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This website features work from the completion of Phase 1 of the SCALES Project.

We are currently seeking partnerships for Phase 2.

Sustainability Knowledge

  • Week 4: Reading Guide

    Each week’s readings will be accompanied by a set of guiding questions. As you read the materials, take notes about key messages as well as questions you have. Class discussions will center around these.

    Read more: Week 4: Reading Guide

  • Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 3

    See [Smillie], pp. 44-66. Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages), using examples from the book where applicable.

    1. According to the reading, what are some of the major reasons why NGOs and the Third Sector developed such an important role in what we call 'international development'?
    2. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of NGO organizational structure? Use some examples from the reading.
    3. What is meant by 'civil society'? In what ways might the concepts described by this term influenced the development of D-Lab philosophy?
    Read more: Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 3

  • Practical Photovoltaics Design

    You are in charge of designing a solar panel installation for a rural health post. The requirements for the given location are as follows:

    • There is a 220W freezer that needs to run 24/7
    • The health post is open until 9pm, and, on average, they have to turn the lights on from 6pm until they close. Given their needs, it seems that the most adequate installation would be 2 fluorescent lights of 15W each.
    • They have an amateur radio to communicate with the clinic in the city, that consumes 40W, and it is usually on for two hours every day.
    • The health post is staffed every day of the year.
    Read more: Practical Photovoltaics Design

  • Personal Energy Consumption

    Determine your average daily energy consumption (in kWh). For this assignment, you can take into account only the electricity that you use, though you should be aware that there are additional energy expenditures in terms of transportation, heating, manufacturing processes to make the products that you use, etc. You should submit this as a table showing your energy consumption (power x time) for a few days and then come up with an average value.

    Read more: Personal Energy Consumption

  • Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 2

    Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages), using examples from the book where applicable.

    1. Do small farms have a place in the future of agriculture? The world economy? Food security? If so, how?
    2. How do the lessons learned from the Turkana rainwater harvesting project contrast with the actions taken during the green revolution?
    3. Why is there so much focus on post-harvest technology, and value-added production?
    Read more: Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 2

  • Stakeholder Analysis Writeup

    Smith, Amy, and Shawn Frayne. "Fuel from the Fields: A Case Study of Sugarcane Charcoal Technology in Petite Anse, Haiti." D-Lab Case Study. (PDF – 1.4MB)

    Blank stakeholder analysis form (PDF)

    Read more: Stakeholder Analysis Writeup

  • Discussion Questions

    Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages). Make sure to use examples from the reading where applicable.

    1. What 2 major crises did the Brandt Report predict? How accurate were these predictions?
    2. What is the effect of tariffs on raw vs. processed vs. manufactured goods?
    3. On p. 4 the author states: "Never before in history have so many non-technical people exerted so much influence on the advancement, retardation, and movement of technology." Comment on this trend and give an example that illustrates it.
    Read more: Discussion Questions

  • Case Question 3

    Case Write-up Questions
    The following selected case has questions to be addressed and written up. Students should work in teams of three to four. The questions address aspects of the case that need further analysis.

    Case: "New Theories of International Trade," HBS 9390001.

    Should UK remain in the European Union? (yes, no) What are the advantages of Protection?

    Read more: Case Question 3

  • Case Question 2

    Case Write-up Questions
    The following selected case has questions to be addressed and written up. Students should work in teams of three to four. The questions address aspects of the case that need further analysis.

    Case: "Menem and the Populist Tradition in Argentina," HBS 9700061.

    Explain 3 events from the case (such as devaluations, policy choices, growth, change in export prices, etc.). Do the diagnostic, and explain the impact using the BBNN.

    Read more: Case Question 2

  • Case Question 1

    The following selected case has questions to be addressed and written up. Students should work in teams of three to four. The questions address aspects of the case that need further analysis.

    Case: "U.S. Current Account Deficit," HBS 9706002.

    Is the US sustainable? Find in trading economics the CA and Wage Changes in any of the last three years and do a BBNN diagnostic!

    Read more: Case Question 1

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