Before, during, and after implementing your international social media strategy, regular audits ensure you're on track, identify gaps, and prioritize improvements. This comprehensive audit framework and master checklist provides structured assessment tools across all eight dimensions of international social media excellence. Use these tools to benchmark your current state, track progress against goals, and create targeted improvement plans. Whether you're just starting or optimizing existing global operations, this audit framework delivers actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Table of Contents
- Readiness Assessment Framework
- Strategy Foundation Audit
- Localization Capability Audit
- Engagement Effectiveness Audit
- Measurement Maturity Audit
- Crisis Preparedness Audit
- Implementation Progress Audit
- Team Capability Audit
- Content Excellence Audit
- Improvement Planning Framework
Readiness Assessment Framework
This comprehensive framework assesses your organization's readiness for international social media expansion across eight critical dimensions. Each dimension contains specific criteria evaluated on a maturity scale from 1 (Ad Hoc) to 5 (Optimized). Use this assessment to identify strengths, prioritize improvements, and track progress over time.
Assessment Scoring System
Rate each criterion using this 5-point maturity scale:
| Maturity Level | Score | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ad Hoc | 0-20% | No formal processes, reactive approach | Inconsistent, personality-dependent, no documentation |
| 2. Emerging | 21-40% | Basic processes emerging, some consistency | Partial documentation, inconsistent execution, basic tools |
| 3. Defined | 41-60% | Processes documented and followed | Standardized approaches, regular execution, basic measurement |
| 4. Managed | 61-80% | Processes measured and optimized | Data-driven decisions, continuous improvement, advanced tools |
| 5. Optimized | 81-100% | Excellence achieved, innovation focus | Best-in-class performance, predictive optimization, innovation pipeline |
Assessment Process
Follow this process for effective assessment:
- Pre-Assessment Preparation: Gather relevant documents, data, and team members
- Individual Assessment: Have relevant team members score their areas
- Group Discussion: Discuss discrepancies and reach consensus
- Gap Analysis: Identify areas with largest gaps between current and target
- Improvement Planning: Create targeted action plans for priority areas
- Progress Tracking: Schedule regular reassessments (quarterly recommended)
Overall Readiness Scorecard
Calculate your overall readiness score:
| Assessment Dimension | Weight | Current Score (0-100) | Weighted Score | Target Score | Gap | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy Foundation | 15% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Localization Capability | 15% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Engagement Effectiveness | 15% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Measurement Maturity | 10% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Crisis Preparedness | 10% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Implementation Progress | 15% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Team Capability | 10% | 0 | 0 | |||
| Content Excellence | 10% | 0 | 0 | |||
| TOTAL | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
Overall Readiness Score: 0%
Interpretation: Not assessed
Assessment Frequency Recommendations
- Initial Assessment: Before starting international expansion
- Quarterly Reviews: Track progress and adjust plans
- Pre-Expansion Assessments: Before entering new markets
- Post-Crisis Assessments: After significant incidents
- Annual Comprehensive Audit: Full reassessment of all dimensions
Strategy Foundation Audit
A strong strategic foundation is essential for international social media success. This audit assesses your strategic planning, market selection, objective setting, and resource allocation.
Strategic Planning Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Selection Process Systematic approach to selecting international markets |
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| Objective Setting Clear, measurable objectives for each market |
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| Competitive Analysis Understanding local and global competitors in each market |
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| Platform Strategy Market-specific platform selection and prioritization |
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| Resource Allocation Adequate resources allocated based on market potential |
Strategic Alignment Checklist
Check all that apply to assess strategic alignment:
- International social media strategy aligns with overall business objectives
- Market selection based on data-driven analysis, not convenience
- Clear success metrics defined for each market
- Resource allocation matches market potential and strategic importance
- Regular strategy reviews scheduled (quarterly minimum)
- Stakeholder alignment achieved across organization
- Contingency plans exist for strategic risks
- Learning and adaptation built into strategic approach
Market Entry Strategy Assessment
| Market | Entry Strategy | Timeline | Success Criteria | Risk Assessment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strategy Foundation Score Calculation
Current Strategy Foundation Score: 0/100
Key Strengths:
Critical Gaps:
Priority Improvements (Next 90 Days):
Localization Capability Audit
Effective localization balances global brand consistency with local cultural relevance. This audit assesses your localization processes, cultural intelligence, and adaptation capabilities.
Localization Process Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Intelligence Understanding of cultural nuances in target markets |
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| Localization Workflow Structured process for content adaptation |
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| Quality Assurance Processes to ensure localization quality and appropriateness |
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| Brand Consistency Maintaining core brand identity across localized content |
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| Local Trend Integration Ability to incorporate local trends and references |
Market-Specific Localization Assessment
| Market | Language Support | Cultural Adaptation | Visual Localization | Legal Compliance | Overall Localization Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Localization Capability Checklist
- Cultural guidelines documented for each target market
- Localization workflow documented with clear roles
- Quality assurance process for localized content
- Brand style guide with localization considerations
- Local trend monitoring system in place
- Legal compliance check process for each market
- Local expert review process for sensitive content
- Performance measurement of localization effectiveness
Localization Capability Score Calculation
Current Localization Capability Score: 0/100
Localization Strengths:
Localization Gaps:
Localization Improvement Priorities:
Engagement Effectiveness Audit
Cross-cultural engagement requires adapting communication styles and response approaches to local norms. This audit assesses your engagement strategies, response quality, and community building across markets.
Engagement Strategy Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Response Protocols Market-specific response guidelines and templates |
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| Cultural Communication Adaptation Adapting tone, style, and approach to cultural norms |
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| Community Building Strategies for building engaged communities in each market |
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| Influencer & Partnership Engagement Working with local influencers and partners |
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| Engagement Quality Measurement Measuring quality, not just quantity, of engagement |
Market Engagement Performance Assessment
| Market | Response Rate | Response Time | Engagement Quality Score | Community Growth | Sentiment Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engagement Effectiveness Checklist
- Response time targets set for each market based on cultural norms
- Response templates adapted for different cultural contexts
- Escalation protocols for complex or sensitive issues
- Community guidelines translated and adapted for each market
- Regular engagement quality reviews conducted
- Team training on cross-cultural communication completed
- Engagement analytics track quality metrics, not just volume
- Community building activities planned for each market
Engagement Effectiveness Score Calculation
Current Engagement Effectiveness Score: 0/100
Engagement Strengths:
Engagement Gaps:
Engagement Improvement Priorities:
Measurement Maturity Audit
Effective measurement requires culturally adjusted metrics and robust attribution. This audit assesses your measurement systems, analytics capabilities, and ROI tracking across international markets.
Measurement Framework Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culturally Adjusted Metrics Metrics adapted for cultural context and market norms |
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| Attribution Modeling Tracking social media impact across customer journey |
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| ROI Calculation Comprehensive ROI tracking including indirect value |
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| Reporting & Dashboard Effective reporting for different stakeholders |
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| Predictive Analytics Using data for forecasting and optimization |
Measurement Dashboard Assessment
| Dashboard Component | Exists | Accuracy | Timeliness | Actionability | Improvement Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Summary Dashboard | |||||
| Market Performance Dashboard | |||||
| ROI Tracking Dashboard |
Measurement Maturity Checklist
- Key performance indicators defined for each market
- Culturally adjusted benchmarks established
- Attribution model selected and implemented
- ROI calculation methodology documented
- Regular reporting schedule established
- Data quality assurance processes in place
- Measurement tools integrated across platforms
- Team trained on measurement and analytics
Measurement Maturity Score Calculation
Current Measurement Maturity Score: 0/100
Measurement Strengths:
Measurement Gaps:
Measurement Improvement Priorities:
Crisis Preparedness Audit
International crises require specialized preparation and response protocols. This audit assesses your crisis detection, response planning, and recovery capabilities across markets.
Crisis Management Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis Detection Systems Monitoring and alert systems for early detection |
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| Response Protocols Market-specific crisis response plans and templates |
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| Team Training & Preparedness Crisis management training and simulation exercises |
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| Legal & Regulatory Compliance Understanding legal requirements during crises |
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| Post-Crisis Recovery Plans for reputation recovery and learning |
Crisis Scenario Preparedness Assessment
| Crisis Scenario | Response Plan Exists | Team Trained | Templates Ready | Last Tested/Updated | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Safety Issue | |||||
| Cultural Misstep/Offense | |||||
| Data Privacy Breach |
Crisis Preparedness Checklist
- Crisis detection systems monitoring all markets
- Crisis response team identified with clear roles
- Response templates prepared for common scenarios
- Escalation protocols documented
- Legal counsel identified for each market
- Crisis simulation exercises conducted regularly
- Post-crisis analysis process documented
- Recovery communication plans prepared
Crisis Preparedness Score Calculation
Current Crisis Preparedness Score: 0/100
Crisis Management Strengths:
Crisis Management Gaps:
Crisis Management Improvement Priorities:
Implementation Progress Audit
Tracking implementation progress ensures you stay on course and achieve objectives. This audit assesses your implementation planning, execution, and adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation Planning Detailed plans with milestones and responsibilities |
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| Progress Tracking Systems to track progress against plans |
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| Resource Management Effective allocation and utilization of resources |
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| Adaptation & Learning Ability to adapt based on learning and results |
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| Stakeholder Communication Regular updates and alignment with stakeholders |
Implementation Milestone Tracking
| Milestone | Planned Date | Actual Date | Status | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundation Complete | |||||
| Pilot Market Launch | |||||
| First Performance Review |
Implementation Progress Checklist
- Implementation roadmap with clear phases and milestones
- Regular progress reviews scheduled (weekly recommended)
- Resource allocation tracked against plan
- Risk management plan for implementation risks
- Change management process for plan adjustments
- Stakeholder communication plan executed
- Learning captured and incorporated into plans
- Success criteria tracked for each milestone
Implementation Progress Score Calculation
Current Implementation Progress Score: 0/100
Implementation Strengths:
Implementation Gaps:
Implementation Improvement Priorities:
Team Capability Audit
Your team's capabilities determine implementation success. This audit assesses team structure, skills, training, and capacity for international social media management.
Team Capability Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Structure Appropriate roles and responsibilities for international needs |
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| Skills & Competencies Required skills present in team members |
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| Training & Development Ongoing training for international social media excellence |
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| Capacity & Workload Adequate capacity for current and planned work |
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| Collaboration & Coordination Effective teamwork across markets and functions |
Team Skills Inventory
| Skill Category | Team Member 1 | Team Member 2 | Team Member 3 | Gap Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Cultural Communication | ||||
| Content Localization | ||||
| International Analytics |
Team Capability Checklist
- Team structure documented with clear roles and responsibilities
- Skills assessment completed for all team members
- Training plan developed for skill gaps
- Capacity planning process for workload management
- Collaboration tools and processes established
- Performance management system for team members
- Succession planning for key roles
- Team morale and engagement regularly assessed
Team Capability Score Calculation
Current Team Capability Score: 0/100
Team Strengths:
Team Gaps:
Team Improvement Priorities:
Content Excellence Audit
Content quality and cultural relevance determine engagement success. This audit assesses your content strategy, production processes, and performance across international markets.
Content Strategy Assessment
| Assessment Criteria | Score (1-5) | Evidence/Notes | Improvement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Strategy Market-specific content strategies aligned with objectives |
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| Content Calendar & Planning Structured planning and scheduling processes |
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| Content Production Efficient production of quality localized content |
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| Content Performance Measurement and optimization based on performance |
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| Content Innovation Testing new formats, approaches, and trends |
Content Performance Assessment by Market
| Market | Content Volume (Posts/Week) | Engagement Rate | Top Performing Content Type | Content Quality Score | Improvement Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Content Excellence Checklist
- Content strategy documented for each market
- Content calendar maintained and followed
- Content production workflow efficient and effective
- Quality assurance process for all content
- Content performance regularly measured and analyzed
- A/B testing conducted for content optimization
- Content library organized and accessible
- Innovation budget/time allocated for new approaches
Content Excellence Score Calculation
Current Content Excellence Score: 0/100
Content Strengths:
Content Gaps:
Content Improvement Priorities:
Improvement Planning Framework
Based on your audit results, this framework helps you create targeted improvement plans with clear actions, responsibilities, and timelines.
Improvement Priority Matrix
Plot your audit gaps on this matrix to prioritize improvements:
| Improvement Area | Impact (1-10) | Effort (1-10, 10=High Effort) | Priority Score (Impact ÷ Effort) | Timeline | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | |||||
| 1.0 |
90-Day Improvement Plan Template
| Improvement Area | Specific Actions | Success Metrics | Resources Needed | Start Date | Completion Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterly Progress Tracking
| Quarter | Focus Areas | Target Scores | Actual Scores | Progress | Key Learnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 20XX |
Continuous Improvement Cycle
STEP 1: ASSESS (Week 1) • Conduct audit using this framework • Calculate scores for all dimensions • Identify strengths and gaps STEP 2: ANALYZE (Week 2) • Analyze root causes of gaps • Prioritize improvement areas • Set improvement targets STEP 3: PLAN (Week 3) • Create detailed improvement plans • Assign responsibilities and timelines • Secure necessary resources STEP 4: IMPLEMENT (Weeks 4-12) • Execute improvement actions • Monitor progress regularly • Adjust plans as needed STEP 5: REVIEW (Quarterly) • Measure improvement impact • Capture learnings • Update plans for next quarter STEP 6: REPEAT (Ongoing) • Continuous assessment and improvement • Quarterly audit cycles • Annual comprehensive review
Final Audit Summary and Recommendations
Overall Readiness Assessment:
Top 3 Strengths to Leverage:
Top 3 Improvement Priorities (Next 90 Days):
Next Audit Scheduled:
Audit Conducted By:
Date:
This comprehensive audit framework provides everything you need to assess your international social media readiness, track progress, and drive continuous improvement. Use it regularly to ensure you're building capabilities systematically and addressing gaps proactively. Remember that international social media excellence is a journey, not a destination—regular assessment and improvement are essential for long-term success.
The most successful global brands treat audit and improvement as continuous processes, not one-time events. By implementing this framework quarterly, you'll maintain focus on what matters most, demonstrate progress to stakeholders, and continuously elevate your international social media capabilities. Your audit results today provide the foundation for your success tomorrow.
// JavaScript for calculating audit scores
function calculateScores() {
// Get all dimension scores
const strategyScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('strategyScore').value) || 0;
const localizationScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('localizationScore').value) || 0;
const engagementScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('engagementScore').value) || 0;
const measurementScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('measurementScore').value) || 0;
const crisisScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('crisisScore').value) || 0;
const implementationScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('implementationScore').value) || 0;
const teamScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('teamScore').value) || 0;
const contentScore = parseInt(document.getElementById('contentScore').value) || 0;
// Calculate weighted scores
const strategyWeighted = (strategyScore * 0.15).toFixed(1);
const localizationWeighted = (localizationScore * 0.15).toFixed(1);
const engagementWeighted = (engagementScore * 0.15).toFixed(1);
const measurementWeighted = (measurementScore * 0.10).toFixed(1);
const crisisWeighted = (crisisScore * 0.10).toFixed(1);
const implementationWeighted = (implementationScore * 0.15).toFixed(1);
const teamWeighted = (teamScore * 0.10).toFixed(1);
const contentWeighted = (contentScore * 0.10).toFixed(1);
// Update weighted score displays
document.getElementById('strategyWeighted').textContent = strategyWeighted;
document.getElementById('localizationWeighted').textContent = localizationWeighted;
document.getElementById('engagementWeighted').textContent = engagementWeighted;
document.getElementById('measurementWeighted').textContent = measurementWeighted;
document.getElementById('crisisWeighted').textContent = crisisWeighted;
document.getElementById('implementationWeighted').textContent = implementationWeighted;
document.getElementById('teamWeighted').textContent = teamWeighted;
document.getElementById('contentWeighted').textContent = contentWeighted;
// Calculate totals
const totalCurrent = ((strategyScore + localizationScore + engagementScore + measurementScore +
crisisScore + implementationScore + teamScore + contentScore) / 8).toFixed(1);
const totalWeighted = (parseFloat(strategyWeighted) + parseFloat(localizationWeighted) +
parseFloat(engagementWeighted) + parseFloat(measurementWeighted) +
parseFloat(crisisWeighted) + parseFloat(implementationWeighted) +
parseFloat(teamWeighted) + parseFloat(contentWeighted)).toFixed(1);
// Get targets
const strategyTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('strategyTarget').value) || 0;
const localizationTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('localizationTarget').value) || 0;
const engagementTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('engagementTarget').value) || 0;
const measurementTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('measurementTarget').value) || 0;
const crisisTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('crisisTarget').value) || 0;
const implementationTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('implementationTarget').value) || 0;
const teamTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('teamTarget').value) || 0;
const contentTarget = parseInt(document.getElementById('contentTarget').value) || 0;
const totalTarget = ((strategyTarget + localizationTarget + engagementTarget + measurementTarget +
crisisTarget + implementationTarget + teamTarget + contentTarget) / 8).toFixed(1);
// Calculate gaps
const strategyGap = (strategyTarget - strategyScore).toFixed(1);
const localizationGap = (localizationTarget - localizationScore).toFixed(1);
const engagementGap = (engagementTarget - engagementScore).toFixed(1);
const measurementGap = (measurementTarget - measurementScore).toFixed(1);
const crisisGap = (crisisTarget - crisisScore).toFixed(1);
const implementationGap = (implementationTarget - implementationScore).toFixed(1);
const teamGap = (teamTarget - teamScore).toFixed(1);
const contentGap = (contentTarget - contentScore).toFixed(1);
const totalGap = (totalTarget - totalCurrent).toFixed(1);
// Update displays
document.getElementById('totalCurrent').textContent = totalCurrent;
document.getElementById('totalWeighted').textContent = totalWeighted;
document.getElementById('totalTarget').textContent = totalTarget;
document.getElementById('totalGap').textContent = totalGap;
document.getElementById('strategyGap').textContent = strategyGap;
document.getElementById('localizationGap').textContent = localizationGap;
document.getElementById('engagementGap').textContent = engagementGap;
document.getElementById('measurementGap').textContent = measurementGap;
document.getElementById('crisisGap').textContent = crisisGap;
document.getElementById('implementationGap').textContent = implementationGap;
document.getElementById('teamGap').textContent = teamGap;
document.getElementById('contentGap').textContent = contentGap;
// Update overall score
document.getElementById('overallReadiness').textContent = totalWeighted;
document.getElementById('overallScore').textContent = totalWeighted + '%';
// Update interpretation
const score = parseFloat(totalWeighted);
let interpretation = '';
if (score >= 81) interpretation = 'Optimized - Excellent readiness for international expansion';
else if (score >= 61) interpretation = 'Managed - Good readiness with some areas for improvement';
else if (score >= 41) interpretation = 'Defined - Basic readiness established, significant improvements needed';
else if (score >= 21) interpretation = 'Emerging - Limited readiness, foundational work required';
else interpretation = 'Ad Hoc - Not ready for international expansion';
document.getElementById('readinessInterpretation').textContent = interpretation;
// Update dimension scores in legend
document.querySelector('text[x="70"][y="332"]').textContent = `Strategy (${strategyScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="170"][y="332"]').textContent = `Localization (${localizationScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="270"][y="332"]').textContent = `Engagement (${engagementScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="370"][y="332"]').textContent = `Measurement (${measurementScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="470"][y="332"]').textContent = `Crisis (${crisisScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="570"][y="332"]').textContent = `Implementation (${implementationScore}%)`;
document.querySelector('text[x="670"][y="332"]').textContent = `Team (${teamScore}%)`;
}
// Add event listeners to all score inputs
document.querySelectorAll('input[type="number"]').forEach(input => {
input.addEventListener('input', calculateScores);
input.addEventListener('change', calculateScores);
});
// Initial calculation
calculateScores();