ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Kazakhstan, the most flourishing economy among the Central Asian States, is one of the countries where franchising is abundant. While its economy is predominantly based upon its vast natural resources such as oil, franchising is an increasingly entrepreneurial venture for businesspersons in the country. Kazakhstan’s main trade partners include Russia, Germany, China, Italy, France, and increasingly, the United States among others (EEFA, 2002, pg 1). The Kazakhstan economy mainly imports is machine apparatus, products of metal and food items. On the other hand, its exports include oil and the oil products, grain, chemicals, wool and meat among others (Dicken, 2003, p. 4). Even though it is a term that has been with us for sometime, franchising is a fairly new phenomenon is Kazakhstan, and therefore, it has not reached its full application and potential in that country. Regardless of this, Kazakhstan is the leading country in franchising business in Central Asia just as it is the leading economy in that part of the world. A number of brands originating from the United States are already ingoing the Kazakhstan market even though at a small-scale level and rate (Parshina, 2009, p. 2). Entrepreneurs are thus becoming deeply interested, from not only United Kingdom, Italy and the countries aforementioned, but also the United States of America (Dicken, 2003 pg 4). This paper therefore seeks to address franchising specifically focusing on Kazakhstan, and with relationships that it has with other countries such as Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States among others. While at that, the paper explores the true meaning of franchising, legal dynamics of franchising especially in Kazakhstan, a critical assessment of franchising in the country with reference to competition both foreign and domestic, as well as the market bottlenecks and opportunities available for exploration in so far as franchising is concerned. Meaning of the term of franchising Brimer and Smith-Porter (2004) reckon that to ‘franchise’ is one of the terms, which is at the largest part distorted, misunderstood if not abused in the business world. The central argument here is that the word is often used in the portrayal of the assessment attached to an individual or a trade name or in the description of an association or a relationship. Beyond that, it is often used in building in consequential proficient and vigorous economic existence and co-existence (Dicken, 2007, pg 49). The confusion he notes, predominantly relates to the fact that franchising involves two parties which are the ‘franchisor and the franchisee’. The trendy press, however, always tends to be more focused on the strain, anxiety and the litigation associated with franchi
The organization’s mission, vision and new business strategy: For fifty- years Trafalgar Company had a very successful tradition of producing a popular consumer product. Its name and its product were synonymous in public’s mind due to its quality and strong market position. Its basic product is sold throughout the world and can be used in variety of applications. Initially, the competition came mainly from American and Japanese companies and also from German and English producers. However, with its superb distribution system and centralised manufacturing, the competitors were not able to provide the wide range of quality product and consumer services. Now the company is facing competition from worldwide producers, the quality and price of the competitive products are threatening the company’s market position. Trafalgar’s fundamental principle was to maintain the market share, as a result demanded price adjustments, due to the current market situation. The core Mission of the company is to retain the strong market position that the company use to have before the onset of the worldwide competition by providing quality product at less than the price of the competitor and to retain the faith of its customers. The company’s vision is to provide the market with the better quality product at more affordable price than the competitors. Create an outstanding value for the customers and the stakeholders. Regularly researching and developing new and better products. Always stay ahead from the competitors. And in achieving the vision not forgetting the man force that helped in the success of the company’s Mission. For achieving this, the company has to make drastic changes in the current work practise in the company. It needs to reduce the personnel, find people who are really bright and competent and who share the same vision. Increase productivity by developing new cost effective manufacturing methods. Earlier, each and every product was produced internally, resulting in higher cost of production. But now they have to look for suppliers and reduce its cost. They have to create a customer centric business model. They need to carry out customer-driven novelty and to be close to the customers. They also need to listen to their customers and associate with them and establish better customer value. Impact of the new organizational model on the human resources strategy: To support the organisational goal in an effective manner, the human resource department also has to make major changes in their strategy. They should move from purely transactional role to more tactical role that is accepted, appreciated and cherished by the organization. In broad summary, the new strategy should be based on the four key themes:  1. Transforming the way deferent departments does the business by:      1. Integrating their activities more closely      2. Changing the balance of work and head count
The article by Manza, Hout and Brook on Class Voting in Capitalist Democracies since World War II, concludes that voting in most capitalistic democracies occurs along class lines. The article also highlights the recent increased democratic participation of the poor class in politics. There are two arguments regarding class participation in voting. One argument proposes that political participation along class lines is on a decline due to the emergence of new forms of social division other than class (Manza, Hout, & Brook, 1995, p.137). The improved economic status of the working class coupled with the rise of new occupations influence class voting. In addition, the argument holds that voter education and awareness help change their perceptions contributing to voting that is independent of class affiliations. The other argument holds the contrary opinion that class voting is on the rise arguing that the emergence of new social divisions has led to class de-alignment emphasizing that class voting is still significant in modern politics. The political participation of the poor is still significant as the only way the economically impoverished citizens can solve their problems. Political participation of the poor usually occurs through support for political parties and participation in demonstrations in support of policies that promote their welfare (Rosenstone, & Hansen, 1993, p.151). The poor also participate in politics through informal community associations in an effort to solve the problems affecting their neighborhood. The political parties and non-governmental organizations remain important vehicles through which the poor strive to solve their problems. The level of participation of the poor in politics characterized by class voting is correlated to education and income levels. The participation of the rich and influential people in politics is however, limited as compared to the participation of the poor. Influential people are usually well educated and have enough resources as compared to the poor. They, therefore, do not resort to active participation in politics through demonstrations or political parties. Instead, they solve their problems through a direct approach to the government and do not rely or engage in collective solving of social problems or self-help groups. The article established that political participation of individuals correlates with social class affiliations. The workers’ unions influence the workers to vote for leftist political parties while the middle class would vote for the rightist political parties to protect their interests. This trend defines the political outcomes of the voting exercise where one class, the rich
Among a great variety of information, I prioritize the news about science and cultural events. In my opinion, science and culture are two spheres of life that substantially affect the worldview and, therefore, by monitoring the recent scientific discoveries and cultural-social tendencies, one becomes able to observe the developmental trends and subtle changes in perceptions of our reality. I prefer to use information sources that are thematically proximate to my interests. For instance, I frequently watch NHK World, a Tokyo-based news channel, because I like Asia and would like to know more about the lifestyles of people who live there. However, television is not the only type of information source I use – I often read online magazines, such as the New Yorker, because they publish insightful articles on topical subjects and interesting fiction stories by modern authors. In my opinion, when a person stays informed on the current events, first of all, he or she becomes able to communicate with others. Staying in touch with the world is not simply an issue of knowledge and intelligence building, but is an essential construct of social interactions. When we are informed, we can discuss, resolve, apply our critical thinking skills, and maybe even influence things, and change something for the better. The internet provides a great variety of information that is not necessarily factual or credible. Therefore, it is important to verify the quality of data you receive. One of the methods to do so is to check what several authors write on a similar theme sticking to those sources which are known as valid and respectable, e.g., BBC, the Guardian, or various academic journals.
New Hoover Convertibles Jeff Koon was one of the most controversial artists of the post war time, his works were designed to provoke, shock, astonish, but at the same time, to inform, point out and communicate. 1 His work called “New Hoover Convertibles” was created in 1981. The visually distinctive factors of this work are the three vacuum cleaners that were advanced for their time. The artist put them into a transparent container make of acryl and added fluorescent lights in the bottom so that the exhibits were properly lit. By inserting the vacuum cleaners into the transparent box and adding fluorescent dramatic lighting the artist made the appliances look like very valuable trophies. This was done in order to communicate the public passion for consumption and the change of values in the society. Koons pointed out that in the beginning of eighties household appliances were something people had to work hard to buy, they represented everyone’s big goal, they were the evidence of an important achievement. The historic factors that influence Koon and inspired him to create this work of art was the rapid development of technologies and the social passion for consumption and the love for pristine newness. 2 Besides, the way the three vacuum cleaners are arranged – in a straight line, makes it clear that the work of art symbolizes not only consumerism but capitalism dwelling in the supermarkets and putting the goods in geometrically correct rows, lines and forms. His work represents the mass culture of the beginning of the eighties and the use of readymade goods presents the nature of consumption in a controversial way by comparing usual objects to valuables and paying capacity to an achievement. Triple Elvis Triple Elvis is a work of art that contains three levels. They are arranged hierarchically. The closes object seen by the viewers of the work is a blow up pool toy shaped as a red lobster. The second dimension of the work includes three photographs of a half naked Playboy model in seductive poses. The last layer is the print made of Westermann’s art works arranged one over another in an abstract manner. This layer is located the farthest from the audience. Each of the dimensions overlaps with the ones near to it. Lobster pool toy is put on top of the whole work. By creating such hierarchy in his art work, Koons demonstrated the reversed values where art is at the very bottom of the pyramid, and pornographic images are more important than it. 3 They also are bigger in size. Finally, the very top is occupied by a very simple entertainment item that is not artistic at all. Adding it to his pyramid of art Koons shows the new attitude towards aesthetics and beauty. Making the lobster a part of the art work and actually placing it on top of everything else Koons demonstrated the ranks of values. This way Koons’ pyramid of art turns to the pyramid of consumption. The most popular kind of goods and entertainments are represented by the pool toy. The next is a series of images of sexual character – the second most popular consumption product. Finally, art is a
Introduction Outsourcing U.S. workers means that full-time workers are obtained from less developed countries where the wages are lower, and labor laws are tighter. It is facilitated by the availability of the internet that makes it easy to assemble and manage remote teams of workers. The increasing economic pressure in the globe facilitated by the developing world as a competitor has forced all firms to rely on contracts. Many small and midsized businesses need to develop technology in the new global market to be effective in outsourcing. Findings Detriments of outsourcing to the U.S. workers Having people from foreign countries, work for U.S firms affects the economy of the U.S. negatively by leaving a large number of Americans jobless. The availability of cheap labor in other countries is permanent, and the American workers could lose jobs forever since outsourcing does not leave enough jobs for the Americans. Outsourcing reduces spending and tax revenues since Americans in poverty find it difficult to get a job although they are willing to do the jobs. Outsourcing relies much on service jobs, which do not disburse as much as manufacturing jobs thus reducing the national wealth. Benefits of outsourcing to the U.S. workers Outsourcing maintains the country’s economic status: America exports products to the rest of the world more than any other nation by taking advantage of the emerging markets of India and China. The country takes advantage of the global world we currently live in to become rich. It is crucial to selling products to new world markets due to the product brand. If the country fails to involve itself in outsourcing, it may end up losing both the foreign and domestic market. Irrespective of the country’s decision to stop outsourcing, other first world nations such as EU members and Japan will continue networking. Outsourcing reduces American companies’ efficiency and competitiveness due to a shortage of supply of skilled workers. The cheap labor got from outsourced workers reduces the costs of production, which consequently reduces the costs of US consumers. Outsourcing in the U.S. benefits HP and IBM. It also helps improve and maintain the global economic status of the country. In case it stops to outsource, other countries will. The countries economy relies on outsourcing and the more it gets involved globally, the more successful it becomes. Hence, the U.S. should not discourage the practice of outsourcing. Outsourcing creates jobs: The cost savings and use of offshore resources reduce inflation and interest rates while increasing productivity. It helps to get high-quality services at a cost-effective price. It causes an increase in business profits, productivity, level of quality, and business value and performance. It helps American firms obtain skilled and qualified workers that help them increase the concentration of the employees and the organization on the core business by outsourcing all the non- core functions. Outsourcing helps firms increase delivery of services and products to customers hence improving the relationship of the business and
Introduction History of any country can be characterized by many controversial events and issues. Japan is no exception as the country’s 20th century’s policies concerning other nations still raise many questions. Hashima Island is one of the reminders of such controversies in history. The island bears two meanings as it is both a symbol of the industrial development of the country and the site of exploitation of Korean people who became victims of Japanese imperialism (Kasemets 99). The recent debate on the inclusion of the island in the list of world heritage sites reveals the controversy. Interestingly, the outcome of the debate shows the contemporary people’s attitude towards such events that took place in the 20th century. This paper includes insights into the history of the island and provides a brief analysis of the significance of the site as well as the debate on the development of the human society in general and Asian societies in particular. Historical Background The rapid industrialization that took place at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century helped Japan transform from a feudal society to highly industrial and become one of the most developed countries. This industrial empowerment contributed to the development of imperialistic policies that characterize the Meiji period (McCurry par. 2). Japan invaded the Korean peninsula and introduced rather harsh policies that resulted in the hard labor of Korean people (Kim and Reynolds par. 5). Hashima Island was one of the sites where this exploitation could be easily traced. The island had been uninhabited until the end of the 19th century. In 1890, Mitsubishi purchased Hashima island when coal was found there (Davidov 154). Several “high rise apartment complexes” were built to accommodate miners and their families (Davidov 154). People of different backgrounds worked there including forced laborers. Thus, it has been estimated that 800 Koreans worked there for one year only (1944-1945) (Bo-eun par. 5). It is possible to assume that thousands of Koreans had to work there in the first part of the 20th century. The corporation tried to receive as much profit as possible and, hence, the population density was unprecedented. For example, in “its peak of production” the island had the “highest population density ever recorded” (Davidov 154). It is clear that such a small island could barely host all those workers. The
Introduction Educationists and researchers have been focusing on the best strategies to improve learning processes and empower more students to record positive outcomes. One of the main areas these professionals target is that of the environment. Different settings and factors have been found to have diverse implications on the experiences and gains of different learners. A positive learning environment characterized by reduced noise, enough lighting, proper leadership, adequate technologies, appropriate colors, and positive teacher-student relationships will make it easier for individuals to achieve their potential. This paper gives a detailed analysis and description of how the surrounding environment supports or hinders learning. Main body Individuals in a given class tend to have unique demands or expectations from their tutors. Similarly, they will require specific resources and tools that can meet their unique needs. These attributes reveal that the success of every learning process will depend on the nature of the environment. The first aspect that different stakeholders should consider is that of place or environment (Kluczniok, 2017). Some of the critical aspects associated with this element include seating arrangement, the nature or quality of furniture, and the shape or arrangement. The size of a given classroom will also affect the experiences of the targeted students. A large room with a proper arrangement whereby the teacher can serve all the learners will deliver desirable results. This means that educationists and policymakers should take this suggestion seriously. The second aspect that will influence the quality and nature of learning is the effectiveness of the available lighting system. Sleegers et al. (2012) indicate that individuals studying during the day in an open environment will comprehend the targeted content more effectively. The success of learning will be affected when the quantity of light is dimmed (Sleegers et al., 2012). Thermal conditions or temperatures might have significant implications on the entire process. This means that a hot classroom will disturb the students and even make it hard for them to understand the presented information. Similarly, individuals in an extremely cold room will be unable to achieve their aims. The concept of the learning environment can be expanded to focus on auditory and visual attributes. For instance, the provision of appropriate colors will increase the efficiency or rate of learning in a given environment. This is the case since they are capable of calming or influencing emotions in a positive manner. The presence of a positive color effect or scheme will ensure that a culture of learning is developed and sustained. In rooms without colors, chances are quite high that the targeted students will be unable to record positive results. Similarly, the sonic environment will have significant implications on the achievements and gains of the targeted beneficiaries.