Research services

Research services

A researcher is an information professional who uses research methodologies to gather data, analyze that data and present their findings. Researchers focus on using their discoveries to solve problems, address issues and predict trends in a specific field.

Many organizations employ researchers, including government laboratories, utility providers, specialist research organizations, consultancies, environmental agencies, private food companies, universities and chemical companies.

Researchers typically have the following duties and responsibilities:

·         Choosing research topics: Researchers need to coordinate with their organization's management team to determine research topics and priorities.

·         Developing a research project plan: A researcher needs to develop a plan with detailed steps, deliverables and timelines to ensure that their research project is completed on time, with sufficient resources and within the allocated budget. The project plan's objective is to ensure that the research carried out meets the research objective as determined by the organization's management team.

·         Providing regular updates: Researchers need to update all stakeholders frequently on the progress made with the research project. Updates can include reports on the use of the budget allocated to the project.

·         Gathering the data required: A researcher needs to determine what data the research project requires before deciding on the methodology for gathering that data. They can collect data through different methods, including fieldwork, experiments, surveys, interviews and questionnaires. Existing research can also be used as a source of data.

·         Analyzing data: Once a researcher collects data, they analyze it to identify trends and patterns. All data gathered needs to be entered and organized in the research database. The researcher needs to conduct self-audits to check the data collected for inconsistencies and errors.

·         Documenting findings: After their data analysis, researchers need to compile and organize the research outcomes in charts, diagrams and mock-ups. They also need to document, report and present the research outcomes to stakeholders.