Proof of Accomplishment on Catalyst
Problem
Many projects funded since Fund 1. No one knows re their progress, after funding. Allegations of projects funded but not completed.
Solution
A system by which my team evaluate progress of projects using Proof of Accomplishment, enable them to rise in reputation and eligible for future funding.
Total to date
This is the total amount allocated to Proof of Accomplishment on Catalyst.
[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.
There are hundreds of projects funded since Fund 1. No one knows how far these projects have progressed, even after being fully funded. There are allegations of many projects having been funded but not completed.
Create a system by which I would contact, discuss with and audit projects that have been completed or are in stages of delivery. They would provide Proofs of Accomplishment which would enable them to rise in reputation and be eligible for future funding.
Create a system whereby any social service project can establish transparency, trackability and auditability using the Blockchain. The funded proposer submits Proofs of Accomplishment to prove himself
[IMPACT] Please describe how your proposed solution will address the Challenge that you have submitted it in.
Relevant experience
I have been a Chartered Management Accountant since 1995. I have been a serial entrepreneur running several small businesses since 1997. As such I am familiar with auditing , having done it myself and having had it done for my businesses. I know what is expected and how one can prove one’s reputation through verifiable documentation and visual evidence.
Rishantha Welikadage has worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers. He has also conceptualizeed, built, supervised and audited large software projects in his career.
More details
More on the problem
Two years and Seven funds into the Catalyst experiment there are still allegations that many projects remain incomplete or not even started for various reasons. There has been no way to audit these projects.
More on the solution
- I would contact each of the funded proposers. I would have to have discussions with them over time .. I would talk to each project, and have them submit auditable information to a blockchain based app which can compare what they promised to do with what they have done. And whether the information submitted by them corresponds to what they promised to do in the first place. It would ask for auditable and verifiable proofs as stated for their project by them. And then request/demand that they have provided them. Whatever they do provide would be compared with what they said they would do. If they have not provided sufficiently that also would be reflected on the report. Which is there for all to see.
- And they have the option of submitting more and more proofs, thereby increasing their proof of accomplishment.
Answer
Does this proposal fall within the scope of the challenge brief?
This proposal falls within the scope of the challenge brief because it sets up and lays out a system whereby multiple stakeholders are benefitted.
- Creates a real time verifiable system by which any project can be instantly understood and evaluated in terms of how its performed and what it has accomplished
- Get a real time snapshot on excellent, good, moderate and weak projects and intervene where appropriate
- Conserves resources and optimizes deliverables enabling best use of funds, and ensuring transparency of distribution and use by the project, KPIs being achieved
- Ensures safeguarding of community assets by the tool.
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How the solution relate to the challenge success (Impact)
Solution will enable Transparency, Trackability and Auditability for every stage of the project and see where projects have gone off track. Enable positive interventions to get things back on track.
Does this proposal show clearly how it will add value to the Cardano System?
This project will add value to the Cardano Ecosystem by providing Transparency, Trackability and Auditability to every funded project.
There are various Blockchain based components here. They include
Proof of Accomplishment NFTs created for each KPI which is listed on the proposal.
The tool which can store, and analyse submitted documents against the listed KPIs and metrics
Benefits to Stakeholders
The benefits to the community would be as follows
Ability to know where a particular project stands in terms of its effectiveness and functionality
Benefits to the Project Owner
Help him to see where he needs to improve or change track in order to get back on track with his project. Incentivizes him to work towards getting a high Proof of Accomplishment while making him aware of the negative outcomes if he does not deliver.
Our values:
- Every project that has been funded should prove its track record
- While one aim is to ensure transparency, we also want to help ailing projects to move forward
- Demonstrating professional excellence.
- Empowering team-members to do their best work and be the best versions of themselves as possible.
- Making sure that we the auditors are fully transparent and above reproach, and ready for audit at any time on any of our projects
We may need additional funding for this programme since we have defined certain budgets and number of hours spent on each company but this may not be enough, so would need additional funds. If we do, we will apply for it in F9.
- The more what they say can be proved , the higher the Proof Of Accomplishment ( POA) creeps up. Any areas where they have not done would stand out like a red flag to all who view it, and that would motivate them to solve that in order to remove the red flag.
- Thereby if they do not submit the info the entire project would stand out like a red flag. The proposers of the project would be highlighted in all cases. and the tool would link to other projects they have submitted for in later rounds.
- So if someone won a proposal in F1 but didn't fulfill it but fudged, and in F3 requested more money for a different proposal, it should show up as red flagged and demanding attention.
- One objective being to prevent such people from getting funds in a later round until they deliver on what they were already funded for.
- Also this should show whether the same people are getting funded over and over again due to voting trends being established that favor particular people or groups..
- Far as I can see this would not prevent them from submitting proposals without using their own name, but a remedy for this too is worth some thought.
- But at the same time if they are having genuine issues, as opposed to fraudulent excuses, those need to be evaluated on a case by case basis and see what additional help or input is needed to get them on track and fulfill without giving more funding because otherwise it will aggravate the problem further.
- so the tool can play not only an transparency, tracking, auditability and accountability factor but it can also help get ailing projects or stuck projects back online,
- Therefore the tool will not dwell only on the negative but also applaud the projects who have fulfilled their undertakings so far. and perhaps help the ailing ones.
- So Proof of Accomplishment becomes a model whereby it can be applied to any other similar ongoing funding systems, and adapted into a business model to be sold to similar funding institutions. which would have the benefit of introducing me directly to those institutions enabling me to be both a service provider to give this service for their own rounds of funding, but also to perhaps submit projects for funding based on that organization's unique and specific mandates.
How this proposal meets Fund 9 Objectives
Prepare a group of people willing and able to make contributions to the ecosystem.
This proposal will enable many people who have got funded but for some reason have not completed, to get the help they need. They will then be able to contribute with their existing project and new projects
Turn Cardano into an open source project & attract more developers..
Showing POA would help projects which have stalled to come back. This attracts new developers
Build real-world solutions based on the Cardano blockchain.
Once they are back on track people become capable and can build real world solutions. Therefore this proposal is very valuable
Improve tooling to support human processes in Catalyst. Accelerate the growth and evolution of developer & app ecosystem.
Getting back on track helps people create tools to support human processes and will definitely accelerate the growth of developers and apps, since they have the help they need to get their existing project on track and can apply for new funding
[IMPACT] What are the main risks that could prevent you from delivering the project successfully and please explain how you will mitigate each risk?
Challenges and risks relevant to a successful implementation might include ‘
Inability to reach clarity regarding a project’s track record. Too much time taken to collect information.
How to overcome these challenges.
We will have to optimize our data gathering mechanisms. Identify bottlenecks and find ways to overcome them.
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed plan, including timeline and key milestones for delivering your proposal.
Talk to Projects
We will talk to at least ten projects a week.
Study and Evaluate auditable information
We will receive auditable information from them or they will input it into the system. We will compare it with what they promised to do or deliver in the proposal.
Identify areas which need to improve or change
We will identify the areas lacking in progress and inform the project owner. We will calculate current Proof of Accomplishment and help them understand what needs to change or improve to boost their score.
Month 2 - Completion of App and Proof of Accomplishment meter
Month 3 - Testing is concluded with data analyzed for areas of improvement.
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How would I measure the impact of this project?
Number of projects onboarded
Number of Projects where intervention was required
Number of Projects which completed their deliverables based on interventions done
Can this project be scaled to address future challenges?
The proposal can be scaled to address future challenges by bringing on board more Projects at the end of each Fund. Instead of waiting for them to be in a difficult ie non performing stage we will track Proof of Accomplishment from Day One.
Will the project have a positive impact on the Cardano system?
This project will have a positive impact on the Cardano system because it will enable any business to track projects from the initial release of funds. It will also have a positive impact in terms of the massive trust which builds in the Cardano ecosystem from new as well as existing stakeholders
HOW CAN WE DO MULTIPLE PROJECTS AT THE SAME TIME.
If we are considering translation projects, each language pair (e.g English to Hindi ) has one or two Master Translators and one or two Proofreaders. The Master Translators are native speakers and experienced in the translation field They would do the translation and its given to the proofreader for quality checking. Any modifications are given back to the Master Translator who then amends the text and finalizes the text. If the workload is large we would use two Master Translators and two proofreaders instead of one.
As such , since each language pair has a dedicated team we are able to concurrently do 1, 2 5 10 or 100 language pairs at the same time. NO team is working on multiple projects. Each is dedicated to their project.
Same applies to dev projects. We have teams working on each project or app. No one is overstretched for time or energy. Therefore we can confidently undertake multiple projects at the same time
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown.
Budget (Feasibility + auditability)
Gathering information of all the projects
Number Projects Funded of Projects
Fund 1 Projects Funded 8
Fund 2 Projects Funded 11
Fund 3 Projects Funded 22
Fund 4 Projects Funded 54
Fund 5 Projects Funded 77
Fund 6 Projects Funded 170
Fund 7 Projects Funded 300
Total So far Funded Projects upto F7 - 642 ( based on count of results)
Cost per project for gathering information 4 hours each 35 USD/hr = 140 USD per project
Total for information gathering 89880 USD
Creation and Deployment of the Proof of Accomplishment Sytem 25000 USD.
Total 114880 USD
Contingency 6000
Total Cost 120880 USD
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide details of the people who will work on the project.
Please provide details of your team members required to complete the project.
Dimitri Fernando https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrifernando777
Active member of Catalyst Community - General ADA holder for Catalyst Circle V3, Community Advisor in Fund 6 and 7, Veteran Community Advisor in Fund 7, VCA in Flash Assessment in Fund 7, Cardano4Climate, Cardano Creatives, Founder of South Asian Town Hall, Active in Eastern Town Hall, Pacific Town Hall, European Town hall, Catalyst Swarm, Gimbalabs Playground
Serial Entrepreneur, INFJ, Marketer by profession, Creative by passion, Strategist, Writer, Poet, Storyteller Has background in multiple sectors and has run several companies with groundbreaking technologies in Sri Lanka. He is a Chartered Management Accountant, and Chartered Marketer. He has also completed MBTI and FIRO-B certifications and is currently becoming an ICF accredited Coach and DISC certified trainer and consultant. He has experience in multiple sectors, including Business Development on a national scale for global brands.
Uditha Bandara : https://www.linkedin.com/in/udithabandara/
Uditha Bandara (MVP) is an expert in specializes in Microsoft , AI and Blockchain Technologies . He is an author in AI technologies, an international speaker and the founder/CEO of Blue Chip Asia and South East Asia`s First XNA/DirectX MVP (Most Valuable Professional)
Rishantha Welikadage https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/daforce
RIshantha has been involved in multiple business sectors including State Government in Minnesota USA as a Hardware Technician and Entrepreneur. He has also worked in software development in the logistics industry. Being involved from the inception of a freight logistics company he grew it from 2 employees to over 30 and developed a proprietary system which was better than ready built systems available for a UK logistics and courier company. Rishantha Welikadage has worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers as an auditor. He has also conceptualized, built, supervised and audited large software projects in his career.
He has obtained his MBA in Business Management from Australia and has also been involved in many Social Service organizations such as the Lions Club.
Cyrus Viccajee https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyvic/
Cyrus Viccaji is a specialist in developing highly curated communication films for the development sector. He draws on a broad skillset that includes reporting, cinematography, video editing, music production and theater.
This informs 12 years of experience leading teams and personally engaging with diverse stakeholders to develop genuine and persuasive original content that drives engagement and participation for his clients.
He has personally conducted close to 500 interviews of various stakeholders, from chief ministers and educational leadership to teachers, students and community members in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pahtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in his work for GEO News, the BBC, British Council Pakistan, Adam Smith International and Cambridge International.
Chamarie Ranasinghe https://web.facebook.com/designerchamari
Chamari Ranasinghe has been involved in multiple entrepreneurial businesses for the last 25 years. She is highly experienced in managing complex projects and has a skill of connecting with all strata of society and can motivate any group of people. She is also a qualified Ayurvedic Physician.
D M Saman Chandana https://web.facebook.com/saman.c.dissanayake
Saman has been working in the areas of technical maintenance and management for over 20 years. His skill sets bring needed planning and operations management to the entire operation.
[FEASIBILITY] If you are funded, will you return to Catalyst in a later round for further funding? Please explain why / why not.
If we are funded for the projects upto Fund 7 we would need more funding to cover the o0ther Funds after that F8 9 and so on
[FEASIBILITY] Are you or any member of your team working on any other proposals in this Fund9?
Yes[FEASIBILITY] Are you or your team working on any other proposals from previous Funds?
Yes[AUDITABILITY] Please describe what you will measure to track your project's progress, and how will you measure these?
Please describe how you will measure the progress and the development of the project?
KPIs
Number of projects onboarded.
Number of projects who submit information
Number of hours spent on each project
Number of projects who receive positive Proof of Accomplishment with no read flags
Number of projects who receive positive Proof of Accomplishment with no read flags
What does success for this project look like?
[AUDITABILITY] What does success for this project look like?
Success for this project looks like
- Being able to input all projects from F 1 to F 4 and get their information onto the system
- Identify where they are strong and where they may need help and seeking ways to provide them that help
- Successfully designing and building the Proof of Accomplishment App
- Standardizing it and making it Open Source so we can offer it as a tool for other Auditing projects as well as Funding Organizations to use with some percentage of revenue share.
- Making this the tool of choice for tracking funded proposals
- Enabling confidence of the community both in the funded proposals as well as in this concept and tool of Proof of Accomplishment which would enable them to provide funding in the next round to do the next few Funds and also continue to do for future funding rounds
Please provide information on whether this proposal is a continuation of a previously funded project in Catalyst or an entirely new one.
[AUDITABILITY] Please provide information on whether this proposal is a continuation of a previously funded project in Catalyst or an entirely new one.
This is a new project proposal
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Rating
SDG goals:
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
SDG subgoals:
1.a Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
Key Performance Indicator (KPI):
2.1.2 Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)
2.1.1 Prevalence of undernourishment
Team
I am a Chartered Management Accountant since 1995 and a serial entrepreneur running several small businesses. Rishantha Welikadage has worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers. He has also conceptualizeed, built, supervised and audited large software projects in his career.
