Instructions:
Recalling that a system provides the results it was designed to provide, a performance
gap usually indicates something needs to change. Such a gap, if considered important
by others as well, can result in a tension that begs to be addressed and potentially
resolved. Creative tension has the power to stimulate creative solutions, which would
also be an example of co-creating a better future. However, to determine what should
change, the causes of the gap need to be identified.
Read:
● Duane, D. (2018, June 28). How the startup mentality failed kids in San
Francisco. Wired.
iled/
This is an example of a project that experienced a series of implementation problems, a
common issue with projects Your analysis will be based solely on information contained
in the article. Our purpose is to practice analytical and systems thinking skills about the
project planning, the problem, performance gaps, root causes, and other systems
thinking considerations as they existed in 2018. The purpose is not to judge or evaluate
the school, which is a real school that exists today and may or may not have resolved
the issues presented. The purpose is to analyze the situation as described in the article.
For this assessment, conduct an analysis of the project described in the article, “How
the Startup Mentality Failed Kids in San Francisco.”
Follow the instructions in the Startup Mentality Template [DOCX]
Download Startup Mentality Template [DOCX]
to write and submit your analysis, which should include a performance gap analysis
(use the Gap Analysis Worksheet [DOCX]
Download Gap Analysis Worksheet [DOCX]
to complete this component), a systems analysis, and a root cause analysis, lessons
learned, and recommendations.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in
the following course competencies:
● Competency 1: Use systems thinking to evaluate problems of practice
and opportunities for improvement.
○ Introduce the purpose of the paper and write a brief, high-level
description of how the school came into existence and an
opening paragraph that introduces the content of the analysis.
● Competency 2: Apply continuous improvement models and methods
to uncover the multi-dimensional nature of problems of practice.
○ Provide a conclusion that includes three takeaways of the most
important things learned about change and improvement
initiatives that should be shared with the organization or any
other organization with similar issues.
● Competency 3: Analyze the implications of leadership behaviors for
organizational learning.
○ Assess implications for the district and what they could do
differently when planning and implementing a future
improvement project, organized around key themes of how
people interact and communicate, systems perspectives, and
analysis and accountability.
● Competency 4: Apply critical thinking skills and habits of mind to
analyze problems of practice.
○ Provide a narrative that synthesizes the performance gap, the
systems analysis, root cause analysis, organizational analysis,
and thinking habits of mind.
● Competency 5: Communicate effectively for a given purpose and
audience.
○ Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and
consistent with expectations for members of professional
contexts.
