Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Application of a Systems Thinking Approach An understanding and use of relevant systems thinking tools and concepts to research, mapping and describing the system in order to present a holistic view of the complex challenge. This includes identifying interconnections, interrelationships, patterns, events and behaviour that produce the challenge.
- Understanding the Challenge Landscape An understanding of the challenge, root causes, symptoms, and a portrayal of what is holding the status quo in place. This includes identifying key stakeholders affected by the challenge (directly and indirectly), the relationships among them, power dynamics between those impacted, those furthering the challenge, and those with the most power to create change.
- Understanding the Existing Solution Efforts An understanding of the existing solution efforts to mitigate the challenge (both local and global efforts), as well as an examination of the links between different solution efforts. These efforts may include business, government, non-profit, or tangential efforts.
- Identification of Gaps and Levers of Change The identification of potential leverage points from which to shift the systems and ideas for what might be missing that could positively impact change. This can include enhancements to current efforts, improvements to government, business, non-profits, researchers, and other actors, or new initiatives. Ideas should be based on lessons learned from solution efforts in other areas or potential tangential challenges, focus 12 areas which seem overlooked, or systems change models which have not been applied to your chosen challenge.
- Key Insights and Lessons Learned The identification of lessons learned in the system analysis and insights gathered from research conducted on the challenge. Lessons shared are very valuable, deep and include self-reflection on any assumptions tested or opinions changed, demonstrating a learned experience. Lessons identified should be insightful, user-friendly and are possible points of action for anyone working in this area.
A detailed scorecard will be shared with partner institutions and registered participants.
