One of the parts of the ARP I am enjoying the most is the Primary Research. It started last July 10th 2023 and finalised on January 5th 2024. I had conversations with different academics who work at the LCF as well as current & former MA’s Fashion Design Management Students. Most of the discussions were online and few of them in person after my lecturing sessions. I am glad I selected Casual Conversations/Non structured interviews as a method for my research as it allowed me to openly explore the subject. Indeed, I approached few of the participants twice, as there was the need of further exploring their insights.  In a time difference of few months, the conversation was much meaningful.

I believe this is a result of the process of research. Once the researcher starts the journey, the knowledge on the subject matter is limited and it expands as the research evolves. The conversation between the researcher and the participant becomes more detailed, specific, covering certain areas not explored previously and creating links between the different discussions among the participants. 

There is a more subjective aspect which impacts the research which is the relationship between researcher and participant, during the second rounds there was a higher degree of relaxation and trust. I would be very curious explore further in the future the impact of the research if the participants are also involved in the Step 3 of the Action Research Cycle, to deliver and implement a tool to increase the networking opportunities the students have during their one year course as well as their feeling of inclusion and adaptation.