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The following discussion will focus on the cultural practices of two ethnic groups in Africa.
Topic: African cultures
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Introduction
The world is made up of people who are different in their races, ethnicity and their culture. They have their own unique way of doing things being guided by the power of their culture, which provides values and beliefs meant to provide a code of conduct and the group solidarity. The following discussion will focus on the cultural practices of two ethnic groups in Africa.
Discussion
Ethnic composition and dynamics of Mandinka Ethnic group of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa with about twenty ethnic groups. One of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa that is going to be considered in this discussion is Mandinka. They are said to have a population of eleven million and are found in other countries such as Gambia and Guinea. They migrated from the River Niger basin in their quest of fertile land to agriculture (Nicholls 67). It is said that due to many conflicts with Fula community, majority of the Mandinka people were converted to Muslims while about a third were sold to America as slaves.
The communities of Mandinka are said to have been situated along the long distance trade routes. This was done so for the purpose of exchanging their agricultural products with other goods such as gold that came from Bambouk community from the northern area.
Traditional Marriage Processes
Marriage is one of the most social institutions which has an aim of ensuring the continuation of the community through child bearing. A man could not be regarded and accorded the required respect unless they married and got children. It is said that in the Mandinka people, marriage is arranged by the family members rather than the bride and the groom. The parents of the groom have the responsibility to propose to the parents of the bride and express their intension of establishing a lasting relationship with them through marriage. This practice is in contrary with the contemporary societies where the groom is expected to propose to the bride, go through the courtship process before marrying.
The parents of the groom send Kola nuts to the elders of the spotted bride as a sign that they are interested in having their daughter (Nicholls 78). The elders are expected to scrutinize a number of factors before agreeing to give away the bride. These include wealth and responsibility. The man had to prove that he was in a position to take care of the bride in terms of feeding and clothing her including taking care of the children. The man had also to demonstrate hard work and wisdom that is required to lead a successful family. Once everything was okay, the elders would accept the Kola nuts, a sign that they had authorized a courtship between the bride and the groom.
The lady to be married among the Mandinka people must exhibit certain qualities. One of the most important factor is that they must be fertile, in the that they must give birth. The status of a man in the society was determined by the number of children that they had. Therefore, no man would have wished to marry a barren wife for the fear of becoming a disgrace in the society by failing to fulfill the main obligations which was procreation for the purpose of community expansion.
Ladies were also expected to show reverence to their men. They were submissive and did not question what they were asked to do. A man was known to have control over his house if his wife could demonstrate respect especially in front of his guests.
Polygamy is said to be a dominant practice among the Mandinka community. A man can marry up to four wives provided that he is able to cater for all their needs and treat them equally. The eldest wife is said to have authority over the subsequent ones. The wives are expected to live in harmony and share the duties in the house. Finally, sons were very valued and any man looked forward to having a wife whom they thought would produce sons. They gave them a sense of pride
Religious Practices
The Mandinka people have been predominantly religious. They used to practice the traditional forms of worship where they believed in the existence of supernatural powers. The community was led to worship and offering of sacrifices by their elders who were thought to be holy and closer to gods than the ordinary people. They also believed in the power of witchcraft and many people practiced it together with magic. This was done especially when one was trying to avoid competition from other members of the society, and therefore the practice was done to make them fear accumulating resources. Witchcraft was also important in the fact that it regulated the behavior of people. For the fear of being bewitched, the society was orderly in that no one could still other people’s properties or become rude to any.
It is said that today about 99% of the Mandinka people are predominantly muslims. This is owing to the fact that most of them were converted during the religious conflicts. Apart from this, many of them still practice animism. This is the spiritual belief that other things such as mountains, trees and rocks have souls and supernatural powers and they were therefore worshipped.
They have the ability to recite the Qu’ran in Arabic and everyone from young to the old are expected to do that. Marabout who is a religious leader, is believed to have power to control the spirits especially the evil ones which could haunt the society. He write the Qu’ranic verses on papers, which are then sewed on leather pouches. They are eventually worn by the Mandinka society as amulets that would protect them from any evil powers.
Art and craft and artistic expressions.
The Mandinka people are known to be rich in their traditions and the expression of their culture. They are said to socialize their members orally through the use of music, Proverbs and stories (Charry 67).These were mostly done to the children for the purpose of teaching them about their cultures. The culture is said to be passed by Griot, who is a prolific poet and a singer. This is a person who new how to combine words in a professional way to produce songs and poems that appealed to the audience.
The Mandinka people are also known to be artistic in the fact that they were famous for their drumming techniques (Charry 98). This took place especially in commemoration of specific events and also in celebration of certain transitional stages in life.
They are also known to make a unique musical instrument known as the Kora , which is a twenty-one-stringed musical instrument that resembles a guitar. It is made up of a dried hollowed-out gourd which is later covered with cow or goat skin.
Death and burial customs.
Death in the Mandinka community was a celebration if a person died at the old age. He was said to have died in peace after achieving all that was expected of them. However, if a young person died, this was considered wrong and people had beliefs that someone must have bewitched them. This was also the case when one was sick.
Once death occurred, the message was passed through wails and screams by the women. The people would then come to join the mourners as they prepare to bury them. The elders were expected to officiate in every activity that took place as they were believed to talk to the gods. They could be asked to tell the gods to stop haunting the society especially where people dying were young. They did this through offering of sacrifices.
The dead person was buried just near their place as they were considered to be part of the community. They were also thought to be protective especially if they died old and were of good character.
Ethnic composition and dynamics of Maasai people of Kenya
The Maasai of Kenya are the most famous of all the ethnic communities in the world due to the fact that they live near the tourist attraction sites such as the game reserves. They are also one group that has not been affected by globalization and cultural change. They have been able to hold to their original culture that ensures their integrity, solidarity and harmony.
They are estimated to be a population of about 900,000 a total in both Kenya and the neighboring country Tanzania. They speak the official languages of the two countries which are Kiswahili and English.
Tradition marriage process.
The Maasai and the Mandinka people share a lot in common in matters relating to marriage. When a young Maasai man wants to marry, he approaches his parents and informs them of the intension. This is followed by consultations with the parents of the bride through the use of the council of elders. The bride parents must be assured beyond doubt that the groom has the capacity to support the bride. Therefore, just like in the Mandinka community, the main measure of marriage in the Maasai community is wealth. Whereas wealth Mandinka could be measured by how big the farm is, in the Maasai wealth is measured by the number of herd of cattle one has since they are predominantly pastoralists.
The wives in the maasai community are expected to be submissive to their husband. This is demonstrated by the fact that they cannot greet their husbands by the hands but through their heads. They are to bow and then the man places a hand on their head which is a sign of greetings.
Maasai men are also predominantly polygamous. (Elizabeth 130). They can marry as many wives as one can support as this is also a measure of how wealthy a man is. It is a way of alleviating one’s status in the society. These wives are also expected to give birth to sons. Wives who fail to do so are mistreated and seen as causing a bad omen to the family. Sons are preferred for the fact that they take care of the cattle which is the wealth of the family.
Art, craft and artistic expressions.
Maasai like the Mandinkas are singers and dancers. They are known in Kenya and world as the biggest entertainers of the tourists once they visit. The music is conducted by an olaranyani, or a song leader while the rest respond in unison. Normally, the Olaranyani is a talented vocalist who can lead the group in great harmonies.
Most of the songs are also meant to pass particular message which includes the traditions of that community. They use horns as the musical instruments which are played by trained members.
They are also known to be very artistic when it comes to decorating their bodies. Maasai make the red ochre which is used as dye for the young warriors who are known as the Moran. They are respected young people in the society and this ochre distinguishes them from the rest and to mark a transitional stage. They are also known to do beadwork which produces beautiful bangles and necklaces which they also sell to the tourists once they visit Kenya.
Religious traditions.
The Maasai people have been religious and believe in one supernatural being they call Enkai, that is, God. Traditionally, the Maasai people had a spiritual figure that they referred to as the Oloibon. This was the person who was supposed to guide the society through religious acts such as the offering of sacrifices. He was both a prophet and a diviner. This meant that he could foresee what the future held for the society and prepare them incase of any catastrophe. He could also foretell what was to happen in the community as he was thought to be in contact with the gods.
Today however, the traditional worship is slowly fading away as most of the Maasai are converted to Christianity or Muslim. They are slowly abandoning that kind of worship also because they are becoming enlightened through the formal education. Globalization has also affected them to some extent and they are beginning to borrow from the foreign cultures.
Death and burial customs.
Unlike the Mandinka people, there is no celebration after death among the Maasai. They are known to be nomadic pastoralists and therefore they have no permanent place of resident. Once a person dies, they are said to live them to be fed upon by the scavengers. They therefore don’t bury their loved ones and they do not hold any kind of celebrations for their honor.
However, the trend is slowly changing as many Maasais have begun acquiring land to practice agriculture instead of pastoralism. This is owing to the fact that climatic conditions have affected adversely the pastures and for the group to survive they need to look for alternative means to live. This change has also made them to honor the dead by burying them.
Conclusion
Culture is so diverse and this is what distinguishes one group from another in the society. People must appreciate that there is no inferior or superior cultures as each is perceived good in the eyes of the group practicing it. However, many ethnic groups are losing their culture today due to the effects of social change.
Reference:
Charry, Eric S. Mande Music: Traditional and Modern Music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western Africa. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226101614, 2000
Robert W. Nicholls. The Mocko Jumbie of the U.S. Virgin Islands; History and Antecedents. African Arts, Vol. 32, No. 3 pp. 48–61+94-96, 1999.
Elizabeth L. Gilbert: Broken Spears – a Maasai Journey. Atlantic Monthly Press. page 136. ISBN 0-87113-840-9, 2003
Preparing for an internship
Preparing for an internship
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Personal Reflection
Studying at master’s level has not only been interesting but also great steps towards realizing my aspirations in pursuing a future career in international business management. Having had a previous advantage in pursuing and acquiring graduate certificate in International Management from the University Of Salford (2013), the current studies at masters level serves a great deal in preparing and enhancing my capacity for a managerial position as is my aspirations.
Besides, my past as well as present engagement in working environment has served to improve on my desire and interest towards practicing international business management in the future. These experience and learning insights have become very fundamental in complementing the classroom experience where it has been serving as a practice session. The experience has given me a strong sense of competitiveness in carrying out management tasks and thus incorporating the classroom experience with the corporate work. Undertaking the role as translator, interpreting documents and liaising face-to-face with clients to ensure accuracy in the intended message has been much fulfilling as part of tasks that I undertake within my current job designation. Moreover, I enjoy drawing upon sound interpersonal and communicative abilities when dealing with sensitive client issues and ensuring the utmost discretion when handling private matters. I also have amassed excellent IT skills through the extensive use of MS Office Applications including Word and excel
My studies as a master’s student increases my capacity to handle complex assignments as are often handled within such a job designation and this works to increase my interest and exposure in the field. Through wide reading, I understand better and get new insights concerning human resource management practices as part of international business relations. Besides, I developed new skills in conducting surveys and interviews for data collection through the academic research and assignments. Besides, the academic research skills have been instrumental in perfecting my analytical skills while statistically analyzing the data collected. The experience perfected the art of making deductions and conclusions while conducting a research study besides making appropriate recommendations, as is part of the management responsibilities (Anon, nd, p. 18-20).
As management student at advanced level, the experience through past studies in the field have been and will be very fundamental in offering a real life experience in international business management issues within corporate sector. Besides, my hope to advance my studies in business management through postgraduate level will be realized upon the successful completion of my master’s studies and thus, the experience gained will be very instrumental while carrying out subsequent assignments both at internship as well as at my job placement after school. Moreover, my aspiration is to work in international business managerial positions and thus, studying management at masters is most relevant to my future career.
The compulsory internship programs for the master’s students as required in the curriculum also has a great role to play as it will give me an opportunity for assessing developed and acquired skills through learning as well as through practice (Anon, 2007, p.1). Among the basic skills to be considered are communication, learning, self management, team working, information literacy, information technology, numeracy, career management and development as well as critical thinking and decision making. However, despite exhibiting great competence in all the skills outlined, information technology rates a bit lower for the reason of incompetence in utilizing internet for academic research. This therefore forms my action point and I am determined to improve on it by the time I complete my master’s education program. This is because many international correspondences are currently being undertaken through such technology as internet and hence the need for proper mastery.
Preparing for an internship
The internship/placement experience is not only necessary for professional competence but it is also a mandatory requirement by the school. It is however worth noting that securing an internship position within international businesses as tedious and competitive as securing a professional job within the international businesses.
I intend to pursue a future career path in international business management with specialization in accountancy. Accountancy as a filed in international business management entails a number of competencies which the employers seek to identify within interested candidates to such a position. There are basic skills and competencies that the field of accountancy requires and they include in-depth understanding of accounting practices, principles, methods, theories as well as terminologies. Moreover, the specialization entails having mastery in office practices and such routines. Concerning financial control programs and practices, one is required to exhibit mastery in computerized accounting applications as well as terminologies. This is in accordance to the emerging trends in the field of accounting where modern accounting practices adopt the computerized systems for effectiveness and efficiency. Communication is equally vital; both written and spoken for efficiency in interpersonal relations. Errors and omissions are often encountered in accounting procedures, which therefore requires that practice is inevitable in order to avoid the effects of such errors towards an organization and individual practitioner’s career. Among the most known practices through which accounting errors are avoided is through embracing technology and embracing auditing procedures, practices and principles. Computerized accounting is also viewed to have greatly revolutionized the field of accounting through speedy accounting procedures, which increases efficiency and accuracy. The financial book entry procedures as well as costing knowledge is required in collecting, preparing, organizing, presenting and interpreting accurate as well as reliable financial reports and data.
The ability to solve and handle complex accounting issues and make reasonable and accurate recommendations are also prerequisite competencies that are necessary in the field of accountancy. This therefore resonates on the previously discussed attributes of effective communication and interpersonal relations/public relations (Michigan Civil Service Commission, 2006, p. 1-5). It is however worth noting that some countries as well as companies look for such other professional qualifications as CPA as well as CMA for substitution of entry-level experience, which is paramount in the field. This therefore shows that such qualifications allow a candidate to compete favorably against such other interested parties with the professional experience. It is also necessary that one notes on the essence of teamwork in the profession as interactions and complex issues would require the collaborative efforts in pursuit of solutions (Anonymous webpage, n.d, para 1-4). Reporting procedures on the other hand requires that accurate data is collected in order to write and present unbiased accounting reports. I therefore endeavor to perfect on such skills as presented in the discussion to be basic and prerequisite towards effectiveness and efficiency in the profession.
Key basic skills for accountancy Teamwork at the place of work (Anonymous webpage, n.d, para 1-2)
Improved public relations for Effective communication (Michigan Civil Service Commission, 2006, p. 1-5)
Computerized accounting experience requires mastery of computerized accounting procedures and programs to realize competency
Substitution of entry level experience in the field through mastery in CPA and CMA
I have small experiences in past placements, which worked to improve on management capacity as is well documented within my cv and relevant academic testimonials. This therefore explains m interest and enthusiasm in pursuing accountancy and management career for my future. Having previously studied basic economics stands to strengthen my capacity to deliver in international accountancy career. As a social science and the adoption of analytical skills for the studies in economic, the subject becomes vital in the career development. Besides, I continue to pursue my education to improve and polish on the competencies necessary for the field in context. I have and continues to improved my mastery in communications skills as well as computer proficiency for the purpose of relevance in the career line which requires the capacity to communicate in written and spoken language as well as exhibit mastery in computer packages (Gillis, 1990, p.68-69). However, my academic testimonials and cv fails to effectively express my skills in team work as basic traits for the accountancy field. Social functions such as peer dinners as well as leadership in academic clubs have been some of the instruments that have helped to refine my team working capacity. Besides, I have been very active in extracurricular activities such as sporting at lower levels of academics and in some instances being the leader. This would also reveal my competence in such teamwork and interpersonal relations.
I have therefore learnt that self-drive, excellent interpersonal relations as well as good decision-making competencies are all prerequisite to effectiveness in serving other people in an organization. This is from the understanding that people differ in a number of areas such as diversity exhibited by the diversity in peer cultures, practices, understanding as well as languages among students. Leadership position thus necessitates that one succeeds in mobilizing the team through unity towards common goals amidst all such differences noted.
Importance to my career: basic to my excellence in academics is the capacity to exploit the teamwork resource in discussions and assignments. This equips me in skills necessary in working with other persons now and in my aspirations as an accountant and in management portfolio. It presents me with an opportunity to appreciate diversity in decision making and reasoning which is prerequisite in team leadership (‘The Keynote Project’, 2002, p. 1-9).
A major setback in my career aspirations is in lack of prior exposure to accountancy responsibilities. The international accountancy field requires that one have experience and or back up of such professional courses as CMA and CPA (Cave, 1998-2009, para 1-5). The way out I overcoming such drawback is through enrolling for market experience as a graduate trainee, which would help me in polishing my skills in accountancy and improve in my competence in job market.
Action plan
In my pursuit of competence in the field of international business management in accountancy, I intend to take an action plan towards this course. The following professional development goals will form the basis of my action plan concerning being well prepared for the professional assignment being pursued (‘Institute for Archaeologists’, 2009, para 1-4).
Goal 1:
development goal I am currently determined to successfully completing my master’s studies in international business management as a necessity in commanding competence in international job market. Master’s level education is globally appreciated and recognized therefore explaining my desire to pursue the same (WPOE, 2008, p.1-17).
specific actions for the goal I am currently an MSc student in International Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University (2013/2014) which I look forward to enhancing my skills and competencies as well as marketing me in the international job front.
I also intend to secure internship opportunities in accountancy posts for some professional experience. It is also my intention to take such professional courses as CPA and CMA before I complete my studies for the job market.
Time frame for achievement of the above goal My postgraduate studies runs between the years 2013 and 2014 and thus, I look forward to completing my master’s studies by the end of 2014.
Goal 2:
Goal My interest is becoming competitive in technology as necessary in accountancy after my formal studies in master’s level. This would increase my opportunities in employment globally as the modern day is defined by technological advancement.
specific actions for the goal I intend to undertake studies in Computerized Accounting Programs because this would improve my capacity to utilize computer systems adopted in accountancy field. The modernized practices in accountancy have slowly replaced manual book keeping practices for the computerized systems and this is adopted for efficiency as well as security purposes. I therefore envision that such skills would be necessary to polish other skills that have been learnt elsewhere such as application packages in computers and this would boost my career competences.
Time frame for achievement of the above goal I purpose to enroll for a certificate in Computerized Accounting Programs between December 2013 and December 2014.
Goal 3:
Goal Accountancy involves many persons and so I look forward to boosting interpersonal relations skills. This is however just meant to harness the already acquired skills in interpersonal relations.
specific actions for the goal The specific actions for tjis would be through increased participation in voluntary accountancy, actively participate in group work and organizational assignments, progress my sporting activities as well as be vocal and participate in student leadership.
Time frame for achievement of the above goal I purpose to volunteer for public accountancy within government ministries before I graduate
In order to harness public speaking aspects, I would seek for such forums as parades and religious functions to address peers and public while still in school.
Dissertation and employability
I have had great dreams in working with an international business organization as an accountant and in management. This is a dream that have grown gradually in me since I was young as inspired by my father who works as an international relations manager within a shipping organization. Besides such an inspiration by my father, personal experience in the study of linguistics as well as in pursuing international business management has influenced my choice so much. This is because much of what I have been doing at various work designations have been much in customer relations and language interpretation logistics. The choice to major in accounts has also some influence on my love for arithmetic as well as past exposure in economic accounting. Investing higher in other professional courses is equally my plan in order to effectively and efficiently competes within the international job market. My studies at master’s level on international business management will serve to increase my exposure on management practices at an international front. As part of my experience, I intend to undertake an attachment with an international company through which my skills and knowledge will be boosted.
Moreover, it is a requirement of the school and international curriculum that students undertake a research study/dissertation as part of fulfillment of educational requirement for the master’s level. I therefore intend to undertake a dissertation on international accounting and requirements in order to understand on international frameworks of accounting and management. The skills gained in analyzing and making conclusions from international business management frameworks will work to improve on my capacity to secure an employment position within international organizations. Besides, my dissertation will be instrumental in establishing the most important attributes that employers within the international front seek for. It is my believe that through establishing the existing gaps between research studies done and the current situation in the field of international business management, this study will enlighten me on management practices which will be necessary to improve on my competitiveness in job market. I also feel competitive with the above discussed strengths in my career line. I aspire to work as a fully certified public accountant even at managerial position. This involves managerial roles with the accountant overseeing the working of the junior employees at the lower levels of accountancy.
Bibliography
Anonymous, n.d. Skills needed for a career in accounting — Presentation Transcript. Available at:< http://www.slideshare.net/nranatun/skills-needed-for-a-career-in-accounting>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
Anonymous, n.d. Accounting Basics. Available at:< HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?q=Important+Note%3A+The+text+in+this+chapter+is+intended+to+clarify+business-related+concepts.+It+is+not+intended+nor+can+it+replace+formal+legal+advice.+Before+taking+any+actions+relating+to+your+business%2C+always+consult+your+accountant+or+a+business+law%2Ftax+attorney.&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a” http://www.google.co.ke/search?q=Important+Note%3A+The+text+in+this+chapter+is+intended+to+clarify+business-related+concepts.+It+is+not+intended+nor+can+it+replace+formal+legal+advice.+Before+taking+any+actions+relating+to+your+business%2C+always+consult+your+accountant+or+a+business+law%2Ftax+attorney.&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
Cave J.L 1998 – 2009. Accounting Certifications / Professional Designations, CPA. Available at:< http://www.accountingmajors.com/accountingmajors/articles/certifications.html>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
Gillis M.M 1990. Developments In Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises, Accounting Communication Skills Can Be Taught In The Auditing Course. 17.
‘Institute for Archaeologists’, 2009. Continuing Professional Development. Available at:< http://www.archaeologists.net/development/cpd>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
Michigan Civil Service Commission, n.d. Job Specification, Accountant. Available at: < http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Accountant_11952_7.pdf>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
‘The Keynote Project’, 2002.Personal Development Planning Guide. Available at: < HYPERLINK “http://www.leeds.ac.uk/textiles/keynote/pdfs/Keynote_PDP.pdf” http://www.leeds.ac.uk/textiles/keynote/pdfs/Keynote_PDP.pdf>[Accessed 4 December, 2013].
WPOE, 2008.Employee Evaluation of Performance and Development Plan.Dartmouth College, 1.
Preparing Communities To Respond To Disaster
Preparing Communities To Respond To Disaster
Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc379019416” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc379019416 h 1
HYPERLINK l “_Toc379019417” Research Objectives PAGEREF _Toc379019417 h 1
HYPERLINK l “_Toc379019418” Background Information PAGEREF _Toc379019418 h 2
HYPERLINK l “_Toc379019419” Methodology PAGEREF _Toc379019419 h 2
HYPERLINK l “_Toc379019420” Conclusions and Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc379019420 h 3
IntroductionA strategy of community disaster preparedness and local capacity building provides individuals in the community with with the basic technical knowledge required to respond, survive, and recover from disasters. This requires a focus on humanitarian assistance, prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. An integrated response to disasters needs continuous training to help the communities to be more resilient when disasters happen. Natural disasters can have very devastating effects on communities, taking lives, and wiping out the hard earned assets of poor people in a matter of minutes. This kind of lose could be compounded by destruction of vital buildings, including health centres which are vital for the recovery , which are often as vulnerable as other types of infrastructure (Quarentelli, 2004).
The strategies involved in disaster management include: response preparation where individuals are prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters, sustaining infrastructure for community responders is where community based organisations have the necessary infrastructure in place to respond to emergencies and disasters, response to emergency and disaster is when people who experience an individual emergency or disaster have their immediate needs met, and response to emergency or disaster for special populations (Alexander, 2002).
Research ObjectivesThe study hopes to fulfil the following objectives:
To ascertain the help communities require to effectively respond to disasters
To address the issues of training the stakeholders
To impart knowledge to the communities, volunteers, individuals, families, and the general public on how to respond to disasters.
Background InformationAccording to Buchanan, (2000), the aim of making the community prepared for disaster is very necessary in sustaining the communities’ wellbeing in case of an emergency need. There are many types of disasters that may inflict communities such as hurricanes, flash floods, fire outbreak, and environmental threats. Concern over disasters is increasingly becoming very relevant, as population continuous to rise, populations shift, and people tend to live in high risk areas. High risk areas are prone to earthquakes, unstable hillsides, areas adjacent to hazardous waste, airports, and nuclear power plants. The list of risk of a disaster occurring is increasing as long as human lives, and it is upon the communities to be educated so as to be able to respond to disasters appropriately(Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 2011).
MethodologyThe research will draw its sample from the established target groups such as civic education groups, voluntary groups, and community based organisations. A random sample of subjects will be drawn from these target groups. The total simple random sample size will be 100 people from diverse demographic, occupation, ethnic, racial, and educational levels. Data collection tools will mainly be through questionnaires which will be emailed to the proposed respondents. Interview method will also be employed where it is not feasible to use questionnaires. Once the data is collected it will be coded and made ready for analysis.
Conclusions and RecommendationsThe primary intent of disaster preparedness and readiness is to avert losses, such as loss of lives, disability, and loss of income, social dislocation, and destructive consequences. The members of the community should be imparted with the necessary skills in life saving, and all members of the community, individuals, and families to be in a better position to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. Emergency response is needed as it is cost effective.
References
Buchanan, S. (2000). “Emergency preparedness.” from Paul Banks and Roberta Pilette. Preservation Issues and Planning. Chicago: American Library Association, 159–165
Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. (2011). Germany: DE GRUYTER. Retrieved 15 Apr. 2012, from HYPERLINK “http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jhsem” http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jhsem
Quarentelli, EL. (2004). “Emergencies, Disasters, and Catastrophes are Different Phenomena”. Preliminary Papers. University of Delaware Disaster Research Center
Alexander, D. (2002). Principles of Emergency planning and Management. Harpenden: Terra Publishing
Haddow, George D.; Jane A Bullock (2003). Introduction to emergency management. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann
Cuny, Fred C. (1983). Disasters and Development. HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford” o “Oxford” Oxford: HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_University_Press” o “Oxford University Press” Oxford University Press.
John Harrald in Agility and Discipline: Critical Success Factors for Disaster Response, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 2006; 604; 256
Buchanan, Sally. “Emergency preparedness.” from Paul Banks and Roberta Pilette. Preservation Issues and Planning. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000. 159–165.