Welcome

📺 Watch the following video to get an introduction to the course from your instructor.

Course Description

In Engineering for Development, you will learn how to analyze the root causes of development challenges so that you are able to build effective technology solutions. The course aims to introduce you to selected global development challenges using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the framework for selecting the areas of focus.

Each term, the course will focus on 1- 2 subject areas (e.g., Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action), which will serve as test cases for you to develop the skills required to effectively analyze and understand complex development issues. You will examine the system-level dynamics that are at the root of these challenges and will also analyze and critique technology-related solutions that have been developed to address these challenges.

Course Information

• The instructor for this course is Dr. Chioma Okonkwo (chioma.okonkow@kibo.school).
• The teaching assistant for this course is Dr. Keno Omu (keno@kibo.school)
• The course will run from October 9 to December 15, 2023. Note that this is a 10-week course.
• Live classes will be held on Monday 4:00 - 5:30 pm GMT. The live classes are mandatory.
• Office hours will be held on Wednesday 5:00 - 6:00pm GMT. These are optional chances to get additional support from the instructor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Identify and explain contemporary economic development challenges using multidisciplinary perspectives.
• Analyse the historical, economic, and social context of economic development challenges.
• Use systems thinking to evaluate the root causes and impacts of the contemporary economic development challenges.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various technology solutions that have been created to tackle development challenges.

Course Topics

Engineering for Development is a transformative course that will serve as the first step in your journey toward understanding and addressing complex development challenges. Through this course, you will immerse yourself in a diverse range of topics and learning experiences that will shape your understanding, perspective, and approach to problem identification, analysis, and solution development.

By the end of the course, you will have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of development challenges, including their root causes and interdependencies. You will have developed critical evaluation skills to assess existing solutions, enabling you to identify limitations and propose innovative alternatives. Through the application of systems thinking, you will recognize the broader dynamics at play within development systems, empowering you to design interventions that address systemic causes.

Additionally, you will hone your problem identification and analysis skills, utilizing various methodologies and research techniques to develop clear and precise problem statements. You will also strengthen your communication and collaboration skills, equipping you to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary teams.

By demonstrating your acquired knowledge and skills, you will be ready to tackle the challenges of the African continent, armed with the necessary tools and frameworks to think creatively and develop innovative approaches to social challenges. Through this course, you will embark on a transformative journey that fosters your confidence in your ability to make a positive impact in the world and inspires a sense of togetherness as a community of changemakers.

Course Expectations

Attendance and Engagement Policies

Please make sure you have reviewed all the Kibo Academic Policies that are found in the Catalog.

The general Kibo attendance and engagement policy is as follows:

Students are expected to remain academically engaged in all classes. The requirement for satisfactory academic engagement is to submit all assigned work by the published due date.

You will be deemed academically disengaged in a class if you have an assignment that is 7 or more days late. Academic disengagement carries with it a number of possible penalties, including and up to dismissal from Kibo.

In addition to meeting the requirements for academic engagement, students are expected to actively participate in learning activities. Learning at Kibo involves a variety of experiences including:

• Attending scheduled sessions (e.g., live class or office hours) where there is opportunity for interaction with the instructor and/or peers
• Submitting academic assignments, quizzes, or projects
• Taking exams, or engaging in online tutorials and instruction
• Attending a study group that is assigned by the instructor
• Participating in an online discussion about academic matters
• Initiating contact with an instructor to ask a question about the class

You should inform your instructor if personal emergencies arise that prevent satisfactory academic engagement. If you are ill for more than a week and/or expect to not remain academically engaged due to personal, family, or other emergency, you should also contact your advisor and the Dean.

• For this course specifically, you are expected to engage in the online discussion and reflection questions and activities that are embedded throughout the online lessons. You are also expected to attend the weekly 90-minute live class. If you are unable to attend the live class, you are required to notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance of the live class that you will be missing and watch the recording of the live class that you have missed.

If you have any questions, please be sure to post them in the #help-eng4dev channel in Discord, and the instructor will be able to answer your questions there.

Academic Integrity

This course is run in accordance with Kibo School's Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy, which can also be found in the Catalog. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication. If you are found to be in breach of the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy in any of the assignments that you submit, you will be subject to disciplinary action.

Note that assisting another student in the violation of this policy also constitutes a violation of academic integrity (e.g. letting someone copy your assignment counts as a violation for both the person who copied the work and the original owner of the copied work).

Communication Expectations

The most effective way to communicate with the instructor for this course is through posting a message in the #help-eng4dev channel in Discord. All questions posted there will receive a response within 24 hours.

All course announcements from the instructor will also be posted in the #help-eng4dev channel in Discord.

Course Assessments

Assignments (60 %)

Week 2: Sustainable Development and the SDGs (15%)

Assignment Options:

• Concept Map: Create a concept map illustrating the principles and concepts of sustainable development and their connections to specific SDGs and engineering disciplines.
• Infographic Poster: Design an infographic poster highlighting the interrelation between the SDGs and the role of social entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable development.

Week 4: Systems Thinking and Complexity in Development(15%)

Assignment Options:

• Systems Diagram: Create a systems diagram illustrating the interconnectedness of factors contributing to a selected development challenge, explaining how systems thinking helps identify leverage points.
• Systems Analysis Report: Analyze a complex development issue using systems thinking principles, identifying feedback loops and proposing interventions for systemic change.

Week 6: Problem Identification (15%)

• Stakeholder Interviews and Problem Identification Report: Conduct stakeholder interviews with individuals or organizations involved in water or energy-related initiatives aligned with SDG 6 or 7. Based on the insights gathered from these interviews, prepare a comprehensive problem identification report. Identify the key concerns and perspectives of stakeholders, and use this information to define the challenges they face in achieving the SDG targets. Present the findings in a well-structured report, highlighting the significance of understanding diverse perspectives in problem identification.

Week 8: Problem Analysis (15%)

In this assignment, you will explore critical issues related to water or energy challenges in Africa, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) or 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). You will conduct a comprehensive problem analysis (using the Pareto analysis or Problem Tree method) of a specific challenge and present your findings in either a blog article or a video (3-5 minutes in length). The goal is to identify the root causes and consequences of the chosen challenge and propose potential solutions or interventions.

Final Project (20%)

SDG 6 or 7 Solution Evaluation

For the final project, your task is to work in a group to evaluate existing solutions related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) or SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Working in groups, select a real-world intervention or project that aims to address water and sanitation challenges (SDG 6) or promote clean and affordable energy access (SDG 7) in a specific context within Africa. Your evaluation will focus on assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of the chosen solution based on provided criteria.

Project Guidelines:

• Solution Selection: Choose one intervention addressing water, sanitation, or energy challenges aligned with SDG 6 or 7.
• Case Study Analysis: Evaluate the intervention's effectiveness and impact on SDG targets.
• Sustainability Assessment: Analyze the project's long-term sustainability and its contributions to the environment, society, and the economy.
• Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data from reports, research articles, interviews, and surveys.
• Critical Review: Compare findings with other relevant research to inform your assessment.
• Recommendations: Provide evidence-based suggestions to enhance the solution's effectiveness and sustainability.
• Final Presentation: Present your evaluation and recommendations (pre-recorded video) to the class.

Final Presentation (20%)

Final Presentation: Create a final presentation video defending your problem statement, showcasing your understanding of its complexities, and proposing potential pathways for sustainable solutions. Include a reflective statement on your personal growth and learning throughout the course.

Live Classes

This page will be updated weekly with the slides and recordings from the live classes.

Below is the live class schedule.

Final assessment guidelines

Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Development Challenges

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 1.

Week Overview

Welcome to Lesson 1: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Development Challenges! In this lesson, we will explore the definition, significance, and examples of social entrepreneurship. We will also learn about development challenges and how social entrepreneurs can address them.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the concept of social entrepreneurship and its role in addressing development challenges.
• Identify and analyze successful social entrepreneurs as role models for innovative problem-solving.
• Describe the characteristics, root causes, and complexities of development challenges.
• Use analytical frameworks to categorize and assess development challenges.

Additional Resources

Social Problems: Continuity and Change. Saylor Foundation. https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_social-problems-continuity-and-change/

Definition and Significance of Social Entrepreneurship

Discussion:  What is Entrepreneurship?

❓ On Padlet, how would you define entrepreneurship in your own words?

Entrepreneurship has been defined in a number of ways. Here are some significant ones:

"Entrepreneurship is the art of finding profitable solutions to problems."

• Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant and author

"The process of identifying and starting a new business venture, sourcing and organizing the required resources, while taking both the risks and rewards associated with the venture."

• Stanford University, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies

“Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, evaluating, and exploiting opportunities."

• Danica Purvis

"The art of turning ideas into reality."

• Shane Parrish

"The act of creating something new with the intent to make a profit."

• Tim Berry

As you can see from the definitions given above, there is no single, universally accepted definition. However, all of these definitions share some common elements, such as the identification of opportunities, the assumption of risk, and the creation of value.

❓ Answer the following questions in the padlet below.

• Do these definitions align with your previous understanding of entrepreneurship?
• If yes, which one of them resonates most with you, and if no, what changed?
• Share any change in your understanding and how this newfound knowledge has broadened your perspective on entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship has become an umbrella term for many different types of entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship, tech entrepreneurship, venture capital entrepreneurship, and many others. In this lesson, we will focus on a specific type of entrepreneurship known as social entrepreneurship.

What is Social Entrepreneurship? Why is it Important?

📺 Watch the following animation by the Social Economic Network of Serbia (SENS) to understand the concept of social entrepreneurship and why it is significant.

At its core, social entrepreneurship is about using business principles to solve social problems. It is a way of doing business that combines the profit motive with the desire to make a positive impact on society. Social entrepreneurs are individuals who start businesses with the intention of having a positive social impact.

❓ Take this quiz to test your knowledge of social entrepreneurship

📖 Read the University of the People’s blog on the various types and significance of social entrepreneurship in addressing development challenges in the 21st century.

Meet Ada and Chika

Ada and Chika are two female entrepreneurs who have embarked on food business journeys:

Ada, driven by her upbringing in a community that struggled with malnutrition, established "Nourish Haven." Her primary goal is to combat food insecurity by providing affordable, nutritious meals to underprivileged families. Her motivation stems from personal experiences, and she measures success by improved health metrics in the families she serves. Ada's resource allocation includes grants, donations, and a portion of revenue, with a focus on her social mission. She's willing to take on risks tied to uncertain funding sources and engages with NGOs, government agencies, and community leaders to maximize her impact.

Chika, a culinary enthusiast, launched "Savory Delights," a gourmet catering company. Her primary objective is to build a profitable catering brand renowned for gourmet offerings. Motivated by her passion for cooking, Chika measures success through financial growth, customer satisfaction, and repeat business. Her resource allocation prioritizes premium ingredients and skilled staff, with a focus on managing business-related risks. Chika primarily engages with clients, event planners, and vendors to ensure exceptional catering experiences.

Ada's focus is on social impact and addressing malnutrition, while Chika aims for culinary excellence and business profitability. Their differing motivations, resource allocation strategies, risk tolerances, and stakeholder engagement approaches exemplify the distinctions between social entrepreneurship and regular entrepreneurship.

Social entrepreneurship stands as a powerful force for positive change, addressing pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Its significance lies in its ability to drive sustainable impact, empower marginalized communities, and foster a more equitable and inclusive world. By harnessing entrepreneurial principles for the greater good, social entrepreneurs embody the visionaries of a brighter future, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and the global community.

🪞 Reflect on Padlet How do you envision social entrepreneurship contributing to positive change in your community or the world at large?

The 5 Ps of Social Entrepreneurship

In the world of social entrepreneurship, the journey is guided by a set of foundational principles known as the 5 Ps: Purpose, Passion, Plan, Partner, and Profit. These pillars act as guiding lights for social entrepreneurs, steering them towards creating meaningful impact while ensuring the sustainability of their ventures.

Monika Mitchell's blog post, "The 5 Ps of Social Entrepreneurship," elaborates on these principles. Social entrepreneurship is both challenging and fulfilling, demanding passion, purpose, meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and sustainable profitability. It's about transforming your passion into a financially viable endeavor, defining your purpose, and charting a path toward achieving it. Building strategic relationships and revenue sources are equally vital components.

In summary, these 5 Ps constitute the essential ingredients for successful and sustainable social entrepreneurship. They are intrinsically interconnected:

1. Purpose: Central to social entrepreneurship is a profound sense of purpose, addressing societal challenges that deeply resonate with you, infusing your work with meaning, and driving your determination for change.
2. Passion: Passion serves as the driving force that propels social entrepreneurs onward, even when faced with challenges. It not only fuels your journey but also inspires others to join your cause.
3. Plan: A well-structured plan is pivotal in transforming a vision into reality. Social entrepreneurs meticulously lay out their strategies, goals, and steps, ensuring effective resource allocation and desired impact.
4. Partner: Collaboration is the cornerstone of social entrepreneurship. Partnerships amplify efforts, introduce diverse viewpoints, foster innovation, and expand the reach of initiatives.
5. Profit: In contrast to traditional entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship seeks a delicate equilibrium between financial sustainability and societal impact. Generating profits ensures the venture's longevity and its continued positive influence.

🪞 Reflection Question: Reflect on these 5 Ps—Purpose, Passion, Plan, Partner, and Profit.

• Which of these Ps do you find most naturally aligning with your current skill set or personality?
• Which one might require more attention and development as you venture into the field of social entrepreneurship?

Examples of Successful Social Entrepreneurs and Their Impact

What Makes a Successful Social Entrepreneur?

Now that you have gained an understanding of social entrepreneurship, let's delve into what sets successful social entrepreneurs apart. What qualities and characteristics do they possess that enable them to have a remarkable impact on the world?

📺 To begin, watch this insightful video from Harvard Business School highlighting the 10 key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on social entrepreneurs.

From the video, you learned that these are the 10 characteristics of successful entrepreneurs:

• Curiosity
• Willingness to Experiment
• Adaptability
• Decisiveness
• Self-Awareness
• Risk Tolerance
• Comfort with Failure
• Persistence
• Innovative Thinking
• Long-Term Focus

Each of these attributes serves as a vital element in the makeup of an entrepreneur. Curiosity sparks innovation, structured experimentation validates concepts, adaptability guides change, decisiveness shapes choices, failure serves as a springboard for growth, team building cultivates excellence, risk management balances uncertainty, innovation propels progress, and lifelong commitment refines strategies. These traits collectively empower entrepreneurs to convert ideas into thriving ventures that reshape industries and define their entrepreneurial journey.

📖 Also, read the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development blog on the qualities of a successful social entrepreneur to broaden your perspective on what it takes to succeed as a social entrepreneur.

❓ Share your thoughts on Padlet

• Take a moment to think about yourself. Which of these traits do you feel strongest in? Maybe you're naturally curious or good at adapting. On the other hand, which trait do you think needs a bit more attention? It's okay if you're still working on being decisive or embracing failure. Share your thoughts with others – hearing their perspectives might give you new insights. This is a chance for all of us to learn and grow together.

Social entrepreneurship is a growing field, and there are now social entrepreneurs working on a wide range of social problems, including poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and environmental degradation. Social entrepreneurs have made a significant impact on the world, and they are likely to continue to do so in the years to come. So let’s delve into real-world examples of successful social entrepreneurs and their inspiring impact.

📺 Watch this video on 5 African entrepreneurs you should know about and learn about how entrepreneurs are addressing challenges in the continent.

❓ Share on Padlet: An African entrepreneur you greatly admire and two reasons why.

Case Studies: Pioneering Social Entrepreneurs

Let’s shine a spotlight on the following social entrepreneurs and how they can serve as role models for problem-solving.

📖 Read ChangeCreator's blog on 8 successful social entrepreneurs doing good and making money.

This blog features eight impactful social entrepreneurs who are not only effecting positive change but also reaping the rewards of their innovative endeavors. Reflect on their journeys and discover how they have harmoniously merged profitability and social impact.

Contrary to misconceptions, being a social entrepreneur doesn't entail compromising on effectiveness or profitability. In fact, social entrepreneurship stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tangible rewards, financial gains, and lasting impact. The eight examples mentioned in the blog demonstrate that social entrepreneurship can be as impactful as, if not more impactful than, traditional business ventures. Their stories illuminate the potential for creating transformational change while building sustainable enterprises.

As you envision your path as a budding social entrepreneur, draw inspiration from their experiences and glean insights that can guide you toward a future where you, too, can become a catalyst for meaningful change.

🪞 Discussion Activity: Let's delve into the remarkable journey of Bill Drayton, the entrepreneur featured in the CreatorChange blog. Bill Drayton is renowned for coining the term "social entrepreneurship" and founding Ashoka, a global organization that supports social entrepreneurs. Reflect on his story and the lessons it offers.

How do his experiences, challenges, and successes resonate with your own aspirations for social entrepreneurship?

Discuss your insights and thoughts on Padlet, and take the opportunity to provide constructive feedback on your peers' posts. This dialogue will enrich our understanding of the principles of social entrepreneurship and how they can shape our individual paths.

The Challenges Faced by Social Entrepreneurs

Becoming a successful social entrepreneur requires more than just a passion for driving social change. From the very outset, it's crucial to acknowledge and prepare for the potential challenges that may arise along the journey. Failing to anticipate and address these challenges can derail even the most well-intentioned endeavors.

📺 In this regard, the HotCubator Academy video on challenges faced by social entrepreneurs offers valuable insights.

In the video, the speaker identifies four critical challenges frequently encountered by social entrepreneurs: the duality of mission, lack of a coherent business strategy, inability to scale up the business, and the perennial struggle for adequate funding. It is important to note that these are not the only challenges that social entrepreneurs face on their journey. Other challenges that can negatively impact social entrepreneurship include:

• Lack of support from governments and other institutions: Social entrepreneurs often need help from governments and other organizations to access markets, develop partnerships, and navigate the regulatory environment. However, these organizations are not always well-equipped to support social entrepreneurs.
• Competition from traditional businesses: The competition for both customers and resources with traditional businesses places social entrepreneurs in an arduous position. Traditional businesses usually possess more extensive resources and established experience, making it challenging for some social enterprises to gain a foothold.
• Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of social entrepreneurship as a viable option for addressing development challenges. This can make it difficult to attract funding and support.
• Dealing with the emotional strain: Social entrepreneurs often face a lot of stress and emotional challenges. This is because they are working to address complex and difficult problems, and they are often dealing with setbacks and disappointments. **

❓ Discussion: Imagine you wanted to start a social enterprise to help your community. What potential challenges do you think you might face, and how would you approach solving them? Share your insights and proposed solutions with your colleagues on Padlet.

In the face of these formidable challenges, social entrepreneurs must not be discouraged. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and transformation. To be a change-maker, one must possess the resilience to navigate these hurdles with creativity and determination.

Social entrepreneurs are making a significant impact on the world. They are developing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, and they are helping to create a more just and equitable society.

The next section will discuss the importance of understanding development challenges in order to develop effective social enterprises.

🪞 Reflection Question: Think about a time when you had a tough problem to solve.

• What was the problem?
• How did you deal with it? What skills helped you solve it?
• How might these skills relate to what social entrepreneurs go through?

Understanding and Characterizing Development Challenges

The world is facing a number of development challenges, including poverty, hunger, disease, and climate change. These challenges are complex and interconnected, and they cannot be solved by technical solutions alone. They require a holistic approach that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development.

As an aspiring computer scientist and technologist, you have a responsibility to play a role in addressing these challenges. We can do this by developing appropriate engineering and technological interventions that address the root causes of development challenges and have a positive impact on society.

But before we can design effective interventions, we need to first understand and characterize the challenges we are facing. This means understanding the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to these challenges, as well as the needs of the communities that are affected by them.

It is also important to be aware of the limitations of technical solutions. Technical solutions can be effective in addressing some aspects of development challenges, but they are not always sufficient. In many cases, they need to be complemented by other interventions, such as social and economic policies.

By understanding and characterizing development challenges, we can design more effective interventions that have a lasting impact on the well-being of communities.

What’s a development challenge, and why should we care?

A development challenge refers to a complex problem or obstacle that hinders progress in achieving sustainable development and improving the well-being of communities worldwide. These challenges encompass a range of issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change, education, healthcare, and more.

Development challenges are important because they can have a significant impact on people's lives. Poverty, inequality, conflict, and climate change can all lead to hunger, disease, illiteracy, and a lack of opportunity. These challenges can also make it difficult for countries to achieve their development goals, such as reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting education.

📺 Watch the following video to further explore the concept of development challenges and their significance.

📖 Read the UNCTAD Publication on four key challenges facing least developed countries.

🪞 Reflection: On Padlet, reflect on the content presented in the video and the publication. Consider the interconnectedness of these challenges and how they resonate with the principles of sustainable development. How do these challenges align with your evolving understanding of development issues?

Analyzing Root Causes and Consequences of Developmental Challenges

Now that you have explored the concept of development challenges, it's time to take a closer look at the underlying reasons and potential outcomes of these complex issues. Here are some resources to get you started.

📖 Read the following chapter on Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique.

📺 Watch the following video on economic development challenges in Africa.

📺 Watch Richard Dowden’s reflection on why development in Africa is so difficult.

In his video, Dowden identifies a number of challenges to development in Africa, including:

1. Colonial legacy: Africa's colonial past has left a legacy of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
2. Political instability: Many African countries are plagued by political instability, which makes it difficult to attract investment and create a stable environment for businesses to operate.
3. Corruption: Corruption is widespread in many African countries, which diverts resources away from development projects and undermines public trust in government.

🪞 Reflection Question: After watching Richard Dowden's video, do you agree with his analysis of the development challenges? Why or why not? Share your thoughts on this padlet.

Developmental challenges stem from economic inequalities, social injustices, political instability, and environmental harm. Poverty, unfair resource distribution, discrimination, and limited education access are the primary causes.

As you dissect the root causes, it's equally important to consider the potential consequences of these challenges. Often, these consequences extend far beyond the initial problem. Poverty, for instance, can lead to a cycle of limited education, restricted opportunities, and reduced access to healthcare.

🪞 Reflection: Think about a developmental challenge you find particularly important. It could be poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, or another issue. What do you think will be the short-term and long-term effects of this challenge on individuals and societies?

Frameworks for Characterizing Development Challenges

Having gained an introductory understanding of development challenges, it's time to equip yourself with practical tools that can enhance your characterization process. By delving into various frameworks and models, you will gain valuable insights into the intricate dynamics and underlying factors involved. So, let's now shift our focus to exploring the frameworks and models that will guide us in effectively characterizing development challenges.

📺 Watch the UNTCAD video on development challenges to learn about four major categories of development challenges faced by least-developed countries.

❓ The video sheds light on four significant categories of development challenges that loom large over the least developed countries.

As you watched the video, what aspect of the video resonated most with you? Did you consider the intricate interplay of factors influencing the challenges mentioned? In other words, how do the different challenges interact with each other to make it more difficult for least developed countries to develop?  Share your answers here.

It is important to note that there are many different frameworks and models that can be used to characterize development challenges. Some of the most common frameworks include:

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Human Development Index (HDI)
• Capability Approach
• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
• Theory of Change (ToC)
• Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs serve as a comprehensive and ambitious development framework established by the United Nations in 2015 to address a wide range of global challenges and promote sustainable development on a global scale. Encompassing 17 interconnected goals and 169 targets, the SDGs provide a roadmap for countries, organizations, and stakeholders to collaborate in tackling pressing issues facing humanity while also aiming to create a more just, equitable, and environmentally balanced world by 2030.

📺 Watch the UNICEF animation below for an introductory overview of the 17 sustainable development goals.

The SDGs cover a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from poverty eradication and quality education to gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, climate action, and more. Each goal is interconnected with the others, reflecting the understanding that progress in one area often depends on progress in others. For instance, achieving gender equality (Goal 5) can have positive impacts on health (Goal 3), education (Goal 4), and economic growth (Goal 8).

The SDGs, however are not without challenges. Critics of the SDGs often highlight challenges related to implementation, financing, and monitoring. Achieving the SDGs requires significant resources, innovative approaches, and systemic changes. Moreover, tracking progress on such a diverse set of goals and targets demands robust data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms.

You will learn more about this framework in the next lesson.

Human Development Index (HDI)

The HDI is a composite index that measures human development. The HDI is used to track progress on development challenges and to identify countries that need assistance. It takes into account factors such as life expectancy, education, and income to provide a holistic perspective on development challenges and progress.

📺 Watch this explainer video on the human development index for more insight.

From the video, we learn that the human development index was designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of development beyond just economic growth. HDI evaluates the following dimensions:

• Health: Life expectancy at birth is a crucial factor in determining a country's well-being. A nation with high life expectancy reflects a population that enjoys better healthcare, sanitation, and quality of life.
• Education: Education empowers individuals and societies alike. HDI factors in both the average years of schooling for adults aged 25 and older, as well as the expected years of schooling for children entering the education system.
• Standard of Living: Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is considered to gauge the standard of living. This reflects the economic capacity of individuals within a nation.

The HDI serves as more than a development framework, it's a catalyst for progress. As the global community strives to combat challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the HDI highlights the urgency to bridge gaps in health, education, and living standards. A more equitable world hinges on raising the HDI of lower-ranking nations.

🪞 Reflection question: From the video, what were the top-ranking countries in terms of HDI values (based on the 2020 Human Development report)? On the other hand, can you also mention the 3 bottom-ranking countries?

• What do you think is a major cause of the disparity between the top and bottom-ranking countries? Post your responses in the padlet below.

Capability Approach

Developed by economist Amartya Sen, the Capability Approach focuses on people's capabilities and freedoms to lead lives they value. It emphasizes assessing development challenges based on the opportunities and choices available to individuals, rather than solely focusing on income or material aspects.

📺 Watch the Oxford Conversations with Sabina Alkire about the capability approach and its importance.

In the video, Sabina Alkire, the Director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), discusses the capability approach, which was developed by Amartya Sen. The capability approach views well-being as a function of the freedoms that people have to achieve what they value, rather than simply the amount of money they have or the goods they own.

The video also highlights the importance of the capability approach for policy making. Alkire argues that the capability approach can help policymakers to identify the real causes of poverty (a major development challenge in Africa)  and to develop policies that will help people to achieve their full potential.

❓ Reflection: How might the capability approach reshape the way we address complex challenges such as poverty and development, particularly in regions like Africa?

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

PRA is a participatory approach that involves engaging local communities in analyzing their own development challenges. It emphasizes the active involvement of community members in identifying and prioritizing issues using techniques such as mapping, focus group discussions, and participatory decision-making processes.

The participatory rural approach is often described as a collection of methods that involve learning and planning within a group. It uses various techniques to explore a problem from many different viewpoints.

📖 Read pages 203 - 206 of Julia Preece’s article on Participatory Rural Appraisal: Lessons for Countries in the North? for more insight on the PRA process.

Theory of Change (ToC)

The Theory of Change (ToC) is a framework that outlines the steps and causal relationships between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of a development intervention. It helps to map out the pathways through which development challenges can be addressed and the expected changes that will result.

📺 Learn more about the ToC framework by watching the video below.

In the video, Chris talks about how a Theory of Change (ToC) is a way to map out how an organization or program intends to achieve its goals. It is a visual representation of the organization's logic model, which shows the causal relationships between the organization's activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.

Chris explains that a ToC can be used to:

• Communicate the organization's goals and strategies to stakeholders: A ToC can help to ensure that everyone involved in the organization or program is on the same page about what the organization is trying to achieve and how it plans to achieve it.
• Plan and evaluate programs: A ToC can be used to help organizations plan their programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.
• Improve the organization's performance: A ToC can help organizations to identify areas where they can improve their performance and to make changes to their programs accordingly.

In the video, Chris also discusses the different elements of a ToC, such as the problem, the goal, the strategies, the outputs, the outcomes, and the impacts. He also talks about how to create a ToC and how to use it to improve an organization's performance.

🪞 Reflection Question: How can the Theory of Change framework be used to identify the root causes of a complex problem that you are interested in? For example, let’s say you are interested in tackling the problem of youth unemployment in your community, how would you apply the theory of change in identifying the root causes of the problem?

Social-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework

The SES framework focuses on understanding the complex interactions between social systems and ecological systems. It recognizes that development challenges are influenced by the interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors and provides a holistic lens to analyze and address them.

The SES framework can be used to understand the complex challenges facing development by providing a way to:

• Identify the key drivers of change in these systems.
• Understand the feedback loops that connect these drivers.
• Assess the potential impacts of these changes on human well-being and environmental sustainability.

The social-ecological systems framework is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing development. It is a valuable framework for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who are working to create a more sustainable future.

Here are some examples of how the SES framework has been used in development:

• The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) used the SES framework to assess the state of the world's ecosystems and their contribution to human well-being.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) uses the SES framework to assess the impacts of climate change on human and natural systems.
• The REDD+ program uses the SES framework to promote sustainable forest management in developing countries.

(REDD' stands for 'Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. The '+' stands for additional forest-related activities that protect the climate, namely sustainable management of forests and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks).

These frameworks and models offer different lenses and methodologies to characterize and analyze development challenges. They provide structured frameworks to guide research, policy-making, and intervention design.

Among the above-listed frameworks, the SDGs stand out for their inclusive and interconnected approach to addressing the multifaceted complexities of development. The 17 goals and their associated targets collectively encompass a wide range of social, economic, and environmental dimensions, underscoring the significance of a holistic perspective in understanding development challenges.

Also, the widespread recognition and adoption of the SDGs by nations, international organizations, and civil society emphasize their practical utility. This shared commitment transforms the SDGs into a universal language for discussing development, facilitating cross-border collaboration and fostering a collective drive towards global betterment.

In essence, by focusing on the SDGs within this course, you will be equipped with an analytical tool that transcends academic boundaries. This tool will not only help you dissect complex development challenges but also empower you to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that have a tangible impact on a global scale.

Next week, we will delve deeper into the SDGs.

❓ Discussion Activity:  To facilitate collaborative thinking, engage with your peers on Padlet and share your thoughts on which frameworks resonate with you the most and why. How can these frameworks be adapted to suit specific contexts?

Respond to at least two peers' comments, providing constructive feedback and expanding on their viewpoints.

Sustainable Development and the SDGs

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 2.

Week Overview

Welcome to Lesson 2: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Development Challenges! In this lesson, we will delve deep into the principles of sustainable development and the impactful United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define sustainable development in your own words and explain its principles.
• Analyze the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to social entrepreneurship.
• Analyze the challenges and opportunities of achieving the SDGs.

Additional Resources

• Egelston, AE. (2013). Sustainable Development: A History. Springer.
• Ziai, A. (2016) Development Discourse and Global History. Taylor & Francis. https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/46915
• UN Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• SDG Tracker https://sdg-tracker.org/

Principles and Concepts of Sustainable Development

What is Sustainable Development?

❓ Discussion: On Padlet, share your initial understanding of sustainable development. How do you define it?

Comment on your peers' perspectives to foster an enriching conversation.

📺 Watch the Bic Group Official explainer video for an introduction to sustainable development.

📺 Watch this animation by Responsible Environmental Communication on “What is sustainable development?” to deepen your understanding of the meaning and significance of sustainable development.

The concept of sustainable development emerged in the 1970s in response to the growing awareness of the environmental challenges facing the world. The Brundtland Commission, which was established by the United Nations in 1983, popularized the term "sustainable development" and defined it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It is a holistic approach to development that considers the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development.

Pillars of sustainable development

The concept of sustainable development fundamentally rests on three conceptual pillars.

📺 Watch the Swiss Learning Exchange video on the three pillars of sustainability, showcasing how these pillars interact to create a balanced future.

📖 Also, read Section 6 of Justice Mensah’s review article on sustainable development for more insight into the principles of sustainable development.

🤔 Can you now identify the three pillars of sustainable development?

- Environmental
- Economic
- Social

Note how an integrated approach to development is the only way forward for a sustainable and balanced way of developing. In the video, wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya were used as case studies to show how development initiatives need to balance the environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

❓ Reflect:  How can we ensure that development initiatives in our own communities are balanced and sustainable, taking into account the three pillars of sustainability?

Principles of Sustainable Development

The principles of sustainable development are a set of guiding principles that aim to achieve a harmonious balance between environmental, social, and economic aspects, ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations. Some of the key principles of sustainable development include:

1. Interdependence: The intricate relationships between natural ecosystems, human societies, and economic systems are acknowledged. It emphasizes that decisions made in one area can impact others, highlighting the need for holistic approaches.
2. Equity: Fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, are advocated for. This principle aims to alleviate disparities and ensure that the benefits of development are distributed fairly.
3. Precaution: The importance of anticipating potential environmental and social risks associated with development activities is stressed. Decisions should be made with a cautious approach to avoid irreversible harm.
4. Intergenerational equity: The responsibility of the present generation to preserve resources and create a sustainable legacy for future generations is recognized. Development should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
5. Conservation: Responsible management and preservation of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity to maintain their long-term viability are emphasized.
6. Sufficiency: Using resources and consuming products at levels that meet human needs without overexploiting resources or leading to excessive waste is encouraged.
7. Participation: All stakeholders, including local communities, are actively engaged and participate in decision-making processes related to development. This ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.
8. Integration: The integration of economic, social, and environmental considerations into decision-making processes is advocated for. Balancing these aspects helps achieve sustainable outcomes.
9. Accountability: Individuals, organizations, and governments are held accountable for the impacts of their decisions and actions on the environment, society, and economy.
10. Transparency: Openness and information sharing are encouraged to enable informed decision-making by all stakeholders. Transparent processes foster trust and accountability.
11. Adaptability: It is recognized that circumstances change over time. Development plans should be flexible and adaptable to evolving challenges, new information, and changing conditions.
12. Resilience: Building resilience in communities and systems to withstand and recover from shocks and stressors, including those related to climate change and natural disasters, is promoted.

These principles collectively guide the development process to ensure that progress is not achieved at the expense of the environment, society, or future generations. They encourage holistic thinking, responsible actions, and a commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable world.

🪞 Reflect on these principles and craft your own personal sustainability manifesto. How can these principles guide your actions in your personal and professional journey?

Share your manifesto on Padlet and discover the diverse visions of your peers.

Examples of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is more than a catchphrase; it's a guiding philosophy that compels us to reevaluate the choices we make and the impact they have. It encourages us to envision a world where progress isn't achieved at the expense of our planet or the well-being of generations to come. Rather, it's a call to action—a roadmap that navigates the intricate terrain of progress while preserving the delicate ecosystems that sustain life.

📖 Read the Sustainability Success blog to learn about ten notable examples of sustainable development.

From the blog, we can identify examples of sustainable development that are currently practiced around the world, such as:

• Sustainable Manufacturing
• Sustainable Urban Design
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Renewable Energy
• Sustainable Mobility
• Cardboard Recycling
• Green Computing
• Green Tourism
• Sustainable Concrete
• Efficient Lighting

❓ Discussion Question:  Let’s take a closer look at the example of sustainable agriculture in an African context.

How might cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge play a role in shaping effective and inclusive solutions for both environmental and societal challenges?

Post your thoughts in the padlet below.

Sustainable Development in Action: Naledi's Path to Progress

Meet Naledi

In a bustling urban neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya, lived a young woman named Naledi. She was a second-year student at a local university, studying Computer Engineering. Naledi's passion for sustainability was deeply rooted in her upbringing, where she had witnessed the challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation in her community.

Naledi's journey towards understanding and promoting sustainable development began when she attended an Engineering for Development seminar at her university. The seminar brought together students, experts, and community leaders to discuss the pressing issues facing their city and continent. The speakers highlighted the importance of finding innovative solutions that balanced economic growth, social equity, and environmental conservation.

Inspired and determined, Naledi decided to take action in her own community. She started by initiating a small recycling program in her neighborhood. With the help of local volunteers, she set up collection points for plastic bottles, paper, and other recyclables. Through community workshops and outreach, she educated her neighbors about the benefits of recycling and reducing waste.

Naledi's efforts didn't stop there. She noticed that access to clean water was a significant challenge in her area. She collaborated with other engineering students from her university to design a rainwater harvesting system that could provide a sustainable water source for her community. With grants and support from local businesses, they successfully installed the system in a central location.

Her next endeavor was to promote sustainable agriculture. Naledi worked with local farmers to implement techniques that conserved soil fertility and reduced the use of harmful chemicals. She organized workshops to teach traditional farming communities about crop rotation, organic composting, and integrated pest management.

Naledi's dedication caught the attention of a regional NGO focused on sustainable development. Impressed by her grassroots efforts, they offered her a scholarship to attend a sustainable development conference in Accra, Ghana. At the conference, Naledi had the opportunity to interact with other young activists from across Africa, sharing ideas, experiences, and strategies for driving change in their respective communities.

Back home in Nairobi, Naledi used her newfound knowledge and connections to expand her initiatives. She partnered with local schools to educate students about environmental conservation and the importance of sustainability. Together with a group of young entrepreneurs, she also launched a community garden project, providing fresh produce and creating green spaces within the city.

Over time, Naledi's efforts began to show tangible results. Her neighborhood saw a reduction in waste, improved access to clean water, and increased awareness about sustainable practices. Her story spread through social media and local news, inspiring others in the city and beyond to take similar actions.

Naledi's journey illustrated that sustainable development was not an abstract concept, but a series of practical, achievable steps that could transform communities. Her story demonstrated that even a single individual, armed with passion, knowledge, and a drive for change, could make a significant impact in an African setting. Naledi's path to sustainable progress became a beacon of hope, inspiring young adults across the continent to take ownership of their communities and work towards a more sustainable future.

🪞 Reflection Activity (Small Actions, Big Change) Share on  Padlet

• What did you learn from Naledi's story?
• How did Naledi's small actions make a big impact on her community?
• What simple sustainable practices could you introduce in your own community?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs provide a framework for countries to work together to address global challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, and inequality.

📺 Watch the ACCIONA explanatory video on the SDGs.

📺 Watch this animation to understand the dimensions and targets of the sustainable development goals.

📺 Watch this Mist Sustainable Solution video to learn more about the SDG targets and indicators.

📖 Peer-reviewed Publication: Read the following journal article to explore progress towards achieving the SDGs.

❓ In the videos, 17 SDGs were mentioned. Can you recall them? Take this fun pop quiz to test your knowledge of the SDGs

The 17 SDGs are (Fill in the missing goals):

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequality
11. Sustainable cities and communities
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
17. Partnerships for the goals

📖 Peer-reviewed Publication: Read the following journal article about the influence of the Global South in shaping the SDG framework.

📺 Watch this video of youths from Asia sharing their reflections on how they can contribute to the SDGs, and be inspired to take action in your own community.

❓ Did any of their ideas or views spark an interest in you? Share in the padlet.

Examples of SDGs in Action

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Here, we explore compelling real-world instances that showcase the SDGs in action, translating lofty aspirations into tangible impact.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger (Zero Hunger Initiative: Transforming Nairobi’s Food Landscape)

📺 Watch this documentary to see how the Zero Hunger Initiative aims to transform the urban food systems in Nairobi, Kenya by 2050.

From the video, we learned that the initiative caters to diverse groups within the community, including people with disabilities and those engaged in community media. Following training, participants choose their specific agricultural pursuits, ranging from crop farming to livestock rearing.

• Crop Farming: Employing innovative techniques such as vertical and exact gardening, participants yield crops in confined spaces, maximizing productivity.
• Hydroponics: This water-based system fosters vertical farming by nourishing plants with essential nutrients. Hydroponics emerges as an efficient solution for producing food in limited spaces.
• Poultry Farming: Addressing both meat and egg production, select groups delve into poultry farming, enhancing the availability of protein-rich sustenance.

By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, this initiative aligns with SDG 2's objective of ending hunger, improving nutrition and achieving food security.

Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing (OMOMi: Bridging the maternal health gap with digital technology)

📖 Read the National Health Watch article about OMOMi, an app using technology to help women easily access good maternal healthcare. Think about how this initiative relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for everyone.

The program officer for OMOMi, Onyedikachi Nwizu, rightly noted that “Tools like the OMOMi app can help provide the much-needed data that government and other stakeholders can work with to improve outcomes and protect women from preventable deaths”

🪞 Reflection: Considering the interconnected nature of the SDGs, what other Sustainable Development Goals might be positively impacted by digital technology initiatives like OMOMi?

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (Rwamagana Solar Energy Project)

In Rwanda, the Rwamagana Solar Energy Project stands as a remarkable instance of SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, in action. This visionary initiative focuses on bringing reliable and sustainable energy to off-grid communities, significantly transforming lives. By harnessing the power of solar energy, this project not only ensures access to affordable electricity but also addresses environmental concerns, promoting the shift towards cleaner energy sources. Through innovative solar solutions, this initiative is actively contributing to Rwanda's development while aligning perfectly with the goals of SDG 7, thus demonstrating the tangible impact and potential of sustainable energy projects in creating positive change.

📺 Take a virtual tour of the Rwamagana Solar power plant by watching this video.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Curitiba, Brazil: A model sustainable city)

Consider the city of Curitiba in Brazil. They've pioneered a unique and efficient public transportation system that reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. By creating dedicated bus lanes and implementing a smart card payment system, they've made it convenient and eco-friendly for people to use public transport. This initiative aligns perfectly with SDG 11's vision of creating cities that are not only sustainable but also safe, inclusive, and well-planned for future generation

📺 Explore further insights from Prof. Semida Silveira as she discusses sustainable solutions to address the urban challenges faced by Curitiba in this video.

From the video, we learn that the Sustainable City Concept in Curitiba involves addressing urban mobility challenges. One of the remarkable initiatives was the testing of two electric bus models by Volvo (vo) for public transportation in Curitiba.  This effort not only aims to enhance the city's transportation system but also aligns with SDG 11's goal of promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. The initiative's dual focus on environmental and economic impacts reflects a commitment to the broader SDG 11 objective.

Goal 13: Climate Action (Kenya’s Early Warning App for Pastoralists)

In the context of SDG 13, which emphasizes Climate Action, Kenya has taken a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by extreme climate conditions. The country has implemented an innovative solution in the form of an Early Warning App. This app plays a crucial role in assisting pastoralists, providing them with timely weather alerts and early warnings directly on their phones. By utilizing technology to enhance preparedness and response to climate-related challenges, Kenya is actively contributing to the realization of SDG 13's objective of combating climate change and its impacts. This initiative not only empowers local communities to make informed decisions but also demonstrates a practical and impactful approach to achieving sustainable development goals.

📺 Take a moment to watch the video featuring Kenyan pastoralists, where they explain how the app has significantly improved their day-to-day practices. This offers a clear example of how digital technology can seamlessly integrate with traditional activities like pastoralism.

❓ Now, let's discuss: How do you think your knowledge of computer science can be utilized to support the goals of SDG 13, which focuses on addressing climate change challenges?

The Relevance of the SDGs to Social Entrepreneurship

Now that you've seen real-world examples of sustainable development goals in action, it's clear how these goals go hand in hand with entrepreneurship – especially social entrepreneurship. These goals are all about making positive changes in the world, which is at the core of what social enterprises aim to do.

📺 Watch the UNDP video on Sustainable Development Goals and your Business to learn about how SDGs are relevant to social entrepreneurship.

From the video, we learn that there are several ways in which social entrepreneurs can apply the SDGs. First, the SDGs provide a clear framework for social entrepreneurs to focus their efforts. The 17 goals cover a wide range of social and environmental issues, and social entrepreneurs can use the SDGs to identify the problems they want to address.

Second, the SDGs offer a roadmap for achieving social impact. The goals are ambitious, but they provide a clear path for progress. Social entrepreneurs can use the SDGs to develop strategies for achieving their goals and measuring their impact.

Third, the SDGs provide a platform for collaboration. Social entrepreneurs can work together to achieve the SDGs, and they can use the goals to build partnerships with governments, businesses, and other organizations.

❓ Discuss: Picture yourself as a social entrepreneur building a venture with an SDG (or SDGs) in mind. How might this approach guide your choices and achievements in the years to come? Share and comment on your peer’s response in the Padlet below.

📺 There is a symbiotic relationship between the SDGs and social entrepreneurship. Watch  Lorenzo Tosini explore how social entrepreneurs leverage innovation to address the SDGs in this video.

In the video, Lorenzo urges social entrepreneurs to align their entrepreneurial strategies to contribute to the realization of the SDGs. He also pointed out that there are emerging opportunities beckoning enterprises to develop innovative solutions for global sustainability challenges, facilitating transformative change.

🪞 Reflect: What are some emerging opportunities for social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for development challenges in your country?

Challenges and Opportunities of Achieving the SDGs

The pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents both formidable challenges and inspiring opportunities. Let's delve into these aspects, understanding the complexities that lie ahead and the pathways to creating meaningful change.

📺 First, watch UNDP Africa Regional Programme Coordinator Mohamed Yahya share insight on the main challenges of SDG implementation in this video.

Mohamed highlighted that the real challenge lies in financing the execution of the SDGs. The sheer magnitude of the financial resources required to implement each stage of the goals is staggering.

🪞 Reflection Questions: What are the specific financial challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve the SDGs? How can we increase the level of financial resources available for SDG implementation?

Historically, the public sector has played a central role in financing development efforts. Governments allocate funds, gather revenue through taxation, and direct resources toward initiatives geared toward societal advancement. Although the government's role remains essential, the substantial funding needed for the SDGs prompts inquiries into whether the public sector alone can bear this obligation.

❓ In your opinion, who do you think should finance the SDGs and why? Which sectors will contribute? Share in the Padlet below.

Aside from the financial constraints, there are other challenges that pose as barriers to the attainment of the SDG. They include:

• Persistent Inequalities: Despite advancements, disparities in income, access to education, and healthcare persist. Addressing these inequalities is vital for achieving the SDGs.
• Environmental Threats: Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to sustainable development, affecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and vulnerable communities. Mitigating and adapting to these changes is crucial for achieving many SDGs.
• Political Complexities: Achieving the SDGs necessitates global cooperation. Overcoming political differences and establishing effective governance mechanisms can be complex.
• Data Gaps: Accurate data is fundamental for tracking progress. However, many regions lack robust data systems, making it challenging to monitor advancements accurately.

❓ What other barriers to achieving the SDGs can you think of? Share in the padlet below.

Amidst these challenges, there are promising opportunities that pave the way for transformative change. They include;

• Technological Innovations: Emerging technologies, such as renewable energy and digital connectivity, offer innovative solutions to development challenges, accelerating progress.
• Collaborative Networks: The SDGs underscore the importance of partnerships. Collaboration among governments, NGOs, businesses, and civil society can amplify impact.
• Social Entrepreneurship: Social entrepreneurs are driving innovative solutions that balance social impact and financial sustainability, contributing significantly to SDG achievement.
• Youth Mobilization: Young people are catalysts for change. Their energy and activism can drive initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility for sustainable development.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Raising public awareness and advocating for the SDGs can influence policy decisions and behavioral changes at both local and global levels.

🪞 Reflection question: What are some other promising opportunities that can pave the way for transformative change in achieving the SDGs?

Assignment 1: Sustainable Development and the SDGs

For this week's assignment, you will creatively showcase your understanding of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how they intersect with social entrepreneurship. You have two options to choose from:

Option 1: Concept Map

Create a concept map that visually connects the core principles of sustainable development with specific SDGs and their relevance to social entrepreneurship. Use arrows, shapes, and concise labels to illustrate the relationships between these concepts. Your concept map should be clear, organized, and easy to follow.

Option 2: Infographic Poster

Design an infographic poster that highlights how social entrepreneurship can contribute to achieving the SDGs and fostering sustainable development. Use visuals, icons, and brief text to convey key ideas. Showcase the impact of social entrepreneurship on addressing real-world challenges and advancing the SDGs. Make your infographic visually appealing and informative.

Instructions

• Choose either Option 1 (Concept Map) or Option 2 (Infographic Poster) based on your preferences and skills.
• Research and understand the core principles of sustainable development and the 17 SDGs.
• Identify the connections between sustainable development principles, specific SDGs, and social entrepreneurship.
• Create your concept map or infographic poster using digital tools of your choice (such as Canva, Piktochart, or any other platform you're comfortable with).
• Ensure your visual representation is clear, concise, and effectively communicates the relationships between concepts.
• Submit your completed concept map or infographic poster as a digital file.

Rubric

Your assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Clarity and Organization: How well your concept map or infographic poster presents information and relationships.
• Accuracy: The correctness and accuracy of the connections between sustainable development principles, SDGs, and social entrepreneurship.
• Creativity: The originality and creativity in designing your concept map or infographic poster.
• Visual Appeal: The aesthetics, use of visuals, and overall visual appeal of your submission.
• Relevance: How well your assignment demonstrates the intersection of sustainable development, SDGs, and social entrepreneurship.

Submission

Submit your digital concept map or infographic poster on Gradescope and then Anchor.

Have any questions? Please post your question in the #help-eng4dev channel in Discord.

Evaluating Existing Solutions and Technological Innovation for Development

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 3.

Week Overview

Hello! Welcome to this lesson on evaluating existing solutions and technological innovation for development.  In the previous week, we delved into the fundamental concepts of sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We discussed the importance of addressing global challenges to achieve a more equitable and sustainable world. Building on this foundation, in this lesson, we will dive deeper into the practical aspects of making progress towards these goals.

While Week 2 provided us with a broad understanding of the SDGs, Week 3 will equip you with the frameworks to evaluate existing solutions critically, ensuring they align with the principles of sustainable development. Let's get started!

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Critically analyze the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
• Identify gaps and potential improvements in development interventions.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies based on contextual considerations.

Methods for Evaluating Existing Solutions to Social Problems

What is Evaluation?

Let's start with the basics. Imagine you're trying to figure out how well a solution (like a program, policy, or idea) works in addressing a social issue. That process of checking it out, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and deciding if it's actually making a positive difference – that's what we call evaluation. Think of it like giving something a thorough check-up to see if it's doing what it's supposed to.

📺 Watch Michelle Molina, a professional evaluator, explain what evaluation is and discuss a five-step guide for evaluation.

From the video, we learn that evaluation is a systematic process designed to determine the value and worth of activities, programs, and initiatives. It's a versatile tool that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, offering insights that pave the way for improvements, better decision-making, and the sharing of successes. Michelle elucidates that evaluation serves as a conduit for organizations and groups to decipher success, collect pertinent data, and subsequently refine their strategies.

Like every other process, there are steps necessary to conduct a proper evaluation. In the video, Michelle outlined five of them.

❓ Pop Quiz: Can you mention the 5 steps involved in evaluating a program or initiative?

- Step 1: Consider the context*
- Step 2: Develop an evaluation plan*
- Step 3: Data collection analysis*
- Step 4: Sensemaking
- Step 5: Take action*

Why is Evaluation Important?

Good question! Imagine you're driving to a place you’ve never been to, and all you have is Google Maps. You want to keep checking the Map to see if you are making progress towards your target location. Similarly, with social problems, if we don't evaluate the solutions in place, we won't know if they're really helping people or if there's room for improvement.

Evaluation helps us make informed decisions about what's working and what needs to be improved. It helps us ask important questions like Is our solution really helping people? Are we using our resources wisely? Could we do things better? It's like checking the engine of a car to make sure it's running smoothly. By checking and measuring, we can adjust our plans and make sure we're truly making a positive impact.

📺 Learn more about the importance of evaluation by watching this United Nations Evaluation Group video montage

From the video, we learn that evaluation within the United Nations is not merely an administrative task. It's a transformative process that underpins democracy, accountability, and sustainable development. It is important to evaluate existing solutions to social problems in order to:

• Determine whether the solution is actually working
• Identify any gaps or areas for improvement
• Make informed decisions about how to allocate resources
• Share lessons learned with others

🪞 Reflect: Think about a school project you've worked on.

• How did checking your progress along the way help you make it better?
• How might evaluating our efforts in the community have a similar effect?

Types of Evaluation

Now let's take a closer look at the various ways we can evaluate solutions for social problems. Think of these types of evaluation as different lenses through which we examine things. Each type gives us a unique perspective and helps us gather a well-rounded understanding.

📺 Watch this explainer video on types of evaluation for an introductory overview of evaluation methods.

From the video, we learn that there are two main types of evaluations: Formative and Summative evaluations.

Formative evaluation takes place before or during the project's implementation to facilitate improvements in its execution. This type encompasses several sub-evaluations, including:

• Need Assessment: A process evaluation conducted prior to project initiation to identify requirements and gaps.
• Process Evaluation: Ongoing assessment during project implementation, aiming to enhance the execution process.
• Pre-Implementation Evaluation: Conducted before project commencement, addressing implementation strategies and design.

Formative evaluation essentially focuses on refining the implementation process, design, and strategy to ensure that the project or program operates more effectively.

Summative evaluation, on the other hand, occurs at the project's conclusion, aiming to evaluate the overall success of the project, program, or intervention.

❓ Pop Quiz: Can you recall the types of summative evaluation mentioned in the explainer video?

Methods of Evaluation

Evaluation methodologies refer to the specific techniques or tools you use to gather information, data, and insights during the evaluation process. These methods are the practical steps you take to assess and understand the effectiveness and impact of the solutions.

📖 Read the Eval Community article on evaluation methods for more insight.

In the context of evaluating solutions for social problems, the methods can be categorized into two main approaches: quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both. Some frequently used methods include:

• Surveys and Interviews: Engaging with individuals through questionnaires, interviews, or discussions to gather their opinions and experiences.
• Data Analysis: Examining quantitative data, such as statistics and numbers, to identify trends, patterns, and correlations.
• Observations: Directly observing the solution in action to see how it's being implemented and whether it aligns with the intended goals.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing different solutions or groups to determine which one is more effective in addressing the social problem.
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of specific instances to gain insights into the real-world impact of the solution.
• Document Analysis: Reviewing written materials, reports, and documents related to the solution to understand its progress and outcomes.

❓ Discuss: Imagine you're evaluating a social entrepreneurship venture that provides job training and employment opportunities for individuals who have faced homelessness. Which of the evaluation methods will you use and why? Share your answers in the padlet below.

Frameworks for Evaluating Existing Solutions

Evaluation frameworks are structured approaches that guide the evaluation process. We'll explore common frameworks like Logic Models, Theory of Change, and Results-Based Management. These Frameworks not only help in organizing your evaluation process but also clarify the relationships between inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.

It's important to note that evaluation often goes hand in hand with monitoring, forming the well-known term 'monitoring and evaluation.'

📺 Gain deeper insights into this through David Hearle's video on the significance of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, enhancing your understanding of their pivotal role.

There are several frameworks used for evaluating existing solutions, but in this course, we will focus on four of them:

• Logical Models
• Theory of Change
• Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE)
• Social Return on Investment (SROI)

Logic Models

Logic models offer a visual representation of the logical sequence of events in a program or intervention. They outline the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Logic models help in clarifying the connections between program components and their expected results, aiding in evaluation.

📺 Watch the Institute of Education video on Logic models to better understand how the framework works.

From the video, we learn that a logic model comprises several key components that collectively create a comprehensive understanding of the program:

Problem Statement: This succinctly describes the issue the program aims to address.

Resources, Activities, and Outputs: These elements define the program's structure and operational processes.

Short-Term, Mid-Term, and Long-Term Outcomes: These outcomes highlight what the program aims to achieve at different points in its implementation.

Theory of Change

This framework focuses on understanding the underlying theories and assumptions that guide a program. It involves mapping out the cause-and-effect relationships between activities, outcomes, and impacts of an intervention. Theory of Change helps in framing evaluations by identifying key milestones and potential areas for measurement.

📺 Watch Jan Brouwers, a Senior Advisor at the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, give an introductory overview of the Theory of Change in this video.

In the video, Jan explains that theory of change can serve as a blueprint that answers the fundamental questions:

• What We Want to Achieve: The Theory of Change outlines your ultimate vision, articulating the change you aspire to bring about.
• How We Can Achieve It: It delves into the strategies and steps necessary to transform your vision into reality.
• Why We Want to Achieve It: It sheds light on the motivations and driving factors behind your quest for change.

📺 Watch Chris Gaines, the lead trainer at SoPact provide an exploration of ToC from a social entrepreneurial perspective in this video.

Chris asserts that creating a robust Theory of Change is a critical step in establishing an impactful strategy for any social or environmental purpose organization. By laying out the roadmap from impact to resources, the framework guides decisions, enhances accountability, and streamlines efforts.

Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE)

This approach prioritizes the needs and perspectives of the intended users of the evaluation. It focuses on ensuring that evaluation findings are useful and relevant to decision-makers. Utilization-focused evaluation tailors the evaluation process to meet the specific needs of stakeholders.

📺 Learn more about the utilization-focused evaluation framework in this video.

The UFE model positions the evaluator as a facilitator of evaluative decision-making for those who will actually use the evaluation results. This shift in perspective ensures that evaluations are not only a measure of success for funders but also provide valuable insights to program staff, administrators, and the community.

Social Return on Investment (SROI)

SROI is a framework that quantifies the social value generated by a program or intervention. It involves assessing not only the direct outcomes but also the wider societal impacts. SROI assigns a monetary value to these impacts, offering a holistic perspective on evaluation.

📺 Watch this Social Change video explaining the concept.

From the video, we learn that SROI is a framework that allows entrepreneurs and organizations to gauge the social, economic, and environmental value they create or diminish through their actions. It enables an in-depth understanding of the repercussions of their work on diverse aspects of society.

📖 Also read BetterEvaluation article on SROI for a better understanding of how the framework works.

The article highlights The Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework involves several interrelated steps:

1. Defining Scope and Objectives: Selecting a specific project scope, such as geographic area and timeframe.
2. Identifying Stakeholders: Identifying key actors who are influenced by or influence the project or solution.
3. Developing Theory of Change: Collaboratively creating a plan with stakeholders, detailing the intended outcomes and how they will be achieved.
4. Inputs and Outputs: Identifying investments and costs linked to each outcome, including unintended outcomes.
5. Valuation: Assigning a monetary value to benefits and costs using various methods.
6. Calculating SROI Ratio: Comparing inputs to financial, social, and environmental returns to calculate the SROI ratio.
7. Narratives: Incorporating stories and context alongside the ratio to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
8. Verification: Ensuring data accuracy through triangulation and validation.

These stages guide the creation of an SROI report, fostering communication among stakeholders and driving ongoing improvement of the project or initiative.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine you have been invited to evaluate a project that was promoting eco-friendly practices in your neighborhood. How could you apply the SROI framework to assess the impact of the initiative?. Share your creative ideas on Padlet.

Assessing the Effectiveness and Sustainability

When it comes to addressing societal challenges, developing interventions or solutions is just one part of the equation. Equally important is evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions and ensuring their sustainability over time. This stage of evaluation enables organizations and individuals to fine-tune their approaches, maximize impact, and contribute to long-term positive change.

Meet Alex, Mia, and Sam

In the bustling city of Technoville, a group of second-year computer science students, Alex, Mia, and Sam, were passionate about leveraging their skills for social good. They came up with an ambitious idea - to create a mobile app that would help local businesses reduce food waste by connecting them with customers for surplus items at discounted prices. They called it the "FoodSaver" app.

Their Effectiveness Assessment Journey

Excited by their vision, the trio embarked on their coding journey. They set clear goals for their app: reduce food waste by 30%, increase revenue for participating businesses, and engage at least 500 users within six months. As they developed the app, they also integrated a system to collect user feedback and track key metrics.

Six months later, with the app live and operational, Alex, Mia, and Sam began their effectiveness assessment. They analyzed the data they had gathered and were pleased to find that food waste had indeed decreased by 35%. They also noticed that the participating businesses had experienced a 20% increase in revenue, and they had surpassed their goal by engaging over 700 users.

The Trio’s Sustainability Assessment Adventure

With their initial success, the trio now turned their attention to ensuring the app's sustainability. They realized that for long-term impact, the app needed to remain relevant and user-friendly. They initiated regular updates, adding new features and addressing user suggestions. They also started workshops to teach local businesses about the app's benefits and how to use it effectively.

Recognizing the importance of community engagement, they formed a student club dedicated to sustainable technology solutions. This club not only fostered interest in their app but also ensured a network of support and ideas for their ongoing journey.

The Valuable Lessons

The Code for Change Initiative became a shining example of how computer science skills could drive positive change. Alex, Mia, and Sam's journey underscored the significance of assessing both the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions. Their clear goals, data-driven approach, and continuous engagement with stakeholders enabled them to make a real impact on reducing food waste.

This story of the FoodSaver app emphasizes the power of technology in solving real-world problems. Just as the trio from Technoville discovered, you have the opportunity to create transformative solutions by evaluating your projects for effectiveness and ensuring your innovations are sustainable in the long run.

❓ Discussion: Do you think the approach taken by Alex, Mia, and Sam is feasible for all types of interventions or solutions? Are there situations where effectiveness and sustainability assessment might be more challenging? Share your thoughts and engage with your peer’s view in the padlet below.

Effectiveness and sustainability are two of the six evaluation criteria listed by the OECD DAC Network on Development Evaluation. These criteria, along with relevance, coherence, efficiency, and impact, provide a standardized framework for evaluating the value of interventions such as policies, strategies, programs, projects, or activities. They form the basis for informed evaluative judgments. Effectiveness addresses the question of whether the intervention achieves its intended objectives, while sustainability delves into the long-term viability of the benefits it generates.

📖 Delve deeper into these evaluation criteria in the OECD article for a comprehensive understanding.

🪞 Reflection Activity: Imagine you are a member of a startup that developed a new app aimed at promoting recycling in your local community. Apply the evaluation criteria of effectiveness and sustainability to your app. How would you assess whether the app is effectively achieving its goal of increasing recycling rates? Additionally, how would you determine whether the app's impact on recycling is likely to be sustained over time? Share your insights on the Padlet and consider how these evaluation criteria could shape the future development of your app

Exploring Innovative Technological Solutions for Development Challenges

In today's rapidly evolving world, technological advancements are reshaping how we approach development challenges. Innovative technologies have the potential to revolutionize how we address complex issues and create lasting impact. This section delves into the realm of innovative technological solutions and their role in overcoming various development challenges.

The Role of Technology in Development

Technology has emerged as a powerful force driving innovative solutions to some of the most pressing global development challenges. From healthcare disparities to education gaps, poverty to environmental degradation, technology has been a game-changer, reshaping the way we approach and tackle these complex development issues.

Let’s explore some specific instances where technology has been applied to address development challenges.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Personalized Healthcare

AI's potential in personalized healthcare is illustrated through an example. Imagine a patient named Sarah who has a family history of cardiovascular disease. With AI-powered predictive analytics, her health data, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and medical history, is analyzed. The AI algorithm identifies her higher risk for heart issues and recommends personalized interventions, such as lifestyle changes and regular screenings. This proactive approach helps prevent potential heart problems, showcasing how AI can enhance disease prevention and management.

Through data analysis and machine learning, AI can predict disease outbreaks, improve diagnostics, and tailor treatments, ultimately saving lives and resources.

Smart Agriculture for Food Security

Let's consider a scenario in smart agriculture. Farmer John uses sensors placed in his fields that collect data on soil moisture, temperature, and crop growth. These data are transmitted to his smartphone in real time. By analyzing this information, he receives insights on when to water, fertilize, or protect his crops from pests. This precision farming not only boosts crop yields but also minimizes resource wastage, making agriculture more sustainable and contributing to global food security.

📺 Watch this video to learn how Japan is reshaping its agriculture by harnessing smart farming technology.

From the video, we see how Japanese farmers and researchers have been employing cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and create high-quality produce that resonates with both local and international consumers.

🪞 Reflect: How can you advocate for the adoption of smart agriculture technologies in your community/country? Share your answers and give feedback on one of your peer’s answers in the padlet below

Blockchain for Transparent Governance

To illustrate the role of blockchain in governance, picture a scenario where a city government is planning a public infrastructure project. By utilizing blockchain, every step of the project, from budget allocation to contract approvals, is recorded on an immutable and transparent digital ledger. Citizens can access this information, ensuring accountability and preventing any mismanagement or corruption. This use of blockchain fosters citizens' trust in government institutions and sets a new standard for transparent governance.

Clean Energy Solutions for Sustainability

Imagine a rural community with limited access to reliable electricity. Through the implementation of a solar microgrid, households now have access to clean and sustainable energy. Solar panels installed on rooftops capture sunlight during the day and store excess energy in batteries. This stored energy powers homes during the night, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. This scenario showcases how innovative clean energy solutions can transform the lives of communities while contributing to global sustainability goals.

📺 Watch Sarah Cairns-Smith's TED talk on tech solutions to economic development. In her talk, Sarah highlights the significant transformative potential of mobile apps and services in emerging economies. These tools are ushering in a new era of productivity enhancement, financial inclusion, and improved social services.

🪞 Reflection Activity: Imagine you're a tech-savvy student passionate about sustainability. You notice that your campus generates a lot of food waste. How could you use technology, like a mobile app or smart bins, to address this issue? How do you think your innovation could inspire fellow students to be more eco-friendly? Share your creative ideas on Padlet!

What Makes a Solution Innovative?

Innovation in a solution arises when a fresh approach is applied to address existing challenges, leading to more efficient, effective, or impactful outcomes. It's about thinking creatively and devising unique ways to solve problems that haven't been fully addressed before. Innovations often introduce novel concepts, methods, or technologies that disrupt traditional patterns and provide better results.

📺 Watch Hemsley Fraser's video on how to be more innovative for more insight.

From the video, we learn that in order to foster innovation, it's crucial to create mental space for unrestricted thinking. This involves allowing bold ideas to form and capturing fleeting moments of inspiration. Here's how:

• Imagination: Begin by daring to dream and letting your mind explore without limitations. Innovative concepts often arise from these seemingly impossible thoughts.
• Visualize the Outcome: Picture the end result of your idea's realization. This visualization ignites your enthusiasm and provides a clear goal to work towards.
• Suspend Judgment: During brainstorming, silence your inner critic. Evaluations can come later; for now, let your ideas flow freely.
• Capture Ideas: Maintain a repository for your ideas, whether through journals, digital notes, or recordings. Ensure no valuable insights are lost.
• Collaborate and Refine: Share your ideas with others to receive input. Collaborative thinking can enhance the quality of ideas and lead to innovative breakthroughs.

📺 Also, watch Roberto Verganti’s TED talk on meaningful innovation in a world awash with ideas for more insight on what it takes to create meaningful innovation.

Roberto asserts that with the abundance of ideas, the essence of innovation has undergone a profound transformation. From his perspective, it's not about simply discovering solutions but about seeking new and meaningful directions. The concept of innovation has evolved into two distinct layers: meaning and solutions. The meaning signifies the purpose behind innovation, while solutions are the tangible products or processes that embody this purpose. This separation emphasizes the need to uncover innovative meanings in a sea of solutions.

❓ Discussion: Roberto believes that innovation means looking for new and important ways of doing things. This makes us rethink what innovation is about. Usually, we think of innovation as creating new solutions to problems we already know. Do you agree with Roberto's viewpoint that innovation involves seeking new and meaningful directions? Why or why not?

Technology Selection and Contextualization

Selecting and adapting appropriate technology for specific contexts is a critical aspect of addressing development challenges effectively. Not all technological solutions fit every situation equally; what works well in one context might not be suitable in another. This sub-section delves into the importance of choosing technologies that align with the needs, resources, and conditions of a particular environment.

Understanding Contextual Relevance

The first step in selecting appropriate technology is understanding the context in which it will be implemented. This includes considering factors such as local infrastructure, available resources, cultural norms, and socio-economic conditions. A technology that is well-suited for an urban setting might not be practical in a rural or remote area with limited connectivity.

📺 Watch Barton Goldberg share more insight on contextual relevance in this video.

While Barton's focus is on marketing, the principles of contextual relevance are also important when selecting technology. The goal is to find the right balance between understanding the customer, in our case, the end user of the technology, presenting the right information, and aligning with their buying window.

Adaptation and Customization

Once a technology is chosen, it often needs to be adapted or customized to fit the specific context. This might involve modifying its features, functionalities, or user interfaces to ensure it addresses local needs and preferences. For example, a healthcare app designed for a developed country may need adjustments to cater to the language and medical practices of a developing region.

Let’s learn from Maya’s Story

Meet Maya, a computer science student passionate about using technology to improve education. She has developed an interactive educational app that has gained popularity in her university, where students have access to high-speed internet and modern devices.

Excited by her success, Maya decides to pilot her app in a rural village where educational resources are limited. The village lacks consistent electricity and has limited internet connectivity. Maya quickly realizes that her app, designed for urban students, isn't meeting the needs of rural students.

Step 1: Understanding the Context

Maya spends time in the village, talking to students, teachers, and community members. She learns that electricity is a luxury and that most students have basic smartphones with slow internet connectivity. Moreover, the curriculum and teaching methods are quite different from what she's used to.

Step 2: Adaptation and Customization

With this newfound knowledge, Maya starts adapting her app. She simplifies the user interface to accommodate slower internet speeds. She reduces the app's data consumption to make it usable even with limited connectivity. Maya also realizes that the app's content needs to align with the local curriculum and teaching methods, so she starts working with local teachers to customize the app's content.

Step 3: Testing and Feedback

Maya launches the adapted version of her app in the village. She observes the students using the app and gathers their feedback. She notices that some educational games don't resonate with the students, and she learns that certain cultural nuances are missing in the content.

Step 4: Iterative Improvement

Maya goes back to the drawing board. She includes more culturally relevant examples in the educational games. She also integrates offline features so that students can access content even without an internet connection. Maya collaborates with local artists to add familiar visuals to the app, making it more relatable to the students.

Step 5: Positive Impact

The updated app is a hit in the village. Students are engaged, teachers are delighted with the relevant content, and parents appreciate the offline capabilities. Maya's app becomes an integral part of the village's education system, addressing a pressing need.

🪞 Reflection Question: In the story of Maya and her educational app, how did the process of adaptation and customization improve the effectiveness of the technology? Can you think of any other technological solutions that might require similar adaptations to fit specific contexts? Share your insights on the Padlet.

Resource Constraints and Affordability

In many cases, the available resources and budget play a significant role in technology selection. The chosen solution should be financially feasible and sustainable for the intended context. This might involve opting for open-source software or low-cost hardware solutions that align with the financial capabilities of the community or organization. Let's delve into how these factors impact technology choices and their implications with the illustration below.

Imagine you're an engineering student with a passion for coding and app development. You want a new laptop to handle your projects effectively. However, your budget is limited due to tuition and other expenses.

Choosing the Right Tech: With a limited budget, you need to find a laptop that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. You research different brands and specifications to find the best value for your money. You might consider a mid-range laptop that can handle coding tasks without breaking the bank.

Open Source Tools: To save money on software, you explore open-source coding tools and platforms. These tools provide free access to essential software that you need for your coding projects. They allow you to develop your skills without spending extra on software licenses.

Adaptation to Your Needs: Once you have your laptop, you might need to adapt it to suit your coding needs. You install coding environments, software libraries, and plugins that help you work efficiently. This adaptation ensures that your laptop becomes a tailored coding machine.

Online Learning Resources: Your budget-conscious approach leads you to online learning platforms, where you can access coding tutorials and courses for a fraction of the cost of traditional classes. These resources help you learn new skills without adding to your financial burden.

Long-Term Sustainability: You also consider the laptop's long-term sustainability. You invest in a good laptop case and practice proper maintenance to ensure your laptop's longevity. This approach helps you avoid unexpected repair costs down the road.

Despite budget limitations, your careful tech choices and adaptations empower you to excel in your coding projects. You develop apps, contribute to open-source projects, and even collaborate with classmates. Your ability to achieve your goals on a student budget highlights the significance of considering affordability in technology decisions.

🪞 Reflection Question: In your own student journey, how has affordability influenced your choice of technology tools and gadgets? Can you think of other scenarios where budget constraints impact the technology choices of individuals or organizations? Share your insights on the Padlet.

Your Role in Shaping the Future: From Learner to Changemaker

As a student in the world of technology and development, you're not just an observer – you're a potential changemaker. Your skills, ideas, and actions can contribute to shaping the future of our global society. Let's examine how your role can impact the world.

Becoming a Solution Seeker

With your tech-savvy mind, you have the potential to identify gaps and challenges in your community or beyond. Whether it's creating a user-friendly app for local businesses or finding innovative ways to address developmental issues, your fresh perspective can lead to impactful solutions.

Lifelong Learning and Adaptation

Technology is a rapidly evolving field. Your journey doesn't end with your academic years. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and innovations. This flexibility will empower you to adapt to changing needs and contribute effectively.

Collaboration and Networking

No great change is achieved in isolation. Collaborate with fellow students, professionals, and organizations. Attend tech conferences, workshops, and online forums to expand your network. By pooling your knowledge and resources, you can amplify your impact.

Ethical Considerations

As a tech enthusiast, you're not just responsible for creating solutions; you also have a role in ensuring your creations are ethical and responsible. Think about the potential consequences of your tech solutions on society, privacy, and security.

Advocacy for Positive Change

Use your voice to advocate for change. Whether it's raising awareness about digital divide issues or promoting sustainable tech practices, your advocacy can influence policies and attitudes.

Inspiring Others

Your journey can inspire others to embrace technology for positive change. Share your experiences, successes, and challenges. Encourage fellow students to explore the intersection of technology and development.

🪞 Reflection Question: Think about a specific challenge or issue in your community or society that could benefit from a tech-based solution. How can your knowledge and skills be applied to address this challenge? What steps can you take to initiate change in this direction? Share your thoughts on the Padlet and explore others' ideas.

Systems Thinking and Complexity in Development

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 4.

Week Overview

Last week, we covered the critical aspects of evaluating existing solutions, assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions, and exploring innovative technological approaches to development challenges.

Building on the knowledge gained from last week, Week 4 takes a deeper dive into systems thinking and complexity. In this lesson, you will explore how these concepts provide valuable insights into understanding and addressing complex development issues. By understanding the intricacies of systems and their interconnectedness, you can better grasp the root causes of complex problems and formulate holistic solutions.

In essence, while Week 3 equipped you with the tools to assess and evaluate existing interventions, this week will empower you to take a step back, consider the bigger picture, and approach development challenges with a more comprehensive and interconnected perspective. These understandings will guide you in future lessons.

Let’s get started!

Learning outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define systems thinking and understand its underlying principles
• Apply systems thinking principles to understand the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors in complex development issues.
• Evaluate the implications of systems thinking in addressing development challenges, considering the potential impacts of interventions on the broader system

Additional Resources

• Morgan, M.J., Stratford, E., Harpur, S. et al. (2023). A Systems Thinking Approach for Community Health and Wellbeing. Syst Pract Action Res https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-023-09644-0
• Sparks, C. (2022, February 25). Systems Thinking: The Essential Mental Models Needed for Growth. Medium. https://medium.com/@ForcingFunction/systems-thinking-the-essential-mental-models-needed-for-growth-5d3e7f93b420

Introduction to Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of elements within a larger system. Rather than focusing solely on individual components, it looks at how these components interact and influence one another. This section introduces you to the fundamental principles of systems thinking and its significance in the context of development.

📺 Watch this video for an introductory overview of systems thinking.

In the video, the speakers made reference to the family (the archetypal system) and school systems, respectively. Systems thinking is not limited to administrative structures; it is a lens through which we can see the intricate tapestry of interconnectedness that shapes our lives

📖 Peer-reviewed Publication: Read the following journal article for a review of the literature on systems thinking.

Definition of System Thinking

The term "systems thinking" was initially coined by Barry Richmond, who described it as "the art and science of making reliable inferences about behavior by developing an increasingly deep understanding of underlying structure."

📖 For a deeper perspective, refer to section 3 of Ross Arnold and Jon Wade’s article.

📺 Watch the Computer Science Education Research video on systems thinking.

In their work, Ross and Jon examined multiple definitions of systems thinking from various authors. After careful consideration, they synthesized it to signify "a set of synergistic analytical skills used to enhance the capacity for identifying and comprehending systems, forecasting their behaviors, and formulating adjustments to achieve desired outcomes."

It's important to note the following key aspects:

• Systems thinking is both an art and a science.
• It comprises a collection of analytical skills.
• It revolves around understanding the intricacies of the system.

🪞 Reflect: Imagine if you could combine the creative thinking of an artist with the structured approach of a scientist to understand complex problems. That's what systems thinking is all about. How do you think using this dual approach could help you tackle the intricate challenges you might encounter in your studies or future job? Share your thoughts on Padlet and engage in a thoughtful conversation with your fellow students.

Fundamental Concepts in System Thinking

The fundamental concepts are the building blocks of systems thinking. They guide the way we perceive and analyze complex systems, whether they're ecological ecosystems, social structures, or technological networks. By understanding the fundamental concepts of system thinking, we can better understand how systems work and how they can be changed.

📖 Read Leyla Acaroglu’s article on the six fundamental concepts of systems thinking where she shares key insights and tools needed to develop and advance a systems mindset for dealing with complex problem-solving.

From the article, we learn about six important concepts in systems thinking, namely;

• Interconnectedness: Everything is interconnected. This means that everything in a system affects everything else in the system. For example, a change in the weather can affect the economy, which can affect the environment, which can affect the health of people, and so on.
• Synthesis: Systems thinking is about seeing the big picture. It is about understanding how the parts of a system fit together and how they affect each other. This requires us to synthesize information from different sources and to see the connections between seemingly unrelated events.
• Emergence: The outcome of the synergies of the parts. It is about non-linearity and self-organization. This means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, a flock of birds can exhibit complex behavior that is not present in any individual bird.
• Feedback loops: Feedback loops are a key concept in systems thinking. They can be either positive or negative. Positive feedback loops amplify change, while negative feedback loops dampen change. For example, a positive feedback loop can lead to an economic boom, while a negative feedback loop can lead to an economic recession.
• Causality: The traditional view of causality is that one event causes another event. However, in systems thinking, causality is more complex. Events can be caused by multiple factors, and the effects of an event can be delayed or amplified by feedback loops.
• Systems mapping: This is a tool that can be used to visualize systems and to understand the relationships between the parts of a system. It can be helpful for understanding how systems work and how they can be changed.

🪞 Reflection: Think about your morning routine before coming to class.

• How are different parts of your routine connected? For instance, how does waking up late affect your breakfast, and how does that impact your mood in class?
• Share your thoughts on how things are linked together in your routine. Can you identify any loops where one thing affects another, and it comes back around? Discuss on Padlet and see if your colleagues have similar experiences.

Significance of System Thinking

Systems thinking is a powerful approach that offers several important advantages in understanding and addressing complex issues.

📺 Watch the ESSGR video on “Why is systems thinking important and when can it help us?”

From the video, we learn that the crux of systems thinking lies in its relevance to solving complex problems. Benefits of system thinking include:

1. It can help us to make sense of complex and intricate scenarios. By understanding the interconnectedness of systems, we can see how seemingly unrelated events are actually connected. This can help us to avoid feeling overwhelmed by complexity and instead see it as an opportunity for discovery.
2. It can help us to predict the consequences of our actions. By learning the patterns and behaviors within a system, we can see how our actions will affect other parts of the system. This can help us to make better decisions and to avoid unintended consequences.
3. Systems thinking can help us to identify risks and vulnerabilities. When we consider the system as a whole, we can see where there are potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This can help us to take steps to mitigate these risks and protect the system from harm.

In 2022, the Editorial team at Indeed (the popular job posting platform) published an article about systems thinking, emphasizing the advantages it brings. According to the team, systems thinking enables us to:

• Explore New Opportunities: Systems thinking helps us identify unexpected opportunities by considering the broader context and connections within a system.
• Minimize the Impact of Mistakes: By understanding the interdependencies in a system, we can anticipate potential consequences and minimize the negative impacts of mistakes.
• Make Realistic Plans: Systems thinking aids in creating plans that are more aligned with the intricacies of real-world systems, increasing the chances of successful outcomes.
• Repair Broken Designs: When issues arise, systems thinking assists in pinpointing the root causes of problems, facilitating effective solutions that address the underlying design flaws.

In essence, systems thinking serves as a valuable tool for comprehending intricate systems and making informed decisions. It holds relevance in tackling a wide array of challenges, ranging from addressing climate change and poverty to improving healthcare systems.

Application of Systems Thinking to Understanding Complex Development Issues

Development challenges are rarely isolated; they often involve a web of interrelated factors. Systems thinking equips you with the tools to dissect complex issues, identify root causes, and foresee potential consequences of interventions. We'll explore case studies where applying systems thinking has led to more effective development strategies.

📺 First, watch this video summary of Danella Meadow’s book “Thinking in Systems” reiterating the core principles of systems thinking and its application in a multitude of contexts.

Systems thinking is a valuable tool for understanding complex development issues. By understanding the interconnectedness of different factors, systems thinking can help us to identify the root causes of problems and to develop more effective solutions.

For example, let's consider the issue of poverty. Poverty is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including lack of education, lack of access to healthcare, and lack of economic opportunities. Systems thinking can help us to understand how these different factors are interconnected and how they can all contribute to poverty. This understanding can then be used to develop solutions that address the root causes of poverty and that are more likely to be successful.

Systems thinking can also be used to understand the dynamics of change. By understanding how different factors interact over time, systems thinking can help us to predict how changes in one part of a system will affect other parts of the system. This understanding can then be used to develop strategies for managing change and for ensuring that changes are made in a way that is beneficial to all stakeholders.

Overall, systems thinking is a powerful tool for understanding complex development issues and for developing more effective solutions. It can be used to identify the root causes of problems, to understand the dynamics of change, and to develop strategies for managing change.

Examples of Systems Thinking in Practice

📺 Watch John Tomlinson’s video describing how his organization applies system thinking to solve complex problems around the world.

From the video, we learn that social problems, environmental dilemmas, business hurdles, governmental challenges, and internal organizational matters – are all tangled in intricate relationships that demand a holistic approach for resolution. Systems thinking goes beyond surface-level analysis. Rather than fixating on isolated events or symptoms, it delves into the realm of patterns and relationships.

🪞 Reflection: What are some of the patterns and relationships that you see in the world around you? Share here.

Here are some examples of how systems thinking has been applied to understand complex development issues:

1. Agricultural Sustainability

Systems thinking has been applied to address issues in agricultural development, such as ensuring food security and sustainability. Instead of focusing solely on increasing crop yields, systems thinking considers the broader ecological and social context. It examines factors like soil health, water availability, climate patterns, market dynamics, and the socioeconomic well-being of farmers. By understanding these interconnections, policies, and practices can be designed to promote sustainable agriculture that benefits both the environment and local communities.

📖 Read the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics newsletter for more insight on how system thinking can contribute to sustainable food and agricultural systems in Africa.

🪞 Reflection: Think about your favorite meal. Can you identify the different components that make up that meal? Now, consider how those components are interconnected – from where the ingredients are sourced to how they're produced and distributed. How might this way of thinking apply to ensuring a more sustainable food system?

2. Healthcare Delivery

Traditionally, healthcare interventions in developing countries have focused on providing medical treatment to individuals. However, this approach has often been limited in its effectiveness, as it does not take into account the complex factors that contribute to poor health in these countries.

Systems thinking provides a framework for understanding the interconnected elements of the healthcare system and how these elements can interact to produce positive or negative outcomes. By taking a systems approach, interventions can be designed to address the root causes of poor health rather than simply treating the symptoms.

❓ Practice: Let’s put your system thinking ability to practice

Scenario: You are a healthcare worker in a developing country. You have been tasked with developing a plan to improve access to healthcare for women and children in your community.

Systems thinking activity:

• Identify the key stakeholders: Who are the key stakeholders involved in the healthcare system for women and children in your community (This could include government officials, healthcare providers, community leaders, and women and children themselves).
• Identify the key factors: What are the key factors that are affecting access to healthcare for women and children in your community? (This could include factors such as poverty, transportation, cultural beliefs, and the availability of healthcare facilities). -Create a systems map: Use a simple drawing to illustrate the relationships between the key stakeholders and the key factors that are affecting access to healthcare for women and children in your community. Share a screenshot of your map on Padlet and give feedback on a peer’s map.

3. Rural Development

In rural development, systems thinking helps create comprehensive strategies that address multiple challenges faced by rural communities. This might involve integrating agricultural diversification, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and income generation programs. Rather than isolating efforts, a systems approach recognizes that rural development is a multifaceted endeavor that requires synergistic interventions.

4. Urban Slum Upgrading

Improving conditions in urban slums involves understanding the complex web of factors that contribute to their existence. Systems thinking considers issues like housing, sanitation, access to basic services, and social integration. Rather than treating each problem individually, this approach looks for ways to address multiple challenges at once. For example, upgrading housing might also involve improving infrastructure and creating economic opportunities within the community, leading to more holistic improvements in living conditions.

📖 For more insight on the importance of systems thinking in urban development, read this newsletter by the  International Association of Landscape Ecology newsletter.

5. Poverty Alleviation

When addressing poverty, systems thinking goes beyond direct income interventions. It explores the interconnected factors that contribute to poverty, such as education, healthcare access, employment opportunities, and social networks. Rather than implementing isolated programs, a systems approach considers how these factors interact and influence each other. This might lead to interventions that simultaneously improve education quality, create jobs, and provide healthcare services, creating a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to poverty reduction.

📺 Watch this panel talk on systems thinking and its role in poverty alleviation.

In the panel discussion, the speakers shed light on how systems thinking shapes their work in poverty alleviation and why considering broader systems is vital for sustainable change.

Both experts agree that poverty alleviation efforts in the global south require deep consideration of local contexts:

• A nuanced approach that considers cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors.
• Avoiding generalizations and embracing tailor-made solutions for each community.

These are just a few examples of how systems thinking is being applied to understand complex development issues. Systems thinking is a powerful tool that can be used to improve our understanding of development challenges and to develop more effective solutions.

❓ Discussion: You are a community organizer in a low-income neighborhood. You have been tasked with developing a plan to alleviate poverty in your community. You decide to use systems thinking to help you develop your plan. What are some of the key things you would consider when using systems thinking in this context? Share your answers on Padlet.

Analyzing Social-Ecological Systems and Their Dynamics

Social-ecological systems represent the intricate interplay between human societies and their natural environments. These systems are dynamic, with changes in one component triggering ripple effects across the entire system. We'll delve into how systems thinking helps us analyze the dynamics of social-ecological systems, from understanding resource management to predicting the impact of climate change.

As we navigate through these subsections, remember that systems thinking encourages us to view the world as a web of connections, where even the smallest change can cause significant ripples. Let's get started.

Defining Social-Ecological Systems

A social-ecological system (SES) is a framework that recognizes the intricate interconnections between human society and the natural environment.

📺 Watch this explainer video on social-ecological systems for an introductory overview of the framework.

SES thinking highlights the reciprocal relationships between social systems (such as communities, economies, and institutions) and ecological systems (including ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources). This integrated perspective is crucial for comprehending the complexity of real-world issues like climate change, resource management, and sustainable development.

Key Components of SES

Social Components: These encompass human factors, such as cultural values, social norms, economic activities, governance structures, and individual behaviors. These elements shape human interactions within the system and influence decisions related to resource use, conservation, and environmental policies.

Ecological Components: These refer to the natural environment, including biotic elements (plants, animals, microorganisms) and abiotic elements (air, water, soil). Ecological components provide the resources and services upon which human society depends, and they are subject to the impacts of human activities.

❓ Take this pop quiz to test your knowledge of the social and ecological components within scenarios.

Interactions and Dynamics

Recognizing Interactions

One of the fundamental principles of systems thinking is understanding that components within a system do not exist in isolation. Similarly, in social-ecological systems, the interactions between social and ecological components are intricate and multi-faceted. Changes in one component can lead to cascading effects throughout the entire system.

Feedback Loops

Feedback loops play a significant role in SES dynamics. These loops can be reinforcing (positive feedback) or balancing (negative feedback). For example, a positive feedback loop might involve deforestation leading to increased carbon dioxide levels, which further accelerates climate change. On the other hand, a negative feedback loop could involve community-based conservation efforts leading to enhanced biodiversity, subsequently benefiting local economies.

📺 Watch Brian Walker’s seminar video for more insight into how feedback loops occur in a socio-ecological system.

From the video, we learn that feedback can be direct or indirect, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping the behavior and trajectory of the system.

• Direct Feedback: A change in one component directly affects another without involving any feedback loop.
• Indirect Feedback: Changes in one component lead to cascading effects on others through a series of interactions.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine that you are a software engineer working on a project to develop a new algorithm for predicting sea level rise. You know that sea level rise is a complex issue with many interconnected components. How can you use your understanding of direct and indirect feedback to help you develop a more accurate and reliable algorithm? Share in this padlet.

Applying Systems Thinking Tools

There are many different systems thinking tools available, but two of the most common are systems mapping and scenario modeling.

Systems Mapping

Systems mapping is a visual tool that helps us understand the relationships and dependencies within a system e.g socio-ecological system. By representing components and their interactions graphically, we can identify key leverage points for intervention. Tools like causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow diagrams aid in mapping the causal relationships between social and ecological elements.

📺 Watch this explainer video on system mapping and its significance.

Systems mapping can be used to represent a system at any level of complexity, from a small group to a global ecosystem. The key is to identify the key components of the system and the relationships between them. Causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow diagrams are two common types of systems maps.

From the video, we learn that there are two notable ways to use a systems map namely

• Retrospective Use: For program evaluation, systems maps compare the system's state at distinct junctures, unveiling its evolution and identifying areas of improvement.
• Prospective Application: In program design, systems maps provide a proactive lens, revealing relationships, feedback loops, and dependencies. This knowledge empowers the identification of strategic leverage points that can initiate systemic change.

🪞Reflection: Think of yourself as a tech guru designing a fitness app. Now, consider a real challenge, like encouraging healthier lifestyles. How might a systems map reveal how user choices, healthcare rules, and community spaces are linked? Share in the padlet below.

Scenario Modeling

Scenario modeling involves creating different scenarios to explore how changes in one aspect of the system might impact its dynamics. Each scenario is based on different assumptions about the future, such as changes in technology, climate, or economic conditions. This tool helps decision-makers anticipate potential outcomes and make informed choices. For instance, we might model the effects of policy changes on both the livelihoods of local communities and the health of surrounding ecosystems.

📺 Watch this Shell explainer video for more insight into scenario modeling.

In the video, the narrator says that scenarios are more than just predictions. They are stories that explore the complexities of the future. They help us to understand the present moment and to think about possible future outcomes.

The key to scenario modeling is to focus on the present reality. We need to consider the different stakeholders involved, each with their own interests and preferences. By understanding these complexities, we can identify possible deviations from existing trends.

For example, let's say we are interested in understanding the future of the global climate system. We could create scenarios that explore different possible future states of the system, such as a world with more extreme weather events or a world with less ice in the Arctic. By understanding the different factors that could influence the future of the climate system, we can identify possible deviations from existing trends and develop strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change.

By utilizing tools like systems mapping and scenario modeling, we can gain insights into these systems that are essential for making sustainable and informed decisions in a world where the fates of human societies and natural environments are intricately intertwined.

🪞 Reflection: Let’s say you are a software engineer working on a new social media platform. How could you use scenario modeling to help you understand the potential future impacts of your platform on society? Share on Padlet.

Systems Thinking Mental Models

📺 Let’s begin by learning what a mental model is. Watch this explainer video for an introductory overview.

From the video, we learn that a mental model is an explanatory framework, a concept, or a worldview that resides within the mind, aiding in the interpretation of the world and the interconnection between various elements.

🪞 Reflection: Have you ever had a situation where your mental model was wrong? What happened? How did you adjust your thinking?

Systems thinking mental models in this context are a powerful tool for understanding complex systems. They can help us to see the interconnectedness of the parts of a system and how changes in one part can affect other parts of the system.

📺 Watch this video for more insight on system thinking mental models.

Can you recall the six mental models referenced in the video?

1. Non-Linear Organization: This mental model embraces the idea that elements feed into one another in cycles, creating intricate webs of influence. It acknowledges that actions, events, and components interact in ways that often defy straightforward categorization.*

2. Stock & Flow: This model condenses complexities into two core components: stock and flow. Stock refers to the entities within the system that can be added or subtracted – tangible elements like animals, plants, money, and resources. Flow, on the other hand, represents the actions that influence the stock, such as transactions, exchanges, and transformations.*

3. Iceberg Model: This introduces a multi-layered approach to understanding reality. At the surface, we encounter events – observable occurrences that often distract us from deeper insights. Delving deeper, we encounter patterns of behavior that unfold over time, revealing recurring trends. At the systemic level, we unearth the underlying structures that give rise to these patterns. Finally, we reach mental models – the assumptions, beliefs, and values that shape our perceptions and actions.*

4.Bottleneck: According to this model, the bottleneck is the point where delays and inefficiencies accumulate and it determines the system's overall performance. Identifying and addressing bottlenecks is essential for optimizing system functionality.*

5. Second-Order Thinking: This level of thinking helps us anticipate outcomes and navigate complexities more adeptly.*

6. Feedback Loop: This model shows how actions can lead to unintended consequences and how these consequences can then lead to further actions. This is because complex systems are often nonlinear, meaning that small changes can have large consequences. Additionally, feedback loops can create reinforcing loops, which amplify changes, or balancing loops, which dampen changes.*

At its core, these mental models offer you the insight to dive deep into complex systems. They empower you to uncover the causes and effects that often remain hidden, anticipate how changes in one part impact the whole and identify pivotal points where interventions can lead to transformative outcomes.

🪞 Reflection Question: Think about a complex development issue you've encountered, either on a global or local scale. How could applying systems thinking help you gain a deeper understanding of the issue and potentially identify more effective solutions? Share your thoughts on the Padlet and engage with your peers' perspectives.

Assignment 2 - Systems Thinking and Complexity in Development

Assignment Options:

You can select 1 of the following options for this assignment.

Option 1: Systems Diagram

Create a systems diagram illustrating the interconnectedness of factors contributing to a selected development challenge, explaining how systems thinking helps identify leverage points.

OR

Option 2: Systems Analysis Report

Analyze a complex development issue using systems thinking principles, identifying feedback loops and proposing interventions for systemic change.

Instructions

In Week 4, we explored systems thinking and its application in development. This assignment offers you two distinctive options to showcase your grasp of systems thinking principles and their relevance in addressing complex development challenges.

Option 1: Systems Diagram

Imagine you're faced with a complex development challenge (e.g improving access to clean water in a rural community). Your task is to create a systems diagram that visually maps out the intricate web of factors contributing to this challenge.

Step 1: Select a Development Challenge: Choose a real or hypothetical development challenge that interests you. It could relate to healthcare, education, agriculture, or any other aspect of development.

Step 2: Visualize the Interconnectedness: Use a digital tool of your choice to create a visual representation (a diagram) that illustrates how various elements—social, economic, environmental, and cultural—are interconnected within this challenge. Show how changes in one element can affect others.

Highlight Leverage Points: Explain, within your diagram or through accompanying text, how systems thinking helps identify leverage points—those critical junctures where targeted interventions can lead to significant positive changes.

Option 2: Systems Analysis Report

Imagine you've been tasked with analyzing a complex development issue and proposing systemic interventions. Your goal is to write a systems analysis report that dissects the challenge, identifies feedback loops, and suggests interventions for systemic change.

Step 1: Select a Complex Development Issue: Choose a development issue that intrigues you. It could relate to urbanization, poverty, gender equality, or any other complex societal problem.

Step 2: Analyze Feedback Loops: Using systems thinking principles, analyze the issue to identify feedback loops—cycles of cause and effect that perpetuate the challenge. Explain how these feedback loops contribute to the persistence of the problem.

Step 3: Propose Systemic Interventions: Based on your analysis, propose interventions that target specific points within the system to disrupt feedback loops and create positive change. Describe how these interventions could lead to systemic improvements.

Both options require you to apply systems thinking to real-world or hypothetical development challenges. Choose the one that aligns with your interests and strengths.

Submission

Submit your assignment, whether it's a systems diagram or a systems analysis report, on Gradescope and then Anchor.

Should you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to post your message in the #help-eng4dev channel on Discord.

Problem Identification

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 5.

Week Overview

Welcome to Lesson 5 of our Engineering for Development course. In this lesson, you'll be learning about problem identification, which is an essential first step in any successful project. As you recall from Week 4, where we explored system thinking and its applications, understanding the interconnectedness of factors in complex development issues is crucial. This understanding will now serve as a foundation as we delve into problem identification. Just as systems thinking helps us see the bigger picture, problem identification helps us zoom in on specific challenges within that system. Let's apply what we've learned about systems thinking to identify real-world problems effectively.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify different types of problems
• Understand the importance of problem identification
• Employ techniques and methodologies to identify and define social problems accurately, considering their root causes and underlying complexities.

What is a Problem?

❓ Discussion:  What is a problem? On the Padlet below, share how you would define a problem in your own words.

A problem has been defined in a number of ways. Let’s learn some notable ones.

"A problem is a gap between an existing state and a desired state." - Thomas J. Watson, Jr., former CEO of IBM

"A problem is a question to which the answer is not immediately known." - George Polya, mathematician and educator

"A problem is a situation that prevents us from achieving our goals." - Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"A problem is a challenge that requires us to think creatively and strategically." - James Altucher, entrepreneur and author

“A problem is something that is difficult to deal with or something that is a source of trouble, worry” - Britannica Dictionary

"A problem is an opportunity in disguise." - Albert Einstein, physicist

Do you see the pattern of association? One author considers the problem to be a question, another calls it a challenge, and Einstein viewed it as an opportunity.

These definitions all emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between the current state and the desired state. They also highlight the need to think creatively and strategically in order to solve problems.

🪞 Reflection: Which of these definitions of a problem resonates most with you and why? Share in the Padlet below.

📺 Watch this explainer video to learn more about problems.

📺 Watch Jordan Robert’s Ted Talk to gain some additional insights on the definition of a problem.

From the video, we learn that there are five elements of a problem, namely:

• Problem solver: The person or group of people who are trying to solve the problem.
• Controlled variables: The factors that the problem solver can change in order to affect the outcome of the problem.
• Uncontrolled variables: The factors that the problem solver cannot change in order to affect the outcome of the problem.
• Constraints: The limitations that the problem solver must work within in order to solve the problem.
• Possible solutions: The different ways that the problem solver can try to solve the problem.

❓ [Scenario Based Activity] Networked Server Mystery

In a computer science context, a networked server used for critical research is facing unpredictable periods of inaccessibility. As a student, can you spot the following elements related to the problem:

"Amidst your research institute's computer network, a server essential for AI research occasionally becomes inaccessible without any apparent cause. This issue is disrupting ongoing experiments and causing concerns among researchers who depend on the server. Your task involves investigating and resolving this problem. As a computer science student, you need to ensure that the AI research server remains available while considering budget constraints and the existing network setup."

Identify these five elements within the scenario:

• Problem Solver
• Controlled Variables
• Uncontrolled Variables
• Constraints
• Possible Solutions

Steps to Identifying a Problem

📺 Watch this mini-lecture by Francis Fukuyama to learn about the steps involved in problem identification.

Francis enumerates four key steps to identifying a problem, namely:

1. Explore the problem. This involves understanding the problem in its entirety, including its causes, effects, and context. This can be done by gathering information from a variety of sources, such as stakeholders, experts, and data.
2. Consult with stakeholders. This is important to get different perspectives on the problem and to build consensus on the way forward. Stakeholders can include individuals, organizations, or groups that are affected by the problem or that have an interest in solving it.
3. Build a causal map. This is a visual representation of the causes and effects of the problem. It can help to identify the root causes of the problem and to develop solutions that address them.
4. Define the problem's scope. This involves determining the boundaries of the problem and the resources that are available to solve it. It is important to set realistic goals and to focus on the most important aspects of the problem.

How to Define a Problem

After reading various definitions of a problem and reflecting on the one that resonated most with you, you will discover that problems are all around us. It is how we define them and how we respond to them that determines if they remain as obstacles or stepping stones for us.

📖 Read the Part 1 and 2 of the WikiHow article on how to define a problem.

From the article, we learn the necessary steps to take in order to properly define a problem

Step 1: Ask “why” to get to the heart of the problem

Step 2: Identify what you already know about the problem

Step 3: Figure out what other information you need

Step 4: Do research to fill in the gaps

Step 5: Describe the problem in your own words

Step 6: Expand your initial statement with more details

Step 7: Discuss the statement to determine if it could be stronger

Step 8: Define the key terms used in the problem statement

We will elaborate more on steps 5-8 in lesson 9, where the focus will be on characterizing your problem statement.

❓ Let’s discuss. Imagine that you are a community leader in a city that is experiencing a high crime rate. You have been tasked with leading a discussion on how to define and address the problem. What are some of the key questions that you would want to ask the participants in the discussion? Share your thoughts here and give feedback on a peer’s question.

Types of Problems

It is important to be able to identify the different types of problems in order to choose the most appropriate solution. There are many different ways to classify problems. Problems can be classified based on their nature, duration, scope, and complexity. In this section, we will examine each of these classification systems in more detail.

Nature of Problems

Physical Problems

Physical problems involve tangible, real-world issues. These are often characterized by a clear cause and effect. For example, fixing a broken bicycle chain requires hands-on skills, such as using tools and physical dexterity.

Abstract Problems

These problems are conceptual in nature and do not involve tangible objects. They often require mental prowess and critical thinking. Understanding abstract art, for instance, may involve interpreting symbolic meanings and emotions conveyed through colors and shapes.

Social Problems

Social problems encompass challenges that arise within human interactions and society at large. Tackling poverty, for instance, involves understanding the economic, political, and social factors contributing to it and devising solutions that address these complex interplays.

Technical Problems

These problems are specific to certain fields or industries and often require specialized knowledge. Troubleshooting a computer network issue, for example, necessitates expertise in networking protocols, hardware configurations, and software applications.

📖 Read Lewis Harrison’s article on the 12 types of problems in the world for more insight.

❓ Can you list some of the other types of problems referenced in the article? Which one is most common in your community?

Other types of problems referenced in the article: Historical, Mathematical, Business, Game, Theological, Systematic, Optimization, Decision, Forced, Reading and Kinetics problem.

Duration of Problems

Temporary Problems

Temporary problems are short-lived and typically resolve themselves without significant intervention. A common cold, for instance, usually runs its course in a few days with rest and hydration.

Chronic Problems

Chronic problems persist over an extended period, often requiring ongoing attention and management. Chronic illnesses, like diabetes, demand continuous monitoring, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Intermittent Problems

Intermittent problems come and go periodically, making them unpredictable. An example is a computer glitch that occurs sporadically or seasonal allergies that affect individuals during specific times of the year.

❓ Reflection: Can you identify examples of problems within your community that align with each of the problem categories mentioned earlier? Share one instance of a temporary problem, a chronic problem, and an intermittent problem you've observed in your community in the Padlet below.

Scope of Problems

Local Problems

These are issues that impact a specific area or community, often at a relatively small geographic scale. These problems are localized in nature and may not necessarily affect neighboring regions or communities.

Examples of Local Problems include;

• Trash Collection in a Neighborhood: In a particular neighborhood, the irregularity of trash collection may be a local problem. It affects the residents directly in that area, and the solution may involve addressing local waste management issues.
• Road Maintenance in a Town: If a town has pothole-ridden roads that need repair, this is a local problem. It impacts the town's residents and businesses and requires local authorities to address the issue.
• School Overcrowding in a City District: Overcrowded classrooms within a specific school district are a local problem. It affects students, teachers, and parents within that district and may necessitate local solutions, such as building new schools or adjusting school boundaries.

❓ What other local problems can you think of? Add yours to the padlet below.

Regional Problems

These problems extend their impact beyond a single community, affecting a larger area or region. These issues typically cross administrative boundaries and involve coordination among multiple local entities.

Examples of Regional Problems;

• Water Scarcity in a Watershed: Water scarcity in a river's watershed is a regional problem. It affects various communities and industries along the river's course, requiring coordinated efforts to manage water resources sustainably.
• Air Pollution in a Metropolitan Area: Air pollution in a metropolitan region is a regional problem. It impacts the health and environment of people across multiple cities within the metropolitan area and requires collaborative actions to reduce pollution levels.
• Traffic Congestion in a Metropolitan Area: Traffic congestion that spans several cities in a metropolitan area is a regional problem. It affects commuters and businesses across the region, necessitating regional transportation planning and solutions.

Global Problems

These are issues that transcend national and regional boundaries, affecting the entire world. These problems demand international cooperation and often have far-reaching consequences.

Examples of Global Problems:

• Climate Change: Climate change is a global problem because it impacts countries and ecosystems worldwide. Greenhouse gas emissions, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events require collective efforts on a global scale to mitigate their effects.
• Global Pandemics: The spread of infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is a global problem. It affects countries across continents, prompting global responses, including vaccine development and international health guidelines.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Cybersecurity threats, like large-scale cyber attacks, can have global repercussions. They target organizations and infrastructure across borders and necessitate international cooperation to protect digital systems and data.

📺 Watch this District 10TV video on ten important global issues.

📺 Watch the National Youth Council of Ireland explainer video on global issues for more information on other examples of global problems.

In the first video, ten major global challenges were highlighted. Can you recall them by filling in the missing challenge from the list below

1. Climate change
2. …
3. Lack of primary education
4. …
5. Food Security
6. …
7. Substance abuse and mental health
8. …
9. Gender inequality
10. …

Missing challenges: Pollution, Unemployment, Health issues, Conflicts between nations and Water scarcity.

Complexity of Problems

Simple Problems

These problems have clear, well-defined solutions that are easy to grasp. Performing basic arithmetic calculations like addition or subtraction is a simple problem because you follow straightforward rules to reach an answer.

Complicated Problems

Complicated problems are problems that require multiple steps or components to reach a solution. They might involve several simple problems combined. For instance, creating a web application that allows users to register, log in, and post messages. This involves multiple interconnected components: front-end design, back-end server, user authentication, and database management, making it a complicated task.

Complex Problems

These problems are multifaceted and often lack clear-cut solutions due to their intricate nature. Addressing climate change involves understanding a multitude of interconnected factors, including environmental science, economics, politics, and societal behaviors. Finding effective solutions to such complex problems demands systemic thinking and collaboration among experts and stakeholders.

❓ Activity: Imagine you're describing the nature of complex problems in computer science to a younger sibling. How would you explain what makes a problem 'complex'? Share in the padlet below.

Importance of Problem Identification

Problem identification is a vital process that involves comprehending a problem, its underlying causes, and the consequences it generates. It stands as the initial and most pivotal step in the problem-solving journey. A strong problem identification lays the groundwork for arriving at more effective solutions.

Let's understand why problem identification is so significant.

1 - The Foundation of Solution Development

Imagine you're coding a complex program. Before you start writing any code, you'd outline your algorithm, right? In engineering, problem identification is akin to creating that algorithm. It provides the structure and clarity needed to develop effective solutions. Without it, your project could be like trying to write code without a plan—chaotic and prone to errors.

🪞 Reflection Question: Why is it essential to have a well-defined problem before you start working on a solution? Can you think of any real-world examples where a lack of problem identification led to project failures?

2 - Efficient Resource Allocation

Resources, whether they are time, money, or manpower, are limited. Problem identification helps you allocate these resources efficiently. When you understand the problem thoroughly, you can prioritize tasks, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that you're not wasting valuable resources on unnecessary or low-impact solutions.

3 - Tailored Solutions

Every problem is unique, and a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works in engineering. Through problem identification, you can tailor your solutions to the specific needs and constraints of the problem at hand. This results in more effective and sustainable outcomes.

❓ Discussion Question: Can you provide an example of a problem where a tailored solution led to a better outcome compared to a generic solution?

4 - Risk Mitigation

Identifying a problem comprehensively allows you to foresee potential risks and challenges. By addressing these issues early in the project, you can develop strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of costly setbacks or project failures.

🪞 Reflection Question: How can identifying risks during problem identification help in project management and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle?

5 - Stakeholder Engagement

Effective problem identification involves engaging with stakeholders who are affected by or have a vested interest in the problem. Their input and perspectives can provide valuable insights and ensure that the solutions developed are relevant and acceptable to those they impact.

❓ Discussion Question: How can you engage with stakeholders during the problem-identification phase? What are some challenges you might face, and how can you overcome them?

6 - Alignment with Project Goals

In engineering for development, projects are often driven by specific goals, whether they are social, environmental, or economic in nature. Problem identification helps ensure that the problems you choose to tackle align with these broader project objectives, maximizing the project's overall impact.

7 - Continuous Improvement

Finally, problem identification isn't a one-time activity; it's an ongoing process. As you progress through your project, new information may emerge, and the problem's context may change. By continuously revisiting and refining your problem statement, you can adapt your solutions to evolving circumstances and ensure that your project remains effective and relevant.

In conclusion, problem identification is the essential first step in any problem-solving venture. It sets the stage for everything that follows and plays a pivotal role in determining the success of your projects. So, remember to invest the time and effort needed to identify and understand your problems thoroughly—it's the key to making a real difference in the world.

Techniques for Identifying Social Problems

Identifying social problems is a crucial first step in addressing any development challenge. By understanding the problems that people face, engineers can develop solutions that have a real impact. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to identify social problems, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. They include:

1. Stakeholder surveys and interviews
2. Data analysis and trend monitoring
3. Community needs assessment
4. Literature review and academic research
5. Social media and online communities

We will explore each of these further in the rest of this section.

Stakeholder Surveys and Interviews

One of the most direct and effective methods to identify social problems is by engaging with the people who are directly affected by them—stakeholders. Stakeholder surveys and interviews allow you to gather first-hand insights and experiences. Here's how it works:

• Survey Design: Develop structured questionnaires or interview guides to collect data systematically.
• Inclusivity: Ensure that a diverse range of stakeholders, including those marginalized or vulnerable, are represented.
• Listening Actively: Pay close attention to not only what stakeholders say but also how they feel. Empathetic listening can reveal unspoken issues.
• Data Analysis: Thoroughly analyze the responses to identify recurring themes and trends

Meet Sarah

Sarah is a passionate engineer assigned to a project in a remote village. The team's goal is to provide clean water access. Sarah decides to visit the village to understand the community's needs better.

Upon arrival, she sits with villagers, including elders, mothers, and local leaders, under the shade of a large tree. Armed with a clipboard and a friendly demeanor, she conducts surveys and interviews.

Through these conversations, she hears stories of children falling sick due to contaminated water sources. She learns that women have to walk for miles daily to fetch water, which takes precious time away from other tasks. The community expresses their concerns about the lack of clean water.

As Sarah compiles the survey responses and interview notes, she realizes that the villagers have revealed crucial insights. By directly engaging with the community, she's identified the pressing social problems—waterborne illnesses and the need for accessible clean water.

❓ Discussion Question: How can Sarah ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard when uncovering social problems in the community?

Data Analysis and Trend Monitoring

In an age of abundant data, mining information sources and monitoring trends can be a goldmine for identifying social problems. By examining existing data sets and patterns, you can uncover emerging issues that may not be immediately apparent. When conducting data analysis, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the data and to use multiple sources to corroborate your findings. You should also be mindful of the potential biases that may be present in the data.

📖 Read this Linkedin collaborative article for more insight into using data analysis for problem identification.

From the article, we learned that there are three crucial steps involved in problem trend analysis, namely;

• Defining your criteria
• Using a standard method to ensure consistency and accuracy in your analysis
• Validating your findings

A practical example of problem identification through data analysis can be seen in Alex’s experience.

Meet Alex

Alex is a data-savvy engineer tasked with improving traffic infrastructure in a bustling city. His project begins with analyzing a mountain of data related to traffic patterns and accidents.

After hours of sifting through data, he notices something unusual—a sharp increase in accidents at a specific intersection over the last few years. He also observes a steady rise in complaints from commuters about traffic delays in the area.

Alex decides to create graphs and charts to visualize these trends. The data-driven visuals clearly illustrate the growing social problem of traffic safety and congestion in this part of the city.

Armed with this information, Alex presents his findings to the city council, advocating for immediate action to address the issue.

🪞 Reflection Question: What do you think will be the limitations of using data to identify social problems? How can we overcome these limitations?

Community Needs Assessments

Direct engagement with communities can provide valuable insights into their unique challenges and needs. Community needs assessments can help to identify social problems at the grassroots level. When conducting a community needs assessment, it is important to collaborate closely with community members, organizations, and local leaders. You should also be mindful of the asset-based approach, which focuses on identifying the strengths and assets within the community rather than just the challenges.

📺 Watch this mini-lecture for an introductory overview of how to conduct community needs assessment.

From the lecture, we learned that there are three vital steps involved in conducting a community.

The first step is to analyze the problem. This involves answering critical questions that will help you understand the problem and its context. Some questions to consider include:

• What is the problem in the community, and why does it exist?
• Who or what is causing this problem, and for whom in the community is it a problem?
• When did the problem first occur or become significant, and to what extent is it occurring?
• What is currently being done to address these needs, and is it effective?

The second step is to define high-level objectives and behaviors within the community. These objectives should be specific and measurable, and they should be aligned with the needs that you have identified. For example, if the problem is that many people in the community lack access to clean water, an objective might be to increase the number of people with access to clean water by 50% within one year.

The third step is to formulate needs assessment questions. These questions will guide you in gathering the necessary data to inform your program effectively. Some questions to consider include:

• How frequently does the problem occur in the target population?
• How many individuals are affected by the problem?
• What is the severity of the problem?
• How important is the problem to the target group and others not in the target group?
• What is the likelihood of solving or significantly improving the problem?

This is a good time to meet to meet Mia.

Meet Mia

Mia is a compassionate engineer who has dedicated her skills to working with a non-profit organization in a close-knit neighborhood. Her mission is crystal clear—to identify and address the most pressing needs within this community.

Her journey begins by connecting with the heart of the community itself—the residents. Mia believes that the best way to understand their challenges and aspirations is by engaging with them directly. To facilitate this, she orchestrates a series of meetings at the local community center.

In these gatherings, Mia fosters an atmosphere of open dialogue and active participation. She understands the importance of creating a safe space where community members feel heard and valued. With her warm and approachable demeanor, she encourages everyone to share their stories, concerns, and hopes.

As Mia listens attentively, the community members open up about their everyday struggles. They speak candidly about the difficulties their families face in accessing affordable healthcare. The stories are poignant; residents describe the financial hardships caused by mounting medical bills. They also highlight the challenge of having to travel long distances to reach the nearest healthcare facilities.

Mia's heart goes out to them. She can see the real impact of these issues on the lives of the people she's here to support. These personal stories serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency of her mission.

Empowered by the stories she's heard and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, Mia takes the next crucial step. She decides to lead the community in a comprehensive needs assessment. Together, they roll up their sleeves and delve into the process of identifying their most critical needs.

During the needs assessment, the community members collaborate actively. They discuss and prioritize their concerns, and collectively, they identify healthcare access as the most pressing issue. This revelation sparks a sense of unity and purpose among the residents. They realize that they have the collective power to address this challenge, and Mia's guidance empowers them to take ownership of the issue.

Mia leaves the community center that day with a renewed sense of purpose. She knows that the journey ahead won't be easy, but the community's involvement and determination have set the stage for collaborative problem-solving. Together, they will work toward finding solutions that improve healthcare access for all, ensuring that no family in their neighborhood faces the same financial hardships they've shared.

Mia's story exemplifies the transformative power of community engagement and needs assessment in identifying and addressing pressing social problems.

🪞 Reflect on the concept of community ownership of the identified problem. How can empowering the community to take ownership of an issue enhance the sustainability and success of subsequent initiatives aimed at addressing that problem?

Literature Review and Academic Research

Academic research is a valuable resource for understanding social problems. A comprehensive literature review can help you to identify established and emerging social problems. When conducting a literature review, it is important to use a variety of sources, including academic journals, government reports, and non-profit publications. You should also be mindful of the potential biases that may be present in the research.

📺 Watch this explainer video on Literature review for more insight.

In the context of problem identification, literature review can be used in several ways

1. Identifying existing knowledge: A literature review can help you discover what is already known about your chosen problem. This is crucial as it prevents you from duplicating research that has already been conducted. By conducting a literature review, you can identify the key concepts, theories, and findings that have been established in your field of study. This will help you to better understand the problem that you are trying to address and to develop a more informed research plan.
2. Providing critical insights: A literature review can also provide you with critical insights into the existing research. By critically evaluating the methodologies, findings, and arguments of previous studies, you can assess the quality and validity of the research. This will help you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research and to develop a more robust research design.
3. Identifying gaps in knowledge: One of the key benefits of a literature review is pinpointing gaps in current knowledge. This provides an opportunity for you to contribute something original to your field of study. By identifying the gaps in knowledge, you can develop a research question that is both novel and important. This will help you to make a significant contribution to your field of study.

📺 Watch this video to learn about the steps involved in conducting a literature review.

From the video, we learn that there are five steps involved in conducting a literature review. Can you list them?

Read Josh’s research adventure and identify the 5 steps of a literature review.

Meet Josh

Josh is a student who wanted to study the impact of social media on mental health. He searched for relevant literature and found a few promising articles. He evaluated the sources based on their relevance, quality, credibility, and currency. He chose three of the most relevant and well-researched articles to read.

As he read, Josh noticed that there was no consensus on the impact of social media on mental health. Some studies found that it can have a negative impact, while others found that it can have a positive impact. Josh also noticed that there was a lack of research on the long-term effects of social media on mental health.

Josh realized that the lack of consensus was a problem. He decided to focus his research on identifying the gaps in the literature and suggesting areas for future research.

He outlined his literature review and organized the sources chronologically. He also included a section on the key themes, debates, and gaps in the literature.

Josh then wrote his literature review, following the general structure of the introduction, main body, and conclusion. In the introduction, he provided an overview of the topic and its significance. In the main body, he summarized and synthesized the sources, highlighting key findings, themes, and debates. In the conclusion, he summed up the main points, discussed the implications of the literature, and suggested areas for future research.

Josh's literature review helped to identify the gaps in the literature on the impact of social media on mental health. This information could be used to design future research that could help to fill these gaps and provide a better understanding of the issue.

❓ Identify the 5 steps Josh took to conduct his literature review and identify problems.

The steps are as follows:

- Step 1: Search for relevant literature on the topic.
- Step 2: Evaluate and select sources.
- Step 3: Identify themes, debates, and gaps.
- Step 4: Outline the structure of your literature review.
- Step 5: Start writing.

By following these steps, you too can create a well-structured and comprehensive literature review that contributes to your problem identification phase.

Social Media and Online Communities

In the digital age, social media platforms and online communities have become valuable sources for identifying and discussing social problems. These platforms can provide real-time insights into the challenges that people are facing. When using social media to identify social problems, it is important to use social listening tools to track keywords and discussions related to social problems. You should also be mindful of the potential biases that may be present in social media data.

Meet Emily

Emily is a tech-savvy engineer specializing in disaster preparedness. She's on call during a hurricane event that's threatening a coastal community.

Emily monitors social media platforms for real-time updates. She uses keyword tracking and sentiment analysis tools to keep a close eye on online conversations.

As the hurricane approaches, Emily observes a surge in social media activity. She notices distress signals, calls for help, and posts reporting flooding in different parts of the community.

Emily quickly analyzes the sentiment of these posts and detects rising anxiety and urgency among residents. Realizing the immediate need for aid and coordination, she alerts the disaster response team, who promptly mobilize resources to assist the affected areas.

❓ Discussion: Emily's use of social media is a powerful example of how technology can be used to aid problem identification. However, there are some ethical considerations on its usage. What are the challenges of using social media for problem identification?

As we conclude this lesson on identifying social problems, it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all technique for this task. Social problems are diverse and complex, and the best approach to identify them will depend on the unique context and nature of the problem you're addressing.

In our next lesson, Lesson 6, we will delve into the exciting world of Problem Analysis. Just as we've learned to employ a combination of techniques for identifying social problems, problem analysis will equip you with a toolkit of methods to dissect and understand complex issues thoroughly. By combining your problem-identification skills with problem-analysis techniques, you'll be poised to develop solutions that are not only effective but also genuinely impactful.

Problem Analysis I

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 6.

Week Overview

Welcome to Lesson 6 of our Engineering for Development course. In Week 5, we explored the crucial first step in any successful project: problem identification. We learned how to pinpoint the specific challenges within complex systems using the insights gained from systems thinking. Now, in Lesson 6, we take the next step – problem analysis. Here, you will learn the key principles, explore useful tools and techniques, and understand how to uncover root causes and interconnectedness. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well-equipped to analyze complex issues effectively. Let's get started!

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the different levels and importance of problem analysis
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of social problems using appropriate tools and methodologies.
• Analyze the root causes and drivers contributing to the social problems.
• Derive meaningful insights from stakeholder interactions and data analysis.

Additional Resources

• Lesson 4 - Problem analysis
• Brown, D (2007). Problem Analysis Techniques. https://www.miun.se/globalassets/fakulteter/nmt/summer-university/problemanalysispdf

Introduction to Problem Analysis

What is Problem Analysis?

Before we dive into the world of problem analysis, let’s tap into the class's collective insight.

❓ Discussion: What is problem analysis?

How would you define problem analysis in your own words?

Post your definition in the padlet below. It's always fascinating to see the diverse perspectives a group can bring to a concept.

Now, let's explore problem analysis together.

As we learn from Zig Ziglar’s famous quote, "The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it does exist." But recognizing the existence of a problem is just the beginning. In lesson 5, we focused on identifying problems, which is the initial step in the problem-solving journey. Problem analysis, as we'll discover, takes us a step further in understanding and addressing these issues.

So what exactly is Problem Analysis?

In simple terms, problem analysis is the systematic approach to understanding an issue or challenge, breaking it down into its constituent parts, and examining these components to gain insights.

It starts with breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable bits. Think of it as disassembling a complex puzzle. Once you've got these pieces in front of you, it's time to put on your detective hat and examine each one carefully. This is where the magic happens, and insights emerge.

Here are some notable definitions of problem analysis:

“Problem analysis is a series of steps for identifying problems, analyzing them, and developing solutions to address them. It's an inquiry or investigation into the causes of an error, failure, or unexpected incident.” - Indeed.com

“It involves identifying the overriding problem and establishing the causes and effects related to that problem.” - Richard Freed

“Problem analysis is the process of understanding real-world problems and user’s needs and proposing solutions to meet those needs. The goal of problem analysis is to gain a better understanding of the problem being solved before developing a solution.” - BusinessAnalystMentor.com

The definitions we've seen all emphasize a few key ideas. First, they stress the importance of understanding the problem. This means really knowing what the problem is, what causes it, and what it leads to. Second, they highlight the need to break the problem into smaller parts and look at each part closely. Lastly, they all talk about finding solutions to solve the problem. This means figuring out ways to fix it and deciding if those ways will actually work.

📺 Watch this video for a brief overview of problem analysis.

From the video, we learn that problem analysis is a systematic process that involves several steps:

1. Formulating the starter problem: This involves identifying the main issue that needs to be addressed.
2. Zeroing in on the starter problem: This means defining the problem more precisely and understanding its scope.
3. Identifying direct causes: This involves asking "Why?" repeatedly to get to the root of the problem.
4. Identifying direct effects: This means understanding the consequences of the problem.
5. Exploring indirect effects: This means looking at the ripple effects of the problem.
6. Reviewing and analyzing: This means making sure that all of the causes and effects are understood.
7. Drawing the lines: This means creating a visual representation of the cause-effect relationships.
8. Ensuring completeness: This means making sure that all of the possible causes and effects have been considered.

Problem analysis is a dynamic tool that equips development practitioners with the insights they need to drive meaningful change.

🪞 Reflection: Can you think of a recent real-life situation where problem analysis would have been helpful? What was the problem, and how might using problem analysis have changed the outcome?

Why is Problem Analysis Important?

Problem analysis is a critical step in the process of solving problems. It involves identifying the root causes of a problem so that effective solutions can be developed.

A good problem analysis can help to:

1. Identify the real problem. Often, the symptoms of a problem are more obvious than the underlying causes. Problem analysis can help to uncover the root causes of a problem so that effective solutions can be developed.
2. Determine the scope of the problem. Problem analysis can help to determine the size and complexity of a problem.
3. Identify the stakeholders. Problem analysis can help to identify the people who are affected by a problem. This is important for ensuring that the solutions are designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
4. Develop effective solutions. Problem analysis can help to develop solutions that address the root causes of a problem. Addressing root causes leads to sustainable, long-lasting solutions.
5. Improve decision-making. By understanding the root causes of a problem, decision-makers can make more informed decisions about how to address it.
6. Save time and money. By identifying and addressing the root causes of a problem, we can avoid spending time and money on solutions that only address the symptoms.
7. Build consensus. By involving stakeholders in the problem analysis process, we can build consensus on the best way to address the problem.

📖 Read this United Nations article for more insight into the significance of problem analysis.

Meet Tobi

Tobi is a brilliant computer science student known for solving complex coding puzzles. He was excited to start a new project with his team to develop a cutting-edge software application. They had a clear goal: to create a user-friendly app for organizing study materials.

As they began working, Tobi noticed something peculiar. Many users were complaining about the app's slow performance and frequent crashes. Initially, they attributed these issues to minor bugs and tried fixing them. However, despite their efforts, the problems persisted.

One day, during a team meeting, Tobi raised a critical question, "Are these bugs or symptoms of a deeper problem?"

His teammates exchanged puzzled looks. "What do you mean?" one of them asked.

Tobi explained, "Let's use problem analysis. We should investigate to understand whether these issues are just symptoms or if there's an underlying root cause."

The team decided to follow Tobi's lead. They started by identifying the symptoms - app crashes and slow performance. Then, they delved deeper to uncover the real problem: inefficient code architecture that couldn't handle the growing database of study materials.

Here's what they learned from this experience:

1. Identify the Real Problem: They realized that the symptoms they were addressing were just the tip of the iceberg. Problem analysis helped them unearth the actual root cause.

2. Determine the Scope: Problem analysis enabled them to assess the extent of the issue. They understood that the problem wasn't limited to a few users; it affected all their users.

3. Recognize Stakeholders: By examining the problem thoroughly, they identified the users as stakeholders. Their app's performance directly impacted these users.

4. Develop Effective Solutions: Armed with the knowledge of the root cause, they redesigned their app's architecture from the ground up, resulting in a more stable and efficient product.

🪞 Reflection: After this story, what do you think is the importance of problem analysis? How can it benefit not only software development but also other fields? Share your thoughts (answers) on Padlet.

Principles of Problem Analysis

Problem analysis is a fundamental step in the process of solving complex issues and challenges. It involves a systematic approach to understanding the root causes, scope, and dynamics of a problem.

To effectively conduct problem analysis, it's essential to adhere to certain principles that guide the process. Here are some key principles of problem analysis:

1. Holistic Understanding
2. Root Cause Identification
3. Data-Driven Approach
4. Stakeholder Involvement
5. Systems Thinking
6. Multidisciplinary Approach
7. Iterative Process
8. Cultural Sensitivity
9. Ethical Considerations
10. Clear Communication

Holistic Understanding

Problem analysis requires a comprehensive and holistic view of the issue at hand. Rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms, analysts should aim to grasp the problem's underlying causes, interdependencies, and broader context. This principle emphasizes the need to consider multiple perspectives and stakeholders.

📺 Watch this video, Holistic Perspective, for more insight.

From the video, we learn that one common reason for the failure of initiatives is a narrow, partial approach. Understanding the multi-dimensional nature of complex problems, uncovering mental models, recognizing values, and scaling efforts effectively are all integral parts of successful problem-solving. By embracing this comprehensive perspective, we can hope to achieve more complete and impactful results in our endeavors.

Root Cause Identification

A core objective of problem analysis is to identify the root causes of the issue. This involves going beyond immediate triggers and uncovering the deeper factors that contribute to the problem's persistence. By addressing root causes, interventions can be more effective and sustainable.

📺 Watch this explainer video, Root Cause Analysis with Examples, for an introductory overview. You will learn more about root cause analysis as a problem analysis technique in Section 6.4.

Data-Driven Approach

Data and evidence should be at the heart of problem analysis. Collecting and analyzing relevant data provides an objective basis for understanding the problem's magnitude and impact. This principle underscores the importance of using reliable sources and methodologies for data collection.

📺 Misra Turp shares an interesting perspective in this video on the data-driven mindset  What does it mean to have a data-driven mindset? and how we can apply it in our personal lives to make well-informed decisions.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine you're working on a project involving a new mobile app designed to improve public transportation in a bustling city. You're in charge of analyzing user feedback and app usage data to make improvements. How would applying a data-driven approach to problem analysis help you identify areas for improvement in the public transportation app?

Stakeholder Involvement

Effective problem analysis involves engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders, including those directly affected by the problem. Their insights and perspectives can provide valuable information, reveal hidden facets of the problem, and ensure that potential solutions are inclusive and considerate of various interests.

📖 To learn more, read the Association of Project Management **article** on 10 key principles of stakeholder engagement.

Systems Thinking

Problems rarely exist in isolation; they are often interconnected with other issues and systems. Applying systems thinking principles helps analysts explore the broader ecosystem in which the problem exists. This includes understanding feedback loops, unintended consequences, and the ripple effects of interventions.

As you learned in week 4, systems thinking principles encourage us to view problems holistically. They remind us that actions taken to address one aspect of a problem can lead to unexpected reactions in other parts of the system. For example, think about how changes in a city's transportation system can impact traffic flow, air quality, and even local businesses. These interconnected relationships become more apparent when you apply systems thinking to problem analysis.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Complex problems often require expertise from multiple disciplines. Encouraging collaboration among experts from various fields can lead to a more comprehensive analysis. This principle emphasizes the value of diverse skill sets and knowledge in tackling intricate challenges.

Iterative Process

Problem analysis is rarely a one-time endeavor. It often involves an iterative process of data collection, analysis, and refinement of hypotheses. Analysts should be open to revisiting and adjusting their understanding as new information emerges or as the problem evolves.

📺 Watch Prof Matt’s lecture to learn more about the iterative process.

From the video, Matt asserts that successful problem-solving (in our case, problem analysis) often necessitates a process of iteration – a systematic approach that involves taking incremental steps towards a solution.

Here are the key steps for iteration:

1. Define the problem. This is the first and most important step in the iterative process. It is important to have a clear understanding of the problem before you can start to develop solutions.
2. Generate ideas. Once you have defined the problem, you can start to generate ideas for solutions. This is where creativity and innovation come in. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with unconventional solutions.
3. Take action. The next step is to take action on your ideas. This means implementing the solutions that you think are most promising.
4. Get feedback. After you have taken action, it is important to get feedback on your solution. This will help you to identify what is working and what is not.
5. Adapt and refine. Based on the feedback you receive, you may need to adapt or refine your solution. This is an iterative process, so you will need to repeat these steps until you find a solution that works.
6. Continue learning and iterating. The iterative process is never-ending. As you learn more about the problem, you will need to continue to adapt and refine your solution. This is how you will eventually find a solution that is effective.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural factors can significantly influence the perception and manifestation of problems. Analysts must be culturally sensitive, recognizing that what constitutes a problem can vary across communities and contexts. Respect for cultural norms and values is essential in the analysis process.

📺 Watch this video, Introduction to Cultural Sensitivity, for an introductory overview of cultural sensitivity.

❓ Can you mention the key steps involved in practicing cultural sensitivity referenced in the video?

Ethical Considerations

Problem analysis should adhere to ethical standards and principles. This includes ensuring the privacy and consent of individuals and communities involved in data collection. Analysts should also consider the potential ethical implications of proposed solutions.

Clear Communication

Effective problem analysis is of little use if the findings cannot be communicated clearly to stakeholders and decision-makers. Analysts should prioritize concise and accessible reporting, using visuals, narratives, and data visualization techniques to convey their findings.

These principles serve as guiding pillars for conducting thorough and insightful problem analysis. When applied systematically and conscientiously, they enhance the quality of analysis, leading to more informed decision-making and the development of targeted sustainable solutions.

Discussion Activity

❓ Imagine you are working as a data analyst in a company that handles sensitive customer data. Your task is to analyze this data to identify trends and patterns that can help the company improve its services and marketing strategies. However, you discover that the company is using the data in ways that might be considered unethical, such as selling it to third-party advertisers without customer consent.

Discussion Question: In this scenario:

• How would you apply the principles of problem analysis to address the ethical concerns surrounding the use of customer data?
• What steps would you take to identify and address the root causes of this ethical issue?
• How might you propose more ethical solutions to protect customer privacy and data security?

Understanding Root Causes and Interconnectedness of Problems

❓ Discussion: Why do you think understanding root causes and interconnectedness are vital to problem analysis? Share your thoughts here.

In this section, we delve deep into the heart of problem analysis by exploring the critical concepts of understanding root causes and interconnectedness. These concepts are pivotal in dissecting complex problems, whether in computer science or various other domains.

Why Understanding Root Causes Matters

Imagine a scenario in which a computer software project consistently encounters delays and errors. At first glance, it may seem like a straightforward issue, but delving deeper is crucial. Root cause analysis is the process of peeling away layers to get to the core of the problem, identifying not just the symptoms but the underlying issues that give rise to them. Here's why understanding the root causes matters:

• Effective Problem Solving: If you only address symptoms, the problem is likely to resurface. By pinpointing root causes, you can implement solutions that truly eliminate the issue at its source.
• Resource Efficiency: Identifying root causes helps allocate resources more efficiently. Rather than applying fixes haphazardly, you can focus your efforts where they will have the most significant impact.
• Prevent Recurrence: Root cause analysis helps you prevent similar problems in the future. It's akin to treating an illness at its source, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

📺 Watch this video for a better understanding of why identifying the root cause of a problem is important.

❓ Reflection: The speaker in the video above shares an interesting perspective on root causes using the analogy of a puddle on the floor. What do you think of his view, and do you agree or disagree?

Interconnectedness in Problem Analysis

Problems rarely exist in isolation. They are often part of a larger ecosystem, with various factors and variables intertwined. Understanding interconnectedness is crucial for several reasons:

1 - Provides a Holistic View:

Interconnectedness allows us to take a holistic view of the problem at hand. Rather than isolating one aspect or symptom, it prompts us to examine the problem as a part of a larger whole. This holistic perspective is akin to studying an entire forest rather than a single tree.

For instance, consider a scenario where a computer system consistently experiences slowdowns. A superficial analysis might attribute this solely to hardware issues. However, a deeper examination that considers interconnectedness would involve assessing not only the hardware but also the software, network configurations, user behavior, and even external factors like power supply fluctuations. By doing so, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue, enabling more effective problem-solving.

2 - Prevents Unintended Consequences:

Interventions aimed at solving one problem often have the potential to create unintended consequences elsewhere within the system. Without an awareness of interconnectedness, we risk inadvertently triggering these side effects. Understanding how different elements are interrelated helps us anticipate and mitigate such unintended outcomes.

For instance, let's say a computer science team implements a software update to improve system security. This update may inadvertently disrupt user workflows, leading to productivity losses. By recognizing the interconnectedness between security measures and user experience, the team can proactively address these disruptions or consider alternative solutions that minimize negative impacts.

3 - Supports Effective Solutions:

Complex problems often have intricate, interconnected causes. By unraveling these relationships, we can identify root causes and develop more effective solutions. This is especially relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of computer science, where intricate systems, networks, and technologies interact.

Continuing with our example, suppose a computer network experiences frequent crashes. A shallow analysis might suggest expanding network capacity as a solution. However, a deeper exploration of interconnectedness may reveal that the crashes are primarily triggered by software glitches rather than capacity issues. Addressing the root cause—software stability—proves to be a more efficient and cost-effective solution, preventing future crashes and enhancing network performance.

❓ Discussion Question: What other importance of interconnectedness can you think of in the context of problem analysis? Share in the Padlet below.

In summary, understanding interconnectedness in problem analysis is like deciphering the intricate web of relationships within a complex ecosystem. It allows us to grasp the bigger picture, anticipate unintended consequences, and craft more effective, holistic solutions. Whether you're troubleshooting computer systems, addressing societal challenges, or innovating in any field, this awareness of interconnectedness will be a valuable asset in your problem-analysis toolkit.

Interconnectedness Analysis

When dealing with interconnectedness, consider using techniques like:

Systems Thinking: This approach views problems as part of larger systems, emphasizing how different elements within the system interact. We covered systems thinking and its application in lesson 4.

❓ Can you recall the definition of systems thinking? Share it here.

Pareto Analysis is also another technique that identifies the most significant factors contributing to a problem, helping prioritize where intervention is most needed. You will learn more about this technique in the next session.

Application in Computer Science

In the realm of computer science, the concepts of root causes and interconnectedness are highly relevant. Software glitches, network issues, and cybersecurity breaches often have complex root causes and are interconnected with various aspects of technology and human behavior.

In the next section, you'll engage in scenario-based learning, apply root cause analysis techniques, and explore the interconnectedness of problems in computer science. These skills are not just valuable; they are essential for effective problem-solving and innovation in the digital age.

As you progress through this lesson, you'll discover that problem analysis isn't merely a skill but a mindset. It's a way of thinking that equips you to unravel even the most intricate challenges, leading to more robust, sustainable solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of computer science and technology.

Tools and Techniques for Problem Analysis

Problem analysis is a systematic approach to understanding and addressing complex issues. It involves using a variety of tools and techniques to identify the root causes of a problem and develop solutions that address those causes.

There are many commonly used tools and techniques for problem analysis. In this lesson, we will focus on four of these techniques.

• Root Cause Analysis
• Problem Tree Analysis
• Fishbone Diagram/Analysis
• Pareto Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

This is a systematic approach to identifying the underlying causes of a problem. It can be used to identify the root causes of problems in a variety of settings, such as business, healthcare, and education.

📖 Read this Tableaux article to learn more about root cause analysis.

📺 Watch this video for an in-depth explanation of the definition, examples, and methods of root cause analysis.

From the article, we learn that there are a few core principles that guide effective root cause analysis. They include;

• Focus on correcting and remedying root causes rather than just symptoms.
• Don’t ignore the importance of treating symptoms for short-term relief.
• Realize there can be, and often are, multiple root causes.
• Focus on HOW and WHY something happened, not WHO was responsible.
• Be methodical and find concrete cause-effect evidence to back up root cause claims.
• Provide enough information to inform a corrective course of action.
• Consider how a root cause can be prevented (or replicated) in the future.

How  to  conduct root cause analysis

Read and learn how to conduct root cause analysis from Tobi’s experience

Meet Tobi

Tobi is a skilled system administrator at the tech startup InnovateTech and was facing a perplexing issue. The company's servers have crashed, causing a massive disruption in their services.

Crisis Unfolds: One gloomy Monday morning, Tobi received a barrage of emails and frantic calls from colleagues and clients. The company's flagship product, an e-commerce platform, had gone offline. The support team was overwhelmed with customer complaints, and the CEO was breathing fire. Tobi knew they needed to act swiftly.

Immediate Response: Tobi's initial response was to reboot the servers, which temporarily restored service. However, he knew this was just a Band-Aid solution. The problem was bound to resurface unless they addressed the root cause.

Assembling the Team: Tobi decided to gather a team for a root cause analysis. He included Jane from the software development team, Mike from networking, and Sarah, a customer support representative. He knew diverse perspectives were key to uncovering the underlying issue.

Mapping the Problem: Together, the team outlined the problem. They identified the symptoms: server crashes, inconsistent response times, and a flood of error messages. They knew these were only the surface of the issue.

Asking "Why?"

Following the principles of root cause analysis, they began asking the "5 Whys." Each "Why" led them deeper into the problem:

Why 1: Why did the server crash? Because it couldn't handle the sudden spike in traffic.

Why 2: Why couldn't it handle the traffic? Because there were too many connections open to the database.

Why 3: Why were there so many open connections? Because the database queries weren't optimized.

Why 4: Why weren't the queries optimized? Because recent software updates changed the database structure.

Why 5: Why didn't the team catch this in testing? Because there was no automated regression testing for database performance.

Identifying the Root Cause: At the fifth "Why," they realized the core issue was the absence of automated regression testing for database performance. The recent updates had unknowingly strained the database, leading to server crashes during peak usage.

Solutions and Preventative Measures: With the root cause identified, they brainstormed solutions. They decided to implement automated database performance testing as a priority. They also established a post-update checklist to catch potential issues early.

Post-Analysis: Once the changes were implemented, Tobi's team monitored the system closely. Thanks to their rigorous root cause analysis, future server crashes were averted. The team's efforts didn't just resolve the immediate crisis but also improved the company's overall system stability.

Lessons Learned: Tobi and his team knew that conducting root cause analyses was more than just problem-solving; it was about learning from mistakes and continuously improving processes. They implemented regular reviews and training sessions to ensure they remained vigilant.

🪞 Reflection: Reflecting on Tobi's experience, can you think of a time when you encountered a problem that seemed simple on the surface but had a complex underlying cause? How did you approach solving it, and what did you learn from that experience?

The Problem Tree Analysis

Problem Tree Analysis is a powerful technique used in problem analysis and project planning. It is particularly valuable for understanding the root causes and consequences of complex issues. Imagine it as a visual representation of a problem's structure, with the trunk representing the core problem and the branches symbolizing its causes and effects.

Let's delve deeper into this technique.

📖 First, read the ODI publication on problem tree analysis for more insight into the technique.

From the article, we learned about the advantages of problem tree analysis. They include;

1. Enhanced Problem Decomposition: Problem Tree Analysis breaks complex issues into manageable and well-defined components. This facilitates clearer prioritization of factors, aiding in the precise definition of objectives.
2. In-Depth Understanding: This method promotes a deeper comprehension of the problem, including its intricate and sometimes conflicting causes. Such understanding is often the initial step toward discovering mutually beneficial solutions.
3. Identification of Stakeholders: Problem Tree Analysis identifies the constituent issues and stakeholders involved. It can elucidate the political actors and processes at each stage, offering valuable insights for effective problem resolution.
4. Resource Assessment: It assists in evaluating whether additional information, evidence, or resources are required to construct a robust case or develop a convincing solution.
5. Focus on Present Issues: The analysis primarily addresses current issues rather than apparent, future, or past concerns, ensuring that immediate challenges are dealt with effectively.
6. Fostering Shared Understanding: The analytical process often cultivates a shared sense of comprehension, purpose, and collaborative action among stakeholders. This collective understanding can be a catalyst for effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Problem Tree Analysis is indeed a versatile tool that goes beyond identifying problems; it helps lay the groundwork for systematic problem resolution and effective decision-making.

📺 Watch this explainer video for a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a problem tree analysis.

From the video, we learned three key steps of problem tree analysis. They include;

1. Identifying the problem. This can be done through community needs analysis or classroom discussions. Once a problem is chosen, it becomes the trunk of the problem tree diagram.
2. Researching the problem. Gather insights from various community members to comprehend the underlying issues and perspectives related to the problem. Each cause leading to the problem can be envisioned as the roots of the tree, and it's essential to identify them thoroughly. Additionally, explore the effects of the problem, which can be represented as the branches of the tree.
3. Brainstorm solutions. Once you have a problem and a clear understanding of its causes and effects, it's time to brainstorm possible solutions. The information gathered in the problem tree can guide this brainstorming process. Different causes may suggest various solutions.

A problem tree analysis can be applied to both local and global problems. By following these steps, you, too can use problem tree analysis to make a positive impact on your community.

❓ Reflection Activity: You are a computer science college student. You have noticed that many of your classmates are struggling to pass their classes, and you want to do something to help, so you decide to conduct a problem tree analysis.

Reflection question: What are some of the possible causes (roots) of computer science students struggling to pass their classes? Share your thoughts in the padlet below.

Fishbone Diagram/Analysis

This analysis, also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a problem analysis technique used to identify the root causes of a particular issue or problem. It was developed by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese quality control expert, and is widely employed in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and project management.

📺 Watch this video for an explanation of Fishbone Analysis and its key components.

In the video, we learn that the anatomy of the fish in the fishbone diagram has three parts:

• Head of the fish: This part represents the problem statement or the issue that you are trying to solve.
• Backbone: The backbone of the diagram connects to the bones, each of which represents a range of potential causes of the problem.
• Bones: These bones group related causes into categories.

❓ Can you recall the four steps involved in a fishbone analysis?

Pareto Analysis

You most likely will have heard of the 80/20 rule or the Pareto principle. It is a familiar saying that asserts that 80% of outcomes (or effects) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs) for any given event.

In the problem analysis context, Pareto analysis is a technique for identifying the most important causes of a problem. It is based on the Pareto principle.

In Pareto analysis, a list of causes is created and then ranked in order of importance. The causes are then divided into two groups: the vital few and the trivial many. The vital few are the causes that have the biggest impact on the problem, while the trivial many are the causes that have a smaller impact.

Pareto analysis can be used to identify the most important causes of a problem so that they can be addressed first. It can also be used to prioritize tasks and to allocate resources.

📺 Watch this explainer video on Pareto analysis for more insight.

The speaker in the video explains that the Pareto analysis is not a magic wand that can eliminate all non-critical aspects of a situation. However, it is a pragmatic approach to shifting our focus to the areas with the greatest potential impact. For businesses, this means identifying and prioritizing underperforming aspects to achieve maximum results. Successful businesses routinely employ the Pareto analysis to ensure that every facet of their operations contributes to overall success.

Pareto analysis is a valuable tool that transcends industries and situations. It offers a structured and data-driven approach to problem analysis. By embracing the power of Pareto, individuals and organizations alike can navigate complex challenges with clarity and efficiency.

Meet Alex

Alex is a computer science student interning at a software development company. The company's flagship software application has been plagued by a multitude of bugs lately, affecting both user experience and the company's reputation. Alex, eager to contribute, sees an opportunity to apply Pareto Analysis, a problem analysis technique he learned during his second year at the university.

Alex begins by working closely with the development team. Together, they gather detailed data on every reported bug over the course of a month. Each bug is categorized based on its severity and the number of users affected, with Alex meticulously documenting the findings.

Once the data is collected and analyzed, the results reveal a significant pattern: Crashes and System Freezes - These issues are the most severe, affecting a whopping 70% of users. Security Vulnerabilities - Although less frequent, these vulnerabilities impact 20% of users. Minor Interface Glitches - While numerous, these glitches affect only 10% of users.

Alex gathers the development team and leads a discussion centered around Pareto Analysis. He asks a thought-provoking question: "Now that we've used Pareto Analysis to identify crashes and system freezes as the most critical issues, how should we prioritize our efforts to fix them? Can you think of strategies that would help us ensure the software becomes more stable and reliable, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction?"

The team begins to brainstorm, focusing on Pareto Analysis as their guiding principle for tackling these critical bugs.

❓ Discussion Activity: In the story, Alex used Pareto Analysis to prioritize and tackle software bugs. Now, imagine you're the lead developer of this project. How would you not only fix the crashes and system freezes but also prevent them from happening in the future?

Share (on the Padlet) your strategies and discuss how Pareto Analysis (or another problem analysis technique of your choice) can guide you in achieving a more robust software solution while balancing resource constraints.

Congratulations on completing the first part of our journey into problem analysis!

In this lesson, you've delved into the fundamental principles, tools, and techniques that underpin effective problem analysis. You've learned the importance of problem analysis, explored various techniques such as Fishbone analysis and Pareto analysis, and delved into the concept of interconnectedness.

Now, as we transition into Lesson 7, we will build upon this foundation. Problem Analysis II will take us deeper into the practical application of these principles. In this upcoming lesson, we'll navigate through real-world case studies related to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) to gain a hands-on understanding of how to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and propose effective solutions.

SDG 6 focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By applying the problem analysis techniques you've acquired in this lesson, we'll dissect the challenges surrounding clean water and sanitation, exploring the intricacies of interconnected problems and potential solutions.

So, get ready to put your problem analysis skills to the test in Lesson 7. As we tackle the global issues presented by SDG 6, you'll have the opportunity to apply what you've learned, engage in insightful discussions, and further enhance your problem-solving abilities.

Remember, effective problem analysis is not only a valuable skill in the realm of computer science but also an essential tool for addressing complex challenges in the broader context of sustainable development.

Assignment 3 - Problem Identification

Assignment: Stakeholder Interviews and Problem Identification Report

Conduct stakeholder interviews with individuals or organizations involved in water or energy-related initiatives aligned with SDG 6 or 7. Based on the insights gathered from these interviews, prepare a comprehensive problem identification report. Identify the key concerns and perspectives of stakeholders, and use this information to define the challenges they face in achieving the SDG targets. Present the findings in a well-structured report, highlighting the significance of understanding diverse perspectives in problem identification.

Instructions

Part 1: Stakeholder Interviews

• Select Stakeholders: Identify and reach out to two individuals or organizations actively involved in water or energy-related initiatives in your community or country, with a specific focus on initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) or 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Ensure that these stakeholders have diverse roles or perspectives related to the initiatives.
• Conduct Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with the selected stakeholders. Prepare a set of thoughtful questions in advance that explore their experiences, challenges, and insights related to SDG 6 or 7 initiatives. During the interviews, consider discussing:
  • Their specific roles and involvement in water or energy-related projects.
  • The challenges and obstacles they have encountered.
  • Their perspectives on the progress and impact of these initiatives.
  • Any recommendations or solutions they propose.
• Document Insights: Carefully document the insights, key points, and quotes from the interviews. Ensure that you respect their confidentiality and privacy during the process.

Part 2: Problem Identification Report

Include the following sections in your written report:

• Introduction: Begin your report with an introduction that explains the purpose of the assignment. Highlight the significance of understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives in problem identification for sustainable development.
• Stakeholder Profiles: Provide brief profiles of the two stakeholders you interviewed. Include their roles, organizations (if applicable), and the context of their involvement in SDG 6 or 7 initiatives.
• Key Concerns and Perspectives: Based on the interviews, identify and present the key concerns, challenges, and perspectives expressed by the stakeholders regarding the SDG 6 or 7 initiatives.
• Problem Definition: Synthesize the information gathered from the interviews to define the core challenges faced by stakeholders in achieving the SDG targets. Be specific and concise in articulating these problems.
• Significance of Stakeholder Input: Discuss why understanding stakeholder perspectives is crucial for addressing these challenges effectively. Explain how this input can contribute to more informed problem identification and solution development.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main findings from the stakeholder interviews and emphasize the importance of considering these insights in the context of SDG 6 or 7 initiatives.

Submission

Submit your Problem Identification Report using Gradescope and then on Anchor.

Include any interview transcripts or notes as appendices if applicable.

Problem Analysis II - Applications to SDG 6

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 7.

Week Overview

In lesson 6, you learned the fundamentals of problem analysis, which are crucial for our next phase. This week, Problem Analysis II focuses on case studies from Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) concerning clean water and sanitation for all.

During this week’s lesson, you'll learn how to apply problem analysis skills to dissect complex issues related to SDG 6. Through case studies, you'll practice identifying root causes, understanding interconnected challenges, and proposing sustainable solutions.

As you engage with these case studies, you'll see how problem analysis becomes a practical tool for addressing global issues. Your grasp of interconnectedness and root cause identification will be invaluable as you work toward innovative solutions.

This week bridges theory and practice, allowing you to apply your problem analysis knowledge to real-world challenges. Let's use the foundations from Week 6 to explore problem analysis within the context of sustainable development.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the challenges of providing access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries.
• Apply the concepts of problem analysis to the water and sanitation sector.
• Identify the root causes of water and sanitation problems.

Spotlight on SDG 6

In Lesson 2 of this course, you were introduced to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that lay out a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. This week, our focus turns to the sixth goal, which is particularly fundamental and interconnected with many aspects of human well-being: SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.

Understanding SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

❓ Discussion: How important is clean water to you in your daily life, and how do you think access to clean water impacts communities, especially in regions where it's scarce? Share in the Padlet below

SDG 6 aims to ensure access to clean water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030. It addresses a pressing global challenge: the scarcity, unequal distribution, and often polluted state of our water resources. Water is essential for life, health, food security, and the environment. However, billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water, and sanitation facilities remain inadequate in many regions.

📺 To understand SDG 6 better, watch the following video to learn about the SDG 6 targets and indicators.

From the videos, we learned that SDG 6 has eight targets, namely;

Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate, as a way to improve water security and to reduce water-related natural disasters.

Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes, to substantially increase their contribution to water supply and food security, for human health, livelihoods, and decent work, and to reduce disaster risk, and contribute to adaptation to climate change.

Target 6.7: By 2030, substantially increase the number of people who have access to information and awareness for the sustainable management of water at all levels.

Target 6.A: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

Target 6.B: By 2020, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water-related activities and programs, in particular water-scarce areas and those affected by droughts and floods.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine you're a water hero in your local community, tasked with achieving one of the SDG 6 targets. Which specific target resonates with you the most, and why?

Share your innovative plan to make a tangible impact towards this goal and give feedback on a fellow water hero’s plan on Padlet.

The Importance of SDG 6

Clean water and sanitation are foundational to achieving many other SDGs. For instance, access to clean water is critical for good health (SDG 3), while sanitation is closely linked to improved living conditions and dignity (SDG 1 and SDG 10). Clean water is essential for agriculture (SDG 2) and ecosystems (SDG 15), and sustainable management of water resources is key to combating climate change (SDG 13). Therefore, SDG 6 is not only a goal in itself but also an enabler for achieving broader sustainable development.

📺 Watch the video below to learn more about the significance of SDG 6.

Here's why SDG 6 matters:

1. Basic Human Right: SDG 6 recognizes clean water as a fundamental human right, essential for health and well-being.
2. Rising Demand: With a growing global population, the demand for water increases, impacting health, poverty, food security, and crisis response.
3. Water Scarcity: Addressing water scarcity is central to SDG 6, demanding innovative water management and conservation.
4. Treating Polluted Water: Cleaning polluted water is vital for public health, relying on advanced water treatment technologies.
5. Sanitation and Hygiene: Access to sanitation and hygiene prevents disease spread, particularly in crowded areas.
6. Innovation: Technology, especially in water treatment, is crucial for achieving SDG 6 goals.

🪞 Reflection Activity: Think about your daily routine. How would it change if you didn't have access to clean water or proper sanitation? What challenges would you face, and how might it affect your overall well-being?

Challenges and Complexities

Despite the importance of SDG 6, achieving it poses significant challenges. Rapid urbanization, pollution, climate change, and unequal access to resources all complicate efforts to ensure clean water and sanitation for everyone. In this section, we'll explore these complexities and learn how problem analysis techniques can help unpack the multifaceted issues surrounding SDG 6.

📖 Read the highlights from the Africa Development Bank report on the challenges of achieving SDG 6 in the continent for better context.

The report highlights that while there have been improvements in access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation in Africa, the progress remains relatively low compared to global standards. This is despite Africa, excluding North Africa, receiving significant official development assistance (ODA) for water supply and sanitation. Moreover, there exist substantial disparities both between different countries in Africa and within individual countries themselves. For instance, North Africa generally exhibits higher access rates compared to other regions on the continent. The availability of safely managed drinking water sources ranges from 100% in Mauritius to as low as 19% in Eritrea. Additionally, there's a noticeable urban-rural divide, with 82% of the urban population having access to basic drinking water services compared to only 43% of the rural population. The report underscores several emerging challenges that pose threats to achieving SDG 6, including the impacts of climate change, recurring droughts, floods, and the effective management of water resources.

🪞 Reflection: What are some other challenges to achieving clean water and sanitation you have observed in your community or country?

Through a series of case studies and practical exercises in the next sections, you'll have the opportunity to apply your problem analysis skills to real-world scenarios related to clean water and sanitation. By the end of this lesson, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by SDG 6 but also be better equipped to contribute to its achievement through comprehensive problem analysis.

So, let's dive into the intricacies of SDG 6 and discover how you can play a vital role in ensuring a future where clean water and sanitation are accessible to all.

Applying Problem Analysis to SDG 6

Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure access to clean water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030. This is a complex challenge, and problem analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the challenges and developing solutions.

As you learned in lesson 6, problem analysis is a systematic approach to identifying and understanding the root causes of a problem. It involves gathering data, identifying the different factors that contribute to the problem, and developing a theory of change that explains how these factors interact to produce the problem.

Problem analysis can be used to inform a wide range of interventions, from policy development to program design. In this context, it can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions for clean water and adequate sanitation.

🪞 Reflection Question: In your opinion, what do you think is the most challenging aspect of achieving SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in your country? Why do you find it challenging, and what role can problem analysis play in overcoming it?

Understanding the Scope

The first step in applying problem analysis to SDG 6 is to understand the scope of the problem. This involves assessing the current state of water and sanitation in a given region. Questions to consider include:

1. Access: Who has access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and who doesn't? Are there specific groups or communities that are disproportionately affected?
2. Quality: Is the available water safe to drink, or is it contaminated? What is the state of sanitation facilities in terms of hygiene and functionality?
3. Infrastructure: Are there adequate water sources, distribution systems, and sewage infrastructure in place? Are these systems well-maintained
4. Policy and Governance: What are the policies and regulations related to water and sanitation in the region? How effective are they in ensuring access and quality?

📖 Read this blog article to learn more about scoping problems.

From the article, we learn that scoping a problem is the process of understanding the current state of the problem and defining the desired outcome. This helps to create a working model of the problem and identify the key stakeholders. An actionable problem statement is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.  It should also include the criteria for success, the constraints, and the plan for when the problem is solved. You will learn more about this in lesson 9.

📺 Watch the following video for more insight on how to scope problems.

To scope a problem, you can use the following steps:

• Define the problem.
• Identify the stakeholders.
• Gather data.
• Analyze the data.
• Define the desired outcome.
• Create an actionable problem statement.

❓ Discussion Activity: When scoping an SDG 6 project aimed at providing clean water access in a rural African community, should the initial focus be on conducting comprehensive needs assessments to fully understand the community's challenges, or should the emphasis be on immediate action and implementation to quickly address water scarcity issues? Defend your stance with evidence and reasoning.

Identifying Root Causes

Once you've assessed the scope, the next step is to identify the root causes of water and sanitation challenges. This involves digging deeper to understand why these problems exist.

Possible root causes might include:

• Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure can lead to water scarcity and poor sanitation. Identifying where infrastructure is lacking is essential.
• Poverty: Economic factors can limit access to clean water and sanitation. Poverty alleviation measures might be necessary.
• Environmental Factors: Pollution, climate change, and ecosystem degradation can impact water quality and availability.
• Policy Failures: Ineffective policies, corruption, or mismanagement can hinder progress toward SDG 6.

📺 Watch this video to learn more about what causes global water challenges and its.

Stakeholder Analysis

Understanding the stakeholders involved in water and sanitation issues is crucial. This includes governments, local authorities, NGOs, communities, and private sector entities. Stakeholder analysis helps identify who can contribute to solving the problems and who might obstruct progress.

📺 Watch this documentary about the water crisis in South Africa and identify key stakeholders involved in the challenge.

From the documentary you saw earlier, you can see that there were a number of stakeholders. Can you mention them?

The stakeholders involved in the water crisis in South Africa include:

• Community members/residents: These are the people who are most directly affected by the water crisis. They are the ones who have to deal with the lack of water, and they are the ones who will benefit the most from any solutions that are implemented.
• Technical specialists: These are the people who have the knowledge and expertise to help solve the water crisis. They can provide advice on how to improve water infrastructure, how to conserve water, and how to educate the public about water conservation.
• Media reporters/journalists: These are the people who can help to raise awareness of the water crisis. They can report on the issue and its impact on the community, and they can help to put pressure on the government to take action.
• Water truck operators: These are the people who provide water to communities that do not have access to it. They can help to alleviate the immediate problem of water scarcity, but they are not a long-term solution.
• Government authorities: These are the people who have the power to make decisions about water policy. They can allocate funding for water projects, they can regulate water use, and they can enforce water conservation laws.
• It is important to engage all of these stakeholders in the process of addressing the water crisis. By working together, they can develop solutions that are effective and sustainable.

In addition to the stakeholders mentioned above, there are also other stakeholders who may be involved in the water crisis in South Africa. These include:

• NGOs: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a role in providing water to communities, educating the public about water conservation, and advocating for better water policies.
• Private sector entities: The private sector can provide water infrastructure, water treatment services, and water conservation products.
• International organizations: International organizations can provide funding for water projects, technical assistance, and training.

By understanding the different stakeholders involved in the water crisis, we can better understand the challenge and develop solutions that are more likely to be successful.

Your Role

As future computer scientists for development, you play a critical role in applying problem analysis to real-world issues like those addressed in SDG 6. By understanding the scope, identifying root causes, involving stakeholders, and developing effective solutions, you can contribute to achieving clean water and sanitation for all.

In the next section, we'll explore real-world case studies related to SDG 6. These examples will illustrate how problem analysis has been applied to address water and sanitation challenges in different regions.

Let's dive into the world of SDG 6 and see how problem analysis can drive positive change in this critical area.

Introduction to Case Studies of Problem Analysis in the Water and Sanitation Sector

What is a Case Study?

Have you heard of the term case study? What comes to mind when you think of the term? Share here

📺 Watch this explainer video for an introductory overview of a case study.

From the video, we learned that a case study can be defined as a method for developing a thorough understanding of a process, program, event, or activity. Case studies serve as a robust approach to investigating and researching various topics, integrating both quantitative and qualitative information from diverse sources.

Case studies can generally be categorized into three types:

1. Exploratory Case Studies: These aim to define the questions and hypotheses for subsequent studies. They involve in-depth research and analysis to explore a topic thoroughly. For example, examining the successful operation of a welfare program in a specific state can lead to further research on implementing similar programs elsewhere.
2. Descriptive Case Studies: They provide a comprehensive description of an event within its context. They emphasize the nuances and specific details of the example being examined.
3. Explanatory Case Studies: Explanatory case studies focus on establishing cause-and-effect relationships. They seek to explain why certain outcomes occur as a result of specific circumstances. For instance, one might investigate the effects of eating before swimming under different conditions.

In the following sections, we will consider descriptive and explanatory case studies related to SDG 6 in Africa.

Case study 1: Water Scarcity at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The University of Nigeria is a leading university in Nigeria, with a student population of over 50,000. However, the university is facing a serious problem: water scarcity. The water supply on campus is unreliable, and the water that is available is often dirty and contaminated. This makes it difficult for students to maintain good hygiene and stay healthy.

📺 Watch this feature video for more insight into the water problem.

Here are some of the challenges that students face due to water scarcity:

• They have to spend hours every day collecting water.
• The water that is available is often dirty and contaminated.
• They have to use the dirty water for cooking, bathing, and laundry.
• They have to store water in containers, which can be a fire hazard.
• The water scarcity is a major inconvenience and stressor for students.

Let’s apply the root cause analysis to analyze this problem

Step 1: Mapping the problem

The problem of water scarcity in the university is already established. Symptoms of the problem include water shortages on campus and dirty/contaminated water sources.

Step 2:  Asking "Why?"

Following the principles of root cause analysis,  let's ask the “5 Whys” for a clearer understanding of the root causes of water scarcity at the University of Nigeria:

• 1st Why: Why is there water scarcity at the University of Nigeria?
  • Answer to 1st Why: There's water scarcity because the region's geological factors make accessing clean water difficult.
• 2nd Why: Why do geological factors in the region make accessing clean water difficult?
  • Answer to 2nd Why: The geological factors include rock formations and mineral deposits, especially coal, that limit groundwater availability and affect water quality.
• 3rd Why: Why do these geological factors limit groundwater availability and affect water quality?
  • Answer to 3rd Why: These geological features restrict the flow of groundwater due to their dense composition and may introduce impurities like minerals from coal deposits into the water.
• 4th Why: Why do these geological features exist in the region?
  • Answer to 4th Why: These geological features are natural occurrences in the region's landscape and have developed over millions of years.
• 5th Why: Why hasn't this issue been resolved despite these geological factors being known?
  • Answer to 5th Why: Resolving geological challenges is complex and may require substantial resources, technology, and sustainable water management strategies.

Step 3: Identifying the root cause(s) of the problem

By using these "5 Whys," we've uncovered that geological factors, including rock formations and coal deposits, are among the root causes of water scarcity at the University of Nigeria. This analysis deepens our understanding of why this issue persists and underscores the need for comprehensive solutions.

Steps 4 and 5 will involve proffering solutions to the problem, implementing them, and monitoring the solution to assess the impact. For this course, we will focus on the analysis of problems.

❓ Reflection: In addition to the "5 Whys" method, what other problem analysis technique might you apply to this case study, and why do you think it would be valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of the water scarcity issue at the University of Nigeria?

Case Study 2: Tharaka, Kenya - A Quest for Water Security

Tucked away in the heart of Kenya, Tharaka County boasts breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant culture. However, beneath this picturesque exterior, a significant challenge has been unraveling – the battle for water security. In recent years, Tharaka has found itself in the grip of a severe water crisis, a complex issue that has far-reaching implications for the community.

📺 Watch this video for more information on the water crisis in Tharaka.

Tharaka's struggle for water security is not merely a singular problem but a web of interconnected issues. The primary culprits behind the region's water scarcity are erratic rainfall patterns, unsustainable agricultural practices, and insufficient water infrastructure. To truly grasp the depth of the issue, we turn to Fishbone Analysis, a powerful problem analysis technique.

Fishbone Analysis - Uncovering the Root Causes

Step 1: Draw the Fishbone Structure (Ishikawa Diagram):

Begin by drawing a horizontal line across your page, resembling a fishbone spine. This spine represents the main problem – in our case, water scarcity in Tharaka, Kenya.

Step 2: Identify Categories (Branches):

Extend several diagonal lines from the spine, like ribs on a fishbone, each representing a category contributing to the problem. In Tharaka's case, these categories are:

• Environment
• Technology
• Human Factors
• Infrastructure
• Economy

Step 3: Identify Factors (Bones):

Now, on each branch, identify specific factors that contribute to the category's role in the problem. For instance:

• Under Environment, list "Erratic Rainfall Patterns," "Deforestation," and "Land Degradation."
• Under Technology, mention "Lack of Modern Irrigation" and "Inadequate Water Storage."
• Under Human Factors, include "Population Growth" and "Agricultural Practices."
• For Infrastructure, list "Poor Infrastructure" and "Inefficient Water Management."
• Under Economy, note "Economic Dependence on Agriculture."

Step 4: Ask "Why" for Each Factor (Bones):

For each factor (bone), delve deeper by asking "Why" multiple times to uncover root causes. For example:

For "Erratic Rainfall Patterns," ask, "Why are rainfall patterns erratic?" The answer may include climate change and shifting weather patterns.

Continue this process for each factor, peeling back layers of causation.

❓ You can share the root causes for other factors like lack of modern irrigation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and poor infrastructure in this padlet.

Step 5: Analyze Interconnections:

As you go through this process, you'll notice interconnections between factors. For instance, unsustainable agricultural practices (Human Factor) can intensify the effects of drought (Environment) and cause a reduction in agricultural productivity (Economic). These interconnections reveal the complexity of the problem.

❓ Activity: What other interconnections can you identify among the factors causing the water crisis? You can share your insights in the padlet below.

Step 6: Reflection:

Fishbone Analysis aids in understanding the intricate web of causes behind Tharaka's water scarcity. It shows that solving this issue demands a comprehensive strategy that addresses environmental, technological, human, infrastructural, and economic aspects.

Now that we've applied Fishbone Analysis to the Tharaka water crisis, consider what other aspects of this challenge you would explore using problem analysis techniques and why these aspects are essential for gaining a holistic understanding of the issue. Think about the potential solutions that might emerge from this analysis and how they could bring water security to Tharaka.

❓ In your view, what immediate and long-term measures could be taken to alleviate the water crisis in Tharaka, considering the interconnected nature of the factors identified through Fishbone Analysis?

Case Study 3: Sanitation Challenge in Ghana

Ghana, a country known for its rich culture and warm hospitality, faces a daunting problem that affects its environment and population significantly - pollution and sanitation issues. In this case study, we will employ the Problem Tree Analysis technique to delve into the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to these pressing problems.

The sanitation challenge in Ghana has persisted over the years, manifesting in unsightly heaps of trash, clogged gutters, and improper disposal of fecal matter and plastic waste. A recent UNICEF report revealed that only 21% of Ghana's 30 million population have basic access to sanitation, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

📺 Watch this video to learn more about the sanitation challenges in Ghana

Problem Tree Analysis - Uncovering the Root Causes

Step 1: Draw the Problem Tree:

Begin with a vertical line at the center of your page, representing the core problem - sanitation issues in Ghana. Branch out horizontally from this line, creating the tree's roots.

Step 2: Identify Causes (Roots):

Extend branches downward from the roots to identify the underlying causes contributing to the sanitation problem. In Ghana's case, these root causes are:

• Policy and Institutional Challenges: Inadequate sanitation policies and weak institutional enforcement hinder effective sanitation management. Policies might lack clarity, and enforcement mechanisms may be weak.
• Sanitation Financing: Insufficient funding and financial mechanisms limit sanitation project implementation and infrastructure maintenance.
• Rapid Urbanization: The rapid growth of urban areas strains existing sanitation infrastructure and services due to increased demand.
• Lack of Upkeep and Maintenance: Sanitation projects often lack sustainable maintenance plans, leading to the deterioration of facilities.

Step 3: Ask "Why" for Each Cause (Root):

Dig deeper into each root cause by asking "Why" multiple times to unveil the core issues. For example:

For "Policy and Institutional Challenges," ask, "Why are policies inadequate?" The answer may involve ineffective governance and insufficient enforcement.

Continue this process for each root cause, revealing the layers of causation.

You can share your further analysis on the other root causes (sanitation financing, rapid urbanization, lack of maintenance) on the Padlet below.

Step 4: Identify Consequences (Fruits):

Extend branches upwards from the main problem to identify the consequences or "fruits" of the sanitation problem in Ghana. These consequences include:

• Health Risks
• Economic Loss

❓ Can you think of other consequences? You can mention them here.

Step 5: Ask "Why" for Each Consequence (Fruit):

Probe deeper into each consequence by asking "Why" repeatedly to uncover the broader impacts. For instance:

For "Health Risks," ask, "Why does inadequate sanitation lead to health risks?" The answer may involve the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.

Continue this process for each consequence, unraveling the complexities.

Step 6: Analyze Interconnections:

As you explore causes and consequences, recognize the interconnections between them. For example, "Lack of Upkeep and Maintenance" contributes to both inadequate sanitation infrastructure and economic loss.

Through Problem Tree Analysis, we've revealed that Ghana's sanitation challenge is deeply rooted in policy and institutional challenges, sanitation financing issues, rapid urbanization, and a lack of upkeep and maintenance. These root causes lead to health risks and economic losses, painting a grim picture of the problem's scope.

❓ Reflection Activity: Now, consider how a comprehensive approach that addresses these interconnected issues could help Ghana overcome its sanitation challenges. Reflect on potential solutions that might emerge from this analysis, and how they could lead to a cleaner and healthier Ghana. In your view, what immediate measures could be taken to alleviate the sanitation crisis in Ghana, considering the complex web of causation unveiled through Problem Tree Analysis? Share your answers in the Padlet below.

Case Study 4: Toilet Crisis in Ilaje Otumara Community, Lagos

The Ilaje Otumara community in Lagos, Nigeria, is facing a serious toilet crisis. The community has an estimated population of 900,000 people, but only about 1% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities. This means that the vast majority of people in Ilaje Otumara are using inadequate sanitation facilities, such as pit latrines or open defecation.

The lack of access to toilets has a number of negative consequences for the health and well-being of the Ilaje Otumara community.

📺 Watch this documentary to learn more about the sanitation challenge in the community.

Recall in lesson 6, Pareto analysis was one of the problem analysis techniques you learned about. We can apply the technique to the sanitation problem in the Ilaje Otumara community.

Pareto Analysis for Toilet Crisis in Ilaje Otumara Community, Lagos

Step 1: Identifying the Problems

In the Ilaje Otumara community, residents face several challenges related to sanitation and toilet facilities. Let's identify the main issues:

1. Limited Access to Toilets: Many residents don't have access to private toilets and rely on inadequate public facilities.
2. Poor Sanitation Conditions: The existing public toilets are often unsanitary and poorly maintained.
3. High Costs: Users are charged fees for using public toilets, putting an additional financial burden on the community.
4. Safety Concerns: Inadequate sanitation facilities expose residents, particularly women, to safety risks.
5. Dignity Compromised: Residents in the community suffer from a lack of dignity due to the dire state of sanitation facilities.
6. Resistance to Change: Some residents prefer enduring inconveniences rather than using public toilets.

Step 2: Ranking the Problems and separating the vital few (V) from trivial many (T).

We'll now rank the problems based on their frequency and impact, identifying the vital few:

1. Limited Access to Toilets: This is a critical issue affecting a large portion of the community.
2. Poor Sanitation Conditions: The unsanitary conditions and health risks make this problem significant.
3. Safety Concerns: Safety hazards are a substantial concern, particularly for women.
4. High Costs: While impacting residents, this issue is somewhat less severe compared to the first three.
5. Dignity Compromised: The impact on dignity is important but slightly less severe than safety concerns.
6. Resistance to Change: While an issue, it affects a smaller portion of the community and is less critical.

Now let’s separate the problems

Step 3: Focus on the Vital Few

The Pareto Principle suggests that focusing on the vital few issues (the top 20%) can lead to significant improvements. In this case:

1. Limited Access to Toilets: Addressing this issue is of utmost importance, as it affects a large portion of the community.
2. Poor Sanitation Conditions: Improving sanitation conditions is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of residents.

Step 5: Develop and Implement Solutions

Efforts and resources should be concentrated on solving the top two issues identified through Pareto Analysis. This might involve government initiatives, community involvement, and private sector participation to provide better access to clean and safe toilets and improve sanitation conditions in the community, ultimately enhancing the residents' quality of life.

By focusing on these vital few problems, the Ilaje Otumara community can make more efficient and effective strides toward resolving its toilet crisis.

🪞 Reflection Question: Imagine you are a computer science student working on a project to develop a sanitation solution for the Ilaje Otumara community in Lagos, Nigeria. What kind of sanitation technology would you develop? Why?

Wrap Up

Congratulations on completing the second part of our journey into problem analysis!

In Lesson 7, we delved into Problem Analysis II, exploring real-world case studies related to SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. We applied various problem analysis techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and root causes associated with water and sanitation issues in different African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Through these case studies, we sharpened our problem-analysis skills, enabling us to identify crucial insights into complex global issues.

As we wrap up Problem Analysis II, it's important to remember that our journey through the Sustainable Development Goals is not over. In Lesson 8, we will transition to Problem Analysis III, where we will shift our focus to SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy. We will continue to employ problem analysis techniques to dissect case studies and explore the challenges and opportunities within the realm of energy access and sustainability.

Throughout this course, we've emphasized the critical role you play as future scientists and problem solvers. Your commitment to understanding complex issues and seeking innovative solutions is paramount in addressing the global challenges outlined in the SDGs.

In Lesson 8, we'll dive into the world of clean and affordable energy. Together, we will analyze real-world cases, apply problem analysis techniques, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

See you in Lesson 8: Problem Analysis III!

Problem Analysis III - Applications to SDG 7

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 8.

Week Overview

Welcome to Lesson 8: Problem Analysis III, the third part of our exploration of problem analysis techniques within the context of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Last week, you learned about clean water and sanitation issues, delving into real-life problems in some African countries and improving your skills in analyzing them. This week, we're applying those skills to a new challenge: energy.

In this engaging and insightful lesson, we will shine a spotlight on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, one of the most pivotal goals in the global pursuit of sustainable development. This lesson is structured to deepen your understanding of problem analysis while diving into the complexities of energy-related challenges.

Let’s get started

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand the challenges of providing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in developing countries.
• Apply the concepts of problem analysis to the energy sector.
• Identify the root causes of energy problems in Africa.

Additional Resources

• IEA (2022), Africa Energy Outlook 2022, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/africa-energy-outlook-2022
• SDG 7 Affordable & Clean Energy - UN Sustainable Development Goals - DEEP DIVE

Spotlight on SDG 7

SDG 7, or Affordable and Clean Energy, is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations back in 2015. Its mission? To ensure that by 2030, everyone has access to energy that's not just affordable but also clean, reliable, and sustainable.

Now, you might wonder, why's this such a big deal? Well, that's what we're going to dig into. You see, energy isn't just about turning on the lights or filling up your car. It's the power behind almost everything we do, from cooking our meals to running our industries.

Energy is crucial for development, but billions of people still lack access to modern energy services. Additionally, much of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels like coal and oil, which harm the environment. It's like trying to solve one problem while creating another. That's where SDG 7 comes in: it's all about finding ways to make energy available for everyone while protecting the planet.

Understanding SDG 7: Clean and Affordable Energy

❓ Discussion: What is clean energy? What comes to mind when you think of clean energy? Share in the padlet below.

📺 Watch this explainer video to gain a better understanding of what clean energy is.

From the video, we learn that clean energy is a term used to describe energy derived from renewable, zero-emission sources that do not pollute the atmosphere during usage. Clean energy is distinct from two other related energy terms: Green energy and Renewable energy.

Clean Energy vs. Green Energy vs. Renewable Energy

It’s important to distinguish between these three types of energy.

Clean Energy: Clean energy is sourced from energy providers that do not release air pollutants when generating power. It aims to minimize environmental impact and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In essence, clean energy promotes a healthier planet. Examples of clean energy include;

• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Hydropower
• Geothermal energy

Renewable Energy: This type of energy is generated from sources that are continually replenished, ensuring a sustainable supply. These sources, such as wind, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass and tidal energy in contrast with finite fossil fuels like oil and gas.

Green energy, on the other hand, is energy derived from natural sources, often referred to as "green" because they are eco-friendly. However, it's important to note that not all renewable energy sources are considered green due to potential environmental drawbacks. Examples of green energy include;

• Biomass energy (such as wood and biofuels)
• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Hydropower

As you can see, there is a significant overlap between clean energy, green energy, and renewable energy. Many renewable energy sources are also considered clean and green energy.

The terms clean energy, green energy, and renewable energy are often used interchangeably, but it is important to be aware of the differences between them. Clean energy is energy that does not release air pollutants, while green energy is energy that is derived from natural sources. Renewable energy is energy that is generated from sources that are continually replenished.

Now that you understand what clean energy is, let’s focus on SDG7.

Sustainable Development Goal 7

SDG 7 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations to address global issues. It specifically focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.

📖 Read this United Nations Environment Programme publication on SDG 7.

📺 Watch the video below to learn more about SDG 7 and why you should care.

SDG 7 comprises five distinct targets, each designed to address different aspects of the global energy challenge:

1. Universal Access to Energy

Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.

This target aims to eradicate energy poverty, ensuring that everyone on the planet has access to electricity and clean cooking facilities. Currently, millions of people lack basic access to energy, hampering their development opportunities.

2. Increase Renewable Energy

Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

This target focuses on transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels not only mitigates climate change but also promotes sustainable energy production.

3. Double the Rate of Improvement in Energy Efficiency

Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Improving energy efficiency is a powerful way to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and save costs. This target encourages technological advancements and better practices in energy use.

4. Expand Infrastructure and Technology for Sustainable Energy

Target 7.A: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

Collaborative efforts and technology transfer are crucial to make sustainable energy solutions accessible worldwide. Developing nations need support to build the infrastructure for clean energy production and distribution.

5. Increase Investment in Energy

Target 7.B: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, particularly least developed countries, small island developing States, and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programs of support.

Adequate financial support is essential to realizing SDG 7's goals, especially in regions facing unique challenges like small island nations and least developed countries. Investment helps build the necessary infrastructure and technologies for sustainable energy.

❓ Discussion: If you were to rank these SDG 7 targets in order of importance for your country, how would you organize them and why? Explain your reasoning. Share your answers in the Padlet below

Why is SDG 7 important?

SDG 7 addresses several pressing issues, with a primary focus on energy accessibility and sustainability. Here are some key points that underscore the significance of this goal:

1. Energy Access: Shockingly, one in five people still lacks access to modern electricity. This lack of access hampers economic growth, education, and overall well-being.
2. Climate Change: Energy production accounts for approximately sixty percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor to climate change. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.

Energy, in its various forms, is the lifeblood of modern society. It powers our homes, fuels transportation, drives industry, and underpins many critical services. Access to clean and affordable energy is not only a development goal in itself but also an enabler of other SDGs. Clean energy is essential for combating climate change, supporting economic growth, and improving health and education.

📖 Read this publication to learn more about the significance of SDG 7.

What other significance of SDG 7 did you identify in the publication?

• Affordable and reliable energy services are required to function smoothly and sustainably in today’s world.
• Stable electricity supply helps to power the economies of the countries
• Clean energy helps to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Challenges of Achieving SDG 7

SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve SDG 7.

Challenges such as energy access disparity, overreliance on fossil fuels and infrastructure gaps rank high on the list of barriers to achieving clean energy and affordable energy.

📖 To learn more about the main challenges of achieving SDG 7 in the Global South, read Section 2 of this research article.

The article's authors identified five major challenges to achieving SDG 7 in the Global South. They include:

1. Limiting the use of fossil fuels
2. Migrating towards diversified renewable energy matrices
3. Decentralizing energy generation and distribution
4. Maximizing energy and energy storage efficiencies
5. Minimizing energy generation costs of chemical processes

These challenges are by no means an exhaustive list, but they represent some of the most significant barriers to transitioning to clean energy in Africa and Asia.

❓ Discussion: Think about your own community or country. Which of these energy-related challenges have you observed, also which of them would pose as the most significant barrier to achieving SDG 7 and why? Share your answers on this Padlet.

Applying Problem Analysis to SDG 7

In this section, we'll continue our exploration of problem analysis, this time focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Affordable and Clean Energy. As you've seen in lessons 6 and 7, problem analysis is a crucial tool for dissecting complex issues and understanding their root causes, which is essential for crafting effective solutions. Just as we applied problem analysis to SDG 6's clean water and sanitation challenges, we'll employ the same principle when addressing energy-related problems within SDG 7.

Problem Analysis for SDG 7

Now, let's delve into how we can apply problem analysis to the challenges associated with SDG 7.

1. Mapping the Problem

First, you will have to map out the key challenges related to clean and affordable energy access. This might include disparities in access, reliance on fossil fuels, energy poverty, and more. You will identify the symptoms of these problems and their manifestations at local, national, and global levels.

Meet Alex

Alex is a young and curious student passionate about clean energy. He lives in a small town called Greenville, where they've been hearing a lot about the need for affordable and clean energy. One day, Alex's teacher assigns a special project: to create an energy map of Greenville to understand its energy challenges.

Alex starts by talking to neighbors, friends, and family. He finds out that some folks in Greenville don't have access to electricity because their homes are too far from the power grid. That's a big red flag on the map! Alex marks it and labels it "Unequal Access to Electricity."

Next, he digs deeper and learns that most of the town's electricity comes from a coal-fired power plant. Burning coal isn't good for the environment, and it's causing air pollution in Greenville. So, Alex adds another spot on the map and names it "Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels."

Now, Alex talks to Mrs. Ramirez, an energy activist who runs the local recycling center. Mrs. Ramirez mentions that a lot of people in Greenville don't know about energy-saving practices. They leave their lights on even when they're not in the room, and they use old appliances that guzzle electricity. Alex realizes this is another problem. On the map, it goes: "Lack of Energy Efficiency Awareness."

The energy map is starting to take shape, but there's more to discover. So, Alex organizes a community meeting. People share their concerns, and one issue comes up a lot: high energy bills. Some folks are struggling to pay them, and they're afraid of getting their electricity cut off. Alex jots down "Energy Poverty" on the map.

With the map complete, Alex takes it to the town council meeting. They share what they've learned about Greenville's energy challenges and discuss possible solutions. The town council decides to invest in solar panels for homes in the areas without electricity and launch an energy-saving campaign to raise awareness.

Alex's energy map not only helped identify the problems but also became a valuable tool for finding solutions. It was a reminder that understanding a problem is the first step in making positive changes.

❓ Discussion Question: Can you think of any energy challenges in your community that could be added to the energy map? How might these challenges be addressed?

2. Identifying the Root Causes

Just like when we asked the "Why?" questions in Lesson 7, we'll do the same here.

• Why do disparities in energy access exist?
• Why is there such heavy reliance on fossil fuels?

By peeling back the layers, we can identify the root causes behind these challenges.

📖 Read this article to learn more about the energy crisis in Africa.

Energy failures in Africa have been attributed to a multitude of factors, including:

• The inadequacy of personnel training
• Deficiencies in local manufacturing
• Subpar utility performance
• Theft of grid equipment
• Adverse weather conditions
• Unreliable gas supply
• Insufficient funding
• The aging infrastructure of the grid.

🪞 Reflection: Think about the last time you experienced an electricity problem or an increase in energy bills.

• What do you think caused this issue?
• How could understanding the main reasons behind it help us come up with better solutions for similar problems in > the future?

3. Stakeholder Involvement

Problem analysis often involves engaging stakeholders. For SDG 7, stakeholders might include governments, energy providers, environmental organizations, businesses, and, importantly, the communities affected by energy challenges. Engaging these parties can provide valuable insights and perspectives.

❓ Read through the story below and identify the stakeholders involved in the energy problem.

Your Task: Imagine you're watching this story unfold. Your job is to figure out who the key people and groups are in this town's journey to find better energy. These important folks might not be very obvious, so you'll need to read closely to see how they help make decisions and bring different ideas to the table. Look for individuals and groups who play a part in solving the town's energy problems.

A Town's Quest for Reliable Energy

In a calm town nestled near hills and a winding river, life was simple and peaceful. The people lived closely, and everything seemed perfect. However, there was a big problem - how they got their energy.

The town depended on an old coal power plant for its electricity. It had worked for a long time, but it had some serious issues: The plant's smoke turned the once-blue sky into a dull, brownish color. Frequent breakdowns left the town in darkness when they needed power the most. People worried that coal energy might not be the best choice anymore because cleaner options were available.

The town's leaders decided it was time for a change. They looked at a green hill near the town and thought it could be the answer to their energy problems.

As the new energy plan started, it became clear that many people and groups were part of it, even though their roles weren't immediately obvious. One person, known for caring about the environment, had the idea for the project. Local craftsmen, who were really good at their jobs, built and installed the energy equipment. A retired engineer in the town, who kept a low profile, used their knowledge to guide the project. Some nature lovers and environmentalists in the town made sure the project wouldn't harm the environment. Parents, worried about their kids' health because of the coal plant, supported the project. Two young activists led campaigns to get more people behind the idea. But there were also quiet supporters among the town's people who attended meetings and voted for the project.

The Stakeholders involved in solving the town’s energy problem include;

1. The "Visionary": There was a person in town known as the visionary, quietly dedicated to environmental causes. They initiated the project and led its initial planning.
2. Local Craftsmen: A group of local craftsmen was tasked with building and installing the energy infrastructure.
3. Retired Engineer: A retired engineer, living anonymously in the town, provided valuable technical advice for the project.
4. Environmental Watchdogs: An informal group of nature enthusiasts and conservationists monitored the project's impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
5. Concerned Parents: Parents worried about the health of their children due to pollution from the coal plant. They actively supported the change.
6. Young Activists: A couple of energetic young activists from the town organized awareness campaigns to rally support for the initiative.
7. Quiet Supporters: Some residents, while not actively involved, silently supported the project by attending town meetings and voting in favor.

In the next section, we'll explore real-world case studies related to SDG 7. These examples will illustrate how problem analysis has been applied to address energy-related challenges in different regions. By examining these cases, we can gain practical insights into the complexities of energy issues and the various approaches taken to tackle them.

Case Study 1: South Africa Energy Crisis

In lesson 7, you learned about the definition of a case study and what it is used for.

In this section, we will consider descriptive and explanatory case studies related to SDG 7 in Africa.

Case Study 1: South Africa Energy Crisis

Background: In the past 7 months, South Africa has witnessed some of the most severe power cuts in its history. These rolling blackouts, locally known as load shedding, have plagued the nation for up to 10 hours a day, causing widespread disruptions. Even critical institutions like hospitals have not been spared, putting patients' lives at risk. The power outages have also exacerbated safety concerns, making nighttime travel a perilous endeavor due to pitch-black streets and an upsurge in criminal activities.

South Africa heavily relies on coal power stations to meet its electricity demands. However, these aging power stations are operating well below their full capacity, exacerbating the crisis. The country typically requires around 27,000 megawatts of electricity, but it struggles to produce just 21,000 megawatts. This shortfall results in load shedding, a measure aimed at preventing the grid from collapsing.

📺 Watch this video to learn more about the energy problem in South Africa.

Now, let’s apply root cause analysis to analyze the problem.

Step 1: Mapping Out the Problem

The first step is to map out the energy problem by looking at and identifying the features of the problem. In this case, the energy crisis in South Africa is marked by the following key issues:

1. Severe and Prolonged Load Shedding: Frequent and extended blackouts, lasting up to 10 hours a day, have severely disrupted daily life and businesses.
2. Impact on Critical Services: Even vital institutions like hospitals have been affected, jeopardizing patients' lives and healthcare delivery.
3. Safety Concerns: The power outages have led to safety concerns, with streets becoming dangerously dark at night and a surge in criminal activities.
4. Reliance on Coal Power: South Africa's heavy reliance on aging coal power stations is a significant contributor to the crisis.
5. Shortfall in Electricity Production: The nation's electricity production falls significantly short of its demand, with a deficit of approximately 6,000 megawatts.

Step 2: Asking the Whys

Now, let's dig deeper into the root causes of this energy crisis in South Africa by asking the "Why?" questions. We will begin with the most obvious feature of the energy challenge in the country.

1. Why is there severe and prolonged load shedding in South Africa?
   • Answer: Load shedding occurs due to an insufficient supply of electricity to meet the nation's demands.
2. Why is there an insufficient supply of electricity in South Africa?
   • Answer: The shortfall in electricity production is primarily due to the underperformance of coal power stations.
3. Why are the coal power stations underperforming?
   • Answer: There are several factors contributing to this underperformance, including inadequate maintenance, aging infrastructure, and insufficient investment in upgrading power stations.
4. Why hasn't there been adequate maintenance and investment in power stations?
   • Answer: Lack of funding, governance issues, and mismanagement within the national power utility, Eskom, have hindered maintenance and modernization efforts.
5. Why has Eskom faced funding issues and governance problems?
   • Answer: Eskom's financial troubles and governance problems are rooted in a combination of factors, including corruption allegations, mismanagement of funds, and political interference.

Step 3: Identifying the root cause(s) of the problem

❓ Having analyzed the South Africa Energy Crisis, can you now identify the root causes of the energy crisis? Share here.

Asking and answering the "Whys" of the problem helps us to uncover the complex web of issues contributing to the energy crisis in South Africa.

Steps 4 and 5 will involve proffering solutions to the problem, implementing them, and monitoring the solution to assess the impact. For this course, we will focus on the analysis of problems, so we won't delve into these steps here.

🪞 Reflection: In addition to the "5 Whys" method, what other problem analysis technique might you apply to this case study, and why do you think it would be valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of the energy crisis in South Africa?

Case Study 2: Energy Poverty in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic hub and Africa's largest city, stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for many. However, amidst its glittering skyline and vibrant streets, Lagos grapples with a dire energy challenge that casts a shadow over the lives of its over 20 million inhabitants. In this case study, we delve into the intricate web of energy poverty that engulfs Lagos, affecting its residents and businesses.

The Energy Dilemma in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, is plagued by persistent power shortages. Frequent power cuts, which can last for hours or even days, disrupt businesses, education, and daily life. The city's energy plight mirrors the broader Nigerian energy crisis.

Years of underinvestment and inadequate infrastructure maintenance have left Nigeria's power sector in shambles. Corruption and mismanagement have exacerbated the situation, diverting funds meant for infrastructure development. Lagos bears the brunt of these effects.

Energy poverty is a significant challenge in Lagos, with only about 10% of households using clean energy for cooking. The lack of access to electricity forces residents to rely on biomass and generators, which pollute the environment and contribute to rising fuel costs. This problem is not unique to Lagos, as almost 800 million people worldwide suffer from energy poverty.

The Generators' Symphony

In Lagos, the symphony of generator sets is a constant background noise. Generators, whether small or industrial-sized, have become essential during power outages. However, this reliance on generators comes at a considerable cost.

Like most Nigerians, Lagos residents depend heavily on imported refined fuel due to the dysfunctional state of the country's refineries. The escalating cost of diesel and petrol is a grave concern. Diesel prices have nearly doubled and then tripled, reaching almost $2.5 per liter. Families, local businesses, and even large corporations in Lagos are reeling under the financial strain. Many rely on generators for basic electricity needs, and the increasing cost affects their quality of life and economic viability.

The Economic Toll

The energy crisis in Lagos has profound economic repercussions. The city's businesses, both small and large, face significant challenges. Increased production costs often result in higher prices for consumers, making essential goods less affordable. Additionally, the unreliable power supply disrupts manufacturing and stifles economic growth.

📖 Read this article to learn more about the energy challenge in Lagos.

In Lagos, the quest for solutions is ongoing. Calls for government intervention range from revitalizing the power sector to investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. However, the path to improvement remains uncertain, and until tangible changes are realized, the resilient people of Lagos will continue to navigate the challenging terrain of energy poverty, hoping for a brighter and energy-secure future for their beloved city.

Now let’s analyze the Lagos energy challenge using the problem tree analysis technique.

Step 1: Draw the Problem Tree

Begin with a vertical line at the center of your page, representing the core problem: Energy Poverty in Lagos

Step 2: Identify Causes (Roots)

Identify the main causes or roots contributing to energy poverty in Lagos:

From the case study, we can identify the following causes

• Underinvestment in Power Infrastructure
• Corruption and Mismanagement
• Dysfunctional Nigerian Refineries
• Heavy Reliance on Imported Refined Fuel
• Escalating Fuel Prices

Step 3: Ask "Why" for Each Cause (Root)

For each cause, ask "Why?" to delve into the underlying factors:

1. Why is there underinvestment in power infrastructure?

   • Answers:
     • Limited government funding and budget allocation.
     • Corruption and mismanagement

2. Why does corruption and mismanagement persist?

   • Answers:
     • Lack of transparency and accountability.
     • Dysfunctional Nigerian refineries

3. Why are Nigerian refineries dysfunctional?

   • Answers:
     • Years of neglect, poor maintenance, and mismanagement.
     • Heavy reliance on imported refined fuel

4. Why does Lagos rely heavily on imported fuel?

   • Answers:
     • Inadequate local refining capacity due to refinery dysfunction.
     • Escalating fuel prices

5. Why are fuel prices escalating?

   • Answers:
     • Fluctuations in global oil prices
     • Market dynamics
     • Taxation policies

Step 4: Identify Consequences (Fruits)

❓ Can you identify the consequences or fruits resulting from energy poverty in Lagos *(Hint: Read through the case study again to identify the effects of energy poverty)

Step 5: Ask "Why" for Each Consequence (Fruit)

For each consequence, ask "Why?" to uncover the underlying impacts.

• Example
  1. Why are there frequent power cuts?
     1. Insufficient electricity generation and distribution.
  2. Why do people rely heavily on generators?
     1. Unreliable public power supply.
  3. Why are fuel costs escalating?
     1. Dependence on imported fuel and fluctuations in global oil prices.
  4. Why are there economic challenges?
     1. Increased production costs, reduced productivity, and economic instability.
  5. Why are production costs rising?
     1. Dependence on generators and increased fuel expenses.
  6. Why is economic growth hindered?
     1. Low productivity, reduced investment, and higher costs.
  7. Why are consumer goods less affordable?
     1. Rising production costs passed on to consumers.

Step 6:** Analyze Interconnections in the Problem Tree

Now, try to identify the connections between the causes and consequences of the energy challenge.

For instance, the root cause of “chronic underinvestment in energy infrastructure” leads to “insufficient electricity generation” (consequence). Another connection can be seen in how the root cause of “corruption” diverts funds away from critical power infrastructure projects.

❓ Can you identify other connections from the problem tree? Share on this Padlet.

Other connections include:

• Dysfunctional refineries contribute to a reliance on imported fuel.
• Heavy reliance on imported fuel leads to escalating prices.
• Escalating fuel prices contribute to economic challenges.

🪞 Reflection Activity

Imagine you're a policymaker in Lagos tasked with solving the energy poverty issue. After conducting this problem tree analysis, what immediate actions and long-term strategies would you prioritize to address the root causes effectively and bring sustainable change to the community?

Share your thoughts in the padlet below.

Case Study 3: High Energy Cost in Kenya

Kenya is a country with a rapidly growing population and economy. However, the country's energy sector is facing a number of challenges, including high energy costs. The average cost of electricity in Kenya is one of the highest in Africa, and this is having a significant impact on businesses and households alike.

Meet Mary

One example of the impact of high energy costs is the story of Mary, a single mother of two who lives in a small village in rural Kenya. Mary runs a small grocery store to support her family. However, in recent months, her profits have been declining due to the rising cost of electricity.

Mary's electricity bill has doubled in the past year, and she is now struggling to make ends meet. She has had to cut back on essential expenses, such as food and medicine, in order to pay her electricity bill.

Mary's story is not unique. Many Kenyans are struggling to cope with the high cost of energy. High energy costs are making it difficult for businesses to operate and for households to make ends meet.

The Kenyan government is aware of the problem of high energy costs and is taking steps to address it. However, it will take time for these measures to have an impact. In the meantime, Kenyans like Mary are struggling to survive in the face of rising energy costs.

📺 Watch the video below to gain a better understanding of the energy challenge in Kenya.

To thoroughly analyze the problem, we can use the Fishbone Analysis, also known as the Ishikawa Cause and Effect Diagram.

Step 1: Identify the Problem/Draw the Fishbone Structure

The first step in the Fishbone Analysis is to agree upon and write down the exact problem. In this case, the problem is the high energy cost in Kenya. Draw a horizontal line across your page, resembling a fishbone spine. This spine represents the main problem (high energy cost in Kenya)

Step 2: Categorize the Causes (Identify Categories)

Next, we need to categorize the potential causes of the problem. These categories can include equipment, materials, systems, external forces, people, and other relevant factors.

Back to the fishbone diagram, extend several diagonal lines from the spine, like ribs on a fishbone, each representing a category (branch) contributing to the problem.

In the context of high energy costs in Kenya, some possible categories could be:

• Government Policies and Regulations: This category includes factors such as energy pricing policies, taxation, and regulatory frameworks that may contribute to high energy costs.
• Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Factors related to the energy infrastructure, transmission, and distribution systems, as well as the availability and accessibility of energy sources, can be included in this category.
• Energy Sources and Generation: This category focuses on the types of energy sources used in Kenya, their availability, and the efficiency of the generation processes.
• Economic Factors: Factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and the overall economic situation can influence energy costs.
• Consumer Behavior and Energy Efficiency: This category includes factors related to how consumers use and manage energy, as well as their awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies.

🤔 What other causes of the high energy cost can you think of? Drop them in the padlet below.

Step 3: Identify and Analyze the Causes

In this step, we will brainstorm and identify the specific causes within each category and then analyze their impact on the problem. This process helps us understand the root causes of high energy costs in Kenya.

1. Government Policies and Regulations. This can result from:
   • Inefficient energy pricing mechanisms
   • Lack of transparency in energy pricing
   • Inadequate regulation of the energy sector
2. Infrastructure and Supply Chain Issues. This can result from:
   • Aging energy infrastructure
   • Inadequate transmission and distribution systems
   • Limited access to energy sources in rural areas
3. Energy Sources and Generation Issues. This can result from:
   • Reliance on expensive imported energy sources
   • Inefficient energy generation processes
   • Insufficient investment in renewable energy
4. Economic Factors. This can result from:
   • Fluctuating exchange rates
   • Inflation and rising production costs
   • Limited foreign investment in the energy sector
5. Poor Consumer Behavior and Energy Efficiency. This can result from:
   • Low awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices
   • Inefficient use of energy in households and businesses
   • Lack of incentives for energy conservation

Step 4: Identify Root Causes (Ask Why for Each Factor)

In the final step, we need to identify the root causes of the problem by analyzing the causes identified in the previous step. Once the root causes are identified, we can develop appropriate solutions to address the high energy costs in Kenya.

The root causes of the energy challenge include:

1. Inefficient energy pricing mechanisms and lack of transparency
2. Aging and inadequate energy infrastructure
3. Reliance on expensive imported energy sources
4. Limited investment in renewable energy
5. Low awareness and adoption of energy-efficient practices

❓ Reflection: What other root causes can you think of that can result in the increased cost of energy?

By thoroughly analyzing the problem of high energy costs in Kenya using the Fishbone Analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of its root causes, which in turn helps us to develop effective solutions to address this challenge.

Case Study 4: Uneven Energy Distribution In Ghana

Background: Ghana, a country located on the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, has a population of approximately 29.6 million people. Over the past few decades, Ghana has experienced significant economic growth, driven by the production and export of cocoa, gold, and oil. However, this growth has not been evenly distributed, leading to various challenges, including uneven energy distribution.

Ghana's energy sector faces the challenge of uneven distribution, with some regions and communities having better access to reliable and affordable energy services than others. This disparity in energy distribution has several negative impacts on the country's economy, social development, and environmental sustainability:

• Economic Impact: Uneven energy distribution hinders economic growth and investment opportunities in regions with limited access to reliable and affordable energy. This disparity also affects the competitiveness of businesses, as those in areas with inadequate energy supply may face higher production costs and lower productivity.
• Social Impact: Communities with limited access to energy services, particularly electricity, face challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and communication. Uneven energy distribution can also contribute to social inequality, as individuals and households in underserved areas may struggle to meet their basic needs and participate fully in economic and social activities.
• Environmental Impact: Inadequate energy distribution can lead to overreliance on traditional and inefficient energy sources, such as biomass and kerosene, in underserved areas. This reliance on unsustainable energy sources contributes to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and its associated impacts.

To analyze the energy challenge in Ghana, we will conduct a Pareto analysis.

Pareto Analysis for Uneven Energy Distribution in Ghana

Step 1: Identify and List the Problems

In this step, we identify and list the problems related to uneven energy distribution in Ghana:

❓What problems can you identify from the case study? Post your thoughts in the padlet below.

• Some possible answers
  1. Limited access to reliable and affordable energy in certain regions.
  2. Hindrance to economic growth and investment opportunities in underserved areas.
  3. Reduced competitiveness of businesses due to higher production costs.
  4. Impediments in education, healthcare, and communication in communities with limited energy access.
  5. Exacerbation of social inequality.
  6. Environmental issues such as deforestation, indoor air pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions

Step 2: Collect Data and Measure Impact

To perform Pareto analysis effectively, we need data to quantify the impact of each problem. This could involve gathering statistics on energy access in different regions, economic growth rates, production costs for businesses, educational and healthcare outcomes, social inequality indices, and environmental data.

Task 1: Gather statistics on the following list of energy-related problems in Ghana

• Limited access to reliable and affordable energy in certain regions.
• Hindrance to economic growth and investment opportunities in underserved areas.
• Reduced competitiveness of businesses due to higher production costs.
• Impediments in education, healthcare, and communication in communities with limited energy access.
• Exacerbation of social inequality.
• Environmental issues such as deforestation, indoor air pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Step 3: Rank the Problems by Impact

Using the data collected, we rank the problems by their impact. The problems with the most substantial negative consequences are given higher ranks.

Task 2: Rank the problems shared in (Task 1) by their impact.

❓ Share your ranking and ranking rationales in the padlet below.*

Step 4: Calculate the Cumulative Impact

Next, we calculate the cumulative impact of the ranked problems. This involves adding up the impacts, starting from the problem with the highest rank and moving down the list. The cumulative impact helps us identify the critical few issues that contribute significantly to the overall challenge.

Step 5: Identify the Vital Few Issues

The vital few issues are those that, when addressed, can lead to significant improvements in the situation. These are typically the top 20% of problems that contribute to 80% of the negative impact.

❓ Which issues do you think are the vital few that drive 80% of the negative impact? Share your thoughts in the padlet below.

Step 6: Develop Solutions

Once the vital few issues are identified, we can focus our efforts on developing solutions that target these specific problems. For instance, addressing limited access to reliable and affordable energy in underserved regions may involve investing in infrastructure development and renewable energy projects. Reducing the environmental impact could entail promoting sustainable energy sources and conservation practices.

Step 7: Implement and Monitor

Implement the solutions developed in step 6 and continuously monitor their effectiveness. This involves tracking key performance indicators related to energy distribution, economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. Adjust the solutions as needed to ensure progress toward a more evenly distributed energy system in Ghana.

It is helpful to note that following the Pareto analysis process enables you to identify and prioritize the critical issues related to uneven energy distribution in Ghana. The method allows us to allocate resources and efforts efficiently, addressing the problems that have the most substantial negative impact first. Ultimately, this approach can lead to more balanced and equitable energy access in the country, benefiting its economy, society, and environment.

Wrap Up

Well done on completing Lesson 8!

In this lesson, we've tackled problem analysis in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy." You've explored problem analysis techniques and applied them to real-world cases, gaining insights into energy-related challenges.

Now, we're gearing up for Lesson 9, where we'll dive deeper into problem statement characterization. This step is crucial for understanding and articulating your problem statement better, identifying stakeholders, and formulating effective solutions. Problem characterization is a valuable skill, no matter the sustainability challenge.

In Lesson 9, we'll equip you with the tools to characterize your problem statement effectively, setting the stage for innovative solutions.

Assignment 4

Assignment Options: Problem Analysis Blog Article or Informational Video

Background

In this assignment, you will explore critical issues related to water or energy challenges in Africa, specifically aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) or 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). You will conduct a comprehensive problem analysis (using the Pareto analysis or Problem Tree method) of a specific challenge and present your findings either in the form of a blog article or a video (3-5 minutes in length). The goal is to identify the root causes and consequences of the chosen challenge and propose potential solutions or interventions.

Instructions

Step 1: Choose a Challenge Select a specific water or energy challenge in Africa that aligns with SDG 6 or 7. This could include issues like access to clean water, energy poverty, water scarcity, or inadequate sanitation facilities.

Step 2: Research Gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the chosen challenge. Utilize a variety of reputable sources, including academic journals, reports from international organizations, and government publications. Ensure that you cite your sources properly, following a recognized citation style (e.g., APA).

Step 3: Problem Analysis Choose one of the two analysis methods: Pareto Analysis or Problem Tree Analysis, to dissect the selected challenge.

• Pareto Analysis: Identify the most significant factors contributing to the problem. Use the 80/20 rule, where you focus on the 20% of factors causing 80% of the problem.
• Problem Tree Analysis: Create a visual representation of the problem, illustrating the root causes, intermediate causes, and effects. Explore the interconnections between these elements.

Step 4: Proposed Solutions Based on your analysis, propose potential solutions or interventions to address the identified challenge effectively. Your solutions should be grounded in your analysis and take into account the unique context of the issue.

Step 5: Video or Blog Article Depending on your chosen format (video or blog article), create your content with the following considerations:

• Blog Article: Write a well-structured and engaging article (minimum 200 - 250 words) that communicates your findings effectively. Ensure use utilize the 7Cs of Communication in your post.
• Video: Create a video presentation (3-5 minutes) that concisely conveys your analysis and proposed solutions. Use visuals, narration, and clear communication to engage your audience.

Step 6: Citations and References Include proper citations for all sources used in your work by creating a list of references that match the citations in your work.

Submission

Please submit your blog or video on Gradescope and Anchor.

Characterizing Your Problem Statement

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 9.

Week Overview

Welcome to Week 9, where we take a deep dive into "Characterizing Your Problem Statement." Building upon the valuable insights gained in previous lessons, we will now focus on crafting your problem statement. This week is all about bringing clarity, precision, and depth to your understanding of the issues you aim to address.

In this week's lesson, you'll revisit your identified core problem and explore how to define it with utmost clarity and precision. We'll examine techniques for identifying key dimensions, understanding constraints, and assessing potential impact areas. By the end of the week, you'll emerge with a problem statement that is not only well-defined but also imbued with an understanding of its various dimensions, constraints, and potential impact areas.

As we navigate these concepts, we'll engage in practical exercises to strengthen your problem characterization skills. These abilities are crucial for crafting effective solutions and contributing to broader global goals, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Let's dive into the world of problem characterization, building upon the strong foundation from Lesson 8

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify what social challenge they are aiming to solve.
• Define the problem statement with clarity, precision, and relevance, incorporating the insights gained from previous weeks' research and analysis.
• Identify key dimensions, constraints, and potential impact areas related to the problem statement, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the problem's scope.
• Organize their problem statement in a structured format.
• Develop a plan for refining their problem statement.

Defining the Problem Statement

Throughout this course, you've been exploring various aspects of addressing social challenges, from understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to conducting problem analysis. Now, it's time to synthesize your knowledge and lay the foundation for your intervention.

Discussion: Imagine that you have the power to solve any social problem in the world. What problem would you choose to address, and why? What are some specific solutions that you would propose? Share on the Padlet below.

By now, you should have an idea of the problems you care about and would like to address. So the next step is to define the problem by creating a problem statement.

First things first, what is a problem statement?

📺 Watch the video below to understand what a problem statement is.

From the video, we learned that a problem statement is a crucial piece of prose that should mark the beginning of any project. Its primary purpose is to ensure that everyone involved in the project is fully aware of its nature and significance.

❓ In the video, you will notice that the speaker listed 4 key aspects of a problem statement. Can you recall them?

1. Identifying the Current Pain: A great problem statement should clearly articulate what the current pain point or issue is. This helps all stakeholders understand the specific problem that the project aims to address.
2. Outlining Consequences: Understanding the consequences of the problem is vital. A comprehensive problem statement should highlight the potential repercussions, both short-term and long-term, of not addressing the issue promptly.
3. Providing Background: Context matters. Including some background information about the issue can help stakeholders grasp the historical context and the factors that have contributed to the problem's emergence.
4. Estimating Costs: A well-crafted problem statement should touch upon the costs incurred due to the problem. This information can motivate stakeholders to support the project.

Qualities of a Good Problem Statement

A well-constructed problem statement should not delve into root causes or employ persuasive tactics. Instead, it should remain neutral, objective, and solely focus on describing the problem at hand.

📺 Watch this video for more insights on the qualities of a good problem statement.

From the video, we learn that the qualities of a good problem statement include:

1. Clarity: The problem statement should be crystal clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. It should convey the issue in a straightforward and understandable manner.
2. Relevance: The problem statement should be highly relevant to the research at hand. It must directly relate to the subject matter and research objectives.
3. Importance: Address the question of why the problem matters. Why should anyone care about this issue? Highlight its significance in the larger context.
4. Impact: Consider how solving this problem can make a difference in the world. What positive changes or contributions can your research bring about?

🪞 Reflection: What other qualities of a good problem statement can you think of and why? Share your answers in the Padlet below.

Now that you understand what a problem statement is and also what makes a good statement, in the next section, we’ll consider how to know what social problem to focus on.

Identifying and Understanding Your Social Problem

In Section 9.1, we discussed the significance of a well-crafted problem statement. Now, let's dive deeper into the process of identifying and understanding the social problem you aim to address. This section will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to refine your problem statement and gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

What is a social problem?

❓ Discussion: What comes to mind when you think of social problems? Share on the Padlet below.

📺 Watch this mini-lecture below to learn more about defining social problems. (Click the link below to watch the video)

What is a social problem

In the lecture, Dr Trier-Bieniek explains that a social problem is a broad term that encompasses anything deemed undesirable by a community or society. To understand social problems fully, we need to distinguish between objective and subjective reality. Objective reality acknowledges the existence of an issue, while subjective reality defines it as a problem. This distinction gives rise to social construction, which refers to how society interprets and illustrates current events and issues.

She further asserts that social problems are not meant to remain unresolved. They demand social action for effective solutions. This action can take various forms:

1. Social Policies: Laws and programs designed to address social issues.
2. Social Advocates: Individuals and groups advocating for change and offering solutions.
3. Innovation: Creative approaches to problem-solving that reframe issues and propose novel solutions.

📖 Read this article to learn more about the definition of a social problem.

From the article, we learn about a classic definition of social problems given by Hornell Hart in 1923. He  defined a social problem “as a problem which actually or potentially affects large numbers of people in a common way so that it may best be solved by some measure or measures applied to the problem as a whole rather than by dealing with each individual as an isolated case, or which requires concerted or organized human action.”

❓ Reflection: How do these definitions of social problems align or differ from your previous understanding?

Examples of Social Problems

Here are some examples of social problems:

1. Economic problems: These include poverty and unemployment. Poverty can lead to a lack of access to basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, while unemployment can lead to financial instability and a lack of opportunities for personal and professional development.
2. Health problems: These include living conditions and access to health systems, which can negatively impact people's health outcomes. Poor living conditions can lead to exposure to environmental hazards, while a lack of access to health systems can lead to untreated illnesses and chronic conditions.
3. Political problems, including immigration and civil rights, can have a significant impact on people's rights and freedoms. Immigration policies can lead to discrimination and marginalization, while civil rights issues can lead to a lack of access to basic rights like voting and equal treatment under the law.
4. Socio-psychological problems: These include racism and gender inequality. Racism can lead to discrimination and marginalization, while gender inequality can lead to a lack of access to opportunities and resources.
5. Educational problems: A lack of access to education can lead to limited opportunities for advancement and a lack of skills and knowledge.
6. Environmental problems such as climate change and deforestation can lead to environmental hazards like extreme weather events, which can have a significant impact on people's lives and livelihoods.

📖 Read this blog article to see more illustrative examples of social problems. These examples can give you a head start on knowing what types of social problems you would like to address.

Characteristics of a Social Problem

As you learned earlier, social problems are conditions or issues that affect a significant portion of society and require collective action for resolution. Hence, it's essential to recognize the characteristics of a social problem. The characteristics of social problems include:

1. Social Impact: Social problems have widespread consequences that affect individuals, communities, or society as a whole. These impacts can manifest in various ways, such as economic, social, or cultural.
2. Value Conflict: Social problems often involve conflicting values or beliefs within society. Different groups or individuals may perceive the issue differently, leading to debate and disagreement.

🪞 Reflection: Can you identify specific social issues in your community or country where there are varying beliefs and perspectives among the people? Share on the Padlet and give feedback on a peer’s answer.

1. Change Over Time: Social problems are not static; they evolve and change over time due to shifts in societal norms, policies, or circumstances.
2. Collective Responsibility: Addressing a social problem typically requires collective action involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals.

How to Identify and Understand Your Social Problem of Interest

Now that you understand the fundamentals of social problems, it's time to apply this knowledge to identify and understand a specific social problem of interest.

Read about Boma’s journey to learn the steps to guide you.

Boma's Journey

Meet Boma, a passionate and socially conscious university student. Boma has always been deeply concerned about environmental problems, and recently, she decided to take action to address a specific problem within her community.

Step 1: Choose an Area of Interest: Boma begins her journey by choosing her area of interest - environmental sustainability. She is particularly interested in the issue of plastic pollution in her coastal community, where plastic waste has been causing harm to marine life and the local ecosystem.

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research: Boma knows that to make a real impact, she needs to be well-informed. She starts by conducting preliminary research. She reads scientific articles about the effects of plastic pollution on marine life and the environment. She also watches documentaries and reads news reports about similar issues in coastal communities around the world.

Step 3: Define the Problem: After her research, Boma clearly defines the problem: "Excessive plastic pollution is threatening the marine ecosystem in my community, harming the marine life, and negatively impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen."

Step 4: Contextualize the Problem: Boma understands that context is crucial. She considers her community's history of reliance on fishing, the cultural importance of the sea, and the economic significance of the fishing industry. This context highlights why plastic pollution is a critical issue in her community.

Step 5: Analyze Stakeholders

Boma identifies the key stakeholders involved:

• Local fishermen and their families
• Environmental activists and organizations
• Local government and policymakers
• The general community

She interviews local fishermen to understand their perspectives, speaks with environmental organizations to gather insights, and researches government policies related to waste management and environmental protection.

Step 6: Collect Data: Boma decides to gather data to support her understanding of the problem. She conducts surveys among community members to assess their awareness of plastic pollution. She also collects data on the types and quantities of plastic waste found in coastal areas.

Step 7: Synthesize Your Understanding: After months of research, interviews, and data collection, Boma synthesizes her understanding of the issue. She realizes that the problem is multifaceted. The community is aware of plastic pollution, but there's a lack of effective waste management and recycling programs. Fishermen are concerned about declining fish populations due to pollution, and they support initiatives for cleaner oceans.

Through her journey, Boma has not only identified her social problem of interest but has also gained a deep understanding of its complexity and the various perspectives and stakeholders involved. Armed with this knowledge, she is now ready to move forward and create a well-informed problem statement and an action plan to address plastic pollution in her coastal community.

❓ Can you now identify the steps needed to identify and understand your social problem of interest?

1. Choose an Area of Interest: Select an area of interest or a topic that you are passionate about or believe needs attention within your community or country.
2. Conduct Preliminary Research: Begin by conducting preliminary research to gather information about the chosen topic. Use reputable sources, such as academic journals, government reports, and news articles.
3. Define the Problem: Clearly define the social problem you've chosen. What are its key characteristics, and how does it impact society?
4. Contextualize Your Problem: Consider the historical, cultural, and geographical context in which this problem exists. How do these factors shape its perception and significance?
5. Analyze Stakeholders: Identify the key stakeholders involved or affected by this problem. What are their perspectives, interests, and roles in addressing the issue?
6. Collect Data: Collect relevant data and evidence to support your understanding of the problem. This might involve surveys, interviews, or analysis of existing data sets.
7. Synthesize Your Understanding: Summarize your findings and synthesize your understanding of the social problem. What have you learned, and what insights do you have?

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to comprehensively identifying and understanding your social problem of interest, which is a crucial foundation for crafting an effective problem statement.

In this section, we've explored not only the theoretical aspects of social problems but also provided practical guidance on identifying and understanding a specific social problem. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for the subsequent stages of addressing the problem in your community or country.

🪞 Reflection: After following Boma's journey in applying the steps to identify and understand a specific social problem, can you think of an issue in your own community or country that you are passionate about addressing? How might you apply the knowledge and steps discussed in this section to initiate positive change in that area?

Identifying Key Dimensions, Constraints, and Potential Impact Areas

In the previous section, you learned how to identify and understand your chosen social problem. Now, we will explore how to further characterize your problem statement by identifying key dimensions, understanding constraints, and assessing potential impact areas. These steps are critical for designing effective solutions that address the root causes and consequences of your chosen problem.

Key Dimensions of Problem Characterization

📺 Watch this video to learn more about the different aspects of a social problem.

Key dimensions are specific aspects or facets of your social problem that must be considered when developing a comprehensive problem statement. These dimensions help you understand the problem from multiple angles. Here's how to identify them:

1. Environmental Dimension: Consider how the problem affects the environment or is influenced by environmental factors. For instance, in Boma's case, plastic pollution has environmental dimensions related to its impact on marine ecosystems.
2. Social Dimension: Analyze the social aspects of the problem, including its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. In our example, plastic pollution affects local fishermen's livelihoods, a critical social dimension.
3. Economic Dimension: Examine the economic implications of the problem, such as costs to individuals, businesses, or the government. For Boma, the economic dimension includes the financial losses suffered by fishermen.
4. Cultural Dimension: Consider how the problem is tied to cultural values, traditions, or practices. In some cases, cultural dimensions may play a significant role in problem identification and solutions.
5. Political Dimension: Assess how political factors and policies contribute to or can address the problem. In Boma's case, government policies on waste management and environmental protection are relevant.

Recognizing Constraints and Limitations

Constraints are factors or limitations that may hinder the resolution of the social problem. While characterizing problem statements is a crucial step in the problem-solving process, it's equally important to recognize and address the constraints and limitations that may arise. These constraints can impact the feasibility and scope of potential solutions. In this subsection, we will explore the various constraints and limitations that can arise when characterizing problem statements. They include:

• Resource Constraints: Identify the resources (financial, human, or technological) available for addressing the problem. In many cases, resource limitations can be a significant constraint.

📖 Read this **blog** to learn more about resource constraints.

• Legal and Regulatory Constraints: These refer to laws, regulations, or policies that may impact your ability to address a social problem. Understanding these constraints is crucial for effective problem-solving. Explore any legal or regulatory barriers that may affect your ability to address the problem. These constraints may require changes in policy or advocacy efforts.
• Cultural and Social Constraints: Consider cultural or social norms that could inhibit change. These constraints may necessitate community engagement and awareness campaigns.
• Technical Constraints: Assess whether there are technical challenges or limitations in implementing solutions. Technical constraints may require innovative approaches or partnerships.

❓ Discussion Question: Think about a social problem that you're passionate about addressing. Can you identify and discuss potential constraints and limitations that you might encounter while characterizing the problem statement for this issue? How might you navigate or overcome these constraints to develop effective solutions? Share in the Padlet below.

Potential Impact Areas

These are the various aspects of society that are affected and may be influenced by your proposed solutions. Assessing these areas helps you anticipate the broader consequences of your actions. Here's how to analyze them:

1. Immediate Impact: Identify the immediate effects of your proposed solutions on the problem itself. For example, if Boma (see her story in section 9.2) initiates a beach cleanup campaign, the immediate impact may be reduced plastic pollution in coastal areas.
2. Secondary Impact: Consider the ripple effects of your solutions on related issues or stakeholders. In Boma's case, reduced plastic pollution may lead to increased fish populations, benefiting local fishermen economically.
3. Long-term Impact: Assess the sustainability of your solutions and their potential to address the problem over the long term. Boma's long-term impact might involve changing community behaviors and reducing plastic use.
4. Unintended Consequences: Be aware of unintended consequences that may arise from your solutions. In Boma's case, reducing plastic use might lead to an increase in the use of alternative materials with their own environmental challenges.

🪞 Reflection: Think about a social problem that you are passionate about solving. What are some potential impact areas of your proposed solutions? What are some immediate, secondary, long-term, and unintended consequences that you should consider? Share in the Padlet below.

Structuring Your Problem Statement

In the previous sections, you've explored the critical aspects of identifying, understanding, and recognizing constraints and limitations related to your chosen social problem. Now, in Section 9.4, we will focus on structuring your problem statement effectively. A well-structured problem statement serves as the foundation for developing solutions and driving meaningful change.

Before diving into the specifics of structuring a problem statement, it's essential to understand why a well-structured problem statement is crucial.

❓ Discussion: Why do you think it is important to have a well-structured problem statement? Share your answer in the Padlet below.

A problem statement provides a clear and concise description of the problem, guiding problem solvers in the development of solutions. It ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page, understanding the problem's nature and scope, which is essential for effective collaboration. A well-structured problem statement also helps in narrowing down the problem's focus, making it more manageable.

Imagine how frustrating it will be for a problem solver if there is no sense of focus and thorough understanding of the problem of interest.

Structuring a Problem Statement

Just like you learned in Section 9.1, a well-structured problem statement provides clarity and direction for your problem-solving efforts.

📺 Watch the videos below to learn how to structure your problem statement effectively.

From the videos, we learned that a problem statement is essentially a concise, clear, and concrete summary of the research problem you aim to address. It should be structured in a way that is straightforward, easy to read, and quickly convey what the problem is, why it's worth researching, and how you intend to approach it.

A problem statement should be structured in such a way that it covers four key areas (addresses these questions)

1. What Do We Know About the Problem: Demonstrating a thorough literature review and an understanding of the current state of knowledge.
2. What We Don't Know About the Problem: Highlighting research gaps and the contributions your study will make.
3. Why Do We Need to Know What We Don't Know: Emphasizing the significance and relevance of your study.
4. How Do We Want to Know It: Briefly outlining your research methodology and methods.

To further illustrate the concept of structuring problem statements effectively, let's examine real-world examples of well-structured problem statements from various fields, such as healthcare, education, and computer science.

Examples of Problem Statements

By applying the structure we just learned in the last two videos, we can write a well-structured problem statement. See the examples below;

Problem Statement 1: Telehealth Solutions for Rural Healthcare Access in Africa

What Do We Know About the Problem: Rural healthcare access remains a significant challenge in many African regions, with limited access to medical facilities and healthcare professionals. This issue has been documented in numerous healthcare reports.

What We Don't Know About the Problem: While the lack of healthcare access in rural areas is well-established, there's a need for innovative projects that directly address this problem. Initiatives that leverage telehealth solutions to provide remote medical consultations and healthcare information to rural populations are underexplored.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Implementing telehealth solutions for rural healthcare access in Africa is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing health disparities. Projects in this area will directly impact the health and well-being of underserved rural populations.

How Do We Want to Implement It: The project will focus on developing a telehealth platform accessible via smartphones, designed to connect rural communities with healthcare professionals through video consultations. Additionally, the project will provide healthcare education and resources via mobile apps to empower individuals to take charge of their health. Collaborations with local healthcare providers and NGOs will ensure the successful implementation of these telehealth solutions.

Problem Statement 2: Strengthening Cybersecurity in African Businesses

What Do We Know About the Problem: There's a growing threat of cyberattacks targeting businesses in Africa, which often exploit vulnerabilities in software and systems. These attacks lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage, as highlighted in various reports.

What We Don't Know About the Problem: While the cybersecurity challenge is recognized, there's a gap in practical projects that address this issue for African businesses. Specifically, there's a need for initiatives that enhance the cybersecurity posture of businesses, considering resource constraints and the unique threat landscape in African countries.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Strengthening cybersecurity in African businesses is essential for safeguarding sensitive data, promoting economic growth, and building trust in digital transactions. Implementing projects in this area will directly protect businesses and support the continent's digital transformation.

How Do We Want to Implement It: We propose a project that involves providing cybersecurity assessments and training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. This project will focus on identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, thereby enhancing the overall cybersecurity resilience of African businesses.

Problem Statement 3: Creating Accessible Digital Learning Environments for African Students

What Do We Know About the Project: Many African students face barriers to accessing digital learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities. Research and reports have highlighted this issue and the impact of the digital divide on students' academic progress.

What We Don't Know About the Project: While the digital divide is a known problem, there's a need for practical projects that provide accessible digital learning environments for African students. Initiatives that focus on delivering affordable devices, internet connectivity, and localized educational content remain underexplored.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Creating accessible digital learning environments is vital for ensuring that all African students have equal opportunities for quality education. Implementing projects in this area will directly support students' learning and educational outcomes.

How Do We Want to Implement It: We propose a project that aims to provide students in underserved communities with affordable tablet devices preloaded with educational content relevant to their curriculum. Additionally, we will collaborate with local internet service providers to offer subsidized internet connectivity for students. This project will create accessible digital learning environments and promote educational equity among African students.

Another way to structure your problem statement is to ensure that it includes all of the relevant components. See the examples below.

Project 4: Enhancing Digital Financial Inclusion in African Communities

Problem Definition: The challenge involves addressing the existing limited access to formal banking and financial services in many African communities, particularly those in rural areas.

Scope and Boundaries: This project will focus on the development and implementation of a mobile banking application tailored to African communities. It aims to provide access to basic banking services, facilitate digital payments, and offer financial education resources.

Context: The problem is influenced by factors such as geographical remoteness, limited infrastructure, and disparities in digital literacy levels among the population.

Impact and Significance: The limited financial inclusion restricts economic opportunities, perpetuates poverty, and hinders financial transactions and savings for underserved individuals and communities.

Stakeholders: Key stakeholders include underserved individuals and communities in African rural areas, local banking institutions, regulatory bodies, and community organizations.

Constraints and Limitations: This project must address constraints such as limited rural internet access, regulatory considerations, and the need for widespread adoption of the mobile banking application among the target population.

The problem statement can also be written without the bullet points in a personalized manner like this:

The challenge that drives my project is the pervasive lack of access to formal banking and financial services in numerous African communities, especially those situated in remote rural areas. My project is dedicated to the creation and implementation of a tailored mobile banking application designed specifically for the unique needs and circumstances of African communities. The primary objectives of this application are to grant individuals access to essential banking services, streamline digital payment processes, and offer comprehensive financial education resources. This challenge is deeply influenced by the geographical remoteness of these communities, which often hinders access to traditional banking infrastructure. Additionally, disparities in digital literacy levels across the population further compound the problem. The limited financial inclusion in these areas acts as a significant barrier, obstructing economic opportunities and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Moreover, it hampers the ability of underserved individuals and communities to engage in secure financial transactions and savings. The success of my project hinges on the collaboration and engagement of key stakeholders, including the underserved individuals and communities residing in African rural areas who will benefit from improved financial access. Additionally, local banking institutions, regulatory bodies, and community organizations will play pivotal roles in this endeavor. To effectively address this issue, my project must navigate numerous challenges, such as limited rural internet access, regulatory considerations that vary across regions, and the necessity of ensuring widespread adoption of the mobile banking application among the target population.

A problem statement can also be written in simple language, as shown below:

I want to help people in African communities, especially in rural areas, who don't have easy access to banks or financial services. I'm working on making a special mobile banking app for them. This app will let them do basic banking stuff, like sending money and paying bills using their phones. It will also teach them about money. This problem is mainly because these places are far away from cities, and not everyone knows how to use digital technology. It keeps people poor and makes it hard for them to use money safely. People who care about this are the folks in these rural areas, the banks, the government, and some groups trying to help. But we face challenges like slow internet in these areas, rules that are different in different places, and making sure everyone in these communities can use the app.

These three variations of the problem statement on enhancing digital financial inclusion in Africa all have the same key components.

🤔 Can you identify these key components?

In this section, we've explored the significance of a well-structured problem statement and the key components that make it effective. A carefully structured problem statement is a critical tool for problem solvers, serving as a roadmap for designing solutions that address the root causes of social issues.

🪞 Reflection: Reflect on the importance of a well-structured problem statement. How do you think a clear and concise problem statement can impact the success of a project or initiative aimed at solving a social issue? Share your answers in the Padlet below.

Lesson 9 has brought us a long way in understanding how to characterize a problem statement effectively. We've learned about the importance of defining the problem clearly, setting boundaries, considering context, understanding its impact, identifying stakeholders, and recognizing constraints.

As we wrap up this lesson, remember that the ability to craft a precise and well-structured problem statement is a valuable skill, not just in this course but in your future endeavors. In the final week of this course, you will have the opportunity to apply all that you've learned and craft your own problem statement. You will also receive guidance and feedback to help you refine it. This statement will serve as the foundation for any project or initiative you undertake in your academic and professional journey.

So, stay engaged, keep practicing, and get ready to put your problem characterization skills to the test. Your ability to define and understand a problem effectively is a key step toward finding innovative and impactful solutions.

Finalizing Problem Statement and Reflective Practice

Introduction

📺 Watch the following video from your instructor to learn about what you will be studying in week 10.

Week Overview

Welcome to the final week of our Engineering for Development Course, Week 10! This week is all about fine-tuning your problem statement, which is like the compass guiding your learning journey at Kibo. You've laid the groundwork in Lesson 9, where you learned to define your problem statement with precision. Now, in Lesson 10, we'll build upon that foundation. We'll dive deep into the art of refining, taking the research and insights you've gathered over the weeks and molding them into a crystal-clear, concise, and well-structured problem statement.

Once you've polished your problem statement, Section 10.2 will show you how to present and defend it like a pro. Effective communication of your problem statement is key to getting support from important stakeholders. We'll explore various techniques to not only convey your refined problem statement but also defend it eloquently when questions come your way. Remember, your problem statement is your ticket to solving real-world issues effectively.

In Section 10.3, we'll take a moment to reflect on your journey. Think about how you've grown personally and professionally throughout this course. What new skills and knowledge have you gained? How can you apply them in your engineering career? It's not just the end of a course; it's the beginning of a path where your abilities as a problem solver can make a big difference.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Refine the problem statement based on comprehensive research, insights gained throughout the course, and feedback received.
• Present and defend the problem statement in a structured format, showcasing a deep understanding of the problem's complexity and potential for innovative solutions.
• Reflect on personal growth and learning journey throughout the course, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and future opportunities for applying the acquired knowledge and skills.
• Discuss and envision future possibilities and challenges in the field of social entrepreneurship, considering the potential for transformative impact and sustainable development outcomes.

Refining Problem Statements Based on Research

As you have progressed through this course, you've learned the importance of crafting a clear and well-structured problem statement. Now, it's time to take your problem statement to the next level by incorporating research findings and valuable insights.

Evaluating Existing Research

To begin, you'll explore how to evaluate existing research relevant to your chosen problem. By reviewing what others have discovered, you can gain a deeper understanding of the problem's nuances, its historical context, and potential solutions that have been explored.

📺 Watch the following video lecture on evaluating research. (click link below to watch the video)

Lecture 15: Evaluating Research Articles

From the video, we learned that research articles are valuable sources of information. The information in these articles can help you better understand and articulate your problem of interest. You can find good research articles from a number of sources:

• Academic Libraries: Most colleges and universities have extensive databases of scholarly journals and research articles. Check your institution's library website for resources.
• Online Databases: Consider using databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for comprehensive searches.
• Open Access Publishers: Platforms like Plus PLoS offer a wide range of open-access research articles.

Websites are also common sources of information. However, not all websites are reliable. Use these criteria to evaluate websites:

• Recency: Is the website up-to-date?
• Relevance: Does the website relate to your topic?
• Authority: Who authored the page, and are they affiliated with reputable institutions?
• Accuracy: Can the information be verified and independently reviewed?
• Purpose: What is the website's intended purpose, and are there any biases or advertisements?

So what happens after you find an article that is relevant to your problem of interest?

The next thing is to read it effectively by following these steps:

• Start General: Begin by reading the title, abstract, and headings to get an overview of the article.
• Skim Introduction and Conclusion: Review the introduction and conclusion to understand the big picture.
• Define Unfamiliar Terms: Look up any unfamiliar terms to ensure comprehension.
• Examine Tables and Figures: Pay attention to tables and figures as they help you understand the collected data.
• Analyze Methods and Results: Focus on variables measured, hypotheses, and study findings.
• Read Again: Reading the article multiple times can help you absorb all the information effectively.

📺 Watch the following videos on conducting a thorough literature review.

A literature review is essentially a comprehensive summary and analysis of existing research on a particular topic. In your context, a good literature review can serve 3 important functions:

1. Identifying existing knowledge about the problem: They help you discover what is already known about your chosen topic. This is crucial as it prevents you from duplicating research that has already been conducted.
2. Providing critical insights: Literature reviews offer a critical evaluation of existing research related to the problem. By examining methodologies, findings, and arguments, they allow you to assess the quality and validity of previous studies.
3. Identifying Gaps in Knowledge: One of the key benefits of a literature review is pinpointing gaps in current knowledge. This provides an opportunity for you to contribute something original to your field of study.

Here are the steps involved in conducting a literature review:

Step 1: Search for relevant literature on your topic in this case the problem of interest

Step 2: Evaluate and select sources

Step 3: Identify themes, debates, and gaps. As you read through your selected sources, it's crucial to take notes and identify the following elements:

• Trends and patterns in theory, methodology, or results.
• Key themes addressed across various sources.
• Debates or contradictions among different studies.
• Influential studies that have shaped the field.
• Gaps or areas where further research is needed.

Step 4: Outline your literature review's structure. The structure of your literature review can vary depending on what you discover during your research and your specific objectives. There are four common approaches used to organize the literature:

• Chronological: Organize sources from older to more recent publications.
• Thematic: Group sources based on key themes or topics.
• Methodological: Compare and contrast research methods used in different studies.
• Theoretical: Discuss opposing theories or models

Step 5: Start writing. This involves writing the introduction, main body and conclusion to sum up the main points, discuss the implications of the literature, and suggest areas for future research.

🪞 Reflection: Think about a real-world problem you've encountered, either personally or in your community. How do you believe incorporating research and insights could have improved the problem statement for that issue? Share your answers on the Padlet below.

Gathering First-Hand Insights

In addition to reviewing existing research, there are times you will need to gather first-hand insights. This involves engaging with key stakeholders, conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups, and immersing yourself in the real-world context of the problem.

Read Ope's Quest for Literacy Insights

Ope is a Computer Science student in a bustling town in Nigeria. She was deeply concerned about the low literacy levels in her country, particularly among children in underserved communities. She was determined to make a positive impact but knew she needed to gather firsthand insights to truly understand the problem. Ope had to take several steps to gather the required insights.

Step 1 - Identifying the Problem: Ope began her journey by identifying the problem. She researched literacy statistics in Nigeria and learned that a significant number of children struggled with reading and writing. This alarming issue fueled her passion to make a change.

Step 2 - Formulating Questions: To gather firsthand insights, Ope knew she needed to ask the right questions. She reached out to her college professors and mentors for guidance on crafting effective questions that would help her understand the root causes of low literacy rates. She learned the importance of open-ended questions that encouraged people to share their experiences.

Step 3 - Engaging with Stakeholders: Ope realized that she needed to connect with the people directly affected by the issue. She visited a local school in an underserved community where she met with teachers, parents, and students. She engaged them in heartfelt conversations about their experiences with literacy and education.

Step 4 - Observing and Immersing Herself: Understanding the problem required more than just asking questions. Ope spent time observing classrooms, reading sessions, and community events related to education. She immersed herself in the daily lives of those she sought to help.

Step 5 - Recording Findings: Ope diligently recorded her observations, interviews, and conversations. She kept detailed notes, captured photographs, and even recorded some of the heartfelt stories she heard. These records would later serve as valuable insights for her project.

Step 6 - Analyzing and Recognizing Patterns: Back at university, Ope spent hours analyzing her findings. She recognized patterns in the stories she had gathered. It became evident that limited access to reading materials, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of parental involvement were common themes contributing to low literacy rates.

Step 7 - Seeking Expert Advice: To ensure she was on the right track, Ope sought advice from literacy experts and researchers. They helped her validate her findings and provided valuable perspectives on potential solutions.

Step 8 - Refining Her Problem Statement: Armed with her firsthand insights, Ope was now better equipped to refine her problem statement. She understood the complexities and nuances of the low literacy issue in her country, which would guide her in developing targeted and effective solutions.

Ope's journey to gather firsthand insights was not just an academic pursuit; it was a deeply personal mission. She knew that by understanding the problem from the ground up, she would be better prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those struggling with literacy in her country.

❓ Discussion: What specific steps or strategies employed by Ope do you think are essential when gathering first-hand insights into a social issue, and how can these steps help you better understand and address a problem you care about?

How to Refine Your Problem Statement

Refining your problem statement is a critical phase in the process of addressing a social issue effectively. In the previous subsection, you learned about the importance of gathering research and insights to inform your problem statement. Here, we will delve into the practical strategies and considerations for refining that statement. This phase is where you sharpen the focus, clarity, and relevance of your problem statement, ensuring that it serves as a strong foundation for your subsequent actions and initiatives.

Clarify Your Problem Statement

The first step in refining your problem statement is to clarify it. You've likely gathered a wealth of research and firsthand insights, which may have introduced complexities and multiple perspectives. It's essential to sift through this information and ensure that your problem statement remains concise and clear. Ask yourself:

1. Is the problem clearly defined? Ensure that the issue you're addressing is explicitly stated.
2. Have you removed any ambiguities or jargon? Make sure your statement is accessible to a broader audience.
3. Is the scope well-defined? Clearly specify the boundaries of your problem to prevent it from becoming too broad or unfocused.

📖 Read the following article for more insight on clarifying your problem statement.

To make your problem statement crystal clear, you need to spot the essential ideas in it. Sometimes, when you first describe an issue, you might use words or phrases that leave people scratching their heads. To fix this, check out the main things in your statement - the who or what (subjects), the actions (verbs), and the affected persons or things (objects). Make these words clear by giving them simple explanations. Clear definitions help you when you dive into research. They let you look into existing studies with confidence. Plus, as you read up on your topic, you'll get smart insights that help you fine-tune your research goals and questions. So, finding and defining the big ideas in your initial problem statement is the key to getting things clear and focused.

Incorporate Research Findings

This is the next step in refining your problem statement. The insights and data you've gathered through research play a crucial role in refining your problem statement. Here's how to incorporate research findings effectively:

• Highlight relevant research findings: Identify key insights from your research that directly relate to the problem.
• Support your problem statement: Use research data and statistics to substantiate the existence and significance of the problem.
• Consider contrasting perspectives: Acknowledge different viewpoints or findings from your research that may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Address the 'Why'

A refined problem statement should clearly convey why it's essential to address the issue. To do this:

• You have to emphasize the significance: Explain why solving this problem matters, both in the short term and long term.
• Highlight the consequences: Discuss the potential negative consequences of leaving the problem unaddressed.
• Connect to your mission: Relate the problem to your overall mission or goal for addressing the social issue.

🪞 Reflection: Think about a social problem that you are passionate about solving. Why is it important to address this problem? What are the potential consequences of leaving it unaddressed?

Share you thoughts in the padlet below.

Involve Stakeholders

Stakeholder engagement is pivotal in refining your problem statement. Engaging with those directly affected by the problem can provide invaluable input. You can do this in a number of ways:

• Collecting stakeholder feedback. This will involve you seeking input from the individuals, communities, or organizations affected by the issue.
• Incorporating their perspectives. You can use their collective insights and suggestions to refine and clarify your problem statement.
• Ensuring representation. This means striving for diverse representation among stakeholders to capture a comprehensive range of perspectives.

Stay Adaptable and Seek Feedback

Remaining adaptable is vital in refining your problem statement, as it should be able to evolve with changing circumstances. Stay informed about new developments, research updates, and shifting insights related to your problem, and be open to revising your statement to align with the most current understanding of the issue. Keep the lines of communication open with stakeholders, ensuring your problem statement remains relevant and responsive. Seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or experts in your field is equally essential. Their constructive input can be invaluable in refining your problem statement until it resonates effectively with your target audience.

Refining your problem statement is a dynamic and iterative process that requires a combination of clarity, research integration, stakeholder involvement, and adaptability. A well-refined problem statement sets the stage for effective problem-solving initiatives and lays the groundwork for creating positive social impact. In the following sections, we'll explore how to translate your refined problem statement into actionable strategies and projects.

❓ Activity

Problem Statement: ”Many residents of a rural village lack access to clean drinking water, leading to health concerns and a daily struggle for clean water sources.”

Consider the problem statement above and imagine you're a researcher working on a project to tackle the problem of access to clean drinking water in a rural village. You've gathered research findings and insights from the local community.

How would you apply the strategies discussed in this section to refine the problem statement above based on the gathered information? Describe the steps you'd take and the potential impact of this refinement on the project's success.

In conclusion, refining your problem statement is a dynamic and iterative process. It requires a combination of clarity, research integration, stakeholder involvement, and adaptability. A well-refined problem statement sets the stage for effective problem-solving initiatives and lays the groundwork for creating positive social impact.

Presenting and Defending Problem Statements

Once you've meticulously refined your problem statement, the next crucial step is to present and defend it in a structured format. This skill is essential for effectively conveying the importance and feasibility of your chosen problem to various stakeholders, including peers, mentors, potential collaborators, or funding entities. A well-structured presentation and defense of your problem statement not only clarify your objectives but also garner support and resources for your proposed solutions.

📺 Watch the following video to learn about the recipe for good communication.

❓ Discuss: In the video you just watched, effective communication was compared to preparing a delicious meal with specific ingredients. How do you think the balance between clarity, brevity, context, impact, and value changes depending on the audience and situation? Can you provide examples of when you might prioritize one ingredient over others, and why?

How to Present Your Problem Statement

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to present and defend your problem statement in a structured format:

1. Introduction: Start by introducing the problem succinctly. Provide a brief overview that helps your audience understand the context of the issue you aim to address.
2. Explain the Impact: Describe who is directly affected by the problem and how they are affected. It's essential to elucidate the real-world consequences of not addressing the problem. Highlight the pain points and challenges faced by those impacted.
3. Identify the Root Cause: Dive deeper into the problem by pinpointing its root cause. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to the issue is crucial for crafting effective solutions. Be as precise as possible in identifying this cause.
4. Connect to Your Mission or Goal: Clearly articulate the connection between the problem you've identified and your broader mission or goal. Explain why addressing this specific problem is integral to your mission and how it aligns with your vision for positive change.
5. Be Prepared to Answer Questions: Anticipate questions that your audience may have regarding your problem statement. Be well-prepared to respond to these inquiries, providing clear and concise answers. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the issue is crucial in building trust and credibility.

When presenting and defending your problem statement, remember that clarity and conciseness are paramount. Your audience should leave with a clear understanding of the problem, its significance, and your commitment to addressing it. Additionally, cultivating the ability to effectively communicate your problem statement is a valuable skill that can open doors to collaboration, funding opportunities, and support from individuals and organizations who share your passion for creating positive social change.

Presentation Styles For Problem Statements

Presentations are a powerful tool for conveying information, inspiring action, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Just like a well-told story, a well-structured presentation can captivate your listeners from start to finish.

Effective presentation of problem statements is crucial to garner support, understanding, and engagement from various stakeholders. Whether you're addressing a team, pitching to investors, or presenting to a community, these presentation techniques can help you convey your problem statement convincingly

📺 Watch the following video to learn about different ways you can structure your presentation of the problem statement.

From the video, we learn that there are multiple ways to structure your presentation. They include:

1. Fact and Story: This structure blends facts with stories to maintain audience engagement. It begins with presenting the current situation (the facts) and then transitions into potential improvements through storytelling. Finally, it outlines actionable steps for change.
2. Explanation: This style is ideal for informing about a process or creating plans. It starts by setting the stage, introducing a problem or challenge, and then provides a clear roadmap to the solution.
3. The Pitch: This involves presenting an idea to solve a problem or enhance something. It starts with setting up the scenario, addressing challenges, and offering multiple solutions backed by evidence and storytelling.
4. Drama: This structure follows a main character or group through trials and tribulations before ending with an inspiring success story.
5. Situation Complication Resolution: This begins with a neutral statement, introduces a complication, and then presents a resolution backed by facts and statistics.
6. Situation Opportunity Resolution: This style follows a similar pattern to the previous one but frames the problem as an opportunity rather than an issue. However, it's crucial to include a compelling story to prevent the audience from feeling that the solution is too easy.
7. Hook, Meat, and Payoff: This structure relies heavily on storytelling and begins with a captivating hook to grab the audience's attention. It then delves into the details (the meat) through lists or timelines and concludes with an inspiring payoff that references the presentation's beginning.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine that you are given the opportunity to present to a group of famous people, such as your favorite celebrities, athletes, or entrepreneurs. What presentation style would you choose? Why?

Barriers to Effective Presentation

An effective presentation is crucial for conveying ideas, information, and messages successfully. However, there are several barriers that can hinder the effectiveness of your presentation. Identifying these barriers and finding ways to overcome them is essential for achieving your communication goals.

📖 Read the following LinkedIn article to learn more about these presentation barriers.

Here are some common barriers to effective presentation:

1. Lack of Clarity: Presenters may struggle to articulate their message clearly, leading to confusion among the audience. Ambiguity or complex language can obstruct understanding.
2. Poor Organization: Disorganized presentations with no clear structure can make it challenging for the audience to follow the content and grasp the key points.
3. Overloading with Information: Presenters sometimes provide excessive information, overwhelming the audience. This can lead to information overload and a lack of focus on the most critical points.
4. Lack of Engagement: A lack of audience engagement, such as not encouraging questions or discussion, can result in a one-sided presentation that fails to connect with the audience.
5. Technical Issues: Technical problems with equipment, slides, or audiovisual aids can disrupt the flow of a presentation and distract both the presenter and the audience.
6. Ineffective Visual Aids: Poorly designed or cluttered visual aids can confuse the audience rather than enhance understanding. Visuals should be clear and complementary to the spoken content.
7. Lack of Relevance: Presentations that do not address the specific needs or interests of the audience may fail to capture their attention or motivate them to engage with the content.
8. Lack of Confidence: Nervousness or a lack of confidence in public speaking can affect the presenter's delivery and overall impact.
9. Reading Directly from Slides: Reading the content directly from slides can be monotonous and unengaging. It also diminishes the role of the presenter.
10. Time Management: Running out of time or exceeding the allocated time can disrupt the flow of the presentation and leave critical points unaddressed.
11. Ignoring Non-Verbal Communication: Presenters who disregard non-verbal cues from the audience, such as signs of confusion or disinterest, may miss opportunities to adjust their approach.
12. Language and Cultural Barriers: Language barriers or cultural differences can impede effective communication, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
13. Overuse of Jargon: Using technical jargon or industry-specific language that the audience is unfamiliar with can alienate listeners and make the content inaccessible.

🪞 Reflection: Imagine that you are a software engineer at a tech company, and you are tasked with presenting and defending a new software feature to the product team. The feature is designed to improve the user experience of the company's flagship product. What are some of the challenges you might face in presenting and defending your problem statement, and how would you overcome them?

Reflecting on Your Journey – Celebrating Your Growth

In this section, you embark on a reflective journey, looking back at the personal growth and learning that has unfolded throughout this course. This section is an opportunity for you to pause and contemplate the transformation that has taken place as you've worked through the process of addressing a social problem. Let's delve into the importance of this reflection and what you can gain from it.

📺 Watch the following video to learn about how reflection leads to personal growth.

Self-reflection is a powerful tool that plays a significant role in shaping one's personal growth. It involves the ability to critically examine oneself, assess one's actions, and learn from past experiences.

As you reflect on your journey, consider these five key aspects:

1. Recognizing Your Journey

Your journey in addressing social problems has been a transformative one. Take a moment to recognize and appreciate the personal growth you've experienced. Identify three specific areas where you've seen significant development during this course. Whether it's in your knowledge, skills, or mindset, reflect on how these changes have impacted your perspective and approach to social issues.

2. Overcoming Challenges

Challenges are an integral part of any journey, and yours has been no exception. Recall a significant challenge you encountered during this course. Dive deep into your strategies for overcoming it. Reflect on how this experience tested your resilience and honed your problem-solving skills. Consider how you've emerged from this challenge stronger and more equipped for future endeavors.

3. Celebrating Achievements

Celebrate your journey's milestones, both big and small. List three achievements or milestones you've reached in addressing social problems. Think about the emotions and sense of accomplishment that accompanied these moments. How can you harness this positive energy to propel yourself forward, using your past successes as a source of motivation and determination?

4. Discovering Yourself

Beyond the academic or professional aspects, this journey has been an exploration of your own identity and capabilities. Reflect on a moment when you discovered a new facet of yourself or uncovered a hidden talent. Consider how this self-discovery has influenced your path and aspirations. How can you leverage this newfound understanding of yourself as you continue your journey?

5. Setting New Goals and Embracing Lifelong Learning

Reflect on how your goals have evolved as a result of your experiences in this course. Describe a goal or aspiration that has either changed or emerged anew. What motivates this shift? What steps can you take to pursue this new direction? Setting clear goals for your future journey is essential for staying focused and motivated.

🪞 These five key points guide your reflection on the personal growth and learning that has unfolded throughout your journey in addressing social problems. Embrace this reflective process to gain insights and share your experiences with others in the Padlet below.

Remember that reflecting on your journey is a valuable practice. Recognize your growth, celebrate your achievements, and set new goals. Each step of this course has contributed to your development as a computer scientist for social change. Stay connected with your fellow changemakers and keep the flame of curiosity burning bright as you continue your lifelong journey of learning and impact.

Congratulations on completing the Engineering for Development Course! Your commitment to creating positive social impact through the use of technology is commendable. The skills and knowledge you've gained will undoubtedly empower you to tackle real-world challenges effectively. Now, go forth and make a difference!

Best of luck with your endeavors in engineering for social change!