Define Core Competency Areas
Develop a matrix of research skills categorized into:
- Theoretical foundations (research philosophy, logic models)
- Methodological skills (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods)
- Analytical tools (SPSS, R, Python, NVivo, Excel, Tableau)
- Policy and legislative analysis (impact, implementation, cost-benefit)
- Research communication (policy briefs, infographics, stakeholder reports)
- Ethics and compliance (research integrity, data protection, IRB processes)
2. Baseline Skill Assessment
Conduct a detailed skills audit of all staff to:
- Identify current proficiency levels
- Determine learning gaps by role
- Prioritize high-impact teams or projects
Tool: Develop a Google Form + Interview series with sample scenario questions.
Timeline: Month 1
3. Tiered Training Program
Organize staff into three competence levels:
🟢 Tier 1: Foundational
- Weekly learning labs on research principles
- MOOCs: Coursera, edX (Intro to Research Methods)
- Internal mini-courses on data collection, ethics, and reporting
🟡 Tier 2: Intermediate
- Practical modules in SPSS, R, NVivo
- Workshops on data cleaning, visualization, and fieldwork management
- Case studies from SayPro’s own research
🔴 Tier 3: Advanced
- Masterclasses in legislative/policy impact research
- Mentored research projects
- Presenting at academic conferences or policy summits
Timeline: Months 2–12
4. Integrated Research Labs (IRLs)
Launch 3–5 thematic Research Labs (monthly or bi-monthly):
- Legislative Impact Lab
- Digital Transformation Lab
- Education Equity Lab
- Sustainability & Urban Futures Lab
- Gender & Inclusion Lab
Each lab will:
- Develop 1 original study per quarter
- Submit papers to journals or SayPro Insights platform
- Host quarterly “Findings Forums”
Lead Assignments: Senior researchers mentor junior staff
Timeline: Month 2 launch → Ongoing
5. Mentorship & Peer Learning
- Match senior researchers with junior staff (6-month cycles)
- Host monthly Peer Review Circles to critique ongoing work
- Implement a shadowing program during fieldwork, data analysis, and presentations
6. Performance & Incentives
- Include research growth KPIs in performance appraisals
- Provide research sabbaticals or study leaves
- Offer financial incentives or recognition awards for:
- Publications
- Policy impact
- Data innovation
7. Tools, Systems & Subscriptions
- Build a SayPro Research Toolbox:
- Research templates
- Ethics application forms
- Survey design checklists
- Provide access to:
- Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus, SSRN)
- Survey tools (Qualtrics, KoboToolbox)
- Data repositories for reuse
- Set up a central research dashboard for tracking work
8. Partnerships & External Engagement
- Partner with:
- Universities for joint research
- Government bodies for legislative data access
- Think tanks for benchmarking
- Staff exchange or secondment for:
- World Bank, HSRC, UN agencies
9. Internal Knowledge Sharing
- Launch SayPro Research Seminars (monthly)
- Create an internal “Research Royalty Library” of:
- Best practices
- Working papers
- Guides and toolkits
10. Annual Research Retreat
Host a yearly Research Royalty Summit to:
- Present findings
- Align on thematic focus areas for the coming year
- Reward outstanding contributions
📆 Timeline Overview
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Skills audit, set up tools, define competency framework |
| 2 | Launch training tiers + research labs |
| 3–6 | Mentorship cycle, labs, peer reviews, internal seminars |
| 6 | Mid-year evaluation & skill gap reassessment |
| 7–11 | Advanced tracks, publications, external engagement |
| 12 | Research Summit + Awards |
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