Sustainable Food Production, Consumption, and the Generation of
Sustainable Food Production, Consumption, and the Generation of
Sustainable Food Production, Consumption, and the Generation of
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The questionnaires were separated into sections (food waste, packaging waste, food<br />
production) <strong>and</strong> a different member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> research team analyzed one section each. Results for<br />
each question were tabulated <strong>and</strong> entered into Micros<strong>of</strong>t Excel. Open-ended responses were<br />
tabulated <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n coded into broader <strong>the</strong>med categories. Some responses were included in more<br />
than one category. Fur<strong>the</strong>r analysis consisted <strong>of</strong> simple operations to calculate averages <strong>and</strong><br />
percentages. Results are presented numerically <strong>and</strong> in tables throughout <strong>the</strong> report.<br />
1.5 Key informant interview design<br />
The key informant interviews were designed through a highly collaborative process<br />
between <strong>the</strong> project researchers <strong>and</strong> supervisor. Each researcher designed questions based upon<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own research area that were aimed at store managers, non-governmental organizations, <strong>and</strong><br />
policy-makers. One set <strong>of</strong> questions was designed for specific interviews with store managers,<br />
while o<strong>the</strong>r, more focused interviews were aimed at specific key informants. A semi-structured<br />
interview format was implemented in each case, with questions that were carefully revised to suit<br />
<strong>the</strong> topic <strong>and</strong> interviewees. A carefully chosen mix <strong>of</strong> open <strong>and</strong> close-ended questions allowed<br />
for interviewee opinions to be clearly <strong>and</strong> openly stated. The design <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> interviews allowed for<br />
complete anonymity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>and</strong> was revised heavily with a point to remove, as much as<br />
possible, researcher bias. The end result was a compilation <strong>of</strong> focused questions aimed at<br />
unearthing <strong>the</strong> interviewees’ knowledge <strong>and</strong> revealing <strong>the</strong>ir opinions without causing discomfort<br />
or confusion.<br />
1.6 Key informant interview administration<br />
The administration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> semi-structured interviews required that <strong>the</strong> researchers agree<br />
upon a uniform procedure prior to going into <strong>the</strong> field. It was necessary to consider that separate<br />
researchers might approach <strong>and</strong> question <strong>the</strong> interviewees in different ways that could potentially<br />
hinder or drastically alter informer response. With a mind to creating a st<strong>and</strong>ard <strong>of</strong> objectivity,<br />
introductions were scripted <strong>and</strong> a uniform oral consent form was used (see appendix B for<br />
example <strong>of</strong> consent form). By using <strong>the</strong>se st<strong>and</strong>ards it was felt that <strong>the</strong> individual biases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
interviewer would be kept under check, while allowing for an open <strong>and</strong> unhindered response<br />
from <strong>the</strong> subject. A tape recorder was used with consent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> interviewee for playback <strong>and</strong><br />
transcription purposes. In cases where interviews could not be arranged face-to-face, questions<br />
were supplied in hard <strong>and</strong> electronic copies <strong>and</strong> answered similarly.<br />
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