Food for life: An exploration of context, methodology and research impact of a complex programme evaluation

Jones, Mat

Abstract

This thesis involves the submission of published academic work with a critical commentary, in accordance with the regulations of UWE for DPhil degrees. Fourteen papers are submitted, published between 2008 and 2017. These include nine peer reviewed journal articles, one book chapter section and three externally reviewed research reports. These works share a common concern with the intersections between food, public health and sustainability, and the majority draw upon evaluation research on the Food for Life programme conducted from 2007 to 2016. I argue in the critical commentary that these works represent cumulative body of academic conceptual and empirical enquiry on the development, implementation and impacts of a complex community-based initiative. Broadly following a chronology, I examine the context, methodological and substantive themes that link the published works and how these developed over the course of time. In doing so I demonstrate how the thesis addresses UWE’s doctoral descriptors in terms of originality, significance, methodological understanding and critical application in the context of a major programme of evaluation. I include an account of my personal intellectual contribution to the research and associated publications. My commentary then sets out and reflects on the impact of the published works in academic, service and policy arenas. I consider the widespread effects of the research and some challenges involved in creating an account of impact. In the conclusion, I draw out some overarching methodological concerns on the tensions between idealism and pragmatism; the balance between integrative and eclectic narratives and the value of an iterative approach towards the evaluative research on complex community based programmes. Finally, I summarise how the DPhil works contribute towards our understanding of how whole settings-based programmes can create food system change through offering a conceptual, practical and dialogical synergy for action.

Citation

Jones, M. (2017). Food for life: An exploration of context, methodology and research impact of a complex programme evaluation. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/902316

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Keywords: sustainable food; health promotion; public health; school; community development
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/902316