Aim and Methods
Research Aim
To explore the projecthonduras.com network in order to discover what makes it an unconventional movement and alternative model; how it works, what it does, and what it has to contribute to development in Honduras and to development theory.
Reading the projecthonduras.com website, the phrases “unconventional movement” and “alternative model” stand out. These phrases caught my attention as they indicate that this network may have something different to offer at a time when conventional models are being questioned and alternatives sought. This research has been designed to explore the possibilities and alternatives that projecthonduras.com has to offer for development.
Study Methods
The study has been designed as an ethnography, a methodology that provides a holistic description of a culture or group, in this case the projecthonduras.com network.
This approach will be complemented by methods based in Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a methodology which concentrates on exploring ideas about what is valuable in what a group or organisation is doing, and working out ways this can be built upon.
Specific study methods planned include:
- Interviews
- Observation and analysis of forums and website
- Participation at conferences
- Visiting, observation, potentially participating in projects, communities & offices of projecthonduras.com – linked organizations
Other possible methods are-
- Online or email questionnaires
- Focus groups, and on- or off-line feedback and discussion of findings.
Timeline
Oct 08: Honduras, participation at Conference, introductions
Nov 08- Jan 09: NZ, completion of full proposal and registration procedures
Feb 09- End 09: Honduras, Data collection
2010: NZ/ Honduras, Data analysis, writing
Jan 2011: Submission of thesis, feedback
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