Corporate Social Responsibility - example of a specific organization Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility - example of a specific organization that is building the future urban configuration of cities - Essay Example In Australia, air pollution costs are already very high. Human costs of health are estimated are approximately A$3 billion to A$5.3 billion each year with annual damages to materials, buildings, and property at between 3 and 5 billion Australian dollars, which is 1% of GDP (Ercoskun, 2012: p33). The biggest cause of pollution in the country is cars. Since most people in Australia do not use public transport and are reliant on their cars for transport, the country is among the highest polluter, per capita, in the world. Urban designs have a powerful impact on the quality of air, as well as exposing the population to pollutants. This results in most cities becoming unsustainable, both environmentally and economically. As pollution increases, living in these cities become worse. Most people in Australia have accepted driving to work over long distances and urban sprawl as a way of life. However, this may change because of the threat to supply of oil and increase in its price, enhancemen t of the greenhouse effect, and threat to their health because of poor quality of air (Gibson, 2011: p51). CSIRO has examined various alternatives in the evaluation of their capacity to reduce atmospheric pollution like emissions of greenhouse gases and energy consumption. In the past, similar inquiries have had their basis on subjective assessments concerning city planning and its impact on energy consumption and air quality. However, the magnitude order between various types of city structure has not undergone evaluation in many places, in the world. Integrated air-shed models, transport emissions, and land use that use advanced urban design software and spatial planning assisted researchers in the exploration of the effects that alternative transport, workplace, and residential structures could have on consumption of energy and urban air quality to 2011 (Gibson, 2011: p52). CSIRO examined six alternative future urban scenarios. The first was business as usual with extrapolation o f the current patterns to the future, which are dispersed, low density, and laissez faire. The second alternative was edge city with increased housing densities, population, and employment at elected nodes in the city, as well as increased investment that link edge cities via orbital freeways (Gibson, 2011: p55). The third alternative was corridor cities that focus on linear corridor growth that start from the CBD with support from upgraded public infrastructure. Fringe cities are the fourth alternative that involves additional growth that predominates on the city fringes. Finally, ultra cities involve additional growth that is predominant in provincial cities that lie within 100 km of the capital and are linked via high-speed trains. These urban configurations were applied by CSIRO to Melbourne City based on increased populations from 2.5 to 3.0 million by the year 2013 (Gibson, 2011: p56). Key assumptions in this included increment of residential density, a full uptake of controls of vehicle emissions, a varying ratio concerning private and public transport, and an increase in telecommuting, in specific industries. The results were dramatic in how they impact on quality of urban air. There are several worst-case scenarios identified by CSIRO. Photochemical smog can possibly decrease by 55%

B300 Assignment 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

B300 Assignment 6 - Essay Example As organizations enter into different regions for their business needs they have to follow policies of the region. Regional peculiarities cannot be ignored in favor of centralized policy of the government. The phrase 'think globally and act locally' points to the same idea that organizations have to adapt their business policies according to the region where they have decided to go into operation. Middle East traditionally includes countries or regions in Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa. Persian Gulf is considered as the main centre the area around which is generally referred as Middle East. Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Palestinian Territories are collectively known as Middle East. Multiculturalism is one important aspect of the emerging Middle East and Dubai in particular. For example, all kind of eateries and restaurants Italian, Chinese etc. can be found. Indians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, People from Arab countries and people from Western countries comprise the workforce in Dubai whether it is white collar or blue collar job. The new cultural wave of tolerance allows foreigners to spend wee hours of the night in a pub while at the same time call for five times prayers also fill the air of Dubai. Apart from Dubai, Middle East destinations like Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Morocco and Tunisia have always been known for tourist attractions. Middle East has emerged as one the fastest developing economies. Their move towards success would not have been possible if the states had not joined the global business environment and participated in economic activities. The fabric of the society is also changing as these countries are evolving in different areas of economy, culture, science and technology. Yet there are many cultural differences and nuances that managers must know when dealing internationally in this region. The region can be an attractive business venture considering the market available. Regional Factors Following important factors may need management consideration for conducting business in a particular region: Managing Politics: Political systems as well as government supervisions and regulations change when companies choose to operate in a certain region. Sometimes government officials and the general public and political activists view foreign companies as outsiders and are suspicious of their impact on economy as well as politics. This may be specifically true in certain Muslim Middle Eastern countries where mostly democracy is not in place and rules may be bent to please the government of the time. Companies have to be ware of government takeovers of property and acts of violence directed against the firm. The examples of such acts can be seen in Anti-American protests on famous American businesses. Since, such acts are not uncommon in Arab and Muslim world; companies must formulate special plans and programs against unexpected losses. Political instability, at times civil disorders and frequent changes of government are some of the common political phenomenon in the region. Political instab