What quality assurance tools and frameworks can you use to plan and manage your research projects?

1 The Research Quality Framework (RQF)

The RQF is a comprehensive and flexible framework that guides researchers and research managers in designing, conducting, and evaluating research projects. The RQF consists of six dimensions of research quality: relevance, rigour, impact, innovation, engagement, and capability. Each dimension has a set of indicators and criteria that can be adapted to different contexts and disciplines. The RQF helps you to align your research objectives, methods, and outcomes with the expectations and needs of your stakeholders, funders, and beneficiaries.

2 The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle

The PDCA cycle is a simple and effective tool that helps you to implement continuous improvement in your research projects. The PDCA cycle consists of four steps: plan, do, check, and act. In the plan step, you define your research problem, goals, and methods, and identify the resources and risks involved. In the do step, you execute your research plan and collect data. In the check step, you analyse your data and compare your results with your goals and expectations. In the act step, you take corrective or preventive actions based on your findings, and document and communicate your lessons learned.

3 The Research Data Management (RDM) Framework

The RDM framework is a set of policies, practices, and tools that help you to manage your research data throughout the research lifecycle. The RDM framework covers four main areas: data collection, data storage, data analysis, and data sharing. The RDM framework helps you to ensure that your data is accurate, complete, secure, accessible, and reusable. The RDM framework also helps you to comply with the ethical and legal requirements of your research field and institution.

4 The Research Ethics Framework (REF)

The REF is a set of principles, guidelines, and procedures that help you to conduct your research in a responsible and ethical manner. The REF covers four main aspects of research ethics: respect, beneficence, justice, and integrity. The REF helps you to protect the rights and interests of your research participants, collaborators, and communities, as well as your own reputation and credibility. The REF also helps you to avoid or resolve any ethical dilemmas or conflicts that may arise in your research.

5 The Logic Model

The logic model is a visual tool that helps you to plan, monitor, and evaluate your research projects. The logic model depicts the logical relationship between your research inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The logic model helps you to clarify your research purpose, scope, and assumptions, as well as to identify your indicators and sources of evidence. The logic model also helps you to communicate your research value and contribution to your stakeholders and audiences.

6 The Gantt Chart

The Gantt chart is a graphical tool that helps you to schedule and track your research tasks and milestones. The Gantt chart shows the start and end dates, durations, dependencies, and progress of each task in your research project. The Gantt chart helps you to plan and manage your time, resources, and deliverables, as well as to identify and mitigate any delays or risks. The Gantt chart also helps you to report and update your status and achievements to your team and sponsors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?