ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Strategic management is very important for success in the increasingly changing global economy. Easily said than done, many organizations fail to plan appropriately leading to failure of major corporations (Dess & Lumpkin, 2009, p. 23). Apart from failure in planning, some business failures have resulted from slow decisions and inactions. “Boiling frog phenomenon” is one of the explanations that can be offered to many business failure cases in the last two decades. A widespread phrase, “boiling frog phenomenon” is an important consideration in strategic management. The allegory of “boiled frog” has a widespread usage in history. If a frog is immersed in a pot containing hot water, it would definitely jump out and save its life. However, a frog submerged in a pot containing cold water and temperature raised gradually may fail to notice the rising temperatures ending up being boiled alive. Though there is no barrier preventing the frog from jumping out of the pot, it fails to take the necessary action since change in temperature seems to be very minimal (Polynice, 2008, par 2). Culturally the story is used to warn people who fail to notice or take action to gradual change in their lives. Unable to notice the gradual changes, such people may find themselves in great trouble later on. The “boiled frog phenomenon” is relevant in many areas of life. In business, the phenomenon is used to warn of the need to notice and take actions to gradual changes. Like the “boiled frog”, an organization that fails to respond to gradual changes in its area may find itself in great trouble. An organization must be able to notice gradual changes in its market, human resources, technological or legal environment to be successful (Burke, Trahant & Koonce, 1999, p. 17). In strategic management the phenomenon is also used to refer to a strategy for implementing changes in an organization. Implementing changes gradually helps minimize resistance to change. A fair example of “boiled frog phenomenon” in United States is the failure of Enron. Formed in 1985, Enron developed to be a major player in energy industry in North America. Enron management, led by Kenneth Lay, was obsessed with success. They wanted the organization appear to be doing well despite of various failed projects. The main concern for the management was maintaining a positive image to stakeholders and the public, and ensuring positive trend of the company’s share prices in the stock market. Instead of addressing the causes of declining performance, the management opted for manipulating books of account in order to
Introduction The focused Conversation method is a technique that offers a framework for efficient communication. This method permits group communication and deliberations by allowing the group members to share different perceptions without confrontations. This is possible because the members share thoughts and imagination on a general subject. Focused communication helps to bring a certain level of consensus among the people in the group. It allows every member to participate while promoting positive conversation. In this technique, the group can dig deep on the discussion subject while creating a common understanding. It creates enthusiasm while at the same time increasing self-confidence among the members. The focused conversation method description The focused conversation method allows the group to get involved in the discussion while the facilitator stays in a neutral position. The method is constructive in the way it causes the group to participate actively without the facilitator lecturing the group. This method does not have any correct or wrong answers but rather all questions are open-ended. The questions should not be responded with a mere yes or no answer but rather in a lively discussion. The facilitator has to believe in the group and present the group with a vigorous topic. When putting across questions, they should be specific to achieve better answers. The facilitator should have a goal to make well-articulated questions for the group. This will also ensure proper understanding and relay of information to the group members. The focused conversation method has four steps that help to direct the group on the subject of discussion. The first step is the objective stage that allows the group to face the truth about the topic. This is the information that is observed straightforwardly. In this case, the facilitator will start by asking questions to assist the group to remember information either observed or heard about the topic. This helps to reconstruct and establish a combined memory of the topic. For instance, one can ask them what they have heard from the topic. The next step is the reflective consideration. In this area, the facilitator allows the group to share emotional thoughts and images about the topic. This will motivate them to be involved in the topic while ensuring that there is a shared understanding of the topic. For instance, one can ask the group to describe the high point about the topic. At the third stage, the group is supposed to make sense of the topic by expressing the meaning, importance, and insinuation of the concepts put across. This is necessary to ensure that the group can put ideas into perspective. For instance, the facilitator can ask them what they have learned from the topic in discussion. The last step in the focused conversation is the decisional target. In this case, the group visualizes their answers in terms of decisions and measures that are necessary. They make up their mind on what the future should hold as well as the execution of the ideas. For example, the facilitator can ask the group to st
People got used to the fact that they live in the democratic world where their rights are valued and protected. Still, there was a time in the American history when people had to protect their rights. This period was rather long and people, especially African-Americans, had to struggle for the opportunity to have the same rights as other people did. The social reform was really important for the whole world, but the road to it was complicated and sometimes even full of blood and pain. The Significance of Brown v. Board of Education and the Montgomery Bus Boycott The significance of the Brown v. Board of Education was that this law made the rights of black and white people similar. It was one of the biggest steps for consideration African-Americans as the equal members of the American society protected under the Constitution. The same outcome was provided by the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In these two cases the decisions were directed at the elimination of the discrimination according to the US Constitution supported with “the civil rights movement of the 1970s focused the nation’s attention on two controversial means of promoting racial equality — affirmative action and mandatory school busing” (Oakes et. al 703). The Freedom Riders and the Montgomery Bus Boycott Freedom Riders were the activists who wanted to make human rights equal by means of fighting for those of African-Americans. The main difference of Freedom Riders from Montgomery Bus Boycott was that Freedom Riders acted, while Montgomery Bus Boycott was a political and social protest campaign (Oakes et. al 694). It is obvious that the purpose these two organizations had were similar, but the ways of striving for the results were different. President Johnson and the Growing Civil Rights Movement President Johnson supported the ideas of equal rights. He was sure that his new program Great Society would support the growing Civil Rights Movement as it “aimed to wipe out poverty and enhance the quality of life for all Americans” (Oakes et. al 692). This means that Johnson wanted all people had equal rights that was
Introduction Knowledge as Listening Variable: Thesis Statement Listening comprehension directly correlates with the background knowledge that a person possesses. Because background knowledge depends on personal experiences, learners have, therefore, different levels of listening skills. In fact, the impact of background knowledge on listening and reading comprehension is tangible because learners have completely different views on the acquired knowledge through listening. For instance, people with different professional and personal background can apprehend and interpret information in a different way because they have different cognitive levels. In this respect, it is purposeful to define the connection between knowledge and listening comprehension, as well as the role knowledge background plays in a listening process. In whole, the research seeks to define effective listening strategies for understanding and communicating sets of information by auditory means. Main Discussion Prospects of Listening and Background Knowledge Listening is often defined as a person’s capability to apprehend, recognize, and perceive the information acquired from a person communicating this information. The information processing, thus, is obtained from acoustic input and is often analyzed and controlled by personal capabilities of evaluating a set of knowledge with regard to personal experience and knowledge background (Luu and Bui, 2010). Luu and Bui (2010) also believe that the listening process creates a number of serious challenges for teachers to construct effective communicative strategies and techniques for learners. While constructing effective listening strategies, it is reasonable to consider learner’s different background because this knowledge diversity has a potent impact on the course of acquiring information. In order to define the connection of knowledge with listening, many definitions can be considered. At this point, Edwards and McDonald (1993) refers to many interpretations to grasp the full extent of this definition. First of all, they define listening as perception and selective attention leading to literal, reflective, and signal processing. Second, the scholars put forward an idea that an act of listening is based on responding being its basic component (Edwards and McDonald, 1993). In fact, they agree that communicators should be able to respond to received information to understand and react to the given knowledge (Rhodes, as cited in Edwards and McDonald, 1993). Finally, while developing the schema theory, the researchers have concluded that existing knowledge plays a pivotal role in processing stimuli being the central force in information processing. In whole, the above-presented studies prove that background knowledge is the core for building a conceptual framework for test listening. Knowledge, therefore, is an important variable influencing the extent to which a listener is involved into the listening process. Schema Theory an
Facts: In March 2005, Jeanson James Ancheta was indicted on charges of reaping profits from the utilization of “botnets” to destructively attack and send high numbers of spam to vulnerable computers through the internet. The defendant, aged 21, at the time, was a member of the “botmaster underground” which was a network of persons carrying out such malicious cyber crimes. The indictment charges included two counts of conspiracies, attempts to cause havoc to secured computers, actual damage to unprotected computers used by the federal government in the defense department and gaining unauthorized access to secure computers to facilitate fraud and money laundering. In total, the defendant was indicted on seventeen counts of cyber-related crimes. Issues: The issue raised is whether or not the defendant would be convicted of all the seventeen counts of charges made against him during the indictment. Holding: It was held that the allegations made against the defendant were indeed true. The defendant was thus convicted of all the charges made against him by the Supreme Court. Following his convictions, Ancheta was imprisoned for 57 months, the longest prison term for an individual found guilty of spreading computer viruses. In addition to the imprisonment, the defendant was forced to hand over the proceeds from his illicit activities – $60,000 cash, BMW, and computer paraphernalia. In addition, Ancheta was forced to disburse close to $15,000 to the Weapons Branch of the United
Primarily, this art involves the utilization of lines to depict mostly two-dimensional medium. The art requires the draughtsman to have a number of tools or instruments, which are compulsory for completion of any work of art in this field. This paper will discuss drawing lessons for beginners, with emphasis on the nature of material important in different drawings, amount of time required, and procedures that any draughtsman must use, for success in drawing ventures. Lesson 1: How to Hold a Pencil Any venture into this world of art begins with the handling of materials; mostly pencils, necessary for completing sketches. Depending on one’s preferred method of holding it, practically there is no method that the art recommends for use but rather, the mechanism of holding depends on individual preferences. It is important for all individuals to note that, use of forced holding methodologies can be disastrous, hence the importance of adopting a strategy that is the most comfortable. One of the most ordinary methods of holding a pencil is the basic tripod grip. This is the commonly used methods by majority of individuals in their normal writing practices. The method requires individuals to position their fingers in a manner that will ensure the middle finger, thumb and forefinger form a shape, which almost resembles a triangle. For achievement of such a shape, individuals must use their ring finger and pinkie to sustain the shape. The primary aim behind use of all these fingers is to ensure there is full management of the pencil orientation hence, ensuring achievement of required shading pattern using the tip. In undertaking the entire exercise, because the hand will always rest on the same page one is using, it is advisable for one for one to use an extra piece of paper; a practice aimed at minimizing effects resulting from skin oils and stains. Sometimes, depending on the nature of hand movements involved; primarily the elbow, it is advisable for individuals to ensure they place their elbows on the border of the surface they are using. Another second common meth
The Impact of the Horror Movies in the Modern Cinema Although the very idea of a horror movie as a means of getting frightened seems absolutely absurd, millions of people all around the world watch horror movies eagerly. The reason for watching the scary films must be hidden somewhere deep within a man’s psycho, for fear is not one of the most welcomed emotions. However, it requires a great deal of skills to create the film that can make people scared stiff. The film directors that have been considered the masters of the genre are Japanese, however strange that might sound. How they manage to create the films which thrill yet have a certain element of high culture within them is the secret that has to be explored. In spite of the fact that the modern cinema consists of a variety of film genres whose abundance is obvious, the horror genre still stays just as wanted and welcomed as it used to be before. This can be explained by the fact that the modern film directors make use of the components that drive the audience to the TV-screens and does not let them go for another couple of hours. With help of the new inventions that the XXI century has granted the art of cinematography with, it has become possible to increase the quality of the films, which involves a number of specific elements. Owing to them, the movies gain the depth and thoughtfulness which a horror genre ahs never seen before, and create almost philosophic depth in the movie. Since the Japanese have always been known for their refined and distinguished philosophy, there should be no wondering why they have created so many films that are worth being called the classics of the horror genre. And, wit the modern technologies, as well as with the skillful work of the shooting crew, it becomes possible to reach the perfection. The Séance of Fear: Shooting a Nightmare Although a prominent Japanese film director Kurosawa Kiyoshi has created a range of films which have been considered masterpieces, it was the film called Séance that made him famous all over the world, including every single country. Shot through with the unceasing fear, the film also touches upon a vast variety of issues that are very important for the modern people, not only in China, but also all around the world. The film in fact incorporates the concerns and the psyc
Abstract The following paper will closely analyze the matter of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s assassination. It will examine the conditions prior to and after the incident. The characteristics of Godse, the motive (mens rea), and his actions (actus reus) will be looked at to establish the conditions of the case. Also, the paper will offer another approach to the case, which will provide for a clearer understanding of the nuances in the case. Most importantly, it will determine if there was a possibility to prevent the assassination from happening, and a conclusive report will be given after the fact. Introduction Human society has been a product of both kindness and hate, and those who fight for justice and equality are seen as honorable and deserving of praised individuals. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a fighter for his people and nation. Even though there were several attempts of assassination, he refused to get protection, as he believed that if it is meant to happen, then it must be (Deats, R. (2005). His teachings and beliefs are still a great part of the lives of many people, and it can be said that Gandhi is still alive through the memories and beliefs of others. Among other things, Mahatma Gandhi was the organizer of the social movement and the leader of people who wanted fairness. His involvement in politics and the general belief in non-violence and freedom of the nation’s people brought about the anger of many people (Hatt, 2002). This led to several attempts being made to stop him, but the assassinations failed. Overall, there were five prior attempts, in 1934, 1944, 1946, and the 20th of January 1948. On the 30th of January, 1948, Gandhi began his day with regular duties. He was projecting the constitution, as he was largely involved in politics and was able to conduct matters in the most efficient and fair manner (Kamath, 2007). Main body On that day, Gandhi was getting prepared to unveil his plans to the congress, and so, almost the whole day was spent discussing the future laws of the country. When the time for the night prayer came, he was exiting his house and onto the porch. As usual, there was a large gathering of people because, by that time, Mahatma Gandhi was already thought of as the “father” of the nation. In the crowd was a man named Godse, who had participated in the attack ten days before. He approached Gandhi as if to touch him but instead took out a gun and shot him three times in the chest. Two of the bullets went through Gandhi, and one got stuck in his lung in the area of the heart. According to some sources, Gandhi was held by his nieces on both sides and died instantly (Gandhiji shot dead – The Hindu, 2013). Other sources say that he was taken to Birla’s house and lived for another 30 minutes (Assassination of Mr. Gandhi, 1948). In case he was taken to the Birla house, it is unclear why he was not taken to the hospital because there is always a chance to save a person. People on-site saw
Introduction Regulating business relationships is critical from both individual and organization perspectives. In this regard, business organizations are subjected to various categories of the law. Criminal and civil laws are the most notable classifications (Mann, 1992, p. 1797). Understanding criminal law and civil law in terms of principles, application, and differences, has been prioritized in this report. Criminal law This category of law is associated with acts of crime against an individual or the public. Acts of treason or felony are classified under the law of crime. Also, a misdemeanor leading to a death penalty or imprisonment is categorized under criminal law. Criminal law perceives immoral acts of rape, arson, and infringement to property rights as unethical and punishable (Carsel & Bernstein 2013, p. 216). Principles of criminal law   * Legality: An activity is considered to be unlawful if there is a criminal law prohibiting the same.   * Human conduct: Criminal law is applied if the accused is suspected of acts of commission or omission (Ashworth & Horder 2013, p. 106). In this regard, the act of commission results from activities that injure others. Acts of omission results from the negligence of what is expected to be done.   * Causation: A relationship between crime and harm must exist for criminal law to take effect.   * Harm: An act that causes harm in the form of suffering to an individual protected under the law is illegal. However, the harm should not be self-inflicting.   * Concurrence: A crime is committed when a suspect’s state of mind is conscious of the intent and consequences of criminal actions.   * Guilty mind: This principle is also referred to as ”men’s rea” and means that the intent to commit a crime must be evidenced (Ashworth & Horder 2013, p. 74). For example, an individual exhibits a sign of recklessness or indifference.   * Punishment: Criminal law has a punishment provision for individuals or organizations guilty of a crime. Application Criminal law is applied in situations that require regulating relationships between citizens and the state. Criminal law prevents an individual and corporations from actions that negatively affect society. From this perspective, the state acts as the complainant against individual and corporate behaviors. Example The U.S Department of Justice has a record of tax criminals imprisoned for violating business law. For example, a Texas businessman named Richard Simkanin was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment for withholding taxes from employees’ wages. Also, the businessman failed to file employee income tax returns and made false claims against the U.S government. Robbert Jobbour was sentenced to 10 years in a Florida prison for evading tax and trying to impede the Internal Revenue Service (U.S Department of Justice 2005, p.1). Civil wrongs A civil wrong is best described by the law of tort and breach of contract (Scalise Jr 2013, p. 723). When a business engages in contra