ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Reaction What is my Gut Reaction to this Work of Art? One of the most famous artworks by Rene Magritte (The Son of Man) made a good impression on me from the first sight because this painting is unique in comparison with other works of the same genre (surrealism). The picture’s unordinary appearance made me stare at it for an extended period to understand every aspect that the author wanted to depict and demonstrate to the audience. Moreover, my emotional response implies the admiration for the genius combination of bright and grey colors mixed in this piece of art (Anderson 29). The man in this picture stands near the parapet in the maritime city. A viewer is always attracted by the apple that levitates in front of the man’s face and makes it impossible to see his countenance. Perceptual Analysis Why Does It Make me Feel that Way? This picture made me interested in what was depicted in it from the first sight because its composition was attractive due to the wide range of shades and the scenery that can never be witnessed in real life (Anderson 35). The waters in this painting are calm, whereas the sky is grey and almost stormy. Moreover, the main object of this picture is undefined as it can be the hovering apple or the man in the suit whose face presents a certain riddle for the audience. Representation What are the Most Obvious Thematic and Formal Qualities? The most obvious thematic quality of the picture (The Son of Man) is a mystery as the apple represents something that people want to see or happen instead of their colleagues’ or friends’ real individualities and emotions (Magritte). Formal qualities that are present in this art creation are the following:   * The line is bold and organic   * Shape is 3D and geometric   * Space is 2D and empty   * Tone is contrasting   * Color is neutral   * Textures are tactual What is it? The picture represents modern society and its attitude towards every individual. The apple that makes an obstacle for the audience to see the man’s face must demonstrate the barrier that other people face when dealing with unacquainted personalities (Magritte). Moreover, the artist wanted the audience to understand that everything that is hidden or remains unachievable in the nearest future attracts people’s attention and becomes even more fascinating than it truly is (Anderson 28). In this case, it is the man’s face that is hidden, and everyone strives to see his emotions. Formal Analysis What Elements and Principles Strike You as Significant in the Work and How Do They Contribute to the Visual Experience? As it is mentioned above, such factors as contrasting weather, the depicted man’s undefined identity, and facial emotions remain the most interesting objects in the picture. The grey sky and the calm lake (or sea) contributes to my visual experience by symbolizing the lour and unfriendly crowd that surrounds every person daily. In turn, the main character’s hidden face makes me look through the apple (Anderson 30). Perhaps, the author wanted people to understand that is necessary to omit some physical objects to see someone’s inner world (that might be represented by the light blue stream on the ba
It is important for John or any other employee looking to file discrimination complaints against their employer to understand their rights and the processes involved in taking such measures. The federal laws that help in the restriction of unfair employment practices against employees in America are implemented by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “These laws are put in place to protect employees from discrimination that involves unfair treatment at the workplace because of sex (including discrimination because of pregnancy), race, religion, nationality, disability, age or genetic information” (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC], 2009). Discriminatory practices such as harassment by supervisors or managers, denial of reasonable workplace accommodation because of factors such as those listed above and retaliation because of complaints made about discrimination or unfair treatment because of assisting in a job discrimination lawsuit or investigation add to the practices prohibited by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If any of the practices listed above describe the type of discriminatory treatment John is receiving from his employer then the first step for John to take would be to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC before moving to file a job discrimination lawsuit against his employer. Some of the information John will need to provide when filling discrimination charges with the EEOC is his personal contact details, workplace contact details and a brief description of events that lead him to file discrimination charges plus supporting documents if any. He should also include the dates the event took place, the contact details of any witnesses and a contact person that can be reached in the event that John is not reachable. The EEOC will also need information on whether John has filed similar discrimination charges with a local fair employment practice agency or state. According to the EECO Anti Discrimination Laws, all charges of discrimination must be registered with the commission within 180 days from the date the discrimination took place. “The 180 calendar day filing deadline is extended to 300 calendar days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis” (EEOC, 2009). Regardless of timelines, providing filing charges as soon as possible is the best approach for John. After discrimination charges are filed the EEOC may request that John settle the dispute through mediation, a process that entails a confidential, informal approach in which a neutral mediator is involved. If the EEOC does not deem the involvement of an intermediary as necessary or the negotiation process proves unsuccessful, then the charges are handed over to an investigator. The time period of an investigation depends on a number of factors, including the amount of information needed. Once investigations are complete and no violations are found then a Notice of Right to Sue is provided, giving John permissio
Analysing the Case Strategic problem statement Following Trian Fund Management LP’s announcement of Tiffany’s undervaluation, Tiffany became challenged to re-examine ways of increasing its shareholder value. Tactical problem statement Tiffany has prevented dilution of its brand name by limiting its sales growth, number of stores opened annually and not licensing the brand name to other entities (Hess 167). However, increasing its shareholder value means that the company needs to increase its presence in the market. Identification of issues and symptoms Case Exercise: Tiffany and Company (Tiffany) Tiffany was a leader in luxury jewellery brand with $2.6 billion generated globally from sales. The company even reduced the number of stores it opened in the U.S. though it could open 45 stores. Exclusivity of its products protected them from dilution and while opening fewer stores prevented production of low quality products. However, with Tiffany’s realisation that it had the potential to increase its shareholder value, the company was forced to consider two strategic moves to achieve this. Lloyd and Davis (par. 1) note that creation of shareholder value depends primarily on the growth of revenue and return on invested capital in surplus of capital cost. This can be through opening more stores quickly or licensing the company’s brand to the Italian company. However, it is important for managers to avoid blindly seeking to improve their companies’ shareholder value as they may end up destroying these values (Rappaport, par. 1). Symptom 1 : With recognition of Tiffany as a major jewellery dealer in America, it believes that it can maintain its competitive edge even after increasing the number of its stores. Issue 1: (Strength) Tiffany’s long history and achievements in the jewellery business gives it ability to easily expand its operations. The potential profitability of the expansion is guaranteed as Tiffany has numerous customers. Tiffany has notable achievements that ensure that it is firmly positioned in its primary market. Companies that use the product concept as their guiding principle focus on high quality and innovative products to retain their customers (Kotler 11). Tiffany’s products of high quality have helped in ensuring customers remain loyal to the brand through time. Symptom 2 : The Italian company will help Tiffany to quickly sell its products to many customers while allowing Tiffany to save on logistics and warehousing. Issue 2: (Threat) Tiffany may need to revise its operational strategies and management policies in order to conform to those of the Italian company. Tiffany may be forced
Abstract Internal combustion engines (ICEs) have served humanity for a long time. Since the invention of ICEs in the late 1800, our lives have greatly relied on ICE machines. However, recent developments in environmental conservation have seen increased pressure for engineers to make IC engines more efficient. This pressure coincides with the global quest to make machines ‘greener’ and more environmentally friendly. From this movement, many engineers have explored ways to improve ICE efficiency. After exploring ICE types, their application, recent technological advancements in improving the performance of ICEs, and the obstacles that prevent the realisation of optimum efficiency for these engines, this paper proposes the adoption of variable valve timing, turbo chargers, cylinder deactivation, and direct injection technologies as possible ways to increase the efficiency of ICEs. These new technologies advance possible alternatives for improving the internal combustion engine efficiency. Introduction The internal combustion engine has attracted a lot of attention among observers for its efficiency needs. Indeed, through the emission of greenhouse gases from internal combustion engines, ICEs have contributed significantly to the global carbon footprint. Apart from ICEs, engineers are developing more fuel-efficient machines. The process of developing efficient machines bases its principles on two processes – reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency. There are many types of internal combustion engines but Sanguri (2010) demonstrates that all ICEs work the same way. The ICE combustion model characterises the ignition of fuel (by mixing air and fuel) to compress gases and produce energy ICEs have always failed to provide maximum performance (compared to the fuel injected). In fact, Sanguri (2010) explains that most ICEs are inefficient because users enjoy only 20% of the total energy produced from the burning engine. Fortunately, engineers are exploring new ways of improving fuel efficiency today. Most of these developments anchor on the advancement of computer technology. In fact, computer technology controls most car engines produced today. However, computer technology has not been able to solve most of the efficiency concerns for ICEs. This paper proposes five strategies for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICE). These strategies anchor on new technologies used in the past five years to increase engine efficiency. They include direct injection, cylinder deactivation, turbo chargers, variable valve timing, and the use of clean fuel. However, before analysing these technologies, this paper explores the application of ICEs, types of internal combustion engines and the possible opportunities and challenges that exist in optimising engine efficiency. Application of ICEs For a long time, ICEs have powered movable machines. Mainly, the application of ICEs has been to propel movable machines. These machines include cars, boats, and aircrafts. Sometimes ICEs
Stakeholder mapping is the process of identifying the individuals or groups that have a claim to an organization (Freeman 2010, pp. 44-113). Stakeholder mapping is a very important tool in strategy development due to the following reasons. First, it helps in identifying the relevant groups, entities, and people whose interests have to be satisfied by the company. Virtually all strategies that are developed by organizations are meant to satisfy the needs of their stakeholders. Thus, a strategy cannot be developed before the identification of the relevant stakeholders. Second, stakeholder mapping facilitates an understanding of the perspectives and interests of various stakeholders. Undoubtedly, stakeholders have varied interests that often conflict (Ansoff 2007, pp. 21-56). For instance, customers may want a price reduction to purchase adequate amounts of various goods and services. However, the managers of the selling company may be interested in a price increase to achieve their profit objectives. In this case, an effective marketing strategy can only be developed in the interests of each stakeholder is clearly understood and taken into account. Third, stakeholder mapping enables managers to understand the importance of various stakeholders. The most important stakeholders are those whose needs and interests have to be fulfilled for the organization to achieve its mandate. Customers are often considered the most important stakeholders in business organizations. As a result, companies often ignore other important stakeholders such as suppliers and employees as they try to satisfy customers’ needs (Simmons 2008, pp. 463-475). This leads to dissatisfaction among employees and suppliers who in turn fail to act in the interest of the company and its customers. Therefore, stakeholder mapping has to be done to facilitate a clear understanding and prioritization of the needs of various stakeholders. Fourth, stakeholder mapping is an important tool for evaluating the influence that various stakeholders have on the organization and its strategies. Stakeholders have different levels of influence on the organization (Freeman 2010, pp. 81-113). For instance, the shareholders and managers of companies have great influence due to their authority and ability to determine resource allocation. In this case, an effective strategy can only be developed if the organization can strike a balance between the influence and importance of various stakeholders. For instance, industry regulators are very influential but not very important to businesses. By contrast, customers are very important but lack influence in companies. In this respect, there will be a conflict of expectations that can only be addressed if the relative influence and importance of various stakeholders are taken into account. Finally, stakeholder mapping is necessary to ensure adequate support during strategy development. It helps managers to identify relevant stakeholders such as employees, the community, and regulators whose support is necessary to develop and implement a strategy (J
Employees working at a Production Plant Abstract Provision of up to date and comfortable work environment is one of the determinants of employee motivation and performance in the present day business context. Organizations strive to improve the physical work environments to enhance employee satisfaction leading to enhanced overall organizational performance. Failure to provide conducive work environment will lead to employee dissatisfaction increasing the employee turnover. In this context, this research undertakes to examine the impact of improvements in the work environment in the production plant of a multinational firm. Semi-structured interviews among the selected employees of the organization were conducted to draw in-depth information on the actual and perceived difficulties faced by certain classes of employees together with suggestions to improve the work environment. The findings of the research offers several suggestions with regard to the improvements in the canteen, provision of a proper resting place, extension of all welfare measures to the female employees working in the production plant, appointing mentors, improving communication between the managers and employees and among the employees and educating managers to deal properly with the expatriate employees, which have large implications for the management and which will go a long way in improving the productivity of the production plant by improving the motivation of the employees. Introduction The present day corporate management faces a new challenge of creating a work environment that can attract, retain and motivate its workforce. It is the responsibility of the management to ensure the employees enjoy a conducive work environment, which will enhance the employee satisfaction and lead to improved productivity. Businesses are expected to step outside the traditional roles and provide maximum comfort in the work environment, as work environment has a direct impact on the employee retention. It is important that the organizations strive to create a work environment in which employees enjoy what they do and enhance their work potential. Costa and Holland (1984) assert that people select their employment matching their personalities. Judge and Cable (1997) observe that job applicants choose organizational environments, which suit their individual preferences. According to Hurtz and Donovan (2000), it is of greater significance in the context of organizational performance that the relationship between personality characteristics and specific work environments will have strong influence on the employee performance. The workplace in today’s context is diverse and is subject to constant changes. Therefore, quality of the workplace environment is one of the major determinants of employee motivation and performance. The extent to which the employees feel committed to the organization, especially in the context of the fitness of the workplace has a large influence on the mistakes committed by the employees, the ability to innovate, the extent of mingling with co-workers, away from duty and finally t
Introduction Strategic management entails implementing and developing an airline or company’s goals and initiatives, which will foresee it, possesses a competitive advantage over its perceived competitors within the same field. The aviation industry has recorded a tremendously faster growth over the decade due to the demand for cargo and tourism worldwide (Dube, Nhamo, & Chikodzi, 2021). The analysis is likely to use methods such as Porter’s Five Force, strategic capabilities entailing the VRIO framework, competence, and resources, benchmarking, technology advancement, and value chain analyses. Purpose of the research This research report aims to provide strategies that are considered generic, orientational, and appropriate for making decisions that are deemed to contain a global impact on Etihad Airlines. This is necessary since it seeks to offer a competitive advantage to the airline while extrapolating its capabilities for survival. Furthermore, it seeks to analyze and assess the airline during this COVID-19 pandemic period. An alternative that is pertinent to assist Etihad Airlines in overcoming the significant decline in passenger numbers during this period will also be outlined. This uses essential concepts and periods coupled with different businesses that will significantly facilitate the realization of Etihad Airline to be competitive and remain relevant. Literature Review The changing business environment, externally and internally, has prompted organizations to design methods essential for their survival. These shifting demand components tend to impact a firm’s market size and value position, prompting an organization to apply architecture to link these elements together within the appropriate timeframe (Saebi, Lien, & Foss, 2017). Similarly, this issue will be solved if a company employs strategic planning to improve its performance toward meeting its long-term obligations (George, Walker, & Monster, 2019). Designing strategies will assist airlines to effectively be in positions in which they cannot be disadvantaged by the changing market needs likely to lock them out of business. The needs of people require services they perceive as efficient and affordable concerning time costs and usage. The demand for a full-service airline is diminishing among the users, while a witnessed trend is the rise in the need for a carrier providing low-cost services (Simarmata et al., 2017). The introduction of a newer baggage policy by Etihad Airways, setting an allowance in all markets except for the United States and Canada, was aimed at targeting passengers’ attention towards using their services. Furthermore, Etihad Airways has entered into partnerships with leading airlines worldwide by buying shares (The Huffington Post, 2018). These seem to be a strategic move aimed at exploiting the aviation market segment in all dimensions and attracting more passengers to the airline. People utilize the airlines for the
The situation of discrimination with the following dehumanization of the definite groups of people often depends on the factor of differences which can be racial and ethnical, social, economic, and cultural. In his book, Ronald Takaki concentrates on the problem of relations between civilized colonists and Indians and on the issue of slavery as the next controversial point in the American history, determining the most important aspects of the question. The actions of the colonists in America toward the native Indian populations were based on the desire to gain the economic benefits, and the institution of slavery with all its features was also developed because of the economic advantages of this structure for plantation owners. To achieve their economic goals, white Americans used the principle of discrimination because of the racial or ethnical difference between Indians, Africans, and white people in order to justify the facts of dehumanization with references to the natural distinctions between the races. The colonists discussed the Indian population as ‘savage’, the Indians were the ‘others’, and these people prevented colonists from their main goal to conquer more territories in order to increase the possibilities for cultivating tobacco and other crops (Takaki, 1993). Thus, the Indians were heathens and followed their ‘brutal’ instincts. According to Takaki, “Indians seemed to lack e