Post Graduate Diploma Program in Applied Research

Programme Overview

A practical, industry-relevant programme designed to develop research, analytical and evaluation capabilities among professionals across diverse industries and sectors. The programme covers the complete research process, from identifying a problem and designing a study to collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting data. It integrates quantitative and qualitative research methods, digital data collection tools, statistical analysis and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), enabling participants to generate credible evidence and translate research findings into meaningful insights for organisational planning, performance improvement and informed decision-making.

Curriculum Differentiator

The curriculum integrates the complete evidence cycle, combining research methodology, field-based data collection, digital research tools, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. With an emphasis on practical application and real-world contexts, participants learn to use evidence for programme improvement, accountability, strategic planning and informed decision-making.

Salient Features

• Industry-relevant curriculum aligned with current research and analytical requirements.
• Comprehensive coverage of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research.
• Practical exposure to digital data collection tools and research software.
• Hands-on exercises in data management, statistical analysis and visualisation.
• Application of monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks.
• Case studies based on real-world organisational and programme contexts.
• Applied capstone project focused on research or programme evaluation.

Key Course Topics

Research Foundations & Planning (Understanding the Research Process)

1. Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Decision-Making
2. Research Problem Identification and Stakeholder Analysis
3. Literature Review, Evidence Assessment and Identification of Research Gaps
4. Research Questions, Objectives, Hypotheses and Proposal Development

Research Design & Methodology (Building Effective Research Frameworks)

1. Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research
2. Research Designs, Approaches and Method Selection
3. Sampling Techniques and Sample-Size Determination
4. Questionnaire Design, Measurement Scales and Research Instruments

Digital Data Collection & Field Research (Technology-Enabled Data Collection)

1. Primary and Secondary Data Sources and Research Databases
2. Digital Data Collection Using KoboToolbox and Online Forms
3. Interviews, Focus-Group Discussions and Participatory Research Methods
4. Fieldwork Planning, Pilot Testing and Data Quality Assurance

Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Analytics (Evidence-Based Programme Assessment)

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Frameworks
2. Theory of Change, Results Frameworks and Indicator Development
3. Data Management, Cleaning and Analysis Using Excel and SPSS
4. Descriptive Statistics, Data Visualisation and Interpretation
5. Statistical Inference, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression
6. Qualitative Data Analysis, Thematic Analysis and Research Triangulation

Research Ethics & Applied Research Practice (Translating Evidence into Action)

1. Research Ethics, Informed Consent, Confidentiality and Responsible Data Management
2. Research Report Writing, Policy Briefs, Evidence Communication and Capstone Project

Pedagogy

• Case Studies and Practical Examples
• Practical Research Exercises
• Digital Data Collection Demonstrations
• Software-Based Learning and Practice
• Field-Oriented Assignments
• Data Analysis Workshops
• Group Discussions and Presentations
• Applied Capstone Project

Assessment

• Class Participation – 10%
• Project Work – 30%
• Final Evaluation – 60%