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Methodology

The research methodology used involves various techniques of sampling and data gathering, including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. We want to recruit sample groups of engineers that will represent all of the different layers within an engineering company, including management and technical groups. Efforts will be made to recruit a sample that is inclusive and representative of all equal opportunities groups within the North West Engineering industry.

We will conduct an extensive research and field study to reveal whether working practices and organisational cultures in the engineering industry represent a major barrier for the recruitment, progression and retention of female engineers. This will be done by completing questionnaires and conducting interviews with women engineers in industries and companies. We want to gather extensive information about working practices and organisational cultures and the way in which these cultures and practices influence professional female engineers. We will analyse the findings of the studies conducted and compare the results to existing and national data where available.

The University's policy on Equality & Diversity will dictate how the project approaches this research, and it will also ensure that research participants will be treated in a fair and equal manner. The research is also governed by the University's Research Governance and Ethics Committee and is subject to monitoring by this committee. The Steering Group will also ensure that the project adheres to all relevant policies, and that the research will be conducted with equal opportunities constantly in mind.