An ethnography is a systematic examination of a situation by embedded observation.
We offer a logistics ethnographer research service to study and resolve problems that face decision makers using grounded theory "pathfinder" methods.
An ethnograhy is a very detailed study of the situation by observation and refining views as the study progresses. Such a process is necessary to fully understand what is happening in the workplace. From a logistician's perspective it enables an insight that might not be otherwise visible. The outcome could lead to new theories about how a system operates and how to support it. At the present time, the focus is to use reliabiity analysis; but, that may not always be the case. Some other factors may be more dominant. Sometimes you just need to rethink the methods as what has always been done may not be what needs to be done. An ethnogoraphy will show this need to change thinking.
If you have a problem that seems not to have a solution nor understood, an ethnography will explore the options. The typical problem profile has these characteristics:
Current decision processes assumes a linear problem. In most cases though, problems will be non-linear, multi-dimension and multi-disciplined. This structure is difficult to solve, but an ethnography will break the problem into constituent elements to articulate a solution.
Culture and civilization problems cannot be assumed linear. Typical problem types will be non-linear and include:
All problems in these categories can be addressed through ethnography. Specific cases will vary on the situation.
If you need additional information, please email me Adrian Stephan.