Research Summer week 1
Our project, relating to the compilation and analysis of non-profit and mission-led organisations in Oxfordshire has been clearly set out. We intend on creating a new value assignment system to qualitative data to provide such organisations with the ability to convey their impact that is not reflected in traditional quantitative metrics such as number of beneficiaries or total investment.
We completed our research proposal document ahead of the presentation later today and we have begun compiling existing literature and research into our field so that we can build on it. Moreover, we are assembling a database of Oxfordshire organisations, and classifying them based on scale, type, and social impact.
I am proud of our team's organisation skills, and the way in which we have delegated tasks between ourselves to be efficient.
Clarity over task delegation and consistent work by every member of the team contributed to our success thus far.
Going forward, we could focus our research even further by establishing a stronger dialogue with our mentor, who we have scheduled a meeting with next week. I believe that with her walking us through the more ambiguous aspects on the scope of our project, we can make sure we are delivering on the demanded actionables without boiling the ocean.
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Hi Luke,
Thank you for your reflection. It's encouraging to see how quickly your team has established a clear direction and organised itself effectively. Good project management is often overlooked in research, but clear task allocation and shared responsibility are important foundations for a successful project.
I also liked your observation about the importance of speaking with your stakeholder before progressing too far. Applied research is often an iterative process, and checking that your emerging ideas continue to align with OSEP's priorities is a valuable habit to develop.
As your project moves forward, I'd encourage you to keep asking: 'Will this help OSEP better understand and communicate the value of Oxfordshire's social enterprise sector?' The brief isn't simply about creating a new classification or measurement system; it's about producing an evidence base that helps social enterprises become more visible to policymakers, funders and local partners, while recognising forms of value that conventional economic measures often miss.
It may also be worth continuing to challenge your own assumptions as you meet stakeholders. Your initial ideas may evolve as you learn more about what organisations actually need, and that's a strength rather than a weakness. Some of the best applied research comes from refining an idea in response to evidence rather than trying to fit the evidence to an initial plan.
Overall, this is a strong first reflection. Your focus on organisation, collaboration and stakeholder engagement provides an excellent foundation, and I'm looking forward to seeing how your thinking develops as the project becomes more evidence-driven over the coming weeks.