Discuss the Proposition That Local Authorities Are Better...

Name: SAMUEL Student Number: AKERA Course: MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management Essay Title: Discuss the proposition that local authorities are better placed to respond to crises and disasters than central government Introduction Both the local authorities and central government have roles and responsibilities in responding to crises and disaster situations. However, several catastrophic crises and disaster events over the past decades have casted doubts on the effectiveness of central governments in responding to crises and disaster situations. As such, some scholars and†¦show more content†¦In his book, â€Å"What is a disaster?† Quarantelli asked five researchers with different social science background (Gilbert, Dombrowsky, Kreps, Porfiriev and Horlick-Jones) to define the term disaster. Unsurprisingly, all the scholars defined disasters differently (Rosenthal, 1998). For instance, Kreps defined disasters as: â€Å"non-routine events in societies or their larger subsystems (e.g. regions, communities) that involve social disruption or physical harm† (Kreps, 1998:34). A classical definition of disaster was coined in 1961 by a U.S pioneer of disaster research, Fritz: Actual or threatened accidental or uncontrollable events that are concentrated in time and space, in which a society, or a relatively self-sufficient sub-division of a society undergoes severe danger, and incurs such losses to its members and physical appurtenances that the social structure is disrupted and the fulfillment of all or some of the essential functions of the society, or its sub-division is prevented Fritz [1961:655] quoted in Fischer, 1989:2-3). According to some scholars, Fritz’s definition of disaster has stood the test of time very well (Kreps 1988). Nonetheless, whatever the classic definition of crises and disaster, they are bound to vary substantially in the foreign dictionaries reflecting for the particular country and the specifics of the culture and the language of each nation (Porfiriev, 1998). However, for the purposes of convenience, theShow MoreRelatedEmergency Management Essay18946 Words   |  76 Pagesand provides definitions for some basic terms such as hazards, emergencies, and disasters. The chapter also provides a brief history of emergency management in the federal government and a general description of the current emergency management system—including the basic functions performed by local emergency managers. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the all-hazards approach and its implications for local emergency management. Introduction There are many ways to describe emergencyRead MoreNotes18856 Words   |  76 Pageseverything that has gone wrong in Africa since the advent of independence has been blamed on the legacies of colonialism. Is that fair? Virtually all colonial powers had â€Å"colonial missions.† What were these missions and why were they apparently such a disaster? Did any good come out of the African â€Å"colonial experience†? Introduction Colonization of Africa by European countries was a monumental milestone in  ­ the development of Africa. The Africans consider the impact of colonization  ­ on themRead MoreCsr Communication in the Pharma Industry35538 Words   |  143 Pagesthese firms organize their CSR communication, and which CSR communication strategies they use for addressing their stakeholders. Findings: The engagement in CSR of companies developing its activities and business within the pharmaceutical industry respond to the different challenges this industry faces. External stakeholders (NGOs, media, consumer advocacy groups and the public opinion) carefully watch the steps taken by pharmaceuticals. As a consequence, the initiatives and communications must beRead MoreBohlander/Snell-Managing Hr24425 Words   |  98 PagesIdentify the characteristics of a good international compensation plan. objective Explain how domestic and international HRM differ. objective Reconcile the difficulties of home- and host-country performance appraisals. objective Discuss the staffing process for individuals working internationally. objective Explain how labor relations differ around the world. PART 6 Expanding Human Resources Management Horizons 639 Managing Human Resources, 14e, Bohlander/SnellRead MoreCase Study148348 Words   |  594 Pagescopying in the United Kingdom issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd., Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. This book may not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without the prior consent of the Publishers. 2  © Pearson Education Limited 2011 Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Using this Manual Planning Your Approach Designing the Teaching Scheme A Guide to Using theRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 PagesLibrary and Information Center Management Recent Titles in Library and Information Science Text Series Library and Information Center Management, Sixth Edition Robert D. Stueart and Barbara B. Moran United States Government Information: Policies and Sources Peter Hernon, Harold C. Relyea, Robert E. Dugan, and Joan F. Cheverie Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions Thomas R. Kochtanek and Joseph R. Matthews The Complete Guide to AcquisitionsRead MoreThe Rise of Social Media and Its Impact on Mainstream Journalism21031 Words   |  85 Pagestopical cases studies from the G20 London summit and Iranian street protests. There are six core conclusions from this study: 1. There has been an explosion of participation over the past two years (2007–9), driven by user-friendly internet tools, better connectivity and new mobile devices. Social Networking and UGC have become mainstream activities, accounting for almost 20 per cent of internet time in the UK and involving half of all internet users. This dramatic change has forced tr aditional newsRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 Pagescompanies also created beneficial impacts for many other companies in dealing with these fundamental wide-ranging issues. These beneficial impacts had an enormous effect in galvanizing fundamental business innovation in companies at a far faster rate than would have been the case if there had been no boom; that is, without those effects, innovation might not have taken place at all. All this business growth has caused increasing complexity in business action and decision making. It has presented chiefRead Morepaul hoang answers72561 Words   |  291 Pagesexpected to cascade to their own departmental staff? The culture of CPD, e.g. the frequency and type of training being offered and how staff view (the value of) CPD. High examination success at the school might suggest there is great importance being placed on CPD at the school. [5 – 6 marks] There is a well balanced answer that explains how organizational culture affects both recruitment and training. Appropriate terminology and examples have been used. [3 – 4 marks] The answer addresses bothRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 Pagesinstructor) Ellen Moore (A): Living and Working in Korea 177 Ji nan Broadcasting Corporation 196 4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES 205 Quasar Communications, Inc. 207 Jones and Shephard Accountants, Inc. 212 Fargo Foods 216 Government Project Management 220 Falls Engineering 222 White Manufacturing 227 Martig Construction Company 229 Mohawk National Bank 231 5 NEGOTIATING FOR RESOURCES 235 Ducor Chemical 237 American Electronics International The Carlson Project 245