• How do I develop a research proposal?  
  
• What is the purpose of a literature review? 
  
• Qualitative or quantitative: how do I chose? 
  
• Writing for Publication: how do I prepare my research findings for publication?
  
• I want to present at a conference or forum: what do I need to know?  

These and other questions are answered in a series of workshops offered by Holmesglen’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation for its OctoberVET offering. 

In 2024 Holmesglen Institute is offering a novel approach to OctoberVET.  Scheduled over four weeks, we are offering a range of workshops on practical issues related to applied research: developing research proposals; surveying the literature; choosing a methodology and methods and communicating your research.   

They are intended to for all researchers in VET who are either currently engaged in applied research or innovation or who are thinking about doing research for the first time. 

The workshops are hybrid and can be attended via Zoom or in person at the Chadstone Campus, Holmesglen Institute, Library Building, Workshop Room A 

1. Developing research proposals: 12.30-2pm, Wednesday 23 October 

Introduction to research - designing a research question  
This interactive workshop will guide participants in designing their own research question as the first step in the research process. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about research, to discuss available supports and to explore how best to address your chosen research area. 

REGISTER

  
2. Surveying the literature: 12-2pm: 12.30-2pm, Wednesday 30 October  

The Literature Review 
What is the purpose of a literature review, and what tools are available to help me?
If you are considering undertaking research, you are likely to have heard about the ‘literature review’ – but what is it, how is it done, and what is it for?  

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3. Choosing a methodology and methods: 12.30-2pm, Wednesday 6 November 

Quantitative vs qualitative - how to choose your methodology 
This session will explore different research methodologies, including pros and cons of each, and pitfalls to watch out for. If you have a preference for one type of research, this might be able to help highlight the useful nature of other types of research. This will also explore how different research methodologies can be applied to specific research questions, and how best to design research methodology.  

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4. Communicating your research: 12-2pm, Thursday 14 November 

 Writing for Publication and Presenting at a Conference 
If you want to be published, having an interesting, original topic is only part of what is required: how you write is as important as what you write. But how do you ‘write for publication’? What are the skills required? What strategies can you use to get your work published?? What are some useful guidelines for success? 

Presenting at a conference. 
This workshop is aimed at those who have never presented at a conference or have done so only a limited number of times. Focussing on the basics of conference presentation, it discusses tips for selecting the right conference at which to present, the different types of conference presentations, how to formulate an Abstract and choose a title, how to formulate the actual presentation itself and, finally, how to deliver it.   

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Our presenters 

Dr Harrison Burgin 
Harrison is the Applied Research Fellow within the Faculty of Health Science, Community and Social Studies at Holmesglen. With a background in biomedical research and higher education, Harrison is experienced in research design, mixed methodology and publishing robust research. Harrison is passionate about sharing and encouraging research in all areas, with a focus on the application of research within educational institutions.  

Dr Sam Duncan 
Dr Sam Duncan is the Associate Dean, Higher Education at Holmesglen Institute. Sam completed a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Hons), Master of Arts (by Research), and PhD at Swinburne University, and his main research areas are concerned with sports media, sport and community and sport and society. In particular, his most recent research focuses on the impact of social and digital media on how we form communities, the quality of news created, and how we receive information and prioritise news and content. Sam has published research articles in ranked peer-reviewed sports media, sport and society and philosophy journals, contributed chapters in sports media and sport management books, and authored Footy Grounds to Grandstands and The Digital World of Sport. Sam also has worked extensively in sports public relations and widely contributes to Australia’s mainstream media as a sports media and sports business commentator.  

DR. Henry Pook 
Dr. Henry Pook is the foundation Director of Holmesglen Institute’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. He has had extensive experience in vocational education and training as a teacher, manager and as Dean of Building Construction and Engineering.  His current interest is in the development of applied research projects in collaboration with industry and community. Henry holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a Master of Arts (research), and a PhD from the University of Melbourne; and specialises in the study of industrial relations institutions and employment relations in the building construction industry.  His publications include studies on work, and work and technology in Australian society.