Action Research and SMART Goals Look Think Act
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Using Action Research's concepts to "Look", "Think", and then "Act" require the action researcher to be creative in the process. No one process has been established. My process was to utilize SMART goal techniques to reach the goals of the action researcher.
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Action Research and SMART Goals Look Think Act
- 1. Action Research Project EVALUATING THE RESULTS OF AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT. Action Research Project Holley Jacobs Kaplan University GM 505 Action Research and Consulting Skills Professor Heidi Gregory Mina December 7, 2014
- 2. Three Different Phases During Action Research • Introduction • SMART Goals • The “Look” Phase • Evaluating the “Look” Phase • The “Think” Phase • Evaluating the “Think” Phase • The “Act” Phase • Evaluating the “Act” Phase • Summary • References
- 3. Action Research Action Research is “comprised of a series of spirals consisting of planning, action, and evaluation” (Thompson, 2013, p. 66).
- 4. SMART GOALS SMART goals are an acronym that many people know and use in such a way to monitor their goals and in turn, increase their chances of being successful when meeting their goals. A variety of the SMART goal approach is how I will evaluate the three stages of action research.
- 5. The “Look” Stage In the “Look” stage of action research, data is gathered and the big picture is described and defined for all participants (Stringer, 2007).
- 6. SMART GOALS For the “Look” stage, I chose the letter “S”. In this context, it stands for “specific”. The “S” means that the evaluation is well defined and clear to anyone who has some basic knowledge of the project (Haughey, 2014).
- 7. The “Think” Stage During the “Think” stage, the group interprets and analyzes the information that was gathered during the “Look” stage. Identifying key concepts are focused on in order to promote a change initiative (Stringer, 2007).
- 8. SMART GOALS For the “Think” stage, I chose the letter “M”. In this context, it stands for “measurable”. The people involved with the project will know that a goal is attainable and how far away they are from reaching it and when it is reached (Haughey, 2014).
- 9. The “Act” Stage During the “Act” stage, there are three elements that are discussed and implemented (Stringer, 2007). The first one the planning phase. Second, the implementation of the new initiative is conducted, and finally, reviewing of the process helps the group in evaluation and further changes if necessary.
- 10. SMART GOALS For the “Act” stage, I chose the letter “A”. In this context, it stands for “attainable”. The goal of action research is obviously action-oriented it fits perfectly. One goal that is action- oriented is making sure that all stakeholders know what the goals are (Haughey, 2014).
- 11. SMART GOALS All three stages are representative of the “R” for SMART goals. The “R” means that items on the agenda for people to complete are “results- oriented”.(Haughey, 2014). This is an important aspect of the process and allows evaluation of each accountable person to be discussed.
- 12. SMART GOALS All three stages are representative of the “T” for SMART goals. The “T” means that the project is time-based Haughey, 2014). This shows the group that there is enough time to finish the project but that there is a time schedule to stick too. If given too much time, the project’s performance may be affected (Haughey, 2014).
- 13. Action Research & SMART Goals TOGETHER, THEY ARE THE ACTION RESEARCHER’S BEST FRIEND
- 14. References Haughey, D. (2014). SMART goals. Retrieved from CDNWeb site:http://cdn.projectsmart.co.uk/pdf/smart- goals.pdf Smart goals 2011. (2011). Retrieved from Ohio Resident Educator:The Journey to Excellence : https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Teaching/Resident-Educator-Program/Resident- Educator-Mentor-Resources/Goal-Setting-Guide-and-Templates/SMART-Goals.pdf.aspx Stringer, E.T. (2007). Action Research (3rd ed.).ThousandOaks, CA, United States of America: Sage Publications. Thompson,A. (2013). The teaching - learning nexus: supporting and preparing students for their role as medical radiation technologists. Retrieved from Study GuideWeb site: http://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10292/7205/ThompsonAJ.pdf?sequence=3
Editor's Notes
- Action Research Project: Evaluating the results of an action research project. Transition Process for Disabled Students Action Research Project Holley Jacobs Kaplan University GM 505 Action Research and Consulting Skills Professor Heidi Gregory Mina December 7, 2014
- Three different Phases during action research. The three stages include the “Look” stage, the “Think” stage, and finally, the “Act” stage (Stringer, 2007).Each stage serves an important role in the overall success of any action research project.
- The whole process answers three questions generally. The first is to find the problem or issue that needs to be corrected. The second area is when the action researcher(s) use a inquiry process to determine the issue, the cause, and the details behind the organizational structure. Explanations are given back to the owner of the business as that answers questions such as “why” and “how” (Stringer, 2007). Once the problem is recognized, then action is put into place to fix the situation. After a determined number of days or weeks, evaluation is completed in each stages (Look, Think, and Act). Evaluation is a key component as it allows the owners to know whether their plans are working or not. Without evaluation, then there can be no true change in the business. Therefore, this makes evaluation a pivotal time during the process in which the action researcher needs to be aware of and ready to answer questions and give more advice. Reflection by the action researcher and the owner is a great way to not only change any issues in the business but to change any issues within the employer as well.
- What are SMART goals? Why do people use them? How does someone go about writing them? Goals contribute to what a company or person wishes to see in the future. They assist us in getting focused and help define exactly what the future entails. SMART goals are a good way to evaluate the action researcher’s progress because they are definitive, goal-oriented and results-driven. This combination will lead the action researcher in the right direction to make sure that they stay on task and also hold everyone on the team accountable. Different goals are evaluated and when a person is not meeting their goals, management can discuss this with them instead of waiting until the end of the project when it will be too late. This would leave others feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. SMART goals evaluate each person as well as the overall group and can contribute greatly to a successful action research project (Smart Goals, 2011).
- During the look stage, an action researcher gains insight into the problem by gathering data. There are many different ways to gather a variety of data. This is a plus for the action researcher because having a triangulation of information builds their credibility. Action research is a qualitative research practice (Stringer, 2007) taking people’s feelings and knowledge into consideration. This is why an action researcher must choose his or her methods of gathering data carefully. Gaining the trust of the organization is a must and it is at this point that the researcher will know if trust has been established.
- When people set “specific” goals for themselves or a project at work, they increase the chances that the overall project will be a success. In order to set a specific goal, an action researcher should first ask five questions: Who is involved? What do we want to accomplish? Where will the action take place? When will the goal be achieved? Why is this goal important? (SMART goals, 2011). The action researcher takes a lot off of their shoulders when people have specific goals. The action researcher can then hold them accountable and evaluate them on a one-on-one basis as well as tell how well they do in a group setting.
- The “Think” stage revolves around interpreting and analyzing the data. Identifying key concepts is important during this stage. This stage also uses several ways of categorizing the information. Some of the most common are coding, analyzing key experiences, and facilitating workshops (Stringer, 2007). Coding the data involves reviewing the information, utilizing the data, categorizing the information, identifying themes and developing a category system (Stringer, 2007). When someone analyzes the data, they first review it, identify key experiences and main features, and then identify elements that come to experience other parts of the situation (Stringer, 2007). This kind of system is great for the action researcher to evaluate the system as a whole as well as individuals within that system.
- During the “Think” stage, it is important to make sure that SMART goals are measurable. This gives the action researcher a way to evaluate the whole project as well as each individual person. To check and see if the goals are measureable, the action researcher should ask themselves and the group the following questions: How many? How much? To what degree? How will I know when it is accomplished? (SMART goals, 2011). With the goals clearly measurable, there is no excuse for projects to be late or not done at all. That is not to say that people have problems in life, but it they are aware that their goals are being measured, it will lead them to talk more openly to their superiors about problems they may be having outside of work that are affecting their responsibilities. This concept can then help the action researcher delegate duties and/or ask for volunteers to help that person. This leads to a more productive workforce and a camaraderie that many companies do not have. This luxury is due in part to the SMART goals in place and the action researcher that placed them on everyone in order to evaluate the situation overall and each participant.
- During the “Act” stage, there are many different situations happening all at once. They include: Planning Implementing Reviewing Evaluating (Stringer, 2007). This stage is very important as it is the last stage before products or services are shared with the public. If this stage turned out badly, then the company risks losing business and even worse, going under. It is an essential time for the action researcher to be consistently and constantly evaluating each employee and their work performance. They will have to step up their game during this cycle, however; one would hope that the employees and the action researcher have built a solid working foundation that enables each of them to get along and get the work completed in a timely fashion.
- It is part of the action researcher’s job to determine which goals are most important and which ones can be left until later. Once the important goals are established, then the action researcher knows how to attain them (SMART goals, 2011). They then relay this information back to the group which, by nature, holds them accountable and gives the action researcher a way to evaluate the whole project and each individual person. Goals must be attainable or people will get frustrated and lose interest in the project. Something that was once filled with great pleasure and excitement can change quickly if the project is seen as never-ending. It is the action researcher’s place to show the group how the goals are attainable which will boost productivity, morale, and job satisfaction.
- Result-oriented goals make the project seem logical and worthwhile for the employees (SMART goals, 2011). It is important to focus on the end result and show others that what they are doing is worth it. People constantly need reassurance that they are contributing to a cause and that their hard work will pay off in the end. It is another way that the action researcher can evaluate who in the group cares about the project and who is just in it for the free ride. This kind of evaluation will enable the action researcher to see who is creating results and who is hindering them.
- The “T” in SMART goals stands for time-based (SMART goals, 2011). Obviously all projects must have a deadline and this date will make it easy for the action researcher to evaluate each person accordingly. If they are not producing fast enough and will not meet the deadline, the action researcher can then make other plans to make sure that the project stays on track with the rest of the group. This is an easy way to track and evaluate someone. The employees will also realize how this concept can be tracked and evaluated. This will keep them motivated and not allow for long extended breaks or frequently leaving work early or worse, not showing up at all. This type of evaluation is necessary to keep all on track and to keep the project within its time constraints as well as monetary constraints.
- In summary, I have established what action research is and what SMART goals are. However, more importantly, I have exhibited how when the action researcher puts them together, they can be used to evaluate almost any part of the action research process with ease and finesse. Using this techniques holds people accountable but at the same time, gives them the freedom to make progress that they can feel good about. Action research is here to stay and so are SMART goals. So why not combine the two and make them even more useful for everyone? Regards, ~ Holley
- Haughey, D. (2014). SMART goals. Retrieved from CDN Website: http://cdn.projectsmart.co.uk/pdf/smart-goals.pdf Smart goals 2011. (2011). Retrieved from Ohio Resident Educator: The Journey to Excellence : https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/T eaching/Resident-Educator-Program/Resident- Educator-Mentor-Resources/Goal-Setting-Guide-and- Templates/SMART-Goals.pdf.aspx Stringer, E. T. (2007). Action Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA, United States of America: Sage Publications. Thompson, A. (2013). The teaching - learning nexus: supporting and preparing students for their role as medical radiation technologists. Retrieved from Study Guide Web site: http://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/ 10292/7205/ThompsonAJ.pdf?sequence=3