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Research Process
Wall Watchers accomplishes research with the use of in-house researchers and that of sub-contract relationships. Wall Watchers has labeled the sub-contract relationships as the "Research Fellows Program." This is a long-term program that will adapt and change depending on funding.
Multiple independent individuals conduct extensive database, Internet and in the field research to gather information, examine organizational structures, belief structures, prominent individuals, key contractors, business relationships, evaluating regulatory compliance, and potential financial irregularities. The result is a definable product making the connection to the heart of donor's information needs.
Information analysis generally includes seven tasks:
- Determine and identify the issues of the subject matter of the research analysis
- Determine what is already known
- List what is unknown (needs to be researched)
- Identify possible sources of information about what is unknown
- Outline a course of action to gather the information
- Gather information
- Organize and present research results
Information analysis is best understood as a series of equally important steps. In other words, none of the steps is primary while the others are secondary. A breakdown of "effort" necessary for each step shows that writing-up the final research product is not the overwhelming majority of effort. The initial one-third of the effort consists of identifying criteria, formulating the subject of the research analysis, understanding what is already known and what is unknown and mapping out a plan of fact gathering. The next one-third is the work of talking to people and gathering physical data. The final one-third of the process is to transmit the information gathered in a useful manner.
There are two types of Research Fellows:
- The Specialist
Focused on certain aspects of nonprofit organizations, such as: financial, statistical, sector specialist, relational, theological, etc.
- The Generalist
Uses all tools available in differing degrees, depending on the facts and circumstances, to understand and communicate the research results.
The strength of the Research Fellow Program is not in an individual member, but in a body of researchers with multiple talents and connections. It is a network of information providers. Other fields may call them Information Brokers/ Information Workers/ Information Operatives/ Knowledge Stewards/ Knowledge Brokers/ Knowledge Researchers/ Knowledge Content Specialists.
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