Real Times: an in-depth study of third sector organisations over time
|
Overview
Real times provides an opportunity to study continuity and change in the nature and activities of third sector organisations.
The programme works closely with a diverse panel of case study organisations across England over several years. Typically, case study research in the third sector provides only snapshots of issues or findings, rather than taking a longer view, or what we call a ‘longitudinal’ approach. This longer view allows us to examine how organisations, and the issues, opportunities and challenges they face, develop over time.
Key questions
- How do third sector organisations operate in practice over time? (What happens, what matters and what counts?)
- How do third sector organisations develop? (How do they ‘go on’, fare, change, organise, negotiate their environment, fade?)
- How do third sector organisations judge their success? (What determines their ‘performance’, from different perspectives?)
Current work
The programme is coming towards the end of its design phase, which has involved developing:
- the overall framework of research questions to guide the programme
- a strategy for identifying, selecting and approaching potential panel members
- a plan for building and maintaining relationships with case study organisations, and
- the forward plan of research and analysis
Next steps
The programme initially runs from September 2009 to August 2013. Fieldwork will commence in autumn 2009, with the recruitment of panel members. Research with participating case study organisations will take place in successive waves over the following four years. It will involve observing activities, analysing documentation and interviewing people in and around each organisation.
A working paper: ‘Designing a qualitative longitudinal research programme on the third sector’, is in development.
Research contacts