What year did Hoa and Phil re-establish Ethos as a social enterprise?
2013
How does Ethos’s "Book Bank and Literacy Classes" help the local community?
By improving reading and writing skills for guides and community members.
What government policy threatens Ethos’s operations?
Certification requirements for trekking guides, with no certification opportunities for minority women.
What is a problem statement in case analysis?
A concise description of the central issue or challenge in the case.
What benefit could franchising bring to Ethos?
It could scale the business model and increase social impact in new regions.
What type of experiences does Ethos offer to tourists?
Sustainable, community-based trekking and cultural experiences.
Name one health-related initiative Ethos runs.
Health and hygiene seminars teaching handwashing, teeth cleaning, and disease prevention.
What happens if Ethos loses access to its local guides?
The business model and funding for its social initiatives would collapse.
Why is analysis an important step in case problem-solving?
It identifies root causes and evaluates the factors contributing to the issue.
How might delegating control to local guides improve Ethos?
It fosters greater community ownership and sustainability.
Where is Ethos headquartered?
Sa Pa, Vietnam.
What does the "Linens for Life" initiative achieve?
It repurposes used hotel linens into products for additional community income.
What risk does rapid expansion pose to Ethos?
Dilution of service quality and misalignment with its social mission.
Name a key alternative Hoa and Phil could consider for expanding Ethos.
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What additional revenue stream could Ethos develop to support its initiatives?
Expanding sales of handmade goods or offering virtual cultural experiences.
What key role do minority women play in Ethos’s business model?
They serve as trekking guides, providing authentic cultural experiences.
How does Ethos address human trafficking in the region?
Through workshops in the Hmong language to educate girls on trafficking risks and prevention.
What is a major personal challenge Hoa and Phil face as Ethos’s founders?
Lack of financial stability, such as health insurance and retirement savings.
What is one implementation step Ethos could take to overcome the certification challenge?
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What type of partnerships could Ethos explore to grow sustainably?
Collaborations with international nonprofits or socially responsible tourism networks.
What inspired Phil to first visit Vietnam in the 1990s?
He joined a biodiversity project through Frontier, a UK-based nonprofit organization.
What environmental program does Ethos use to combat plastic waste?
Refill My Bottle.
What forced the closure of the original Ethos charity in 2002?
The local partner organization demanded a $60,000 bribe, which Ethos refused to pay.
In case analysis, what should a recommendation achieve?
It should provide a clear, actionable solution that aligns with the organization's goals and resources.
How could narrowing the focus of Ethos’s initiatives improve operations?
It could allow for more resources and attention on high-impact programs, improving efficiency and outcomes.