Implement vs. Conduct — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Implementing a plan involves putting strategies into action, focusing on execution, whereas conducting a study emphasizes overseeing and managing the research process.
Difference Between Implement and Conduct
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Implementing a plan or strategy involves the actual application and execution of steps to achieve a specific goal. It's about turning ideas into reality through practical action. On the other hand, conducting a study is centered around the systematic investigation and analysis of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. It's a process driven by research objectives, methodology, and analysis.
When you implement a policy, for example, you are actively deploying resources, setting up systems, and following procedures designed to enact the policy's stipulations. This process is hands-on and operational. Whereas conducting research involves planning the study, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions based on the evidence gathered. It's more about oversight and analytical assessment than direct action.
Implementation usually follows a predefined plan or set of instructions aimed at achieving a particular outcome, such as implementing a new software system within an organization. This involves stages such as planning, execution, monitoring, and maintenance. Conducting, especially in the context of research, requires establishing hypotheses, employing methodologies, and using analytical techniques to interpret data, which may lead to changes in understanding or practice based on findings.
In the context of changes within an organization, implementing changes often requires direct action and the management of resources to ensure the change is successfully integrated into existing processes. Conducting, in contrast, could refer to conducting assessments or evaluations of these changes, focusing on understanding their impact, effectiveness, and areas for improvement.
Implementing is task-oriented, focusing on the "how-to" aspects of bringing plans to fruition. It's about doing. Conducting, especially in scientific or academic research, leans towards the investigative, seeking to understand the "why" and "what" through methodical study and analysis.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Execution of plans
Oversight of processes
Main Activity
Applying strategies and actions
Managing and overseeing research
Goal
To achieve specific outcomes
To establish facts or reach conclusions
Key Actions
Deployment of resources, setting systems
Planning, data collection, analysis
Context of Use
Business strategies, policy enactment
Research studies, investigations
Compare with Definitions
Implement
To put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
The new regulations were implemented to improve safety.
Conduct
To lead or guide; to escort.
The tour guide conducted us through the museum.
Implement
To fulfill or perform (instructions / a duty or order).
The teacher implemented a unique teaching strategy.
Conduct
To carry out a particular activity or process, especially in order to get information or prove facts.
The agency conducted an investigation into the matter.
Implement
To carry out, accomplish, especially to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures.
Management implemented the new method to increase productivity.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control.
The scientist conducted the experiment according to the protocol.
Implement
To execute; perform; carry out a plan, decision, or method.
The IT department implemented the software upgrade overnight.
Conduct
To transmit or serve as a medium or channel; convey.
The metal rod conducted electricity.
Implement
To put into practical effect; carry out.
The company implemented changes to improve customer service.
Conduct
To behave in a specified way.
All participants must conduct themselves with professionalism.
Implement
A tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment that is used for a particular purpose
Garden implements
Conduct
The manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation
They were arrested for disorderly conduct
A code of conduct for directors of listed companies
Implement
Performance of an obligation.
Conduct
The manner in which an organization or activity is managed or directed
The conduct of the elections
Implement
Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
The scheme to implement student loans
Conduct
Organize and carry out
Surveys conducted among students
In the second trial he conducted his own defence
Implement
A tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment used in doing work
A gardening implement.
Conduct
Lead or guide (someone) to or around a particular place
He conducted us through his personal gallery of the Civil War
Implement
An article used to outfit or equip someone
Ecclesiastical implements.
Conduct
Transmit (a form of energy such as heat or electricity) by conduction
Heat is conducted to the surface
Implement
A means of achieving an end; an instrument or agent.
Conduct
Direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra, choir, etc.)
The concert is to be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle
Implement
To put into practical effect; carry out
Implement the new procedures.
Conduct
Behave in a specified way
He conducted himself with the utmost propriety
Implement
To supply with implements.
Conduct
To direct the course of; manage or control
A police officer who conducts traffic.
A scientist who conducts experiments.
Implement
To bring about; to put into practice; to carry out.
It’s a good thought, but it will be a difficult thing to implement.
Conduct
To lead or guide
Conducted the tourists through the museum.
Implement
A tool or instrument for working with.
They carried an assortment of gardening implements in the truck.
Conduct
(Music) To direct the performance of (an orchestra or chorus, for example).
Implement
That which fulfills or supplies a want or use; esp., an instrument, tool, or utensil, as supplying a requisite to an end; as, the implements of trade, of husbandry, or of war.
Genius must have talent as its complement and implement.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; transmit
Some metals conduct heat.
Implement
To accomplish; to fulfill.
Revenge . . . executed and implemented by the hand of Vanbeest Brown.
Conduct
To comport (oneself) in a specified way
The students conducted themselves with dignity throughout the ceremony.
Implement
To provide with an implement or implements; to cause to be fulfilled, satisfied, or carried out, by means of an implement or implements.
The chief mechanical requisites of the barometer are implemented in such an instrument as the following.
Conduct
To act as a director or conductor.
Implement
To fulfill or perform, as a contract or an engagement.
Conduct
To show the way; lead.
Implement
Instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
Conduct
The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.
Implement
Apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design;
Implement a procedure
Conduct
The act of directing or controlling; management.
Implement
Ensure observance of laws and rules;
Apply the rules to everyone
Conduct
(Obsolete) A guide; an escort.
Implement
Pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue;
Did he go through with the treatment?
He implemented a new economic plan
She followed up his recommendations with a written proposal
Conduct
The act or method of controlling or directing.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management.
Conduct
Behaviour; the manner of behaving.
Good conduct will be rewarded and likewise poor conduct will be punished.
Conduct
(of a literary work) Plot.
Conduct
(obsolete) Convoy; escort; person who accompanies another.
Conduct
(archaic) Something which carries or conveys anything; a channel; an instrument; a conduit.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort.
Conduct
(transitive) To lead; to direct; to be in charge of (people or tasks)
The commander conducted thousands of troops.
To conduct the affairs of a kingdom
Conduct
To behave.
He conducted himself well.
Conduct
(transitive) To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit (heat, light, electricity, etc.)
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
(intransitive) To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
(transitive) To carry out (something organized)
Conduct
The act or method of conducting; guidance; management.
Christianity has humanized the conduct of war.
The conduct of the state, the administration of its affairs.
Conduct
Skillful guidance or management; generalship.
Conduct of armies is a prince's art.
Attacked the Spaniards . . . with great impetuosity, but with so little conduct, that his forces were totally routed.
Conduct
Convoy; escort; guard; guide.
I will be your conduct.
In my conduct shall your ladies come.
Conduct
That which carries or conveys anything; a channel; a conduit; an instrument.
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Conduct
The manner of guiding or carrying one's self; personal deportment; mode of action; behavior.
All these difficulties were increased by the conduct of Shrewsbury.
What in the conduct of our life appearsSo well designed, so luckily begun,But when we have our wish, we wish undone?
Conduct
Plot; action; construction; manner of development.
The book of Job, in conduct and diction.
Conduct
To lead, or guide; to escort; to attend.
I can conduct you, lady, to a lowBut loyal cottage, where you may be safe.
Conduct
To lead, as a commander; to direct; to manage; to carry on; as, to conduct the affairs of a kingdom.
Little skilled in the art of conducting a siege.
Conduct
To behave; - with the reflexive; as, he conducted himself well.
Conduct
To serve as a medium for conveying; to transmit, as heat, light, electricity, etc.
Conduct
To direct, as the leader in the performance of a musical composition.
Conduct
To act as a conductor (as of heat, electricity, etc.); to carry.
Conduct
To conduct one's self; to behave.
Conduct
Manner of acting or conducting yourself
Conduct
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
Conduct
Direct the course of; manage or control;
You cannot conduct business like this
Conduct
Lead, as in the performance of a composition;
Conduct an orchestra; Bairenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
Conduct
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Conduct
Transmit or serve as the medium for transmission;
Sound carries well over water
The airwaves carry the sound
Many metals conduct heat
Conduct
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Conduct
Lead musicians in the performance of;
Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor
She cannot conduct modern pieces
Common Curiosities
Can conducting a study influence its implementation?
Yes, conducting a study can provide valuable insights and evidence that influence the implementation of strategies, policies, or changes by highlighting areas for improvement or adjustment.
What does it mean to implement a policy?
To implement a policy means to put it into effect, ensuring that its stipulations are actively followed and integrated into practice.
How does conducting differ in research vs. music?
In research, conducting involves overseeing and managing a study, while in music, it refers to directing a musical performance. Both require leadership but in different contexts.
Can one conduct an implementation?
While "conduct" and "implement" have distinct meanings, one can oversee (conduct) the process of implementation, especially in complex projects.
How does technology affect implementation and conducting research?
Technology can facilitate both by providing tools for efficient project management, data collection, analysis, and communication, enhancing the effectiveness and scope of activities.
Is implementation more important than conducting research?
Both are important and serve different purposes. Implementation focuses on action and execution, while conducting research focuses on investigation and understanding.
How do you conduct an effective study?
Effective studies are conducted through careful planning, systematic data collection, and thorough analysis, adhering to ethical and methodological standards.
What's the relationship between implementing changes and conducting evaluations?
Implementing changes involves making actual modifications, while conducting evaluations assesses the effectiveness and impact of those changes.
Can implementation fail?
Yes, implementation can fail due to various reasons such as poor planning, lack of resources, resistance to change, or inadequate management.
Why is it important to conduct research before implementation?
Conducting research provides evidence and insights that can guide the design, strategy, and expected outcomes of the implementation, reducing the risk of failure.
Can one person conduct and implement a project?
Yes, it's possible, especially in smaller projects, but roles involve different skill sets and focuses, from research and planning (conducting) to practical execution (implementing).
What skills are needed to implement strategies effectively?
Skills such as project management, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for effective implementation.
What is the outcome of conducting research?
The outcome can include new knowledge, insights, or conclusions that contribute to the field of study, influence policy, or guide future research and practice.
What makes a successful implementation different from a successful conduct of research?
A successful implementation is measured by the effective application and results of a plan, while successful research is determined by the quality of insights, conclusions, and contributions to knowledge.
What challenges are faced when conducting academic research?
Challenges may include securing funding, ethical approvals, participant recruitment, data analysis complexities, and publishing pressures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat