Glossary of Terms

Social site characterisation

Social site characterisation informs decisions about site suitability, risk assessment and other activities through determining what factors drive stakeholder’s perceptions about a local project (Wade and Greenberg, 2008).

Technical site characterisation

Technical site characterisation determines the site suitability for sequestration and informs other physical activities in regards to the design and construction of a specific project (Wade and Greenberg, 2008).

Quantitative data

Quantitative data is data characterised by numbers. It can be analysed through statistical methods and can be presented in tables and graphs (ABS, 2008). Some examples of quantitative data include population statistics, water quality monitoring, and energy technology preferences.

Qualitative data

Qualitative data is data describing an object’s attributes and is distinguished by non-numeric characteristics (ABS, 2008). Typical qualitative research would include in depth interviews or focus groups.

Demographics

Demographics are the basic statistical information based on a particular population. Factors include income, education, gender and age.

Focus groups

Focus groups enable the developers to work with an assortment of stakeholders at the same time to address issues through various activities. Discussions can be facilitated amongst a number of stakeholder groups to engage and inform and allow all groups to be held and actively participate in the discussions.

Local attitudes

Local attitudes comprise the beliefs, knowledge and opinions of individuals or groups within a local community.

Baseline survey

A baseline survey should be undertaken by the project team to understand the attitudes of the community in relation to the project. As it is a baseline survey, the main aim should be to address broader issues than only those that relate directly to the objectives of the developers. A baseline survey can be conducted in many formats such as a recorded interview, a phone or online survey or a paper questionnaire.

Independent steering group

An independent steering group is made up of different representatives to oversee the communications of the project in relation to the overall plan. It can be made up of technical experts, project representatives, communications experts and government representatives.

Community liaison officer

A community liaison officer is a person employed to establish and maintain an effective relationship between the local community and the project developer. Whilst maintaining this relationship, it is thought that this person would build community spirit around the project, and provide community members with opportunities to express their concerns. A well established member of the community that can establish a strong sense of trust would be ideal.

Internal stakeholders

Internal stakeholders are groups or individuals who are directly related to the project. This may include partners, board members, employees, investors and management.

External stakeholders

External stakeholders are groups or individuals who fall outside of the project. These groups can be extremely diverse and are part of the wider community. Some examples include local government, landowners and community groups.

Stakeholder map

A stakeholder map is used to determine what influence and interest a stakeholder has in the project at hand. It is a tool which helps identify the effect of an individual or group of stakeholders on a project. It considers the power stakeholders can exercise, the likelihood of them exercising that power, and their level of interest regarding the project at hand. The aim of the mapping process is to gauge which stakeholder or group of stakeholders has the greatest potential to affect the project and therefore decide which stakeholders will need attention.

SWOT

A SWOT analysis is performed to distinguish the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that may exist within a group or project. Strengths should examine the advantages of the project. Weaknesses should examine what needs to be improved and what should be avoided. Opportunities should examine any trends or changes that are occurring within the community and threats should examine the obstacles that are likely to arise.