Map the System 2025

Map the System is a global competition hosted by the University of Oxford that challenges students to think differently about social and environmental change.

Unlike traditional business pitch competitions, students are not judged by their proposed solutions, but rather on their depth of understanding of the challenge they want to address.

Why Participate?

Participating in Map the System is a great way to dive deep into social and environmental issues.

• Connect with a Canadian (and global) network of socially conscious students, researchers, and practitioners.
• Become proficient in using systems thinking tools to understand the breadth and depth of the challenges our world is facing.
• Bring awareness to issues that you are passionate about.
• Get the chance to travel to the University of Oxford to present your case.

 

How to Participate?

Current undergraduate, masters and doctoral University of Alberta Students can engage in MTS either through BUS 303 course or as a co-curricular activity (i.e., outside of the classroom) supported by the Alberta School of Business - Experiential Learning office. 

Students can participate individually or in teams of up to 5 members, though teams of 2-4 people typically perform best. Teams will spend several months diving deep into a social or environmental topic of their choice, conducting extensive systems analysis. By the competition deadline, each team will submit:

• A Written Systems Analysis
• Visual Systems Map(s)
• A Bibliography

More information on Map The System can be found on their website here: https://www.mapthesystem.ca/ 

 

Registration

Please take a moment to carefully review the University of Alberta’s MTS Participation, Eligibility and Funding Information document below prior to registration, to ensure that you are fully aware of the key dates and deadlines, participation eligibility information, restrictions and requirements, and details on any funding eligibility and availability.

Map the System U of A 2024-25: Important Information and Details

You may express interest in participating in Map the System by filling out this U of A MTS Registration Request Form.

Further information and updates pertaining to Map the System will be provided via email to the contact information provided in the form.

After you have determined eligibility and filled out the U of A EOI form, you may also register your U of A student team with MTS via the MTS Registration Form. Following these steps, you will receive access to the MTS Community Portal and available resources.

Registration with our office will give you access to the MTS Community Portal, a comprehensive resource center designed to guide you through each phase of the project.

Through the portal, you’ll find:

• Guidebooks and instructional materials to support your understanding of systems thinking.
• Videos, webinars, and workshops to assist in topic selection, research, and presentation.
• Other resources that prepare you to produce a thorough analysis and visual map of your chosen topic.

Access these resources through the MTS Resource Portal to begin your learning journey.