ACTION RESEARCH

Mekong Institute

Dr Gautam Dutta Presented By

OUTLINE PRESENTATION define action research, explain the cyclical, spiraling process, explore the potential and necessity of action

research cluster development,

What is action research ?

Fact base decision making for improving cluster performance

“looking at what we do and trying to make it better.”

FIND means of increasing knowledge about and/or improving cluster status, methods of operations and learning.

ACTION RESEARCH FINDING ACTION RESEARCH

CONTINUE TILL

Common threads are

the process is cyclical, it requires data collection and

analysis, and subsequent action is directed by

the results of the study.

What is action research Action research is deliberate, Action research solution oriented investigation It is spiralling cycles of problem identification, It systematic data collection, reflection, analysis, and, finally,

problem redefinition. Relationship between those conducting the research and those

“being researched.” The “subjects” become partners in the research process, The researcher share responsibility for identifying specific

problems and applying local, action-oriented solutions.

Test your understanding of ACTION RESEARCH In studying the cluster I have

talked to the cluster actors. I discussed with one actor about the

improvement required on production process.

I was shocked to know that the actor was not exporting.

I told the cluster actor to initiate exporting where I will support the process.

I understood the production process and shared my understanding with other members and asked for comment.

Back home I worked in the internet to find the best production process.

I myself behaved as worker in understanding process

When I knew that raw material is a problem in the cluster I personally contacted few suppliers and discussed with them.

I’ve broken down something complicated into simple terms when I’ve talked to people.

I have surveyed my friends or community about an important issue prevailing in the cluster.

I have met with the government officials regarding an issue prevaling in the cluster.

I have observed changes in the cluster such as new packaging machinery introduction.

I have seen the cluster actors , family, or friends are involving themselves in finding solutions to the problems .

Back home I discussed with an expert to ensure that my conclusions about GVC linkage with the cluster are reasonably fair and accurate?

Knowledge in Action researchCommunity Knowledge—cultural practices and wisdom passed down for generations.

Knowledge from Experience—what we learn and know from living and doing it.

Academic Knowledge—published facts and data produced by research “professionals” usually from outside the community.

Benefits of Action Research Gathering community

knowledge and knowledge from experience is the best way to get a picture of what’s really happening in our communities.

Instead of allowing academics and policy makers to define the problems and solutions in our community, we need to do our own research, so that we can create policies that address what’s really happening in our communities.

Phases of action research

Finding a focus Collecting data or information Organizing the data Analyzing and interpreting the data Taking action

Repeat 1-5 again and again: plan, do, study, act” (PDSA)

You need to expand your thinking !

Is it action Research ?

Think !!!!

HAVE YOU EVER ENGAGED YOUR SELF IN RESEARCH WHICH YOU MAY CALL ACTION RESEARCH?

Qualitative vs. quantitative research

Underlying Assumptions of Action Research:

Researchers are intelligent, inquiring individuals with important expertise and experiences that are central to the improvement of cluster functioning

By contributing to or formulating their own questions, and by collecting the data to answer these questions, researchers grow professionally.

Researchers are motivated to use more effective practices when they are continuously investigating the results of their actions in the cluster specific situation.

Implementation requirements

Time Administrative support and an atmosphere

conducive to experimentation. Opportunities to share the results of the research.

Five States of Mind

Consciousness (from lack of awareness to awareness)

Craftsmanship – (from vagueness and imprecision to specificity and elegance)

Flexibility - (from narrow, egocentric views to broader and alternative perspectives)

Efficacy - (from an external locus of control to an internal locus of control; from playing the victim to being the vanguard of changes within the system they work in)

Interdependence - (from isolation and separateness to concern for the greater, common good)

Four Stages of Transformation

Unconscious incompetence – i.e. we don’t know what we don’t know.

Conscious incompetence – being aware of your gaps, of what you know and what you don’t know.

Conscious competence – the new behavior or practice is getting good results, but it still requires paying careful attention to get it right

Unconscious competence – the new behavior is “second nature.” It becomes how we perform – as if on “automatic pilot.”

The Action Research Process Identifying a Focus (Research Question) and

Developing Questions on it Focus, we mean the “big idea,” the thing you’re going

to look at. There are many ways to determine a compelling focus

for your action research project. One excellent way is through the analysis of MI

requirements and objectives – Where are the major areas for improvement?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTIONS!