Map the System is a global competition run by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford, in which teams first thoroughly understand a system – and only then think about solutions. Academia has taken part since 2021; this year seven teams competed in the local final in Maribor, and the winners represented Slovenia at the global final from 9 to 12 July.
What the team researched
Balkan Link examined the systemic vulnerability of migrant workers from the Western Balkans in the Slovenian construction sector: how work permits, subcontracting chains, lowest-price pressure in tenders, working conditions, access to information and institutional oversight intertwine. The result is a written systems analysis, a review of sources, a visual systems map and a public presentation.
Systems thinking is not just an academic method but a way of understanding people better.the Balkan Link team at the presentation in Oxford
Who is behind the team
The four students were mentored by Uršula Butkovič; Academia organised the local final together with BB Consulting. This year, for the first time, participants can earn a 5 ECTS micro-credential – so the project is part of the degree, not an add-on.
Why this matters to you
If you are considering studying alongside work, this is an example of how learning at Academia works: a real problem, a team, a mentor from industry and a result you can show an employer. The same goes for the 800 hours of placement and for the diploma project, which with us is always published.
- Map the System runs every academic year from October to May; the mentor collects registrations.
- Students of all programmes can take part – the Balkan Link team brings together business and computer science students.
- Taking part earns 5 ECTS and a University of Oxford reference on your CV.
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