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Storytelling Blog

1 in every 18 mothers die while giving birth. Women in Sierra Leone do not have direct access to healthcare due to barriers financially and geographically. Often women cannot access treatment for common illnesses that occur during pregnancy, like UTIs and preeclampsia. If not treated in time these illnesses become fatal. Ukweli Test Strips is a low-cost three-parameter urinalysis test strip to screen women for UTIs and preeclampsia across the healthcare system. Ukweli is specific to preeclampsia and UTIs, affordable costing $0.20 per patient and accessible for the women in Sierra Leone with an option to receive testing in the comfort of their homes by trusted community health workers. Ukweli Certified Workers become educated on the causes and symptoms of UTIs and preeclampsia to where they can use this knowledge, along with the Ukweli Test Strip to screen a woman and, if positive, give a referral to a hospital for treatment. 56 health units have been Ukweli certified leading to over 3,000 women getting screened for UTIs and preeclampsia. This is the start of a journey to lower the Sierra Leonean maternal mortality rate. With the help of our stakeholders, Ukweli will continue expanding their mission to lower the maternal mortality rate, not just in Sierra Leone but in other low-income countries.

Midsemester Presentation

TEN takeaways / lessons learned / things to do differently next time. 

 

1. Define that there is a difference between cervical cancer research and Ukweli, introduce it with more flow
2. Discuss plan for improving distribution and data collection
3. Go into what occurs post testing and more about actual testing process
4. Discuss successes during fieldwork not just the barriers to success
5. What did we learn from interviews at PHUs?
6. How does Ukweli utilize the grants?
7. Define how exactly Ukweli is making an impact
8. Improve on discussing finances and revenue model
9. Talk about who our stakeholders are and how we can benefit them and how they benefit us
10. Talk about results; what did we find from our publications and how are we applying and scaling Ukweli?

Cross Disciplinary Research for Students:

Cross Disciplinary Research for Students:

Make more opportunities for freshman research
Research work studies more available
Make a club fair thing for research (massive seminar)
Advertising research within broad spectrum classes
Specific funding for interdisciplinary research
Have a cross-discipline research requirement
Have interdisciplinary research basics class
Have cross-discipline requirements
Have a project-based class where students would pitch an idea and follow it through the class
Having a project-based seminar with a focus on creating groups of student across major
Having project based seminars that students from any background/major can join in terms of topics that interest them, with no prerequisites that bar anyone from joining. Sort of similar to the freshman seminars we have to take at the college of arts and sciences, except that when we were envisioning these seminars we were thinking them to be more project and research based. So students can learn research methods and implement them to answer a broad question that pertains to the topic of the seminar they decided to join.
Replacing formal assessments with research-based projects
Broadening the research/ identifying research by their impact.
Having a research TA (for a department) to teaching the new students how to do the research/background information
Advertise research opportunities in a more engaging way(???)]
Provide workshops for students to be hands-on/learn about research methods/opportunities
For current research opportunities: ask participants for feedback that will allow them to improve the curricular and make it engaging.
Expand funding for humanities research
Make the number of students engaging in research a valued statistic/place emphasis on doing research
Allow staff/professors from different departments to interact more (applies to students as well)
Focus more on problem solving rather than rote memorization in labs and classes
Make research opportunities available in the winter as well (not just during the summer)
Offer research classes during the school semester that account for major credit.

Step 2 & 3:

Cross-disciplinary research is important in a student’s experience as it allows them to interact with individuals who think differently as well as expand their area of interest and expertise. The major roadblocks to interdisciplinary research come from a lack of education on the opportunities available in other departments, students’ lack of knowledge of other fields’ research skills, and the lack of funding in interdisciplinary research. This divides itself into three solutions.

In order to educate students on the opportunities for research in other departments, the first step that Lehigh could take is to provide a club fair/seminar presenting all the opportunities that Lehigh has to offer. Doing so would make said research opportunities accessible to those within any major as they know that they exist. If these research opportunities were offered for major credit, this would increase participation as it would not interfere with other major requirements. Another incentive could be to offer a work study position in terms of these research

Prompt 2 and 3 Coalition Partners

DMs and WHI– this is our main partner in Sierra Leone. World hope has helped Ukweli get into Sierra Leone. DMs help with locating PHUs and Other helpful resources. The relationship between Ukweli and WHI is not symbiotic but it has such a relationship with Lehigh University. Lehigh brings new ideas while WHI provides lehigh projects such as our project(Ukweli) with resources on the ground.

The Manasary Foundation– this foundation focuses on maternal and child health and reducing maternal rate. This would be a strategic partner for Ukweli because the foundation shares a common goal which is reducing maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone. The foundation will also benefit from the partnership because Ukweli has utilized the community health network and the test strips are also inexpensive. The relationship will be symbiotic. They work Hand in hand with the community to bring about sustainable healthcare change to Sierra Leone. The Manasary foundation team can be contacted through email and social media platforms on their website.

Hope for Lives- in Sierra Leone supplies medical and surgical equipment and teaches the latest methods in patient care. If Ukweli can become implemented into this non-profit, it would provide more education about it.
Ways to engage: contact, email, or call them, utilize their website and social media platforms.
What will we get from this collaboration? We will be able to expand to other rural areas in Sierra Leone without additional costs as they have a volunteer network and that eliminates the pay for additional DMs.
What will they get from the collaboration? Inexpensive test strips that will be addressed as part of their mission.

Amref(Africa Health)– this would be a very good partner because it works to ensure that women everywhere can access the health services they need and that young girls can grow up healthy, educated, and empowered. Considering that Ukweli and Amref share a similar goal which is maternal health it would be a beneficial partnership. Amref has a high presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and tries to deliver health care to marginalized groups in Africa which is useful in expanding Ukweli Test strips. Ukweli’s product is useful in low resource settings hence helpful to Amref in helping marginalized communities such as women in rural sub-Saharan. The Amref team can easily be contacted through email. This relationship will be symbiotic because Ukweli will gain more popularity in return.

CARE– Has its sexual and reproductive health program present in about 30 percent of the communities in Sierra Leone, prioritizing implementation in districts with a high HIV burden and high rates of teenage pregnancy. Teenage mothers have riskier pregnancies and need to be monitored. The test strip would be a very useful device in checking for UTIs and Preeclampsia. Individuals with HIV are at an increased rate of UTI infections and therefore CARE would be interested in implementing the test strips. This will be a symbiotic partnership. As both CARE and Ukweli will both benefit from this partnership.

Grand challenges-Ukweli applied for a grant that GCC funded. They partnered with us to lower the maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone.
They helped Ukweli by providing funding and we helped them by being another social venture under their name, it looks good for their brand. Ukweli updates GCC Blog with the status of their venture after scaling.
This is not a symbiotic relationship because they provided us with physical benefits (money) but in return, they only received a small amount of publicity from Ukweli.
This partnership could be furthered by getting additional funding for scaling in Freetown.

Visuals

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zC2mKRtt8M9HDNWeQbbCl9SbzNwGa8g2/edit#slide=id.p5

 

Blog 5

Describe at least 5 partnerships with individuals and/or organizations that have been formed to support your project and that impact the success or failure of your venture. 

 

Partnerships:

• World Hope International
• Grand Challenges Canada
• Community Health Workers
• Distribution Managers
• PHUs

 

1. What constituted the partnership?
2. How did the partnership help you? How did you help them?
3. Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
4. What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?

 

WHI

1. WHI partners with Ukweli because we align with their mission of improving maternal health in Sierra Leone. Ukweli applies to its mission while also expanding its activities in Sierra Leone. 
2. They helped Ukweli with funding of an amount that matches the money from other grants. They have also connected us with a DM. Their name carries weight in Sierra Leone, and the relationship gives Ukweli a good connotation. They provide us with contacts who know the market and environment in the districts (e.i. The DMO). In return, Ukweli helped them by providing them with ways to expand and carry out their mission. WHI benefits from a novel test strip distribution system. 
3. I believe it is not a symbiotic relationship because WHI provides more; they provide connections, and good branding while we provide a project for them to have under their company. 
4. This partnership would strengthen if Ukweli had more income.

 

Grand Challenges Canada

1. Ukweli applied for a grant that GCC funded. They partnered with us to lower the maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone.  
2. They helped Ukweli by providing funding and we helped them by being another social venture under their name, it looks good for their brand. Ukweli updates GCC Blog with the status of their venture after scaling.
3. This is not a symbiotic relationship because they provided us with physical benefits (money) but in return, they only received a small amount of publicity from Ukweli.
4. This partnership could be furthered by getting additional funding for scaling in Freetown. 

 

Community Health Workers

1. Going into the community and selling the test strips, educating women on their health status
2. Community Health workers earn a small profit from selling test strips. CHWs give us a method of distribution and solve the point of care problem. 
3. This is a symbiotic relationship because they distribute the strip for Ukweli but also earn a small profit. 
4. Continuing to communicate with CHWs, ask them about the new needs of the community. 

 

Distribution Managers

1. The distribution managers applied to be part of the Ukweli team when the job search occurred. 
2. The DMs help us onboard other PHUs and distribute the test stips and we pay them a salary and commission based on their sales performance. 
3. This is a symbiotic relationship because the DMs earn a salary and Ukweli benefits by expanding into new PHUs and selling their strips. 
4. Continuing effective communication and clearly stating the expectations of both parties. Perhaps give greater incentives to motivate and improve sales performance. 

 

PHUs

1. The Ukweli distribution managers boarded the PHUs to host the product. 
2. The PHUs help Ukweli distribute the test strips to women in the communities and allow their workers to earn a small profit and test women to lower the maternal mortality rate. 
3. This is a symbiotic relationship because the PHUs host the product and benefit by helping their community and CHWs. 
4. We are continuing to onboard additional PHUs, keeping in communication with leaders at PHUs. 

 

2. For each of the 11 types of organizations we went over (and further defined in the SPTM article linked on Course site), find two examples of potential partners for your project and explain why they might be successful partnerships. 

 

1. Multilaterals

a). Amref(Africa Health)- this would be a very good partner because it works to ensure that women everywhere can access the health services they need and that young girls can grow up healthy, educated, and empowered. Considering that Ukweli and Amref share a similar goal which is maternal health it would be a beneficial partnership. Amref has a high presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and tries to deliver health care to marginalized groups in Africa which is useful in expanding Ukweli Test strips. Ukweli’s product is useful in low resource settings hence helpful to Amref in helping marginalized communities such as women in rural sub-Saharan

b). CARE- Has its sexual and reproductive health program present in about 30 percent of the communities in Sierra Leone, prioritizing implementation in districts with a high HIV burden and high rates of teenage pregnancy.

 

1. Government Agencies
   1. The Government of Sierra Leone; if Ukweli partners with the government, then we would be able to get our product on the list of required devices that a PHU must have. 
   2. The Ministry of Education would be a beneficial partner because if women get educated about UTIs and preeclampsia at a younger age, they will know the symptoms and get tested for it if they are educated about it. Information about Ukweli, UTIs and preeclampsia should be within the curriculum.

 

1. Non-Profits
   1. Hope for Lives in Sierra Leone supplies medical and surgical equipment and teaches the latest methods in patient care. If Ukweli can become implemented into this non-profit, it would provide more education about it.
   2. CARE in Sierra Leone: they have a sexual and reproductive health program and Ukweli would be a good product for them to adopt as it would expand our reach.

 

1. Foundations
   1. Aminata Maternal Foundation (AMF)-was established to improve maternal mortality outcomes for women and babies in Sierra Leone.
   2. The Manasary Foundation- this foundation focuses on maternal and child health and reducing maternal rate. This would be a strategic partner for Ukweli because the foundation shares a common goal. The foundation will also benefit from the partnership because Ukweli  has utilized the community health network and the test strips are also inexpensive.
2. Academia
   1. Collaborating with another university that is doing research surrounding maternal health in SL or Africa would be helpful to learn from each other’s approaches. Their insight could potentially expand our territory. They could introduce us to their partners if they have a similar venture in Sierra Leone. 
   2. Ukweli could involve more professors at Lehigh University that have experience with maternal health or Sierra Leone’s culture. If you consider the advisors on the referee panel, they usually have inspiring ideas and raise important questions/concerns. 
3. Social Ventures
   1. Partners in Health(PIH)- it is a social 
   2. Ayzh is a social venture in India that provides health kits and newborn kits for women at a low cost and has similar ideas to Ukweli. Partnering with them, a social venture with similar goals, would allow us to learn from each other and determine what works and doesn’t work with having a reliable low cost product.
4. Think Tanks
   1. GEANCO maternal and infant health- free prenatal care and anemia treatment for over 400 vulnerable pregnant women each month. They are currently situated in Nigeria and they could use an inexpensive product like the Ukweli Test Strips and Ukweli can gain –
   2. Rand corporation is a think tank that has a maternal health sector. This thinktank could collaborate with Ukweli with research and funding opportunities. Their focus on global maternal health could offer new ideas to the business model. 
5. K-12 System
   1. GEMS Education-is an international education company that has schools all over the world. They have school programs that focus on charity and voluntary work that better the lives of communities around the schools. This partnership would be beneficial to Ukweli as they would fund it in exchange for some sort of student participation.
   2. American International School Sierra Leone- they are also a growing K-12 in Africa and they also focus on charity and voluntary work that better the lives of the communities they are in.This partnership would be beneficial to Ukweli as they would fund it in exchange for some sort of student participation
6. Corporations
   1. BP corporation funds many global humanitarian relief projects. Ukweli would fit under the umbrella of their mission. Ukweli could use the funding to expand operations to Freetown. 
   2. Google funds charities, non-profit organizations, and ventures that help communities globally. Their mission to help communities around the world could fund Ukweli’s expansion as well. 
7. Consulting Firms
   1. Ukweli could seek the business of a local consulting firm that focuses on finances for non-profit organizations such as Andersen Global. This would help Ukweli manage the DM salary and other finances. More importantly, this firm would help Ukweli keep the test strips affordable and the business become self-staining. 
   2. Ukweli could partner with a consulting firm in Sierra Leone or another low-income country to help us navigate the market effectively to distribute our product with our scale and size. 
8. Startups 
   1.  NYAGI project_it is a startup situated in Sierra Leone. It aims to reduce the maternal and child mortality rate in Sierra Leone. This is the same goal as Ukweli project
   2. Health Poverty Action- believes maternal health is particularly significant because of the far-reaching impacts it has on families and communities. They mainly focused on Maasai girls/women in Kenya who undergo FGM  and are easily prone to UTIs. The Ukweli test Strips which tests for UTIs and Preeclampsia would be very useful to this startup. This will be beneficial to Ukweli as well because its use will then be spread.

 

Case study 4

Part 1

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state the ethical issue. 

• Contractors that manufacture Spikey’s shoes in Cambodia employ children under the age of 12 at their facilities → while 1 contractor restricts work to 20 hours a week with some benefits, the other 2 contractors expect 60 hours a week with no benefits
• Spikey insisting that these contractors follow Cambodian law and is also using PR to contain fallout 
• Spikey is legally in the right 
• Though Ugochi would have to compromise morals if she continued relations with Spikey, she’d still achieve her goals of helping children independently. 
• SYE-T- was founded for the sole purpose  of ‘targeting’ vulnerable youth

 

Ethical Decision #1&2 : Should Ugochi continue relations with Spikey despite ethical decisions made by the company (employing children in questionable working conditions)? 

 

Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome 

• Spikey
• Ugochi
• Mr. Mikey 
• At-risk youth
• Women on the soccer teams

 

Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders 

• Spikey – 
  • Good press, good investment opportunity
• Ugochi – 
  • Concerned with helping underprivileged children 
  • Economic incentive 
  • Praise from society 
• Soccer players – 
  • Increase in professional development 
  • A chance to gain public recognition 
  •  Conditioning 
• Mr. Mikey – 
  • Saves face for Spikey 
  • Encourages future sponsorships and partnerships 
• At-risk youth – able to gain benefits of SYE-T program (such as leadership workshops and having fun playing soccer) 

 

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using basic ethical core values as guide Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action] • Potential solution • Ethical Principle or code • Pros • Cons 

 

Solution 1: Make the issue public so others can help the children; bring awareness to issue

Ethical code: Moral

 

Pros: The operations of SYE-T will not go against their beliefs and ethical standards. Bring more attention to the problem of child labor in Cambodia and other countries. 

Cons: Lose funding from Spikey, may face major backlash from their powerful PR team, SYE-T would have to largely shrink in operations, doesn’t actually stop child labor occurring in Cambodia

 

Solution 2: Continue working with Spikey and do not address the issue 

 

Ethical code: Duty based

Pros: The level of sponsorship will increase 

Cons: Goes against social enterprise

 

Solution 3: :Utilize the funds being offered by Spikey contingent on Spikey’s commitment to motivating contractors not offering children alternative support in return for their pay, to do so. If the company doesn’t agree at this point, an agreement can be made to discuss this further and potentially considered in strategic planning

 

Ethical code: Consequence (?)

Pros: 

1. Keeps 80% of funding (if they agree) 
2. Contribute to the organization’s overall mission of helping children, though perhaps not in the way originally envisioned 

Cons: 

1. Spikey may withdraw from their partnership because they may not want to give up their children laborers

 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

• There are ways to address the issues of child labor without losing the funding from Spikey. There could be donations made to organizations that support children of Cambodia, for example. 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values. Explain reasoning and justify. Discuss your stance vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in the class. 

 

Utilize the funds being offered by Spikey contingent on Spikey’s commitment to motivating contractors not offering children alternative support in return for their pay, to do so. If the company doesn’t agree at this point, an agreement can be made to discuss this further and potentially considered in strategic planning. 

 

This does two things, it ensures immeidate funding while addressing child labor concenrs, at a little date. If an agreeable amount of funds can be dedicated towards restructuring  the to account for the original missions and ending concerning working conditions its mutually beneficial. 

 

In terms of including women in the tournament, we could propose sponsoring another revenue-bearing event that would show there is a market for women’s soccer.

 

Step 7: (If applicable) What are the implications of your solution on the venture. Explain the impact of your proposed solution on the venture’s technology, economic, social and environmental aspects.

 

Utilize the funds being offered by Spikey contingent on Spikey’s commitment to motivating contractors not offering children alternative support in return for their pay, to do so. If the company doesn’t agree at this point, an agreement can be made to discuss this further and potentially considered in strategic planning

 

Part 2

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible 

• If  Ugochi decides to discontinue relations with Spikey, thousands of youth and their coaches will be affected negatively
• Spikey (Nike) is SYE_T main donor, 80% of the funds
• SYE_T will have to scale down if Spikey backs out
• Some youth in SYE_T were caught smoking weed and Spikey claims that it doesn’t look good on Spikey
• Spikey wants to Ugochi to change the participation age of youth in SYE_T to 18+
• Spikey wants women to be excluded from participating and get them involved as cheerleaders instead

 

Step 2: Define the problem and the stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome 

• Problem:
  • Mr Mikey avoided answering any questions about the Cambodia scandal, so Ugochi is still unsure about what is actually happening
  • Mr Mikey and Senior Management want to change what the tournament is
    • Only include men over the age of 18
    • Women only allowed as cheerleaders
  • If these demands aren’t met, Mr Mikey threatens to pull funding, which makes up 80% of Ugochi’s funding and devastate her organization
  • Ugochi has to choose between keeping to her values and those of the organization but losing major funding and having to scale back heavy, or lose her values and those of the organization and keep the funding and scale
• Stakeholders:
  • Spikey 
  • Mr Mikey
  • Ugochi
  • The youth involved with SYE_T
  • Women on the soccer teams – They want to play soccer, but wouldn’t be able to with the change proposed by Mr. Mikey, they’d also benefit from the program and workshops

 

Step 3: Determine and distinguish between the personal and professional motivations of the stakeholders

• Spikey:
  • Personal Motivations → to look good to the general public
  • Professional Motivations → to make more money
• Mr Mikey:
  • Personal Motivations → to look to his superiors that he is doing his job
  • Professional Motivations → To advance the interests of Spikey and play down the Cambodia scandal 
• Ugochi:
  • Personal Motivations → To help at risk youth across the US 
  • Professional Motivations → To help at risk youth across the US with her soccer tournaments and keep growing her organization 
• The youth involved with SYE_T:
  • Personal Motivations → To enjoy playing soccer and find a safe environment to hang out in
  • Professional Motivations → To escape being at risk and find opportunities for education and their career

 

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, to have a win-win situation for your relationship and your venture. Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action] • Potential Solution • How does it solve the problem? o Pros o Cons • How does it save the face of those involved? • Implications on relationships o Short-term o Long-term • Implications on the venture o Short-term o Long-term 

 

Potential Solution 1: Lose Spikey as a funder and apply to different funders.

Pros:  Could potentially find donors who support both men and women on the soccer team

Cons: Lose 80% of funding and may not be able to get another funder

 

Solution 2: Have women no longer participate

Pros:SYE_T will still have Spikey’s sponsorship

Cons:SYE_T it will look bad for excluding women from competitions and it also changes         SYE_T’s mission

 

Solution 3: suggest having different leagues where Spikey funds these different leagues i.e.under 18 leagues where they play against other under 18 teams, women’s league and men’s league(which Spikey wants). Have the 20% fund the rest of the excluded group(assuming that the funders will stay)

Pros: SYE_T will maintain its goal

Cons: Spikey might not agree

 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

 

1. Make a case that women football has an audience especially after the world cup, if anything it is in the best interest of spikey if they funded and included women as well. This is negotiable.
2. Ugochi could also argue that children under the age of 18 would replace the older members of football after a while. Training the children at a younger age will increase their ball control, endurance, speed and strength.  They’re more likely to go pro if they focus on the children as well. This is also negotiable

 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that solves the problem, saves face and has the best short term and long-term implications for your relationship and venture. Explain reasoning and discuss your solution vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in class. 

 

The best course of action would be to lose Spikey as a funder and apply to different funders.The following are the pros and cons:

Pros:  Could potentially find donors who support both men and women on the soccer team

Cons: Lose 80% of funding and may not be able to get another funder

 

This is the best solution because as a social enterprise, profits are important but impact and integrity are vital! Keeping the integrity of the brand may bring loss of profits and downsizing, but other sponsors will be attracted to the brand if they share the same core values. Getting that funding back will be easier if the brand stays true to themselves. 

 

Step 7: List the sequence of actions you will take to implement your solution.

 

1. Post a listing on WeFunder
2. Sit down with Spiky sponsor leads and give them the run-down of where we stand
3. Meet with the participants from our organization and let them know of the future downsizing.
4. Look at how to improve efficiency now that the scale is lower and easier to manage. Focus on creating a mentorship program now that there are less participants and the bandwidth is narrowed. 
5. Actively reach out to professional and collegiate organizations focused on athletics and community organizations. 
6. Have students post on social media of the issue, tagging Spikey across all platforms
7. Be patient and understand that there is always a right fit for a partner, you just have to be persistent and patient enough to find them.

Case study 3

1. WHAT IS GRASSROOTS DIPLOMACY? 
   1. Step-by-step techniques conflict-resolution and prevention strategies to advance society by entrepreneurial means by considering the larger social  implication
      1. Ownership & Agency: who decides and who’s involved 
   2. Framework  

Jack is an American student who lived at a youth center in Kenya while working on a social venture. In this role, he lived and interacted with the children at the center and worked closely with the staff. One Saturday evening, kids under the age of 14 years were to receive presents that were sent by an international donor organization. A staff member at the youth center had picked up all the gifts the previous weekend and they were finally going to be distributed this Saturday. When it came time to give the gifts out after dinner, the staff members called Jack up to the front – as he was a guest – to assist in the gift-giving ceremony. The staff members had allocated the gifts for the children and labeled them – Jack’s job was to hand out the gifts to the kids. The only problem was that four children did not receive gifts and the staff members did not appear to be concerned about the four forgotten children. As kids began leaving the hall, they thanked Jack for the gifts. The kids were convinced that Jack had gotten the gifts for them. Jack felt a little awkward but at the same time reflected that a good relationship with the kids would help him in several ways during his five-month stay at the center. At the bottom of the boxes containing the gifts, there were a few black hats. The kids that did not get a present were brought over to the box and given a hat. However, they were upset about the fact that they were not given the hat as ceremoniously as the other kids. The staff gave them their hat and shooed them on their way as if they had some fault in this situation. As one of the little boys who did not receive a gift left the hall, he walked past Jack holding his black hat, and gave him a stare that clearly indicated that he blamed Jack for not receiving a gift. Jack met with the staff and discussed how the four kids were very upset and felt ‘left out’ after the incident. The staff did not acknowledge the problem and were a little piqued that they were being blamed for such a trivial matter. They were convinced that Jack was making a big deal out of the situation and were concerned that Jack would become a ‘children’s rights activist’ and create unnecessary problems for them. The only response they gave Jack was – “If you think there is a problem, then you go ahead and solve it”. If you were Jack, how would you proceed? 

 

Grassroot Diplomacy: The foundational understanding of how to not only resolve conflict but ensure trust, transparency, and empathy in social entrepreneurial partners and stakeholders.

 

Micro Conflicts: 

 

• Ownership and agency: Who gets to decide what happens in the venture and who gets involved
  • Those of low power position may be afraid to speak up

 

• Motivations and expectations:
  • The motivations behind Jack’s attempts to address the situation stem from his need for fairness. Because it is out of his hands how many gifts there are, he feels blamed for a problem that was unavoidable by him. The expectations of the staff were that Jack fulfilled his duty without becoming emotionally attached to the children, thus the ‘child’s rights activist’ comment. The expectation of the children however was that they all could receive a token at the ceremony. They expected to be honored and given the same time and respect they gave their peers.  

 

• Position and Power: 
  • Citizens in different countries feel like they HAVE to agree to participate in our projects.

• Tension and disagreement: Not having the same ideas about how the venture should go.

 

9/6 Case

 

 If you were Jack, how would you proceed? 

 

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible 

• Jack is an American student that’s working on a venture in Kenya
• Children are under the age of 14
• Four children did not receive gifts
• There was no discussion about the possible implications of a student handing out gifts directly
• The children think Jack gave them the gifts
• Staff  show no care towards the children or Jack
• The staff thinks Jack will become problematic 
• Jack has to come up with a plan 
• Jack stays in the center for 5 months 

 

Step 2: Define the problem and the stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome 

• The problem is there is an issue of whether Jack should provide gifts for the four children who were left out. Providing gifts for the kids would risk a bad reputation at the Youth Center but, not giving the children their gifts and not fulfilling his duties at the center. The stakeholders are Jack, the children at the Youth Center, the staff at the Youth Center,

 

Step 3: Determine and distinguish between the personal and professional motivations of the stakeholders. 

 

Primary stakeholder: Academic Institution:

• Personal: Students aren’t angry with the administration,  Would want their students to feel comfortable in their environment(?), No angry parents 
• Professional:  Credibility

Primary stakeholder: Jack

• Personal Motivation: Wants to have a good relationship with the staff and the children, could make more friends 
• Professional Motivation: Increases classroom participation,  Wants to gain experience by successfully performing his job 

Primary stakeholder: The children who did not receive gifts

• Personal motivation: to feel the same as everyone else, a new gift they want not to feel left out 
• Professional Motivation: N/A

Primary stakeholder: Staff at Youth Center

• Personal Motivation: Make more money.
• Professional Motivation: To have a good look so organizations and families can keep funding them.

Secondary stakeholder: International Donor:

• Personal Motivation: They want to give gifts to children who may not usually receive gifts.
• Professional Motivation: It makes their company look generous

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, to have a win-win situation for your relationship and your venture. 

1. Provide the children with a separate ceremony myself (as Jack), don’t make it a whole ordeal, and deal with the potential repercussions of the staff at the Youth Center.
2. Don’t give the children gifts at all in the future 
3. Speak to the international donor and staff about what happened to cause a mixup in the number of gift boxes 
4. Save face and mention that there was a mistake when the gifts arrive/ have a conversation with the children

 

Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action] • Potential Solution • How does it solve the problem? o Pros o Cons • How does it save the face of those involved? • Implications on relationships o Short-term o Long-term • Implications on the venture o Short-term o Long-term 

 

Solution 1: Provide the children with a separate ceremony myself (as Jack), don’t make it a whole ordeal, and deal with the potential repercussions of the staff at the Youth Center.

 

How does it solve the problem? 

 

The children who were upset that they did not receive a gift ceremoniously can get the experience through this separate event. 

 

Pros: 

1. Children receive gifts in the same way
2. Children are celebrated
3. This may relieve feelings of being left out 
4. Jack displays decision-making skills 

Con: 

1. Either additional gifts would need to be purchased, or the gifts the children received would have to be re-administered. 
2. There are likely additional costs associated with organizing a celebratory event 

 

Implications on relationships, long and short term?

1. Long-term: the children will remember that Jack provided them with a nether ceremony to feel included. The administrators of the program might recognize the effort Jack put into supporting the children, possibly gaining more responsibility, greater pay, raise, or appreciation from faculty, The combination of this likelihood would only positively contribute to Jack’s time at the youth center and the relationships developed there. 
2. Short-term: Immediately, the administration will recognize Jack’s ability to think fast and independently. By handling the situation in this manner, Jack is saving face for the organization. The Youth Center is still able to say children were offered gifts (same mediums). Jack must also share the idea with the youth center so as not to exclude the center. 

Implications on venture, long and short term? 

1. Short-term
   1. Jack’s position with the students remains positive 
2. Long-term
   1. The staff might not like this and over time look negatively on this situation that he paid for more gifts
   2. The kids might depend/expect more on the generosity of outside help

 

Solution 2: Have Jack wear the hat in hopes that the children will find it cool and unique to be happy with their gift. 

 

How does it solve the problem? : It will make the kids who received the black hats feel as if their gift is actually the most meaningful and will make them feel more included and special rather than excluded when they see Jack wear it.

 

Pros: 

1. Does Not require extra money or resources/ time being spent.
2. Jack will be proactive for solving the problem by himself without having to consult the bosses
3. Jack will make the children feel seen and encourage them to look at the glass half full

 

Con: 

1. The children won’t receive the same ceremony
2. The other children may become jealous of not receiving hats

 

Implications on relationships, long and short term? 

 

Jack will maintain a strong relationship with not only the children who didn’t receive hats but also his bosses who will not be as keen to call him a “child’s rights activist”. Short term and long term benefits including a simple solution with most effective and long term benefits.

 

Implications on venture, long and short term? 

 

Long term: Transparency with the children to create a trustful relationship and lead by example (they look up to Jack).

Short term: The staff is happy that they weren’t guilted into intervening thus saving Jacks job 

 

Solution 3: Make it up to the children in some other way (potentially play a game with them specifically) and tell them that sometimes things in the world aren’t fair and we have no control.

How does it solve the problem?: It is being honest with the children, not getting the staff involved, and performing some other act of service that requires no money.

 

Pros: Transparency, no cost, genuine, and self-sufficient for Jack.

Con: May be a rude awakening to the children. May not satisfy their need for a gift and proper ceremony.

 

Implications on relationships, long and short term? Long term: Children may have trust issues with Jack and other people. May be scared of the unfairness of life. Short term: disappointment but seeing that it’s not Jack’s fault. 

 

Implications on venture, long and short term? Long term: Children doubtful of Jacks actions

Short term: Appeased by the game and attention Jack gives.

 

Solution 4: Request more gifts from international donors and host another proper ceremony

How does it solve the problem? Children are happy as if they received them for the first time.

 

Pros: Happy children.

Con: Involving staff. Drawing more attention than necessary to the problem. Extra money and time.

 

Implications on relationships, long and short term? Long term: Children are happy and trustful of Jack. However Jack becomes a Child rights activist. Short term: May upset the boss and cause unnecessary stress. 

 

Implications on venture, long and short term? Long term: Jack could be fired or international donors bothered by another task. Children may believe if they whine they can get anything in life (not true). Short term: Need more money and time that’s taken away from the venture. Encourage children to ask for more.

 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

 

• If there is a mentor involved in this venture, I would reach out to them to get a second opinion.
• Empathize with the children and dig deeper into exactly how the issue can be resolved without excessive time and money. 
• Consider how important the two are: making children happy vs making boss happy.

 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that solves the problem, saves face and has the best short term and long-term implications for your relationship and venture. Explain reasoning and discuss your solution vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in class. 

 

Solution number 2 is going to be the most effective. Jack will be saving his face because without extra explaining or involvement from the staff, he will engage the children and make them feel as lucky if not more happy than the children who initially received the gift. This is a better decision than other ideas in class because it requires no extra gift giving and doesn’t require a brutal honesty that could hurt or scare the children away from future relations.

 

Step 7: List the sequence of actions you will take to implement your solution.

 

The next day where all the children will be gathered, Jack will wear the same black hat as the children. He will boast about how he loves the black hat for x,y,z reasons. The children will be easily impressionable and decide that just maybe if they wore their hat theyd look as cool as Jack! It works and now Jack and his group of four other kids will be twins and feel a sense of belonging. 

Case Study 2

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state the ethical issue. 

• There is an assumption of approval from a local ethical review board. 
• This is not a human subjects study 
• The water resource is uncontaminated and in its natural state 
• Need approval to go into these private lands
• The goal of this project is to understand the life cycle of certain pathogens
• Research requires assistance 
• We must ascertain the value of identifying these locations to the research study itself. Without it, would the research be possible? Alternatively, are there other means by which the same information could be accessed? (should time, energy, and knowledge be compensated?) 
• The result of this research can lead to chemical additives to make the water safer to drink.
• One ethical issue is that the researchers are going into communities simply to just find pathogens. When they do find these pathogens will they bother to report back to the community about what they have found? 
• Another ethical issue is the lack of care for compensating the community for their time.
• The other ethical issue is that the community might not be okay with having chemical additives to improve the water quality

 

Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders

• • Community members (larger society and those immediately dependent on these water sources beyond drinking water( i.e fisheries, markets, tourism, etc.) → primary 
  • Water infrastructure support 
  • Researchers for this project (i.e Epidemiologists, Water pathogens expert(s), regional health experts) → primary 

• Other researchers studying pathogens (including journals) →  Tertiary 

• The Lesotho Government (Representatives and policy makers) → Secondary 
• Potential funders/ Funding agencies → Secondary 
• The University → Secondary 
• Larger healthcare system → Secondary 

 

 Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders

• Community members may want to know what is in their water and how it impacts themselves and those around them.
• Water infrastructure support may need to adjust or repair some of the systems if it is proven that the pathogens are coming from the flaws in the equipment.
• Lesothon researchers are inclined to engage in research regarding water-borne pathogens for three reasons: increased publication material (intellectual contribution), a general contribution to the health of Lesothonians, and inquiry to the formation, life-span, and impact of these pathogens specifically . Researchers are generally motivated by their investigative inquiry (typically within a specific field) and sense of larger impact. Providing foundational knowledge in this regard contributes to both of those missions 
• The University will get credibility and good recognition from the publications.
• Funding agencies would want publications and it will stimulate the economy and intellectual contributions associated with the project. This might increase brand recognition 

Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using basic ethical core values as guide Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action] • Potential solution • Ethical Principle or code • Pros • Cons 

• Provide some sort of compensation to a specific person in the community that will drive you to the water access points. This will require additional funding.

• • Pro: Community members will be more willing to participate in the study
  • Con: You risk the possibility of coercion, participants would expect compensation for future visits. Funding may not be feasible or reliable. 

 

• State from the beginning that there will be no compensation for their time and see who will still be willing to take you around the community. This will require the researchers to explain their research.

• • Pro: This will be completely voluntary and people will do only as much as they want to so it does not risk the possibility of coercion 
  • Con: You risk it being a human subject study as well or you may not get full effort

 

• • Research water access points in the community before fieldwork and then use google maps to find the locations. This is assuming that all water access points have recorded GPS coordinates. 
  • Identify populations with the highest prevalence of individuals exhibiting symptoms associated with the pathogen and then collect samples from those local water resources. Assumes there is a decently organized authority tracking these symptoms and that the data is reliable (Government or organization(s) collaboration). The  
    • Pro: this narrows down the research rather than involving the whole community
    • Con: Because of the recent pandemic, there are challenges associated with the health and economic sectors. Additionally, an influx of new COVID variants and strains has made tracking COVID a challenge (WorldBank). Similar issues may be the case for other diseases and viruses that are either being masked by COVID or otherwise ignored.  
      • #you risk it being a human subject study
      • #data is most likely not reliable
      • #assumes you know what this pathogen is ‘already capable of’
  • There are over a thousand researches done on Lesotho water and sanitation that  could be a reference point for the researchers rather than relying on the community to access these 

• Share the information on the pathogens found with the local hospitals/government

• • Pro: the research actually contributes to improving the community that the pathogens affect. It is easier to educate the hospitals and governments on the danger of the pathogens and the possible health impacts than deliver the information to all the consumers of water individually. 
  • Con: There is no guarantee that any actions will be taken. The institutions might not have any resources to address the issues.  

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

• Examine previous studies on pathogens and their impacts on communities and see how they include the communities( or not)
• Examine who you are as an outsider entering a community that is not your own.
• Consulting water holding/filtration facilities about common ways they ensure safe water
• Reflect and research where pollution plays into the problem and where the level of control you have over that is
• Consult educators on the ways they spread awareness about water safety

 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values. Explain reasoning and justify. Discuss your stance vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in the class. 

•  Identify top priority communities and target those
  • Previously identifying target populations through prevalence data would limit the dependency on community members for guidance and ultimately the ethical questions of providing compensation and if so, how much? Once key areas within the region are identified using relevant data, those near the water source can be vetted to identify which sources most people utilize (most relevant to identifying specificity and characteristics of the pathogen itself and in the population). Moreover, if needed, community members with invaluable knowledge, information not known by a majority or considered common knowledge, could be compensated for but this would only be after determining their information is credible, necessary, and relevant to the study. This process ensures that the quality of data collection is pertinent to the inquiry and ethically sound. Compared to other methods, such as those identified in class such as compensating community members to identity an area, upfront, may not be as reliable because (i) one assumes that the information being shared is accurate and most relevant (ii) would incur greater costs as in this model, each person spoken to would expect compensation, and (iii) provides logistical complications that may impede productivity.

Step 7: (If applicable) What are the implications of your solution on the venture. Explain the impact of your proposed solution on the venture’s technology, economic, social and environmental aspects. An abridged version (6-step) of the 9-Step Process from “Applied Ethics Case of the Month Club

 

For this study there are major economic, social, and environmental implications. The study itself aims to identify a water-born pathogen affecting large populations of Lesotho. Economically, understanding the pathogen would ultimately decrease the burden placed upon healthcare systems treating individuals suffering from the effects of the pathogen. Provided that Lesotho has already had increased hardship as a result of COVID-19 providing a solution for this issue may impact the economy as a whole by reducing burden of care. Additionally, utilizing the data collected by the Lesotho government or local agencies would emphasize the importance of data collection, though not a direct effect, there is an incentive (intellectually and economically) for data collection (accurate and reliable) to continue to be collected to allow researchers to general intellectual contributions which improve standards of living in-country. Similarly, Environmentally, the research may lead to the creator/identification of filtration devices, and synthesization of treatment for affects. Potentially filtering the water post-collection or providing a large-pre collection filtering (physical, chemical, etc.) has potential environmental implications for the wildlife in the water source. While it may be better for human consumption, there may be biological and  physiological differences with species in the water resource(s) which are dependent on this pathogen ()i.e food chain implications, symbiotic relationships, etc.). The decision to examine prevalence data by means of identifying where to gather water samples has no direct impact on the implications, only the methods and solution of the collection itself. 

While trying to develop a low-cost syringe for the developing world context, you (the designer) hit a cross-roads. Constructing the syringe to auto-disable after a single use, an important safety feature, significantly adds to the cost of the design – making it potentially unaffordable for some hospitals and clinics. However, if you don’t add the safety feature, you are enabling the potential for the spread of disease. How do you as a designer proceed?

While trying to develop a low-cost syringe for the developing world context, you (the designer) hit a cross-roads. Constructing the syringe to auto-disable after a single use, an important safety feature, significantly adds to the cost of the design – making it potentially unaffordable for some hospitals and clinics. However, if you don’t add the safety feature, you are enabling the potential for the spread of disease. How do you as a designer proceed?

 

Step 1: Determine the facts in the situation – obtain all of the unbiased facts possible. Clearly state the ethical issue.

• Higher possibility of spreading diseases if not one-time use.
• Adding auto disable is a huge cost 
• Affordable and unsafe or unaffordable and safe
• The presence of the syringe will increase health outcomes, with or without the safety feature if used once  (margin is arguable) 
• Ethical issue: Should community members be compensated for providing assistance in identifying a reliable water source? If so how much? 

 Step 2: Define the Stakeholders – those with a vested interest in the outcome Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders

• The community/ patients (primary)
• Surrounding communities (secondary) 
• Healthcare workers (primary) 
• The hospitals (primary) 
• Distributers 
• Manufacturer
• The ministry of health in the community

Step 3: Assess the motivations of the Stakeholders 

• Hospitals/Clinics
  • Cost, want to provide it to as many patients as possible 
• Company who created the syringe
  • Want to sell their product, make a profit, and have their product look appealing to hospitals. They want to maintain or increase a positive reputation 
• Specific designers who work on developing the syringe 
  • Reputation, profit, 
• Doctors and Nurses
  • Safety, readily available and successful for getting rid of the disease, keep as many people from harm 
• Hospital Administrators
  • Treat patients while keeping the cost of supplies low
• Patients
  • Safety, cost effective, readily available
• Manufacturing Company 
  • Wants to make a profit, product quickly

 

 Step 4: Formulate (at least three) alternative solutions – based on information available, using basic ethical core values as guide Approaches [1/2/3: repeat for every action] • Potential solution • Ethical Principle or code • Pros • Cons 

• Formulating a waiver that clarifies the proper use of the syringe and that any violation of such use will not be on the company.
• Government subsidies to minimize costs 
• Using cheaper alternatives,  create the syringe with a lower maximum volume of liquid it can hold (i.e. a 5 mL syringe rather than a 10 mL)
• Different way of sanitation; alcohol, burning

Revised Solutions: 

 

• Potential solution 1: Add the safety feature
  • Ethical Principle or code
    • Principle of nonmaleficence (Do no harm) – auto-disable feature helps prevent the spread of blood borne diseases like HIV.
  • Pros 
    • Safer for patients 
    • Reduces the spread of disease 
    • Protects reputation
  • Cons 
    • Not cost effective 
    • May cut out lower income areas
    • Company could look “money hungry”
• Potential solution 2: Don’t add the safety feature and use extra funds to develop training for doctors and nurses about the syringes
  • Ethical Principle or code 
    • Principle of nonmaleficence – do no harm, and when harm cannot be avoided, minimize the harm that we do and don’t increase the risk of harm to others. Reuse of syringes in LMIC is common, so patients already are being exposed to the risk of blood borne illnesses. Providing training on how to properly use and dispose of syringes may reduce the risk to the patients.
  • Pros 
    • Cost effective 
    • More readily available in the developing world 
    • Manufacturing company can begin production immediately
  • Cons 
    • May spread disease
    • Not safe
    • Ruins reputation 
• Potential solution 3: Redesign the syringe itself 
  • Ethical Principle or code 
    • Principle of beneficence (bring about good in our actions) – we’re making an effort to produce an affordable and safe product which will bring about good on both sides. However, taking the time to redesign the product will cause a delay in when it reaches the market.
  • Pros 
    • Safer for patients 
    • Reduces the spread of disease
    • More affordable (hopefully)
  • Cons 
    • Takes longer to redesign and get to market 
    • May take more money to redesign and develop 
    • May end up not working in the end 

 

Step 5: Seek additional assistance, as appropriate – engineering codes of ethics, previous cases, peers, reliance on personal experience, inner reflection 

 

• Analyzing other designs along with what materials they use

• Mushrooms 
• Hemp
• Seaweed
• Biomaterials
• Anything that could substitute for plastic
  • Is that cheaper than plastic?

 

Step 6: Select the best course of action – that which satisfies the highest core ethical values. Explain reasoning and justify. Discuss your stance vis-a-vis other approaches discussed in the class. 

 

I think the above solution 2 is best. This creates system wide changes by improving pedagogical approaches of medical staff which may translate into other areas besides syringe usage. 

 

Step 7: (If applicable) What are the implications of your solution on the venture. Explain the impact of your proposed solution on the venture’s technology, economic, social and environmental aspects. An abridged version (6-step) of the 9-Step Process from “App

 

By not using funds to develop the safety features there is excess funding rto support to create pedagogical and methodology training that could otherwise improve health outcomes more broadly, than this single use treatment. The overall impact of improving training of healthcare providers may prove more significant than the optimization of a single tool. 

Social and environmental impacts → proper disposal of the device after use; increased skills for medical staff; increased reliability and trust between consumers (all-levels); incentivizes sustainability

Blog #14

• Identify two SPECIFIC funding sources for the design phase of your project and two SPECIFIC funding sources for the dissemination (implementation / distribution / commercialization) phase of your project. For each funding source, explain why this is a good fit for your project, and what SPECIFIC aspect of your project might the funding source support.

 

Design Phase Funding:

 

• Venture Well- Funded for the research and development of the tangible test strip. This allowed Ukweli to perform tests to determine what was the most efficient and cheap test strip. 
• Grand Challenges Canada – Funded research in Sierra Leone for nine months which allowed our team to learn more about the healthcare system. This allowed us to determine what was a good way to go about distributing the boxes of test strips and who would be in charge.

Dissemination Phase Funding:

 

• Center for Disease Control-  The CDC offers a grant named “Preventing Maternal Mortality: Supporting Maternal Mortality Review Committees”. It provides a total estimated funding amount of $5,250,000. This would go towards expanding operations into all districts of Sierra Leone, hiring distribution managers across the country, and providing a steady salary until operations are self-sufficient. This is a good fit for our project because it is a large amount of money and would add to our list of accreditation. 
• Merk for Mothers- This company offers an award each year title “The Kenneth C. Frazier Award for Maternal Health Equity”. This company would likely fund us as they have the same overarching goal that no woman should die while giving life. This award would allow us to further our efficiency in distribution by allowing us to purchase megabytes for either UHWs or the distribution managers in order to carry out our megabyte plan to ensure that our data is strategically being recorded and sent back to the Ukweli team. 

 

• Identify five specific partnerships that you need to forge to advance your project forward with the ultimate goal of positively impacting at least one million people. Describe exactly how that partnership might help you achieve scale and why that entity might be willing to work with you.

 

1. CARE- it is an NGO that has a huge presence in over 100 countries. It is in Sierra Leone and their main focus is the welfare of women and children. They also distribute medical devices. This means we can widely distribute Ukweli test strips to the healthcare system.
2. Every Mother Counts- is also an NGO that aims to make pregnancy safe for women. It is also operational in Sierra Leone and this may be an exit strategy for Ukweli.
3. Merck for Mothers-Merck for Mothers takes a holistic approach to addressing the many factors that impact maternal health. It collaborates across sectors — working with governments, nongovernmental organizations, patient groups, professional associations, entrepreneurs, UN agencies, research institutions, businesses and even other pharmaceutical companies. Ukweli falls under their mandate and therefore makes a strategic partner.
4. WHI- they are already Ukweli’s partners but a stronger alliance with them will increase their funding to the project and they may even adopt Ukweli, and be fully liable for the venture.
5. Family Care International- global non-profit that works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe in low income countries. Ukweli test strips are something that Family Care International can integrate into their system. They are also a good partner to spread the use of the test strips.

 

 

• As a team, identify the top five questions that you don’t know how to answer. Your questions will serve as the nucleus for conversations during our final class next week.

 

• How do you address any questions regarding Intellectual Property?
• What experiments have been conducted that prove your viability?
• Why haven’t other organizations taken a similar approach?
• How do you know any of these things to be true? What is your source of information? How do you know it is valid?
• How do you provide post-purchase support to your customers?