As part of the sociological research, a focused group interview (FGI) was conducted with the head, partners and implementers of the EU project “Intensification of Influence of Teachers of Luhansk Region on the Processes of Reconciliation and Peace-Building”.
The main task of the FGI was to discuss the status of the project implementation in 2021. The interview has become a tool for monitoring and possible correction of the project implementation, which will further improve the process.
The one and a half hour interview consisted of several blocks. During the preamble, the moderator got to know the project participants and outlined the main functions of each of those present. The second block of interviews was devoted specifically to the implementation of the project. The informants had the opportunity to talk about their work in the project, determine the plan / schedule for the implementation of the part of the project planned for this period, and about changes in the project implementation plan. They also discussed the project management mechanism, its transparency and comprehensibility as well as hierarchy and mechanisms of decision-making, including in crisis situations. The participants discussed communication channels and tools, measured the level of initiative and democracy in the team during work, touched upon the main reasons for what was not possible or changed during the implementation of the project, as well as the factors influencing the project. They outlined the main risks and ways to minimize them during the implementation of the project. They ended the conversation of this block with a description of the project’s achievements for 2021.
The next block was created for introspection, where a SWOT analysis tool was used. The informants were offered a template: in one column of the table were placed the weaknesses of the project implementation and risks, in the second – the strengths and resources. The third column was used for suggestions for overcoming risks and improving the situation. In this template, each of the participants could add their opinions, reasoning, facts and examples about the period of the project.
During the last block, the moderator suggested that they reflect and return on a time machine to the initial period of the project, precisely at the time when the implementation agreements were signed, the team and project schedules were created. She offered to answer the main two questions: “Would you change anything in your work?” and “How would you improve the project?”
It should be noted that the interview took place in a friendly atmosphere, everyone was able to speak up and provide their comments. Focused group interviews allowed researchers to get complete information about the project, its progress and the main mistakes and risks, even those for which the team was not ready, but overcame or optimized them. After processing the SPF materials, recommendations will be developed and comments will be given to improve the work of the Project team and partners in 2022.
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Its content is solely the responsibility of the SI “Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University” and in no case can be considered as the position of the European Union.
The project team