Carry out and analyse research

URN: INSBA021
Business Sectors (Suites): Business and Administration
Developed by: Skills CFA
Approved on: 08 Feb 2021

Overview

This standard is about carrying out and analysing research. It includes planning research with stakeholders and carrying it out within the agreed timescales. You select relevant, valid, reliable and accurate data from different sources and adjust it when required. The standard also includes collating data ready for analysis and organising it in an agreed format. You use appropriate analysis techniques to produce accurate, unbiased results. You produce a research report and present your conclusions in the agreed format and get feedback on from stakeholders.

It is for professionals in business administration roles who carry out and analyse research.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. define the aims and objectives of research
  2. agree aims and objectives of the research with stakeholders
  3. confirm the deadlines for the research report with stakeholders
  4. confirm the resources available for research
  5. identify the primary and secondary research methods to be used
  6. select data for analysis from different sources
  7. check that data is relevant, valid, reliable and accurate
  8. get feedback from colleagues about the data if required
  9. adjust raw data, if required
  10. collate data to prepare it for analysis
  11. select analysis techniques that are fit for purpose
  12. use analysis techniques that match the aims and objectives of the research
  13. check the accuracy of your analysis using techniques that are approved by your organisation
  14. adjust the data analysis where necessary
  15. produce accurate and unbiased results
  16. draw conclusions from the analysis of data
  17. produce a research report that meets the aims and objectives agreed with stakeholders
  18. present conclusions on time and in the agreed format
  19. complete the research within the agreed timescale
  20. get feedback about your conclusions from stakeholders
  21. apply relevant ethical frameworks to protect privacy and security of research information obtained
  22. evaluate your research to identify future improvements in how you select, collate, analyse and report research

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to define research aims and objectives
  2. how to work with stakeholders to agree aims, objectives and deadlines
  3. the differences between primary and secondary research methods
  4. the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods
  5. the different data sources available
  6. the methods that can be used to search for data
  7. how to access and extract data for research
  8. why data may need to be adjusted
  9. the methods used to adjust data during collection and analysis
  10. the techniques used to check that data is relevant, reliable, valid and accurate
  11. the purpose of getting feedback on data that has been found from research
  12. the different ways of organising data that has been gathered
  13. how to collate and organise data for analysis
  14. the analysis techniques which produce accurate and unbiased results
  15. the different formats that may be required when reporting data
  16. the importance of presenting data to the agreed reporting format
  17. why research must be completed by the agreed timescales and the potential impact of delayed reporting
  18. how to gather feedback about the research from stakeholders
  19. how to evaluate research to identify and plan for future improvements
  20. the relevant ethical frameworks to protect privacy and security of research information obtained
  21. the legal, organisational, codes of practice and policies relevant to your role and the activities being carried out

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills

1.  analysing

2.  communicating

3.  decision making

4.  selecting

5.  planning

6.  presenting information

7.  researching

8.  using technology

9.  problem solving

  1. report writing

Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Instructus

Original URN

CFABAD321, CFABAD322

Relevant Occupations

Administration, Administration and Secretarial Occupations, Business, Business and Related Associate Professionals, Administration and Law

SOC Code

4159

Keywords

Business; administration; research; data; analyse