Systemic and Systematic Assessment Methodology for Technology-Based Social Enterprises
Tara Sulewski, Rachel Dzombak, Carey Bell, Khanjan Mehta
International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering: Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship
Sulewski, T., Dzombak, R., Bell, C., Mehta, K., International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering: Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship, Volume 7, No. 2, “Systemic and Systematic Assessment Methodology for Technology-Based Social Enterprises“, 2012
Abstract
Academic programs and ventures that focus on appropriate technologies for socio-economically marginalized populations in developing countries are on the rise. However, standardized methodologies to assess the success of the ventures and their economic, social and environmental impact are almost non-existent. Current assessment strategies focus on tangible outputs such as customers reached and revenues generated, which creates a disconnect between an organization’s mission and the impact created by the products and services provided. An emphasis shift from outputs to outcomes requires a move away from the solely growth-based measures to include mission-based measures. This
paper presents a systemic and systematic assessment methodology for comprehensive and efficient assessment of early-stage social enterprises. Originally applied to an academic social venture, this methodology has since been generalized to be applicable to a variety of social enterprises. The methodology employs a hierarchical framework to assess metrics at various levels of the venture while tracing them back to the overarching objectives of the venture. Current assessment practices used by nonprofits, social enterprises and academic ventures are discussed in detail to establish the need for systemic and systematic frameworks. The principles and mechanics of our assessment framework and its operationalization are presented with a culminating case study of the application of this
methodology to a telemedicine venture in East Africa over the last three years.
Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257142639_Systemic_and_Systematic_Assessment_Methodology_for_Technology-Based_Social_Enterprises
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