M Madagascar 2011 A Blessing Basket Project Review BBP is experiencing a number of problems in Madagascar, including communication, leadership and product quality issues. This report proposes alternative methods of communication, leadership candidates and possible design alternatives. Jennifer L. Engeling MBA/MA 2012 Washington University in St. Louis Madagascar 2011 A Blessing Basket Project Review Communication In addition to Madagascar, the Blessing Basket Project (BBP) operates in Bangladesh, Ghana and Uganda; but, in none of those places does BBP have communication issues as severe as those in Madagascar. The Madagascar 2011 class spent the majority of our time in Mahabo Mananivo, an approximately 835 km drive from Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo. The Blessing Basket Project BBP is a non-profit organization founded by Theresa Wilson that works to reduce poverty through the commission and resale of locallycrafted baskets. That far from the capital city, internet access is extremely limited, 1 and cell service can be patchy. Consequently, Blessing Basket Project staff sometimes has tremendous difficulty reaching the Malagasy weavers. At the Madagascar 2011 kickoff meeting in April 2011, just before our departure, BBP founder Theresa Wilson emphasized that the communication issue is the number one problem for BBP in Madagascar. If nothing else, she said to me, see what you can do about that. My findings follow.1 Internet Options for Rural Madagascar Madagascar 2011 Smart Phones One of the simplest options for reaching Mahabo Mananivo from BBP headquarters in St. Louis is the smart phone. Advancing mobile phone technology and expanding mobile coverage areas allow for access to even the most remote locations. Throughout my time in Madagascar, and over the area outlined on the map above, I was regularly able to send and receive text messages from my iPhone 4, despite being on a U.S.-based AT&T™ plan. 3G Coverage In order to use the internet over the smart phone, 3G mobile network coverage needs to be available. At the moment, only one of the three mobile providers in Madagascar has extensive 3G coverage, but another provider claims coverage to Mahabo Mananivo is coming soon. 2 1 I discuss communication and leadership issues separately, though they are obviously related issues, and join them in my final recommendation. My discussion of communication technologies assumes that someone at least partially versed in (or to be trained in) technology will be operating them, because if that were not possible, there would not be a communication issue to address. Provider Mahabo Mananivo covered? Orange Coming Soon2 Telma YES3 Airtel NO4 As can be seen on the below coverage map, Telma has 3G coverage towers in both Farafangana and Vangaindrano. Consequently, with the tools discussed in this report, BBP should be able to connect with the weavers via 3G mobile internet for the smart phone or the tablet. Telma 3G Coverage Map, enhanced to show Mahabo Mananivo region 5 2 http://www.orange.mg/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=807&Itemi d=1173 3 http://www.telma.mg/images/pdf/carte_mada_090508.pdf 4 http://africa.airtel.com/madagascar/zone-de-couverture-938 5 Id. 3 Telma offers a number of smart phone plan options, should BBP choose to pursue connectivity via the smart phone. I have highlighted the three most popular smart phones below, though Telma offers plans with other phones. For comparison, I have also included information for 3G mobile plans on the other networks. 3G Plans Madagascar 2011 Telma Cost/12 months Internet Blackberry $225 Unlimited iPhone $275 Unlimited Sony-Ericsson $200 Unlimited Orange Key 3G+wifi $75 Unknown Airtel 3G unavailable 3G unavailable 3G unavailable 67 Powering the Smart Phone I was able to keep my iPhone charged for nearly two weeks – without use of the Missouri Botanical Garden compound’s electricity – through the use of two iPhone-specific battery saving technologies. The first, the Dexim P-Flip™ ($79.99), is an iPhone-sized foldable battery and dock for the iPhone. It is entirely solar-powered (though it has an AC-charging option) and can extend the iPhone’s talk time by up to 6 hours per charge. Fifteen hours of natural sunlight exposure fully charges it, and the charge is transferred to the iPhone simply by attaching the iPhone to the dock.8 6 4 http://www.telma.mg/particuliers/mobile/fiche_offreConnected.php 7 http://www.orange.mg/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=35&id=927&Item id=1322 8 http://www.dexim.net/us/products/P-F/DCA223.html The P-Flip™ alone would be sufficient for the weavers to keep the iPhone fully charged at all times. 9 However, an easily transportable AC-powered option is also available. The Dexim SuperJuice Power Case for iPhone 4 ($69.99) can extend the iPhone’s talk time by up to 6 hours.10 Though it is not solar-powered and must be charged and recharged via an AC-outlet, once charged, it can be unplugged and transported anywhere while retaining the charge. When I weighed them, the three objects together weighed 0.8 lb. and fit in one hand. Like the PFlip™, the case is sized to the iPhone, and transfers its charge once the iPhone is attached. The holder of the case can simply plug it back in to an AC outlet whenever near a generator or electricity to recharge it. Each time the holder of the iPhone, case and P-Flip™ is near electricity and fully charges the 3 objects, a full 19.76 hours of talk time is created.11 DEXIM SUPER-JUICE POWER C ASE12 What does it all mean for BBP and the Mahabo Mananivo weavers? A portable, solarpowered, constant, open line of communication is possible. Because my iPhone was on a U.S.-based plan, I chose only to use its text messaging capabilities. Internet or phone use 9 Id. http://www.dexim.net/us/products/B-P/DCA224.html 11 http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20009811-233.html 12 http://www.dexim.net/us/products/B-P/DCA224.html 10 5 through the cell network would’ve cost me a small fortune in roaming charges. On a Malagasy-based plan offering unlimited internet through the cell network, however, regular communication should be possible and normally priced. 3G-Capable Tablet Computers The key to proper internet usage and Skype capability via the smart phone is availability of a 3G network. As mentioned above, Orange does not currently have 3G capability in AtsimoAtsinanana, but says that 3G coverage is on the way. On Orange, the nearest locale to Mahabo Mananivo with 3G coverage is Fianaratsoa. Madagascar 2011 Telma, on the other hand, claims to have not only mobile coverage, but 3G+ tablet coverage throughout Madagascar. Specifically, they state that mobile internet is available anywhere in Madagascar, 24/7, using the Telma Net PRO 3GB plan. 13 6 13 http://www.telma.mg/particuliers/internet/fiche_details3G.php?id=27 Telma Net Pro Plan Cost Comparison14 Plan 12 month w/ Tab 24 month w/ Tab Per month, thereafter 500 MB $550 $446 $25 1 GB $500 $400 $40 3GB $450 $359 $75 The offer is intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, a tablet computer designed to rival Apple’s iPad. It also functions as a mobile phone via speaker phone or the wired ear piece. It has both a front and rear camera for use with Skype and other videoconferencing applications.15 Further, tablet computers like the Samsung Galaxy Tab can open and view any PDF file, as well as open, view and edit Word and Excel files. Consequently, data sharing with the Malagasy weavers could become as simple as sending emails back and forth. An added advantage to the tablet option is the availability of language learning applications. Both French- and English-learning applications are widely available across tablet platforms. Theresa mentioned that the language barrier is often a hindrance to communication with the Malagasy weavers, and these language applications could help address that by teaching the weavers French or English, albeit slowly, on their own schedules. They could even hold group language classes as part of their existing meetings. Further exploration of the endless possibilities for training and teaching over the internet could be a project for future classes. 14 15 Id. At this time, the iPad is not available directly as an option on any of the mobile networks, so it will only be discussed briefly. However, because of the heavy iPhone focus through Telma, iPad could become an option in the future and warranted some discussion. 7 Comparison between iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab, 2011 Pros Cons Samsung Galaxy Tab Lighter Smaller screen Available through Telma Smaller, less well-established app market Apple iPad Larger screen Heavier Better app support: iWork Uncertain compatibility w/ Malagasy telecoms Madagascar 2011 More user-friendly Accessories Obviously, one of the biggest obstacles to adopting any of these advanced technologies – without successfully obtaining outside leadership – is teaching the weavers’ leadership how to use them. Past difficulties with removing, charging and reinserting the batteries for the solar-powered headlamps demonstrated that some technologies may be difficult for the weavers to understand. However, the tablets available on the market have very few complications and often work via touchscreen. There are no batteries to remove and reinsert, and charging via solar panel or outlet requires only a plug-in. Additionally, both tablet options have a number of compatible accessories that provide protection and power and boost productivity. Protection For iPad, Otterbox cases ($89.95) provide protection from bumps, shock, drop and dust.16 For Tab, Gumdrop cases ($59.95) provide similar protection.17 Such protection would be indispensible to the safety and life cycle of the tablet chosen, and increase the portability of the item. 8 16 17 http://www.otterbox.com/ http://www.gumdropcases.com/ 18 19 Power The New Trent iCruiser ($76.95) is an external battery pack that can provide up to 50 additional hours of video playback on either the iPad or Tab.20 In an area like Mahabo Mananivo, where generated electricity is scarce, accessories like the iCruiser that extend battery life could prove essential to ensuring a line of communication is always open and available between BBP and the weavers. 21 Productivity External keyboards allow easier input for document creation and editing. Depending on the needs of BBP for its representatives in Madagascar, an external keyboard may be important for boosting productivity and editing files. There are a number of different suppliers for both iPad and Tab, retailing ~$70. 18 http://www.otterbox.com/iPad-2-Defender-Series-Case/APL2-IPAD2,default,pd.html?dwvar_APL2IPAD2_color=D9&start=1&cgid=ipad-2-cases 19 http://www.gumdropcases.com/drop-series-ipad-2-case.html 20 http://www.newtrent.com/Best-IPhone-IPad-Battery-Pack-p/imp1000.htm 21 Id. 9 22 23 24 25 Madagascar 2011 Apps Additionally, both tablets offer a wide range of applications that mimic the functions of fullfledged programs on more robust desktop or laptop systems. They provide a convenient and low-cost alternative to buying expensive programs for a full-sized computer. Both tablets have applications available that can edit Microsoft Office documents. There also exist numerous apps to assist with language acquisition and translation. One groundbreaking app, SpeechTrans, is available for both iPad and Tab ($19.99) and provides real-time speech-tospeech translation.26 Though Malagasy is not available, the app could prove extremely useful for translating English to French and back again in situations where BBP wants to communicate between an English speaker and a French speaker. 27 Signal Boosting Regardless of internet access portal or cell phone provider, coverage could still be a challenge for several years to come. With one of the solutions listed below under “Power,” we are free to explore signal boosting technology. The Wilson Mobile Wireless Booster Kit28 ($309) claims to boost a cell’s signal twentyfivefold. Low power output is the primary cause of low signal strength, and the Wilson booster functions by amplifying the phone’s output power. By using this amplification 22 http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/s/1615/keyboard-folio-cases.aspx http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC184 24 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-K10AWEGSTA 25 Id. 26 http://speechtrans.com/ 27 Id. 28 http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Electronics-801213-Booster-Vehicle/dp/B0011GI950 23 10 ability, the 3G/mobile signal produced by the weavers’ communication device will become much more consistent and reliable. 29 Satellite Internet An alternative to everyday cellular and internet service is satellite internet. While in the past the price of satellite-provided internet was cost-prohibitive, recently the price has come down considerably. One company provides service for $475 in equipment, a $35 monthly fee and $7.92/MB.30 There are two downsides, however. One is the potential to rack up a considerable end-of-month bill if usage is not monitored carefully, and the second is that additional equipment in the form of a laptop would be required. Tempest Telecom Satellite Coverage 31 11 29 Id. http://www.tempestcom.com/services/satrbgan_plans.aspx 31 Id. 30 Power Madagascar 2011 Electronics of any kind will require consistent and convenient access to power. While the solar options above may provide sufficient support, communication could be interrupted if one of the devices malfunctions. Further, BBP cannot rely on MBG for uncontested generator access and should try to establish a local source of (preferably green) power. Several options exist, from gasoline-powered generators to large-scale wind and solar setups. However, these require either constant energy inputs or have high startup costs and tricky maintenance procedures. One technology lacks these additional hang-ups – pedal power. Around for over one hundred years and used throughout the world from Afghanistan32 to Ethiopia,33 the pedal has powered everything from computers34 to dental tools35 to rock concerts.36 Although several pedal power options exist, they mostly consist of the same elements; a regular adult-sized bicycle, a stand, generator, regulator, drive and gearing. These components can be salvaged and assembled through DIY methods, or fully-assembled turnkey solutions are available for purchase. Convergence Tech offers the generator, cables, regulator and power-pack (a battery, containing typical household outlets where you can plug-in appliances directly) for $1078.37 (Note: a variety of batteries would work with this system, including car batteries and the Duracell discussed below.) Once the startup cost has been met, the unit costs nothing more than human pedal power to provide electricity to many appliances. 32 http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-powered-laptops-afghanistan/ http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/how-to-build-an-african-village-bicycle-generatorpedalpower-system-3rd-world-projects.htm 34 http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-powered-laptops-afghanistan/ 35 http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/how-to-build-an-african-village-bicycle-generatorpedalpower-system-3rd-world-projects.htm 36 http://www.rockthebike.com/pedal-powered-stage/ 37 http://www.econvergence.net/electro.htm 33 12 38 Other systems like Rollergen39 (featured in Popular Mechanics40) dispense with the stand and allow the bike to continue to be used for transportation, while generating power at the same time with each trip. While these solutions are more mobile, they provide substantially less total output. Small-scale Solar Small-scale solar systems also deserve a mention, and could work in concert with pedal power. As seen above, very small-scale, lightweight solar panels can be used to charge cell phones and other small electronics. Slightly larger panels (12 volt) can charge a battery (like the Duracell Powerpack - $150) with integrated AC outlets. 41 A battery designed to accept a charge from a DC cigarette lighter outlet (like the one generated and delivered by the Pedal A Watt system above) or through an AC outlet (with solar power - $90)42 could provide an inexpensive, versatile solution for BBP’s electricity needs. 38 Id. http://www.rollergen.com/ 40 http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/4347282?nav=RSS20&src=syn&d om=yah_buzz&mag=pop 41 http://www.duracellpower.com/backup-power/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx 42 http://sunforceproducts.com/product_details.php?PRODUCT_ID=89 39 13 43 44 Recommended Equipment Madagascar 2011 Given BBP’s current but potentially growing needs, I recommend investing in a versatile, but simple, system consisting of a pedal power bike generator with Duracell Powerpack for electricity needs: total cost = $815. For connectivity, I recommend the Wilson signal booster combined with the Telmasupported Samsung Tab (16GB) and a Gumdrop protective case: initial cost = $807 and $25/500MB/mo. for 24 months. The applications available for the Tab are sufficient for the documents BBP will need to produce and exchange. These solutions will allow BBP to maintain open lines of communication and provide the electricity to independently power them. The set up, then, would look something like this: Boosts signal Plug into Powered by Leadership Another problem the Blessing Basket Project has faced in Madagascar is lack of clear leadership. BBP needs a central point of contact for the weavers in order to pass information and ideas back and forth, but has struggled to find someone to fill the need. 14 43 44 Id. http://www.duracellpower.com/backup-power/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx Interns Recently, BBP has tried to fill the need by seeking Malagasy students studying in the St. Louis area. Because such students are rare, my alternative proposal draws on various graduate student internship programs run throughout the world. For many government and NGO internships, the student is responsible for paying all costs of the internship. Yet, the potential impact of the internship on the student’s outlook (and resume!) drives students from the top American universities to apply, year after year. An internship in Madagascar with BBP would give a student experience in language training, living overseas, life in the developing world, logistics, social entrepreneurship, non-profit operations, etc. Students would return from the internship with a wealth of knowledge and experience rare among their peers. Recommendation The Blessing Basket Project should establish a year-long internship/fellowship program, designed somewhat like the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. The Bosch Foundation Fellowship provides American graduate students (upon graduation) with intensive German language training, then sends them to Germany for three professional development seminars and two work rotations within German government institutions and NGOs. Fellows receive a stipend. In order to attract the highest caliber students and the highest benefit for BBP and the weavers, the BBP “Post-Graduate Internship in Social Entrepreneurship” should seek students following the completion of a graduate degree like an MBA, MSW or MA in a related field like international affairs. Like the Bosch Fellowship, the program would provide its participants with intensive language training in French and/or Malagasy, along with the BBP-specific training necessary for completing designated responsibilities in Madagascar. Interns would then be deployed in designated housing near the weavers. Consequently, BBP would have highly educated, consistent points of contact on the ground at all times with the weavers. To establish continuity with the internship and provide interns with emotional support and companionship, BBP should start a new intern every six months. By doing so, the established intern can mentor the new intern over six months and fully integrate him or her into the process. The ‘mentor’ intern would also be able to assist the ‘trainee’ intern in learning the Malagasy language. Further, having a mentor already adjusted and established will help 15 offset the new intern’s six-month adjustment period (experienced by individuals who move into a new cultural environment). In order to attract the best talent, BBP should pay for the student’s airfare (which can be costly) and expenses while in Madagascar (which, relative to annual U.S. costs of living, does not amount to much). On the other hand, BBP could first establish the internship without offering financial support to the intern and wait to see the composition of the applicant pool. If it is satisfactory, BBP could absorb the benefits of the intern with only the time cost of reviewing applications and coordinating the internship. Madagascar 2011 BBP Costs per Intern Item With Financial Support Flight to Paris $1,10745 $0 Flight to Antananarivo $1,34346 $0 Transportation to Mahabo Mananivo $504748 $0 Housing & Food $3,64549 $0 Time to review applications, interview Varies50 Total ~$6,145 Annual, based on 2 interns ~$12,290 Without Financial Support Varies Sources: see footnotes, some data for illustration purposes only 45 Approximate, based on quote from www.aa.com for round-trip travel from St. Louis. Approximate, based on quote from www.airfrance.com for round-trip travel from Paris. 47 Approximate, based on quotes from www.travelmadagascar.org about the cost of taxibus travel. 48 May also be able to arrange a ride with MBG if they are driving from Tana to Mahabo Mananivo at that time. 49 Approximate cost ceiling, based on Table 1 (see Appendix) cost of living numbers for Antananarivo 50 Depends on # of applications, interviews and lost output of individual(s) reviewing applications. 46 16 Sample internship application materials can be found in the Appendix. A very basic, 24-page Malagasy language primer is available through the Peace Corps.51 An Alternative Internship Method Rather than approach the internship as a yearlong post-graduate program, BBP could also attract top talent by working with local institutions like Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. Together, they could try to establish the internship as a practical fieldwork component of relevant degree programs. For example, rather than finishing the MBA or MSW in two years, as is traditional, students could finish in 2.5 years. The student would delay graduation by six months, and the universities could grant credits equivalent to a semester to the student for the internship. The timeline, with an MBA example, would look something like this: Fall One: Core MBA Spring One: 2nd MBA Semester End of Spring One/May: Begin Internship Spend Full Year in Madagascar Summer 2: Traditional Internship Fall 3: MBA Wrap-Up & Graduation 17 51 http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/madagascar/MG_Malagasy_ Language_Lessons.pdf Obviously any such program would require support from universities; but the arrangement also benefits the universities by: Providing their students with hands-on, international non-profit experience Contributing a social entrepreneurship practicum course at a time when social entrepreneurship is booming Offering another ‘study abroad’-type opportunity, positioned uniquely in the developing world Madagascar 2011 Giving the university’s students a chance to learn one (or two!) additional languages through both classroom methods and immersion If the program was partnered with universities, BBP and its interns could also receive financial support for the student from those universities, or through grants/scholarships specific to the universities’ students. Alternatives to Interns Blessing Basket’s experience in Madagascar to this point has demonstrated difficulty with a number of leadership approaches. Past attempts to use a local weaver and Peace Corps volunteers have failed. Use of MBG staff can absorb too much of their time when MBG responsibilities need to take precedent. Consequently, my strong recommendation is to try the internship approach. I am confident that there are enough high-caliber students seeking overseas – and specifically developingworld – experience that finding a steady supply of interns would be possible. Further, I believe the two-intern, six-month rotation outlined above would hamper any turnover problems that may develop, and would introduce each new intern to the responsibilities, environment and language of the BBP effort in Mahabo Mananivo. Peace Corps 18 However, if BBP’s processes do not allow for this approach, my recommendation is to try the Peace Corps volunteers again. I do not know the details of BBP’s first attempt to use the Peace Corps volunteers. My suggestion here, however, would be to contact Peace Corps directly about working out a formal arrangement for Peace Corps volunteer assistance in the BBP endeavor. Formalizing the arrangement would ensure that the volunteer was dedicated and deliberately assigned to the BBP operation. Weavers Another option would be to select one of the weavers for the leadership role, and train her in the language and business skills necessary to complete the responsibilities for BBP. BBP could set up her selection as an annual leadership/scholarship program, providing training to a different weaver each year. The Washington University course is lengthening both the time commitment for the course in-classroom and the time commitment for the course on the field in Madagascar. If future classes intend to spend greater periods of time in Madagascar, they would be prime candidates for both expanding this idea into a full program and delivering the training directly to the weavers. As another way to support the weavers between orders, BBP could arrange for more weaving training sessions with tourists/NGOs/whoever is interested. Two years ago, three weavers held a 35-student training seminar in Farafangana for a Catholic charity that earned them 500,000 Ar in one week. Developing, advertising for and scheduling more of these training seminars would be another great project for future WashU Madagascar classes. Product Quality The last issue BBP reported having in Madagascar is with product quality. Malagasy baskets are fraying, and their handles are often breaking. As a result, BBP customers are returning Malagasy baskets. BBP is not comfortable selling a product that is being returned, and the weavers report that many months pass between orders from BBP as a result. One of the issues with handle-breakage is that the design preferred by BBP is thinner in the handle than the baskets that the weavers use themselves. Another is that the basket design makes the basket look like a bag or purse for carrying around many (possibly heavy) items. Survey To examine these issues further and get feedback from possible customers, I created a quick survey comparing different baskets and asking follow-up questions about possible solutions 19 for the BBP product quality and order inconsistency issues. Please see the Appendix for a copy of the survey and a summary of the results. Results Madagascar 2011 The survey received 56 responses across age ranges, and income and employment levels. 52 Consequently, I believe the responses give helpful feedback regarding the BBP product line, and about possible future expansion of the products on offer. Handles and Design Throughout all four basket side-by-side comparisons by all 56 respondents (i.e., 224 responses), only one response reported a preference for a basket because of the thinner handle. On the other hand, 10 responses noted a preference for a basket because of the thicker handle. For question 13, of the respondents who selected basket one, 3 reported selecting it because it did not have a wooden handle. However, 5 reported selecting basket two specifically because of its wooden handle. Question 14’s respondents were fairly divided over whether they would prefer a storagestyle basket over the current purse-like style of the Malagasy baskets. It is important to note here that respondents often cited their preference for the use of the existing bag style (as shown in Question 10, basket one) as a beach, picnic or summer bag, over the more purse-like style shown in questions 6 and 8. Consequently, BBP may be able to increase sales and decrease product returns by ordering more of the thicker-handled, beach bag style shown below and advertising as a “beach bag.” If it is not used daily as a purse, and considered more of a special occasion-style bag, the wear and tear may be lessened. Additionally, if stuffed with towels and other beach items, the average load carried by each bag may also be reduced. 20 52 See Appendix. Furthermore, because of the small sample of respondents reporting a preference for a design because of its thinner handle (only 1), it is unlikely that sales will decrease as a direct result of the change in handle thickness. Other Items Another way for BBP to support the weavers with more frequent orders would be to request items other than baskets. While in Mahabo Mananivo, we noted a number of different weaving styles, including abundant woven floor and sleeping mats. By modifying the sleeping mat style slightly or combining techniques with the basket weaving styles, the weavers could possibly produce yoga mats, wall hangings, coasters, place mats, trivets, rugs or beach mats. If successful, because of the flat nature of each of those products, shipping to BBP would be simplified and less likely to cause damage to the products while in transit. Additionally, varying the product selection from the Malagasy weavers could help stabilize and steady orders across time, allowing the weavers to better predict their income and plan their spending. Below, you can see the results of survey question 15: “Please check the boxes next to items (produced by weavers in Madagascar with a style similar to that seen in the baskets above) that you would be interested in purchasing.” Respondents beach mats 13 wall hangings 18 rugs 34 trivets 21 place mats yoga mats coasters 32 10 23 Sales Outlets 21 The survey also tried to capture each respondent’s preferences for where to purchase and expectations for where to find Malagasy weavers’ crafts. Respondents Craft Store 24 Schnucks Florist Whole Foods 8 3 13 Target Madagascar 2011 Online 44 36 The most important note to take away from this question is the other possible sales channels for the baskets. While many noted an online sales outlet, only 10.2% of responses indicated Whole Foods, a current sales outlet for BBP, as a likely place of purchase. Perhaps BBP could make similar arrangements with some of the other outlets mentioned here, or try to raise the profile of its online store. Direct In-Home Sales While conducting my research, I came across a BBP-affiliated organization for selling BBP crafts through in-home sales consultations, similar to the popular Longaberger basket parties of the 1990s. Consequently, I included a survey question to gather consumer interest for this service. Given the wide range of reported ages in my sample, I expected responses to the final survey question to be divided. On the contrary, the overwhelming majority of survey participants reported no interest in hosting an in-home “party.” 22 Respondents 14% 86% With results slanted so heavily in one direction, BBP should carefully monitor the profitability of its venture into in-home sales consultations, and consider ways to expand the population of interested parties from 14%. Recommendations As noted above, BBP should seek to expand the current products on offer from the Malagasy weavers, with items like place mats, coasters and trivets. These products would be easier to ship and increase the order frequency for products from the Malagasy weavers. They should also include more of the beach bag-style Malagasy baskets in their product line, as preferred by the respondents in the survey, and advertise the baskets as such. Such a switch may also have an effect on the number of products returned, by designating the bags for a specific purpose. BBP should also consider approaching other major sales outlets like Target about arrangements similar to the existing one with Whole Foods (barring its exclusivity, of course), since most respondents do not expect or prefer to purchase craft items at Whole Foods. 23 Madagascar 2011 Appendix 24 Source: http://icsc.un.org/resources/pdfs/2008/hsg/madagascar-08.pdf, March 2008 Sample Application Materials for the Blessing Basket Project Graduate Internship in Social Entrepreneurship 25 26 Madagascar 2011 27 28 Madagascar 2011 29 30 Madagascar 2011 BBP Product Survey 31 32 Madagascar 2011 33 34 Madagascar 2011 35 Survey Results The survey results are based on a sample size of 53 respondents. Demographics: Gender 45 Madagascar 2011 11 Male Age Bracket Mean: 30-39 50-59 23% 40-49 13% 36 Female 60+ 7% <=19 4% 20-29 38% 30-39 17% Education Level Graduate degree 9 Bachelor degree 20 Associate degree 2 Some college but no degree 15 High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) Less than a high school diploma 10 0 Employment Status 34 11 8 2 1 Employed, parttime Employed, fulltime Unemployed Student Retired 37 Income Level $80,000+, 2% $60,000 - $79,000 14% Madagascar 2011 $40,000 - $59,000 27% $0-$19,999 32% $20,000 - $39,000 25% Question 6: Respondents Basket Two Basket One 42 14 Question 7: Why basket two? There was a clear favorite of the two baskets, and most of the responses indicated color as the reason (39/42). No one who chose basket two noted the thinner handle over the thicker handle. 38 Of the respondents who selected basket one, 12/14 selected it for the color, but the thicker handle was noted in a response. Question 8: Respondents Basket Two 24 Basket One 32 Question 9: Why basket one? Generally, respondents reported a preference for basket one because of the design, colors, and larger size. Respondents who reported a preference for basket two noted its “more refined” style and that it looked suitable for someone older. Question 10: Respondents Basket Two Basket One 27 29 Question 11: For both choices, users reported the color schemes and not the handles as their reasons for making their selections. 39 Question 12: Respondents Basket Two 23 Basket One 33 Madagascar 2011 Question 13: Of the respondents who selected basket one, 3 reported selecting it because it did not have a wooden handle. Many of the other respondents reported selecting basket one because it did not have the lemur picture. On the other hand, 5 reported selecting basket two because of the lemur, and another 5 reported selecting basket two because of its wooden handle. Question 14: Would you be more or less interested in the baskets if they were more storage-style? Respondents Less Equally More 40 19 14 23 It is important to note here that respondents often cited their preference for the use of the existing bag style as a beach, picnic or summer bag. Consequently, BBP may have a better time specifying the bag style as a “beach bag.” If it is not used daily as a purse and considered a special occasion-style bag, the wear and tear may be lessened. Additionally, if stuffed with towels and other beach items, the average load carried by each bag may also be reduced. Question 15: Please check the boxes next to items (produced by weavers in Madagascar with a style similar to that seen in the baskets above) that you would be interested in purchasing. Check all that apply. Respondents beach mats 13 wall hangings 18 rugs 34 trivets 21 place mats yoga mats coasters 32 10 23 Question 16: Are there any other items you can think of that you would be interested in purchasing from the weavers in Madagascar? Only eight responses, and no two were exactly the same. They were: serving trays, bracelets, hammocks, reusable grocery bags, more bowl-like baskets, plant baskets, scarves, and storage boxes with lids. 41 Question 17: If shopping, where would you be likely to purchase one of these items? (Check all that apply.) Respondents Craft Store 24 Schnucks Florist Whole Foods 8 3 13 Target Madagascar 2011 Online 44 36 The most important note to take away from this question is other possible sales channels for the baskets. Only 10.2% of responses indicated Whole Foods, a current sales outlet for BBP, as a likely place of purchase. Perhaps BBP could make similar arrangements with some of the other outlets mentioned here. Question 18: Is there anywhere not listed above that would be a convenient place for you to purchase these items, if interested? Twelve responses included: World Market (4), flea/farmers’ markets (3), Wal-Mart, a catalog, a home party company, Trader Joe’s and Pier One 42 Question 19: Would you be interested in hosting a "party" for an in-home sales representative for these items, if such a service were available and you knew the profits would go to the weavers in Madagascar? Respondents 14% 86% 43 Future Projects Potential future WashU class projects could include: Madagascar 2011 44 Installing the proposed communication system as outlined above Training a weaver leader, and developing a program to choose a new weaver each year for the training Once an internet connection is established based on the recommendations in this report, further explore the endless possibilities for training and teaching over the internet – both for the weavers and for the schools Engineering corps – install pedal power generators at schools Ongoing personal projects include: - Development of a micro crop insurance company/non-profit Development of a small-scale wind power energy company/non-profit Due to the scale of this report, personal obligations and time constraints, I was unable to complete an equivalent report on the topic of my personal projects. However, I will continue to update interested parties on my accomplishments here. I also hope to gather key insights, direction and mentors during my internship this fall with the Economic & Scientific Affairs division (geared toward developing world environmental and social entrepreneurial issues) of the U.S. Dept. of State Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Please feel free to contact me at jle1@wustl.edu at any time with questions, comments, insights or advice. Works Cited Apple Store (U.S.). Apple. Web. 12 Aug. 2011. <http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC184>. Backup Power. Duracell. Web. 22 Aug. 2011. <http://www.duracellpower.com/backuppower/power-packs/powerpack-600.aspx>. Baer, Ted. "Bicycle Wheel Windmill." Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY. Web. 23 Aug. 2011. <http://www.instructables.com/id/Ted-Baer-s-Bicycle-Wheel-Windmill/>. Bicycle Generator. The Pedal-A-Watt Stationary Bicycle Generator. Convergence Tech. Web. 5 Aug. 2011. <http://www.econvergence.net/electro.htm>. 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