WK8 D1 - Safe Water Network: Mastering the Model at Dzemeni Explore the internet
ID: 335960 • Letter: W
Question
WK8 D1 - Safe Water Network: Mastering the Model at Dzemeni
Explore the internet to research the case of the founding and growth of the Safe Water Network (SWN), a NGO working to bring safe water to people living at the Base of the Pyramid in Ghana and India. The case centers on the intervention at Dzemeni, a community of located on the shores of Ghana’s Lake Volta. SWN’s original business plan for Ghana relied on a partnership (alliance) with Water Health Ghana (WHG), a subsidiary of Water Health International. WHG proved an ineffective partner and SWN took control of the site in late 2010. The case details the actions that SWN took to salvage the project and improve its economic position. As the case closes, SWN is considering expanding their operations to nearby Tongor in the hope that increased volume will cover the fixed and initial start-up costs of the operation.
After learning more on the topic answer the following questions:
Is the SWN business model sustainable?
Do you see fatal flaws in the operational model?
If so, what adjustments would you make to the model?
If not, which remaining challenge should SWN focus on first?
Explanation / Answer
1) The Safe Water Network business model is most definitely sustainable as it is a very well thought out and well planned project aimed at both commercial and social benefits. The safe water network model has clearly identified the areas and countries for implementation of its business plan of providing safe drinking water to large areas of Hannah and India. The major regions in Ghana include the Ashanti region, greater Accra, lower Lake Volta and the Western region. In India the model has been replicated in the states of Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The company has ideally identified Areas where water is available insufficient quantities but the quality is not suitable for human consumption without treatment. The business process of safe water network entails the treatment of the water available from the identified source processing the same and transporting it to the end consumer. The Modi is a well-planned market based solution. The business model is designed to be easy to operate and successful it includes a local source of water, treatment technology which is optimum, a local owner and operator, an active consumer base and the maintenance of reserves to ensure a continuous supply of the main raw material here which is water. Not only is the entire model well strategised and implemented but at the same time there is focus on further development by introducing Technology right at the bottom level to ensure that the water quality is excellent and reports can be submitted to control centres. The major positive of this model is that it is easily replicable and its efficacy for application has been approved true the number of projects that are currently running in both these countries. The most important part of this project is to ensure that the technical support is excellent to ensure the product is always meeting required standards of quality. This is achieved through excellent Technical Services support and ongoing maintenance further added by remote monitoring and a quality assurance team which is abead of control measures. The supply chain which is another important facet of this business is strong with both public and private sectors involved in the supply and transportation of the water. Therefore it is clear that the supply chain is also well planned and controlled. Safe water network has gone a step further and utilised the social service facet of it's organisation Tu gana several strategic partnerships and also acquire funding and support from some of the top multinational organisations worldwide. Its business for a cause model has proved to be a great blessing.
2) There are absolutely no fatal flaws in this operational model and this is very clear from the above example of Lake Volta. In spite of its initial partner water health gana proving to be ineffective and inefficient safe water network was able to take immediate action and control the situation by roping in help from other organisations and manage to not only salvage the project but also expand its base even further. It is wonderful and true example of turning a failure into success through decisive and quick action and control by a dynamic leadership.
3) As explained above in my opinion the model adopted by safe water network exemplifies excellent business management and leadership skills with the admirable use of all available resources at different sites where the water stations have been set up.
4) as safe water network depends entirely on the availability of water for processing in order for its business to survive and grow, it is important that it focuses on water resource management and to educate the target consumers on the importance of efficient use of water from various resources to preserve the water table. Considering the largest risk for the business is from non availability of the single raw material input required in the form of water it is essential that Safe Water Network take every step possible and promote rainwater harvesting and to discourage pollution of water sources available by educating the communities which it works with. This should be quite easily achieved by safe water network as it already has in place a network which is applying remote monitoring and therefore involves the local residents and operators. Using this very network as the advocate for creating Awareness of water conservation among the masses which are the consumers shall go a long way in sustaining the business model of Safe Water Network.
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