In order to use methods to get a successful result, time planning and researching the energy topic is the most important preparatory work that needs to be done. By discussing the priorities, the possible methods that will be used in the following process, the team is able to schedule their activities.
For instance, researching the topic is going to take many hours so using time efficiently is important from the beginning. Literature review will be included during the whole project but it is reasonable to take more time in the beginning for it. A timeline will give the group a good overview and provide the client, with a better understanding on what will be delivered as well as milestone events.
Table of Contents
1. Background
2. Preparatory Work
3. Project Planning Stage
4. Methods
4.1. Brainstorm and Mind mapping
4.2. Secondary research; literature
4.3. Ethnography
4.4. Interviews
5. Energy ethics and behavior aspects
6. Conclusion
7. References
7.1. Books
1.1. Webpages
Project Objective and Thematic Focus
This report documents the initial planning and methodological approach for a student project focused on improving energy efficiency and workplace behavior at a case company in Braås. The primary objective is to investigate how behavioral change strategies can effectively reduce energy consumption in an industrial production setting.
- Analysis of energy efficiency and industrial behavioral change.
- Application of the "regulative cycle" in project management.
- Multidisciplinary methodological approach (Ethnography, Interviews, Literature Review).
- Identification of stakeholder relationships and organizational constraints.
- Ethical considerations in observing human behavior and energy consumption.
Excerpt from the Book
4.3. Ethnography
The main objective of using ethnography method is to understand the work. (Forslund 2016) Ethnography involves the researcher participating people’s daily lives (or factory life etc.) for an extended period of time by observing what happens, listening to what is said or asking questions through interviews, collecting documents/ artefacts. (Atkinson & Hammersley 2007, p.3) The intent method is based on qualitative observation, unstructured interviews and studying of natural settings in both social and cultural context structure. According to Hannington & Martin (2012) Design -ethnography is a broad approach encompassing several research methods, focused on a comprehensive and empathic understanding of the user, their lives, their language, and the context of their artifacts and behavior.
The three phases in ethnographic research stated by Wax (1971) as initiation, actual fieldwork and reporting (Forslund 2016). For the current situation of the project, ethnographic work includes observation of the factory and manufacture process in Braås and recording data which is needed for the process of data analysis and writing research reports. In ethnographic work, researcher takes place in the ‘field’ (Atkinson & Hammersley 2007, p.3); which applied by the team having a study visit to the case company.
Summary of Chapters
1. Background: Provides context on global climate change awareness, energy efficiency directives, and the company's initiative to improve production processes through behavior change.
2. Preparatory Work: Details the importance of time management, research planning, and scheduling milestone events to ensure project success.
3. Project Planning Stage: Outlines the application of the "regulative cycle" to define organizational scope, limitations, and key stakeholder mapping.
4. Methods: Describes the multidisciplinary research tools employed, including mind mapping, literature reviews, ethnographic observation, and interviews.
5. Energy ethics and behavior aspects: Discusses the ethical requirements for research, including privacy considerations and the influence of factory environment on worker behavior.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the initial project progress, highlighting the value of close client communication and the challenges of language barriers and multidisciplinary coordination.
7. References: Lists the academic sources, lectures, and web resources used throughout the project planning.
Keywords
Energy efficiency, Behavioral change, Industrial production, Regulative cycle, Stakeholder map, Ethnography, Project management, Sustainability, Workplace behavior, Qualitative research, Multidisciplinary team, Energy optimization, Factory life, Organizational strategy, Ethical research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research project?
The project focuses on the intersection of energy efficiency and employee behavior within an industrial production environment, specifically seeking ways to implement behavior change strategies to reduce energy consumption.
What are the central thematic fields?
The core themes include industrial energy optimization, organizational behavior, stakeholder analysis, and the application of design-led research methodologies in a factory setting.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The main objective is to identify how energy efficiency can be improved via behavioral changes and to determine the motives and circumstances that would make such strategies appealing to other sister companies.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, including brainstorming, mind mapping, secondary literature research, ethnography (direct observation), and semi-structured interviews.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body details the project's background, the planning phase using the "regulative cycle," the methodological framework, ethical considerations regarding research in the workplace, and the initial findings from field visits.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include energy efficiency, behavioral change, industrial production, ethnography, stakeholder mapping, and project planning.
Why is there a specific focus on "stakeholder mapping" in this project?
Stakeholder mapping is used to visualize the degree of involvement and influence of various internal and external parties, providing a guideline for planning engagements and managing project requirements.
How do the researchers handle the language barrier observed during the study visit?
The project team identified a language barrier on the production floor and addressed the need for a Swedish-speaking group member to facilitate field studies and interact with employees.
What ethical constraints are highlighted regarding photography in the factory?
Due to privacy and anonymity concerns, photography is restricted; any required images must be taken by company representatives to ensure compliance with site regulations.
How does the project plan to evolve in the next phase?
The team intends to apply advanced feedback methods such as focus groups, co-creation workshops, journey mapping, and business model canvas analysis.
- Citar trabajo
- Anna Lena Bischoff (Autor), 2016, Action research and interactive methods. Introduction to planning a research project, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/336655
