ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Vandana Shiva (2005) seems to disagree with Thomas Friedman over the role of globalization in the international system. Vandana (2005) argues that the effects of globalization are so adverse to the people of the third world and other developing economies. He observes that people of the third world have been presented a raw deal in the globalized economy. Globalization can be considered the buzzword for the 21 st century. Globalization is a means or a process of reorienting and reconfiguring the world leading to the establishment of a new system of governance that is, a globalized world. The one, which is, as Francis Fukuyama (1992) pointed out, characterized by the convergence of systems whether this will lead to the formation of a single global economy or just number of regional organizations with homogenized or converging objectives is a matter of debate. Globalization has transformed the entire international system in very fundamental ways, not just the way Vandana (2005) thinks. Indeed, even the few entities, institutions and systems that have resisted the effects of globalization have been forced to transform the way they operate to withstand the effects of globalization. Globalization has led to a massive transformation in which individuals, households and rural communities have become directly involved in global processes and an exposure to a more diversified economy. This has brought about a new relationship between power and the division of labor (Mittelman, 1997). The transformations that have been imposed by globalization have not spared any entity in the international system, be they individual states, MNCs or any other non-state actors. Developed nations have been impacted by globalization as the developing nations. Therefore, Vandana’s claim that developing nations are the only affected is null and void. In the rich nations for instance, globalization has led to generation of internal third world (Galbraith, 1992). While in the developing countries, centers of wealth have been created. The effects of globalization however have not been uniform, just as Vandana argues. MNCs and other entities in the North have been affected differently from local firms and those in the South, an aspect that Vandan does not capture in his argument (Vandana, 2005). Globalization involves forces that are beyond one country’s control and therefore reduces the power and scope of the state. It is associated with the declining regulatory role of the state (Sassen, 1997). Held David et al capture the essence of globalization when they argue that it is the widening, deepening and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of contemporary social life (Held, et al 1992). On the other hand, globalization has introduced a new way reaso
Introduction In recent scholarly literature, the workplace is viewed as a site where the gender of employees plays a key role in forming attitudes, developing biases, and providing rewards. Researchers agree that it is possible to observe gender inequality in the workplace in the treatment of male and female employees, and their experiences are associated with “doing gender” (Fletcher 2003; West & Zimmerman 1987). The concept of “doing gender” was formulated by West and Zimmerman (1987), and according to them, “doing gender” is an accomplishment and an activity that is recurrently performed by an individual. His or her gender is observed in interactions and concerning other people’s expectations. It is important to explain the concept of “doing gender” in detail and discuss how it is applied to women’s and men’s specific experiences in the workplace; despite critiques of the concept, modern work environments reflect this principle in observed biases and hidden discrimination. Explanation of the “doing gender” concept The concept of “doing gender” is based on the idea that gender is not a complex of traits, but is rather a complex of activities performed by individuals according to sets of norms prescribed to one or the other gender (West & Zimmerman 1987). Moreover, “doing gender” means that a person cannot avoid this performance because they have been educated in certain frameworks. Behavioral differences can be associated with resistance to representing one’s gender, but these activities cannot be avoided entirely. Thus, individuals choose to “do gender” because they do not know other patterns, and they are expected to demonstrate certain behaviors and reactions. If these persons choose to oppose their situation, they are assessed by the public according to the expectations assigned to each gender. Application of the concept to men’s experiences in the workplace Despite debates on the issue of gender in society, West and Zimmerman’s (1987) concept can be directly applied to female and male experiences at work. According to McDowell (1997), men in the workplace tend to accentuate their masculinity, including decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills, and these qualities and behaviors are expected of them. If men demonstrate these skills, they are rewarded. Furthermore, Schilt (2006) dev
Introduction Apple Inc. is a successful American company, which has been in existence since 1976 (Reuters, 2012, p. 1). Over a span of three decades, Apple Inc. has been able to establish itself as a force to reckon with in the electronics market. The company has received a lot of admiration (both locally and globally) after it was ranked by Fortune magazine as the most admirable company in America (in 2008), and the most admirable company globally (since 2009) (Reuters, 2012, p. 1). Apple Inc has a global presence in 10 countries around the world and it runs 357 retail stores in these locations. Apple is engaged in the manufacture of hardware products such as Macintosh, portable music players, personal computers (PCs) and software, networking solutions, third party digital content and related software. The company’s most notable products include Macintosh computers, ipods, ipads and the Apple TV. Apple’s online presence is also firm, especially with the existence of a virtual marketplace where the company sells digital content through App store, itunes, iBookstore among other online platforms (Reuters, 2012, p. 1). This paper critically evaluates Apple Inc. to establish its trends in training and how such a critical component of the company’s existence can be improved. To accomplish this objective, this paper assesses existing training strategies and identifies the most appropriate training strategy for Apple Inc. In addition, this paper evaluates the best ways the above strategy can be supported and implemented in the organization. Since employee performance is a critical component of Apple’s success, this paper also develops an outline of a learning, motivation, and performance improvement strategy for the company. To do this effectively, existing theories (associated with learning, motivation, and employee performance) will be evaluated. Training Trends Different companies adopt different training trends depending on their objectives, capabilities and organizational structures. However, existing training trends fall within the confines of a few training methodologies used by most companies today. A notable trend in training is the multimedia and online training method, which many virtual companies have adopted (Heathfield, 2010, p. 2). However, like other training methodologies, the multimedia and online training methodology has different advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is the fact that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to manage. However, the multimedia and online training method has a high dropout rate (because it is often self-managed) and it has a high inability to develop an effective interface for the trainers and the trainees (Heathfield, 2010, p. 2). Performance consulting is also another emerging trend, which is being quickly adopted by major companies across the globe as a credible training methodology. Few companies around the world are therefore adopting trainer-led and generic methodologies for improving their human capital because the focus is currently shifting towards providing a comprehensive and all-rounded review of human capit
Introduction The issue of legal responsibility in light of the effects of mental disorders on an individual’s ability to tell right from wrong have caught the attention of every one since 1980s. These disagreements have turned often into legal complaints ( Ellen Annandale, 1998) . These disagreements turned legal complaints lead to long medical litigations. Rights for advance directives and doctrines such as informed consent have created a new approach to medical litigations. With increased patient awareness of the health care delivery situations, media flare up and public opinions, medical practice has become more accountable today and there is a radical departure from the traditional medical practice which draws upon the personal experiences, case studies and research of the physician and not the health care delivery system as a whole entity. Especially the patient’s competence in giving informed consent has received enough attention. Informed consent refers to legal rules that prescribe behaviors for physicians in their interactions with patients based on the ethical doctrine rooted in the value of autonomy that facilitates patients right to self-determination. It is an interpersonal process whereby practitioners interact with patients to select an appropriate course of action. Informed consent means that tests, treatments and medications have been explained to the person, as well as outcomes, possible complications and alternative procedures before the treatment and his consent is documented. There is no second opinion on the fact that only a competent individual can give an informed consent. But the concept of competence is broad with moral, medical and legal implications. Since, a mentally unstable patient is prone to situations when he is not in control of the situations, it is first important to determine his competence to give consent. It is important to see if he is competent or marginally competent or incompetent. This can be done by the application the classical 5 tests for testing the level of competence of this case. The 5 tests to determine the competence test the following:  1. Reasonable outcome by which the individual is declared competent if consent seeks a reasonable outcome.  2. Rational reasons by which the individual is declared competent if consent follows a rational process.  3. Ability to express consent or refuse consent in spite of reasonable outcomes.  4. Ability to understand by which the individual is declared competent if one has the ability to knowingly act on information given in the process of obtaining consent.  5. Ability to actually understand by
Introduction Mobile phones have become an inevitable companion for people in the modern era. The new generation is using various kinds of mobile phones for communication. From telephones to iPhones, the developments in technology have changed the vision as well as way of life. Years back, mobile phones were an amazing technology for the common people, but nowadays it has become so common. There are many models of mobile phones. An important advantage of these phones is that they have made communication very easy. Their widespread use helps the public to be in touch with one another easily and they have access to any person in the world. The trends in mobile technology changed the entire concept of mobile phones and different models are entering the market. Recently, people have changed their preference from ordinary cell phones to Smartphones, and it has become a status symbol and matter of pride in society. These phones facilitate a lot of advantages like texting, picturing messaging, access to the Internet, banking, purchasing etc. The most recent trend in cell phones brings a union of tone of voice, video and data connections. By joining together information with amusements and leisure, these mobile phones are the latest style in the developing path of infotainments. The latest models of cell phones are not only for voice, but it has changed the mode from voice call to video calls. Smartphone introduction has now modified the mobile set to a full-grown minicomputer. It includes MP3 systems, video recording system like real movie reels, radio and TV entertainments etc at the punch of mobile keys besides digital cameras with several pixels and high speed internet. So, we cannot confine them within the scope of the word “mobile phones.” Such are the new trends in mobile phone technologies and their development into the Smartphone. The most important producers of mobile phones include Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola. But these mobile giants now face stiff competition because of the new trends. The first generation or 1G technology has disappeared from history. In the new era, third generation or 3G technology is conquering the hearts of mobile users. The firms which are active in making cell phones with most up-to-date 3G utilities are making good profits. Smartphones like Blackberry and iPhone are now coming with larger displays, touch screen and virtual keyboards. These keyboards are easy to use and
Summary of the Blog The “Worst Bible Story” blog is the writer’s reaction to Peter Enns’ text “The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It.” In a similar manner to the text, the blog critiques the conservative appreciation of scriptures by many evangelical Christians. According to Enns, most Christians approve of everything in the Bible as 100% clear, straightforward, and in all ways applicable to our lives (2014). Through a critical reading of the Bible, the writer points out various instances in the Bible that contradict the core teachings of the Christian faith. The dilemma that these contradictions cause among Christians is the subject of the “Worst Bible Story” blog post. The Bible stories that the blogger highlights depict God as able to cause suffering to innocent people and perpetuate unthinkable human rights abuses. The blogger relates these stories to the happenings in her life and makes an assessment of their applicability in the lives of modern Christians. As she puts it, these stories fail to answer the “WTF” question in modern society as they contradict what Christian values stand for. Assessment The first story that the writer explores is found in 2 Samuel 21:1-14. It is quite unthinkable that God is purported to have permitted the murder of seven innocent members of Saul’s family to end the famine and affliction that had befallen the land of Israel. In analyzing the lesson drawn from this Scripture, the writer contemplates how God is capable of afflicting innocent people due to the sins of others. She relates the event to her personal life where she at a time considered her illness as a result of her having acquired a boyfriend. While it is common knowledge among Christians that God will judge people according to their deeds, this Bible story is in total contradiction of this fact, and yet Christians are expected to read and approve everything written in the Bible. The blogger challenges the kind of reasoning that evangelical Christians have even when some scriptures raise questions in their minds. While Saul sinned as an individual by murdering the Gibeonites, it is quite unfortunate that God was appeased by the death of seven innocent people from Saul’s family and ended the famine that was in Israel. The only reason these innocent people had to suffer the brutality is that they were Saul’s blood relatives. The story also suggests that God is capable of tormenting people with adverse afflictions until they get to realize the exact reason it is happening t
Introduction ISO certification entails the certification accorded to organizations and institutions by the international organization for standardization, which involves some consistent guidelines towards some procedures. There are different types of ISO certifications depending on the activities involved for instance, transportation, health and safety and environmental management, among others. Many firms, especially those involved with activities that touch on environmental sensitive issues have now made it a necessity for the supplies to be ISO 14001 certified in both local international markets. This piece of work discusses various aspects of the environmental management ISO certification based on the decision questions. Does the example of La Framboisere mean famers are not afraid to try something new? The raspberry farm business does not really mean that farmers are not afraid to try something new but rather an explanation that human beings always strive to make things better for themselves and for others most especially where the activities in which they are involved with in the process of change are deemed to bring along some benefits to them and the society at large. For instance, the changes adopted by La Framboisere are aimed at making things better in terms of efficiency and enhanced productivity. These involve the plan to make the firm’s operations more environmental friendly through good environment management practices like reduction in the use of pesticides and conservation of water through irrigation. Other environmental friendly operations involve proper use and storage of fuel, appropriate management of wastes products and recycling of materials where possible. This has however been made possible through the adoption of the ISO 14001 certification. The fact that other farmers are catching on the steps taken by the La Framboisere firm, for instance, those involved with production and selling of products consumed by human beings like milk, pork and others is a confirmation that the farmers are willing to improve their services for the better as well as increasing their productivity, things that they have observed in La Framboisere business firm. It is also an indication that most people, including the farmers are able to learn by example (the La Framboisere) rather than just relying on told information or stories where evidence cannot be ascertained (Nickels, McHugh, Cossa and McHugh 2). I would be quicker to buy a fruit, vegetables or any other product that has an ISO 14,000 seal of a
Introduction In Australia today, there are quite a number of social issues that play critical roles in determining the health of the population. These social determinants of health are varied and they include factors like the nature of the health system itself and people’s working conditions. These conditions, other than being responsible for health inequities, may also lead to the onset of other infections in an individual’s health. This essay will explore the epidemiology of cancer as a social determinant of health. In addition, theoretical and sociological perspectives will be employed in discussing the social impacts of this terminal infection. Epidemiological statistics of cancer As a terminal infection, all forms of cancer are known to affect body cells. In the case of a cancer attack, the cells of the body uncontrollably reproduce themselves and sometimes end up growing into lumps (Lewis, 2003). The latter is referred to as a tumor. It can be made up of cells affected with cancer leading to the formation of a malignant tumor. The other type of tumor is called a benign tumor (Lachmann et al., 2011). Unlike the malignant tumor that spreads to the other parts of the body, the benign tumor affects only the area it first developed (Khoo, 2003). Malignant tumors may grow in other parts of the body after spreading to form secondary cancer also known as metastasis (Lewis, 2003). Skin cancers, bowel cancer as well as prostate cancer are just but a few examples of cancer that have been commonly diagnosed among patients (Tyrrell, 1999). Although cancer has varied causes, common triggers of this illness include bacterial infections, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun as well as a weak immune system (Lachmann et al., 2011). The prevalence of cancer has been of great concern to both the population and health authorities in Australia. The social, economic, and personal costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is rather high. In 2005, over one hundred thousand new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia. According to the research findings, newly diagnosed cases in males were estimated at 56,158 (Khoo, 2003). This figure has been projected to be growing each year by at least three thousand. In terms of prevalence, both the young and old generation is affected. The prevalence rate is higher among males aged 55 years and above and worsening for women at age of 84 (Williams & Bramwell, 2003). Individuals who are at risk vary depending on the type of cancer. Some types of cancers can be found in both young and old people. For instance, skin cancer affects all age groups. However, the risk is greater in older people, those who have been diagnosed with melanoma or depending on the medical history of their families, those who are immune-suppressed, light-skinned individuals, and those who are exposed to ultraviolet radiations (UVR). Children and outdoor workers are examples of risk groups for skin cancer. On the same note, the absolute risk of developing breast cancer is lower in young women than in old women. The older an individual grows, the higher the chances of deve