Reference book for policy planners

Vikas Kapoor
Qualitative research has gained much significance on account of its ‘grounded-ness’, ‘contextually focused’,  ‘value impregnated’ and ‘participatory’. Data is generated in the field through human efforts.  Generation of data may be   narrative or audio-visual or both.  Analysis of data and                       validation of results are derived through active participation of actors. Researcher and actors have been observed as proactive co-partners in development processes and               evaluation.  It recognizes multiple views and multiple voices to understand the socio-economic-cultural and political               initiatives for human development.
The Book penetrated into three most significant domains namely, ‘Qualitative Research Methods’, ‘Public Policy & its Implementation’, and ‘Data Analysis & Evaluation’. Authors have made a sincere, exhaustive and intelligent attempt to elucidate the qualitative research. Various paradigms of research have been dealt in historical perspectives.
Most generally asked questions regarding quantitative vs qualitative research have also been well addressed.  Qualitative Research design comprising sampling procedures and research tools (narrative and visual) for the generation of data have been well elaborated with practical examples. Reliability and validity of data has been taken up well through methodological coherence, sampling sufficiency, developing a dynamic relationship between sampling, data collection and triangulation.
How a particular policy is actively accomplishing what is set out to accomplish? Terms such as “informed choice”, “considered decision”, “rational policy”, “evidence-based policy”, “strategic research”, and “essential national research” have been used to express the belief in the need to build a “bridge” between research and policy. Policy planning is  a perpetual search or in-depth analysis of data or wide range of data to get substantial evidence in order to devise actions for better results.
It is identifying problems or strategies and mechanism for its implementation within the given time framework.
Authors described how participatory approach, good governance, ethics and social audit have been found significant variables in monitoring and implementation of policy.Formative and summative techniques have been used to evaluate demands, processes, and level of inclusiveness. Triangulation and meta-analysis used to validate outcomes, impacts, most significant change, and level of sustainability. This book will serve as a reference book for policy planners, researchers, administrators, and evaluators.
He was awarded teacher fellowship by ICSSR, New Delhi (1982-1983) to complete his Ph.D. Degree. Being a member of Kashmir Administrative Services, he has worked in various capacities.
He remained HOD, Centre for Educational Research, MIER, Jammu; National Level Monitor, Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India; Guest Faculty Member of J & K Institute of Public Administration, Management and Rural Development (IMPA), empanelled as Inspecting Authority (2017-2019) for MAEF by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, Project Director-Sahyog & Brooke PEWU Katra; He got ‘Rashtriya Gaurav’ Award in 2010 by India International Friendship Society, New Delhi.  He has four books to his credit namely ‘Education and National Development’, ‘Hand-Book of Cooperative Audit,’ Dynamics of Learning Organizations’ and Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques.

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