Distiller Research Project

A case study of The Distiller Group: a Dunedin-based technopreneur community

Thank you for showing an interest in this project.  Please read this information sheet carefully before deciding whether or not to participate.  If you decide to participate, we thank you.  If you decide not to take part, there will be no disadvantage to you of any kind and we thank you for considering our request.

What is the Aim of the Project?

The aim of this research project is to explore how and why The Distiller Group was set up in the way it was and how it operates today –as it reaches its first anniversary. Our particular focus is two-fold: 1) the sort of connections that are made between The Distiller participants; and 2) a sense of the value the participants feel they get from being a part of the group.

Who are we seeking to engage with?

We are very keen to talk with you if you are a founding member or an active participant in The Distiller Group.

What will you be asked to do?

Should you agree to take part in this project, you will be invited to participate in a face-to-face (in-person interview) with Fa Martin-Niemi of somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour in duration.   During the interview, you will be asked to describe your participation in The Distiller Group, how you connect with the other network members, and what you get from this connection. Fa will also be observing the sort of interaction that takes place in the ‘meet-ups’ and ‘sprints’ venues as well as The Distiller forums on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Please be aware that you may decide not to take part in the project without any disadvantage to yourself of any kind.

Can you change your mind and withdraw from the project?

You may withdraw from participation in the project at any time and without any disadvantage to yourself of any kind.

What Data or Information will be collected and What Use will be made of it?

We will collect data from the face-to-face interviews as well as virtual environments. We will ask your permission to record the interviews. You will have the opportunity to review your interview transcript to ensure that the personal information collected is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading. The virtual environments will be monitored and narrative elements will be retained.

At the end of the project, any personal information will be destroyed immediately except that, as required by the University’s research policy, any raw data on which the results of the project depend will be retained in secure storage for five years, after which it will be destroyed.  All files will be stored on an external drive kept in a locked filing cabinet in the department for five years, after which time it will be erased using reformatting software. The research team are the only people who will have access to all research material including personal information on participants.  Reasonable precautions will be taken to protect and destroy data gathered by email.  However, the security of electronically transmitted information cannot be guaranteed.  Caution is advised in the electronic transmission of sensitive material.

The results of the project will sought to be published in academic articles. Every effort will be made to protect your anonymity by using pseudonyms for individuals and organisations. If we must identify you by name and/or organisation your written permission will be sought before the material is submitted for publication.

If you have any questions?

If you have any questions about our project, either now or in the future, please feel free to contact:

Ms. Fa Martin-Niemi	Dr. Richard Greatbanks	Dr. Bronwyn Boon
Department of Management	Department of Management	Department of Management
+64 (0)3 479 8126	+64 (0)3 479 8658	+64 (0)3 479 8054
fa.niemi@otago.ac.nz	richard.greatbanks@otago.ac.nz	bronwyn.boon@otago.ac.nz

This study has been approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee. If you have any concerns about the ethical conduct of the research you may contact the Committee through the Human Ethics Committee Administrator (ph +64 (0)3 479 8256). Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated and you will be informed of the outcome.