Most organizations will require external research expertise to complement their existing in-house research capacity. A core focus of Orfeus Research is undertaking contract-based research for organizations in the not-for-profit, government and business sectors. The approach to research and evaluation draws on a multi-disciplinary knowledge base and the application of concepts and methods from:

• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Industrial Relations
• Human Resource Management 

Orfeus Research undertakes both primary research (e.g. conducting original research based on a variety of methods including surveys, case studies, focus groups and interviews) and secondary research (e.g. analysis of existing data sets and literature reviews).

The research you commission from Orfeus Research will be tailored to your needs and the question that needs to be addressed and be written in an intelligent but accessible. The method or approach taken will depend on the question that needs to be examined, and specific attention is paid to policy alternatives and solutions. Orfeus Research will also assist in ensuring the key messages from your research reach the relevant policy stakeholders.

Orfeus Research can also provide assistance with designing your organization's Research Plan or Research Strategy and advise on appropriate evaluation frameworks and methods.

Research and policy areas of expertise include:

• Social and economic policy
• Corporate Citizenship/Corporate Social Responsibility
• Civil society & the Third Sector (e.g. volunteering, nonprofit organizations)
• Labour market analysis
• Citizenship, ethnic relations & multiculturalism