Mini project review using Developmental Work Research

 

This is a mini project review using the Developmental Work Research (DWR) framework and question set.  I've been talking with Dr Jeff Foote the value of using using DWR's 'expansive learning model as a framework to plan and action complex projects. 

This has been an example of every day use and I've found it a useful opportunity to take stock.  It's only taken 15-20minutes to complete, has helped me make sense of my situation and has helped my plan a practical way forward.  The proof in the pudding is that this blog is now in existence!

 

Step	Questions	Comments
Questioning	What is going wrong? What is threatening us? What are the risks?	I have worked for almost two years to carry out an academic research project within my organisation, but without start of a formal product so far. I’ve also written a background research paper which I generated some value from, but was not published so with potential for more. As a result I’ve become involved into another research project, and been able to directly support and add value to it, but I haven’t realised great value realised for myself in that. One thing going wrong is that I haven’t yet created significant value for the time investment I’ve made. And there is a risk of not benefiting from the value at all.
Analysis	What is behind the problems? What generates them?	One thing behind the problem is that the research product has a high risk, long generation cycle. It requires multiple approval gates and multiple years of work before producing a product (research outputs and a masters degree for myself). Note: use Activity System tool to describe the system and analyse relationships. The fundamental problem that I have been trying to solve though, and that is underlying the problem above, is that Innovation within the Justice Sector is challenging. So in summary, innovation research and development in Justice and the wider social sector in general is challenging.  And creating a large scale innovative research product is a high risk activity.  So some questions I am asking is: What does an innovation look like in the justice sector?    What are the features of a high performing innovation function in Justice or the wider social sector in NZ
Insights	So what? What are the key lessons and principles to inform a better model?	Creating interim products, that create value towards the goals in the short term will help to offset the risk of a long-term project. An interim product could also generate funding to support ongoing  work.                                                     Reviewing what I have:    I have established a trusted network of expert researchers who cross Innovation and Justice                  I have a decent amount of experience and expertise in business improvement orriented research, design and development I can clearly state who the user group is  i.e. Social Sector Leaders and Managers who want inspiration and ideas on how to achieve innovation in the social sector          So we are well placed to conduct an innovation orriented resarch project within the Justice Sector Reviewing what I need: To find an innovative activity / initiative 'an innovation partner' that wants to be studied and evaluated To find an funding partner, that wants to support and fund innovation research and development
Modelling	How do we want to function after 5 years?	A product package that bridges research and practice. A self-funding / self-supporting program of work that enables ongoing innovation in the NZ social sector. One thought is to make my structured reflections public, by publishing my experiences and next step innovations in a blog. Creating a blog or ‘online book’ isn’t a qualification, but it is a product that can be shared and used. The blog will start with a focus on CHAT and its tools, then be expanded to other systems thinking tools in due course.
Examine the model	How would this model work in real situations?	I can test with users and look for funding for it, as a product itself.  Alternatively, I can also use it to document my project direction and progress, along with the theoretical framework and methodologies I am using.  I can then use this as an online reference for project stakeholders that I engage with to provide context and credibility.	In
Implementing	How can the model be put into practice? How should it be revised?	I have an existing Blogger account and can use that as the platform initially. I can then also update it in real time with new blog posts, or updates to identify progress updates.  Also with new pages, or page updates to incoporate new background information e.g: a page to introduce innovation in Justice (based on my prior work). In practice though, I also need to secure funding to support an innovation research and design project that will form the foundation of this work.
Reflecting on, and assessing the process	What did we achieve and how?	This first reflection is just on the planning process using this table.  Doing this initial structured reflection has helped to organise my thoughts, and to create the content for my first version of site (the product). Further reflections about the overall process can be made in this box due course, once the product has been developed and tested.
Consolidating	What does this mean for our partners? How can we make the new model last? What does this mean	A first version needs to be tested with stakeholders (potential users and partners) to assess their level of interest.