How can you manage a research project with a complex design?

I have found it helpful to critique the literature on the topic. I initially develop an 'industry based research question'. I research on the construction industry and so my work is embedded in policy, processes or practices I observe. My process refines and enriches the question. Typically there is a large body of academic materials the topic is nestled within and then a smaller cluster that is focused directly on my question. Critiquing literature points to a gap in the existing body of knowledge and the question summarises that 'gap'. The question at this stage is typically about 'content' and the 'what' and later it is refined to encapsulate the 'design'; the 'how'. In my experience a good question evolves.

Even when a simple research problem doesn’t have any (or less) support of reference from the literature review, the research design to address the research gap becomes complex. In this situation, it is important to spend time and expert network to evaluate the research design and its elements. The Evaluation of the research design should include the number of critical paths that it has to go through, the cost, the availability of resources and talent, Timelines. The output of the evaluation will determine the finetuning of factors that can contribute reducing the research design complexity

For me it is understanding the nature of the complexity in terms of relationships and impacts of one or more parts on another. Trying to understand how changes are likely to play out and rather than take statistics at face value I try to read between the lines and understand why something is happening as opposed to what. I just read in LinkedIn this morning a quote from Lego when they had to turn around serious debt issue and decided to really try to understand their market: they went to the jungle to study the animals and not the zoo. I paraphrase of course.

I would also suggest considering the socialisation of the completed research. Particularly to address growing media driven concerns over the use of predictive analytics.

Effectively managing a research project with a complex design begins by clearly defining your research questions and design. This involves specifying the purpose, scope, and rationale of the project, along with outlining the methods, data sources, and analysis techniques to be employed. Identifying assumptions, limitations, and ethical considerations and determining how to address them is also crucial. A clear and coherent research design serves as a guiding framework, aiding in the alignment of project activities and resources with overarching research goals.

The second crucial step in managing a research project with a complex design involves developing a detailed project plan. This entails breaking down the project into manageable tasks, milestones, and deliverables, and assigning roles and responsibilities to team members. Estimating the time, budget, and resources required for each task and setting realistic deadlines and expectations are essential components of this step. A well-crafted project plan facilitates progress tracking, risk identification, and adjustments to strategies as needed throughout the research project.

Effectively managing a research project with a complex design requires the third crucial step of fostering clear and regular communication with stakeholders. Establishing transparent communication channels with team members, supervisors, funders, partners, and participants is vital. Sharing the project's vision, objectives, and expectations and actively seeking feedback and input from stakeholders contribute to successful communication. This approach builds trust, collaboration, and accountability among stakeholders, facilitating the resolution of any issues or conflicts that may arise during the research project.