Outlook: RISE 4.0 and PSAM

Content

Indicators will be migrated unchanged from RISE 3.0 to RISE 4.0. New calculation variants of an indicator with changed formulas can then simply be entered into RISE 4.0.

Users can choose from different indicator calculation variants. For example, during the interview a user can choose whether to assess an indicator directly using an estimate or based on questions and formulas.

Calculations, results and graphics

The calculation formulas, from the issue interrogated to the final result, are displayed and can be viewed at any time. Intermediate results are now also shown, which can serve as important additional information.

The results can be displayed in a variety of selectable graphical formats. With the help of the drill-down function, users can navigate from final results to intermediate results to questions and reference data. The typical RISE polygon that visualises the results is similar to the one used in RISE 3.0.

Versioning

Surveys conducted using the software are temporally backwards compatible. It is possible to conduct a survey using older data together with reference data from the corresponding year. Similarly, forecast data can be used together with future annual reference data, such as assumptions for inflation rates. This allows for easier calculations and comparisons of scenarios.

Pre-filling of questionnaires by farm managers

Prior to the interview, the advisor sends the farm managers a web link for self-assessment. This gives farm managers the opportunity to present their internal view by entering into the software a direct assessment of their RISE results for the various themes and indicators.

Via a second web link, the farm managers can access the farm survey questionnaire provided by their advisor and pre-fill it, if they so wish and in so far as they can. They can, for example, pre-set the region or the calculation variants for the indicators. The latter can be qualitative, quantitative or a direct entry.

After pre-filling, the farm managers release the questionnaire to the advisors, after which point the farm managers can make no further entries. This prevents a back and forth of data being altered or overwritten.

Interview flow

In RISE 3.0, the order of the questions follows the logic of an agricultural holding, starting with all the questions on soil, followed by questions on livestock and so on. In RISE 4.0, the questions are structured according to the results’ themes and indicators. The benefit of this approach is that it is always clear to which indicator a question relates. This allows farm managers to answer more precisely and more quickly, not least because queries as to the questions’ context may be eliminated.

As soon as all the questions regarding a specific indicator are answered, the software immediately calculates and visualises the result. The interview can thus be combined with feedback (discussion of the results). However, it is also possible to complete the interview first and discuss the results with the advisor during a second visit.

Advisory scheme from the perspective of farm managers

Preparation

You will discuss the details of the advisory with the RISE advisor by telephone. You will have documents at hand or mail them to the advisor.

Time needed: 0.5h*

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Self-assessment

Using a web link sent to you by the advisor, you will complete a self-assessment of your operation with regard to the sustainability themes and indicators in the RISE software.

Time needed: 1 – 2h*

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Pre-filling the questionnaire

Your advisor will send you a second web link to a questionnaire that he/she has prepared for and adapted to your holding. If you like and are in a position to do so, you may further pre-fill this questionnaire yourself.

Time needed: 1 – 3h*

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Farm walk and analysis and advisory meeting

At the start of the meeting, you will take the advisor for a short tour of the holding.

Then you can decide the order in which you wish to enter the data into the software together with your advisor. You can choose which topics you wish to start and end with, and how detailed the analysis should be. If you like, you can view the results immediately after completing a theme or after completing the entire analysis.

Time needed: 4 – 8h *

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Results & action planning

With the advisor, you will discuss the analysis results and what they mean for your operation. You will prioritise your new targets and plan appropriate measures to be taken.

Time needed: 2h*

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Further advice and assistance (flexible)

After 3-6 months you will take stock together with the advisor. You will discuss outstanding issues and plan next steps.

*The hours needed are estimates and depend on the farm’s size and complexity.

1. The RISE training courses are more standardised, with the titles “RISE analyst”, “RISE consultant” and “RISE instructor” now being awarded. For more on this see under “RISE training courses”.
2. Software user management allows for different roles to be assigned to RISE users. In addition to the role of “interviewerW, there is now also a role of “interviewee”, as managers may also enter data.
3. There is a new role, i.e. that of method distributor. These represent HAFL as licence distributors and may distribute RISE licences or license other methods running on PSAM. Method distributors may also offer on-site training. They act as hubs facilitating the dissemination of RISE and other PSAM methods around the globe.
4. For a RISE licence covering multiple user accounts, there is now a licence administrator who manages user licences within a purchased RISE licence.