Qantas Airlines: Human Resources Management

Qantas Airlines: Human Resources Management The Qantas Airways is the largest airline in Australia. Its Human Resource Management operates in the company in four major areas, which are business segments, corporate, shared services, development, and learning. This report gives limelight to the Qantas airways HRM and its role in ensuring perfect operations of the company. It further discusses change management and job analysis and design. The company has undergone intensive change management such as cutting of prices and labour costs in order to ensure high productivity, moderation of wages as well as the introduction of flexible structures through a versatile and motivated workforce. Moreover, the HRM is also responsible of ensuring that right people are hired and given necessary training under job analysis and design. However, despite the roles that the company has entrusted the HRM, there have been heightened cases of accidents and strikes from dissatisfied workers alleging that they are paid meagre salaries. This shows a HRM gap in delivering its responsibilities. Therefore, the report further argues that the HRM has failed in its change management and job design and analysis strategy. In order to correct the situation, the report further proposes that the HRM change its training and communication model. As a means to an end, the report discusses some of the implications emerging from the HRM problems and ends with a comprehensive summary. Description of Qantas and HRM Activities The Qantas Airways is Australias largest airline. It has a solid history as it began its business years back by transporting passengers and mails. Today, the company has expanded its operations in almost 140 destinations across the globe. It is Australias largest employers with around 37,000 employees. The human resource management operates in the company in four major areas, which are business segments, corporate, shared services, and development and learning. Under corporate level, the HRM is responsible for employees remuneration as well as benefits, the industrial relations of the airline with its competitors and development of the management. In the business segment level, the HR teams often collaborate with other business segments to ensure successful delivering of strategies that will ensure competitive advantage. Human resource has a major responsibility in the company and under shared services; the HRM is responsible of managing workers records, supporting remuneration and r ecruitment process and managing employees compensation as well as coming up with strategic plans on staff travelling schedules and schemes (Belobaba, Odoni and Barnhart, 2009). Finally, under the learning and development level, the HRM comes up with training programs for employees to help them deliver their work effectively. HR Functions; Change Management and Job Analysis and Design at the Qantas Airways Discussion of Two HR functions in the Qantas Change Management The Qantas airline was formerly owned by the government hence did not perceive efficiency and profits as its prime goal (Rothkopf, 2009). After its privatisation in 1995, the HRM had to adopt various management practices in order to overcome the companys external and internal influences. The HRM in their change management has emphasised on cutting costs and more so reduction of labour costs to guarantee heightened productivity, moderation of wages as well as the introduction of flexible structures through a versatile and motivated workforce (Marks, 2007). Cutting labour costs in the Qantas airways have involved strict measures from the HRM such as reducing wages and salaries through eliminating costly practices (Hernandez, 2011.). The Qantas airline HRM has undertaken immense changes in order to cope with diverse external and internal factors (Gillen and Morrison, 2005). Various factors led to changes in the HR management such as the need to have more profits in the company and the fact that the company was under government ownership. This means that the airline had maintained its authoritarian hierarchical structure, autocratic form of leadership, and strict procedures and rules (Hughes, 2012). In addition, the airline has been involved in a major change as far as training is concerned and in 2003, the HRM facilitated in the expansion of the companys apprenticeship programme (Gunn, 1988). According to Kirkpatricks model of learning and training, training helps in ensuring affirmative results (Kearns, 2010). Job Analysis and Design Job design and analysis is the cornerstone of the Qantas HRM. Job analysis can be viewed as the hub of all human resource management activities that are needed for effective organizational functioning (Berman et al, 2009). Under job analysis, the HRM is responsible for planning, recruitment, selection, placement, and induction of workers (Berman et al, 2009). The procedures that are often supported by job analysis process include personnel selection, training, job evaluation as well as performance appraisal (Berman et al, 2009). In addition, the process of job analysis supports the Qantas organizational strategy in dealing with market competition and talent crisis. According to human resource theory, strategic HRM focuses on connecting all HR functions with organizational goals (Rothwell and Benscoter, 2012). The Qantas airline HRM in the process of job analysis determines various training needs of workers. Moreover, in job analysis process, the HRM determines on some of the things that affect behaviour in the company. After job analysis process, the next step is job design, which aims at outlining and organising duties, responsibilities, as well as tasks in a single unit in order to achieve particular objectives. Job design in the Qantas airways is essential in enabling effective feedback. In addition, training is an imperative part in job design in order to make sure that employees are conscious of their work demands. Training encompasses leadership training to employee orientation (Aulenbach, 2007). Development and training plays an imperative role in ensuring success of a company. Today, most organisations view training as an imperative role of human resource (Price, 2011). From research conducted, it is apparent that most organizations such as the Qantas airways are spending a lot of money on training with a belief that it will consequently give them a competitive advantage in both global and local market (Jackson, Schuler and Werner, 2011). According to human resource theory (Bacon et al, 200 9), workers need maximum support from human resource function. In that case, the Qantas airways offer training to staff in order to motivate them as well as ensure competitive advantage in the company. Frances (2009) avows that training is imperative in ensuring imperative piloting skills. In 2009, the company opened approximately $10 million staff training centres in an effort to build on economies of scale.The HRM through job design help the workforce to make vital adjustments. Problems and Implications Faced by Qantas Although the two major basic functions of HRM is to ensure successful change management and job analysis and design, the Qantas airline has undergone through various challenges in these two areas. The HRM in their change management focused on cutting costs such as labour costs in order to increase productivity, ensure moderate workers salary and introduce flexible structures. However, they have failed in ensuring effective and non-biased change management. This is because, workers recently have been complaining of being paid meagre salaries and even gone for strikes. Under change management, they should have ensured successful remuneration of employees. However, it is embarrassing to note that a reputable company like Qantas with such successful change management strategy has failed to take care of its employees. The unsolved salary issues have caused employee outcry and various scandals in the company. The pilots have been protesting over meagre salaries and the union workers have c ontinued to demonstrate over pay inequality arguing they are paid 25% less than their equals in Victoria (Hernandez, 2012). In a survey that was conducted in 2012, on three thousand Qantas employees, the workers expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the company mostly the HRM (McDonald, 2012). Serious staff challenges have continued threatening the company yet up to now the HRM is still reluctant to come up with a new change management model such as ADKAR model that will cater for the interests of workers and allow the company to focus activities on particular business results (Hiatt, 2006). Under Job analysis and design, it is apparent that the HRM made immense mistakes in choosing the right candidates. Despite heavy training programs that the HRM has invested in during job analysis and design process, it is only in 2008 that the company was involved in an in-flight incident, which caused serious injuries to passengers and death of 129 passengers due to specious commands (Frances, 2009). In addition, it is apparent that training has not had a positive impact in the company since in 2006, the Qantas Airways pilots failed to monitor their position hence ended up to the wrong runway. Moreover, in 2009, the companys pilots failed to acknowledge and decided to overshoot their destinations by 150 miles (Frances, 2009). Frances (2009) alleges that captains in the company are not competent enough as they lacked knowledge on use of stick shaker and stall recovery thus causing serious accidents. It is hence clear that the HRM department leaves a lot to be desired as incidences ha ve continued to intensify despite the companys change management and job design and analysis strategy (Louise, 2011). With such a successful airline company, it is apparent that its HRM is ineffectual and has only led to losses than success. The company asserts that it is committed fully to developing its people, yet they do not seem to know how they can forge a beneficial relationship with its staff. There has been a lot of change in the company including cutting of costs, developing training programs, outsourcing working rules and regulations, collaborating with the unions yet the situation seem to be moving from bad to worse. It is apparent that the HRM has been incompetent in hiring the right personnel and dealing with employees. Implications to Stakeholders Various stakeholders include trade unions, government, shareholders, customers, community, business partners, employees, the media, and non-governmental organisations. They all have a major influence on the companys performance and its strategy. The media coverage on wrong decisions in the Qantas have affected negatively on the companys image. The problems discussed obviously imply that the HRM, shareholders, and business partners have been reluctant in solving the current crisis hence affecting the performance of the company. Because of the accidents reported, most consumers are not keen on using Qantas airline hence affecting profitability (BBC News, 2012). Additionally, the challenges in the company have also affected employees and consumers on grounds that they have lost confidence with the running of the company (Sandilands, 2011). The looming disagreement between Qantas and its pilots shows clearly that the HRM and business partners have failed in ensuring they contribute in effective management of the company. In addition, the Non-governmental organisations have failed in conflict resolution between the Qantas and its employees. It is apparent that the HRM, business partners, and non-governmental organisations involved have failed in coming up with rational solutions to ensure such current disputes do not develop into a major crisis. Instead of the companys CEO, Alan Joyce holding productive talks, he has been busy making provocative comments in numerous heated exchanges. For instance, he condemned union members on issues regarding wages arguing that their talks and protests were baseless (Bamber, 2011). The union leaders in return criticised senior managers and accused them of tarnishing the brand image of the company while they were awarding themselves hefty salaries. This hence implies that the community a s well as Union members have lost confidence on the companys stakeholders and this in return has led to bad publicity and reduced profitability. Consequently, the media has given a wide coverage on the companys latest controversies meaning that it is benefiting financially because of the developing story. It is upsetting to see Qantas employees go on strike due to poor management issues in a company owned by various stakeholders. The shareholders, business partners, the HRM, CEO, and Nongovernmental Organisations have a major role to play in ensuring issues in the company are resolved and the company goes back to its initial profitable situation. Therefore, they need to sit down and come up with a rational plan towards improvement (Bamber, 2011). Action plan and Recommendations With the increasing incidences, there is hence a need to come up with an action plan. First, all the stakeholders must meet to discuss on ways to solve the recent crisis. In the meeting, there will be change of communication and training model to more rational models that are employee oriented. The HRM will carry out the process and engage other stakeholders to give ideas on how salary and training issues ought to be handled. The change process will take place from 1st to 28th November in the companys boardroom. To carry out the process, the employees will be interviewed in order to show some of the areas they would need change. The entire companys workforce and managers will be given information concerning the changed plan. The recent problems involving HRM function has caused the company to suffer financially. The Qantas airline in their website asserts that, Qantas is committed to providing meaningful jobs with competitive salaries and superior benefits (Qantas, n.d). However, they have failed in fulfilling their promise as the strikes reported tell a different story. In addition, they allege that they provide targeted, quality training to the Qantas group and assists in the development of skills (Qantas, n.d). However, the accidents reported show a major gap in their training strategy. The HRM should revisit their training and communication model and make a change on it. It is time the company moved out of a market approach change strategy that only focus on making profits and focus on employee oriented approach that consider the interests of workers. With an effective training model, there will be workshop and focus group sessions where employees air their grievances and come up with solutions to th eir problems (Frances, 2009). In addition, effective HRM communication should contribute successfully to teamwork, learning, innovation, safety, and productivity (Krizan et al, 2010). Moreover, the HRM should invest heavily on their pilot candidates and ensure that they get the right training. Coming up with a HR strategic oriented communication model is important in guaranteeing that employees are at par with requirements and needs of the company. This will help in discussing paramount issues affecting the running of the company. Once there is fit between communication and training model in relation to the role of the HRM, the next step should be to come up with a tactical plan on how the HR will be managing their roles to ensure there are no more scandals. The HR needs to be involved fully in daily operations of the company to ensure alignment with needs of the employees. Moreover, the HRM should come up with performance management plan, which is imperative in following up on the performance of the staff members. The HRM should also be transparent in its strategy. This means that the companys operational and strategic agenda should be communicated clearly to workers and must be accepted. This will ensure employees needs are met and there are no operational challenges. In addition, its mission should be shared with other shareholders to make sure they are on the right path to correcting the image of the company. Todays HR models recognise on the fact that people do not leave their issues at home when they are going to work. For the company to be successful, it should focus on the needs of the workers whether personal or professional. This will motivate the workers to deliver quality work. In that case, there will be less accidents and remuneration problems in the company (Frances, 2009). In addition, in training sessions, the HR should focus on changing staff members attitude towards work and teach them on how to have a positive attitude. This will help in motivating workers and encouraging them to air their grievances through dialogue. Conclusion Similar to other managers in an organisation, HRM has various functions. The HRM ensure successful change management and right people are hired in various ranks. However, the HRM has failed, as there have been increased cases of strikes from discontented workers. Additionally, there have been numerous accidents reported in the company. To avoid such incidences in the future, it is important for the company to change its communication and training model. In addition, they should be transparent in their operations and involve other stakeholders to ensure they are trending on the right path. This will help in reducing accidents and strikes from dissatisfied employees.

The Impacts of the Global Recession of 2008-2009

The world recession of 2008 to 2009 was caused ultimately by global imbalances in trade and capital flows, globalization of financial markets, the trend towards a new finance-led capitalism and the related pattern of income distribution. The effects of the recession on Africa were tremendous and are still being felt today. Africa is homeland to numerous natural resources. Contrary to this, it is one of poorest regions in the world constituting almost 10% of the world’s population and ravaged by high crime rates and the HIV and AIDS pandemic.The worldwide economic crisis of late 2008 and 2009 made significant economic and social developmental challenges for African countries. Even if the impact of the economic crisis on Africa was expected initially to be less severe, its challenges have now been estimated to be profound. The profit Africa gained from the exports and imports of natural resources and commodities has reduced substantially. Trade with China and the United States o f America became significantly feeble. Interestingly, the outcome of the recession seems to vary from country to country.However, there have been common economic impacts seen from those countries which participate in large scale exportation. Therefore, this essay serves the main purpose of identifying the impacts made by the recession on Africa. These aspects include, impacts made on the tourism, agriculture, hospitality, banking, health, oil and mining sectors. In addition, it identifies the effects on the economy namely, global trade, foreign direct investment, remittances, foreign aid flow and over above this, the exacerbation of poverty as well the positive impacts and changes the recession brought.To make a start with this subject, the consequences of the global economic crisis have been manifold. The crisis has brought a profound economic decline in the economies of African countries and the growth rates have dropped. Furthermore, the impacts brought about by the recession hit all major economic goals, causing a down turn in the natural resources sector and recent development strategies.International trade has played a pivotal role in the economic growth of African countries, with the demand of African commodities increasingly growing in the global market. When the recession had worsened, the most immediate effect was a decline in the exporting and demand of African commodities. In 2009, global trade experienced the sharpest drop in seventy years especially trade in iron, steel and manufacturers and industrial machinery were affected severely. 60 percent of African exports go to the European Union as well as the United States. 1] Thus, considering the fact that America and European countries were adversely affected by the financial crisis, where imports fell by 2 and 5 percent respectively and a substantial fall in the prices of commodities such as copper and oil, African countries were the most vulnerable. As a result, there has been a major decrease in the economic growth rates and account balances. This is saddening, considering the fact that many countries depend on the exporting revenue of natural resources such as oil and minerals.By way of example, mineral exporting countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo dropped approximately 6 billion US dollars in 2009. Furthermore, countries such as Nigeria and Angola saw a deficit of about 79 million dollars and Uganda, the second largest coffee producer and exporter in Africa, experienced a shortfall from 36. 3 million to 23. 9 million. Moreover, South Africa’s total exports decreased significantly in 2009. The most affected product being wine which experienced a large drop in total volumes.Pursuing this point further, the decline in the price of African commodities led to a major loss in trade and trade tax revenue. For instance, crude oil which plays a vital role in making products such as paint, diesel fuel, heating oil and make up has been rep orted to be the most affected commodity in Africa. There have been numerous statistics showing its decline by 50 % between 2008 and 2009. [2] Over and above this, there has been a 20% fall in the prices of coffee, sugar, copper and cotton during this period.According to statistics given by the African Development Bank, Africa has experienced a decline of 15 billion US dollars in trade tax which accounts for 4. 6 % of government revenue and 1% of Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, the major African oil producers Angola and Nigeria together suffered a loss of 4. 6 billion US dollars in their oil exports. In fact, this has been the largest loss for oil exporting countries of Africa. With regards to the oil, the demand for international market has been reduced by a large margin, coupled with a decline in oil prices.These are the circumstances that have lead to a decline in the oil sector. Oil is a major source of energy in Nigeria and the world at large. As the mainstay of the Nigerian e conomy and by playing a pivotal role in shaping the economic and political destiny, the reduction of oil exporting revenue consequently affects the economy at large. [3] In the case of both Nigeria and Angola there was a decline in government revenues from 30% in 2007 to 22% in 2009. This in turn significantly reduced the value of the currency. By way of example, we shall look at the impact the recession had on the tourism and hospitality sector.Tourism is key sector for triggering economic growth and in addition, it is a major source of foreign currency and its labour intensive nature ensures that there is employment. Countries like Morocco, Mauritius, Uganda and Kenya are largely dependent on their tourism revenues. Most notably, Botswana’s tourism sector is one of the counties major economic contributors, with tourist attractions like the Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Gemsbok National Park to mention but a few. Like numerous other industries, this sec tor was adversely affected by the global economic crisis.Mainly hotel reservations dropped immensely and Mauritius and Tanzania faced numerous tour cancellations. Consequently, a decline in tourism revenue affects food security, purchasing power and potential for expansion. Moreover, in Kenya we see a steady fall in remittances in October 2008 from 61 million dollars to 39 million dollars in January 2009. In fact, tourism receipts went down by 13% in the last quarter of 2008. Additionally, tourism in Zimbabwe was amongst the fastest growing sectors of the economy by contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product during the period 1980 to 2000.However, as a result of the recession, tourism was the third largest foreign exchange earner in Zimbabwe after tobacco and gold. [4a] In spite of many economic and political hindrances, Zimbabwe is host to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls and is home to many tourist attractions such as Lake Karib a, the Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe ruins and boasts of a favourable warm climate. This explains why tourism has historically been an important sector in the Zimbabwean economy. The industry currently employs a significant percentage of the working population.This leads us to the issue of unemployment. Unemployment rose quite drastically in 2009, between 13 and 18 million jobs were lost according to the ILO. [4] Unemployment is rising as a result of the laying off of workers in export orientated industries. Furthermore, the continuing decline in the consumers’ purchasing power reduces demand for manufactured goods, such as household items, clothing and food. In the DRC, 100 000 workers lost jobs following the closing of 40 mines and as a result of 17 mining firms leaving the country.In addition, 80 000 workers in Zambia’s copper belt were left jobless. Many Zimbabwean citizens go abroad in search of greener pastures, and remit money to their families back home, wi th the sole purpose of investing and consuming. Most of these citizens are either living in South Africa or the United Kingdom. Thus, the world recession reduced employment opportunities to those citizens working abroad. Moreover, there has been a rapid decline in remittances since rising unemployment in Europe is compressing the demand for migrants.The estimated $15 billion dollars sent to Africa as remittances each year dropped significantly by 11%. A decline in remittances also affects household income security. It is of adequate importance to note that these remittances comprise of capital inflows, which are the main source of Africa’s external revenue. These include foreign aid, migrant workers’ remittances and charities. As far as foreign aid is concerned, the majority of African countries largely depend on foreign aid and other charities from the international communities such as Aid for Africa as well as the United Nations. 5] Before the crisis arose, many Afri can countries saw an increase in their annual aid and received a lump sum of money and commodities from many of the countries who form the G8, as a result of the their 2005 summit. However, when the crisis had a profound impact on the American and European economies a number of these developed countries were either forced to withdraw or reduce their aid to Africa. As far as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is concerned, Africa is getting the world’s maximum total amount of foreign development support which comprises of almost 27. 19 billion US dollars. 6] It would be a phenomenon if the African agricultural sector were to be left intact by the recession, especially those African countries that have agriculture as the backbone of their economy . Agriculture dependent economies such as the Ethiopian, Burundian and Malian saw a short fall in their agricultural products, leading to the reduction of their export revenues. [7] In light of this, many countries failed to reach their prescribed goals for production and exportation. As a result, farmers have been left helpless and mostly unemployed as the price of buying fertilizers, agricultural machinery and seeds increased drastically.This has led to a decrease in cultivation. Consequently, the less crops produced trigger an increase in food prices. The economic turmoil made the farmers helpless as they were unable to purchase seeds and fertilizers. This has lead to a decrease in cultivation and the export of products, hence worsening the impact on the food crisis. In this light, African governments have experienced a short fall in revenue which has threatened food security in Africa. To make matters worse, food aids to Africa have been considerably lower, therefore, the number of people facing food insecurity has increased tremendously.There is no doubt that the mining sector in many African countries was affected by the recession, considering the fact that Africa is rich in te rms of mineral wealth. Botswana has an open economy which has the mining sector as its backbone. However, the global recession saw a decline in export demand and a reduction in prices of minerals such as nickel, diamonds as well as copper. As a result of this, there was a reduction in public revenue and company sales which lead to massive unemployment. The immediate result of this massive unemployment meant lower household expenditure and savings.On the whole, Botswana’s mining sector is characterized by production cuts, staff retrenchment and lengthy plant shutdowns. STOPPED While there is unemployment one should take into account the immediate effect of unemployment which is poverty. In Africa, women bear most of the economic hardships as they are in many instances widowed as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic and immediately take on the role of the bread winner. Regardless of this, due to the recession women are the first to lose their jobs, because men are regarded as the ‘legitimate’ jobholders. 8] Alas, many are left at a dead end, facing an increase in food prices coupled with unemployment. This usually leads to an increase in the cases of malnourished individuals and the most vulnerable being children. Having said this, it is important to note that some parts of Africa are less pronounced than others depending on the strength of the economy. In fact, because of women’s unequal position in the household and the workplace, girls are also more likely to be taken out of school first or not given medical treatment in order to cut down on family costs.In the same vein, the health sector which was already in a state of commotion prior to the recession has been further weakened. The health sector is reliant on aid from foreign organisations as well as financial packages. This aid can be in the form of money, drugs, machinery, medical and surgical implements and sundries and toiletries. The World Health Organisation and the Oversea s Development Association are the main donors. Prior to the crisis, the African health sector had developed considerably although it faced many challenges but as the crisis worsened so did the condition of the sector.This can be illustrated by a cut down of all financial and social programmes, reduction in investment in the health sector as well as the decrease in supply and delivery of health care and other social services. The Overseas Development Association is the main organisation that deals with Aids victims by funding their medical needs. Thus a cut in this aid increases the rate of mortalities as well as the rate at which the pandemic spreads. From the onset of the crisis, African stock markets have been vulnerable and hence suffered severely.In Egypt and Nigeria the declines were reported to be 67% whilst many other African countries faced similar situations, these countries include Mauritius, Zambia, Kenya and Botswana. [9]In truth, most immediate effects of a crippled sto ck market are threats to the banking sector. Bearing this in mind, many banks have primarily felt the impacts of the economic turmoil. Surprisingly, African countries have suffered more losses than developed countries. Firstly, the balance sheet of banks was severely bruised. This takes place when borrowers are unable to meet their debt obligations due to a weakened economy and low income.Prior to the recession, well performing banks could afford to issue out loans, however, due to the financial crisis they faced because of the recession these prominent banks became bankrupt. Besides this, the IMF reports that the flow in nonperforming loans has caused huge profit losses in the banking sector. One can agree that the global recession was coupled with devastating impacts on society as a whole. However, the aftermath of the recession has paved way for economic strategies to prepare us for future crises. Whilst the effects of the recession subside there has been a massive decline in glo bal food and energy prices.Moreover, there has been stabilization in this regard which has come as blessing for countries such as Botswana and South Africa this can be seen by an affordable and stabilised level of food prices and energy. With regards to unemployment the South African government created 500,000 ‘job opportunities in 2010 mainly through a public-works programme which was also done in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Furthermore, the government has set a target of 4 million new jobs by 2014. The government insists it will create ‘decent work’, even if hese jobs are only temporary as part and parcel of the Expanded Public Works Programme. However the government has reassured the public that these jobs are just a stepping stone for what is to come and a bridge to pave way for permanent, rights based employment. Additionally African governments namely Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa have embarked on programmes such a s negotiating a framework for a unified response by business, government and trade unions, with an emphasis on avoiding, where possible, retrenchments. [10] There has also been a reduction of interest rates.On the issue of interest rates, as a response to the financial crisis most of the African countries have taken actions to reduce their interest rates significantly since the very beginning of the crisis in the continent. In countries like Botswana and Egypt, central banks have made a decrease by 50 basis points. In Nigeria the interest rate was 10. 25% prior to the crisis but the central bank of Nigeria has reduced the rate to 9. 25% in response to the crisis. Many of the other countries include Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Tunisia also reduced interest rates.Contrary to this observation the Democratic republic of Congo is the only country that has not complied with strategy. Instead, Congolese banks have actually increased their interest rates. In South Africa the govern ment has taken advantage of the situation by initiating policies and programmes which have reduced the negative effect of the crisis on child poverty and large scale poverty. These programmes will also provide emergency relief to households in distress in this regard although poverty is still problematic, many African countries have taken up social grants, most notably the child-support grant, as well as old-age pensions.Approximately 13 million south Africans benefit from the social grant system, also South Africa ranks among the as one of the most extensive in middle-income countries. [11] Similarly, Botswana and Namibia have taken up various grants with the main aim of fighting against the deepening of poverty and distress for the foreseeable future. Many banks went bankrupt during the recession and in order to prevent a similar scenario some African countries have taken several measures to ensure that there is a constant flow of credit in banks.This has been done by increasing t he liquidity to banks and other financial firms in countries like Togo, Niger, Mali and Benin to name but a few. [12] Other countries have resorted to financial packages and new credit facilities to mobilize cash flow. This has been done in Tunisia, Cameroon and Liberia. International trade has played a vital role in the economic growth of African countries as a source of external revenue. So it is thus of adequate importance to solidify and pay attention to Africa’s relationship with the emerging economies of the world which is a handy and important business strategy.This helps Africa to find new markets to advertise and sell African commodities, over and above this it is a strategic way to accelerate export revenue mainly for the oil and other primary commodity exporting countries. On the whole it is encouraged to maintain strong ties with countries such as India and China in order to create opportunities in international market and to bring capital into Africa. As a result of the crisis a greater effort has been put to promote women’s equality and many donors have ensure that women’s voices are heard in high level discussions, conferences and forums, namely the G20 and G8 meetings.Furthermore aid has been increased significantly and an adequate amount t has been directed to cater for women and to support women’s empowerment programmes. Generally there has been an increase in organisations that strive for a world where women are equal, secure, respected and proud. Womankind works together with women’s organisations around the world to reduce violence against women, and to ensure women actively participate in society and ensure that their sole purpose of fighting for women’s rights is upheld. As a final remark, Africa has suffered severe impacts as a result of the recession, but will recover quite soon.Even if the general impact on exports was severe, it was not evenly distributed among sectors, regions and types of e nterprise. With the help of the United Nations and many other donors and organisation Africa is at the brink of recovery. Additionally, Africa is in an advantageous position considering its numerous mineral wealth, hence we should rely on these commodities to safeguard our future. Considering the fact that the crisis abruptly affected trade African countries should implement strategies to enhance the demand of their products and to find more markets.Thus it is important to maintain close ties with international trade partners in order to have a constant flow of capital. I urge governments most notably the Zimbabwean government to to actively participate in economic activities and capital generating schemes, which Increase agricultural productivity which in turn raise output and lower food prices, hence reduce inflationary pressures and the demand for imports. Secondly, these governments should also carry out further research to prevent future crises or better preparation for future crises.This research should tackle the areas most affected by the recession such as employment, social welfare support, the health, agricultural, mining and tourism sectors and social prevention for vulnerable groups such as farmers, women, children and the labour force in general. Above all, I strongly feel that aid, funds and relief packages are not given to the appropriate people. Realistically speaking many government officials abuse their privileges and sell these packages for their own benefit, thus there needs to be a strict policy that ensures that these packages are readily available for the needy.From this research, I have concluded that in order for Africa to overcome the impacts of the recession, global strategies are a necessity in order to preserve the foundations of growth and wealth in Africa. END NOTES: [1] R. Triffin, The International Accounts of the United States and their Impact upon the Rest of the World, La Banque Internationale de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 1985 ,pp. 12-30 [2] R. J. Shiller, The economy and why it matters for global capitalism, Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 2010, pp. 17-51. [3] S. A.Madujibeya, â€Å"Oil and Nigeria's Economic Development†, African affairs, Vol. 75, No. 300, Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts,1976, pp. 284-316. [4] M. T. Hadjimichael, â€Å"Growth in Sub- Saharan Africa,† IMF Staff Papers, Vol. 43, Zimbabwe, 2009, pp. 605–633. [5] R. Triffin, The International Accounts of the United States and their Impact upon the Rest of the World, La Banque Internationale de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 1985,pp. 28-43. [6] Ibid [7] S. Seguino, The Global Crisis, Its Gender Implications and Policy Responses, Burlington, Vermont, 2009, pp. 1-25 [8] R. A.Posner, A Failure of Capitalism: The Crisis of ’08 and the Descent into Depression, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2009, pp. 16-28. [9] S. A. Madujibeya, opcit, pp. 317-321 [10] D. Sahn, Adjusting to Policy Failure in African Economi es, Cornell University, New York, 2010, pp. 3-19. [11] Ibid [12]Ibid, pp. 27-37. BIBLIOGRAPHY: M. T. Hadjimichael, â€Å"Growth in Sub- Saharan Africa,† IMF Staff Papers, Vol. 43, Zimbabwe,2009, pp. 605–633. S. A. Madujibeya , â€Å"Oil and Nigeria's Economic Development†, African affairs, Vol. 75, No. 300, Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts,1976. R. A.Posner, A Failure of Capitalism: The Crisis of ’08 and the Descent into Depression, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 2009. D. Sahn, Adjusting to Policy Failure in African Economies, Cornell University, New York, 2010. S. Seguino, The Global Crisis, Its Gender Implications and Policy Responses, Burlington, Vermont, 2009. R. J. Shiller, The economy and why it matters for global capitalism, Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 2010. R. Triffin, The International Accounts of the United States and their Impact upon the Rest of the World, La Banque Internationale de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 1985.

How to Dress as Someone of Another Race for Halloween

With people of color more prominent in pop culture than ever before, some costume lovers face a dilemma: Is it all right to dress up as someone of a different race for Halloween? The answer to that question depends on the costume you’ve chosen and your presentation of it, not to mention the person you’ve decided to duplicate for the occasion. If you insist on doing it, follow the tips below. Itll lower  the odds that you’ll make a racial gaffe if you dress up as a person of another race for Halloween. Go as a Particular Person Under no circumstances is it OK to dress up as a Mexican, African or an Asian for Halloween. A racial group does not make for an appropriate costume, and any desire to dress up as a generic minority for Halloween is a pretty good indicator that you’ve bought into stereotypes about the group in question. To raise awareness about this issue, Ohio University group Students Teaching About Racism in Society  launched a campaign called Were a culture, not a costume. Instead of dressing up as a generic racial group for Halloween, choose a particular individual to dress up as, preferably one who’s known for suiting up in certain ensembles. Golfer Tiger Woods often wears red polo shirts and black pants while competing. Throw on such an outfit and walk around with a golf club in hand, and many people will pick up on the fact that you’re Tiger Woods for Halloween. Suiting up as an athlete who wears a jersey is one way to be easily identifiable. Most basketball fans know that Steph  Curry  is No. 30. Of course, your costume needn’t be relegated to the sports world. With his trademark sequined glove and red leather jacket, Michael Jackson is an instantly recognizable costume. No Blackface Avoid blackface like the plague when dressing up as a person of a different race for Halloween. Recognize that many African  Americans consider blackface to be as offensive as the N-word. If you’re choosing to go as a minority celebrity who wears attire that’s recognizable to the masses, there’s no need to darken your skin.   The same goes for taping your eyes back to appear Asian. Instead, choose to go as a highly recognizable Asian figure for Halloween, such as buddy team Harold Kumar in their orange jumpsuits from the Escape from Guantanamo Bay film or the Japanese schoolgirl Gogo Yubari,  who handled a meteor hammer in the Kill Bill movies. On Halloween, you should also reconsider throwing on an Afro wig. While natural hair has made a comeback in the black community, most African Americans today don’t sport 1970s-style Afros, so unless you’re dressing up as Dolemite or another blaxploitation hero from that era, you should question the need to rock a faux Afro for Halloween. On the other hand, if your costume for Halloween is Bob Marley, you’re a lot less likely to offend people by donning a dreadlock wig, as locks were a staple of his look. But even in this case, its wise to exercise caution. Some people may still view such wigs as a mockery of natural black hairstyles. Wear a Mask You can avoid making many of the racial gaffes that befall Halloween celebrants by merely wearing a mask. A mask will remove any temptation to use blackface, tape back your eyes or make similar racially offensive moves. A variety of manufacturers offer masks of President Barack Obama, Michael Jackson and other famous people of color. Avoid Stereotypical Costumes Some costumes are just asking for trouble. Avoid politically incorrect costumes that fuel racial stereotypes. People of color aren’t likely to appreciate a white person dressing up like Aunt Jemima, a Muslim terrorist or an  illegal alien. Question your motivation for wanting to wear a Halloween costume that’s likely to be regarded as racist. It may seem like a funny idea to you but will feel like a slap in the face to the communities mocked by the costume.

Questions On An Argument On The Existence Of A Prime...

Part 1: Clarifying an Argument State the argument you find in Passage 1 in explicit premise-and-conclusion form. PASSAGE 1: (P1) Every event must have a cause. (P2) An infinite series of events is inconceivable. (P3) There must be a first cause. (C1) The first cause must have at least been the originator of the universe. (C2) The first cause is God. PASSAGE 2: Nagel’s Counterargument (P1) Positing the existence of a first cause does not explain away the infinite regression of events. (P2) If God is self-caused, then there are no limits to what can be self-caused. (P3) If everything must have a cause, so must God. (C1) The existence of the world and the vast matrix of events that occur every day do not necessitate the existence of a prime mover, or creator (or God). Part 2: Clarifying an Objection to an Argument State in your own words and as concisely as possible what you take Nagel s objection in Passage 2 to mean. Your task is not only to explain Nagel s words but also to show how they bear on the argument in Passage 1. What is it, exactly, about the argument that Nagel is objecting to, which premise or inference does he reject? I believe Nagel is saying that if every event must have a cause, the infinite chain of events presumably necessitated by this logic in fact follows, assuming one’s acceptance of the mathematical concept of infinity. Ergo, there does not have to be a God or even a first cause, as the cosmological argumentShow MoreRelatedSuccess of Aquinas’s Cosmological Argument872 Words   |  4 Pagescosmological argument is a posteriori argument that Aquinas uses to prove the existence of God. Aquinas argues that, â€Å"Nothing can move itself, so whatever is in motion must be put in motion by another, and that by another again. 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As its name suggests, the teleological argument attempts to seek the ultimate end or purpose. Furthermore, the teleological argument holdsRead MoreThis essay will be examining the key arguments for the existence of God, in order to discuss the3100 Words   |  13 Pageskey arguments for the existence of God, in order to discuss the claim that â€Å"it is wrong to believe in anything without sufficient evidence†- with reference to the non-existence of God. It will be exploring both a priori and an a posteriori argument for the existence of God. It will solely be concentrating on the Theological argument, Cosmological argument and the Ontological argument, in order, to analyse their significance and contribution in vindicating the claim for the existence of God. TheRead MoreNaturalism Versus Christianity3872 Words   |  16 Pagesand human nature. In these areas that Naturalism fails, Christianity succeeds by offering a valid alternative. 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