Evan Williams, the co-founder of Twitter reveals that many of the ideas driving its growth came from unexpected uses invented by the users themselves.
Archive for March, 2010
L&D professionals come out in support of the all new IITT
2010
03.29
03.29
The Institute of IT Training’s decision to become a self-governing body has been endorsed by thought leaders in the learning and development space.
L&D professionals come out in support of the all new IITT from
OECD: Britain meets aid promises, EU partners fall behind
2010
03.27
03.27
In 2005, the 15 EU countries who are members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) committed to spend 0.51 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2010. Today, the OECD reported that Britain was among a number of countries to have met that commitment but centre-right governments across Europe are falling behind.
Other DAC countries made varying ODA commitments for 2010, and most, but not all, will fulfil them:
• The United States pledged to double its aid to sub-Saharan Africa between 2004 and 2010.
• Canada aimed to double its 2001 International Assistance Envelope level by 2010 in nominal terms.
• Australia aimed to reach $A4 billion.
• New Zealand plans to achieve an ODA level of $NZ 600 million by 2012-13.
The OECD projects that all four countries appear on track to meet these objectives. Meanwhile, Norway will maintain 1 per cent GNI spending, and Switzerland will likely reach 0.47 per cent of its GNI. The net result is that overseas aid will reach record levels in 2010, a 35 per cent increase since 2004. But despite this success there will be a significant shortfall as several major rich countries – including three centre-right led countries: France, Germany and Italy – have missed their 0.51 per cent targets, while Japan is $4 billion short of the $10 billion it pledged.
Overall, this means that while aid has increased by $27 billion on 2004 levels, OECD countries are $21 billion short of what they promised in 2005. This is partly because lower-than-expected GNI because of the economic crisis, but it is mainly because certain rich countries have failed to meet their commitments. Eckhard Deutscher, Chair of the DAC, noted that:
“Aid has increased strongly as 16 donors have honoured their commitments. But it will still fall considerably short of what was promised. These commitments were made and confirmed repeatedly by heads of governments and it is essential that they be met to the full extent.”
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
“Keeping our aid promises has never been more important as the world emerges from an economic crisis that has dragged millions of people back into poverty. I am very pleased that the OECD recognises that the UK is honouring pledges made at Gleneagles in 2005 – particularly on doubling aid to Africa.
“It is disappointing that with only five years left to meet the Millennium Development Goals there is such a shortfall in the levels of aid needed to meet them. It is now vital for other nations to step up to the plate. All governments are currently facing difficult choices but commitments made to the world’s poorest people must not become empty promises.”
Max Lawson, Oxfam senior policy adviser:
“Overseas aid is more important than ever in the midst of an economic crisis that is pushing millions more people into poverty. The missing $21 billion could pay for every child to go to school, and could save the lives of 2 million of the poorest mothers and children.”
The shortfalls of aid commitments will reinforce the calls by campaigners for a Robin Hood Tax. The Financial Transaction Tax would offer a more regular and reliable source of vital funds needed to provide the sort of long-term predictable aid needed to support developing countries build poverty alleviating institutions such as national health and education systems.
OECD: Britain meets aid promises, EU partners fall behind from Left Foot Forward
TrainingZone live launches
2010
03.27
03.27
If you haven’t had a chance to look over the programme for the exclusive TrainingZone Live yet, you could be missing a trick.
On 25 and 26 of May, some of the leading figures in the sector will be gathering in London to take part in two days of industry insight and cutting-edge learning and development.
Nasty party: Tory poster spoof swaps humour for bile
2010
03.26
03.26
After three rounds of Tory poster spoofs, ConservativeHome have today launched their own spoof website of a spoof website of Conservative posters.
Confused? They seem to be, exchanging humour with bile, mocking anyone on benefits as being scroungers and suggesting that the Labour government is on the side of burglars. You can take a look for yourself at the new site, ‘I’ve never voted Labour before‘.
But even a spoof of a spoof can be spoofed.
And we wouldn’t be Left Foot Forward without a good stat so (hat-tip @Jessica_Asato):
Benefit fraud: 0.6% of expenditure, including error = c£2.7bn. Tax havens = c£18.5bn: http://bit.ly/apTU9A <why I don’t like @mylabourposter
Nasty party: Tory poster spoof swaps humour for bile from Left Foot Forward
Powerpoint Presentation
2010
03.24
03.24
How can I set up a presentation in 2007, thta enables me to see presenters notes on my computer but they are not see on the slide presentation. Any help would be appreciated.
Brussels “expenses scandal” not in same league as Westminster
2010
03.23
03.23
Following reports that the European Union is about to face “an expenses scandal that could dwarf” that in Westminster, the Office of the European Parliament has told Left Foot Forward that there is no scandal, and the system in Brussels is nothing like the one in Britain.
Last week The Daily Telegraph published an article about the parliament’s recovery of £3 million of “wrongly claimed” allowances, without explaining the process involved.
Whereas MPs submitted claims to the fees office, for which they were reimbursed, MEPs and staff are given allowances in advance; receipts are then submitted and the difference either recovered or paid out, explained a spokesman for the European Parliament.
He said:
“There may have been individual cases of expenses abuses, but it’s not widespread. MEPs and their staff are not routinely submitting spurious expense claims.
“Indeed the European parliament commissioned a report to look into this, and where there are weaknesses in the system and loopholes, they should be fixed, but the system here is simply not like that in the House of Commons.”
On the way the issue is reported by the Eurosceptic press, the spokesman added:
“I’m not saying everything the Telegraph writes [about Europe] is wrong, it’s just biased, they never give the whole story, it’s not a balanced view.”
Brussels “expenses scandal” not in same league as Westminster from Left Foot Forward
Operational efficiency training
2010
03.22
03.22
I need some help thinking up a theme about operational efficiency training for a Security company in South Africa. We have got the following modules.
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Value Chain
- Innovation
- Change Mangement (operational engagement) Impact analysis and risk management
- CIP (Kaizen approach)
The customer uses six sigma in the organisation.
Any IDEAS Please
Thanks
Tracey
Everyone Likes a Bit of Slap & Tickle!
2010
03.21
03.21
My team were horrified last week when I explained my latest management technique to them… ‘Slap & Tickle’.
When I suggested posting it on the website they all cringed! But sometimes it’s something that repeatedly makes you smile that has the greatest impact in helping you alter your behaviour.
Free resources: Piece negotiations
2010
03.19
03.19
Another great free resource. This group energiser also focuses on boosting negotition skills.
A big thank you to Andrew Wood of Trainer Bubble for supplying this.
