About This Course

Government agencies are increasingly conducting social research involving qualitative research methods (e.g, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews) to understand why different groups of Singaporeans are responding to government initiatives in different ways or to understand what changes are needed to improve on them.

RySense Academy is conducting a 2-day training workshop that provides a practitioner’s guide to qualitative research for public officers. Conducted by our Qualitative Research Experts with established track record over many years of working with public sector agencies, this workshop covers the practical tips and strategies involving common qualitative methodologies used for policy and communications research in public service.

In this workshop, you will:

1. Understand general principles of qualitative research design
2. Apply practical skills in collecting data ethically
3. Employ data analysis techniques to inform evidence-based policymaking

What You'll Learn

At the end of this module, you will acquire:


1. BROAD RANGE OF SKILLS: Acquire diverse techniques and strategies essential for effective qualitative research
2. HANDS-ON EXPOSURE:  Engage in practical sessions that provide real-world applications and deeper understanding
3. RESEARCH PROCESS MASTERY: Follow a structured approach to qualitative research, from data collection to analysis
4. OPTIMISATION STRATEGIES: Discover tips and strategies to refine your qualitative research methods for better results

Trainers

Nadia Olisa, Associate Director

Nadia Olisa

Associate Director
Qualitative Research and Business Partnership

Nadia leads the qualitative practice in RySense with more than 500 hours of focus group moderation experience that spans from working with children to C-suite. Prior to RySense, she worked in a boutique market research agency, specialising mainly in qualitative research for public policy and communications. Having experience in a myriad of qualitative research technologies such as dial testing and behavioural research technologies like eye-tracking, Nadia is our resident maestro in uncovering the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of user behaviour and perception.

Yeo Wan Ting, Qualitative Expert

Yeo Wan Ting

Expert
Qualitative Research

Wan Ting presently serves as a Manager in the RySense qualitative team. With over six years of experience in qualitative research, she has accumulated over 300 hours of focus group moderation across a range of audiences. Prior to joining RySense, Wan Ting was a Research Associate at a local institute of higher learning. There, she coached and led a qualitative team in methodologies such as ethnography, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Wan Ting holds a Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics), specializing in the communication of nation-building ideologies in national campaigns.

Hendrickson Cheong, Qualitative Expert

Hendrickson Cheong

Expert
Qualitative Research

Hendrickson is the resident qualitative tech expert within the qualitative team, with over 8 years of market research experience in moderation coupled together with dial testing and eye tracking. Having previously worked in a bespoke research agency, he has worked on customised qualitative projects that have helped launch new products and advertising campaigns using U&A, ad/concept testing, and taste tests. He also has experience in conducting studies in a wide range of industries from banking, insurance, FMCG to F&B.

I am reluctant to go for some courses as they sometimes spend a lot of time forcing interactions. The workshop format and use of tools was interesting, and the pace kept us interested!

- Senior Assistant Director, Ministry of National Development

I found the course to be very well-paced, informative and relevant. Trainers were engaging and knowledgeable. I had no experience with qual research and now l feel more confident!

- Manager, Ministry of National Development

Highly enriching & well-planned experience.

- Senior Manager, Ministry of Social and Family Development

A highly practical and relevant workshop for officers involved with qualitative research.

- Public Officer

It was really comprehensive and insightful, even as an introductory course! The trainers made great effort to relay the best practices for qualitative fieldwork and intentions behind them.

- Senior Executive, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

Clearly communicated and structured.

- Public Officer, MINDEF

An effective workshop that addresses the key areas in qual research with good case studies. Insightful and meets the objectives of the workshop.

- Senior Assistant Director, Ministry of National Development

Pretty loaded for two days but well-paced. The hands-on activities really prompted thinking and immediate application of theoretical knowledge freshly attained. Overall, really fun and fruitful experience. It was loaded but eye-opening and fun.

- Assistant Director, Ministry of National Development

Summary of key takeaways is useful. Good tips from trainers. Good foundation of knowledge for a layman. Engaging and approachable trainers, pace is just nice too.

- Senior Manager, Ministry of Social & Family Development

Very helpful in helping us to understand what to look out for when engaging agency to conduct qualitative studies. Presenters are all very knowledgeable. Useful workshop that shares practical learning points.

- Senior Manager, Ministry of Manpower

Good. Very informative course.

- Media Analyst, MINDEF

Very good! Interactive, good trainers and activities. Excellent.

- Manager, Ministry of Home Affairs

Good introduction. Provides balance in perspective of service provider and researcher doing fieldwork. Fulfilling – in terms of food and content.

- Public Officer, Ministry of National Development

Very informative – focus seemed to be on research design. Would prefer to find out more about interpreting data, which can help us to draw more insights. Great insight into how vendors/services engaged think and plan when we procure research services.

- Public Officer

RySense is always so professional & collected. If only all other MR providers could be like them!

- Public Officer

Great intro course to qual research. Examples shared were relevant, and exercise (rapid roundtables) were interactive and engaging. Trainers were knowledgeable and good at guiding participants.

- Public Officer

The instructors were excellent, very experienced and it’s clear that a lot of thought went into designing the course and pitching it at the right level for participants from public sector. Very useful and helpful to my work!

- Public Officer