Research Project- Risk Assessment Systems

[Callum]

Dear ArbTalk

 

I am posting to ask members of the forum if they would be willing to take part in an undergraduate research project which aims to explore perceptions of tree risk assessment systems.

 

The project is a component of my final year of the BSc (Hons) in Arboriculture at Myerscough College.

 

As you will probably be aware there are several such systems which allocate numeric values or descriptive ratings to defects in trees in order to give a final risk level . The aim of the project is to compare and critically analyse tree risk assessment systems currently used in the arboriculture industry, based upon the opinions of arborists/arboriculturists.

 

Initially this will involve carrying out a survey to find out what systems are in use and also what people’s experiences and opinions are of those systems.

 

The survey is open to anyone in the arboriculture industry who carries out tree surveys/inspections as part of their work and I’m interested in hearing the views of people who currently use a formal risk assessment system, as well as those who don’t.

 

The project has full ethics approval through Myerscough College (University of Central Lancashire) and all personal details will be kept confidential and data will be anonymised.

 

If you wish to take part, please follow the link at the end of this post which will allow you to access the Survey Monkey questionnaire (it should take no more than 20 minutes to complete).

 

Once all the survey data has been collected, the second stage of the project will involve inviting a small sample group to take part in an internet based evaluation exercise and online focus group. This will allow participants the chance to try a number of different systems in a simulated way and to discuss what they think.

 

The second stage of the project is voluntary, and full details will be given to the participants.

 

The final section of the survey monkey questionnaire allows people wishing to participate in the second stage of the project to express an interest and add their contact details.

 

I am hoping that this project will provide insights into how tree risk assessment systems are perceived within the industry and what the issues are surrounding their use.

 

Questionnaire link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6KMG2CJ

 

If you have any further questions regarding the project please contact me on my university email address:

 

[email protected]

 

I hope that you will enjoy taking part.

 

Best Regards

Callum McCutcheon

Edited January 17, 2013 by Callum

[sloth]

Done good luck!

[WorcsWuss]

Students take note, this is the way to get people involved in your projects....

[treequip]

Done.

 

Thank you for taking the time to make that easy and in turn get yourself the data you need, the last "survey" that asked was a nightmare so I didnt bother.

[daltontrees]

Done. Quite interesting being taken through the choices. A well designed survey.

 

See also the recent debate on Arbtalk about risk assessment, do a search for QTRA and you'll find it.

[Alinicoll]

Done. Good survey. I quite enjoyed that

[slack ma girdle]

Done, as above.

[Paul Barton]

Interesting survey - hope it goes well.

[Beezy]

Done. A well presented survey mate, quite thought provoking!

 

Good luck!

[David Humphries]

Done.

 

Would be interesting to know out of the 2 communities you posted this at which one you get more feedback from?

 

 

 

 

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