Facilitation

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The Foundation has wide-ranging experience in working with clients to identify the best qualitative methods to suit their research needs. Staff are equipped to use a variety of techniques, which can be incorporated into a larger research brief or be provided as a stand-alone service.

Qualitative research aims to gather an in-depth understanding of human perceptions and behaviour and the reasons that govern such perceptions and behaviour. Data is collected from a small but focussed sample and not analysed using statistical techniques.

In an organisational or business context, qualitative research is most often used for:

  • Generating ideas and brainstorming
  • Group consultation on a range of issues
  • Policy and program evaluation
  • Development of mission statements, goals and strategic action plans
  • Dispute resolution

The role or position of the researcher is given greater critical attention in qualitative research including the ability to

  • Remain independent and ‘neutral’,
  • Act as a facilitator of group discussions
  • Stay focused on the task
  • Undertake in-depth interviews
  • Analyse the data to identify key themes and discussion trends.

Focus groups
This technique provides for organised group discussions focused around a single theme.  A typical focus group program consists of a series of focus groups, each containing eight to ten people. The HVRF facilitator introduces the topic and follows a predetermined questioning route. The group discusses the questions and shares insights and ideas. The HVRF is responsible for documenting the outcomes, comparing the outcomes from each session and identifying patterns of responses among groups.

Workshops
A facilitated workshop is an exploratory research methodology that utilises the skills of a trained facilitator to gather information from a group of selected participants in a guided discussion setting.

The facilitated workshop process comprises four key components:

  • The development of a core workshop process to explore the objectives of the research; usually developed by the workshop facilitator in consultation with the client.
  • Logistics of the workshop including participant selection and recruitment and the organisation of a suitable venue.
  • Conducting the workshop itself including the task of encouraging participation and keeping the discussion focused. Also included in this component is the important task of recording the discussion and flow of conversation.
  • Reporting the outcomes to ensures the findings of the workshop are appropriately documented for future use.

In-depth interviews

Literature reviews
HVRF researchers are able to review existing literature, documents and materials and organise them in a systematic way to make best sense of the information contained in the documents. This includes the ability to analyse the content, identify common themes and group similar ideas.

Examples of past projects: 

  • Strategic plan review workshop - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
    The workshop was held with Council’s elected representatives to review strategic goals and identify additional needs for the future. 

  • Northern NSW Oral Health Network Strategic Plan 2007-2012 Service Partner Workshops - Northern NSW Oral Health Network (NOHN)
    The HVRF conducted workshops in Maitland, Armidale, Kempsey and Ballina with service partners and community representatives to assist in the development of the 2007-2012 NOHN Strategic Plan.
  • Can you come out and play? - Newcastle City Council
    This cross-cultural workshop involved representatives from the African community and selected sporting clubs and associations in Newcastle. 

For more information contact HVRF Director of Research  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it