Multidisciplined student projects: A systems case study, leading to a regenerative implementation strategy
Author: William Early
Supervisors: Richard Mitchell
Early, W. M. (2023). Multidisciplined student projects: A systems case study, leading to a regenerative implementation strategy (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design). Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://doi.org/10.34074/thes.6035
Abstract
This thesis is a systems level evaluation of the multi-disciplined project (the electric vehicle design and build by students). The study looked at the immediate systems surrounding the build project, and identified some key systems: Capital (values), Knowledge, Core competence, Promotion, Student development. This led to the identification of a key weakness in the build project, student numbers. With the Covid 19 disruption in 2020, a further systems review looking at global issues, led to some solutions based around regenerative thinking principles. The most appealing ongoing approach to multidisciplined projects is to have them based on: Staff centered research in areas where research is already taking place and have high student numbers; Develop projects that require wider input from multiple disciplines; Utilize postgraduate and undergraduate students in appropriate level sub-project research. Looking at the surrounding systems and influences, leads to a deeper understanding of the problem, and to the issues resulting from a possible solution. The initial study looked from the inside out, mostly revealing the immediate environment of the build project. The second study started much wider, looking from outside in. This revealed trends that are happening globally, the issues they cause, and how better decisions can be made for local problems understanding global issues. The solution coming from the second study has a far better understanding of the problem from a systems perspective and has led to a far more considered solution. This systems approach is transferable to any project and is likely to enable better decisions based on better understandings of immediate and global issues. Using a systems level evaluation of the build project has led to a proposed solution that considers both immediate and global issues, leading to a solution that: Is centered in departments already rich in research; Potentially produces great staff and student outcomes; Expands the research activity in the polytechnic; Is truly multidisciplinary; Is ongoing; A systems level approach leads to better understandings of problems, which leads to better decision making. Framing what a good solution would be can only come from a well-informed educated background, and the principles of regenerative thinking provide this. Addressing future issues using a system based regenerative framework should lead to better solutions for people and the planet in future.
Key words: Dunedin (N.Z.), New Zealand, Otago Polytechnic, Te Pūkenga, electric vehicles, design practice, multi-disciplinary, collaborative research, student projects, engineering education, institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), case studies
License
This thesis is available on a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.
