* How do I plan my research in a systematic way in order to maximize my chances of obtaining funding and successfully answering my research question?

* How do I manage the project so that the research question is answered and the study objectives met, on time and within budget?

This book provides the answers to these queries and others that are frequently raised by first-time researchers. It offers a straightforward and practical description of a systematic and structured approach to research project management.

Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in research activity concerned with health and health care, and employing methodologies derived from a wide range of disciplines including epidemiology, health economics and other social sciences. Many books have been published describing the methods of such research. However, research projects that run into difficulties rarely do so for methodological reasons but through poor project management. Typical problems include running over budget, differences of opinion with key stakeholders, and missed completion deadlines. The aim of this book is to offer practical advice on the application to research of a range of project management processes including those of:

* time and activity management
* budgetary control
* management of stakeholder relationships
* product marketing

The book is aimed primarily at newcomers to health research and the intention is to describe a systematic and structured approach that will help to bring a research project to a successful conclusion.