Research

"Centralized Refugee Matching Mechanisms with Hierarchical Priority Classes," Journal of Mechanism and Institution Design. December 2022, Volume 7, Issue 1.

Abstract:  This study examines the refugee reallocation problem by modeling it as a two-sided matching problem between countries and refugees. Based on enforced hierarchical priority classes, I study two interesting refugee matching algorithms to match refugees with countries. Axioms for fairness measures in resource allocation are presented by considering the stability and fairness properties of the matching algorithms. Two profiles are explicitly modeled---country preferences and enforced prioritization of refugee families by host countries. This approach shows that the difference between the profiles creates blocking pairs of countries and refugee families owing to the enforced hierarchical priority classes. Since the enforced priorities for countries can cause certain refugees to linger in a lower priority class in every country, this study highlights the importance of considering refugees' preferences. It also suggests that a hierarchical priority class-based approach without category-specific quotas can increase countries' willingness to solve the refugee reallocation problem.

"Targeted Priority Reserve Policies"  with Szilvia Pápai  [in revision to submit]

Abstract:  Affirmative action prioritizes minority students, often by using minority quotas. Since affirmative action policy is aimed at guaranteeing representation for minority students, it typically prevents a higher number of minority students from being admitted than the minority reserve quota. Even a non-wasteful matching algorithm such as the DA-MiR, proposed by Hafalir et al. (2013), effectively places a cap on minority student admission. This policy serves the goal of minority representation well, but if the objective of the priority policy is to help the prioritized agents and make a difference, for example, to effectively benefit refugees in emergency zones, then it is not an appealing policy, since strong candidates who would qualify without relying on their priority status may take up most of the reserved positions. We propose an alternative policy with targeted priority reserves, the DA-TPR algorithm, along with a corresponding new stability concept, protection-stability which serve the goal of targeting those agents in the priority group who are in need of a reserved position, recognizing that not all agents in the priority group need such help. By giving an opportunity to priority agents to be matched without using up reserved positions, this matching algorithm allows for a higher number of priority agents to be selected by an entity than the reserve quota set aside for them, provided that there are strong priority agents who qualify regardless of their priority status. We show that the DA-TPR algorithm is optimal among matching algorithms that are protection-stable, and prove that this algorithm is weakly group-strategyproof. We also study a general class of matching algorithms with priority reserve policies which includes both the DA-TPR and the DA-MiR algorithms. The DA-TPR is the most targeted and the DA-MiR is the least targeted policy in this class of algorithms, which we characterize by a weak reserve-stability axiom and strategyproofness. Finally, we focus on a subclass of these algorithms which stand out due to their consistent selection policies. These algorithms are transparent and offer a range of policies between the DA-TPR and DA-MiR, allowing the designer to have clarity and flexibility when choosing a priority reserve policy. 

"Patterns of Shifts in the Funding Economy of Non-profit Organizations: What Can We Learn from Global Experiences?" with Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed  [in revision to resubmit]

Abstract:  The nonprofit sector is an essential component of Canada's social and economic fabric, providing valuable services to communities, and advancing important causes. Nonprofit organizations operate in a unique context and have different financing needs than those of their for-profit counterparts. In recent years, changes in the funding landscape for nonprofit and social economy organizations in Canada have had significant implications for the sector's operations and sustainability. This study explores the changes in financing for nonprofit and social economy organizations in Canada over the past 20 years, with a focus on the mix of funding sources, the impact on earned income, the consequences for the sector, and the new challenges and opportunities presented by new modes of financing. Additionally, it examines how practices have changed to accommodate these changes and what these practices can learn from global experiences.  

"Canadian Social Innovation Ecosystem: A System Map Approach with a Complexity Lens" with Sean Geobey,  Gryphon Theriault-Loubier, Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed, Katey Park, and Sergio Nava-Lara  [in preparation for publication]

Abstract: This research is part of an applied research collaboration supported by Mitacs, the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CEDNet), Employment and Social Development Canada. Studying the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) of Canada, with our systems mapping approach, we explore who the system actors are in the Canadian social finance ecosystem. We aim to outline the stakeholders, the relationships between them, roles they play, goals they have, results they are achieving, and potential gaps/barriers they are facing. The overall objective of the research is to gain a better understanding of the Canadian social finance and social innovation ecosystem. We contribute to the understanding, growth, and development of the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) partnerships and the social economy ecosystem in Canada. The project supports ecosystem actors and Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) in system navigation and identifies relationships in the social economy ecosystem. Additionally, the map aims to identify potential areas to bring new actors into the ecosystem and build new relationships to support them.

"Between What Is and Could Be: Decolonial Impetuses in Mapping the Canadian Social Finance and Innovation Ecosystem" with Tara Campbell, and Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed    [in preparation for publication]

Abstract: By identifying colonial influences in systems thinking to understand complex social and environmental challenges, we study the actors and interaction between those actors within the Canadian social finance/social innovation (SF/SI) ecosystem as part of the Investment Readiness Program 2.0. In Canada, colonialism has influenced not only the structure of systems but the societal values and norms. Therefore we ask: where does colonialism fit into our understanding of systemic challenges within the Canadian SF/SI ecosystem. By identifying colonial structures and influences within the ecosystem, we aim to outline the stakeholders, the relationships between them, roles they play, goals they have, results they are achieving, and potential gaps and barriers they are facing. Using a de-colonial lens, the overall objective of the research is to gain a better understanding of the Canadian SF/SI ecosystem, as well as routes to identifying what a system that does not need social finance would look like. Quijano's (2000) proposal for a "socialization of power" as opposed to a "state nationalization of production" is crucial for our motivation. Therefore, more specifically, as part of our conceptual framework, we ask: how does the purpose of an ecosystem map shift in relation to its context? What parts of our colonial history are replicated in systems mapping in the case of the Canadian SF/SI ecosystem map? A de-colonial approach that takes inspiration from “counter-mapping” (Peluso, 1995), in order to dream of equitable futures, can be used as an interesting critical tool by choosing what moment in spacetime (Yunkaporta, 2019) we map from. Therefore, we design and map from a de-colonial perspective, mapping not only “what is”, but also “what potentially could/ought to be'. We investigate what kind of data around the status quo we need in order to be able to show the contrast between what could or ought to be versions of the Canadian SF/SI ecosystem.  In terms of methodology, participatory mapping approach centering JEDI-facing (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) partners will be key for this study. The methods will be an amalgam of existing generic mapping design and counter-mapping as a de-colonial approach, through learning circles and one-on-one interviews with the JEDI/EDI partners. Owing to our focus on the IRP 2.0, our sample consists of approximately 25 social finance players, ecosystem support organizations and social purpose organizations. 

"Canadian Social Innovation Ecosystem: A Principles and Values-based Approach "  with Katey Park,  Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed, Gryphon Theriault-Loubier, and Sean Geobey    [in preparation for publication]

"Values and Principles of the Canadian Social Innovation Ecosystem: A Decolonial Design Perspective"  with Tara Campbell,  Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed, and Katey Park    [in preparation for publication]

Abstract: Decolonization is the process of dismantling Western ideologies and the structures that perpetuate the status quo. In program evaluation, decolonization entails shifting the power to community members and program-users, rather than solely focusing on the needs of the funding agencies. Our research, which is part of the Waterloo Institute of Social Innovation and Resilience’s part in the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program 2.0,  explores how a Principles-Focused Evaluation (PFE) can adopt a decolonization lens within the Canadian social finance and social innovation (SF/SI) ecosystem. Effective principles are statements that are grounded in values and provide direction and guide behaviour towards positive change. PFE is suitable for navigating the emergent challenges of complex dynamic environments, such as the SF/SI ecosystem. Black, Indigenous and newcomer and racialized groups have been historically excluded from conversations in the SF/SI ecosystem, despite their inclusion being imperative for change. Our research shares how decolonization strategies and methodologies have been baked into our PFE through participatory approaches such as co-design, shared principle development, and dissemination.