Research and Analysis Services

UNDERSTANDING | ENGAGEMENT | SUCCESS

About Our Research Division Research and Analysis at Strategic Discourse
Our Research Division works with various clients across all industries to provide detailed research and
analysis services. Our team has been specially assembled to bring together a number of highly qualified
experts in a variety of areas such as strategy, operations, technology, marketing and communications, Inception
research and analysis and sales enablement. Qualifications include PhDs, MBAs, MScs, BAs, and a variety of
professional qualifications including; PRINCE2, CIM, CITP, ISEB, amongst others. Our Research Division is a product of our customers’ needs.
Having been approached by a number of customers requiring
The team provides specialist services to meet changing client needs. We ensure that our team remains true specific research and analysis projects, we took the decision
to our Mission, Vision and Values, thus giving our clients confidence that we are providing the best service to build a more formal function to meet the growing demand.
at the best price point. Our researchers have a wealth of experience in various industry sectors including In line with our standard principles, our team is academically
education, healthcare and local government, as well as having experience in different operational business led, and is staffed with skilled researchers and analysts.
areas.
With each engagement, the research team is led by an
The research team works closely with our clients to understand the areas they are looking to analyse in experienced senior member of the team with specialist
detail, and to build bespoke research assignments to meet their needs. With access to a large number of knowledge in the particular area of research and analysis.
public and private data sets, and the ability to conduct detailed research, we are able to provide our clients For example, any healthcare engagements would be led by
with primary and secondary research to ensure the final analysis is comprehensive. a researcher with immense healthcare industry knowledge.

Our access to, and partnerships with, various academic institutions, allows us to bring leading scholars to
work with us on particular assignments, further strengthening our research outcomes. Ensuring that we
apply the latest academic and business best practice to all research engagements further assures all our
clients of the validity of any analysis conducted.
Importantly, in line with requests from a number of our clients, our Research Division works to the highest
levels of confidentiality for all our clients, and we never publish case studies or identify clients who have
requested this particular service.
MISSION
To provide excellent services, which enable business change while
protecting precious front-line funding.
VISION
Research
In line with academic best practice, many of our research engagements
include a full literature review, to appraise our clients of the most
current industry research. We perform other secondary research as
appropriate to ensure that we have a full understanding of the research
area. This can include benchmarking analysis, PESTLE analysis, a full
literature review, current situation and performance monitoring.
Conducting in-depth research at an early stage enables us to devise
the most appropriate primary research plan and ensures our eventual
results and recommendations are highly accurate and well informed.
Using this secondary research to help inform the primary research
needs, in line with customer requirements, the team then carries out
various primary research activities as appropriate for the engagement.
Examples include surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, interviews,
observational reviews, workshops and various other techniques.
Analysis

To ensure all services are defined and delivered using end user Detailed analysis is a specialist skill which is why our Analysts have
centric models. Incorporating best practice as well as the latest multiple years’ experience. Their qualifications include academic
academic and business knowledge. research qualifications (e.g. PhDs, MBAs, amongst others). Within our
team we have a deep understanding of many different analysis tools
including SPSS, Advanced Excel, SQL, Microsoft BI, R-programming,
and various other tools.
VALUES
By blending the available skillsets, the overall team knowledge
»» To protect front-line public sector resources and productivity is greatly enhanced. Quality in-depth analysis is
»» Provide informed change produced, including a full set of recommendations. Our analysis is
»» Increase customer business efficiency academically led and provides our clients with detailed understanding
»» To maximise returns - and the associated savings/margin of their issues. Where required ,anonymity is guaranteed to all
»» Reduce cost of all public sector consulting engagements research participants. Any recommendations are always fully vetted
»» Provide business and personal mentoring by experts in the relevant field before they are released. 3
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Presenting Complex Information
Our researchers understand the importance of
presenting information in a manner most suitable
for the audience. From detailed and complex
reports, to single infographics, we provide the
support and services our clients require.
Our final report can be delivered as a hard copy
professionally bound document, and many of
our customers prefer this approach as it allows
for easier reading. Electronic copies are always
made available.
Wherever possible, we build bespoke graphics to
accompany every report which enables different
members of our client organisations to benefit
from our research.
For example, primarily working across Education,
Healthcare and Local Government, this infographic was
used to display data on carbon emissions across various
regions in the UK.
This overall piece of work required complex, big data
to be analysed and presented to both specialists, with
the technical expertise to understand the data in its
raw format, and the end user who did not have this
specialist expertise.
In line with our ethos and flexibility, we supported this
client by providing two reports. One created for the
specialist and was rich in complex data and the other for
the end user and contained a plethora of infographics
to communicate the most important and relevant
information in a simple and engaging format.
As part of our rigorous transcribing and coding
process, we produce word clouds to capture the
key points from our research. From here we
decode the key words and put them into context.
Regularly these word clouds are shared with the
client as part of the final report.
The client is therefore able to see not only key
words, but the majority of words used in primary
research, thus helping them gain a better
understanding of how to support the research
4 participants, and any wider audience.
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Proposition
For any organisation to become or remain competitive, a deep and up-to-date understanding of the
operating and internal environment is required. Both micro and macro aspects need to be understood
as well as the organisational culture from the perspective of employees.
Through our research and work with our clients, we understand that the greater need for our services
is required when organisations have:
• A need to launch a new service/product
• Regulation or requirement changes
• Limited financial resources
• Low demand for their products/services
• Increased competition
• Low employee productivity/moral
• Low market share
• Lack of market understanding
• The need to reinforce a business offering
• Services that are stretched
• Performance and budgetary issues
We have delivered a number of research projects to help organisations that are affected by these issues
and many more besides. Should your organisation require, we have a number of specialists with a
wide array of experience in both public and private sectors that can assist you in increasing your
understanding via a research and analysis piece. As an organisation that believes in working in true
partnership with our clients, we are able to support you in implementing any strategic change that you
feel is required after developing your understanding.
Proposition: How Factors affecting morale
Our research and analysis projects are
always tailored to the client and their
LACK OF AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR NEW
unique set of needs. As a result, we SALARIES LOWER THAN THE PERCEIVED INDUSTRY PROJECTS
adopt a flexible model which means the
STANDARD
Staff feel that new projects are
Though there is little evidence that increasingly postponed, leading
methodology we use can be adapted to
02
to a lack of engagement
salaries are lower, staff have a
suit the client’s requirements. perception this is the case. Greater
communication on grades would assist
04
However, as a baseline, we use a four 01 03
step process to ensure best outcomes.
POOR MANAGEMENT PROCESSES
This model has been adapted for POOR COMMUNICATIONS
Unachievable targets, poor
different engagements as each client’s performance management and A lack of communication
requirements are varied.
monitoring, and a lack of an processes and procedures have
approachable management left employees disengaged
structure all contribute to
An overview of this model is presented on
decreased morale
pages 6 and 7.
Links to Academia
Through our partnership with leading Universities we have a strong network of highly experienced
individuals (including academics and graduates) in the fields of market research, data analysis, operational
management, finance as well as many more. Many of these individuals sit on our advisory board and
support us in the delivery of a number of research projects, ensuring that we meet academic and
industry best practice. All our work is academically challenged and, therefore, outputs are academically
sound. 5
 2. Primary Research
The core of any research programme, our in-depth primary
research phase will use the most appropriate tools and techniques
available to ensure the most optimal gathering of information
for detailed analysis to be carried out. Data Protection and other
ethical areas are treated with the highest importance.
3. Data Analysis
In this phase we critically analyse our captured Primary
Data and utilise our findings from our Secondary
Research to build transcripts, coding frames, models,
charts, infographics, graphs and other collateral to fully
inform our initial report in an articulate manner.

Research techniques may include surveys, interviews, group This initial report is shared with our clients for discussion.
sessions, think tanks, observational reviews, workshops, etc. We
gather the direct research participant feedback and use specialists
to decode more subtle feedback.

ANALYSIS

EDUCATION
STRATEGY
NG

INNOVATION
1. Comprehensive Review 4. Final Report
Secondary research is used to inform all our TRUST Once our initial report is accepted and any
work and ensures the best outcome for any necessary changes made, our team finalises
research project. the report checking all data and information

MARKETING
is fully amalgamated and accurate.
We use techniques including Literature
Reviews, Benchmarking, SWOT and PESTLE In this phase, our team incorporates the latest
Analysis and other internationally accepted academic and industry models to produce
academic techniques to comprehend the the final report which is best of breed and
current situation. incorporates expert recommendations.

In all cases, the team ensures that the

information is presented in the most
appropriate format, without loss of detail.

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Some Examples of Our Engagements
Although we never identify the work we have carried out, or provide case studies, we Example 3: A specialist provider of clinical information systems approached our team to assist with
have obtained permission from four clients to showcase our work without identifying the measurement of success in a current project they were running. Our client was implementing a
the clients concerned. new piece of advanced clinical software to assist their client in ensuring better patient outcomes.

Example 1: Working closely with a local As part of this, our client had offered a service
educational partner, we provided in-depth analysis to measure the outcomes and prove the benefits
of their marketing and communications functions to of the initial service implementation.
help increase overall understanding of the services
they provide. Our team worked closely with both our client
and their end service users to define a number
We were also able to analyse the core functions of of processes and policies, and to carry out a
the senior management team, the senior leaders, and comprehensive baseline assessment prior to
other key staff and services to provide a comprehensive the software being installed. This baseline
report which outlined changes needed at all levels. assessment highlighted some key functional
weaknesses of the end service users and our
Our work required us to build new academic based team was able to make suggestions to assist in
models to help the client understand the challenges reducing the risks posed by these.
they were facing, alongside a full market analysis of
their competitors, and other more detailed analysis.
Once the baseline was agreed, we were then able to use this to measure the areas of change and the
With this, and with some mentoring, our client overall success of implementation. This resulted in the programme being increased to other areas. Our
was able to increase the public perception of the client experienced increased revenue and much better patient outcomes, with reduced risk of patient
organisation, to increase demand for services by 65% harm, release of bed space and an improved experience for the end service users (patients).
and to deliver better service user outcomes.

Example 2: Our research team was approached by a global leader in the marketplace. This client
wanted to conduct research on the global healthcare market, with specific needs for certain localities,
regions and nations.

Our research team were able to conduct key interviews with global healthcare leaders and to carry our
workshops and focus groups to ascertain the information required.
Our team also carried out a comprehensive
literature analysis and this was used to
inform the design and development of all our
primary research.

Our client had come to us following an
unsuccessful engagement with an academic
agency. Our client stated that our report
contained much greater detail, with more
granular information than any they had
received before.
Using our recommendations, our client was
able to identify several new service offerings
to the market, as well as identifying a number
of areas in their current service provision,
where small changes would lead to increased
revenues as well as better outcomes for their
8 customers.
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Example 4: Approached by an educational multi-academy trust to assist in the analysis of various
areas of their own service provision, our team carried out detailed analysis of several areas.
We worked closely with the Senior Management Team, local head teachers, governors, parents and a
number of local authority partners to understand the issues faced by a number of schools.
Areas of high deprivation, low educational standards and other challenges were identified, and our
team was able to suggest various different work streams to increase pupil outcomes. Alongside this,
we were able to use the latest academic research to inform the Trust on certain projects which would
increase overall service provision.
Our final report enabled the chief operating officer to implement a number of changes to the Trust,
which ultimately led to better educational outcomes for all pupils and students in the region.
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About Our Team
Our team is made up of individuals with a plethora of academic and business qualifications. This team
has a proven track record of delivering outstanding research, analysis and recommendations. Some of
the key members of our team are as follows:
Sanjeev Gupta
MBA BSc CITP FBCS
Key Skills:
• Research Methods
• Analytical Systems
• Healthcare
• Education
• Local Government
• Project Management
Sanjeev has a wealth of experience in running many
complex and intricate programmes for all our clients.
As an academic, he is involved in multiple research
projects across different industries. Sanjeev also sits on
various external boards and advisory committees.
Toby Flannigan
BSc CIM PRINCE2
Key Skills:
• Market Research
• Digital Marketing
• Content Creation
• Education
• Local Government
• Project Management
Toby’s main areas of expertise are in Marketing and
Strategy and he has experience working with various
advertising agencies. Working with a number of our
clients, he has project managed research projects and
has provided key insights into market research pieces.
Graham Walker
MBA BSc CITP
Key Skills:
• Public Sector Management
• Operations Management
• Data Analysis
• Research Ethics
• Academic Models
• Quantitative Research
As a specialist in public sector management, Graham
has spent many years assisting clients to resolve issues
through research and analysis. Graham’s expertise
ensures that we are constantly challenged on the latest
developments in the field. His due diligence always
adheres to internationally accepted best practice.
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All of Our Services
Research and Analysis services are but one of the key services we offer our clients. Our expertise
stretches to many business areas, and we can assist our clients in the following areas:
Rachel Gupta
BA, PRINCE2, ISEB
Key Skills:
• Data Coding
• Analytical Systems
• Mixed-methods Research
• Technical Solutions
• Project Management
• Workshop Facilitation
Rachel is a key director in the business specialising in
the areas of research and analysis. She is the lead analyst
for many of our projects, and has a specialist ability
identifying underlying trends and devising solutions for
various operational issues.
Professor Seb Fuller
PhD MBA MSc
Key Skills:
• Business Analysis
• Operational Support
• Healthcare
• Education Strategic Consulting: Our Strategic Consulting Marketing & Comms: We monitor the latest
• Change Management Team assists customers with the correct market trends across a number of sectors to
• Project Management
formation of corporate strategy, ensuring that ensure our knowledge is always up to date.
Seb has over a decade of international educational key requirements are met. Working closely From this understanding, our marketing
experience, where he has worked in primary, secondary with your teams our division ensures strategic specialists work with your team to design
and further education. From working on international alignment across all departments. and develop the most appropriate marketing
projects, Seb has developed a passion for research strategy including all accompanying collateral.
especially where it leads to strategic change.
Operations Consulting: Strategic Discourse Sales Assistance: Understanding the market
Dr Kate Davis has expertise in a number of key operational needs in each sector allows our specialists
areas. We are able to review your current to assist your sales teams in increasing
PhD, MSc, PRINCE2 operational environment and deliver tailored organisational profitability, ensuring synergy
Key Skills: recommendations/solutions to improve this. is maintained across all collateral.
• Project Management
• Technology
• Qualitative Research
Technical Consulting: Deploying a vendor Research & Analysis: Using our customisable
• Best Practice
• Consulting Practice neutral approach, our specialist ICT experts model of research and analysis delivery, our
• Education support your teams by delivering the best experts will conduct in-depth secondary and
Kate has published a number of works on project possible ICT solutions. We ensure that all primary research to inform a full analysis
management, and business information management. technology upgrades deliver strategic benefits piece. We use the most appropriate academic
Her research in these areas, with her specialist for you and that your customers’ needs are and industry models in any report to provide
knowledge, has been instrumental in assisting us with at the centre of any transformational ICT your organisation with a full understanding in
creation of our new methodologies and public sector programme. a particular area.
management strategies.
Programme and Project Management: As part of this portfolio we are able to provide full programme and
project management services to all our clients, to manage risks and ensure success.
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 UNDERSTANDING | ENGAGEMENT | SUCCESS

@StrategicDisc

www.strategic-discourse.co.uk

enquiries@strategic-discourse.co.uk

+44 (0) 203 291 3573

www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-discourse-ltd

11/12 Hallmark Trading Centre, Fourth Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0LB