Sustainability

In recent times, societal pressures have resulted in a need for industrial companies to rethink their strategies for sustainable growth. Previously it was enough that manufacturing firms could differentiate themselves from competitors by providing better quality, and/or cheaper goods. Whilst this was once a source of competitive advantage for those firms, it is now simply a requisite for firms’ survival in the marketplace. Due to an ever-increasing awareness and knowledge of the environment in which firms operate, it has since followed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a new demand for stakeholders. Although the need for CSR is widely recognized within the business community, it is still a vague idea that means different things to different people, and a commonly accepted global standard by which companies can measure social performance is yet to emerge (Hubbard, 2006).

In the meantime, an Environmental Management System (EMS) is one means by which a company can leverage itself against competitors, by showing stakeholders that it is making efforts to minimise the negative impact that it’s operations have on society. Strategic leadership on Kia Motors behalf is one example of an excellent role model for companies of all sizes. This paper compares Kia Motors sustainability efforts with material from several sources, with particular emphasis on the work of Leal, Fa, and Pasola (2003), which argues that the implementation of EMSs put companies in a better competitive financial position. Not only does Kia Motors’ EMS benefit society through conservation of resources and minimisation of environmental impact, but it also benefits the company internally through more efficient production, better managerial control, improved corporate identity and brand value, and ultimately superior returns.

Kia Motors is but one example of a corporation which is voluntarily pursuing an Organisational Sustainability strategy. Through the implementation of an energy management system, they have been able to cut production costs by approximately US$3.6million per annum, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions and their subsequent carbon footprint. Their decision-making and activities in water conservation have resulted in a 22.1% reduction in water consumption over a four-year period. By incorporating new technologies for reducing and recycling industrial waste, they have substantially reduced the need for drawing from precious non-renewable resources, as well as targeted the problem of excessive build up of non-biodegradable waste. They have even specified sustainability criteria for suppliers of raw materials and car parts, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the whole supply chain.

Furthermore, they are investing heavily in research and development in order to produce more ecologically friendly vehicles. As one result of these and other measures, Kia Motors’ Kwangju Plant has been awarded with the ISO 14001 certification. Operating within this valuable framework proves to society that the company is making a genuine effort to reduce it’s ‘ecological footprint’, and provides standards by which to measure and report the environmental impact of their activities. As a result of their sustainable development efforts, Kia Motors has managed to cut production costs, improve the safety and quality of their vehicles, and improve their corporate image for probably higher future returns.

The work of Leal, Fa, and Pasola (2003) compares the traditional view that protecting the environment is in conflict with making profit, with the realisation that EMSs can bring competitive advantages to a firm: specifically via adopting the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Regulation 1836/93 (EMAS), or the international standard ISO 14001:1996. The latter, which Kia Motors has adopted, specifies a framework within which a firm should operate so as to minimise environmental disruption, and it outlines the criteria for this certification. The paper (ibid) provides the results of an empirical study conducted in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia which analysed  the perceptions of companies of the effect on competitiveness in adopting such an EMS as the ISO 14001. The study aimed to determine the relative perceptions of which factors arising from the implementation of an EMS contributed most to an increase in competitiveness. It focused on two different groups of companies: those who had adopted an EMS or which were in the process of doing so, and those who did not have one at all.

What the study found was that those companies who did have an EMS in place perceived the main benefits as improved global control, improved media coverage, assured legal compliance, and improved product quality and efficiency or optimization of resources. Those without such a system rather perceived the main benefits in a different order: assured legal compliance, improved media coverage, and improved global control. The study importantly showed that although most firms foresee the external benefits of using an EMS such as compliance with legislation and improved corporate image, companies which utilized such a system often found internal benefits such as improved control and overall management. The ISO 14001 certification ensures that Kia Motors meets the requirements of management accounting and reporting, and gives greater transparency to other stakeholders including the wider community (Hubbard, 2006).

The World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as development that ‘meets the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (Brundtland, 1987). In a capitalist and globalised world, sustainable development must be balanced with the will of companies to make profits, for if the profits were not possible, there would be no reason for companies to exist – outside socialism. Competitive advantages are becoming increasingly more difficult to build and maintain (Esty; Winston, 2006). CSR is quickly becoming the new strength aspired to by companies, and expected by society. Manufacturing companies are better positioned than other industries to implement sustainability practices because they have a choice in the raw materials that they use, and more authority in determining their internal processes and supply chains (Langenwalter, 2007). Kia Motors is finding that despite the initial costs of implementing an EMS, there are savings in production costs that will eventually outweigh that initial expenditure. This will especially be so when Governments further require companies to operate within frameworks and minimize environmental harm. Economic incentives alone leads to positive effects on efficiency and productivity, which long-term at the very least will compensate for the initial cost of an effective EMS (Leal, Fa; Pasola 2003).

Peng (2006) thinks that the best performers with respect to benefiting from EMSs are likely to be those firms that can integrate CSR activities into the core economic functions of the firm while addressing social and environmental concerns. This provides further scope for Kia Motors to develop the benefits which they have already begun to reap from Corporate Social Responsibility practices. For instance, Industrial ecology practices could be a lucrative source of new revenues, by selling the byproducts of production to other companies that could use them. By addressing the health concerns of staff and consumers, they could provide people with healthier systems and processes to promote their future wellbeing. Ravi Shankar famously once spoke of “Three Cs — cosmology, commitment, and compassion — are vital for development. Cosmology is understanding the universe and your life in the context of the vastness of the universe. Seeing the life in the infinite context of space and time will deepen one’s perception of life. A bigger vision of life can kindle human values and compassion for the ecology and commitment to preserving this planet.”

Kia Motors’ efforts in preserving the environment are effective in more ways than one. Not only are they able to increase the power of their brand name and reputation and produce consumer products in a sustainable way, but they are also benefiting by providing better quality products at lower production costs, streamlining their systems and processes, and improving the control that management has over those systems. The initial expenditure on implementing the systems to comply with ISO 14001:1996 standards will no doubt be recouped through cost savings in production, and higher sales through the publicity that their responsible practices have accorded them. It seems that there are many reasons for companies to focus on sustainable development, and few reasons not to other than the initial cost of setting up an effective system, and concentrating on embracing the environment and working within its limitations can only offer benefits for companies now as well as for future generations.

References

1. Brundtand, G. (1987). Our Common Future: The World Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2. Campling, J., Poole, D., Wiesner, R., Ang, E. S., Chan, B., Tan, W. L., ; Schemerhorn, J. R. (2008). Management:3rd Asia-Pacific edition. Milton, QLD: John Wiley.
3. Esty, D. C., Winston, A. S. (2006). Green To Gold. London: Yale University Press.
4. Langenwalter, Gary. (2007). Sustainability: The Next Competitive Edge. Manufacturing Engineering,  139 (4), 20-21.
5. Leal, G. G., Fa, M. C., ; Pasola, J. V. (2003). Using Environmental Management Systems to Increase Firms’ Competitiveness. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management 10,  101-110.
6. Peng, M. W. (2006). Global Strategy. Taunton, MA: Thomson Corporation.
7. Hubbard, G. (2006). Measuring Organisational Performance: Beyond the Triple Bottom Line. Business Strategy and the Environment 18, 177-191.

Health attention in Nigeria is structured along, and administered through the cosmopolitan three grades: the primary degree run by the local authorities, the secondary by the province and the third by the federal authorities ( FMOH 2005 ) . The part of Nigeria ‘s wellness sector to the national economic system remains ill defined, and as a consequence Nigeria was ranked a blue 187th place among the 191 United Nation member province ( WHO 2000 ) .Health attention installations are unequal in Nigeria ( Yohesor 2009 ) and this includes wellness Centres, forces and medical equipment. Moreso, the province of bing installations is frequently distressing due to miss of care.

As Lee provinces:

‘A wellness attention system is an organisational model for the distribution or service of the wellness attention demands of a given community. It is a reasonably complex system of inter-related elements that contribute to the wellness of people-in their places, educational establishments, in work topographic points, the populace ( societal or recreational ) and the psychological environments every bit good as the straight wellness and health-related sectors. ‘ ( Lee 2009: 1 ) .

However, with the many societal and infrastructural jobs facing the state is the chase of the politically attractive third wellness attention which, arguably, has remained the lone attractive country of the wellness system, to the hurt of other degrees of attention. The disregard of Nigeria ‘s wellness attention, with particular mention to the primary wellness attention system, its maldistribution, will ensue in an upside-down wellness attention pyramid. By deduction, instead than bring forth wellness for the people, would ever hold the menace to fall in on itself.

Harmonizing to Asuzu ( 2003 ) , Nigeria ‘s wellness attention system has experienced past reforms, runing from the traditional wellness attention system that existed in the single Nigerian communities and the cultural groups before the epoch of colonisation boulder clay day of the month. Though Nigeria ‘s wellness attention system is geared towards guaranting handiness and handiness of wellness attention by Nigerians, yet the state ‘s wellness attention remains a major concern.

On the other manus, wellness attention reform is the ‘process of bettering the public presentation of bing systems of presuming efficient and just responses to future alterations. It has besides been defined as sustainable, purposeful alteration aimed at bettering the wellness sector ; wellness attention reform is initiated by public or political action, is motivated by dissatisfaction caused by the failure to present results and implemented on a sector broad degree ( Berman 1995 ) . This presupposes that reforms might turn to the jobs of hapless quality of attention, inefficiencies in the bringing of services, inequalities and limited entree to wellness, degree of answerability and deficient reactivity to client demands.

Globally, it would look Non-governmental Organizations have undertaken a broad scope of maps, including but non limited to, human-centered aid, developmental assistance, and publicity of human rights and lobbying to protect the environment. In other words, the function of non-governmental ( NGOs ) might hold been seen to spread out. Capturing the kernel of wellness NGOs, Gilson states: …..humanitarian aid is ‘assistance given to run into the challenges of a human-centered crisis, about ever includes proviso of some type of health care, be it preventative action ( such as supplying shelter, clean H2O and healthful installations, immunisation against epidemics ) or direction of exigencies ( such as hurts from a catastrophe ) . ‘

Arguably, Nigeria is presently undergoing wellness sector reform aimed at accomplishing improved efficiencies in resource use, improved quality of wellness services every bit good as greater equity of entree to wellness services. Jong-Chan ( 2002 ) asserts that given the strong influence they possess, NGOs remain the lone sector that can authorise the populace to demand a stable national wellness plan ; NGOs should convey their experiences in wellness attention reform to bear in order to beef up their alone place in the wellness attention system, independent of both governmental laterality and medical liberty.

In the visible radiation of the above averment, it would look Non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) have ever been in the head of progressing fresh thoughts, and in encouraging and back uping authoritiess to implement them. At a simple degree, NGOs by and large represent the ‘voice of the people ‘ at all levels- local, national and international, and have taken on functions such as protagonism, instruction and preparation ( Ogunbekun, 2004:3 ) , and have been active in monitoring and bettering what has, or has non, been implemented or achieved. For illustration, NGOs have been in the forepart burner in advancing, developing and bettering a comprehensive and holistic attack to wellness attention services.

For alteration to go on, it would be necessary to join forces with the relevant stakeholders in the wellness sector, whether they work in authorities, in disposal, or as suppliers of the necessary services, to convey approximately needed alteration and betterment ; besides to guarantee the people understand and support the alterations which need to be made ( Lorgen, 1998 ) .

Moreso, wellness professional associations might be effectual in working with wellness NGOs in bettering wellness attention bringing. Often, they seek the advice of wellness professionals sing issues around wellness attention, basically because they know that medical moralss require doctors to supply nonsubjective advice on wellness issues, in the best involvements of their patients ( Pfeiffer 2003 ) .

Health NGOs, together with wellness professionals, might besides use the accomplishments and experiences that NGOs have garnered in seting information and messages across to the populace in such a manner that the populace is able to understand and this will be necessary in bettering wellness attention.

The function or value of NGOs in progressing wellness is hinged on three premises, emerging from the research enterprise of George Washington University ‘s Centre for international Health:

Individual wellness and communities ‘ socio-economic development are per se linked ;

Well targeted wellness publicity activities can lend non merely to better wellness but can besides heighten an person ‘s societal wellbeing ;

Local NGOs whose members are antiphonal to the communities they serve, are more likely to supply this linkage through furthering community authorization.

Many NGOs are involved in preparation programmes which is a function they seem to hold undertaken at all degrees. Therefore, they are well-positioned to help the relevant authorities sections in conveying about alterations and betterment in wellness attention system ( Gilson 2003 ) . It would follow that NGOs should be invited by authoritiess to help as spouses in creative activity of consciousness, mobilisation and development of developing programmes on wellness attention reforms. Besides, wellness NGOs seem to hold the capacity to authorise communities to move on their ain behalf, fiting people to better the ‘social and physical environments contributing for healthy life styles, and of wellness protagonism to enable policy shapers to acknowledge and appreciate the necessity for betterments in wellness attention conditions ‘ ( Starfield 2011 ) .

Following the policy statement of World Health Organization ‘s 1978 Alma Ata Conference, besides known as the Alma Ata Declaration, which proposed that ‘primary wellness attention ( PHC ) be adopted for wellness planning and bringing, stressing on equity in wellness, disease bar, and a comprehensive scheme to advance single and community wellness ‘ ( Rodriguez 2001 ) , a wellness instruction scheme might propose that within a socio-political context, wellness instruction aims to increase person ‘s consciousness of his or her wellness position, and the causes and determiners of that position, thereby increasing the possibility for positive action.

As Asuzu ( 2003 ) points out … ‘NGOS act as accelerator by promoting the assorted sections concerned with wellness to go actively involved in reform exercises… ‘ This would be effectual if different NGOs work in synergism. For case, in add-on to wellness NGOs, there is engagement of other relevant NGOs such as adult females ‘s NGOs that concentrate on activities to better the position of adult females and development NGOs whose Centre of involvement or activity is peculiarly on issues around development.

Health NGOs, arguably, are dependent on their authorization or undertaking charter which is in tandem with the overall programmes of a wellness attention system within which they operate. Harmonizing to Ohanyido ( 2012 ) , the functions of wellness NGOs are summarized below:

• work to guarantee that the wellness services are efficient, effectual, and accessible.

• work within the wellness system to guarantee that the figure of well-trained staff is available through capacity- edifice or protagonism to authorities etc.

• aid guarantee that the wellness information system is able to bring forth utile informations on wellness determiners and wellness system public presentation, and besides avoid making parallel systems

• work with all stakeholders to guarantee that there is entree to medical specialties, vaccinums, and medical engineerings in an just manner.

• strengthen wellness financing systems by researching support beginnings and recommending to stakeholders to raise equal financess for wellness, and guaranting that people can entree low-cost services.

• strengthen the system by guaranting that the Leadership must vouch effectual inadvertence, ordinance, and answerability.

However, in order to work expeditiously and efficaciously in bettering wellness attention system, wellness NGOs themselves must besides be found to be accountable, crystalline, and seem to be stand foring the involvements of the people.

Society and Polity 2010 Watershed Management – A Hope for Sustainable Development Table of Contents Watershed2 Integrated Watershed Management2 Categorization of Watersheds2 Need for Watershed Management:3 Characteristics of Watershed Management:3 Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra3 Approaches/methods used for people’s participation4 Persuasion4 Gandhian Approach4 Creation of a common platform4 Selfless leadership5 Identification of the most pressing common problem5 Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi5 ————————————————-

Watershed Management: A Hope for Sustainable Development Watershed A Watershed is defined as a topographically delineated geographical area in which the entire run-off tends to converge, through the existing drainage system, to the common outlet of the area for subsequent disposal. In other words, a watershed is an independent drainage unit. Integrated Watershed Management It is the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal, and human communities within a watershed boundary Categorization of Watersheds

Watersheds are categorized on the basis of the following criteria: * Based on Size: Based on size, the watersheds can be classified into micro, mini and large watersheds. The watersheds with area less than 500 ha are called as micro watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 500 ha but less than 2000 ha are called as mini watersheds. The watersheds with area more than 2000 ha are called as large watersheds. * Based on Drainage: Based on drainage, watersheds can be classified into drains and streams. Drains refer to the smaller water channels whereas streams refer to the larger water channels. Based on Shape: Based on shape, watersheds can be classified into two types namely fan-shaped and fern-shaped. Fan shaped watersheds are those which are circular or nearly circular in shape. Fern shaped watersheds are those which are elongated in shape. * Based on Other Criteria: Watersheds can also be classified according to other factors viz. altitude (high watersheds and flat watersheds), moisture content (arid watersheds and wet watersheds), type of soil (black-soil watersheds and red-soil watersheds), etc. Need for Watershed Management:

Watersheds are an asset and therefore they need to be managed properly so that we are able to utilize them in the years to come. They act as a source of water for the people living in and around watershed areas. They help in maintaining the nutrients of the soil, thereby supporting the agriculture sector to give a sustained yield. They also act as a good source of irrigation for the fields throughout the year. Since they support vegetation, they also help in reducing soil erosion as the roots of the vegetation hold together the top layer of the fertile soil.

They also help in the development of the forests as they act as good source of water for the forest flora and fauna. Objectives: * Water has multiples uses and must be managed in an integrated way. * Water should be managed at the lowest appropriate level. * Water allocation should take account of the interests of all who are affected. * Water should be recognised and treated as an economic good. Strategies: * A long term, viable sustainable future for basin stake holders. * Equitable access to water resources for water users. The application of principles of demand management for efficient utilisation. * Prevention of further environmental degradation (short term) and the restoration of degraded resources (long term). Characteristics of Watershed Management: * Allowing an adequate supply of water that is sustainable over many years. * Maintains water quality at level that meets government standards and other social water quality objectives. * Allows sustainable economic development over the short and long term. Successful case of Watershed management in Maharashtra Development fundamentally refers to human beings.

It should be a human experience to meet people’s physical, mental and emotional aspirations and potentials, not just in economic terms but should also lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and fulfilment. Ralegan Siddhi, often termed as an oasis of greenery surrounded by dry and bare hilly tracts is a unique example of transformation from poverty to plenty and a living model of people’s participation in natural resource management in a watershed. Ralegan Siddhi is a small village with an area of 982 ha in Parner county (taluka) of Ahmadnagar district, Maharashtra, India.

It is a drought-prone and resource poor area with annual rainfall ranging between 50-700 mm and temperature varying between 28°C and 44°C. The village is surrounded by small hillocks on the northeast and southern sides. The land is undulating and slopes vary from 3-15%. The 1991 Census enumerated a population of 1,982 living in 310 households (presently estimated to be around 325). The sex-ratio being 902 females per 1,000 males (1,029 in 1971; 1,013 in 1981). The continued decrease in the ratio is explained as the return of male folk to the village with improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the village.

Backward classes (scheduled castes and scheduled tribes) constitute only 14. 23% of the total population. Marathas of Khatri caste out-number other castes and constitute nearly two-third of the families. Among others are the backward castes including Mhar, Chamar, Bharhadi, Pardi, Sutar, Barber, Fishermen, Matang etc. By 1975, prior to intervention by Mr. Anna Hazare, the village had become quite notorious with all sorts of social evils, moral down fall and with badly shattered economic conditions. In general, the village presented the profile of a poverty-stricken and debt-ridden society.

Scarcity of water was key to distress which limited the prospects of agriculture. The water table was below 20 m, most of the wells used to dry up during summer and the drinking water had to be fetched from the neighbouring villages. The high rate of surface run off, due to high degree of slope and lack of vegetative cover had washed away the top fertile layer of the soils. Barely 20 ha of the village area was under irrigation. As a consequence the agricultural production was too meagre to support and sustain the livelihoods of the people particularly the resource poor farmers.

Not even 30% of the food grain requirements could be met from rain-fed mono-cropping practised in the village. Approaches/methods used for people’s participation The approaches/methods used by him for the participation of farmers in natural resource management works are highlighted below. Persuasion First of all, Anna went through a careful envisioning of the deteriorating situation in village life and decided to initiate through religion-moral undercurrent by persuading the people for reconstruction of Sant Yadava Baba temple.

But he failed to impress and influence the people at large, primarily because the people were too busy with their own business and the worldly affairs. Gandhian Approach The second step was to set up examples by self-practising rather than mere preaching as Mahatma Gandhi used to do. Initially it went on unnoticed but in due course it gathered momentum. Particularly, he tried to organize the youths of the village under ‘Tarun Mandal’ (youth organization). Besides, participation from all the sections of society was ensured and encouraged.

Creation of a common platform Keeping all the differences and disparities aside, a common platform and meeting ground was created in the form of Sant Yadav Baba’s temple. People started sitting in groups during evenings and discussing about the affairs of the village and common concern. Thus, the process of friendship, cooperation and communication started. Selfless leadership Anna himself invested all the money he had (Rs. 20,000) for purchasing building materials for the temple before asking others to contribute. Identification of the most pressing common problem

The main reason of disintegration, division and distress of the village society was the lack of a sound livelihood support system. The economy of the village was agrarian and shortage of water for irrigation was the major constraint to its development. Thus, assured availability of water was collectively identified as the top priority in a meeting of villagers. Achievements at Ralegan Siddhi Successful abolition of social evils like alcoholism, dowry, corruption and the caste system. These changes paved the way for positive steps to development.

Regeneration of watershed resources through people’s participation, a living example of watershed development and management. Development of agriculture and allied sectors by better farming practices and cropping patterns, judicious use of water by introducing drip irrigation system, yield enhancement etc. as a result the village where nearly three-fourth population was below poverty line, has become self sufficient and is surplus in food grains, today. Conclusion * Improving agricultural productivity. * Improving vegetative covers. * Increasing fodder & food availability. Reducing soil erosion & nutrient loss. * Improve water availability of surface & groundwater. * Enhancing quality of life among local communities.

The case study shows the success of Gandhian approach to people’s participation in watershed management. Since 1975, this has resulted into participation of all the 325 village families, renovation of a temple, stopping illicit liquor distillation, water harvesting in 4 small watersheds, construction of many check dams, plantation of five hundred thousand forest trees, controlled grazing, raising of ground water level rom 20 m depth to 6. 5 m, sale of onions worth Rs. 80 million in 1995 alone (exchange rate in June 1995 1 US$ = Rs. 31. 3), solar street lights, village toilets, biogas, organic farming, introduction of livestock, a full high school, institutionalization of decision making at village assembly level, local voluntary organizational capacity building, acceptance and application of voluntary code of conduct, formation of different action committees, etc. References

Diversity management can be best described a process aimed at establishing and maintaining a respectful and a positive working environment where the available work force can be fully utilized for the common goal of an organization (Lehaney, Clarke, & Cao, 2003). It can therefore be concluded that diversity management is crucial for any organization, which is conscious of meeting the challenges of the global market and to benefit from the resources and opportunities available to it.

Clearly, the challenge is how to identify, establish and maintain a diverse working environment in the modern world where the effects of globalization, culture and climate changes are transforming the world. In this interest therefore, this essay is written and it focuses on some of the best diverse management practices an organization can use to achieve a sustainable change. Top on the list of these best practices of diverse management is knowledge management.

This can be described as the means by which vital information and knowledge acquired by the employees can be properly utilized at the right time and in the right manner for the common goal of the organization (Mills, Dye, & Mils, 2008). Knowledge and skills possessed by individuals should be utilized and efficiently turned into business knowledge which can be implemented consistently for the benefit of the whole organization. A good flow of information introduces a sense of professionalism and experience through cooperation and hence it improves efficiency in decision making.

A good management system begins at the executive levels and must flow efficiently to the other employees with each and every person being given a chance to contribute. Several strategies can be employed to manage knowledge effectively (Mills, Dye, & Mils, 2008). These include advancing in technology, cross project learning, after action reviews and expert directorates. A successful flow of information and knowledge will therefore enhance diversity management in the sense that it will help employees and the management to work in unity and confidence in structuring and solving new challenges imposed by the dynamic world on their organization.

Another worthy noting practice is incentive management. The major objective of any organization is to make profit but that should not be at the expense of the employees. The incentive management system is aimed at simplifying incentive payouts for the workers and therefore it is directly associated with performance measurements (Mujtaba, & Sungkhawan, 2009). It includes either long and short term payments, stock payments or any other award deserved by the workers.

A good incentive management plan will therefore have to achieve the following; simplify the payment procedures and accommodate several incentive programs, simplify calculation and payment periods. It also ensures that the set incentive guidelines are adhered to and implemented effectively. In addition to this, a well planned incentive program will increase the efficiency of the policy makers and lower the cost of carrying out administrative work as well as controlling payments to prevent over or underpayments.

This sets a strong foundation for any changes in the organization which can be imposed by changes in the global society to be carried out easily and more efficiently. Recognition of employees is another important practice for any organization, which is determined in utilizing the available human resources and hence achieving its goals. This is because research studies have shown that workers have a feeling of being exploited and undervalued for the benefits of the policy makers and therefore they tend to cultivate a working environment with low output, demoralization and low expectations (Arredondo, 1996).

The desire for recognition and a ward is therefore a subconscious need for workers just like any other human being. Creating a well structured recognition plan is important and a sufficient way of creating a vibrant working environment where every body feels respected and valued. To the employers, this means higher productivity and hence more income. To the employees, it is a source of motivation and respect for talents and skills. However, the establishment and implementation of a good recognition system will determine its effectiveness.

This program should be designed with the interest of both the employer and the employee in heart and should be inconsistency with the goals and objectives of the organization (Arredondo, 1996). In order to establish a good program, it is important to find out and clearly communicate who, the procedure of identifying the person to be a warded and who will a ward him/her. Lastly, modern day’s economy is challenging and calls for advancement in profession and skills.

This provides the necessary tools to envision the future and make success oriented decision and problem solving policies. Advancement provides some basis for the survival, growth and guarantees profitability of the organization against competitor (Arredondo, 1996). A good advancement program is therefore essential for the growth of any organization and involves identifying the right person, making some investments for the future and identifying the best field of study to take.

In conclusion therefore, diversity management is very crucial for the future growth and sustainability of any organization. It has also been revealed that incentives, recognition, advancement, and knowledge management are some of the vital practices that an organization would put into practice to attain sustainable changes. References Arredondo, P. (1996). Successful Diversity Management Initiatives: A Blueprint for Planning and Implementation. California: Sage Publications. Lehaney, B. , Clarke, S. , & Cao, G. (2003).

Diversity Management in Organizational Change: Towards a Systematic Framework. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://download. clib. psu. ac. th/datawebclib/e_resource/trial_database/WileyInterScienceCD/pdf/SRBS/SRBS_1. pdf Mills, A. , & Dye, K. , & Mills, J. (2008). Understanding organizational Change. New York: Taylor and Francis. Mujtaba, B. & Sungkhawan, J. (2009). Situational leadership And Diversity Management Coaching Skills. Retrieved July 22, 2010, from http://www. cluteinstitute-onlinejournals. com/PDFs/1772. pdf

Conflict resolution practices are quite important for sustainable development growth in any organization. To realize this, there are five negotiator styles, which are commonly used in buffering the interaction of the mediator and conflicting parties. The first style is the attack style, which serves to win (Charles, 2003). This style is mainly employed by aggressive negotiators with the sole aim of negating the view of the opposing parties as a way of ensuring victory for their client in the conflict.

Here the negotiator can use threats, insults, and even corrupt information so as to press for a one-sided bargaining. Another negotiator style is employing appeasement. These types of negotiators are out to strike a fair and just agreement (Charles, 2003). This is the negotiation style employed in resolving conflicts involving equally aggressive parties. Such are closely attributed to the fact these parties can only realize a solution to the problem by compromising part of their individual demands.

To achieve this form of style, the process is marked with taking of realistic position and the free sharing of necessary information between the conflicting parties. Just to be appreciated that such a negotiator might engage in one-sided decision making, but are usually open to get a feedback from the opposing party. Avoiding the conflict causing problem is also a negotiator style (Charles, 2003). According to available information, this style involves the negotiator aiming to win but with uncertainty.

They are simply seeking a solution, thus mitigating their chances of loosing in the conflict negotiation process. In this style, the negotiator engages in practices like hiding or delaying the negotiation process due to fear of losing in the process. Such are also aimed at allowing the opponents to cool their tempers, a factor that greatly influences the potential realization of a smooth negotiation or a give up by the opponent. A negotiator can employ displacing of analyzing style to the conflict causing problem. In this style, the negotiator strives to get a clear understanding of the problem (Charles, 2003).

Such a process is commonly conducted in absence of the conflicting parties. This technique is mostly employed when the negotiator cannot trust the information given by the conflicting parties whether cooperative or not. The negotiator thus strives to employ objective criteria to ensure they have many options to a sustainable solution. The last negotiator style is seeking for the ultimate truth behind the conflict. For these negotiators, the sole aim is to identify justice regardless of the human factors influencing the conflict (Charles, 2003).

Here, the negotiator has a single truth on the conflict which guides their behavior and decision not withstanding any rational considerations that might be argued for or against their stand. The negotiator is usually marked with sincerity and dedication. However, their stands in the conflict are quite inflexible and ideal. In my opinion, the most effective negotiator style is the employing appeasement. The aim of a conflict resolution process is to ensure that both parties are given a fair and just treatment. This is quite important in the realization of sustainable conflict solutions.

Therefore, to ensure that both parties accept and appreciate the mediation process, the negotiator should engage the conflicting parties in striking a compromise between their individual demands. This does not only hasten the negotiation process but also mitigates potential breaking of the negotiation agreement after the process. Such is the only style which respects the right of expression of the parties involved in the conflict resolution process. References Charles, C. (2003). Negotiation Styles: The Impact on Bargaining Transactions. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_qa3923/is_200302/ai_n9224490/

What are your educational and/or professional achievements? B) Why Is the LAMP Fellowship the next step for you? C) What do you hope to learn through the LAMP Fellowship? D) How is the Fellowship relevant to your future goals? My education has played an Important role In shaping me developing critical thinking skills and decision making abilities. Having served as Finance Coordinator during Annual Technical Festival of my college I was exposed to different facets of organizing an event and managing the team.

I was selected as a student delegate for a inference on climate change and Kyoto Protocol and gave a presentation in a national conference on Implementation of low cost water treatment faceless for Societies. Professionally y I have learned a lot and still continue to do so. Was winner of annual poster- presentation event organized by MM. I discussed the challenges faced by our utilities, technological solutions which can be Implemented. I was also acknowledged by management for the innovate Idea.

I believe LAMP fellowship provides an ideal opportunity. My short term goal is also to work with Think-tanks/ government/consulting companies in recommending policy framing and in this regard LAMP fellowship is ideal at this stage after which I would like to either work/ go for higher education In the domain of Public Policy. Since LAMP fellowship will be the perfect opportunity to understand our government functioning and equip myself in finding solutions, I am eager to pursue it.

LAMP fellowship will provide me an opportunity to have a comprehensive understanding of how a policy shapes up and hat goes beneath the framing of policy, the functioning of parliament and to understand the workings of PM. To have the opportunity to see my recommendation or questions or argument being discussed in the house is also a great motivator. It presents the best opportunity at this stage for me to fit in my career goals. The political climate has changed significantly and a lot of focus Is on good governance.

It Is imperative to have clear understanding, perspectives and know-how as to how the government functions before making economic decisions. Even in future if I would eke to have a business in socially relevant sectors and it is imperative to understand the policy making process. Write a 500-word essay on any policy/legislative Issue that you have followed in the past year. Mention the objective and key features of the Issue and provide brief analysis. One of the major policies which I am keeping close eye on is Indian’s Energy Policy.

It is one of the most important things and successful Implementation of this policy Is extremely vital. It Is largely defined by burgeoning energy deficit, gross Inefficiencies ND the focus on developing alternate source of energy. The recent black-out 1 OFF transmission systems. However, the scope of this essay is limited to the issue of distribution companies. Indian disco’s are largely state-owned and massively indebted. A whopping 1, 70,000 lack scores is the amount estimated is the debt of State owned utilities.

Key features that define the policy related to disco’s are: 1) Inability to revise power tariffs 2) High %age of distribution losses > 28% and in some states > 50% 3) Caters to people sentiments ) More than 95% of disco’s are state-owned 5) Aging workforce 6) Inefficient grid 7) Inability to achieve state-wide energy accountability 8) Providing unaccounted power to unrealized colonies due to votes 9) Fleet inefficiencies and losses We will discuss some important points case-by-case: Inability to revise power-tariffs is the outcome of it being vital component of a middle-income families expenditure.

It creates a furors among the ruling parties that they will lose votes. There is no case to suggest power tariffs can remain same when el prices from coal, steel, natural gas, crude oil are rising. However, if our gross inefficiencies in distribution are reduced we would be able to reach wider public and if there is surplus generation it can be exported to have extra income. Also large number of coal plants are running at load factor of 50% where industry SST is 85%. More energy generation can be achieved through this. Transparent pricing should be promoted.

Private sector should be promoted to get into distribution. Data Power in Delhi and RPG led SEC in Kola have minimum AT&C losses. These organizations ring competitive talent who has worked across the world and use best practices. Outsourcing of power distribution Just like in Bandied has also been significantly successful. More private players should be promoted. There is no economic and political sense in wasting tax payers money in inefficiency. Distribution losses should be minimized through energy accounting, smart metering, check on faulty metering, leakage in distribution and preventing power theft.

Grids should be integrated with technology to power addition from mint-grids and efficient energy transmission. Consistent adoption of RAPPER (Restructured Accelerated Power Distribution Reform Program)- Providing assistance to states for preparing the base-line data for using new technology tools in project areas having more than 4 lack people and annual input energy of the order of 350 MI-J. Providing assistance for renovation, modernization and strengthening of 11 xv level Substations, Transformers/ Transformer Centers, and re-conducting of lines at 1 1 xv level. These major issues affect the energy distribution policy in India.