Research Skills Module for SLP Beneficiaries PDF

Introduction The Research Skills Module for Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Beneficiaries is designed to empower individuals with the essential tools and techniques needed to effectively conduct and utilize research in their microenterprises. This module aims to bridge the knowledge gap, provid...

Introduction The Research Skills Module for Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Beneficiaries is designed to empower individuals with the essential tools and techniques needed to effectively conduct and utilize research in their microenterprises. This module aims to bridge the knowledge gap, providing beneficiaries with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of market trends, financial management, and resource optimization. By honing these research skills, SLP beneficiaries can make informed decisions, enhance their business operations, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth and economic stability. Understanding the importance of research in today's dynamic and competitive environment, this module incorporates a comprehensive approach to learning. It covers various aspects of research, including market research, financial literacy, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques, tailored specifically to the context of microenterprise development. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, participants will be equipped to identify and seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and improve their overall business performance. The module is structured to facilitate interactive and experiential learning, encouraging beneficiaries to engage with the material actively and apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. By fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment, this module not only aims to enhance individual competencies but also to build a community of informed and empowered entrepreneurs. As participants progress through the module, they will develop a deeper understanding of how research can drive innovation, sustainability, and success in their livelihood endeavors. Unit 1 RUDIMENTS OF RESEARCH: AN OVERVIEW Meanings of Research (Panuki-duki) Mga Pagpasabot sa Panukiduki alang sa Pagpadayon sa mga Proyekto sa Pangabuhian sa mga Benepisyaryo sa SLP The term "research" is defined in various ways by experts and scientists, reflecting its diverse functions, purposes, and scopes. Here are some definitions from notable sources: (Ang mga depinisyon sa "panukiduki" gihisgutan sa lain-laing mga eksperto ug siyentipiko, nga nagpakita sa nagkalain-lain nga mga function, katuyoan, ug sakop niini. Ania ang pipila ka mga depinisyon gikan sa mga iladong tinubdan:) o Creswell (2014): "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue. It consists of three steps: pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question."("Ang panukiduki usa ka proseso sa mga lakang nga gigamit sa pagkuha ug pag-analisar sa impormasyon aron mapalambo ang atong pagsabot sa usa ka hilisgutan o isyu. Naglangkob kini sa tulo ka mga lakang: maghimo og pangutana, magkuha og datos aron tubagon ang pangutana, ug ipresentar ang tubag sa pangutana.") o Kerlinger (1986): "Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena." ("Ang siyentipikong panukiduki usa ka sistematikong, kontrolado, empirikal, ug kritikal nga imbestigasyon sa mga hipotetikal nga proposisyon bahin sa gibanabana nga mga relasyon sa natural nga mga fenomena.")  o Leedy and Ormrod (2015): "Research is the systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information (data) in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon about which we are interested or concerned."("Ang panukiduki usa ka sistematikong proseso sa pagkuha, pag-analisar, ug pag-interpretar sa impormasyon (datos) aron mapalambo ang atong pagsabot sa usa ka fenomena kun problema nga interesado kita o duna kitay kalabutan.") o Booth, Colomb, and Williams (2003): "Research is the process of finding information to answer a specific question or solve a problem." ("Ang panukiduki mao ang proseso sa pagpangita og impormasyon aron tubagon ang usa ka espesipikong pangutana o masulbad ang usa ka problema.") o Borg and Gall (1989): "Research is a systematic and objective investigation conducted to acquire knowledge and understand phenomena."("Ang panukiduki usa ka sistematikong ug objective nga imbestigasyon nga gihimo aron makakuha og kahibalo ug masabtan ang mga fenomena.") These definitions emphasize the systematic nature of research, its goal of increasing understanding, and the critical, empirical, and analytical approaches involved. By exploring these various perspectives, one can appreciate the multifaceted nature of research and its vital role in advancing knowledge across different fields. Furthermore, according to Clarke and Clarke, “Research is a careful, systematic and objective investigation conducted to obtain valid facts, draw conclusions and established principles regarding an identifiable problem in some field of knowledge”. ("Ang panukiduki usa ka maampingon, sistematikong, ug objective nga imbestigasyon nga gihimo aron makakuha og tinuod nga mga datos, maghimo og mga konklusyon, ug magtukod og mga prinsipyo bahin sa usa ka problema nga mailhan sa usa ka natad sa kahibalo.") In starting research, the topic chosen must not be totally new, it could be to continue from were previous research stopped, to address gaps in another research, to validate previous research or to counter a previous finding. After choosing your topic, what next?" (Sa pagsugod sa panukiduki, ang gipili nga hilisgutan kinahanglan dili bag-o nga wala pa’y pagtuon, mahimo kini nga ipadayon gikan sa napundong panukiduki, aron sulbaron ang mga kakulangan sa ubang panukiduki, aron i-validate ang mga findings sa nakalabay nga mga panukiduki o aron supak sa mga nakaraang mga resulta. Human sa pagpili sa hilisgutan, unsa man ang sunod?) Unit 2 RESEARCH RUDIMENTS FOR SLP BENEFICIARIES' LIVELIHOOD PROJECT SUSTENANCE (MGA PANUKIDUKI NGA PANGUNA NGA KAHANAS ALANG SA PAGPADAYON SA MGA PANGABUHIAN SA MGA BENEPISYARYO SA SLP) To ensure the long-term success of SLP beneficiary livelihood projects, it's essential to equip them with essential research skills and knowledge. Here are some key research rudiments:(Aron masiguro ang dugay nga kalampusan sa mga proyekto sa pangabuhian sa mga benepisyaryo sa SLP, importante nga matudloan sila og mga hinungdanon nga kahanas sa panukiduki ug kahibalo. Ania ang pipila ka mga key rudiments sa panukiduki:) Basic Research Skills Mga Panguna nga Kahanas sa Panukiduki Beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) often need to develop a range of research skills to effectively manage their microenterprises and improve their livelihoods. Here are some key research skills that are in high demand: (Ang mga benepisyaryo sa Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) kasagaran kinahanglan mag-develop og lain-laing mga kahanas sa panukiduki aron epektibong mapangasiwaan ang ilang microenterprises ug mapaayo ang ilang pangabuhian. Ania ang pipila ka mga kahanas sa panukiduki nga dako ang panginahanglan:) 1. Market Research (Panukiduki sa Merkado): Understanding market trends, customer needs, and competition is crucial for making informed business decisions. (Ang pagsabot sa mga trends kun uso sa merkado, panginahanglan sa customer, ug kompetisyon importante aron makabuhat og maayong desisyon sa negosyo.) When doing market research, the following should be borne in mind:  Understanding Demand (Pagsabot sa Panginahanglan): Conducting surveys and interviews to gather information about customer needs and preferences. (Ang paghimog mga survey ug interviews aron makuha ang impormasyon bahin sa panginahanglan ug preferensya sa mga customer.)  Analyzing Trends (Pag-analisar sa mga Trends kun Uso): Keeping track of industry trends and seasonal patterns to anticipate market changes. (Gikinahanglan ang tukmang pagbantay o pagkupot sa mga trends sa industriya ug mga pattern nga nasubay sa panahon/uso aron matagna ang mga kausaban sa merkado.  Competitor Analysis (Pagsusi sa mga Kakompetensya): Identifying competitors and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to find opportunities for improvement. (: Ang pagsusi ug pag-ila sa mga kakompetensya ug pag-analisar sa ilang kusog ug kahuyang aron makakita og mga oportunidad sa pagpauswag kinahanglan mabatunan sa tanang miembro sa kapunungan) 2. Financial Literacy (Kaalam sa Panalapi): Knowledge of basic financial principles, budgeting, and financial management helps in maintaining the sustainability of their businesses. These must be considered (Ang kahibalo sa mga basic nga prinsipyo sa panalapi, pag-budget, ug pag- manage sa pinansyal nga aspecto makatabang sa pagpalambo o pagpadayon sa negosyo. Kining musunod kinahanglan mahatagn og konsiderasyon): Budgeting (Pag-budget): Learning to create and manage a budget to track income and expenses effectively. (Pagkat-on unsaon paghimo ug pagdumala sa budget aron ma- monitor ang kita ug gasto). Financial Planning (Pagplanong Pinansyal): Understanding how to plan for future financial needs, including savings, investments, and managing loans (Pagsabot sa unsaon pagplano alang sa umaabot nga panginahanglan sa pinansya, lakip ang savings, investments, ug pag-manage sa mga utang). Cost Analysis (Pag-analisar sa Gasto): Analyzing the cost of goods sold and operational expenses to determine pricing strategies and improve profitability. (Pag- analisa sa mga gasto sa mga produkto ug operasyon aron matino ang presyo ug mapaayo ang kita. 3. Technical Skills (Mga Teknikal nga Kahanas): Depending on the nature of the microenterprise, technical skills related to the specific industry (e.g., agriculture, handicrafts, services) are essential. The following must be taken into account (Depende sa klase sa microenterprise, ang  mga teknikong kahanas nga may kalabotan sa espesipikong industriya (pananglitan, agrikultura, handicrafts, serbisyo) kinahanglan.  Industry-Specific Training: Gaining skills relevant to the specific type of business, such as agriculture techniques, craftsmanship, or service delivery.  Technology Utilization: Learning how to use technology and tools that can enhance business operations, such as software for inventory management or marketing. 4. Resource Mapping: Identifying and utilizing local resources efficiently can help in reducing costs and improving productivity. In this activity, the project leaders must: Identifying Resources: Creating an inventory of local resources, such as raw materials, suppliers, and support services. Sustainable Practices: Implementing sustainable practices to make the best use of available resources while minimizing waste. Networking: Building networks with other entrepreneurs and organizations to share resources and support each other. 5. Data Analysis: The ability to analyze data related to sales, expenses, and market conditions can aid in strategic planning and growth. In doing this, it should emphasize:  Collecting Data: Using methods like surveys, sales records, and feedback forms to gather relevant data.  Statistical Analysis: Applying basic statistical methods to analyze data and identify patterns or trends.  Decision-Making: Using data insights to make informed decisions about business strategies and operations. 6. Problem-Solving: Developing solutions to challenges faced in daily operations and adapting to changing circumstances is vital for long-term success. It entails the following:  Identifying Problems: Recognizing and articulating problems or challenges faced in the business.  Generating Solutions: Brainstorming potential solutions and evaluating their feasibility and impact.  Implementing and Monitoring: Putting solutions into action and monitoring their effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary. Acquiring these skills allows beneficiaries to make well-informed choices, better utilize their resources, and improve their business practices, which collectively lead to greater economic stability and a better quality of life. Additionally, honing these abilities equips beneficiaries to oversee their microenterprises more proficiently, resulting in enhanced livelihoods and sustained economic growth. Authors Mr. Ramil Bulilan Mrs. Mary Grace P. Buten