Summary
This is about undertaking research to provide clients with the business information they need. It includes identifying sources of information, analysing information and reporting the results of the research.
This unit is imported and tailored from Ento’s National Occupational Standards for Advice and Guidance unit AG 19 Undertake research for the service and its clients.
What you need to show
You must make sure that your practice meets the following requirements
a Identify clearly the type and range of information required.
b Identify and evaluate the sources of information for their contribution to the research.
c Approach sources of information with a clear explanation of the purpose of the research.
d Ascertain clearly the procedures that are required to access the information.
e Specify clearly any risks to the sources of information from the research.
f Identify any problems with the collection of necessary information and take appropriate action to deal with them.
g Access the sources of information according to agreed procedures.
h Collect information in line with the requirements of the research.
i Apply information collection methods correctly and consistently.
j Ensure the analysis methods are appropriate to the information and the aims of the research.
k Analyse information accurately according to the appropriate methodology.
l Interpret and synthesise the results carefully, and draw suitable conclusions.
m Identify any unexpected results and suggest reasons for them.
n Present the results of the research in a manner appropriate to its aims and objectives.
o Acknowledge appropriately all sources of information.
p Review the progress and results of the research with the relevant people wherever possible.
q Protect confidential information in accordance with agreements and procedures.
r Evaluate the success of the research against the specified evaluation criteria.
s Record the collected information and the results of the research in the appropriate systems.
t Comply with all relevant legislation, codes of practice, guidelines, and ethical requirements.
What you need to know and understand
You need to know, understand and be able to apply each of the following.
Identify sources and availability of information
1 What types of information are required.
2 What the potential sources of information are.
3 How the sources of information have cooperated in the past.
4 Why it is important to be clear about the research being undertaken.
5 What the access procedures for different types of information are.
6 The rules of confidentiality relating to different types of information.
7 What the different risks are that should be considered, and how to minimise their effects.
8 What the types of problem are that could occur, what actions can be taken to address them, why it is important to address problems and the implications are of not addressing the problems.
Collect information to achieve research objectives
9 What the agreed procedures are for accessing information.
10 Which information collection procedures are required.
11 Why it is important to apply the collection methods correctly and consistently and the consequences of not doing so.
12 What types of problem could occur, what actions can be taken to address them, why it is important to address problems, and the implications of not addressing the problems.
13 What the systems are for recording information, the procedures relating to the use of these, and why it is important to use these systems.
Analyse information collected from the research
14 Which analysis methods could be used.
15 What analysis methods have proved most useful in the past.
16 How to use the analysis methods.
17 Why it is important to provide a rationale for the results.
18 What types of result are expected and the possible reasons for unexpected results.
19 What the systems for recording analysis results are and the procedures that relate to the use of these, and why it is important to use the systems.
20 Who should be involved in reviewing the research.
Report the results of the research
21 How to present different types of research results.
22 Who should be acknowledged in the research.
23 Who should be involved in reviewing the research.
24 What types of information sources should be protected.
25 What types of information might be confidential.
26 What the criteria are for evaluating the success of the research.
27 What the systems are for recording research results, the procedures that relate to the use of these, and why it is important to use the systems.
Comply with legislation and guidance
28 The relevant national, local, professional, and organisational requirements that relate to equal opportunities, discrimination, health and safety, security, confidentiality, and data protection.
29 Why it is important to comply with different requirements.
30 What the consequences are of not complying with different requirements.
31 How to obtain information on the requirements.
Links to other National Occupational Standards
There are other NOS suites which you may want to refer to if you would like to develop your knowledge and abilities to a greater depth in certain topics covered by the Business Information standards. Those in a supervisory role may wish to refer to the Managements Standards Centre Management and Leadership unit:
E11 Communicate information and knowledge