Course Summary:

This course, offered by Magna Skills, equips participants with the essential skills to design, conduct, analyze, and report qualitative research in professional, academic, and policy-driven environments. The training emphasizes practical techniques used in real-world contexts across sectors such as public administration, NGOs, social sciences, education, business, and development programs.

Participants will learn how to formulate appropriate research questions, select qualitative methods, gather credible data through interviews, focus groups, and observations, and apply thematic and content analysis to derive meaningful insights. Magna Skills ensures a hands-on learning experience enriched with case studies, ethical considerations, and digital tools for qualitative research.

By the end of the course, learners will be fully capable of planning and executing qualitative studies that support evidence-based decision-making within their organizations and development projects.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Understand core concepts and foundations of qualitative research methodology.

2. Develop research questions, proposals, and sampling strategies for qualitative studies.

3. Apply appropriate qualitative data collection methods in field and organizational settings.

4. Analyze and interpret qualitative data using coding, thematic analysis, and digital tools.

5. Present qualitative results clearly through structured academic or institutional reports.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Qualitative Research

   • What qualitative research is and is not

   • Strengths, limitations, and key characteristics

   • Qualitative vs quantitative approaches

2. Research Design and Proposal Development

   • Identifying research problems

   • Selecting research strategies and methodologies

   • Writing a qualitative research proposal

3. Sampling in Qualitative Research

   • Purposeful, snowball, and theoretical sampling

   • Determining sample size and saturation

   • Recruiting and managing participants

4. Data Collection Methods

   • Interviews (structured, semi-structured, narrative)

   • Focus group discussions

   • Participant and non-participant observation

   • Field notes and document review

5. Ethical Considerations in Research

   • Informed consent and confidentiality

   • Cultural sensitivity and power dynamics

   • Researcher bias and reflexivity

6. Qualitative Data Management

   • Transcription and coding techniques

   • Organizing large datasets

   • Use of qualitative software (NVivo, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA)

7. Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

   • Thematic analysis

   • Content analysis

   • Grounded theory approach

   • Interpretation of patterns and meanings

8. Ensuring Quality and Credibility of Findings

   • Reliability and validity in qualitative research

   • Triangulation and member checking

   • Audit trails and peer debriefing

9. Presenting and Reporting Qualitative Results

   • Writing research findings effectively

   • Visualizing results (models, quotes, diagrams)

   • Linking conclusions to research questions and recommendations

10. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Examples from public sector, NGOs, and social programs

• Hands-on exercise: mini-qualitative project

• Preparing a research dissemination plan