Carry out Thorough Research and Combine Knowledge and Experience

The initiatives we take on nowadays are often complex. Each subject has its own dynamic. It’s not about building a school anymore, but about bringing about profound and sustainable change in the structures in which a problem or situation is embedded.

It demands thorough research and collaboration, so that no money, time and energy are wasted by doing things somebody else has already done.

In case of a new subject we now start by researching:

which initiatives there already are in this field (is it unique?);
what are the best and worst practices in this field?;
which people and organizations are already involved in the subject? (look for expertise). We bring together these people and strengths (for example by organizing a series of mutual exchange or brainstorm sessions and/or include them in the team).
whether the initiative tackles the core of the issue, not only the symptoms.
how many people profit from it? (What is the ratio investment/ impact? Is this the most effective way to reach the goal?)
we also look profoundly at the business (plan) itself. This can be: due diligence, financial analysis, feasibility studies, objective evaluation of pilots, project visits and market research.
it is also essential to study the entire context of the initiative, for example:

social economic factors (by supporting a business or organization, how are we interfering or distorting the market and competitiveness of others we do not support?);
political factors (is it a secure country, what about the level of corruption?);
climatic factors (climate change also has an effect on agricultural projects in Africa. What are the consequences?);
what possible negative effects can the initiative have on the environment?
what global developments are there? (e.g. in the field of palm tree oil and bio fuels);
how is the project embedded in the country and the local situation?
what are the influences that the project has on its immediate surroundings? (What will be the impact?)
what will the developments over the next ten years be?

By conducting extensive research and recording the situation in advance, one can measure the effects and impact of the project. On the basis of this, other decisions can be made about possible duplication of the project in other places in a country or in the world.