For this discussion, you should be familiar with the techniques of ethnography (observation), and focus group interviewing. If you are not already familiar with these techniques, they are discussed in Krueger, R., Casey, M., Donner, J., Kirsch, S. & Maack, J. (2002). Social Analysis: Selected Tools and Techniques. World Bank Group.
Available at http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCDD/Resources/SAtools.pdf
Imagine that:
You work in the External Relations Department of a company or
You are a consultant for a company
Begin your post by telling us which of these roles you are taking the perspective of). You will either conducting engagement activities to identify appropriate development opportunities, or you will be reviewing the results of engagement activities.
Scenario for Discussion
A company plans to build a major project that will have impacts on traditional territories of more than one First Nation. The project could be a mine or hydro-electric development project in northern Ontario. You need to move the project forward, but at the same time, you want to ensure that technical staff and designers, have a comprehensive awareness of community concerns, so that their plans can take these into account and so that your External Relations Department can start planning a community development program that responds to needs.
Compare what you perceive to be the advantages and disadvantages of Scenario Analysis with either ethnography or focus group interviewing.
