completion.

• Outcome Evaluation- Measuring the effect the project had.