Usuário:LeakeGeter907
De BISAWiki
The tragic events caused by the current Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 actually again highlight the fragile nature of many of the world’s communities. In all of these locations the key tasks of treating the sick and injured, ensuring water that is clean was available, or made available, providing food, accommodation and so forth was crucial like a first step on the way to rebuilding these communities.
What further serves to focus on the magnitude of challenges facing the world as a whole, is always that many other activities across the development continuum continue being in operation, or needed. Oftentimes they are needed in the same countries impacted by this tragedy.
Adam Gilchrist of the Australian cricket team, during the telecast from the Tsunami relief match, commented with interest that inside a very short period following the disaster, vast sums of dollars became open to support the needs of the affected communities. Yet he commented further that 15,000 people every day die unnecessarily in Africa from disease. His point wasn't to devalue the Tsunami relief contribution, but instead to focus on the requirement for ongoing commitment from those who are more fortunate in aiding those most in need of assistance.
A lot more is required.
As was seen in the early stages from the relief effort, the citizens of the world are incredibly generous and compassionate and recognise that we all can do something - the sum of every part can make a difference.
While each of us has different personal circumstances, which define the type of support or involvement we are able to offer, there are many options. These options can be as easy as a donation or sponsoring involvement, to volunteering internationally or domestically, or making long-term career decisions to become involved in development.
The Australian Government indicates a great lead through activities such as the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) (www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham). The program places young Australians on short- to medium-term assignments by which they've the chance to employ their skills, as well as develop a greater knowledge of the expansion needs in our neighbours.
Similarly, organisations such as Australian Volunteers International (www.australianvolunteer.com) support the recruitment, placement, preparation and control over volunteers with regards to working for the sustainable development of communities. (It ought to be noted here that the Australian government, through AusAID, is a major fund source of these programs).
Of course, volunteering for either short- or long-term assignments is not possible for everybody, that is fine. The astounding statistics relating to the level of donation for that Tsunami relief effort suggests that clearly there are lots of people who did other things, in any manner we're able to, to provide support. Similarly, many people sponsor children through organisations for example Plan (www.plan.org.au) and World Vision (www.worldvision.com.au).
All this helps.
What about the link between your commercial aspects of the expansion industry and the benefits it's designed to deliver?
So frequently in conversations I hear statements such as “consultants are getting paid too much”, “firms are making too much profit” and so forth.
Are these statements fair?
First of all I would think it a unique situation in almost any industry if there were not a difference in earnings between certain individuals and different organisations. So at some time in most industries, “they are earning too much” is going to be heard. Just because it is said does not mean it is valid.
Secondly, there are a lot of high quality organisations (and Australia has many) that still provide quality methods to contribute to sustainable development. In the end would all certainly hope that the requirement for development activities would disappear, this isn't likely soon. So for organisations to carry on to provide quality inputs, additionally they have to be sustainable.
Clearly, what is important isn't that an organisation makes a margin on activities to ensure their very own sustainability. The most important thing is worth of the involvement, and that value relates to outcomes and impact, not input.
Granted, an interesting debate question might be “at what point does margin go beyond organisational sustainability so that a reduction in margin could still ensure sustainability for that implementing organisation while putting more into the activity/project/community”? But let’s remember that many of those organisations, and several individuals I've been lucky enough to get to know, contribute far beyond the technical involvement they're contracted to supply.
In a commercial environment, how can more be achieved?
Certainly in my opinion of dealing with individuals and organisations, the resolve for do more is alive and well. The critical aspect that must be the focus of implementing activities, is how you can create maximum value, improved outcomes and long-term, positive impact from involvement.
Some approaches which have the potential to produce improved outcomes which are worth taking into consideration include:
• Encouraging ongoing professional development within your organisation [or as an individual]. There are a variety of quality programs at some Australian universities specifically targeting development. This professional learning could be equally valuable for field practitioners and for business development personnel.
• Encouraging greater involvement from the education community. Australia is blessed by having an incredible pool of talent, which is especially true in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors. However, the nature of many project activities, both in terms of timing and location, at times keep some ideal candidates from participating - this is a shame for all concerned.
• Providing opportunities for teams in the field maintain to date with new and relevant information. While as professionals we each should accept the responsibility to keep currency, providing new (including case-study) information to field teams is essential. Numerous Australia’s quality managing contractors publish excellent newsletters.
• Incorporating new blood into project teams. This is often challenging, as the assessment criteria presented in many tendering activities almost appear to preclude newer professionals from being nominated. Presenting balanced teams remains important, for both the advantage of the activity itself, as well as for creating a broader base of qualified and experienced personnel for future activities.
• Looking for quality local solutions. While a project opportunity might be let by an international organisation, incorporating local individuals, institutions and/or organisations into project teams has the potential to create superior solutions. This approach provides the benefit of providing some economic value, as well as developing a strong platform for sustainability. And let’s remember that many local organisations are quality project managers in their own right, so as being a junior partner to them remains a really worthwhile consideration.
Needless to say, there's still much to be done; however, none of us can control the occurrence of these tragedies as the recent Tsunami. We are able to, however, continue our collective and individual commitment to contribute and participate at whatever level we're able. And that we can ensure our method of development activities seeks to demonstrate value and concentrate on outcomes and impact along the road to sustainable community development.
