ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Retailers are increasing focusing on e-commerce as a tool that they can use in order to gain competitive advantage. However, it is notable that in order for e-commerce to be a truly successful medium, the retailers have to identify the consumer behaviours portrayed towards the same in order to encourage spending. Specifically, the retailers have to learn how consumers behave towards online product display, online payment methods, return services, warranties provided by the online retailers, different methods of product delivery and credit facilities offered by the retailers among others. The typical online purchasing decisions are made in a process comprising of the following stages: 1) need awareness; 2) searching for relevant product information; 3) evaluating available alternatives; 4) implementing the purchase decision; and 5) Post-purchase decision-making. Hadjiphanis & Christou notes that understanding consumer behaviour in e-commerce involves gaining insight on how the people search for product information in an online environment (1). Once understood, the retailer can then customize their websites to meet the specific information needs that consumers need in order to make the purchase decision. Since the online environment gives consumer a wider choice of products and product platforms from where to make their purchases, this study seeks to establish the exact consumer behaviour portrayed in an e-commerce environment and the specific factors that influence such behaviour. The study also seeks to highlight aspects of e-commerce consumer behaviours that the researcher considers important towards helping retailers meet the diverse consumer behaviours presented in an online environment. This study acknowledges that consumer behaviour; just like in the traditional marketplace is influenced by personal, lifestyle and psychological factors. As such, the paper will seek how each of the factors affects consumer behaviour and how online retailers can meet the consumers needs highlighted in such behaviours. Lowe defines e-commerce as the act of purchasing an online product (363). This involves ordering the product and making the payment for the same. Literature Review In a research of e-commerce in Canada, Lowe (363-374) notes that though this new way of purchasing products and services gives consumers a wider choice and is more convenient, it is yet to be embraced by a large percentage of consumers as was predicted when the concept began. Most notably, Canada’s e-commerce by individuals in 2001 was estimated to be worth $2 billion only and represented 0.4 percentage of the total household spending (Lowe 363). Some of the factors affecting e-commerce by individuals include their access to internet, their willingness to use the internet to purchase products and services, and the products available for purchase on an online setup (Lowe 364). Hadjiphanis & Christou argue that in order to understand consumer behaviour in e-commerc
Brief history of Lean Henry Ford started to use the Lean Manufacturing idea in his automobile factory designed to produce a Model T automobile. His reference to the Lean System was a system where the processing does not wait for components from other stages. He thought of it as a continuous flow of value addition. Stages that were related were linked together (Lean Manufacturing: Working more efficiently, par. 8). The Lean theory was “first mentioned in the James Womack’s 1990 book, The Machine that changed the World” (Lean Manufacturing: Working more efficiently, par. 6). Ford’s process was inflexible. It produced the same product repeatedly, and the end product could not be modified (Duque and Cadavid 71). There was a lot of inventory which resulted in wasteful use of space. Production did not depend on consumer demand (Lean Manufacturing: Working more efficiently, par. 9). Taiichi Ohno of Toyota came up with the Just-In-Time (JIT) production system that eliminated the large inventories that Ford design had failed to address (Lean Manufacturing: Working more efficiently, par. 10). Stages in Lean Manufacturing The first stage in Lean Manufacturing is the identification of waste. In this stage, it is recognized wastes cannot be eliminated but they can be reduced. There will always be a more efficient method of production and running business. As a result of this, continuous improvement ( Kaizen ) is essential (Lean Manufacturing: Working more efficiently, par. 18). A value stream map (VSM) is used to identify processes that do not add value to the end product. The second stage is analyzing the waste and finding out its source. It involves finding where the waste originated. The third stage is developing a solution to reducing waste. Some of practices used to reduce waste are JIT, Kanban system, zero defects, Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), and 5S principles (Duque and Cadavid 78). After eliminating the perceived waste, the process goes back to the first stage of seeking to identify waste. The Toyota Production System (TPS) The TPS has been used by many organizations across the globe as the reference point when it comes to Lean Manufacturing. The TPS evolves within Toyota. It is learnt through participating in the development process (Liker and Morgan 6). Just-in-Time (JIT) in the TPS involves using Kanban to control the level of production. The Kanban displays the quantity needed in writing. Materials are moved from one task to another without interruption. The process ensures “the right parts to the right place and at the right time” (Liker and Morgan 7). The Kanban system relies on what is needed in the stores. The TPS also uses a Jidoka system where machines are programmed to stop producing if they detect deviation from the standard size. It is also applied by employees who are required to pull a cord that lights a signal requesting for help. Assistance from a team leader is also expected to with less waiting in between, probably within seconds (Liker and Morgan 7). The Jidoka system is used to eliminate defects. The Heijunka (leveling) makes the
Introduction For any kind of business to be successful, different kinds of management theories must be implemented. In today’s changing business organizations, the major functions of business management need to change as well in order to suit the managerial role. This means that there should be coordination between organization, planning, coordinating and leading roles in any business management set up. Management theories The first management theory is the scientific management theory which was developed under a classical point of view considering the large industrialized business organizations. This theory focuses on such organizations which manufacture a variety of products repeatedly. Considering the expenses involved in scientific methods and other technical operations as well as the reluctance on the part of the workers, this theory was developed to control these two situations. Firstly, a large organization needs to divide its operations into small sections to ensure that all employees are aware of their duties. Selection and training of competent personnel for all sections is equally required to ensure quality execution of duty. Monitoring of the operations in all sections should then be done effectively for assurance purposes. Consistent practice of these measures should also be ensured (Heller, 2006, p. 1). Another very important management theory is the administrative bureaucratic theory which defines all the principles of management. It emphasizes on division of labor where specific sections of an organization have their qualified personnel to concentrate on them. Since there is specialization in the different fields, production tends to increase. It also identifies the need of authority going hand in hand with responsibility where leaders are required to effectively carry out their duties besides giving orders. Respect between employees and the management should as well be ensured. For instance, employees should seek approval from their leaders in a wise and disciplined manner and the leaders should as well respect the employees (Sinha, 2010, p. 1). For any organization to be successful and enjoy full profitability, supervision of its operations should be unified such that only one superior gives instructions. This helps prevent corrupt dealings in the organization. Employees working under a certain section of the firm should be unified and work towards achieving a one goal. Additionally, the employees should put the organization’s interests before theirs all the time. Employees are only loyal and dedicated to their work when they are paid well. It is, therefore, the duty of the management team to distribute fair wages to the employees. Consolidation of power within the organizati
Introduction Barston (2006) defines diplomacy as the administration of interstate interactions. Other variables that may affect any of the states are also included in the interaction. A diplomat therefore promotes their country’s national interests by representing the country in negotiations and doing tasks that promote national interest. The ministry of Foreign affairs in most cases has a department that trains and equips the diplomatic employees. It is also concerned with their welfare as they conduct missions abroad. Consequently, diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges have been designed in pursuit of their good conduct and their welfare (Berridge 2002 p. 201). The diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges apply to both the diplomats and the supporting staff working in the embassy. The top ranking diplomats enjoy more privileges than the supporting staff. Their families who accompany them also enjoy such privileges. The diplomacy contributes to the states’ implementation of foreign policy. The diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges vary from one state to another and vary in the way it applies (Melissen 1999, p. 12) This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges. The advantages and disadvantages of diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges Advantages In accordance with Berridge (2002 p. 10), diplomatic protocol and diplomatic privileges ensure that diplomats are catered for in their social lives. There are provisions for the diplomat where the family is catered for. The diplomat is allowed to live with members of his family. There are situations where there are severe hard ships. These provisions enable the diplomat to perform his duties better than they would without such support. For instance, diplomats send abroad are send with their families where they live. They are provided for housing and are taken care of in case of emergency. The ministry of finance where they belong must give adequate support. The United States ministry of finance has to offer maximum security to its diplomats in foreign states. This is as a result of past attacks on American embassies. Whenever there is a security threat, there are arrangements made to protect them. In some cases, in warring countries, they are flown back to home country as soon as possible (Hamilton & Langhorne, 2010). Diplomatic protocol and privileges add on to the envoy’s security (Gore-Booth, 1979 p6). Security is given to the envoy from externalities like robbery among other criminal activities. When security personnel are assigned, then the diplomat can perform the duties assigned to them by the country. Failure to protect the envoy leads to a stalemate of agreements done between the two states. They may withdraw treaties that they had mad
Introduction ‘Whites swim in racial preference’ is the title of Tim Wise’s article, which reveals the looming racial imbalances in American society. The author asserts that even after criticizing affirmative action at the University of Michigan, president Bush failed to understand the magnitude of Whites’ privileges (Wise par. 5). There are many ways as shown in the article that the Whites have used to perpetuate their racial preferences in schools and particularly in colleges. This essay seeks to point out the various traditions as described in the article that supports racial preferences in favor of the whites in the United States. Social control and stratification Social control is one of the mechanisms used by the United States to segregate minority populations. These groups include blacks Americans, Latin Americans, and the Red Indians. The article explores some aspects of social control that were tailored in the early American colonial era. The current effect of social control in the United States is traced back to the 17th century when racism was very rampant. During that period, black Americans and the other minority communities were not allowed to own factors of production. The whites controlled all the available resources, which gave them a lot of power. Generations later, the same power was passed to their descendants causing the current situation where the whites control almost the entire economy. Social control is the act of forming or establishing a generalized opinion about a group of people to segregate them. The notion formed by the older generations about the minority still linge
Executive Summary Saudi Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) is a private equity venture fund created to support investment ideas brought by PSU Students. It was revealed during several rounds of business plan presentations in the BUS 505 course taught by Dr. Mikhail Zenchenkov that MBA students can develop, present and implement outstanding business projects, thereby contribute to the economic progress of KSA. Saudi Arabia is an emerging market, which needs creative, socially-oriented, innovative business ideas for further social and economic growth. PSU as a private university has the advantage of having wealthy individuals: Al-Saud, Al-Romaizan, Al-Rajhi, Al-Sudairy, Al-Hokair, Al-Habib, and others who are serving on the university council and can be addressed as potential investors in the creation of the first in Saudi Arabia university-based venture corporation , which will grow and monetize bright ideas for the benefit of the Saudi society. PSU will be the first hub of its kind, which will not only graduate the students but also provide them with the chance of implementing their business ideas through funded business plans. This fact alone can rank PSU as the best university to study in the Middle East. What else can motivate students better to learn, than knowing that you have a chance of bringing your business idea to life right where you study? With the support of investors, faculty, industry advisors common efforts will be synergized to actively help PSU MBA students convert their bright ideas into working businesses. We are at the right time of doing this project (Saudi Arabia needs new, high potential, high return, value-producing businesses), we have financial resources (families of potential investors), faculty (consultants and advisors), and students (intelligent ideas generators). We are one step away to leverage all these opportunities and create true social and financial benefits for the Kingdom and its people through the realization of this idea. Mission Statement SRDC focuses on providing potential investors with access to the available increasing business ideas which are innovative initiatives from PSU students. They will provide an opportunity for those that can provide substantial capital appreciation over three to five years from the time of investment. We aim to create a strategic partnership between intellectual and financial capital, – by supporting young and talented individuals who have distinctive, creative, and innovative business ideas, and willing to start a business, through the creation of financial, technical, industry, and complex advisory platform. We believe that Prince Sultan University (PSU) is the right intersection point, a business hub with unique characteristics through which all the agents are to be linked and operate. Our students are idea creators/holders, our faculty serves as an expert panel for review and evaluation, the university board members provide guidance and exp
Classroom floor plan for 1 st Grade: Language Development The general floor plan: center-based The 1 st grade classroom for language development should allow for many different centers. The floor plan may have library, art area, computer, literacy and reading, dramatic play, large group, and science area among others. All areas address various issues concerning language development, physical, cognitive, emotional, or social needs of learners. Apart from these centers, a classroom floor plan also has other areas, which facilitate learning and teaching. These areas create conducive learning environment for learners. This paper addresses only three areas (in the above floor plan) in a classroom floor plan that can facilitate language acquisition in 1 st grade classroom. Reading Area There are many literacy materials in this area. They include books, letter charts, papers, and site words. There are also listening materials in the reading area for book tapes or music to facilitate reading, listening, and literacy. The area provides several opportunities for group reading, discussions, writing, and collaboration with other learners so that learners can develop abilities to read and understand written materials. In all, the area must facilitate the acquisition of language skills like “reading comprehension, language, social, and writing skills” (Morrow, 2003). The teacher introduces various books to learners. Learners can choose interesting books for reading purposes. The teacher then reads the book as children listen. He may then ask the children what they can remember from the book. At this stage, the teacher only provides minimal support to the children so that they can understand the text on their own. Children must take turn in reading the book as the teacher guides them. Learners must read loudly for the whole class to hear. The teacher must also provide opportunities for learners to recap the book. The teacher may introduce verbal skills by asking questions as learners respond. He may also help learners to learn new words and develop their vocabulary skills by defining such words. Teachers can assess the effectiveness of reading areas by observing reading, comprehension, writing, interaction, and vocabulary usages among learners. Positive results could indicate that the reading center has enhanced language development among learners. Art Center Art center has paints, crayons, papers, markers, and other materials for art works. Children have tendencies to express their ideas through drawings and
It has been widely documented that the global climate is changing; the globe as a whole is warming up with such effects as the melting of the polar ice caps, and severe and erratic weather such as hurricanes, floods, and drought [Nabi & Qader, 2008]. The effect is also seen in form of changing vegetation with the ice caps on mountains giving way to warmer forests. Insects are very sensitive to ambient temperatures; this is mainly due to their small size and cold-blooded nature; this affects their size, rate of maturation, reproduction, and activity [Biswas, et al, 1993]; taking this into account, there has been a growing concern regarding the effects of an increasingly warmer globe on the occurrence of insect-borne diseases in the world [Nabi & Qader, 2008]. Among the potential changes that may occur is the spread of disease to new areas stemming from the new ability of a vector to survive in that area. Alternatively, a change in climate may alter the magnitude and severity of outbreaks of disease [Biswas, et al, 1993]. This paper seeks to explore the nature of two vector-borne diseases, malaria, and dengue fever, in regards to the characteristics that would make them prone to effects of climate change, and to highlight some of the documented cases of such change. The paper also seeks to give possible areas of research to provide a clearer picture of the effects of climate change on the occurrence of vector-borne diseases. Malaria Malaria is a vector-borne disease that has widespread occurrence in the tropical regions of the world; including parts of Asia, Africa, and America. The disease is potentially fatal and causes many deaths, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Etiology The disease is caused by protozoan blood parasites of the genus plasmodium; the members of this genus can infect a wide range of animals ranging from mammals to birds; humans however can only be infected by four species; Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium over, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malariae. Epidemiology The parasites are spread through a mosquito bite from a female mosquito of the anopheles genus. The disease has a worldwide distribution although it is found mostly in the tropical regions where the climate can support the vector; consequently, the distribution of malaria is similar to the distribution of the vector; additionally, the prevalence of the disease in a population is pegged to the mosquito activity in the area; thus, disease outbreaks are usually seen in hot and wet weather [Rodgers, 2000]; as the multiplication of the vectors is highest during this weather. About 250 million cases of malaria are reported worldwide every year; from these, about one million cases are fatal [Rodgers, 2000]. Clinical disease The disease presents with a characteristic fever accompanied by joint pains, chills, emesis, and hemoglobinuria. The disease severity is usually, associated with the speed and effectiveness of the administration of therapy, the age of the patient (with children showing a more severe f,orm), an