PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PROPOSAL
Clear Project Objectives: It was crucial to establish clear and concise project objectives in my proposal which involved defining the purpose of the research topic, the scope outlined by the research questions, and the desired outcomes for the project. By clearly articulating what the project aimed to achieve, it became easier to stay focused.
The proposal guided the establishment of a research topic that resonated personally and was of significant importance. This led to the formulation of research questions that were pertinent and allowed for further inquiry. Multiple research questions were then developed under the main one, facilitating detailed findings and providing context for the broader project.
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The proposal process allowed me to develop a robust methodology that was essential for conducting the research and creative activities outlined in the project proposal. This involved determining suitable research techniques such as qualitative surveys, interviews, and workshops to gather data on black women's experiences. Additionally, careful planning and consideration were given to devising a creative approach for visually narrating these experiences through Afrofuturism-inspired digital compositions.
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The proposal prompted consideration of resource allocation to ensure the project's execution. This involved identifying and securing necessary resources to carry out the research and creative activities effectively.
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Consideration was given to health and safety assessments and consent forms to ensure participant comfort and ethical conduct throughout the project. This helped prepare necessary documentation ahead of time, ensuring a smooth execution.
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This comprehensive approach ensured the proposals acceptance on the first attempt.
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PLANNING SUPERVISION
To enhance my project, I frequently engaged in video call supervision sessions with my supervisor for guidance. During these sessions, meticulous notes were taken to retain the feedback and incorporate it later into the project. Regular attendance ensured a continuous advancement of the project, allowing for the application of feedback well before deadlines, thus enhancing the overall quality of the work. Moreover, these sessions served as a means to maintain accountability for the project's progression, fostering a commitment to consistently develop and refine the work for presentation in subsequent sessions or critiques. (Please refer to the attached notes from supervision sessions and correspondences between myself and the supervisor.)
PLANNING RESEARCH
When planning my research, I started by focusing on keywords that I wanted to base my project around. From this, I could formulate a general research question and branching research questions.
IDENTITY BLACK WOMEN AFROFUTURISM & LIFE EXPERIENCE
INITIAL RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
What are common events in the lives of Black women?
How do these events contribute to shaping identity?
How does intersectionality affect black women’s sense of identity?
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What aspects of history contribute to black culture?
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What symbols embody Black culture, and what relationship do black women have with these elements?
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What are aspects of identity?
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What are aspects of a black woman's identity?
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What is afrofuturism? What are the elements of Afrofuturism? What are aspects of the Afrofuturist aesthetic? How does Afrofuturism relate to identity?
INDICATIVE CREATIVE OUTPUT
I created several outputs indicative of my project's final visual direction. Initially, I utilised mood boards offering a visual representation of the project's direction.However, recognising the need for clearer visualisation, for the second attempt, I utilised AI to generate a Disney-inspired Afrofuturistic image. I soon recognised its lack of reflection on the project's intended outcome, to be an extension of Afrofuturism and not a repeat of an art style. Subsequently, I opted for a photography piece, edited to an Afrofuturistic standard, accompanied by a narrative poetry piece directly related to the image. This approach allowed my supervisors to grasp the project's narrative-focused direction more effectively.
INTERIM REPORT
The interim report proved invaluable for a comprehensive review of the project's progression, assessing its current success and charting the course for future steps. It afforded me the opportunity to articulate my methodology, employing quantitative surveys and interviews, while also clarifying the conceptual framework underpinning my project through the lens of Afrofuturism. Further research was conducted to deepen my understanding, drawing from academic journals, books, online articles, and videos. Exploration of existing practices served as additional inspiration for project implementation. However, the evaluation would have benefitted from a clearer delineation of areas needing improvement within the project.
COMMUNICATIONS
To facilitate the organisation of diary entries and interviews, I required the participation of eight volunteers. These individuals were recruited through initial surveys and word-of-mouth referrals, and upon obtaining consent to share data from their diaries. Engaging with participants in person, via WhatsApp, and through email enabled me to provide participants with channels to express concerns, ask questions, or communicate changes in availability.
SCHEDULE
Timeline Development: Establishing a comprehensive timeline was crucial for managing project milestones and deadlines. This involved breaking down tasks, estimating time requirements for each, and setting deadlines and milestones to track progress effectively. Tasks were scheduled with weekly intervals to provide flexibility regarding their completion order and to accommodate unforeseen circumstances as needed.
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Initial feedback from my supervisor highlighted the importance of more realistic time allocation for different tasks throughout the project, which was taken into consideration. Time management became essential, particularly in exploring how to add value to Afrofuturism through narrative-based art pieces, necessitating careful planning and execution.
CONSENT FORMS
The consent forms provided by the Greenwich Ethics Board were tailored specifically for the "Diary of a Black Girl" project, ensuring that data shared in diary entries could be publicly displayed. I included a provision for anonymity, guaranteeing that no names would be disclosed and participants' faces would be partially obscured. These forms were converted into electronic documents for participants to sign, confirming their consent to participate and permit the use of their responses for the project. Additionally, a participant information sheet was completed and distributed, outlining the project's procedures and objectives for participants' comprehension prior to signing.
A health and safety assessment was contemplated but ultimately deemed unnecessary. Upon thorough examination of the interview and photoshoot locations, it was determined that the risks posed were no greater than those encountered in everyday life, with no hazards identified that could compromise the safety of the focus group.
