north america

CANADA
Business Plan for Multi-Use Greenhouse Facility
Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society

Alinea developed a conceptual design for a business plan for a greenhouse and multi-use community facility in Iqaluit. The business plan included a review of available technologies for utilization in extreme northern climates, as well as an energy analysis to identify lower-cost heating options using waste heat sources (diesel plant emissions, waste wood, etc.). The business plan also included a full economic analysis and modeling based on a five-year timeframe for this multi-million dollar facility.
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CANADA
Greenhouse Feasibility Study
Alberta-Pacific Forestry

Alinea conducted a pre-feasibility study – targeted at regional markets in northern Alberta – on the technical and financial viability of greenhouse production linked to the utilization of waste heat and CO₂ from a pulp mill. Specialists worked closely with the pulp mill’s corporate planning group and engineers to integrate actual plant information regarding the method of capture and total available waste heat and CO₂ into the study. Alinea conducted market research combining supply and demand analysis and growth projections to determine the potential market size, target markets and market share required retailing the projected levels of production, as well as assessing human resource requirements.
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CANADA
Greenhouse Feasibility Study
Northern Fresh Greenhouses

Alinea recruited and managed a team of economic and greenhouse specialists to conduct a feasibility study on a proposed 10-acre commercial greenhouse in northern Alberta. The assessment included: a) a production product mix, cycle time plan and volume forecast to optimize the facility; b) a production forecast by month for three years for inclusion in the business plan; c) identification of production risks and critical success factors; d) a start-up plan and production phase-in schedule along with a projection of product availability for sale; e) recommended equipment, materials and supplies; f) risk management and quality assurance processes; and g) recommendations for distribution and packaging options based on preferences identified in the market assessment.
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CANADA
CBBC Export and Domestic Market Development Plan
Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA)

Alinea worked with the Canada Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) to develop a market development plan that considers domestic and export markets, takes into consideration the needs and requirements of CBBC members, responds to current market opportunities, and establishes the connections both within Canada and abroad to leverage a better bottom line for Canadian purebred producers. The consultancy was implemented in three phases: Phase 1 involved developing cooperation frameworks for the CBBC with Canada Beef Inc., the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, and CANFAX, as well as thematic summaries of interviews with the CBBC membership (breed associations and exporters); Phase 2 involved developing a report outlining international competitors’ marketing strategies, cooperation protocols between breed associations and exporters and a stock presentation for Canadian purebred cattle genetics; and Phase 3 involved developing a draft market development plan (domestic and export) as well as a final project report.
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CANADA
Traceability Costs for Three Phases of Cattle Movement in the Cattle Implementation Plan
Agriculture & Agri-food Canada (AAFC)

The objective of this study was to promote improved compliance with Canada’s national traceability program by estimating traceability costs for three phase of cattle movement (feedlot, auction marts and other co-mingling sites such as assembly yards and community pastures). The approach and methodology took advantage of past research and existing traceability infrastructure (CIP Costing Steering Committee and Working Group) to collect information and data on traceability systems and traceability costs. The study provided a costing benchmark for the national Cattle Implementation Plan.
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CANADA
Canadian Beef Breeds’ Council (CBBC) Board Governance Reform & Strategic Plan
Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA)

Alinea conducted a detailed governance review for CBBC consisting of extensive consultations with members and industry stakeholders, an analysis of different constitution and election options, recommendations on the best options for CBBC, and revisiting the bylaws in accordance with structural changes made. The consultancy concluded with board elections and the recruitment of a new Executive Director and follow-up coaching and mentoring support on developing a strategic plan.
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CANADA
Understanding Sustainable Northern Greenhouse Technologies
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Alinea conducted a study to provide a comprehensive picture of the commercial, technical and social feasibility of developing greenhouses in northern communities with limited populations and extremely high food costs. Based on a review of technologies, demand, human resources and economics, Alinea identified the most appropriate technologies and practices for northern greenhouse production. The report included extensive market analysis, and modelling of various greenhouse technologies and scales of development that would fit within different sized markets and northern communities, including a cost/benefit analysis and identification of greenhouse funding proposals most likely to be successful. This foundational study was used in the development of a $20 million northern greenhouse development program by AAFC.
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CANADA
External Review of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA), and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD)
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD)

Alinea was contracted by ABP, ACFA and AARD to undertake an independent, external review of the national organizations who receive Alberta’s component of the national beef levy – Canada Beef Inc. (CBI) and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). The study focused on implementing three main review activities: 1) an organizational review of CBI, 2) a review of governance reform for CBI; and 3) measuring the value and return on investment to Alberta producers for CBI and the BCRC. The review was based on consultation of existing documentation and a survey of key individuals involved in CBI’s governance structure and reform process.
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CANADA
Measures Used to Assess the Results of the Market Development Funds Expended by the Beef Industry
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC)/Beef Value Chain Roundtable (BVCRT)

Alinea conducted an evaluation of AAFC’s existing system to measure the impact of market development activities undertaken by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Canada Beef Inc. (CBI). The study was designed to evaluate the strength of the existing results measurement system used by BCRC and CBI and then develop an improved measurement system. Based on the results of the evaluation, Alinea then undertook a participatory process with key stakeholders to develop a RBM-based system, including Logic Models and Performance Management Plans, with substantially revised indicators and reporting systems to better reflect the goals and results of the organizations. The results of the study and revised system were presented to senior stakeholders from government, industry organizations and the private sector at AAFC’s nationwide Beef Value Chain Round Table. The revised system is now being implemented by both organizations.
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CANADA
Development of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Community CSR Initiatives
Bombardier

Bombardier Inc. contracted Alinea to develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to evaluate and report on the individual and cumulative impact of Bombardier’s community initiatives in Canada and globally. Based on an in-depth review of Bombardier’s community initiatives and CSR policies, an analysis of the existing M&E system, and global best practices, Alinea produced a gap analysis identifying vital M&E system requirements to be addressed. Alinea then designed performance measurement tools and an overall framework including a user manual for how to collect, analyse and report on data. The M&E system included a series of indicators designed to measure key elements within each branch of Bombardier’s 3E strategy (Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship) which can then be rolled up to a programmatic level. The system was designed to fit within Bombardier’s existing management structure, which is split between its Headquarters and Aerospace divisions in Canada and its Transport division in Germany. The system was also designed to fit within the company’s existing MIS software and human resource management systems and evolve with the growth of Bombardier’s CSR programming.
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CANADA
Design of Gender Research Tool and Gender Training Materials for the Strengthening Nurses, Nursing Networks and Associations Program (SNNNAP)
Canadian Nurses Association

Analyzing data collected from participating nursing associations, Alinea designed gender training materials and an online, web-based gender research tool for use in Strengthening Nurses, Nursing Networks and Associations Program, a Global Affairs-funded initiative working with national nursing associations (NNAs) in Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Senegal, Vietnam and a network representing 15 NNAs in the southern African region. The team worked collaboratively to prepare gender training materials that were grounded in their experience with gender dynamics and gender stereotypes and constraints faced by both female and male practicing nurses in various countries. The materials covered a range of key concepts including the difference between sex and gender, practical and strategic gender needs, gender division of labour, access and control over resources, gender mainstreaming, and gender-sensitive indicators. Potential issues in the workplace such as gender inequality or discrimination as well as challenges balancing work and home-based demands were researched and incorporated into the training program. The online survey tool was field tested for clarity and ease of use and was made available in English, French and Spanish.
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CANADA
AgFITT Curriculum Development Project
Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

Alinea designed and developed a course to introduce small to medium-sized agri-food producers to the export marketing process. The course was designed to be delivered in eight modules over an eight-month period, and combined home study with one-day workshops. Materials for each module included a textbook, participant’s workshop guide, instructor’s guide and workplace assignments, as well as a comprehensive bibliography, list of government and industry contacts, guide to government assistance programs and other resource material. Alinea managed the project and coordinated a team of 10 curriculum development specialists with expertise in agricultural economics, agri-food export markets, international finance, business planning, international trade regulations and adult education.
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CANADA
Musk Ox Meat Marketing and Slaughterhouse Development
Government of the Northwest Territories and the Inuit Regional Corporation (IRC)

In response to a growing musk ox population that threated to exterminate the local caribou population, Alinea was contracted to conduct a feasibility study, a business plan, and a sustainability strategy to determine potential markets for musk ox products and implement plans to sustainably capitalize on business opportunities arising from culling the over-populated musk ox. Based on extensive market research, meat, wool and leather were identified as potential markets for musk ok products. Alinea arranged the pre-sale of meat from all 40,000 excess musk ox – netting over $800,000 in sales – and designed a portable abattoir and training program for local labourers. Following the development of a business plan with a value-added processing program and an international marketing and distribution strategy, Alinea worked with the IRC to develop a method of shearing the wool to ensure the highest yield of long fibres, with minimum damage to the hides. Alinea established a link with wool processors in Peru to process the wool into quiviut; a very fine, high quality fibre. This fibre was further processed and converted to handknits for scarves, gloves and hats. The hides were also marketed for further processing into leather, based on recommendations and studies by Alinea.

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CANADA
Monitoring Services for Grand Challenges Canada’s (GCC) Health Innovation Programming
Global Affairs Canada – $623,000 CAD

Alinea provides a two-person monitoring team with expertise in health innovation to assess both individual innovations funded by Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) at the seed and Transition to Scale stage, and the overall GCC innovation platform including its structure, efficiency, and results. Alinea’s monitoring is based on our team’s leading-edge understanding of the innovation process and key issues around scaling improvements for medical devices and services businesses in the private sector, as well as public health innovations.

The monitoring covers GCC innovations in 106 low- and middle-income countries globally. Activities include analytical reviews of GCC programming based on field missions and desk studies or innovations related to maternal and newborn health, early childhood development, sanitation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and global mental health. Findings from the ongoing monitoring have been integrated into GCC’s innovation funding model within this emerging area.

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GLOBAL
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) services for the global Counter Terrorism Programme Fund (CTPF)
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – $1.1M CAD

The Counter Terrorism Programme Fund (CTPF) supports the delivery of the overseas element of the UK Government’s Counter-Terrorism strategy, CONTEST, which aims to reduce the risk to the UK and its citizens and interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.

The provision of MEL activities is intended to strengthen mechanisms and capabilities to manage CTPF results to enhance evidence-based programming decisions, bolster the ability to learn from experience and evidence, and facilitate strong communication of CTPF impact globally.

Alinea will be working in partnership with UK-based firms Agulhas Applied Knowledge and AKTEK Ltd to implement this 18-month project focused on strengthening the results management systems, tools, and processes, improving the capacity of CTPF project staff, and facilitate lessons learning and knowledge sharing to support CTPF programming.
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alinea’s whistleblower policy

1.1 Purpose

The following Whistleblower Policy has been established to provide guidance to Alinea International employees and sub-contractors on how to deal with known or suspected improper conduct within the organization. The objectives of this Policy are to:

Create awareness of the Policy and available whistleblower protections
Act as a reference guide to potential whistleblowers wishing to make a disclosure
Define the structure of the whistleblower system, including reporting and investigation procedures, whistleblower protections, and confidentiality, among others
Improve the communication and transparency in the processes associated with whistleblowing and assure protection against derogatory consequences, namely reprisals and detrimental action
Complement the current communication channels between employees, sub-contractors and immediate managers, and hierarchical channels flowing to the President and Senior Management team
Provide guidance to all parties involved in either whistleblowing or whistleblower protection.

1.2 Scope

Alinea requires all employees and sub-contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. All employees and sub-contractors of Alinea are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations of Canada and the countries where we operate. Any allegations of known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources will be dealt with in accordance with this Policy, and reasonable steps will be taken to protect those who come forward with allegations. Alinea’s Whistleblower Policy covers both internal and external whistleblowing, and establishes the controls and procedures for dealing with allegations of malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is intended to encourage employees and sub-contractors to report known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources and to enable Alinea’s Senior Management team to address and correct inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of all Board of Directors’ members, the Senior Management team, employees and sub-contractors to report concerns about known or suspected malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is applicable to all employees and sub-contractors of Alinea International.

1.3 Reporting Procedures

Alinea recognizes the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. Our internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and prevent malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. As detailed in Alinea’s Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals, employees and sub-contractors are encouraged to share complaints and/or concerns regarding ethical or legal violations with their immediate managers. If the employee or sub-contractor is not comfortable speaking with their immediate manager or is not satisfied with the response, they are encouraged to speak with the Gatineau or Calgary Office Managers, the Vice Presidents or, as required, the Chief Financial Officer. All members of the Senior Management team are required to report complaints and/or concerns about suspected ethical or legal violations in writing to Alinea’s Ethics Committee who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints and/or concerns. In the event that the complaint and/or concern is about the President, it should be raised by the employee or sub-contractor to their immediate manager or the Ethics Committee who will determine how the investigation will proceed. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Alinea’s Ethics Committee is responsible for acknowledging receipt of the suspected violation and notifying the whistleblower of the outcome of the investigation. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Personal grievances or complaints related to employment are not covered under Alinea’s Whistleblowing Policy. For cases such as this, employees and sub-contractors are advised to first refer to Alineas Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals when considering a disclosure under the Whistleblowing Policy. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

1.4 Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure reprisals are not made against the whistleblower. Alinea is committed to safeguarding the identity of the whistleblower and to protecting the whistleblower against detrimental action taken in reprisal for allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the workplace is supportive of suspected allegations being made. Any employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

1.5 Review

Alinea is committed to implementing ‘best practice’ policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources (as defined by this Policy) and the management and protection of whistleblowers making allegation(s). This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the objectives of relevant legislation and remains effective for Alinea, and may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. For allegations of fraud, securities law, or human rights concerns, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Company’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Company’s Ethics Committee directly.

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