TABLE OF CONTENTS During the feedback in Step 5, the student presented a high-level action plan. In this plan, the outline of the total project becomes visible. The intended end results are stated, along with the route that will be followed to achieve them. The action plan is built on two foundations: the results of the orientation in the company (interviews and documents) and the results of the discipline-based theoretical study.
This high-level action plan must be developed further by detailing sub-tasks to be carried out at the correct time in order that the project as a whole can be completed successfully. This chapter deals with the process of specifying in detail the research activities that will be carried out in Step 7. Later on in Step 8 we will cover the activities necessary for implementing the chosen solution.
Before we address the main theme of this chapter drawing up a working plan for the in-depth research we will look briefly at an aspect of methodology that is important for the execution of Steps 6, 7 and 8.
In the methodology literature, a distinction is regularly made between two cycles: the empirical or theoretical cycle and the regulative or practical cycle. The theoretical cycle is followed in research where an explanation for a phenomenon is sought (why does this situation exist?), and the practical cycle in research where an intervention or change is prepared and carried out (what can I do about this?). If a department...
