Supported by:

 
 
 

High levels of involvement by producers at all levels of the program is crucial to the success of the 8x5 WPP.  The 8x5 WPP is designed so that all producers can be involved in the 8x5 WPP, either passively or actively. 

8x5 WPP Discussion Groups

Phase 1 of 8x5 WPP has made considerable impact in raising the awareness, understanding and skills leading to practice changes in the Tasmanian sheep and wool industry.

Phase 2 will incorporate an extension methodology that will serve to work with producers to assist them to identify their learning needs (based on both self and external critique), and addressing them in order of priority.

Phase 2 will maintain a base level of science-communication approaches used in Phase 1 to the greater 8x5 WPP audience. However, it will also initiate a new and complementary direction to the program based on working with small groups of producer clients.

Phase 2 will employ a small-group process that will assist clients in an ongoing group environment, to:

  • consider their own position, (both individually and collectively), in identifying their needs,

  • planning and taking action to address their deficiencies according to priority and;

  • finally, to review outcomes.

The model that will underpin the group work in Phase 2 of 8x5 WPP is the Continuous Improvement Model which has be used efficaciously in the AWI funded Bestprac™ program.

 

Diagram 1. The Continuous Improvement and Innovation model

 


 

The Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI&I) is an efficacious method of engagement for small groups. It offers the opportunity to work with clients in highly effective participatory action-learning and research activities.

The benefits of using the CI&I model for working with groups are:

  • Focussed process – ie. outcomes, benefits, action & results are focussed within boundaries (enterprise, district).
  • It fosters improvement and innovation.
  • Motivates participants into action.
  • Increased level of service.
  • Producers are able to implement projects/ plans immediately.
  • Producer groups determine the content of activities.
  • There is potential to build capacity in individuals, the group & external partners.
  • Producers learn skills that enable them to improve productivity and profitability.
  • More effective in terms of cost, energy and resource expenditure vs. benefits.
  • A potentially sustainable learning platform for the longer term.

 

The thrust of Phase 2 of 8x5 WPP is to bring into being an extension approach that meets the needs of the Tasmanian sheep and wool growing industries. It is proposed this be done by using different extension methodologies in a complementary manner.

The objective is to provide at least for the duration of the 8x5 WPP, a blend of extension delivery that is inclusive of all.

If you are interested in joining an 8x5 WPP group please contact Program Coordinator – Warren Hunt on Warren.Hunt@dpiw.tas.gov.au

 

_______________________________
         
© Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research 2003
Copyright & Disclaimers | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Feedback: Warren.Hunt@dpiw.tas.gov.au