E—Design of (further) research and engagement

Goal

"I have clear objectives with respect to product, both written and practice, and process, including personal development as a reflective practitioner. I have arranged my work in a sequence to realize these objectives."

Background

You are probably a bit around a third of your way into the time allotted for your project. Having identified many and varied research tasks to prepare you to write a compelling report (Phase D), you now need to prioritize those tasks and perhaps adjust how you are framing your project (Phase A). This phase approaches the design of the research and engagement ahead by first articulating a broader vision for your work, a vision that should motivate and guide you in completing the tasks that you work into your design.

Processes

Develop a Research and engagement design by
Strategic Personal Planning

• beginning with a Practical Vision and proceeding, time permitting, through three subsequent stages: Underlying Obstacles-> Strategic Directions-> Action Plans.

Prepare a timetable with a thought-out and realistic Sequence of Steps

The word "design" in phase E refers primarily to planning so that you can undertake what you really need to do during the course of completing your project. This planning is easier said than done.
(This sense of design does not encompass preparation of effective questionnaires, determining a statistically valid sample of people to complete them, and so on. As an entry point into that kind of Research Design, see suggestions in Resources.)

In session 6
Strategic Personal Planning through the Practical Vision stage.

By session 7
Complete Strategic Personal Planning or formulate specific action plans by freewriting after the Practical Vision stage.

By session 8
Sequence of steps: Complete a Research and engagement design that lays out a sequence of completable steps to realize your vision for the project and to overcome anticipated obstacles.

Follow up

We all know what it is like to make plans or to-do lists that get eclipsed by other calls on our time and attention. If this starts to happen—or even before it has a chance to happen—arrange a buddy to check in with each day, if only to make sure that both of you have made time to review your practical vision, design, and specific action plans.

All Phases | Next: Phase F--Direct Information, models and experience