Cities that contribute to Sustainable Development

Cities that contribute to Sustainable Development Sustainable Cities or Cities that contribute to Sustainable Development Nur Asyiqin Afiqah bte Hj Ahmad Two compulsory readings were given to each person in our class and I chose to read Sustainable cities or Cities that contribute to Sustainable development where it focuses on the definition of ‘sustainable cities’ and ‘sustainable human settlements’ in which majority mentions that by reducing the environmental problems it would help to achieve the sustainable development goals. However, from the reading, the author explains that to achieve sustainable cities or sustainable human settlements it did not just focus on environmental problems, one should not neglect the social, economy, political, demographic, cultural goals as it have been said to be part of sustainable development. After reading this article for more than five times, I realized the author has mentioned about the environmental performances in order to achieve the sustainable development goals. In terms of environmental performances, both countries in the North and South experienced the same problems of depletion of resources, but viewing from the author’s perspectives, he mentions that countries in the North are usually able to solve the environmental problems although there is a disagreement among other authors such that in terms of the non-renewable resources, exploitation of soils and forests, the use of global sink for greenhouse gases show that the level of waste and greenhouse gas emission per capita created by the life styles of most middle and upper-income in the North could not be sustained. They could only bring damages to the environment as the wealthier countries built factories, highways, and started producing and using consumer goods on a large scale, hence the earth’ s air and water became polluted, natural resources were depleted, and sensitive habitats were destroyed. However, to compare the North with the South , there are range of problems in the South, for instance from the perspective of the author , cities in the North perform much better for their inhabitants in most cities which contrast the South such as the smaller role of environmental hazard in illness , injury and premature death (WHO,1996 ; UNCHS,1996) Moreover, in terms of average levels of resource use or greenhouse gas emission per person, most cities in the South have much lower levels than cities in the North (Hardoy,1992 ; UNCHS 1996) The author has also emphasized the importance of social activities in order to achieve sustainable cities. For example, controlling infectious and parasitic diseases in which it links to the environmental problems. This problem usually connected with the inadequate of water and sanitation, be it in the North and South countries. I believe, the government , national and international authorities played important role in order to achieve the sustainable development goals, for example, if government did not take any action or responsibilities, number of problems may arose or if they are only focusing on achieving the environmental performances without looking at any other aspects. This may lead to the emerging and re-emerging of other infectious diseases as most cities concentrate on the large numbers of people who are particularly vulnerable to infection especially those countries in the South as they have high number of infant mortality rates within their population. Furthermore, many particular cities in the North and some in the South have a high concentration of older people who are more vulnerable to many infectious diseases. This may become serious problems if low priority is given or are not being taken into considerations by the governments and other authorities to the public health and health care. Initially, I noticed that the author did not really mention the issues of the population growth. A Little attention was given to the issue of population growth within the discussion of sustainable development and cities (Smith, 1996). A significant proportion of the urban populations have consumption levels that are so low that they contribute little or nothing to the use of non-renewable resources and the generation of wastes, generation of greenhouse gases. Most resource use and waste generation arise from the consumption patterns of middle and upper income households and the enterprises which produce the goods they consume. From the reading, I felt that the developed countries are more responsible than developing countries in sustaining the cities. This is mainly because, the North countries tend to develop heavy industrialization compared to the countries in the South, hence they are producing more environmental problems and the fact that they are using more resources than the So uth. For me, the most important element is meeting the human needs in order to achieve the sustainable development of goals. Meeting the human needs has to be combined with considerations of how to minimize the depletion of environmental capital. There are a lot of different perspectives on achieving sustainable development of goals, for example, phrases such as ‘sustainable cities’, ‘sustainable human developments’ and ‘sustainable urbanization’ do not give exact meaning of these. The third time I read this article on the topic of considering the environmental performance of cities, I realized that the author distinguished between the different kinds of environment problems when making comparison between cities. The five important categories need to be taken into account such as reducing chemical and physical hazards within the home and the health problem. The health problem are related to human beings in which, previously, I believe it is related to the importance of meeting the human needs. Majority of the countries in the South lived in poor conditions of shelters and neighborhoods where their lives and health were easily threatened because of inadequate provision of safe, insufficient water supplies, poor sanitation removal of solid and liquid waste and lack of health care and emergency services (Caimcross ,1990 ; WHO, 1992) Previously, I mentioned that meeting the human needs are important and that government, national and international agencies played important role in taking responsibilities. The sustainable developments in regard to cities were addressed and strong priorities to meeting human needs were given in reducing the depletion of natural resources and other environmental problems where this has been stressed during the Habitat II Conference. Having read this article, I now realise that to achieve the sustainable development goals in regards to sustainable cities is not easy as there are a lot of parties or authors that kind of disagree with focusing on the environmental problems and social problems, and meeting the human needs. The sustainable settlements ‘promote’ or ‘should promote’ human needs, and this is a reminder of how complex it can be to reach agreement among so many interested parties (Kakakhel, 1996). Later, I noticed a high priority to the meeting of human needs in cities and the need for a strong priority for poverty reduction, need to address environmental problems and acknowledge the important heath components are being stressed. There is also a strong stress on the need to strengthen city and municipal authorities. This might be explained by that little mention of the new resources that need to be directed to the meeting of human needs in the nations where there are sufficient resources to achieve this. The definition of sustainable development is meant to sustain whether it is settlements or settlement policies or particular activities within settlements. I have slightly developed my understanding on this topic , it tells me that in order to achieve the sustainable development goals , the society in general or the living conditions needs to be ‘sustainable’ be it in terms of their activities within urban areas, land development, sustainable transport, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable resource use , sustainable water supply, sustainable energy use, sustaining economic growth and equity. The author also assumed that a concern of environmental quality within cities is all that is needed to achieve the environmental component of sustainable development goals without neglecting the economic and social development. References : Are developed countries more responsible for damage to the climate?. Retrieved from: http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-developed-countries-more-responsible-for-damage-to-the-climate Promoting Sustainable Industry in the Developing World. (2008) Retrieved from : http://www.glica.org/topics/show/53

How Effective Was Elizabeth’s Government Essay

Elizabeth needed to win support of her people including nobles at court and ordering people in the country. She needed to do this in order to gain respect and run the government successfully form everyone, and good publicity was a good way of doing this. Elizabeth’s first chance to achieve goods publicity was at her coronation. She held it in London on the 15th January 1559. Elizabeth was determined to make it as impressive as possible. There were colourful procession and a royal journey by barge along the river Thames. The streets were lined with people and many important visitors attended. There was also grand for them that lasted ten days and all the costs led up to à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½16000 a huge sum of money in those days. Also, Elizabeth used portraits to let ordinary people see what she looked like and for publicity. In these portraits, she made the artists paint her powerfully. In her portrait of Elizabeth’s coronation, she was painted holding an orb and a sceptre, the symbols of a monarch’s power and authority. Elizabeth’s portraits were very important and she wanted them to show five main things: * Strength and power: She wanted to show than she was ruling the country wisely and successfully. * Wealth: It was important to distinguish Queen’s financial difficulties. * Ageless: As Elizabeth grew older, it was important to hide signs of age because this is a sign of weakness. * Success and wisdom: Elizabeth wanted her paintings to show that she was strong and powerful. She often had symbols of strength in her paintings such as pillars. * Legitimacy and purity: Roman Catholics thought that Queen Elizabeth had no right tot be Queen and was illegitimate. Therefore, to show her purity her face and clothes were usually white. Elizabeth’s portraits and coronation showed her as a successful ruler but even good publicity cold not distinguish failures. In addition, Elizabeth’s success would depend on how well she governed the country. She also needed to win the support of her wealthy and powerful. The Queen was the most important member of the court. Elizabeth used patronage, which is the power to appoint people to important jobs. This is how she attracted the loyalty and support of her most important subjects. I think that Queen Elizabeth’s ways of peoples support were very successful. For example, the system of patronage was effective as this gave people jobs, which was what they wanted, she made them respect her by making herself the most important person in court and the person with the most power over decisions. Elizabeth chose and controlled her privy council. By January 1559, Elizabeth had appointed nineteen experienced men to her privy council. None were strong Catholics and she appointed William Cecil as her secretary of state the most important position on the Privy Council. Sir William Cecil (secretary of state): He was hard working and he knew about all government business. He was not afraid to disagree with the Queen or others on the Privy Council. Queen Elizabeth trusted him completely and he was a loyal adviser to her for forty years. Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester): He disliked Cecil and often disagreed with him. He was a loyal advisor to the Queen but they had several quarrels. Sir Christopher Hatton (Parliament): Organised the Queen’s progresses and was elected into parliament several times. Helped Elizabeth to pass laws and control MP’s. Also made lord councillor, in charge of judges and law courts. Sir Francis Walsingham (Secretary of State): Worked mainly on foreign affairs. He was put in charge of Elizabeth’s secret service – controlled a number of spies all over Europe. Also often disagreed with Cecil, and he often made Elizabeth angry but she knew he was completely loyal. He found evidence in 1586 Mary Queen of Scots was involved in a plot to kill the Queen. Robert Devereux: commanded attacks on Spain and Ireland. Often argued with Elizabeth. In 1601, he led a rebellion and was executed for treason. The Privy Council met nearly every day and although Elizabeth didn’t go to all meetings. She was determined to show that she was a cautious ruler. She didn’t like making big changes or being rushed into making decisions. This often frustrated her councillors but they were completely loyal to her apart for two exceptions: Duke of Norfolk Earl of Essex I think that this aspect of the government was very effective and successful as they helped Elizabeth and they were nearly all completely loyal to her apart from two people (mentioned above). I think that this was successful because she let all the members know who was boss and was not rushed into anything. She also chose her members very wisely and each member had their own speciality. Parliament in the sixteenth century was much less powerful than it was today. It could only meet when the monarch called it. Although Elizabeth didn’t have to call the call parliament at all and she could close it whenever she liked. She chose to call in only thirteen times in her forty-five year reign. Elizabeth only called parliament for three main reasons: * To help pass ACTS OF PARLIAMENT laws which were approved by both house of parliament and the monarch. * To approve taxes, which could only be collected if parliament agreed to them? * To provide her with support and advice – It was very useful for monarchs to know the opinion of MP’s and win there support. This part of the government was not as important to Elizabeth as the Privy Council. I think that she did not like opening and going to parliament but she had to in order to get what she wanted. I think she just used parliament for her own needs. Although she was pretty, effective at getting what she wanted from them. Elizabeth never explained why she didn’t marry. Although there were some rumours that she was in love with Robert Dudley and wanted to marry him, there is no evidence to prove this. Elizabeth kept her thought on marriage private. Parliament asked her to marry several times but she only gave a vague answer. Later in the reign, when her MP’s asked who was her successor, she always refused. A few things that may have caused her not to marry are: * Marriage might have been unpopular and cause a rebellion * Lose friendship with other countries and become enemies. * If she married an English nobleman her other nobles would be disappointed and start a rebellion. * That she thought her husband would try to take control. Why Elizabeth didn’t marry became a mystery and although parliament tried to force the issue of her marrying, she never did. If Elizabeth was going to govern the country successfully, she had to control all her people. This wasn’t easy. Elizabeth didn’t have a permanent army or a police force to help her. However, Elizabeth appointed officers around the country, to help her control local areas. Also in towns wealthy citizens elected councils to look after the town’s affairs and keep the law in order. The local officials with whom most people met were the Justice of the Peace (JP’s). Elizabeth elected about forty of them in every county. They were usually landowners who knew there area well. This work was voluntary, however many landowners still wanted to become a JP as it meant that they were the most important person in the area. The Queen expected her Justice of the peace to carry out a range of duties. JP were given more and more work to do during Elizabeth’s reign. They were often given instruction form the Privy Council to carry out new laws form parliament to enforce. I think that this method was an effective way of keeping the country in order. However, it became less efficient as Elizabeth’s reign progressed. In addition, Elizabeth had a big enough reputation to persuade people to become JP’s voluntarily. Overall, I think that Elizabeth’s government was very effective. I think she controlled the country well and thorough out her reign there were no wars or rebellions in England and she had a good relationship with other countries. In addition, Elizabeth knew how to get her point across and she made herself the most important person in court and made sure that she was in control and never let anyone take control away for her. Maybe that was the reason that she never married because she was afraid that her husband would try to do so. Also Elizabeth publicised herself well and let people know what qualities she had and let people know that she was suitable for queen as was the right person to run the country.

Conceptualizing a Business Essay

When establishing a successful business, no matter how big or small, one monitors progress, assesses results, and develops new programs. One must determine what they want the company to be, produce, and accomplish. Several things have to be determined for the purpose of the business or organization. For example creating a vision, mission. and values statement allows the organization and its customers to identify what the company believes in, what they want to do, and where their long term goal is. Another important component of a successful business is a strong strategic plan. One company that can benefit by re-defining their vision, mission, and values statement is TOMS Shoes Inc. New customers can be gained by analyzing areas where TOMS can improve their business strategy and re-define the companies direction. TOMS Shoes Inc. is a private for profit company that was created in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. During one of his travels he came by a village in Argentina where several children that had no shoes. His desire to help these children impelled him to create TOMS’., a company that would sell shoes in order to give shoes to the children in need. After realizing the impact of matching purchases with donations TOMS launched an eyewear line that would help give sight to a person in need with every pair sold. TOMS gives in over 60 countries and has given 10 million pairs of shoes to children in need. TOMS is now giving different types of shoes based on the terrain and climate where the children in need live. TOMS has also created local jobs in third world countries by producing shoes in the countries it gives in. Since 2011 TOMS purchases has restored the sight of 150,000 people in need. Since TOMS was established it has created an awareness for global issues of poverty. However, TOMS has also been criticized for not having the most efficient way to have economic development. Also, that TOMS aid model is not enough and creates other economic issues in the companies they give to. After extensive  criticism TOMS determined that they wanted to increase economic development in the countries they give to by producing the shoes in those countries. In addition to the gift of shoes and sight TOMS has added the gift of water, for every bag of coffee sold they will provide clean water to those in need. Even though TOMS has taken some steps to improve the organizations strategy, there are additional steps they can take to improve the company’s impact. In order to improve TOMS vision, mission, and value statement it is important to understand what these statements mean, their significance, and how they will benefit. The purpose of a vision statement is to provide a clear picture of where the organization would like to be in the future and what they want their long term accomplishments to be. The mission statement describes what the purpose of the organization is and is focused on the present. Values statement identifies the organizations guiding principles and core beliefs. The values statements also assists in guiding the organizations employees to implement strategies to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. Researching through TOMS website it is difficult to identify the companies mission, vision, and values. However, after extensive searching one can determine that the vision statement for TOMS Shoes Inc. is â€Å"to be a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.† The mission statement is â€Å"One for One†. Although the values are not clearly stated one can assume by the company’s overview that they believe in giving back, responsibility, and environmental responsibility. Redefining some of TOMS practices can increase the impact the company already has created. First step is to create a vision, mission, and values statement that are parallel to what the company stands for. TOMS product is to produce comfortable footwear that attracts customers to give to those in need by purchasing their shoes. The new mission statement is â€Å"to create sustainable giving; with every product we sell we will give back, one for one. We strive to reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and improve people’s lives through business.† TOMS redefined vision is â€Å"to be a leader in corporate citizenship and sustainable development, to create social impact by influencing others to give back by showing them the value of  giving and that giving is fun.† TOMS stated values will be: responsibility, transparency, honesty, independence, generosity, and growth. TOMS will also include customer feedback in the company’s growth and giving strategies. Currently TOMS has attracted customers that like to be involved in giving to those in need and also like comfortable shoes. The strategy of involving customers to give has made TOMS successful. In 2006 when TOMS first started there was no other company that followed the one for one model and the media promoted the giving model and gave TOMS free marketing. This is what gave TOMS a competitive advantage and made TOMS a successful company. Since then, TOMS has been criticized for not responding to customers complaints through TOMS social media outlets. If TOMS wants to stay involved with their social media success they should also respond to customers’ needs and complaints. In doing so TOMS will show that they are willing to take the time to listen to their customers and show that TOMS values them. With the redefined vision, mission, and value statements TOMS has a clearer definition of what they do and why they do it. This allows for customers to better identify with the company and to promote their success. References: ASQ. (2014). Vision, Mission, Values Statements. Retrieved from http://asq.org/service/body-of-knowledge/tools-vision-mission-values Toms CEO Blake Mycoskie Offers Surprising Answer To His Critics. (2013, November). Huffington Post, (), . Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/14/toms-ceo-critics_n_4274637.html TOMS Shoes Inc.. (2006-2014). One for One. Retrieved from http://www.toms.com/gift-of-water

The Keys to Entrepreneurship Essay - 710 Words

The Keys to Entrepreneurship What makes a successful entrepreneur? What can one do to put oneself in a position to succeed on their own? Jay Goltz, for example, is an extremely successful entrepreneur who started his business from the ground up. In the summer of 1978, Jay Goltz founded the Artist’s Frame Service. His business started by using his father’s basement as his office, but eventually moved to an old factory district in Chicago. Today, Goltz’s business in the largest retail, custom picture framing facility in the United States, with over 120 employees and more than $9 million in sales. This success has led Goltz to earn several awards, including being inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. What did Goltz do or†¦show more content†¦For example, Mr. Goltz noticed that many of the framing services did not follow modern management principles. This type of observations and investigations contributed to helping Goltz develop a strong business plan to follow for his new venture. These are all valid reasons as to why Goltz succeeded when so many other entrepreneurs fail. An individual’s personality traits are often determined by his or hers common environment, or in other words, their past experiences, friends, and style of life. Some of the personality traits that are essential to being successful in entrepreneurship are; tolerant of uncertainty, self–directed, self-nurturing, highly energetic, and action orientated. Goltz also suggests that you must be realistic about yourself and what to expect. Here are a few quotes from Goltz on about various issues; â€Å"Do not believe that when you go into business for yourself, you don’t have to answer to anyone, because in reality when you go into business for yourself you must answer to everyone.† â€Å"Hard work is not the surest route to success. 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