Experiences and Lessons Learned from Stakeholder Engagement in Transitioning to Use of Community Energy Business Entity - In the Case of Remote Islands, Nagasaki

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Ishida ◽  
◽  
Hirotaka Haga ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Remote Island ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Declining Populations ◽  
Remote Islands ◽  
Business Entities

Abstract Five years have passed since the liberalization of retail electricity sales in Japan. Consumers are now free to choose their own power company and can make a contract with power companies that better suit their lifestyles. As a result of this liberalization, many electric power companies have come up with their own plans. In this trend, emerging community energy business entities that aim for "local production for local consumption" have recently begun to increase. This paper attempts to identify the strategies and challenges from the experience of stakeholder engagement in community energy initiatives. Stakeholder engagement in this context is a form of community engagement used to develop a viable agenda and implementation plan in line with the interests and needs of key stakeholders and constituencies. It is important to seek strategies to involve more stakeholders in decision-making when building new energy systems within a community, especially for in the development of remote island areas with rapidly declining populations. This paper focuses the case study of Nagasaki Prefecture, which has the largest number of remote island municipalities in Japan. Based on semi-structured interviews and document analysis, this research identifies the scope and engagement strategy of the community energy initiatives, and discuss lessons learned and challenges from the experience of energy stakeholder engagement. In the context of remote islands, a geographically isolated and resource-constrained area, both theoretical and practical issues are presented. This paper also presents options and outreach issues to encourage the broader range of stakeholder participation than just energy projects. Keywords: Community Energy Business Entities, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Engagement, Community Energy, Remote Islands, Nagasaki

Administrative Perspectives on Implementing a Mandatory Engaged Scholarship Project With Doctoral Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 105-129
Author(s):  
Shirley M. Matteson ◽  
Irene Arellano ◽  
Sonya E. Sherrod
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
College Of Education ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Engaged Scholarship ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Engaged Scholarship

This chapter focuses on lessons learned from mandating community-engaged scholarship research projects for all doctoral students within a specific college of education prior to beginning their dissertations. Members of the administration of the college participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on capturing their thoughts about the 2 years in which a small group of faculty and students piloted the initiative. During the interviews, the administrators shared their perceptions and what they believed to be the varied reactions of both faculty and students who participated in the community engagement project. The chapter provides insights that may be useful for others wanting to initiate similar community engagement initiatives with doctoral students.

scholarly journals The Seamless Communication on a Rural Island in Japan: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9479
Author(s):  
Moe Kuroda ◽  
Ryuichi Ohta ◽  
Kaku Kuroda ◽  
Keiichiro Kita ◽  
Seiji Yamashiro
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Remote Island ◽  
Remote Islands ◽  
Taking Action ◽  
Seamless Communication

On remote islands, interprofessional collaboration is essential to support older adults who live at home, despite the limited number of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Therefore, it is important for HCPs to collect and share information about older adults with health problems. This study aimed to clarify how rural HCPs collaborate using limited resources to support older adults in remote islands. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 healthcare providers for older adults on Zamami Island of Okinawa, Japan. We performed a qualitative analysis using the steps for coding and theorization method. Four themes were extracted: “Collection and communication of information between residents”, “Communication of information from non-HCPs to HCPs”, “Sharing of information between HCPs”, and “HCPs taking action to initiate their approach”. Islanders take care of each other and know each other’s health status, while HCPs gather their health information. When necessary, HCPs on the island gain essential information regarding older adult patients from islanders not only through work, but also through personal interactions. Afterward, HCPs approach older adults who need health care. The human connections on this remote island serve as social capital and enable flexibility in both gathering information and seamless communication among islanders who also serve as informal resources that contribute support for older adults.

Optimizing electronic capture of patient-reported outcome measures in oncology clinical trials: lessons learned from a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (17) ◽  
pp. 1195-1204
Author(s):  
Florence D Mowlem ◽  
Brad Sanderson ◽  
Jill V Platko ◽  
Bill Byrom
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Oncology Clinical Trials ◽  
Anticancer Treatment ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Electronic Implementation

Aim: To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients’ ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). Materials & methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Results: Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory. Conclusion: Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions.

scholarly journals Uncovering Stakeholder Participation in Payment for Hydrological Services (PHS) Program Decision making in Mexico and Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8562
Author(s):  
Andres M. Urcuqui-Bustamante ◽  
Theresa L. Selfa ◽  
Paul Hirsch ◽  
Catherine M. Ashcraft
Keyword(s):  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Market Mechanism ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Program Administrators ◽  
Water Users ◽  
Hydrological Services

Payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a market-based policy approach intended to foster land use practices, such as forest conservation or restoration, that protect and improve the benefits from healthy, functioning ecosystems. While PES programs are used globally, they are an especially prominent environmental policy tool in Latin America, where the vast majority are payment for hydrological services (PHS) programs, which incentivize the conservation and restoration of ecosystems associated with water production and clean water for clearly defined water users. As a market mechanism, PHS approaches involve a transactional relationship between upstream and downstream water users who are connected by a shared watershed. While existing literature has highlighted the important role of non-state actors in natural resource management and program effectiveness, few studies have explored the role of stakeholder participation in the context of PHS programs. Building on the collaborative learning approach and the Trinity of Voice framework, we sought to understand how and to what extent PHS program stakeholders are engaged in PHS design, implementation, and evaluation. In this paper we explored (1) the modes of stakeholder engagement in PHS programs that program administrators use, and (2) the degree to which different modes of stakeholder participation allow PHS stakeholders to have decision power with which to influence PHS policy design and expected outcomes. To better understand the role of stakeholder participation, and the different ways participation occurs, we used a comparative multiple-case study analysis of three PHS program administration types (government, non-profit, and a mixed public–private organization) in Mexico and Colombia that have incorporated stakeholder engagement to achieve ecological and social goals. Our analysis draws on institutional interviews to investigate the modes of stakeholder engagement and understand the degree of decision space that is shared with other PHS stakeholders. Across all cases, we found that the trust between key actors and institutions is an essential but underappreciated aspect of successful collaboration within PHS initiatives. We conclude with recommendations for ways in which program administrators and governmental agencies can better understand and facilitate the development of trust in PHS design and implementation, and natural resources management more broadly.

scholarly journals The Experiences of Grief and Personal Growth in University Students: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1899
Author(s):  
Jovita Tan ◽  
Karl Andriessen
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Continuing Bonds ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Formal Services

Background: Experiencing the death of a close person, especially in emerging adults and students, can have profound effects on the bereaved individual’s life. As most research in this field has focused on negative effects of a loss, little is known about potential positive effects experienced by bereaved university students. This study investigated the experience of grief and personal growth in a sample of students from The University of Melbourne, Australia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews via Zoom/telephone with bereaved students (n = 14), who were invited to reflect on their loss and any personal growth potentially experienced. Thematic analysis of the data was based on a deductive and inductive approach. Results: The analysis identified four themes: (i) sharing of grief as a coping mechanism, (ii) balance between grief reactions and moving forward in life, (iii) lessons learned and personal growth, and (iv) adopting values from the deceased person and continuing bonds. Conclusions: Participants emphasized personal growth regarding self-perception and philosophical views on life. Following the loss, they preferred peer support, and used formal services only when they had a specific need. The findings indicate the importance of social support for bereaved students, and the complimentary role of peer and professional support. Hence, academic institutions should offer supportive services tailored to both students and professionals to help bereaved students.

scholarly journals Bridging Science and Practice-Importance of Stakeholders in the Development of Decision Support: Lessons Learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5744
Author(s):  
Innocent K. Tumwebaze ◽  
Joan B. Rose ◽  
Nynke Hofstra ◽  
Matthew E. Verbyla ◽  
Daniel A. Okaali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Decision Support Tools ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Support Tools

User-friendly, evidence-based scientific tools to support sanitation decisions are still limited in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector. This commentary provides lessons learned from the development of two sanitation decision support tools developed in collaboration with stakeholders in Uganda. We engaged with stakeholders in a variety of ways to effectively obtain their input in the development of the decision support tools. Key lessons learned included: tailoring tools to stakeholder decision-making needs; simplifying the tools as much as possible for ease of application and use; creating an enabling environment that allows active stakeholder participation; having a dedicated and responsive team to plan and execute stakeholder engagement activities; involving stakeholders early in the process; having funding sources that are flexible and long-term; and including resources for the acquisition of local data. This reflection provides benchmarks for future research and the development of tools that utilize scientific data and emphasizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders in the development process.

scholarly journals Bringing Older Adults to the Table: Opportunities for Consumer Engagement in Planning and Policy Making

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Alice Prendergast ◽  
Kristi Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Design Data

Abstract Efforts to include community voice in health policy and service planning are gaining recognition and support in the United States. Findings suggest community involvement can contribute to a better understanding of systems and factors that impact health, and, subsequently, more effective and sustainable policy and program design. Additionally, engagement can increase community buy-in, and community members can gain a greater awareness of services; increased confidence navigating systems; feelings of social connectedness; and capacity to advocate around issues through participation. Despite these findings, the extent to which community members are engaged in planning and decision-making varies considerably. Researchers from Georgia State University conducted a review of state plans on aging using the Person-Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI) Engagement Principles and the Health Research & Educational Trust’s Community and Patient Engagement Spectrum as frameworks to assess evidence of community engagement. The frameworks recognize engagement throughout the planning process, including design, data collection and interpretation, and dissemination. The review revealed that few planning processes described significant engagement, but rather met the minimal requirements established by federal policy. Federal guidance on community-informed planning practices is sparse, as are resources to support states in adopting these processes. To address this gap, the research team drew on the frameworks and other promising practices to design two community engagement projects, both in partnership with Georgia’s Division of Aging Services. Methods for participant engagement, data collection, interpretation and application of results, and lessons learned through both projects will be discussed, as well as potential implications.

Enhancing Collaboration during Humanitarian Response: An Interim Report from Stakeholders Survey

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivani Parmar ◽  
Ano Lobb ◽  
Susan Purdin ◽  
Sharon McDonnell
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
World Health ◽  
Interim Report ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Coordination And Collaboration

AbstractThe effectiveness of humanitarian response efforts has long been hampered by a lack of coordination among responding organizations. The need for increased coordination and collaboration, as well as the need to better understand experiences with coordination, were recognized by participants of a multilateral Working Group convened to examine the challenges of coordination in humanitarian health responses. This preliminary study is an interim report of an ongoing survey designed by the Working Group to describe the experiences of coordination and collaboration in greater detail, including factors that promote or discourage coordination and lessons learned, and to determine whether there is support for a new consortium dedicated to coordination. To date, 30 key informants have participated in 25-minute structured interviews that were recorded and analyzed for major themes. Participants represented 21 different agencies and organizations: nine non-governmental organizations, eight academic institutions, two donor organizations, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.Common themes that emerged included the role of donors in promoting coordination, the need to build an evidence base, the frequent occurrence of field-level coordination, and the need to build new partnerships. Currently, there is no consensus that a new consortium would be helpful.Addressing the underlying structural and professional factors that currently discourage coordination may be a more effective method for enhancing coordination during humanitarian responses.

Benefits and challenges to applying IPD: experiences from a Norwegian mega-project

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Rieger Rodrigues ◽  
Søren Munch Lindhard
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Concept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Collaboration And Communication ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
Supporting Element ◽  
Early Phases

Purpose The traditional construction delivery method is challenged by low trust and collaboration issues, resulting in increased project costs. The integrated project delivery (IPD) method is developed, through a contractual agreement, to overcome these challenges by creating a common set of terms, expectations and project goals. Design/methodology/approach A singular construction case was followed during a four-month period. Data collection consisted of contract documents and a series of semi-structured interviews with representatives from the owner, design-group and contractors. Findings The IPD contract was found to have a number of positive effects; it improved project behavior (e.g. trust, collaboration and communication), increased ownership among project participants and improved buildability of the design, leading to fewer surprises and interruptions in the construction phase. The study also revealed a number of challenges including contractual and legal challenges and involving too many participants in the early phases. Moreover, co-location was identified as a particular important supporting element, to build relations and improve collaboration. Originality/value This research identified lessons learned from the application, as well as initial barriers and persistent barriers for implementing IPD. To improve IPD application the top three lessons were as follows: 1) the contractual documents should be adapted and signed at an early stage as this increases financial transparency, 2) cost estimates should be carried as an iterative process and project main concept be freezed at an early stage to increase understanding and minimize risks, 3) only the most important project developers should be involved in the early phases, to avoid going into detailed design issues before the main concept is completed.

scholarly journals Pathways to Local Partnerships in a Semi-Rural Setting: A Qualitative Study of Community Engagement and Employer-Supported Volunteering in Small and Medium Enterprises and Local Nonprofits

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Gagnon ◽  
Myriam Beaudry ◽  
Louise Lemyre ◽  
Alexandra Guay-Charette
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Local Partnerships ◽  
Petites Entreprises

There remains a knowledge gap regarding the factors that drive the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering—especially in small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, there is a need to consider how enterprises operate in their cultural contexts to better understand how they support volunteering trends in Canada. This study aimed to improve understanding of the multi-level factors that foster the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with community and small business actors in a semi-rural setting in Francophone Québec. Results challenged the traditional view of volunteer support as a distinct activity, showing an integrated system of inter-dependence. Results suggest the relevance of conceptualizing small enterprises’ support of volunteering as part of an inclusive approach to community engagement. RÉSUMÉLes facteurs liés au développement de partenariats entre entreprises et OBNL dans le contexte du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur sont méconnus – particulièrement au sein des petites et moyennes entreprises. Il est également pertinent de considérer le contexte culturel pour mieux comprendre les tendances canadiennes du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur. Cette étude vise l’obtention d’une meilleure compréhension des facteurs multiniveaux associés au développement de partenariats entreprises-OBNL dans le contexte du soutien au bénévolat. Quinze entretiens semistructurés ont été effectués auprès d’acteurs du secteur communautaire et des petites entreprises dans un milieu semi-rural francophone-québécois. Les résultats repositionnent la notion d’activités distinctes et témoignent plutôt d’un système intégré d’interdépendances. Les résultats suggèrent de conceptualiser le soutien au bénévolat des petites entreprises au sein d’une approche inclusive d’engagement communautaire.

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