Group items tagged

"This article discusses three interrelated challenges related to conducting
social science research in 'Internet Time'. (1) The rate at which the Internet
is both diffusing through society and developing new capacities is
unprecedented. It creates some novel challenges for scholarly research. (2) Many
of our most robust research methods are based upon ceteris paribus
assumptions that do not hold in the online environment. The rate of change
online narrows the range of questions that can be answered using traditional
tools. Meanwhile, (3) new research methods are untested and often rely upon data
sources that are incomplete and systematically flawed. The paper details these
challenges, then proposes that scholars embrace the values of
transparency and kludginess in order to answer important research
questions in a rapidly-changing communications environment."

"This research investigates a practical way to address clashes in stakeholder
values and enhance outcomes in water allocation planning, in a case study of the
water-stressed Lockyer catchment in Australia. A conflict assessment using
photovoice interviews early in the process was used to identify divergent
interests and values about sustainability, private and public benefit, and
equity. A photovoice workshop as well as separate and joint meetings of
government and irrigator groups using various consensus-building techniques
fostered mutual respect, identified common ground, and contributed toward a
negotiated package. This case study shows that techniques that clarify parties'
values can reduce areas of divergence and refocus parties on topics for further
negotiation in water planning. A consensus-building process need not be
formalized in legislation; techniques can be tailored for the purpose and needs
of the situation, and together with institutional change will contribute to more
collaborative and deliberative planning processes."