Policy Research Methods
There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of evidence-based decision-making to guide strategic interventions and policy processes and actions. It has also become more popular in a knowledge-driven and information-centric business environment. The ability to infer strategic interventions from trends, spot and historical information through structured and systematic research is critical in today’s dynamic business environment. Mastering such skills requires an appreciation of how to engage in policy research analysis. Conceptualizing research analytical tools requires a good grasp of the data types and sources, tools for data collection, data analysis and presentation. This second phase allows the policy analyst to distill policy insights. This programme aims at equipping and strengthening the capacity and competence of policy research and analysis amongst participants.
Policymakers, economists, technical staff in charge of operations, research, procurement, planning and strategy. Officials from departments and units involved in the advisory work, technical analysis, policy research with basic quantitative background. Officials from finance, trade, services, agriculture, statistics, think tanks, training institutes, regional economic communities and business enterprises that provide technical support.
At the end of the programme, participants should be able to :-
- Generate a policy research proposal;
- Design the research methodology;
- Examine the data types, sources and corresponding statistical tools;
- Analyze data, interpret and draw appropriate conclusions from statistical information;
- Examine the relevant tools required to make sense of raw information and enhance effective decision-making, set priorities and target needed interventions. This is crucial in optimizing constrained resources through strategic decision-making and priority setting.