Saturday, December 31, 2011

Which is more challenging, managing cash flow in a non-profit or a regular business? Why?

Managing cash flows in a non profit is much more difficult than managing cash flows from a regular business. Cash flows in a non profit organization is difficult to manage because there is uncertainty in the capital they will gain to fund their operation. whereas in a regular business it is easy to forecast revenue from previous financial statements and plan for projected economic growth. Non profits have variable cash flows due to the different projects they are allocating capital too. whereas a regular business is confident and certain of the cash flowing in and out of the business. 

List the two most common reasons why NGO's disband/fail.

Poor management - non profit leaders rarely have the expertise to successfully manage a non profit organization. Therefore, they lack the ability to recognize when the organization is failing to achieve the organizational goals.

Insufficient capital - being a non profit organization there is no revenue being generated from selling a product or service. They look to find diverse ways to gain capital to support there organizations mission. This is extremely difficult for organizations to find investors that will support there cause. In effect this causes non profit organizations to fail or abandon the operation. 

List the two greatest achievements of NGO's in Malawi

Hunger and poverty go hand in hand. Non profits in Malawi have been successful in reducing the hunger and poverty levels. Specialist have taught people better methods to harvest larger crops which in return creates more food to consume and sell. Slowly but surely non profits are educating Malawians to better their lives and rise above poverty and hunger. 
Education has been a huge accomplishment for non profits in Malawi. They have assisted Malawian students to pay and and attend secondary school. They have helped to create a better environment for students to learn by supplying schools with the necessary materials for students to learn. 

Friday, December 30, 2011

What is the difference between sustainability and sustainable development?

There are some notable differences that make sustainability and sustainable development separate ideologies. Sustainability attempts to approach issues with an environmentalist aspect whereas sustainable development attempts to approach issues with a business aspect or infrastructure aspect. Sustainability is focused on reducing consumption and changing our lifestyles to save the environment. On the contrary, sustainable development focuses on establishing infrastructure that will in effect induce a steady incline of economic growth while keeping the environment clean. There is a major issue when trying to define either of these terms because there is not a correct definition or criteria that defies what a need is. 

What is the definition of a sustainable process?

A sustainable process is taking a course of action that reduces an existing carbon footprint or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When trying to alter a process into a sustainable state it requires a course of action that is extensive and tedious. To properly sustain and environmental issue takes strategic planning and execution. A sustainable process is necessary when attacking an issue because you have to observe an immediate solution and long term solutions. If the process is successful each component will work in harmony. 

How does it encompass inter-generational and intra-generational equity?

Sustainable development encompasses two components inter-generational and intra-generational equity.  Sustainable development focuses on and attempts to meet the current needs for this generation without jeopardizing the needs for future generations. In other words, actions that we make today should consider what the impact or outcomes it will have in the future.