ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Running a business effectively is connected to estimating the environment of operation. In fact, environment appraisal is the foundation of crafting a productive business strategy and achieving set objectives and desired levels of operational performance. It is motivated by the necessity to remain competitive and outperforms rivals in a constantly changing environment. Nevertheless, not all companies are equally efficient in conducting business environment analysis and recognizing the significance of this process for maintaining a competitive edge. What Is Business Environment? Before conducting environmental analysis, it is imperative to understand the very essence of this concept and its elements. That said, the business environment is, in fact, an operational surrounding of a company or organization – a combination of factors and forces, which have a direct influence on business performance and operational outcomes. Some elements of this surrounding include technologies, developments in the industry and international economic environment, political and governmental changes, natural factors, and socio-cultural issues (Subba, 2010). What Is Environmental Analysis? Once a company recognizes that it is significantly affected by the external business environment, senior managers acknowledge that they should conduct an environmental analysis. This appraisal is defined as the investigation of all factors mentioned above to determine threats and opportunities for the company’s further development and drawing strategies for overcoming potential difficulties to achieve success (Subba, 2010). There are three dimensions of environmental analysis – macro analysis, assessment of the industry, and appraisal of the organization itself. Macro analysis is the evaluation of the general business environment both in a country of operation and at a wider scale, e.g., regional or global economy. The scope is determined by the company’s size and its involvement in economic relations. Macro analysis is paramount for identifying external opportunities for further development. Industry appraisal is connected to understanding outer threats. As for the organization analysis, it is necessary for obtaining apprehension of internal strengths and weaknesses (Harrison, 2014). Altogether, they contribute to developing a strategy for maintaining a competitive edge. Google: Maintaining a Competitive Edge? Google is building operational capacities to win the Indian market. The focus is made on powerful enterprises as the foundation for success. The core of the strategy is making Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Cloud platform, and similar applications popular among the biggest companies in India. The objective of this initiative is to outperform competitors such as Microsoft and IBM and turn enterprise customers into the driving force of the company’s future development (Mendonca, 2016). The proposed change is connected to environmental analysis in several ways. First of all, Googl
Introduction EBay Incorporated was founded on 1995 with its head office located in California. eBay Inc. and its subsidiaries is an online business that provides its customer a marketplace for buying and selling goods, communication and other transaction between businesses located in USA and internationally. It is an online commerce that enables the two businesses to interact with one another. It provides fast transaction between individuals, and businesses. Discussion Ethical Consideration There is an ethics in a company’s financial reports when it is communicated with other people, employees, stockholders, and creditors. We can say it is communicated when it is known by concerned people in the company. It makes people feel valued and important in the company. It helps them know the implication and may be able to help in the success of the business. EBay’s financial reports footnotes show that there would be a loss on the reported profit if they accounted the employees a stock option plan in a fair value method. However, they did not provide this project. Considerably, the stock option plan provides the employees a chance to partly owned the company and be among the stockholders. It motivates the employees to work on their best in the company because it makes them cared a lot on the company. It also preserves those talented and deserving employees to stay in the company. Thus, it helps a lot in the company growth. With a loss of small amount in the profit, it can gain a lot more. Financial Consideration However, financial consideration is given to the stock option plan. The stockholder thought it would be best not to approve the proposed stock option plan of eBay. They observed that most of the employees are just sitting down. Also, they believe it will not benefit the company regarding with the return of the investment. Furthermore, stockholders consider that an excessive compensation to the employees may harm the return of stockholder’s equity. Stockholders fear that if they add value by giving employees the stock option plan, it dilutes the value of existing shares owned by the investors. Stockholders of eBay defend that they already giving compensation to the employees well and it is justifiable. Meg Whitman Joins the Growing Trend If Meg Whitman joins the growing trend of other companies in switching to the fair market value method of accounting for employee stock options, then she is making the right decision. Inflation is more possible to happen than deflation. Most of the companies experienced an increase in the value of money and other resources. Also, individuals happened to be affected on the inflation. Prices of commodities are increasing but the value of money stays the same. The purchasing power of monetary value declined. Therefore, to meet the increasing needs, the income of an employee must increase as well. On the other hand, company needs to be updated on the value of their compensation on their emplo
Research Rationale The original research article by Kelley and Schmeichel explored the influence of negative emotions on the sensory perceptions of individuals, which is a topic closely connected to senses and brain functioning. In their investigation, the scholars tested opposing hypotheses regarding the influence of fear on the tactile perception of subjects (Kelley & Schmeichel 1). The rationale for the study is based on the idea that when an individual experiences a threatening situation and feels fear, which is a psychological trigger, recognizable physical responses occur. Therefore, fearful stimuli can lead to the development of manifestations that either increase or reduce sensitivity. Hypothesis The first hypothesis referred to the idea of evolutionary considerations predicting the enhancement of sensory perceptions such as tactile sensitivity. A hypothesis that competed with the one mentioned above was based on studies of peripheral psychophysiology predicting that feat decreases tactile sensitivity. On the one hand, the evolutionary perspective included in the first hypothesis is based on evidence that fear boosts the visual field of an individual, speeds up the movements of the eye, as well as leads to nasal volume increases and air velocity during inspiration (Kelley & Schmeichel 1). On the other hand, the second hypothesis is based on evidence that “peripheral psychophysiological correlates of negative emotions. Specifically, research has observed that fear-related responses (e.g., responses to real or perceived threats) tend to be associated with increased vascular resistance and decreased peripheral temperature” (Kelley & Schmeichel 1). Thus, the researchers had the aim of testing both hypotheses and finding evidence in experiments that would either support or disprove them. Methodology To investigate the hypotheses, the researchers completed three studies. In the first study, different states of emotion (e.g., anger, fear, or neutral) were induced through the use of emotional memory and the measurement of tactile sensitivity. 55 female and 33 male participants were involved in the study, with the majority of the sample (69.3%) being Caucasian. The experiment involved a two-point discrimination task, during which participants received 20 pokes on their fingers with a distinct distribution of sensation and random selection of points. After the manipulation, the participants reported their levels of fear, with the responses being combined into a single average score. In the second study, the sample of participants was instructed to view a series of images that would elicit such emotions as anger, fear, and neutral mood. After this, subjects reviewed the images and rated their feelings using items associated with specific feelings elicited during the viewing. In the third study, a sample of 46 undergraduate students at Texas A&M University was used in exchange for additional credit in their psychology course. Participants were asked to repo
Introduction Each company has short-term, medium-based, and long-term plans. All these are presented in terms of budgets and approximations as long as they are quantifiable items. However, due to the changes between the time of budgeting and the running of the business and other unexpected events, the budget does not represent the real accounts in the running of a firm. This gives rise to the need for an analysis of the budget so as to find out the variance and later on find the remedy for the variance. There are two types of variances; positive variance and negative variance. Positive variance is that which exceeds the approximations while negative variance reflects performance below the approximations. This paper analyzes the performance of a radio department manager by the budget performance. Budgetary variances Item Budgeted actual variance DRG A cost $ 114, 750 $150,000 $35,250 DRG B cost $ 192,000 $ 200,000 $ 8,000 DRG C cost $ 0 $ 95,000 $ 95,000 DRG A quantity 9 10 (1) DRG B quantity 24 20 (4) DRG C quantity 0 1 1 Total cost $ 306, 750 $ 445,000 $ 130,250 Total volume 33 31 (2) Average cost $9,295 $ 14,355 $ 5,060 Analysis From the face value, the approximations that had been done five years ago are well below the actual targets that the company has witnessed. This is depicted by the positive variances that are registered by virtually all products in terms of costs. However, there is the negative variance that is recorded in terms of the quantities (Collier & Agyei-Ampomah, 2009). It is a common scenario that due to the inflationary effects the cost of living goes higher than expected. This is most cases is pushed by the rise in the cost of commodities. Even though the budgetary team may be able to foresee the events that can lead to such occurren
Child neglect is a form of child maltreatment. Child neglect implies the failure in meeting some child’s needs. For instance, a child is neglected when he or she is not provided with such vital things as nutrition and food, physical and mental health care, clothing and hygiene, supervision, and educational care. Child neglect can lead to serious and fatal consequences. There are two different forms of neglect: physical and emotional. More girls suffer from neglect than boys. Younger children are neglected the most. According to Welch and Bonner (2013), “in the fiscal year 2010, an estimated 695,000 unique children were identified as being abused and/or neglected in the United States, translating to 9.2 children per 1,000” (p. 745). This paper is aimed at providing a rating for a child and his family using the case of Aaron. Aaron is a seven-year-old white boy. Aaron is from a full family. He lives with his mom and dad in Orlando, Florida. Aaron goes to a local elementary school. It is worth mentioning that Aaron is a relatively new student in the school. Hi
One can define communication as the process of exchanging messages “…views, ideas, knowledge, skills and emotions among others through use of symbols, words, pictures, graphs, figures from a sender to the receiver through a medium with the aim of stimulating a response” (Strawson, 1964, p.450). Communication is an art, which has kept on evolving day-by-day with people using of the past using signs and body language to communicate. However, the scenario has significantly changed with the introduction of technology leading to other alternatives of communication like email and telephone. There are various modes of communication for instance of oral and written. Oral communication is the traditional mode of communication used by almost everyone. It involves use of spoken word for communication. On the other hand, people consider written communication a formal mode, which follows certain formats and procedures. Email communication lies in the category of written communication since the sender inputs information into the computer and dispatches electronically. As the paper unfolds, email communication resembles the written and oral communication in a number of ways. Similarities As a mode of communication, email communication borrows from both the oral and written communication largely. This form of communication serves the purpose of creating understanding and stimulating certain response. Email communication core role is to enhance understanding. This seems true when it comes to both oral and written communication. In oral communication, the sender of the information sends a code that seems understandable to the recipient. It is through this that communication usually takes place. Furthermore, when it comes to written communication, the sender transmits the information from oral imaginations to a code or symbols that are understandable to the second party to which the information seems intended. There are also close links when it comes to the purpose of communication. In both modes of communication, the interactions are basically meant to achieve certain objectives for instance, for business purposes, administration, socialization, networking, and motivation. Nowadays, people use emails in accomplishing such different objectives, which they initially met through oral and written communication. Electronic mail is a form of written communication that has of recent gained prominence and popularity as one of the fastest and convenient mode of communication. This seems attributed to the advancement of technology and high level of literacy. This has facilitated interactions between individuals and even groups. The mode of communication is the most widely and familiar computer mediated communication in the contemporary time as a method of information exchange. The sender of the information inputs information in the computer using a code that is understandable by the intended recipients (DeVito 1986, p.34). After inputting this information, the sender s
Introduction Civil peace can be described as a condition that is more than just the absence of war or any form of physical conflict. It goes to an extent that the contemplation of rising against the government is unimaginable; this results from a situation of lasting social, political, and economic stability. Civil peace is pursued on long-term basis and it involves the process of conflict resolution. The teams involved in creating peace and offering the civil peace services are engaged in wide-base activities that are performed by civilians in regions of conflict with a mission to widen the scope of local campaigners by achievements and presence. The whole process of peace-building entails resolving all forms of conflicts that come up using non-violent means; it also includes building peace and reconstructing the society. The establishment of civil peace is facilitated by peace workers who are trained on peace building process, aggressively creating awareness on the significance of nonviolent conflict resolution and creating a working relationship with local community members where conflicts arise. It is argued that non-violence is the greatest disposition of mankind; it is the most appropriate way available to human kind in solving the conflicts and misunderstandings amongst the members of the society. It is important to note that the need for civil peace has not arisen out of the vacuum, it 9has come as a result of societal conflicts, which are actually social facts that must be tackled. Civil peace alternates with civil war or conflict. This case, the presence of one must mean the absence of the other. Both cannot exist as social facts simultaneously. This paper examines the claim of Thomas Hobbes with respect to establishment of civil peace. The contribution of Hobbes to the establishment of Civil Peace and the Disposition of Mankind towards Fulfilling their Civil Duty According to Thomas Hobbes the main concern for politics is civil peace as opposed to freedom; his main ideas indicate his concern for the political and social order. Moreover, he is apprehensive of how human kind can coexist in peace and keep away from the dangers and fears of civil disagreements. Hobbes has come up with what he believes are the best ways of solving civil strife amongst the members of the society. First, he proposes that human kind should agree to offer their obedience to an unaccountable sovereign authority. In this case, he argues that authority should be given to an individual or group of empowered individuals to make decisions on all political and soc
Introduction The issue about whether genetically modified food products should be allowed into the market has drawn emotive debates. The contentious issues that have characterized the debate have drawn a lot of media coverage. Many people, especially those without technological knowhow about what –how genetically modified foods are processed, have found it very hard to get hard facts about this issue (Nestle, pp. 2). Genetically modified foods are no longer a scientific, technological, or an environmental issue as it was initially thought to be, rather, it has now become a social, ethical, economic, and political issue (Mandel, pp. 1). The debate pertaining to GMOs revolves around manipulation of the DNA. In genetically modified foods, genes are manipulated in such away that particular genes can be identified, isolated, and copied. This process leads to the transfer of genes into other organisms in a direct and a controlled way. In fact, genetic modification allows for transfer of genes between species. The process is normally done so that crop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and herbicides are produced. With genetic modification, even early maturing crop varieties have been invented. In fact, plant and animal products with desired qualities like fruits that are not easily invaded by mound and plants with reduced levels of natural toxicants have been produced by gene manipulation (Leighton, pp. 319). Moreover, crops that can grow in less hospitable conditions like drought prone areas have been produced by gene manipulation. This research paper seeks to advance a proposal argument that allows food modifications as long as it can be regulated and adequately labeled (Mandel, pp. 2). Genetic modification of food should be accepted as long as laws are put in place to regulate the process and these genetically modified foods are adequately labeled. A major fear among consumers has been the safety of genetically modified food products (Wargo, pp. 12). Consumers have quite often intimated that marker genes that are used in genetic modification can confer resistance to antibiotics among populations that use these foods. Some of the concerns raised are genuine, but then, the advantages of embracing the use of genetically modified food products outweigh the disadvantages. Theirs is no need for consumers to fear about their safety as systems have been developed that can help in assessing the safety of genetically modified foods (Derek, pp. 1845). As a matter of fact, genetically modified foods are normally subjected to rigorous safety assessments based on rational scientific evaluation. Genetically modified foods products should not just be shunned away based on safety. Countries should take cue from European Union countries that have initiated regulatory mechanisms to check on GMOs (Leighton, pp. 5). Those who are opposed to the use of genetically modified foods normally cite Rowett Institute’s case to back their arguments. The media has fueled the unease regarding GMOs by alluding to the fact that research had proved that all genetically modified foods are potentially unsa
Introduction Economic theories have tried to ascertain the factors that can explain the need for foreign trade and the evolution of trade patterns. Economists have tried to provide various rationales for trade. David Ricardo believed that the presence of technological differences between countries leads to a comparative advantage. According to the Heckscher-Ohlin model, factor endowments such as labour, capital, and natural resources, leads to a relative situation that forms the trade patterns. More recent trade theories opine that larger countries with a strong economy will have an edge in exporting the goods that are consumed more in the domestic market (Chinn 2004). According to this theory, the trade cost is the greatest obstacle to trade. On the other hand, there are economists who believe that the quality of socio-political situation of a country influences its trade pattern. Evidently, there are numerous factors that have been considered as an influence on trade of a country. In this paper, I will look into the trade pattern of the United States with its top ten trading partners and ascertain what factors could have influenced them. US Trade For the analysis of the US trade data, we consider the countries with the largest amount of trade volume with the US. These countries are highlighted in the following table. The table shows that the largest amount of trade volume of the US is with Canada and the rest are given in the order of their amount of trade. The partner countries with the first ten highest trade volumes from 2009 through 2015 are considered for the analysis. The main export partners of the US are Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, Germany, South Korea, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. In percentage terms from 2010 to 2015, the US trade with Canada has been a large 22.5% of the total trade volume. Table 1 (in Appendix) shows that trade with the top three countries has been a whopping 60% of the total trade volume from 2010 through 2015. Therefore, the main trading partners of the US undoubtedly are Canada, Mexico, and China. The other seven of the top ten countries have 26.05% of the total trading volume. The percentage of export to the total export and that of imports for the top ten countries is presented in the following figure (see figure 2 in Appendix). The graph shows that in 2015 for all the top ten trading partners, the export has been more than the import. This indicates that the US has a trade deficit in their trade balance. Figure 2 (see Appendix) shows the trade balance for the top trading partners of the US from 2010 to 2015. Trade balance is the difference between the bilateral export and import. A positive trade balance indicates a trade