Managing Applied Social Research

A core statistics text that emphasizes logical inquiry, not math Basic Statistics for Social Research teaches core general statistical concepts and methods that all social science majors must master to understand (and do) social research. Its use of mathematics and theory are deliberately limited, as the authors focus on the use of concepts and tools of statistics in the analysis of social science data, rather than on the mathematical and computational aspects. Research questions and applications are taken from a wide variety of subfields in sociology, and each chapter is organized around one or more general ideas that are explained at its beginning and then applied in increasing detail in the body of the text. Each chapter contains instructive features to aid students in understanding and mastering the various statistical approaches presented in the book, including: Learning objectives Check quizzes after many sections and an answer key at the end of the chapter Summary Key terms End-of-chapter exercises SPSS exercises (in select chapters) Ancillary materials for both the student and the instructor are available and include a test bank for instructors and downloadable video tutorials for students.

Managing Corporate Social Responsibility offers a strategic, communication-centred approach to integrating CSR into organizations. Drawing from a variety of disciplines and written in a highly accessible style, the book guides readers in a focused progression providing the key points they need to successfully navigate the benefits and implications of managing CSR. Chapters are organized around a process model for CSR that outlines steps for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating CSR initiatives Emphasizes stakeholder engagement as a foundation throughout the CSR Process Model Discusses ways to maximize the use of social media and traditional media throughout the process Offers international examples drawn from a variety of industries including: The Forest Stewardship Council, Starbucks Coffee, and IKEA. Draws upon theories grounded in various disciplines, including public relations, marketing, media, communication, and business

Provides the knowledge and tools needed for the future of survey research The survey research discipline faces unprecedented challenges, such as falling response rates, inadequate sampling frames, and antiquated approaches and tools. Addressing this changing landscape, Social Media, Sociality, and Survey Research introduces readers to a multitude of new techniques in data collection in one of the fastest developing areas of survey research. The book is organized around the central idea of a «sociality hierarchy» in social media interactions, comprised of three levels: broadcast, conversational, and community based. Social Media, Sociality, and Survey Research offers balanced coverage of the theory and practice of traditional survey research, while providing a conceptual framework for the opportunities social media platforms allow. Demonstrating varying perspectives and approaches to working with social media, the book features: New ways to approach data collection using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter Alternate methods for reaching out to interview subjects Design features that encourage participation with engaging, interactive surveys Social Media, Sociality, and Survey Research is an important resource for survey researchers, market researchers, and practitioners who collect and analyze data in order to identify trends and draw reliable conclusions in the areas of business, sociology, psychology, and population studies. The book is also a useful text for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level courses on survey methodology and market research.

An essential guide for those charged with supervision of nonclinical staffin programs, agencies, and units within social service organizations «As someone who has worked in social service agencies, consulted with hundreds of them, and who teaches social service professionals, Ms. Summers knows the issues faced by agencies firsthand. From this experience she has compiled a thoughtful and well-organized text that identifies the principles of effective supervision.» —Samuel Knapp, EdD Director of Professional Affairs, Pennsylvania Psychological Association From the Foreword The care of patients and clients of social service agencies is increasingly being performed by paraprofessionals or professionals with little experience. While there are many books written about giving quality clinical supervision, there is very little on supervising the least experienced frontline nonclinical and clinical staff to teach and promote positive and effective interaction with clients, and provide staff support and training that elevates quality care, improves job satisfaction, and minimizes staff turnover. Based on author Nancy Summers' many years of working with troubled social service agencies, Managing Social Service Staff for Excellence: Five Keys to Exceptional Supervision fills this need and offers numerous ideas for securing the best care for those served by social service agencies. Common problems faced by agencies are examined with regard to employee behavior and wellness, including staff teamwork, how to build healthy staff/client relationships, and the identification and prevention of routine disrespect of clients and their needs. Diagnostic techniques are presented for identifying these problems, as well as remedies and prevention programs that can be put in place without great expense. Filled with interviews and numerous case examples, Managing Social Service Staff for Excellence offers a step-by-step process for: creating good preventive measures to counteract negative practices that can occur; developing robust commitment and enthusiasm; and getting back on the right track after unfortunate incidents have taken place.

The increasing cost of research means that scientists are in more urgent need of optimal design theory to increase the efficiency of parameter estimators and the statistical power of their tests. The objectives of a good design are to provide interpretable and accurate inference at minimal costs. Optimal design theory can help to identify a design with maximum power and maximum information for a statistical model and, at the same time, enable researchers to check on the model assumptions. This Book: Introduces optimal experimental design in an accessible format. Provides guidelines for practitioners to increase the efficiency of their designs, and demonstrates how optimal designs can reduce a study’s costs. Discusses the merits of optimal designs and compares them with commonly used designs. Takes the reader from simple linear regression models to advanced designs for multiple linear regression and nonlinear models in a systematic manner. Illustrates design techniques with practical examples from social and biomedical research to enhance the reader’s understanding. Researchers and students studying social, behavioural and biomedical sciences will find this book useful for understanding design issues and in putting optimal design ideas to practice.

Written in easy-to-understand language, this important text provides a systematic and commonsense approach to developing instruments for data collection and analysis. This book can be used by both those who are developing instruments for the first time and those who want to hone their skills, including students, agency personnel, program managers, and researchers. This book provides a thorough presentation of instrument construction, from conception to development and pre-testing of items, formatting the instrument, administration, and, finally, data management and presentation of the findings. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize how to create an instrument that will produce trustworthy and accurate data. To that end they have included guidelines for reviewing and revising the questionnaire to enhance validity and reliability. They also show how to work effectively with stakeholders such as instruments designers, decision-makers, agency personnel, clients, and raters or respondents.

This updated edition provides managers with a practical guide focused on the particular management needs for research and development in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It offers a way to improve the quality of interactions and creativity output in R&D, with real life case studies to illustrate key points.

Motivate, engage, and achieve lasting success with more effective performance management Managing Business Performance offers a unique blueprint for achieving organisational excellence through improved productivity, efficiency, engagement, and morale. With a unique approach that acknowledges the human aspect of performance management, this book combines technical and social know-how to give you a solid framework for designing, configuring, and managing performance improvement initiatives with sustainable results. You'll find practical models, techniques, and tools that take you beyond management theory into advice that you can use, with clear explanations that steer you toward the customisations that would best suit your organisation. International case studies illustrate these ideas in action, providing an intimate look at how cultural differences impact management strategies, and insight into how they can be managed. Organisational performance tools and techniques are well established, but many organisations will never realise their full benefit. This book helps you get more out of your performance strategy by showing you how the organisation's complex social nature impacts real-world outcomes, and how it can be used to drive better performance. Blend technical and social management strategies Keep people motivated and engaged See better results with more staying power Get the very best from your organisation Performance management strategies that fail to take people into account are counterproductive. There's no better way to de-motivate, demoralise, and disengage the people upon whom the organisation depends. Sustainable success requires a blended approach that utilizes the most effective science within the art of people management, and Managing Business Performance gives you a solid foundation for better business performance strategy.

This essential resource offers an overall understanding of nonprofits based on both the academic literature and practitioner experience. It shows how to lead, manage, govern, and structure effective and ethical nonprofit organizations. Managing Nonprofit Organizations reveals what it takes to be entrepreneurial and collaborative, formulate successful strategies, assess performance, manage change, acquire resources, be a responsible financial steward, and design and implement solid marketing and communication plans. «Managing Nonprofit Organizations is the only introductory text on this subject that manages to do three critical things equally well: It's comprehensive, covering all the key topics leaders of NPOs need to know about; it's practical, providing lots of examples, case incidents, and experiential exercises that connect the content to the real world; and, best of all (and most unique compared to others), it's research-based, drawing on the latest and best empirical studies that look into what works and doesn't work in the world of nonprofit management.» —Vic Murray, professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria «This book is a rarity—a text that can be used both as the focus for academic study and as a source of stimulating ideas for those practitioners who want to explore theories about management and how they can be applied so they can do a better job. Tschirhart and Bielefeld have explained all aspects of nonprofit management and leadership in a way that will stimulate as well as inform.» —Richard Brewster, executive director, National Center on Nonprofit Enterprise, Virginia Tech University «Managing Nonprofit Organizations presents a comprehensive treatment of this important topic. The book satisfies the competencies and curriculum guidelines developed by NASPAA and by NACC and would be ideal for instruction. The book maintains its commitment to informing management and leadership throughout the nonprofit sector.» —Jeffrey L. Brudney, Albert A. Levin Chair of Urban Studies and Public Service, Cleveland State University «This is an important book, written by two of the leading scholars in the nonprofit studies field. Nonprofit managers, board members, funders, educators, and others will find Managing Nonprofit Organizations extremely valuable.» —Michael O'Neill, professor of nonprofit management, University of San Francisco «Here's the book that my students have been asking for—just the right mix of theory presentation, research findings, and practical suggestions to serve the thoughtful nonprofit management practitioner. It will inform, instruct, and ultimately, inspire.» —Rikki Abzug, professor of management, Anisfield School of Business, Ramapo College

Written by a group of academics and practitioners, this guide is for construction practitioners having to manage real projects. It shows how the risk management process improves decision making in conditions of uncertainty. This new edition includes the input of the Turnbull report, as well as to introduce the concept of corporate, strategic business, and project level risk. The authors cover: a description of risk management and decision making in the context of a construction project the human dimension tools and techniques available to the risk analyst the problems of procurement and finance the practical application of risk analysis, including the principles of risk modelling and simulation, together wit case studies A thorough understanding of these concepts will provide the project manager with the basis for effective decision making. From the reviews of the first edition: «This book should be compulsory reading for all concerned with the management of risk in construction – whether academics or practitioners.» —Chartered Surveyor Monthly «A valuable addition to the literature … which helps condense, simplify and provide practical advice on how to implement risk management on construction projects.»