Focus Group

Definition: the dynamic created by a small group of well-chosen people, when guided by a skilled moderator, can provide deep insight into themes, patterns or problems.

When properly recruited, and under the guidance of an experienced moderator, participants can quickly accept one another as peers. In a peer setting (where the fear of being judged is diminished), participants are more likely to share experiences, stories etc. (MARTIN and HINGINGTON, 2012).

Focus Group can be applied at the beginning of the engagement process, to understand the existing problem, as in the implementation phase, to follow what has already been done, still in time to modify some part or activity of the process, or with the process already finished.

Objectives: facilitate the understanding of data, identify problems, causes and consequences, evaluate the process, stimulate communication and exchange of information with stakeholders.

Checklist for Engagement Report

Definition: to help you remember relevant issues to be inserted in the report after the implementation and evaluation process. Have reminders to identify: quantitative indicators, such as, the number of people involved, growth rates, resources, level of stakeholder group participation, level of stakeholder satisfaction, update of activity inputs; and qualitative indicators, such as, attitude changes, emergence of leadership, ability to self-monitor, improvements in solidarity, behavioural changes
Objectives: organize the information, synthesize information, identify issues, help to remember the different tasks done.
 

Cross-fertilization

Definition: also called “charrette design”, the technique is inspired by the process of biological nature. Each group is given 10 minutes to sketch. After this, two people (for each group) should change to different tables, while the third person remains at the table. Each person brings forward the best ideas from each group, and the cross-pollination of the best ideas begins to emerge and inform superior design concepts. Another function of this technique is to evaluate the ideas of the other groups (MARTIN and HINGINGTON, 2012).

Objectives: organize the information, synthesize information, identify issues, help to remember the different tasks done.

Scenarios

Definition: Is a technique to support decision making, allowing for dialogue and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Through the map of polarities “resources vs. time” (or others polarities), you can create 4 scenarios to decide which one to choose. Each scenario created should show what the idea (What?) and how it will be done (How?).

Objectives: generate ideas, organize the information, compare generate solutions, synthesize information, identify priorities, facilitate understanding of the solution.

Registration of Meetings

Definition: Technique to record the evolution of the engaging process. First identify the activities to be done or endorsed. In the sequence point your progress within the listed items, like: timelines, locals, responsible, tools, resources.

Objectives: organize the information, synthesize information, identify priorities.