Background
Students will select and justify a sustainable development goal and also provide an outline covering concepts related to creating a requirements document for planning and designing a mobile application that will address the goal.
Part 1 – Choosing a Sustainable Development Goal
One of the key principles of the Colangelo College of Business is that business is a force for good to improve society and help communities prosper. For this assignment, consider the GCU's "Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work" and the tenets of servant leadership, conscious capitalism, and the sustainable development goals described in "SDG Tracker: Measuring Progress Towards the Sustainable Development Goals," both located in the topic Resources. Also view the video "Social Responsibility and Conscious Capitalism," located in the topic Resources.
Using an approved generative AI tool, conduct research to learn about the various initiatives listed below. Continue to narrow your options until you select one sustainable development goal from the list provided below that you would like to promote.
In 200-250 words, summarize your selected sustainable development goal and address why this issue is important.
- End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
- End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
- Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
- Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
- Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
- Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
- Reduce inequality within and among countries.
- Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.
- Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
- Promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.
- Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Part 2 – Mobile App Requirements Outline
Full Answer Section
SDG 6 aims to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. This includes ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene facilities and ending the practice of open defecation.
Justification for Selection:
This specific SDG resonates with GCU's focus on "business as a force for good" and aligns with the principles of servant leadership and conscious capitalism. By promoting access to clean water and sanitation, we contribute to healthier communities, improved well-being, and increased economic opportunities. Additionally, addressing this issue demonstrates responsible environmental stewardship by reducing water pollution and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Part 2: Mobile App Requirements Outline
Sustainable Development Goal and Mobile App Requirements Outline
- Business Requirements
- Mobile App Objectives:
- Raise awareness about the global water and sanitation crisis.
- Educate users on safe water practices and hygiene promotion.
- Empower users to locate clean water sources and sanitation facilities.
- Facilitate reporting of water quality issues and sanitation infrastructure needs.
- Connect users with organizations working on water and sanitation projects.
- Product Vision Statement: To create a user-friendly mobile app that empowers individuals and communities to access clean water, sanitation facilities, and information to promote water security and hygiene practices.
- Target Audience and User Journey
- Target Audience:
- Individuals in underserved communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation.
- Development and aid workers focusing on water and sanitation projects.
- General public interested in learning about and contributing to water security initiatives.
- User Journey:
- Users will download and install the app on their mobile devices.
- Upon registration, users will specify their location or area of interest.
- The app will display a map of nearby clean water sources and sanitation facilities.
- Users can access educational resources on water conservation, hygiene practices, and waterborne disease prevention.
- Users can report water quality issues and sanitation infrastructure needs through the app.
- The app will connect users to relevant organizations and resources for further assistance.
- List of Features
- Interactive Map: Showcasing clean water sources and sanitation facilities with real-time information.
- Educational Resources: Providing information on water conservation, hygiene practices, and waterborne disease prevention in multiple languages.
- Reporting Tool: Enabling users to report water quality issues and infrastructure needs.
- Organization Directory: Connecting users with relevant organizations working on water and sanitation projects, including donation options.
- Push Notifications: Alerting users of water quality updates, sanitation infrastructure developments, and educational content.
- Offline Functionality: Allowing users to access essential features without an internet connection (limited functionality).
- Monetization Model
- Freemium Model: The app will be free to download and use basic features.
- In-App Purchases: Users can unlock premium features like advanced water quality data and offline maps with a small fee.
- Corporate Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses committed to water security to display sponsored content or promote corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Product and Technical Specifications
- Platform: Develop a native app compatible with Android and iOS devices.
- User Interface (UI) Design: Simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface with multilingual support.
- Data Security: Utilize secure data storage and encryption to protect user privacy.
- Offline Functionality: Design the app to function partially without an internet connection.
- Platforms for Development
- Develop the app for both Android and iOS operating systems to reach a wider user base.
- Maintenance and Upgrade Requirements
- Implement a regular maintenance schedule for bug fixes, performance optimization, and security updates.
- Continuously update the app with new features, including access to real-time water quality data and integration with emerging technologies.
- Maintain a communication channel with users to collect feedback and inform future updates.
- Dependencies, Assumptions, Constraints, and Submission
- Dependencies: The app's functionality relies on accurate and updated data on clean water sources and sanitation facilities. Collaboration with relevant government agencies and NGOs is necessary.
- Assumptions: A basic level of digital literacy and mobile device access among some target audiences may be limited. Design features that cater to varying levels of technological expertise
Sample Answer
Selected SDG: Ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all (SDG 6)
Importance of Access to Clean Water and Sanitation:
Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and a critical factor for public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe water and sanitation contribute to the deaths of an estimated 361,000 children annually. Additionally, waterborne diseases cause significant illness and economic hardship worldwide.