ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The first change that Norman implemented was aimed at modifying the managerial structure. This is the introduction of a structure through which the heads of departments are directly answerable to the top manager. This has lead to the downsizing of the number of employees and has eliminated work duplication. From there, a mid-long term plan that covers three years was developed. The first year included redefining the brand and hiring of a new team. Second year included changing the trading style, expansion of business and innovation of new trading ways. The third year plan was of price reductions which positioned Asda as a store which had quality products. It included the finalization of the expansion program (Weber, 1998). A new strategy has been developed which includes the display of food in the stores for the customer’s eyes strategically. Commodity prices have been reduced leading to customer attraction. This has brought an upswing of sales, raising hopes that there would be even more price reductions in the near future. The use of Information Technology, design of a different store layout, and innovation are amongst the changes envisioned for the business (Weber, 1998). The next change dimension is through the development a different working system for Asda. In this, the manager and the staff at the stores get to be aware of the store goals and their roles in achieving the same. Great emphasis is directed towards team cohesiveness and setting up of personal goals that are aimed at improving the staff quality. The staff will be trained to develop good relations with the customers. This system is to be known as the Asda way of working. Company values that has been developed emphasize on respect amongst the staff members, they place more responsibilities on everyone, caution against resource wastage and highlight the need for everyone to better the business. Finally, the introduction of notice boards greatly improved on the store communication. They contain information that help the staff be up to date with the store’s past and future goals. Other communication methods like face to face have been slotted in on the new changes that are to be adopted (Weber, 1998). The program addresses issues regarding the scope and staff awareness of the need for change. The style of change management and the roles of everyone in the changed environment are highly emphasized. The program fits perfectly well with other literature models in regards to the shared values (Hailey & Balogun, 2002). Leadership is required to tap into the staff diversity of skills and talents. Communication development is a key role that the leadership plays in change. By ensuring face to face interaction as a communication strategy and use of notice boards, the leader develops effective communication. The leaders are responsible for the supervision of the implementation of Asda’s best way of working. This means that they have to treat the staff with respect as well as provide them with regular updates. Leaders also have to propose staff training mechanisms and lead by demanding staff perf
Virtues and values are important in business and our everyday lives. In business, it is stated that good ethics is good business (“ Business ethics: a stakeholders” 18). In our personal lives, ethics enable us to be people of integrity and character. The values that have enabled me to be the person that I am today include integrity, honesty and loyalty. I like integrity because I think that it is important to stand for what I believe in so that I cannot be corrupted by situations and temptations of life. It is integrity that enables me to refuse taking bribes and short cuts to success. Honesty has enabled me to build trust amongst my colleagues and clients since they know that I do not make misleading statements. As for loyalty, I am always faithful to deliver results when I get into commitments or contracts. Ethics is important in business because we are all stakeholders when it comes to the well-being of organizations. Both buyers and sellers combined have vested interests in business activities. Ethics enable these parties to uphold morals and virtues which bring about successful interaction and conclusion of transactions. If it was not for ethics, then sellers would advertise false services and offer faulty products to unsuspecting buyers. Buyers would on the other hand fail to honour invoices and credit services offered to them. My personal values are in line with ethical frameworks because integrity, honesty and loyalty are virtues that if practiced by stakeholders will bring about good relations. This is in accordance to the utilitarian ethics framework which weighs values in terms of their usefulness. It is the right of buyers to receive quality products and services from sellers and so honoring contracts is just. My values would come in hand in the pre crisis through resolution model which Weiss came up with (“ Business Ethics ” 62). An ethical dilemma is always whether to risk losing a client by telling the truth when there is a problem in honoring the contract. In business, many are the times when law suits arise because of the inability of a stakeholder to fulfill his/her role in a contract. In some cases, the bridge of the contract is due to explainable circumstances such as power outages, accidents or other emergencies. In such cases, honesty would have enabled the troubled stakeholder to explain to the affected party so as to avoid confrontations. In a situation where the seller is unable to deliver goods on time because the delivery vehicle is not operational, it would be ethical to communicate to the client instead of lying and trying to go round looking for alternative cheap transport as time elapses. Honesty, loyalty and integrity would enable the company avoid confrontations with the client and ensure that the contract is honored. In the event that there is a crisis, it can be evaluated if the company or employees responded to signs of there being a problem (p
Any business owner knows that a quality product alone is not enough to ensure high sales and great profits. Besides having a fantastic good or service to propose, it is crucial to propose them correctly. Coming up with the most suitable advertising techniques is an essential part of any project. Currently, there is an abundance of forms of media promoting methods, both traditional and modern digital ones. While they have obvious divergences, both approaches have benefits in promoting products. I agree that digital media is the current trend, but I think that traditional advertising and promotion should find their place in our company’s policy. Digital advertising is gaining great popularity and is predicted to outweigh TV ads in the nearest years (Thielman, 2014). This approach includes email, social media, and online ads, as well as banners on websites and mobile phones. The biggest advantage of such a method is the opportunity of immediate getting to the audience (Nasr, 2015). Despite advert-blocking programs, the creators of digital announcements manage to get everywhere – you will see them when looking for information, watching a movie, or reading some online magazine. A significant share of digital advertising belongs to social media. By tracking the viewers’ interests, companies can investigate their audience and direct their attempts to concrete people (Ganguly, 2015). Social networks suggest several types of approaching customers by business owners. They can be reached based on people’s interests and hobbies or purchase manner. Also, companies may apply the so-called custom targeting which involves uploading people’s data such as phone numbers or addresses. Finally, the lookalike method is suggested: approaching people close to the target audience to expand the business. Traditional advertising maybe not so popular nowadays, but it has the advantages proven by centuries of success. While some people tend to use the latest gadgets and pay attention to media ads, others prefer more classical means of communication and therefore can be impacted via these means. The most popular traditional options are billboards, newspapers, radio and TV adverts, flyers, leaflets, and mail (Lavinsky, 2013; Suggett, 2016). Although newspapers seem to have lost their effectiveness in providing good promotion, the other methods are still rather helpful (Lavinsky, 2013). Billboards and banners are useful due to their size and visibility. They can be employed outdoors and indoors and ensure a huge effect on the public. Buying an advert space in a magazine or a newspaper has become a less popular means, but it is advantageous at a local level (Sasson, 2016). Door flyers and direct mail are noted as low-cost but effective methods due to their personalized distribution. People can delete spam messages they receive via email, but they will take a look at something delivered to their mailboxes (Lavinsky, 2013). Both traditional and digital media advertising have their pros and cons. Deciding which one is the best for a particular campaign is an important matter, and the choice depends on the product, the target audi
Executive Summary Education is among the major aspects of human existence affected by globalization. Institutions strive to place themselves on the global academic map. To achieve this, they offer cutting edge services and innovative programs. Deakin University, one of Australia’s leading universities runs an international student support program that is touted as among the best in Australia. The program is supported by the fact that the University operates on a student-focused culture and is a sector leader insofar as student satisfaction is concerned. However, the university seems to neglect pre-arrival support services for international students. The existing pre-arrival support could do better if a pairing program in which prospective students are linked with current students via social media to facilitate correspondence between them prior to the reporting time. Introduction The advent of globalization has seen education become a global affair. Institutions strive to ensure that they attain and maintain global standards insofar as their academic programs and support services are concerned. The once prestigious and seemingly unchallengeable institutions of higher learning currently face stiff competition from relatively new institutions from across the world. Deakin University, one of Australia’s leading universities is a good example of relatively new higher education institutions, which are rapidly emerging as formidable forces within the higher education circles across the globe. The institution is globally acknowledged for its superb teaching and innovation, entrenched student-focused culture, and friendly environment ( History, Statistics, Awards , 2014). This reputation has enabled Deakin University to build a sizeable foreign student population. The University prides itself on an elaborate foreign student support program, which takes care of students from arrival time to the time of departure. This is quite encouraging for foreign students especially considering the fact that some of them come from the developing world and may have difficulty adjusting to the new environment and lifestyle at the institution. This report examines the International Student Support Program run by Deakin University with the aim of suggesting possible improvement. It is anticipated that with the improvement, the program will serve international students better. Overview of the International Student Support Program The moment a Deakin University International student arrives in Australia, based on prior arrangements, there is always a driver waiting to take them to their temporary residences ( Arriving in Australia , 2014). This effectively averts any confusion at the airport and the daunting task of locating an accommodation facility and the institution after arrival. The program further supplies information about all the details of living in Australia. Volunteers are available to assist any student who needs physical assis
As a loan officer, I will first inquire whether the business has the ability in meeting its long-term financial undertakings. The possession of optimistic net worth in addition to a controllable debt load will be enough evidence of a business solvency status (O’Connor, Jr. et al., 2006; Graham et al., 2006). Ratios of importance here include the debt to equity ratio, which measures the financial leverage of a business enterprise. A high value will indicate a high-interest expense thereby limiting this business’s capability in raising additional capital. In addition, the debt to asset ratio will also be necessary for determining the percentage of this business asset which is financed by short and long-term debts. Finally, I will pay attention to interest coverage ratios, which will help me in estimating this firms’ potential in meeting the interest income of the company in arrears. Secondly, I will look for its profitability ratios, which signify its performance in comparison to its ability in generating positive returns from its investment or sales (O’Connor, Jr. et al., 2006; Graham et al., 2006). Specifically, I will look for gross profit margin ratios, which indicate business ability in controlling its sales expenditure thereby appraising the ability of the business in managing its cost of sales and expenses. Moreover, I will look at a business operating profit margin to understand the ability of this business in controlling its operating expenditures and if it has a high percentage, then it is a worthwhile venture. Finally, I will estimate this business net profit margin ratio to help me in assessing a company’s potential in effective control of its financial expenditure. Third, I will look for this firm’s capability in meeting its obligations in the short run or paying its creditors from its available cash (O’Connor, Jr. et al., 2006; Graham et al., 2006). In understanding this capability, I will look for its current ratios which will help in estimating the ability of this business in meeting its liabilities in the short run (1 year). Using a quick ratio, I will estimate the potential of this business in meeting its short-run obligations with the available liquid assets. In addition, I will estimate the business outstanding sales per day ratio which will indicate days that creditors take in making payments after receiving goods and services. A longer period will show that a business may be in problems while a short period is desirable. The loans officer needs the following additional documents: tax compliant certificate, business registration certificate, names of the owner (s), any loans with any bank or SACCO’s (Credit history), proof of business existence (Local authority certificate of operation), bank statements, any title deeds/ motor vehicle log book/ any security allowed by the bank and passport photographs/ identification documents. A company is a registered entity with perpetual life separated from its owners. For a registered company, gearing and valuation ratios would be of interest. These ratios measure the growth capability
History and Manufacturers The first texts about guitars as the musical instruments appear in the 14 th century. The modern form and function of guitars are related to the similar musical instruments such as vihuela which are originated from Spain. In the 18 th century, guitar with the double courses appears. In the 19 th century, the guitar’s body is improved, and it is actively used in concerts. Antonio de Torres Jurado is discussed as the author of the guitar’s modern design, and he is the first famous manufacturer (“A History of the Guitar”). The first popular musical pieces for guitars were composed by Fernando Sor. In the 20 th century, the history of the electric guitar begins. The electric guitar was designed in the 1930s, and it had the non-resonant body. The early years of the 20 th century are the period of the famous guitar manufacturers’ competition. The guitar becomes one of the most popular musical instruments. Thus, such manufacturers as Epiphone and Gibson companies develop into the leaders of production within the industry (“History of Builders”). Famous Performers The most famous guitar performers are the blues and rock guitarists of the 20 th century. Albert King should be discussed as the famous American blues guitarist who focused mainly on the technique of guitar playing and used the electric guitar for performing blues. The technique and music of Albert King was influenced by Lemon Jefferson and Lonnie Johnson. However, later Albert King was followed by the other musicians as the icon of performing. In spite of the fact the musician was left-handed, he often used the right-handed guitars. Albert King is famous for his expressive performance, and his technique is followed by many modern musicians (“Albert King”). Jimi Hendrix, the other famous guitarist, was also influenced by Albert King. The first success met Jimi Hendrix in Europe. The next years are closely connected with the rock music and development of the Woodstock Festival. Combining the elements of blues and rock music, Hendrix developed the specific technique of receiving the feedback with overdriven amplifiers (“Jimi Hendrix”). Jimi Hendrix was the most influential figure in the rock music of the 1960s. Famous Composers Franciso Tárrega (1852-1909) is the famous Spanish composer who contributed to the development of classical guitar teaching and provided the transcriptions of the works by Classic and Romantic composers for guitar. During his life, Tárrega suffered from the chronic eye disease, but this fact did not prevent him from playing the guitar and composing songs. Tárrega performed the first guitar concerto at the age of 11. The fingering technique and talent in composing developed. Later, Tárrega became famous not only because of his musical pieces but also because of the specific fingering technique. Tárrega hold the hand perpendicular to the strings (“The Biography of Franciso Tárrega”). Fernando Sor (1778-1839) is the Spanish composer who chose music instead of the military career. Guitar
Do you remember the Cold War? Explain I understand that the Cold War era began shortly after the end of the Second World War. It was not a physical war like the ones that were fought during the First World War and the Second World War. Realistically, members of the western bloc wanted to demonstrate their economic and military might. In other words, it was a war of ideologies. This situation persisted until the early 1990s. What are your memories of the civil rights movement? Although the movement began in the United States, it soon spread rapidly to other parts of the world. It largely agitated for equity on matters related to the law. Although the movement was initiated as a peaceful campaign for the rights of citizens, it later took a dynamic direction and started involving workers’ welfare unions. What do you remember about the Vietnam War? The much I can remember about the Vietnam War is that it began towards the close of 1955. It was a military conflict that took place during the cold war era. Although it was later referred to as the Vietnam War, most people do not understand that the war was also fought in Cambodia and Laos. The war took almost two decades before it could be concluded. It was similar to other wars that had been fought earlier since there were allies on both sides of the camps. What was/is your favorite music? Rock and roll were the most popular during our times. In particular, I still enjoy country music up to date. One of the most powerful country music that was released in 957 was All Shook Up by Elvis Presley. I still listen to its beats even today. Who are the entertainers you admire the most? Our modern entertainers have really changed the entertainment scene. In spite of their dynamism, I think the late Mi
Introduction Seattle is the largest and the most populous city in Northwest Pacific of America. The city has a couple of nicknames including the Emerald city, Queen City, jet city and Gateway to Alaska. Seattle is a major cultural, economic and educational center, having the highest percentage of graduates compared to major cities in the United States. The city has a reputation for heavy coffee consumption and is regarded as the birthplace of grime music. Geographic Location Seattle is located in Western side of the U.S. state of Washington, approximately 105 miles south of the United States-Canada border. To the west, the city borders Pacific Ocean inlet known as Puget Sound and to the east, is lake Washington. Due to its location and the surrounding waters bodies and mountains, the city of Seattle offer all year round picture perfects views and plenty of recreational opportunities for tourist (Klingle, 2007). Climate Seattle has a Mediterranean climate, with dry summer and wet winters. The Pacific Ocean and lake Washington play a key role in moderating the city’s temperatures. The Olympic Mountains helps in shielding the city from the pacific Storms while the Cascade Range blocks the cold arctic air. The average daytime temperatures during summer range from 73 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are usually cool and wet with average temperatures between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (Nickels, 2008). Population According to the 2007 official census, Seattle had a population of 586, 200. Latest data released by the Washington State Office on April 2008, showed that the population had increased to 592,800. The population density is 6,979 people per square mile. Approximately 65 percent of the population is white, 15 Asian and 10 percent African-American. Other races found within the city of Seattle include Native Americans, Hispanic and Pacific Islanders. 80 percent of the population speaks English, 4 percent Spanish and2.5 percent speak Mandarin. Currently 15.5 percent of Seattle population follows in the 18 to 24 age bracket. 38.5 percent are between the age of 25 to 44 and 22 percent for those between the ages of 45 to 64. 12 percent of the population is over 65 years of age. The median age of Seattle at 35 years (Nickels, 2008). Seattle Dining Establishments Due to its diverse cultural make-up, Seattle has a reputation as best dining destination in the America’s northwest. The city is known for fresh seafood, Asian cuisines, Italian restaurants, fine steakhouses and many other establishments which offer incredible foods. Casual Dining: Brasa Restaurant Brasa is located in downtown Seattle, on 3 rd Avenue. It has over time been voted as one of
Introduction The issue of inequality of people who come from different social backgrounds has been central for many people in politics, social studies, and literature as well. An American author and social activist, Toni Cade Bambara, develops the topic of inequality in one of her short stories, “The Lesson.” This paper contains a brief summary of “The Lesson” and attempts to analyze the main literary devices used by the author to reveal the theme. “The Lesson”: Brief Summary A teacher takes an unusual approach to give a lesson and leads a group of sick African-American children to a costly toy store, which serves as the main setting of the story. The price of the playthings sold there could easily cover all the daily expenses of the children and their families. Therefore the children are astonished at the possibility that there exist people who could buy such outrageously expensive trifles and not get bankrupt. For the first time in their lives, the children learn the lesson of economic inequality based on racial and class prejudices. The necessity for educating poor children about the injustice of their situation is the main idea of “The Lesson.” The importance of the conflict can be traced through the ways B