Basic Office Research Online Short Course

Basic Office Research - Online Short Course

This course forms part of the National Certificate: Generic Management – NQF Level 4, aimed at individuals in supervisory, junior management, or team leader roles who want to improve their decision-making and business management skills through effective research. Whether you’re working toward a full qualification or simply upskilling, this course builds essential knowledge for conducting, interpreting, and using research to support business operations.

Gain Practical Research Skills for Smarter Business Decisions

This course teaches you how to conduct and apply basic office research to improve team performance, solve workplace problems, and support strategic goals. Through hands-on learning and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to gather information, analyze data, and use findings to support sound business decisions.

Whether you’re planning a project, solving a workflow issue, or improving service delivery, the ability to conduct research effectively will empower you to lead with insight and confidence.

What Is Basic Office Research?

Basic Office Research refers to the ability to systematically gather, analyze, and apply information to support workplace decisions. These skills are essential for modern managers and team leaders who must back their actions with data, insights, and evidence.

Key topics include:

  • Identifying workplace problems or information gaps

  • Formulating research questions and objectives

  • Selecting appropriate research methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, observation)

  • Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data

  • Presenting research findings in reports or meetings

  • Applying research to improve business processes and outcomes

You’ll gain the ability to support business decisions with evidence, enhancing your value as a team leader or junior manager.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for:

  • Supervisors or junior managers who need to support business cases or reports

  • Team leaders managing projects or process improvements

  • Small business owners needing data to drive strategy

  • Entrepreneurs or employees involved in planning and analysis

  • Anyone responsible for proposing or implementing workplace improvements

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify and define a research problem in the workplace

  • Select and use appropriate research tools and techniques

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data accurately

  • Present findings clearly and professionally

  • Apply insights from research to inform decisions and improve operations

  • Support proposals and recommendations with factual evidence

Whether you’re preparing a project report, improving customer service, or making a case for change, Basic Office Research equips you with the tools to lead with clarity and purpose.

This unit standard provides learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to plan and conduct basic research within their own organisation. It covers fundamental research methods, including defining research objectives, designing research strategies, and collecting and analysing data. Learners will gain practical experience in applying these techniques to address specific issues or opportunities within their organisation. The course aims to enhance their ability to generate valuable insights, make informed decisions, and contribute to organisational development through effective research practices.

Course Content

  • The need for and the purpose of the research is clearly identified and confirmed in writing with the key stakeholders.
  • The scope of the research is delineated after consultation with the key stakeholders.
  • A list of at least five qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is compiled, describing the suitability of each for the research topic in question.
  • A particular methodology is selected based on the most appropriate design for the research in question.
  • A research plan, describing the purpose, the question or problem to be solved, the expected outcome, the methodology and any schedules, questionnaires or models that will be used is formulated according to a selected published model.
  • The data is gathered according to the methodology described in the plan.
  • The data is collated according to the methodology described in the plan.
  • Where it has been necessary to change any part of the plan, reasons for the change are justified in writing.
  • The data recorded in raw format and collated format.
  • A list of five data analysis techniques is compiled, describing the suitability of each for the data obtained and the research topic in question. 
  • A particular analysis technique is selected based on the most appropriate for the data obtained and the type of research carried out.
  • The data is analysed correctly using the selected analysis technique.
  • Only the relevant findings are selected for presentation in the report.
  • The report includes all the elements of the plan, as well as the collated data, the analysis, the findings, a discussion with reference to published works relating to the topic, the recommendations, a conclusion and references.
  • The report contains appropriate diagrams, graphs or charts that serve to illustrate and enhance comprehension of the points being made.
  • The report links researched findings to published data in an integrated manner.
  • The format of the report is based on a company specific template designed for the purpose.
  • Non-accredited: Short course only  
  • Duration: 1h 30m
  • Delivery: Classroom/Online/Blended
  • Access Period: 12 Months 
SpecCon Short Course
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