Managing Human Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Human Resources - Essay Example From the study it can be comprehended that the most significant asset in any organization is the employee. As a group or individually the employees play a crucial role towards the success of the company and; therefore, they should be acknowledged. When a business becomes successful, it is because of the influence that the employees have brought to the company. A good management in human resource will guarantee the satisfaction of the employees. It is advantageous to manage employees individually so that their development within the organization is monitored. The management provides all the required resources to the employees so that they can perform their duties well. A reliable human resource sector that works well assists the organization to achieve its strategic goals by acquiring the attention of workers, sustaining them and managing their needs. Every department of human resource strives to do this. Great focus is put on forming an efficient human resource system in a company. M ost of the departments in the companies utilize the human resource to make plans and means of processing formal assignments. The organizations that have unstable managing in human resource sector go through formal disarray and lack of the administrative skills in the staff activities. Human resources are available in any successfully performing organization. The organization should go on despite how large or small the company is, and this essentially depends on the competence and performance of the people it has. ... In the real sense, they should have a similar management. Nonprofits inherently have volunteers, which are human resources that  are not paid. Volunteers are to be managed like  normal  employees. Although they  are not given  money, they are other ways in which they  are compensated  (Carter, 2009). There is a similarity in volunteer and paid  staff  management; therefore, there should be a  clear  specification of the  volunteer’s roles, and their recruitment should be carefully done.  In addition, they should be given  proper  training and  orientation, their organization into  suitable  teams with  appropriate  leaders are  crucial, there should be  performance  monitoring, incase issues regarding performance  arise  they should be addressed, volunteers also need to be motivated through rewarding them for outstanding performance (Carter, 2009). Employees  welfare  regarding risks and liabilities  are considered  by the organization and the same should be considered for the volunteers. The organization should identify the most significant duties it has and then people  are supposed  to be recruited, oriented, prepared and organized so that they can successfully  perform  the identified roles. For a  business  to be successful, the right employees should be allocated the  right  duties at the right time so that they are able to perform their duties with a good attitude. The work of the human resource is, therefore, to get the  qualified  employees. Employees should be fairly compensated for the labor they provide for the organization, therefore, the human  resource  is supposed  to pay the employees (Carter, 2009). Employees

International Political Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Political Economy - Essay Example This paper stresses that the spread of globalization today is not viewed as simply an invasion into the markets of nation-states but as also an encroachment of the political stability experienced by sovereign states. Globalization has brought with it the erosion of state sovereignty such as the change of their monetary policy leaving them at the mercy of the global economy. Although the development of regional organizations and international agencies is on the rise to ‘protect’ the privileges and sovereignty of nation-states, they are also under the control of a political power and its actions are highly influenced by it. This is a major problem in the International Political Economy since some nation-states are retaliating from opening their markets for globalization in the feat of losing control of their democracy, morals and governance as demonstrated by countries in the Middle East. This report makes a conclusion that the challenge of globalization is a difficult one since it grows on a daily basis, the best remedy that the International Political Economy can try to implement is to make sure that global political influence is limited. the International Political Economy faces a lot of challenges most of which are minor , and can be easily remedied with the implementation of regulations on a global level the realization of a purely independent and free International Political Economy is not far not is it close because it has to overcome all of its challenges first.

The Future Security of Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Future Security of Britain - Essay Example This will benefit them in the European and global economy. However, their security will rest on the confidence they have in their relationship with the US. In return, the EU will continue to benefit from Britain's special, though politically expensive, relationship with the US. The politically risky situation in Iraq, NATO's continued commitment to Afghanistan, and the changing threat of global terrorism have made it imperative that Britain, the EU, and the US act in concert against acts of terrorist aggression and reduce the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This will require retooling the armed forces and developing new sophisticated technologies. The US must be willing to commit the resources and take the lead, whilst Britain must be prepared to share the burden and play a pivotal role. The EU needs to continue to expand its existing security forces and be prepared to meet the changing threats of the 21st century. The European Union (EU) is defined as the current 15 member nations. Trade organisations are recognised by their common acronyms as well as State organisations. A weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is any weapon capable of inflicting massive human casualties with or without sustaining property damage. These can include, but not limited to, nuclear, biological, environmental, and electronic means. Terrorism is the threat of indiscriminate fear and destruction against a civilian population or unengaged forces. The Scenario The British Empire has seen a decline in domination in the recent decades. Once the ruler of the seas, the colonial empire has diminished. With the changing landscape of British holdings has come a new era of trade and economics. The recently formed European Union has a Gross Domestic Product that rivals the United States. Free trade agreements have offered the opportunity for a stabilised economic future. The threats to Britain's security have undergone dramatic change. Britain finds itself in a position of requiring military security with minimal political risk. Britain's challenge is to engage the US in productive security arrangements without damaging regional political relationships. Iraq and the war on terror have placed a strain on these commitments. Britain has reached a crossroads where they must decide where it will place the future of its economics, politics, and military security. Discussion Economics Britain has for several decades promoted international trade through GATT, the WTO, and support for the Doha round of the WTO. When those talks have stalled, Britain has tended to side with the US against resistance by some of Britain's largest trading partners, most notably China and India. When Doha talks were suspended in July 2006, The US and the EU blamed each other for the collapse.1 However, Blair commented on his talks with Bush and insisted, "We both agreed we needed to make one final effort to re-energise the negotiation and I hope we can do so within the next few weeks".2 Britain has made a substantial commitment to the future and expansion of the European Union. On the subject of Enlargement, Blair has been very clear and states, "It would be a Europe confident enough to see enlargement not as a threat [...], but an extraordinary, historic opportunity to build a greater and more powerful

The Evolution of Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Evolution of Capitalism - Essay Example Marx and Engels were very critical of capitalism and the methods proposed by Smith. For them capitalism creates class antagonisms and the only solution is to overthrow capitalism. Carnegie like Marx acknowledges class divisions, but views inequality as inevitable and the solution lies in administration of wealth. The aim of this paper is to explore the evolution of capitalism and its impact on society through the works of Smith, Marx and Carnegie. Adam Smith is considered as the father of free market capitalism with the invisible hand controlling the market. Industrialization led to the factory system which changed work patterns. Laborers now produced commodities for exchange in the market with prices determined by forces of demand and supply instead of producing for own use (Sanders et al. 203). Due to lack of other means of obtaining subsistence food and maintaining their race, they offered their labor to factory owners in exchange of wages thus commodifying labor. Division of labo r became the norm in factories leading to labor productivity since workers could produce more products than if acting alone (204). Some operations are more complex than others requiring different skills and as such wages were paid according to level of complexity. Actors in this system are driven by self-interest. In Adam’s words â€Å"it’s not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest† (204). By pursuing self-interest (profit) the capitalists provide essential goods and revenue to the community without intending to do so. Though market mechanisms regulate the market, sometimes the employers combine to sink wages below the natural rate (207). Smith condemns such combinations as they hinder competition and same case applies to government interventions. Free trade is encouraged as a nation cannot be self sufficient; it could be cheaper to import than manufacture locally (207 ). Marx agrees with Smith that division of labor leads to improved productivity thus new wealth acquisition and that competition brings market efficiency (214).However, those who produce wealth do not benefit as capitalists accumulate the surplus value. This to Marx is exploitation of labor and also results into two antagonistic classes; the bourgeoisies (capitalists) and proletariat (working class) (216). The discussion during the early 19th century thus moved from discussing the rise of capitalism and centered on the class struggles produced by capitalism. Free trade and competition advocated by Smith only serve to encourage exploitation of workers by the capitalists. If the market is allowed to operate freely, capitalists employ and dismiss labor as they like and offer low wages since they have a reserve army of workers (217). Furthermore, labor has been replaced by machines. The solution offered by Marx and Engels to end class antagonisms is to overthrow capitalism and replace i t with communism. This entails abolishing private property and move from â€Å"each according to his ability; to each according to his needs† (215). Carnegie agrees with Marx that capitalism produces classes as evidenced in America. New classes of the rich and poor emerged with the gap between them widening as rich accumulate more wealth (220). Since competition is healthy and the government ought not to intervene in the market, his main concern is how this wealth

The Woman Warrior Essay Example for Free

The Woman Warrior Essay Women of Chinese culture carry an innate characteristic of uselessness in a country that esteems only men.   The men are strong providers, carriers of family names, and maintainers of family ideals and honor.   In a country where one child per family is the norm, the birth of a female is not met with glee, but more commonly remorse.   Maxine Hong Kingston challenges these roles in her novel, The Woman Warrior.   The author shares five tales of strong women from her cultural and familial history.    The title aptly describes the character’s often-imagined lives. The first of the five women introduced is the author’s own aunt.   No-Name Woman, an unknown relative of the past, relives her horrid tale in the form of a dubious lesson told to little girls upon reaching puberty.   Her uncelebrated life is used as a moral tale to stress fidelity to family and honor.   No-Name woman bore a child out of wedlock and killed herself and the child for the disgrace brought to the family.   The reader gets the sense of the woman’s inner strength by the description of her imagined livelihood as told by Kingston. No-Name Woman picks a chosen fate over the traditional Chinese role she is expected to play.   The next morning, I found her and the baby plugging up the family well, (Kingston, 5).   In choosing the family well, the suicide affects them all, highly symbolic of the disgrace, yet also physically tampering with their well-being at the same time.   Although No-Name Woman encounters mostly shame and destruction of her sense of self – in that one moment when she chooses her heart over her forced duties, she becomes a warrior woman – a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it, regardless of the heavy price of her shunning. Unlike No-Name Woman who exists regretting her decision, the tale of Fa Mu Lan follows an entirely different course. The story obviously depicts a warrior defying the typical female characteristics in Chinese tales.   Recently retold in a Disney film series, the role of Fa Mu Lan is well known to girls of all ethnicities today.   Kingston’s version, however, tells the tale from the present tense with the narrator often filling the position. Contrary to the stereotype, the family supports Fa Mu Lan as she goes of to battle the baron to save her family from his tyranny.   We are going to carve revenge on your back, my father said, Well write out oaths and names, (Kingston, 34).   Her parents readily accept the strength of Fa Mu Lan, sending her out to save them all.   The warrior status is cemented when she beheads the evil baron and gives reign to a peasant who will care for the people.   Men turn to her for guidance and protection.   Her husband even cares for their young baby, getting it out of harm’s way, while Fa Mu Lan fights the Chinese Army. Brave Orchid, Kingston’s mother, finds her warrior way in yet another far different way from the characters discussed thus far.   This story is one of educational bravery and the devotion to a better way of life.   Through the hardship of living husbandless in a harsh climate, Brave Orchid lives through the deaths of her children, using the monies sent to her from America to improve herself. She decided to use the money for becoming a doctor, (Kingston, 60).   The braveness of her choice far outweighs the status of Brave Orchid as a ghost hunter.   In a time of defeat and anguish, she finds her own way.   Although the mother appears obnoxious and cold throughout much of the story, it is in her history that the reader appreciates the bravery depicted in her name. Moon Orchid, the anti-thesis of many of the strong woman in the novel, comes across as weak and silly.   In following the children around and marveling at the wonders she encounters in this new country, Moon Orchid is forced to stand up to her felonious husband and attempt some form of recognition from him.   His direct dismissal destroys her sense of self and defeats her contentment. For a brief moment, the reader sees the strength of Moon Orchid in her easy acceptance of the truth.   But he gives us everything anyway.   What more do I have to ask for?   If I see him face to face, what is there to say, (Kingston, 126)?   She avoids the confrontation with her husband and solidifies her way of life.   Her strength comes from her avoidance, as though her inner sense of self knew he had forsaken the family and her foresight to avoid him allowed her a sense of normalcy, something stripped from her in the end. The entire novel shows bits and pieces of the author’s own sense of strength.   She fits herself into each chapter through direct commentary and inferred presence.   The reader sees the warrior side of Kingston in prevailing over the Chinese stereotypes and expectations of her more traditional mother.   The reflections are often times told from hearsay and inference, yet each tale forms a foundation for the author herself.   In the final chapter, Kingston shares a personal telling of her life. The reader sees her nastiness as a child in her reaction to the silent girl, her blatant hatred for many of the things her mother has tried to instill in her, and an honest questioning of the role of Chinese and American cultures in her life.   I dont know any Chinese I can ask without getting myself scolded or teased, so Ive been looking in books, (Kingston, 204).   The struggle for her between the two worlds was a difficult one.   She becomes the warrior by having the strength to reflect on herself and her foundations, the women of her life. The tales of the five women, and many others throughout the novel, depict a deep sense of woman fighting for their right to be as they wish to be.   Whether an unwed mother to the love of her life, the warrior queen to save all China, the educated liberator of her own children, the contended wife living in her chosen realm, or an accepted Chinese-American in an un-accepting world Kingston illustrates the right of women to be whatever they want – fighting for independence on the many fronts of societal norms. Works Cited Kingston, Maxine Hong.   The Warrior Woman. New York, NY: Random House, 1989.

Significance of soliloquies and asides in Richard III Essay Example for Free

Significance of soliloquies and asides in Richard III Essay In Richard III, Shakespeare uses soliloquies and asides as a mode of expressing the otherwise internal thought process of a character. They represent dialogues between the mind of the character and the audience and create a sense of intimacy between them as the audience is given access to the internal world of the characters and are able to keep track of and understand the series of events in the play. As a result, soliloquies and asides play a very significant role as they provide the audience with information such as vital background information, straightforward declarations of intent and future plans. They also help to convey a theme, or heighten the tragedy of the play. Asides are particularly used by villains such as Richard to reveal both their schemes and their fraudulence to the audience. As such, it plays a key role in Richards character development throughout the play, revealing to us his evil nature and deceitful plots. Act 1 Scene 1 opens with Richards most important, first soliloquy. He starts by taking up the role of a narrator and filling us in on some background information relevant to the story-line of the play so that we will be able to better understand the plot and the cause of his actions. He speaks of his familys victory in the fight against Henry VI and tells us that his brother Edward, who has recently ascended the throne, is now living the high life He capers nimbly in a ladys chamber/ To the lascivious pleasing of a lute (I.i). In addition, he shows us the contrast in his mood and explains to us his inability to be merry due to his physical deformities saying, But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks/ Nor made to court an amorous looking glass/ Have no delight to pass away the time (I.i.14,15,25).Thus, to relieve the boredom and to serve his own ambition, he determines to prove a villain, subtle, false and treacherous. This shows us his low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with himself which is evident from his tone of bitterness, anger and disgust as he feels that he is very ugly and unloved such that even dogs bark at him. It also reveals to us his evil and jealous nature as he decides to pass away his time by plotting to overthrow his brother from the throne and cause unrest and unhappiness. Hence, the first soliloquy helps us understand the context of the play better, introduces us to Richards true, evil nature as well as keeps us in anticipation as we are also let in on how he plans to attain the throne, with the phrase plots have I laid To set my brother Clarence and the king/ In deadly hate (I.i.32-35), which also acts as a tool for foreshadowing. The following soliloquies in Act 1 further characterizes Richard and shows us that he would do anything, even murder, to fulfil his goal and get his way. His sarcasm and lack of love towards his own brother Clarence as well as his cruel and violent nature is seen here as he shows no hesitance in getting his brother killed, Simple, plain Clarence, I do love thee so/That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven (I.i.119-120). His wicked, and depraved nature is also brought out through his soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2 as he ridicules Lady Anne for having fallen for his tricks and lies and talks about his heartless plan of using her simply to gain the throne saying, Was ever woman in this humor won?/Ill have her, but I will not keep her long (I.ii.235-236). His attitude here marks a shift in his perception of himself as he had mentioned that he was not meant for sportive tricks in his opening soliloquy. However, now he has had a confidence boost due to the success with Lady Anne and says Ill be at charges for a looking glass/And entertain a score or two of tailor (I.ii.262-263). Hence this soliloquy plays a role in his character development as we can see the change in his self-image and character. In his soliloquies, Richard also secretly associates himself with the devil as seen in Act 1 Scene 3 where he says And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. This also brings out Richards duplicity and ability to deceive as he manages to fool others into thinking that he is noble and sincere. This heightens the tragedy, as Richard conquers every character from Lady Anne to his own brother Clarence through his eloquence and proficiency in pretence. Other than soliloquies, asides are also used by several characters such as Richard himself as well as Queen Margaret to reveal their true thoughts and feelings. In Act 3 Scene 1, Richard uses asides to show us what he really thins of the young prince and how he deceives him with the use of double meanings in his words. For example, [Aside] Thus like the formal Vice, Iniquity, I moralize two meanings in one word. (III.i.79-83) Over here, his comparison of himself to Vice, is apt as he does play Vice, a comic role, when he is speaking with the audience. However, he always also has two meanings, which is what allows him to also be the machiavel. Also, Margaret uses asides in Act 1 Scene 3 to inform us of Richards treacheries and prevent us from being deceived like the other characters present. For example, she says (aside) Out, devil! I do remember them too well:/Thou killedst my husband Henry in the Tower,/And Edward, my poor son, at Tewkesbury. Her reference to him as a devil is nothing new to us, but simply confirms his evil nature. As such, the asides used have played a part in keeping us informed of the characters innermost thoughts as well as developing Richards character in the play.

Main Barriers Sustainable Development Developing Countries Initiatives Overcome Economics Essay

Main Barriers Sustainable Development Developing Countries Initiatives Overcome Economics Essay Any country whose standard of living is at a low level is referred to as a developing country. Development level varies from country to country thus cannot be generalized in meaning. Using numerical categorization, Countries with low and middle income have been categorized as developing by the World Bank. Dividing economies with the 2008 Gross National Income per capita (GNI), developing countries were identified by GNI per capital below $11 905. Countries having progressive economies but which have not attained a particular standard to be referred to as developed country are categorized as Newly Industrialized Country (NIC). Such countries are said to have rapid growth in their economy but have still not reached the standard of the First World, these are highly developed countries (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developed_country) Almost all countries of the third world can be categorized as developing, they including all African countries excluding South Africa, all countries in the Middle East excluding Turkey, all Asian countries excluding China, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan India, Myanmar and South Korea, some countries in Eastern Europe, Southern American countries excluding Brazil and the Caribbean excluding Jamaica and Cuba. File:World Bank income groups.svg Fig1: Countries based on World Bank income groupings for 2006 (calculated by GNI per capita, Atlas method).   Ã‚   High income   Ã‚   Upper-middle income   Ã‚   Lower-middle income   Ã‚   Low income Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country Sustainable Development Sustainable development as defined in 1987 in a report by Brundtland is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. (Hecht, 1999) Sustainable development as an aspiration is global; as an ongoing process, it is local. A growing number of scientists and technologists share in the aspiration and experiment with the local (Mabogunje and Kates, 2004). For sustainable development to be achieved, especially in developing countries, some stages have to be undergone; it is also necessary for essential building blocks to be implemented. The economic, social and environmental factors have to be considered in a transparent and open manner. In many developing countries, the fundamental building blocks, such as a free-market economy, transparency of government operations, public access to information, public involvement in decision making, and enforcement of environmental laws, are weak or absent. Although some developing countries are strengthening domestic policies and regulations and creating economic policy incentives for attracting environmentally sound investment, progress is slow and uneven. (Hecht,1999). Barriers Developing countries have less sustainable livelihoods today than they had 25 years ago. The issue of sustainable development involves making sure that the ongoing development does not affect future generation. Some of the following issues contribute to the low sustainability level in developing countries: Extreme Poverty Poverty is the most prominent barrier to development in developing countries. Almost all population found in these countries live in rural settlements and depend on agriculture as their main source of income. Poverty and the environment have a strong connection especially in countries with economies that depend on natural resources. For people in these countries to meet their needs, they engage in local activities such as tree cutting for fuel wood, wild life hunting (leading to extinction), extensive and excessive farming system and so on. These activities are carried out to meet the needs of today but the repercussions await the future generations. Deforestation Intense farming and deforestation in South America has left some areas with only 5% of natural vegetation. If this trend continues, there might be little or nothing left to pass to the future generations. Africa had about 650 million hectares of woodlands and forests but between 1990 and year 2000, about 53 million hectares of forest was lost (Africare speech, 2008). In respect to the global forest loss, this was about 56% in that period. Deforestation has a resultant effect on protection of soils, the land is more exposed to adverse conditions like erosion and evaporation, also quality of water is affected by deforestation. All these will invariably tell on the production and economy of countries involved. Urban Development Urban areas in developing countries are expected to be more populated majorly because of migration. However this comes with a great environmental challenge. A good number of urban dwellers either inhabit slum areas or carve a slum-niche for themselves simply because they do not have legal rights to own their properties. Slum conditions lack good, portable water, electricity and other basic amenities of life. The issue of waste disposal in slum areas is usually carelessly handled, this poses as a threat to health and safety of slum dwellers. It is not a surprise to use plastic bags as mobile toilets in some large slums like Kibera, Nairobis largest slum. Also, because of the nature of these areas, there is increase in miscreants among juveniles. This has a direct negative effect on young adults who are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow. This is where the effect of the environment on the social life of individuals comes in to play. Some shanty areas in Nigeria have in recent times produced the highest number of notorious young adults. Urbanization in developing countries results in very large population inhabiting very small area, polluted water and air, poor public transport among other things. These environmental conditions lead to low standard of living in these areas. In South America, urban population is found in settlements called squatter, Brazil having favelas while Venezuela has barrios. Caracas is known to have over 50% population living in squatters. These squatters are usually made from scrap and cardboard materials in areas that are prone to flooding or steep areas. After a while, the construction is upgraded with better materials but the settlements remain in an irregular network with small paths and streets, there is usually no plan for waste management, drainage or water supply. The Asian continent among others is not left out in urbanization issues. Bangladesh, a country in Asia has had an increase in urban poverty in recent times. In Dhaka city alone, from 1974 to 2005 slum population has jumped from 250,000 to 2,840,000 during the span of little over 3 decades (Haider, 2008). During these decades, the number of slums also increased from 500 to 4,300. While slum population has increased by more than 11 times the number of slums has increased 8.6 times during this period. The causes for the increase of slum population are certainly complex. However, the major aspect is again related to the lack of well paying jobs in urban areas. There are also cases of downward mobility in urban areas of urban dwellers themselves. Although Bangladesh has been able to reduce urban poverty to some extent, there are pockets of chronic poverty in slums that seem very hard to overcome. (Haider,2008). http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol18no2/2809067_slum.jpg Nairobi, Kenya: Sixty per cent of the citys people live in slum areas. Source: http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol18no2/182environ.htm Impact of Industrial Waste The process of obtaining non-renewable materials from natural resources has an adverse effect on the environment. A good example is Nigeria, a developing country in West Africa. The Niger Delta environment has been polluted by oil spills and flares from gas for over half a century. A target was set forth to put a stop to flaring of gas but this seems to be unachievable with the trend of events. Mine sites which are no longer in use in some parts of Africa contribute to the nuisance that the environment is becoming. In general, mineral and oil exploration contribute to water pollution (which also causes death of organisms in water), contaminated soil, e.tc. Developing countries will continue to have great challenge in attaining sustainable development if the current approach to extraction of resources is not addressed. Effect of Climate Change on Environment Africa as a continent has so many developing countries. Studies from the IPCC (Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change) show that this continent is more prone to the impact of climate change than any other part of the world. Some of the effects of climate change include less rainfall in areas already experiencing dryness like the southern and eastern parts, and increased drought in north central Africa. It is also predicted that by 2025 (Africare speech,2008), western African countries will experience scarcity of water, such countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mauritania, Nigeria e.t.c. While other issues are more pressing and getting better attention from African leaders (such issues as malaria, HIV AIDS, poverty, starvation e.t.c), to sustain the future generation, Africa has to be fully at alert and address the issue of climate change peculiar to its environment. In other areas, climate change may cause flooding in contrast to its effect in these countries. In South America for instance, climate change has an effect on their environment which in essence has a multiplier effect on planning for growth. La Plata River basin which is the fifth largest river in the world generates about 50% of South Americas Gross National Product (GNP) and five countries share boundaries with this river- Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The effect of climate change in this river basin has affected the economy and as a result its population. Flow in this region has been 30% greater since 1970 than in previous time. This is in contrast to the average rainfall before 1970 and below average rainfall afterwards in sub-Saharan Africa (Africare speech, 2008). Corruption Corruption is a major barrier to sustainable development in every country that it exists. It steals from todays children the resources they will need to survive tomorrow. There is a direct link between underdevelopment and corruption. The former encourages the latter. A good scenario is the public service low income in developing countries, this stimulates trivial corruption. The level of education and enlightenment in these countries also put people in ignorance of their statutory rights, thereby giving room for corrupt individuals. Initiatives to Overcome Barriers The discussion about initiatives to overcome barriers to sustainable development in developing countries will not be justified without mentioning the millennium development goals (MDGs). The MDGs were initiated in September 2000 during the United Nations Summit. These goals are eight in number and they break down into quantifiable targets that are 21 in number, they are also measured by 60 indicators. They include the following: Extreme poverty and hunger eradication Universal primary education for all Encourage women empowerment and gender equality Reduce death rate of children Improve maternal health Fight against diseases especially malaria and HIV/AIDS Implement sustainable development Develop a global partnership for development These goals were created having developing countries in mind as the issues addressed are mostly concerned with them. However, the indicators for these goals show that they have not been effectively implemented locally and globally, they also show that the time frame given to them will not be realistic. Over the years, developing countries have recognized the importance of environmental management and sustainability and there have been initiatives peculiar to each country and situation to enhance this. Some of those initiatives include establishing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGOs have gained reputation especially internationally as they are consulted on matters of planning and implementation of policies made at national and international levels. Examples of such include Global Volunteer Network, Cross-Cultural Solutions, Conserve Africa, Africa Guide, Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra (AFARM), Conservation Council for South Australia to mention a few. NGOs offer a clearer perspective and a wealth of experience in relevant areas such as human right defense, environmental protection, grassroots development, poverty alleviation, e.t.c. To thrive in their activities, these organizations should work alongside the government by participating in development, planning policies and decision making at the various levels of administration. However, since they are voluntary, availability of funds for NGOs might pose a slight challenge and they sometimes have to depend on funds from large hearted individuals. Other initiatives include creating anticorruption agencies. Since corruption impedes development at all levels of government, countries have created such agencies to check corrupt practices, examples include Office of Anti-Corruption Commission Bhutan (Asia), Independent Authority Against Corruption- Mongolia ( Asia), Anti- Corruption Commission- Bangladesh (Asia), Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission -Kenya (Africa), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Nigeria (Africa), War Against Indiscipline and Corruption- Nigeria (Africa), Kick Against Indiscipline- Nigeria (Africa), e.t.c These are just a few as there have been numerous organizations at different levels of government that function in this regard. However, as many as these appear to be, the issue of corrupt practices still rear their head. When caught in the act and asked, culprits sometimes blame the economy and government but those are just the ones who are brought to book, top citizens who have connections in high places are usually seen as above the law. This falls back to having good leadership in developing countries as well as citizens having the right attitude, without these, corruption will still find its way in these countries and the efforts of these organizations will not be justified. For every country, the children are the future leaders; good education for them is a very important factor for development. Some efforts have been made by countries and their governments to develop the minds of youngsters educationally, there have been schemes to sponsor students abroad to acquire various skills and knowledge so as to implement and integrate these skills once back home. Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded 1,087 undergraduate and postgraduate Nigerian students scholarship to study locally. There have also been organizations (PTF-Petroleum Trust Fund) that sponsor student abroad for studies from Nigeria. Other scholarship boards in other countries include Integrated Community Development Fund (ICDF) in Bolivia, Banque Libano Francaise in Lebanon and a host of others in other countries. This initiative has a very slow but steady growth in various developing countries. Other countries simply affiliate themselves with foreign government and bodies to get n ecessary support. Conclusion Since each developing country has its own government and ruling council, initiatives for achieving sustainable development in these countries differ, this is also because apart from the challenges listed above, some countries have challenges that are peculiar in nature to their environment, society and economy. In this regard, these countries tend to lean towards initiatives which particularly address their peculiar problems. Coming up with initiatives is one thing, implementing those initiative is another. In my belief, the latter is more important than the former. To achieve sustainable development, developing countries must make conscious efforts to implement the existing initiatives while looking to create new ones. Lastly, achieving sustainable development in developing countries takes a gradual (not magical) process; levels of achievements can only be measured with indicators periodically. It is up to every individual to contribute in little ways to achieve a nation and global sustainable environment for the future generation.