The anticipation of long-term impact in innovation project preparation
Tuori, Helmi-Kanerva (2023)
Tuori, Helmi-Kanerva
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121838272
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121838272
Tiivistelmä
This study strives to understand the best practices used in impact anticipation in project preparation settings, to identify possible challenges in the implementation of anticipation in project preparation, and to find elements to a framework that could enhance the appliance of long-term impact anticipation in (innovation) project preparation.
This thesis was developed from a need for knowledge observed in the professional world and a desire to find solutions to practical problems. Project-based, goal-oriented activity is becoming an increasingly common way to organise work and development in organisations. Projects aim to produce joint solutions for future needs. Alongside immediate results, the impact of projects, or their longer-term social added value, has gained increasing importance in measuring success.
Although the importance of long-term impact created through projects has been gaining a foothold as a source of added value, the monitoring of the impact creation lacks systematics. More so, there is often a lack of methodical processes to create feedback loops from the impact evaluations of these projects.
The study is conducted as mixed method research, with both quantitative and qualitative data from surveys and interviews as information sources. Thematic analyses and close reading have been used for analysing the data.
The process model for impact anticipation in project preparation, outlined based on the interview data in this study, supports effective project implementation by bringing potential need horizons to the center of preparation through foresight. Better motivation of needs and participatory definition of impact goals during project preparation help refine planned project measures. Formulating impact objectives into project measures supports the creation of an impact evaluation criterion and aids in validating impact. Systematic impact assessment provides information on the success of targeting actions and the general success of foresight within the project framework.
The model of this thesis can be used in all organisations that prepare and implement projects. Due to the future-oriented mindset and diversity of foresight methods, the author believes it is suitable for all industries and actors who develop and innovate purposefully.
This thesis was developed from a need for knowledge observed in the professional world and a desire to find solutions to practical problems. Project-based, goal-oriented activity is becoming an increasingly common way to organise work and development in organisations. Projects aim to produce joint solutions for future needs. Alongside immediate results, the impact of projects, or their longer-term social added value, has gained increasing importance in measuring success.
Although the importance of long-term impact created through projects has been gaining a foothold as a source of added value, the monitoring of the impact creation lacks systematics. More so, there is often a lack of methodical processes to create feedback loops from the impact evaluations of these projects.
The study is conducted as mixed method research, with both quantitative and qualitative data from surveys and interviews as information sources. Thematic analyses and close reading have been used for analysing the data.
The process model for impact anticipation in project preparation, outlined based on the interview data in this study, supports effective project implementation by bringing potential need horizons to the center of preparation through foresight. Better motivation of needs and participatory definition of impact goals during project preparation help refine planned project measures. Formulating impact objectives into project measures supports the creation of an impact evaluation criterion and aids in validating impact. Systematic impact assessment provides information on the success of targeting actions and the general success of foresight within the project framework.
The model of this thesis can be used in all organisations that prepare and implement projects. Due to the future-oriented mindset and diversity of foresight methods, the author believes it is suitable for all industries and actors who develop and innovate purposefully.