4. Mobius_MODULE4-IDL.pptx

Project Number: 2023-2-PL01-KA220-YOU-000171409

MOBIUS MODULE 4

Identification and Diagnosis of Social Challenges

The Mobius project has been funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency (NA). Neither the European Union nor NA can be held responsible for them.

Module’s Goal

This module is designed to equip you with skills to:

• identify and critically diagnose social challenges. understand their root causes
• assess their impact on individuals and communities
• frame problems and generating solutions for sustainable social change.

Contents

This module has the following chapters:

• Problem tree analysis
• Solution tree analysis
• Stakeholder mapping
• System mapping
• SWOT analysis
• PAR
• CBPR
• Distinguishing PAR & CBPR approaches
• Case study
• European Educational Challenges
• Comparative Educational Solutions
• Youth Mental Health Crisis

What you will learn

Theoretical Frameworks for Diagnosis

Problem Framing

Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

Empathy and Open-mindedness

Understanding Social Challenges

Problem Tree Analysis

The Problem Tree Analysis is a fundamental diagnostic tool that helps students visualize the complete anatomy of a social challenge. By structuring the analysis like a tree, participants can:

Identify the Root System (Causes)

Identify underlying factors contributing to the problem, including historical, economic, cultural, and political dimensions

Understand which is the Trunk (Core Problem)

Clearly articulate the central issue that needs addressing, focusing on specific manifestations rather than broad categories

Visualise the Branches (Effects)

Map out the consequences and impacts on individuals, communities, and systems to understand intervention priorities

This methodology provides clear intervention points and prevents superficial solutions by addressing underlying causes rather than symptoms.

Solution Tree Analysis

The Solution Tree (or Objective Tree) transforms the negative statements in the Problem Tree into positive outcomes and strategies. This positive reframing helps students:

• Convert root causes into strategic actions

• Transform the core problem into a central objective

• Reframe negative effects into positive outcomes

This methodology naturally leads to goal setting and the development of coherent intervention strategies, creating a roadmap from problem identification to solution implementation.

"The Solution Tree doesn't just flip problems to solutions—it transforms how students conceptualize change and envision positive futures."

Let's think!

Move forward and you will find two main obstacles of youth entreprenership in different "ecosystems' (urban & rural areas) ! Drag each word to the corresponding slot finding keywords for solution!

Drag each word to the corresponding slot finding keywords for solution!

Skills training programs

Skill development

Curriculum alignment

Entrepreneurship funding

Market linkages

Youth mentorship networks

Infrastructure

Mentorship

Creativity

Digital connectivity

High youth unemployment rates in urban areas

Entrepreneurship barriers in rural areas

Solution

Stakeholder Mapping

Stakeholder Mapping is essential for understanding the complex web of actors involved in any social challenge. This methodology will help you to:

Identify Key Actors

Catalog all individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions affected by or influencing the problem situation

Analyze Power Dynamics

Assess each stakeholder's influence, interests, resources, and position regarding the issue to understand power relationships

Develop Engagement Strategies

Create tailored approaches for working with different stakeholders based on their position in the influence/interest matrix

This framework ensures that interventions consider all perspectives and address potential resistance or support, leading to more sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Let's reflect!

There are several brainstorming techniques that are priceless tools in designing your stragegy! Click on the circles below to find out, step by step!

Problem walk act

Story Circle Sessions

Content

FINd THE IDEA

Local Media Brainstorm

DEVELOP DISSEMINATION IDEAS

SET THE GOALS

Peer Pitch Practice

MAPPING YOUR STRATEGY

Creativity

DEVELOP A STRATEGY

IDENTIFY KEY ACTORS

Action Planning Workshop

Influence Web

ANALYZE POWER DYNAMIC

Scenario Mapping

Stekholders walkabout

Video

MP4

System Mapping

This advanced diagnostic tool will help you to:

Understanding Systemic Relationships

System Mapping visualizes how different elements within a social system interact and influence each other.

• Identify feedback loops that either reinforce problems or could support solutions

• Discover intervention leverage points with maximum impact potential

• Anticipate unintended consequences of proposed interventions

• Recognize patterns and relationships that might otherwise remain hidden

Common system mapping tools include causal loop diagrams, influence maps, and network analysis. These visualizations help students move beyond linear thinking to understand how complex social challenges emerge from interconnected factors.

system mapping

Understand the Ecosystem

ie.Economic crisis

Reafrding funding

Contextualize your ideas & actors

ACTOrS

CLARIFY THE EXPECTED OUTPUTS OF YOUR STRATEGY

WHICH ARE THE EXTERNAL FACTORS OF YOUR ECOSYSTEM?

ie. Lack of digital access

Regarding impact

SWOT Analysis

This strategic Planning tool will help you to identify:

Strengths

Internal positive attributes that can be leveraged for success:

• Community relationships

• Specialized expertise

• Available resources

• Unique approach or methodology

Weaknesses

Internal limitations that may hinder progress:

• Resource constraints

• Knowledge gaps

• Logistical challenges

• Organizational barriers

Opportunities

External factors that could benefit the initiative:

• Policy changes

• Emerging partnerships

• Funding availability

• Increased public awareness

Threats

External challenges that could impede success:

• Political resistance

• Competing priorities

• Economic downturns

• Cultural barriers

Participatory Action Research (PAR): Research as Intervention

Core Principles of PAR

Implementation Steps

• Knowledge is co-created between researchers and community members

1. Establish collaborative relationships with affected communities

2. Collectively identify research questions and priorities

• Research process itself serves as an intervention for social change

3. Co-design appropriate methodologies and data collection tools

• Continuous cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection

4. Gather and analyze data together with community members

• Values local expertise and lived experience alongside academic knowledge

5. Implement actions based on findings

6. Reflect on outcomes and begin the cycle again

• Aims for empowerment and capacity building throughout the process

PAR fundamentally shifts power dynamics in research, positioning communities as active agents rather than passive subjects. This approach ensures solutions are contextually appropriate and sustainable.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): Equitable Partnerships

Partnership Formation

Collaborative Problem Definition

Establishing equitable relationships between academic institutions and community organizations based on trust and shared governance

Jointly identifying research priorities that address community-identified needs rather than solely academic interests

Capacity Building Research

Action Implementation

Conducting research that simultaneously builds community skills and generates knowledge about social challenges

Translating research findings into concrete interventions that directly benefit the community

CBPR emphasizes that meaningful community engagement must occur at every stage of the research process, from initial design through dissemination of findings and implementation of solutions.

Distinguishing PAR and CBPR Approaches

Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

PAR often emerges from activist traditions and explicitly focuses on challenging power structures. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of research and action, with researchers frequently positioned as co-activists alongside community members.

CBPR typically operates within more formal institutional contexts, often focusing on health or educational disparities. It emphasizes structured partnerships between institutions and communities with formal agreements about roles and responsibilities.

While both approaches share core values of equity and co-creation, they differ in their historical development, typical institutional contexts, and emphasis on different aspects of the research-action continuum. Many successful social innovation projects combine elements of both approaches.

Case Study: Youth Unemployment in Southern Europe

Root Causes

• Prolonged economic recession following 2008 financial crisis

• Structural mismatch between educational curricula and evolving labor market demands

• Rigid employment regulations limiting entry-level opportunities

• Insufficient vocational training and apprenticeship programs

Impact Assessment

• Youth poverty rates exceeding 40% in some regions

• Documented increases in anxiety, depression, and delayed life transitions

• Brain drain" as educated youth migrate to Northern European countries

• Weakened social cohesion and political disenfranchisement

Sustainable Solutions

• Regional "Skills Ecosystems" connecting education institutions directly with employers

• Digital entrepreneurship hubs providing training, mentorship, and seed funding

• Policy reforms creating tax incentives for businesses hiring young workers

• Cross-border apprenticeship programs leveraging EU mobility frameworks

This case demonstrates how comprehensive problem diagnosis leads to multi-level intervention strategies addressing both immediate needs and structural barriers.

Case Study: Educational Access in Europe vs. Sub-Saharan Africa

European Context

Sub-Saharan African Context

• Universal access to public education

• Limited physical infrastructure (schools, transportation)

• Digital infrastructure supporting remote learning

• Severe teacher shortages in rural areas

• Strong teacher training programs

• Gender disparities in educational access

• Educational inequalities based primarily on socioeconomic and immigration status

• High opportunity costs for attending school

This comparative analysis reveals how similar educational goals require dramatically different intervention approaches based on contextual factors. While European initiatives might focus on quality and inclusion within existing systems, Sub-Saharan contexts often require fundamental infrastructure development alongside cultural interventions addressing gender norms.

Comparative Educational Solutions

Infrastructure Development

Teacher Development

Europe: Upgrading digital infrastructure in disadvantaged schools

Europe: Training for cultural competence and digital pedagogy

Africa: Building physical schools and implementing solar-powered digital solutions

Africa: Accelerated teacher training programs and incentives for rural deployment

Community Engagement

Technology Integration

Europe: Involving immigrant parents in school governance

Europe: Advanced personalized learning platforms

Africa: Community-led initiatives supporting girls' education

Africa: Mobile-first applications designed for low-bandwidth environments

This comparative framework illustrates how similar educational goals require contextually appropriate solutions. The most effective interventions recognize both universal educational principles and the specific cultural, economic, and social realities of implementation contexts.

European Educational Challenges

Digital Divide

Despite widespread technology, 10-15% of European students lack adequate digital access at home, limiting educational opportunities and reinforcing inequality

Educational Segregation

School systems often concentrate disadvantaged students in specific institutions, particularly affecting migrant communities and creating educational "ghettos"

Skills Mismatch

Traditional curricula emphasize academic knowledge over practical skills, contributing to both youth unemployment and unfilled positions in technical fields

Even within Europe's relatively advanced educational systems, significant challenges remain. Effective diagnosis requires looking beyond surface-level metrics to understand how educational inequality persists despite universal access policies. Solutions must address both infrastructure and deep-seated cultural and institutional factors.

Youth Mental Health Crisis in High-Income Countries

Diagnostic Analysis

Intervention Framework

Root Causes

Effective solutions must operate across multiple levels:

• Social media's impact on self-image and social comparison

Individual Level

• Intensifying academic and economic pressures

Accessible digital mental health resources and peer support networks

• Declining face-to-face social connections

Community Level

• Widespread stigma preventing help-seeking

School-based mental health literacy programs and early intervention services

• Fragmented mental health systems with limited youth focus

Systemic Level

Impact Assessment

Integration of mental health services into primary care and educational settings

• 50% increase in depression and anxiety among European youth since 2010

• Rising suicide rates as the second leading cause of death for 15-29 year olds

Policy Level

Regulatory frameworks for social media platforms and increased mental health funding

• Estimated €170 billion annual economic impact across the EU

The complexity of this crisis demonstrates how effective social innovation requires interventions at multiple levels, addressing both immediate needs and underlying structural factors.

Resources / Further reading

• Israel, B. A., Schulz, A. J., Coombe, C. M., Parker, E. A., Reyes, A. G., Rowe, Z., & Lichtenstein, R. L. (2019). Community-based participatory research. Urban health, 272(2), 272-282.
• Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R., & Nixon, R. (2013). The action research planner: Doing critical participatory action research. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Merali, Y., & Allen, P. (2011). Complexity and systems thinking. The SAGE handbook of complexity and management, 31-52.
• Stroh, D. P. (2015). Systems thinking for social change: A practical guide to solving complex problems, avoiding unintended consequences, and achieving lasting results. Chelsea Green Publishing.

mp4 analysis

Track who speaks most, who is interrupted, and who remains silent. Compare screen time vs. actual influence—this reveals hidden dynamics beyond appearances.

Share your idea with an image

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content is in motion.

Animate your content and take it to the next level

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Did you know that Genially allows you to share your creation directly, without the need for downloads? Ready for your audience to view it on any device and promote it anywhere.

VIDEO ANALYSIS

Play a video in short segments, pausing after key scenes. Discuss with your team what do you notice—body language, tone, reactions—to help them identify underlying messages and stakeholder dynamics.

With this feature... You can add additional content that excites your audience's brain: videos, images, links, interactivity... Whatever you want!

CONTENT CREATION

Interactivity is the key to capturing the interest and attention of your audience. Create interactive content using tools like Genially.

Here you can put a standout title, something that captivates your audience

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Remember to add animation! Capture your audience's attention with your content and choose the ideal effect by selecting the element and clicking on the Animation icon, which appears just above. Interactivity and animation can be your best allies when creating tables, infographics, or graphics that help provide context to information and simplify data for your audience. We are visual beings and find it easier to 'read' images than to read written text.

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave youraudience amazed. You can also highlight a specific phrase or piece of information that will be etched into your audience's memory, or even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whateveryou want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content moves.

aCTION PLANNING WORKSHOP

Break dowm your idea into key steps, assigning responsibilities, timelines, and resources needed. Use flipcharts or sticky notes to create a visual, collaborative action plan.

CREATIVITY

Sky is the limit! Feel free to express yourself without judgement - creativity will come!

Influence Web Activity

Draw a web linking people, groups, or institutions involved in your ecosystem. Then rank each actor by influence and interest to better understand who matters most.

Here you can put a highlighted title

Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content is moving. What you read: interactivity and animation can make even the most boring content fun. At Genially, we use AI (Awesome Interactivity) in all our designs, so you can level up with interactivity and turn your content into something valuable and engaging.

Share your idea with an image

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content moves.

Animate your content and take it to the next level

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Did you know that Genially allows you to share your creation directly, without the need for downloads? Ready for your audience to visualize it on any device and give it exposure anywhere.

With this feature... You can add additional content that excites your audience's brain: videos, images, links, interactivity...Whatever you want!

To understand the economic climate as a factor in a system, it's essential to first map out the key elements that influence it, such as policies, market dynamics, and consumer behavior. Identifying feedback loops within the economic system is crucial. Positive feedback loops, for example, can reinforce economic growth, while negative ones may exacerbate recessions or inequality. By visualizing these loops, students can identify intervention points with the greatest potential to stimulate or stabilize the economy. This could involve targeting policy adjustments, supporting specific industries, or enhancing consumer confidence. Another important step is anticipating unintended consequences. For example, increasing interest rates to control inflation might inadvertently slow down investment or increase unemployment in certain sectors. A system map allows students to trace these indirect effects and prepare for them. Additionally, recognizing patterns such as inflation cycles or income disparity helps students better predict how changes in one area (like technology adoption or global trade) can ripple through the economy.

Problem-Walk Activity

Go for a walk through your village or town to observe everyday challenges. Let yourself document issues you notice or hear about—this sparks idea generation grounded in real needs.

Scenario Mapping

Map out “what-if” scenarios (e.g., low turnout, limited funds) and plan responses. This strengthens strategic thinking and prepares you to adapt your strategy to real-world challenges.

Here you can put a standout title, something that captivates your audience

Provide context to your topic with a subtitle

Remember to add animation! Capture your audience's attention with your content and choose the ideal effect by selecting the element and clicking on the Animation icon, which appears just above. Interactivity and animation can be your best allies when creating tables, infographics, or graphics that help provide context to the information and simplify the data for your audience. We are visual beings and find it easier to 'read' images than to read written text.

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave youraudience amazed. You can also highlight a specific phrase or piece of information that will be etched into your audience's memory, or even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whateveryou want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content is in motion.

Pitch Practice

Practice explaining your idea to friends or family in under two minutes. This helps you shape clear, engaging messages and test which formats or wording resonate best.

Here you can put a highlighted title

I am a great subtitle, ideal for providing more context about the topic you are going to address.

Did you know that Genially allows you to share your creation directly, without the need for downloads? Ready for your audience to view it on any device and share it anywhere. Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures. We better grasp visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes; the first image is what counts. We associate visual content with emotions. Our brain is prepared to consume visual content.

Share your idea with an image

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight a specific phrase or data that will be ingrained in the memory of your audience, and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes through sight and, in addition, we retain 42% more information when the content is in motion.

Skill training programs; Creativity; Market linkages Entrepreneurship funding; Curriculum alignment;Youth mentorship networks

Infrastructure; Digital Connectivity; Skill Development; Mentorship; Youth mentorship networks; Market linkages

Here you can put a highlighted title

I am a great subtitle, ideal for providing more context about the topic you are going to address.

Did you know that Genially allows you to share your creation directly, without the need for downloads? Ready for your audience to view it on any device and share it anywhere. Visual content is a cross-cutting, universal language, like music. We are capable of understanding images from millions of years ago, even from other cultures. We better grasp visual content. Visual content is associated with cognitive and psychological mechanisms. Things enter through the eyes; the first image is what matters. We associate visual content with emotions. Our brain is prepared to consume visual content.

Stakeholder Walkabout

Visit key community spots (markets, schools, clinics), observe and ask yourself: “Who makes decisions here?” or “Who do people listen to?” This grounds an actor list in real interactions.

Story Circle Sessions

Organize small group discussions where community members share personal stories about local struggles or gaps. Youth listen, ask questions, and extract potential business or project ideas from recurring themes.

LOCAL MEDIA BATHROOM!

Explore available communication channels—like radio, posters, WhatsApp groups—and brainstorm creative ways to share your message.

To understand funding as a factor in a system, it's essential to first map how financial resources flow through various sectors and interact with other system components like policy, organizational priorities, and community needs. Identifying feedback loops in the funding system can reveal how resource allocation either reinforces or mitigates existing challenges. For example, when funding is directed toward high-need areas, it can drive positive change by improving services or infrastructure. However, a lack of consistent funding for certain sectors may perpetuate cycles of underdevelopment or inequality. Recognizing intervention leverage points is vital for creating impactful changes. In the context of funding, this could involve identifying areas where small investments could lead to significant improvements—such as funding innovative programs that boost economic mobility or education. It’s also important to anticipate unintended consequences, like how reducing funding for one service to prioritize another may inadvertently leave certain communities or projects under-resourced and vulnerable.

To understand mentorship as a factor in a system, it’s important to map how relationships between mentors, mentees, and broader social or professional networks influence individual growth and collective outcomes. Identifying feedback loops within the mentorship system helps reveal how positive mentor-mentee relationships can create a cycle of empowerment, where mentees gain knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to become mentors themselves, thus reinforcing the system. Conversely, a lack of mentorship or poorly matched mentorship can hinder progress and perpetuate disparities in access to opportunities. Discovering intervention leverage points is crucial for optimizing the impact of mentorship. For example, expanding mentorship programs to underrepresented communities or offering targeted support for high-potential individuals in marginalized groups can significantly improve long-term outcomes. In addition, mapping mentorship dynamics helps anticipate unintended consequences. For instance, if mentorship is limited to certain groups or industries, it could unintentionally reinforce existing inequalities by leaving some groups without access to these key relationships.

To understand digital access as a factor in a system, it’s important to map how various components—such as infrastructure, policy, education, and technology—interact and affect access to digital resources. Identifying feedback loops is key in understanding how unequal access can either reinforce digital divides or promote greater equality. For instance, improved digital access can enhance education and economic opportunities, which in turn may increase demand for better digital infrastructure. Conversely, limited access can trap communities in cycles of disadvantage, stifling their ability to participate in the digital economy. Discovering intervention leverage points within the system is essential for maximizing impact. One effective intervention could be increasing investment in broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, or incentivizing digital literacy programs to empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital world. Mapping the system also helps students anticipate unintended consequences, such as the risk that digital solutions might exacerbate existing inequalities if they are not designed inclusively.

Share your idea with an image

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave your audience amazed. You can also highlight a specific phrase or data that remains etched in the memory of your audience and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight and, in addition, we retain 42% more information when thecontent moves.