5 steps to best practices in research projects
Click here to load reader
-
Upload
abc-research-laboratories -
Category
Self Improvement
-
view
183 -
download
0
description
Transcript of 5 steps to best practices in research projects
Best Practices in Research Projects
Gillian Dagan, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
@gatorgill
Steps for Success
1. Research Objective
2. Project Proposal
3. Project Timeline
4. Execution and Record Keeping
5. Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Research Objective
• Set a clear and concise objective making sure to include the following:– Will this work be for regulatory
compliance?
– Will this work be used for advertising claims or litigation?
– Who is the target audience that will review results?
– How will the results of this study affect everyday business and purchase decisions?
Project Proposal
• The project proposal should serve as a statement of work for all stakeholders and should include:– Research Objective
– Identification of Control Samples and Test Samples
– Parameters to Control (independent variables)
– Metrics to Measure (dependent variables)
– Type of Report Needed
– Project Timeline
– Project Costs and Payment Terms
Project Timeline
• The project timeline is key for managing expectations for both the lab and the client. It should include:– Time zero is when samples will arrive.
– Time points for testing if the study is a shelf life study.
– Time ranges for milestones if this is not a shelf life study.
– Expected completion date and expected report remission date.
Samples arrive
Milestone 1 Milestone 2 Milestone 3Expected
completion
Expected report
remission
Execution and Record Keeping
• In addition to measured metrics, observations should be noted during projects.
• If digital pictures are requested, they should be downloaded daily.
• If thermocouples are used, data should be downloaded immediately after the experiment is complete.
• All data should be stored on a network drive.
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
• Report should be remitted to client
and any further questions should be
answered.
• New research questions unearthed
during the current project should be
outlined for the client.
Need help in designing and
completing a research
project?We’re here to help!
352-372-0436
www.abcr.com/contact
Follow Gillian on Twitter @gatorgill