A contingency theory perspective on the risk management control system within Birmingham City Council

In recent years the topic of risk management has moved up the agenda of both government and industry, and private sector initiatives to improve risk and internal control systems have been mirrored by similar promptings for change in the public sector. Both regulators and practitioners now view risk management as an integral part of the process of corporate governance, and an aid to the achievement of strategic objectives. The paper uses case study material on the risk management control system at Birmingham City Council to extend existing theory by developing a contingency theory for the public sector. The case demonstrates that whilst the structure of the control system fits a generic model, the operational details indicate that controls are contingent upon three core variables—central government policies, information and communication technology and organisational size. All three contingent variables are suitable for testing the theory across the broader public sector arena.

Birmingham City Council v Abdulla

Case law report - online

Entre rios e ruas: água, açude e tragédia em uma cidade do agreste potiguar (Santa Cruz, 1º de abril de 1981)

On the evening of April 1, 1981, the city of Santa Cruz was taken by a flood that destroyed the spillway weir Santa Cruz and much of the city, causing the population of the lower areas to abandon their homes. Residences and closest to the dam, the river and the creek Trairi Sin streets were totally affected, and many of the houses and public buildings completely destroyed. Located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the city of Santa Cruz is marked by a very hot climate and semi-arid. With an average normal rainfall of 498.7 mm per year, the city is affected by drought since the beginning of its foundation, around the year 1831. For its development had continued, it was necessary that the population actualize various environmental interventions Nature, especially as regards the storage and distribution of water. Considering the process of occupying the space in question, as well as the relationships that human groups have with the natural environment, we aim to analyze how human interventions affect the environment around them, modifying it to meet their needs and interests. Thus, we intend to understand how media coverage enabled the construction of a framework of tragedy. We intend to observe how the occupation of Santa Cruz led to the modification of their surroundings, trying to discuss the effects of human intervention on natural disasters. Among the research sources include newspapers A República, Diário de Natal, Tribuna do Norte, O Poti and Folha de São Paulo, as well as interviews with the then mayor of Santa Cruz, Hildebrando Teixeira de Souza, and with the couple José Henrique de Pontes and Severina Aguida de Pontes, whose house was hit by the flood. We will also take messages from the state government, the minutes of the city council of Santa Cruz and reports produced by DNOCS on the construction of the weir and its survey after the flood.

City Council President Carol Bellamy at City Hall for the Women's March

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

First woman City Council President of New York City Carol Bellamy

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

City Council President and NY State Senator Karen Burstein, on left, at International Women's Year conference in Houston

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

First woman City Council President of New York City Carol Bellamy

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Betty Friedan with City Council Woman Carol Greitzer at Second Women's March

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Bella Abzug at ERA Rally in NYC with City Council woman Miriam Friedlander behind Bella

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Pete Fisher of GAA speaking to City Council for Intro 2

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

AIDS benefit press conference at Madison Square Garden, Ted Weiss, NY City Council presents a $500 check to Mel Rosen

General note: Title provided by Bettye Lane

Gays in balcony before City Council defeat of gay civil rights bill Intro 2

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.