Stakeholder voices through rich pictures
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 27 May 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through an example taken from a recent research project, how rich pictures could be used to more effectively evaluate the delivery of projects. It has as its focus a detailed account of the process of identifying, interviewing and co-developing rich pictures with research respondents.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reports on research that undertook a soft systems methodology (SSM) combined with an action learning approach.
Findings
The authors provided, one of eight rich pictures developed as part of a PhD study that used rich pictures as part of wider SSM study into understanding project management best practice. Key findings pertaining to this paper are summarised as follows: rich pictures provide a sound and holistic means to capture context, meaning and impact of situations that are often very difficult to document; use of the more use of artistic and cultural flow of colour, diagrams and symbols in the rich pictures presented a significantly improved resolution of such intangible aspects on a physical artefact such as a picture simply because colour, flow, models and symbols can act as suitable proxy to understanding and resolution; and researcher needs to have an open mind and be rigorous in questioning and interacting with interviewees.
Research limitations/implications
This was based on one study only and serves to illustrate the value of an approach rather than a template to be generally used.
Practical implications
This provides practical “how to” guidance on developing rich pictures within a SSM research approach.
Social implications
The paper illustrates how to portray participants in a particularly sensitive case resulting from a natural disaster. This approach may help people to better express their experiences and to give them a clearer voice in telling their story.
Originality/value
The major new contribution that the paper stress this paper makes is one of not only demonstrating that rich picture development is a powerful sensemaking tool but the paper also illustrates how it can be implemented and the authors demonstrated how it allows stakeholders to have a strong and influential voice in project conception and delivery. In reflecting on the use of this tool the paper suggests that it can be effectively applied or adapted for use in a range of disaster recovery situations and even wider in the resolution of purposeful programme development for all range of challenging projects.
Keywords
Citation
Walker, D., Steinfort, P. and Maqsood, T. (2014), "Stakeholder voices through rich pictures", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 342-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-10-2013-0050
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited