Progressing the PhD
I have been working through my PhD and it is all starting to come together (I say with some confidence…not over confidence, but enough to maintain writing momentum to get the next complete draft to my supervisor).
The “theory” underpinning my study is actor-network theory (ANT). My supervisor has asked me if ANT is appropriate…she says…she is not sure…My mission to go ahead and prove it, or find a more appropriate theory.
My study involves helping organisations transform how they engage with residents. This transformation involves engagement and interaction between people, public and private organisations as well as the alignment of business strategy and technology.
About ANT
ANT was conceived by Latour, Callon and Law (Law, 2009) and Information System researchers are showing more interest due to its ability to consider nuances and complexities of multidisciplinary, socio- technical initiatives (Alexander & Silvis, 2014).
What I like about ANT is that the networks, comprising of actors, that are involved in transformation. I like how the networks enrol actors, how they evolve. So we have networks of users, resource allocators, of planners, etc. What I like even more is the power dynamics between networks…and how power shifts from one network to another.
So…obviously I am growing more confident (there goes that word again) that ANT is the way to go.
My supervisor…is still lukewarm…but I think she is starting to feel more comfortable. I also think her questions are making me dig deeper, be more critical and develop better arguments. But as I write this…so far ANT it is!
Arthur
16 July 2018
Day of the World Cup Final…France up 4-2 v.s. Croatia
Being Arthur 