Find an enterprise mission statement that interests you and try to improve it.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The aim here is to get students to critique what they read, to get behind the actual statements so as to
render them more realistic and actionable. For example, the Eden Project website declares that it is
an educational charity and social enterprise that:
? runs transformational social and environmental projects locally and around the world
? creates unforgettable learning experiences for students
? puts on fantastic arts, theatre and music events
? creates stunning gardens
? does valuable research into plants and conservation
? runs its operations in the greenest possible way.
These statements initially seem actionable and realistic. But are they? What kinds of transformation
is Eden seeking? Economic/materialistic or spiritual, or both? How can this be assessed? What
exactly are students meant to learn? Is Eden Project an impresario organization (i.e. commissioning)
or an artistic performance company? What kinds of research does it do and do it collaborate (or
compete with) highly regarded research institutes elsewhere? Are its operations really ‘green’ or
merely less resource-consumptive than other theme parks? Finally, does the list signify priority?
Indeed, how does Eden decide the relative priorities of each item? Without wishing to denigrate its
good intentions, perhaps the greater good would be served if Eden defined the bounds of its activities
more precisely.