The Approach
Rather than starting with solutions, MemWorks seeks to develop a holistic understanding of the roadblocks that hinder employment pathways and why they occur. This objective understanding will enable targeted solutions to address the roadblocks.
The approach is divided into three phases over an 18-month timeline. The first two phases combine data analysis with the voices of individuals experiencing poverty to tell the stories of employment challenges and successes in Memphis. In the third phase, we will collaborate with workforce stakeholders to use this knowledge to implement action plans for the needed interventions.
Data Analysis
The data analysis phase seeks to understand the current situations and work experiences of individuals experiencing poverty.
Define the population
Analyze demographic data to understand the population experiencing poverty
Catalog workforce service providers
Map employment pathways
Identify employment clusters
Review policy landscape
Primary Research
The primary research phase highlights the lived experience of individuals experiencing poverty and insights from workforce organizations to tell real stories, build evidence about employment roadblocks, and begin to explore solutions.
Incorporate voice of workforce participants
Conduct qualitative research with workforce participants and individuals experiencing poverty
Capture experience of workforce organizations
Gather insights from career & technical education providers and other workforce stakeholders
Create participant journey maps
Map the flow of how workforce participants engage and disengage with workforce development services and employment
Refine and synthesize insights
Refine the insights from the data analysis phase to build a holistic understanding
Identify evidence-based solutions
Review available research to identify potential solutions that can resolve the roadblocks
Action Plans
The action plan phase proposes evidence-based solutions for the most critical challenges that will enhance employment pathways.
Design solutions
Develop evidence-based approaches to address the most impactful opportunities
Identify success factors
Identify the factors necessary to successfully implement the solutions
Build ownership
Collaborate with stakeholders to implement solutions as part of existing or new efforts
Support infrastructure
Outline needs to sustainably maintain efforts, such as funding, data management, etc
