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GPS 405 · Unit 1 of 6

Social Problems and Systems Thinking

Social Enterprise and Impact Measurement

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Unit overview

This unit develops social problems, systems thinking, and root causes using Solara Foods as the anchor. You will apply systems mapping, iceberg model, theory of change basics, problem decomposition to a live decision: Narrow program scope to address distribution and behavior, not only product

Learning objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

  • Explain core vocabulary for social problems, systems thinking, and root causes in plain language with Solara Foods examples
  • Apply systems mapping to structure options, assumptions, and tradeoffs
  • Build reconciled evidence tables with leading indicators and guardrail metrics
  • Produce a decision memo with kill criteria and stakeholder dissent

Solara scenario

Child stunting rates in Solara's Nigeria school channel markets dwarf product uptake. Solara maps nutrition access barriers beyond product affordability

Lessons in this unit

  1. Foundations and framing
  2. Concepts, mechanics, and operating rhythm
  3. Frameworks, evidence, and tradeoffs
  4. Applied decisions, case analysis, and executive synthesis

Assessment

Complete the unit knowledge check and applied exercise after Lesson 4. The exercise asks for a two-page memo on Narrow program scope to address distribution and behavior, not only product with reconciliation checks and kill criteria.

Unit assessment

Complete each section below. Score 80%+ on the quiz to finish this unit's assessment.

50% applied project30% case work20% knowledge checks

Exercises

Apply what you learned in this unit with structured practice.

ExerciseApplied practice: Social Problems and Systems Thinking45 min
Complete a focused practice exercise on **Social Problems and Systems Thinking**. 1. Choose a real company, product, or situation you know. 2. Apply one core framework from this unit to analyze it. 3. Write your analysis in 300–500 words with a clear recommendation. 4. Cite at least one credible source.

Deliverable

300–500 word analysis document saved to your portfolio under GPS 405.

Rubric

  • • Framework applied correctly (not just named)
  • • Specific evidence from a real example
  • • Clear recommendation with tradeoffs acknowledged
  • • Professional writing with source citation
ExerciseDrill: Social Problems and Systems Thinking30 min
Work through the practice problems in the unit lesson without looking at notes. Then check your work against the lesson and write a short reflection: - What you got right - One mistake you caught - One concept to review before the next unit

Deliverable

Problem solutions + 150-word reflection in your GPS 405 workbook.

Rubric

  • • Attempted all practice items before checking answers
  • • Honest reflection on errors
  • • Identifies a specific review action

Case analysis

Analyze a case using frameworks from this unit.

CaseCase analysis: Social Problems and Systems Thinking60 min
Analyze a real business case through the lens of **Social Problems and Systems Thinking**. Choose a public company event, HBR-style case, or documented decision. **Deliverable structure:** 1. Situation summary (150 words) 2. Analysis using this unit's frameworks (400 words) 3. Recommendation (150 words) 4. Risks and what would change your mind

Deliverable

2-page case write-up in your portfolio.

Rubric

  • • Case facts are accurate and sourced
  • • Analysis uses unit frameworks explicitly
  • • Recommendation is justified with tradeoffs
  • • Risks are specific, not generic

Knowledge quiz

Check your understanding before marking the unit complete.

1. Solara Foods faces: Child stunting rates in Solara's Nigeria school channel markets dwarf product uptake. Which framing best matches executive decision practice?

2. Which evidence label is correctly applied for Solara Foods?

3. Omar Haddad asks which framework fits Solara maps nutrition access barriers beyond product affordability. Best answer?

4. Finance challenges a $10M-scale recommendation in GPS 405. What passes scrutiny?

5. Which kill criterion is strongest for social problems, systems thinking, and root causes?

6. Stakeholder dissent is healthiest when:

7. Best one-sentence decision ask for this unit?

8. Solara Foods operates in 42 markets. What mistake should you avoid?

Next unit: Mission-Driven Business Models →