The last step of the change management process that we used in previous weeks is to develop a pilot test to begin to make real change. Since the problems we are addressing are complex, it is not so easy to enact a change and may require multiple interventions within the system to transform the situation. Still, with the help of the problem map and vision narrative that you have created, you will begin to formulate solutions that bridge those realities through the creation of a pilot study. A pilot study is a small, incremental test that reduces the scope, scale, or magnitude of the impact of interventions to experiment with solution strategies. Because of the complexity of sustainability problems and the inherent uncertainties within them, a pilot test allows for incremental, controllable change so as not to accidentally increase harm, waste resources, or allow some other impact to get out of hand.

 

Prompt:  Investigate your complex problem identified in previous weeks for a point of intervention that can test a potential solution strategy at a small scale (Resource links for reference: 1) Change Management Examples and 2) Leading Sustainability Transformations). Implement a pilot study plan by describing the following key aspects: (The complex problem I chose in the previous weeks was Urban Transportation Sustainability)

 

Point of Intervention: What is the point of intervention (i.e., the target)?

Action: What needs to be done to intervene? (overarching goal)

Actors: Who (which affected/interested parties (AIP)) must act?

Resources/Assets: What is available to assist?

Tactics: How will you accomplish the action? (objectives or strategies to reach the goal)

Additionally, please explain what you hope to gain from this pilot test, why you chose it as a starting point, and what could go wrong. Are there any ways that you could mitigate things from going wrong?