Step 5A - Execution and Interpretation of Pilot Project

One of the main problems with using a pilot project as a method of research is that it lends itself to "ransacking", followed by abandonment. Since the point of research oriented pilot projects is to find out certain pieces of information, the temptation is to continue the project until the information is found, then abandon the project as an unnecessary ongoing loss. This approach is abusive where it involves people, and in my estimation should be considered in light of the ethical considerations just as a formal research project must.

The formal writing up of the project, with its analysis of learnigs needs to be presented, and the guidelines for confidentiality governing formal research projects need attending to in this activity. Some qualitative researchers have gone to considerable lengths to involve their "subjects" in their research , its analysis and the way they, as subjects are "re-presented" in any final reports. Perhaps some guidelines for reporting could be drawn from this body of literature.

It is important to remember that research oriented pilot projects are intended to be a source of information for further decision making or action, not just a self contained project with no further connections. Reporting which addresses initial research questions, vital to further action or decision making is critical to the overall conduct of the project.