Crisis Management vs Supply & Demand

With the current hurricane season already producing unprecedented occurrences of weather systems across the globe in tandem with the current pandemic, it is imperative for nations to continue vigilance as we approach the end of the season. The management and handling of natural or man-made disasters is essential to the survival of mankind, and it is imperative that any crisis of epic proportion must be handled efficiently and in accordance with established international laws with regard to locale, safety and security, the provision and availability of resources, and the treatment of affected individuals within the rules of law. Disasters such as a hurricane, flood or fire has serious economic implications if not handled in an efficient and sustained manner to minimize a waste of time, resources and efforts.

Looking at the governments across the world especially in areas where natural disasters are more frequent, it is essential to note how responsive these government are in efficiently managing these disasters. While many see democratic industrialized nations as more proficient in resolving these problems due to an abundance of resources, they are in many ways hampered by bureaucracy. It is important to note that such countries response to an international event in another nation can be more efficient compared to one occurring in a host country, and so many will suffer not because of lack of resources, but by the manner in which varying government agencies react in a timely manner by working together effectively. This has been the dilemma within many democratic and republic governments as decisions are made not by any one individual, but by a group of individuals intent only on their own portfolio instead of the collective good of a nation. Although these political systems of government are indeed preferred for economic development/sustenance, the economic systems that are best suited for the handling of these disasters are the Communist or Socialist economic systems. This is so due to the structure of these systems where the head of state is led by a dictator, so decisions are arrived at more quickly so that there is minimal delay in moving into action. If/when an efficient plan is in place the speed of decision-making will greatly enhance responsive time and effort.

Socialist States are more apt to be able to have the resources ready to move into action as the machine for solving disaster problems are in the possession of the state. The socialist system is one in which decision-making is in the hand of a few, especially those states having dictatorship, where the leader (Dictator) has the final say in most if not all decisions. A socialist economic system is one in which government interference is rampant, resources are limited to the citizens through control by the government, allowing for distortion of goods and services within the market and the economy, giving rise to extortion and a thriving black-market system.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5780821_define-socialist-economic-system.html

http://science.blurtit.com/2528039/what-advantages-might-a-socialist-system-have-in-responding-to-the-needs-of-people-struck.

In looking at the emergency situation like the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, one would recognize that the effort in recovery was inadequate due to lack of resources due to poverty, and hampered by lack of definitive leadership allowing for increase lawlessness, victimization of the citizens and instances of adverse health concerns. Yet on examination of hurricane Katrina (2005) and Hurricane Irma & Harvey (2017) showed how an advanced nation such as the U.S in many ways failed in its responsiveness to manage effectively even with adequate resources at its disposal.

A socialist system would provide such leadership, ably deploying needed supplies to affected regions, its citizens, and spearheading a concerted effort in getting the aid necessary to address the situation. Democratic governments are encumbered by bureaucratic procedures that are detrimental to timeliness of responses.

http://socialismoryourmoneyback.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-un-natural-disaster.html. Victims of the disaster in Haiti lacked necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter and medicine. These resources would have been readily available within a socialist system, and under proper management and leadership, would have made an immediate impact in solving some of the challenges faced by the inhabitants of the island.

Supply and Demand

It is safe to suggest that individuals as well as businesses make every effort to have on hand inventories for supply in case of disasters. Sometimes such inventory levels can be challenged as a result of the severity of an event. Interestingly, the end of the Hurricane Season mark the onset of the winter season in the northern hemisphere, and it is critical for businesses as well as households to prepare for winter storms by making preparations for supplies of food, fuel and medical/first-aid for emergencies. This too is part of disaster preparedness as the need for sustainable food supply can determine the level of survival for individuals. The aim is to stock up on food items that can be stored over extended periods of time yet remain in good condition retaining its nutritional value. These include canned, bottled, packaged and cured food items.

 Businesses provide goods and services to consumers due to demands for products. The goal and intent of every business is to provide a product or service to as many customers as possible in order to increase revenue and further continuance of the busines. Currently, the high demand for consumer commodities and the limited movement of goods and services during this time is driving the higher cost of products. The key to business activities is supply and demand and these elements are important to the development and viability of businesses. Goods and services are provided to consumers who are expected to pay a price for such exchange.  Amounts manufactured or produced are defined as supply, and the amount people are willing to buy is referred to as demand, During the winter months the demand for food and fuel to provide nutrition and heat for homes and businesses is at a high, yet the price of fuel and food are expensive normally, and even more so since the pandemic.

It is vitally important for individuals to stock up on necessary items including emergency kits to manage supplies as the forecast is for another wave of COVID-19 in addition to the approaching winter season. Also, manufacturers of heating oil have limited capacities and the production and transportation cost for this commodity is extremely high during the winter as they only produce heating oil for the colder months. Delayed production is the catalyst for increasing oil prices to consumers, although demand is high throughout the winter months, the cost of production remains high.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5029925_home-heating-oil-expensive-gasoline.html. No matter how much we consume, there remain huge gaps in what we need and what we are willing to accept

References

Adrian, Slywotzky & Webber, Karl (Oct 4, 2011). Demand: Creating What People Love Before They Want It./252839

http://www.ehow.com/facts-5029925-home-heating-oil-expensive-gasoline-html.

http://socialismoryourmonetback.blog.com/2010/07/haiti-un-natural-disaster.html.

http://science.blurtit.com/2520839/what-advantages-might-a-socialist-system-have-in– responding-to-the-needs-of-people-struck.

http://www.ehow.com/facts-5780821-defines-socialist-economic-system.html.