WELLINGTON PROJECT INITIATIVE An Assessment of the Feasibility of Establishing an IQP Center in Wellington, New Zealand. Interactive Qualifying Project Report completed in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Science degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA Submitted to: Professor Michael B. Elmes In Cooperation With: Richard Vaz, Dean of IGSD Natalie Mello, Director of Global Operations Sponsoring Agency: WPI – Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division Submitted By: Charles Fancher Rachel Heller Nathan Nesbitt Skyler Whorton Scott Woodnorth ___________________________ Advisor Signature Date: May 1st, 2009 [email protected] 0 AB Abstract This feasibility study, prepared for Worcester Polytechnic Institute, details how Wellington, New Zealand could serve the university as an international site for students to complete their Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). We used preferences of faculty and students derived from survey results, guidelines provided by the university, and information about existing sites to outline qualities appropriate for a new IQP site. Through a literature review and on site investigation, we assessed Wellington‘s suitability and recommended that WPI establish the center. 1 TC Table of Contents TI Title Page ................................................................................................................................. 0 AB Abstract ................................................................................................................................... 1 TC Table of Contents .................................................................................................................... 2 TF Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................... 7 TT Table of Tables ........................................................................................................................ 8 TE Table of Equations ................................................................................................................... 9 TA Table of Authors .................................................................................................................... 10 ES Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. 13 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 17 2 Background & Literature Review ......................................................................................... 19 2.1 Conducting a Feasibility Study ...................................................................................... 19 2.1.1 Determining the need for a Feasibility Study using Market Analysis .................... 19 2.1.2 The Purpose of a Feasibility Study ......................................................................... 21 2.1.3 The Outcomes of a Feasibility Study ...................................................................... 22 2.2 Challenges Faced by WPI Project Centers ..................................................................... 22 2.2.1 The IQP and Learning Outcomes ........................................................................... 23 2.2.2 Increasing Enrollment and Demand for Project Centers ........................................ 24 2.2.3 Requirements for a Project Center .......................................................................... 25 2.2.4 Housing for Students and Faculty ........................................................................... 25 2.2.5 Availability of Suitable Project Sponsors ............................................................... 29 2.2.6 Logistical Necessities.............................................................................................. 31 2.3 Wellington, New Zealand as a Possible Project Center ................................................. 35 2.3.1 New Zealand‘s Unique History .............................................................................. 35 2.3.2 Wellington as a Cultural Center .............................................................................. 38 2.3.3 Weather ................................................................................................................... 41 2.3.4 Safety ...................................................................................................................... 41 2.3.5 New Zealand‘s Health Care System ....................................................................... 46 2.3.6 WPI‘s Health Insurance Plan .................................................................................. 47 2.3.7 Telecommunications in New Zealand .................................................................... 49 2.3.8 Historic Exchange Rate........................................................................................... 51 3 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 53 3.1 Project Sponsor Acquisition ........................................................................................... 54 2 3.1.1 First Contact ............................................................................................................ 54 3.1.2 Further Development and Expansion...................................................................... 55 3.1.3 Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 56 3.1.4 Assessment .............................................................................................................. 57 3.2 Housing Research ........................................................................................................... 58 3.2.1 Evaluating Potential Housing ................................................................................. 59 3.2.2 Recommending New Zealand Housing .................................................................. 65 3.3 Logistical Necessities ..................................................................................................... 66 3.3.1 Airfare ..................................................................................................................... 66 3.3.2 Telecommunications ............................................................................................... 68 3.3.3 Groceries ................................................................................................................. 69 3.3.4 Dining Out .............................................................................................................. 69 3.3.5 Weekend Excursions and Tourist activities ............................................................ 70 3.4 ―Section 3‖ of Project Center Guide .............................................................................. 71 3.4.1 Medical Facilities .................................................................................................... 72 3.4.2 Maps ........................................................................................................................ 73 3.4.3 Safety ...................................................................................................................... 73 3.5 Student and Faculty Research ........................................................................................ 73 3.5.1 Faculty Population .................................................................................................. 74 3.5.2 Student Population .................................................................................................. 75 3.5.3 Research Questions ................................................................................................. 77 3.5.4 Implementation of the Student Survey ................................................................... 78 3.5.5 Implementation of the Faculty Survey .................................................................... 79 3.6 Determining Expnses to WPI ......................................................................................... 79 3.6.1 Center Director Annual Visit .................................................................................. 79 3.6.2 Faculty Advisor Expenses....................................................................................... 80 4 Data & Analysis .................................................................................................................... 81 4.0 Project Sponsors ............................................................................................................. 81 4.0.1 Combined Sponsor Contacts ................................................................................... 81 4.0.2 Expected Sponsor Analysis..................................................................................... 93 4.1 Housing .......................................................................................................................... 95 4.1.1 Annaday Homestay ................................................................................................. 96 4.1.2 Tinakori Lodge........................................................................................................ 97 4.1.3 Capital Nomad Backpackers ................................................................................... 98 3 4.1.4 Wellywood Backpackers .......................................................................................