ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Many researchers say the hospitality industry experiences high employee turnovers than most sectors of the economy (Davidson & Wany 2011). Albeit this fact is widely undisputed, it is important to understand what researchers mean by “employee turnover.” Davidson & Wany (2011) say employee turnover denotes the rate at which a company gains and loses its workforce. Companies that have a high rate of employee turnover tend to lose and gain their employees quickly, while companies that have a low employee turnover do not lose their employees often. Besides understanding the definition of employee turnover, it is also crucial to understand the hospitality industry and its subsections. Davis (2010) says the scope of jobs in the hospitality industry is wide. Indeed, this industry includes several sectors (like restaurant and accommodation sectors). Simply, PROTEL (2013) says most jobs that involve hotels and resorts (or similar establishments) fall within the hospitality industry. This paper identifies four key issues that emerge in the assessment of high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry. They include high rates of employment turnovers (as a global phenomenon that affects accommodation and restaurant sectors), factors that cause high employee turnovers and the effectiveness of government and industry responses to this issue, implications of high employee turnovers in the hospitality industry, and recommendations that could address high employee turnovers in this sector. However, this paper focuses on conducting a literature review that explores the first issue, by explaining the hig
Introduction Integrated Advertising refers to the promotion of a certain product using a variety of media. Since the inception of Internet and the subsequent generational change, there has been tremendous change in the manner in which companies place their advertisements. The use of mobile advertising is quite popular with studies showing that it will be the most preferred by 2016. Television advertising is still quite popular though it is largely driven by prime times and major programs. This transformation is across the board. However, a look at alcohol advertising paints an even more interesting picture. This paper looks at the nature of alcohol advertising integration, its effectiveness, and the influence it has on the general populace (Mims, unpaged). Nature of Advertising Alcohol advertising is diverse in nature. Companies spend so much money to create awareness of alcohol. Most of this advertising is on broadcast media. This includes radio, television, and other news channel. In these broadcast media, maximum attention is directed towards particular prime times and certain programs. In America particularly, most of alcohol advertisements (over 90%) appear in sports programs. This is significant as it targets specific audiences. In Canada, for example, alcohol advertising features prominently when the popular game of hockey is underway. While majority of Canadians watch hockey games on television, a significant number attend live games. In these arenas, alcohol is massively advertised and estimations show that for every ten Canadians that watch these games, half drink alcohol related content while at it. In America, American soccer is a popular pastime. This is what culminates into super bowl Sundays. It is common knowledge that during these Sundays, advertisers pay a lot of money to place their adverts. A check at these adverts indicates that majority of them are automobile related. Interestingly, the second largest category is alcohol ads. Hence, sports programming is a popular way to advertise alcohol in America. Pundits indicate that it accounts to over 90% of the total alcohol advertisements (Mims, unpaged). The second most popular programming that attracts alcohol advertising is prime time television. For example when broadcasti
Over the last year, the members of my family had to use the services of health care organizations on several occasions. I would like to describe my visit to a dentist that took place several months ago. I needed to fill a cavity in a tooth and for this reason I went to Lenox Hill Dental Clinic. The practitioner, Dr. Carlberg examined me and referred me to a radiologist, as he wanted to X-ray the tooth in order to determine whether it was still possible fill a cavity or it was necessary to extract the tooth. Honestly speaking it was not the most pleasant experience in my life, even despite the fact that Dr. Carlberg did everything right. He used both dental drill and laser ablation in order to remove vestiges of food from the tooth cavity. Afterwards, he prescribed me an analgesic or a pain reliever, if I am not mistaken, it was aspirin. In order to purchase it, I needed to go the pharmacy, located within the premises of the hospital. During the following two week, I made several follow-up visits, as Dr. Carlberg needed to assess the fill and evaluate my sensations. Overall, I cannot say that I was dissatisfied with the level of expertise and service. Provided that I look at this experience from a consumer point of view, I may argue that the functioning of Lenox Hill Hospital was well-organized as there were no queues or delays. It should be noted that Lenox Hill Dental Clinic can be regarded as a direct care organization as the patients have to pay a fee directly to the physician, not a third-party (Kovner et al, 2008). More importantly, the physician serves only a limited number of patients and he/she can better address their needs. One should bear in mind that direct-care organization are not numerous as even in private hospital the patient does not pay directly to the physician, but to an insurance company (Buchbinder & Thompson, 2009). The most distinguishing feature of such institutions is that they do rely on the work of case managers. Again, if we discuss the work of such organizations from consumer standpoint, we can argue that they provide a higher quality of services. In contrast, indirect-care organizations closely cooperate with third parties, in particular with insurance agencies. Moreover, the number of patients, attended by a physician throughout the year is not limited. We should also take it into consideration that the scope of direct-and-indirect care organizations differs. Direct-care organizations are much more focused. They may specialize in the treatment of one particular illness or a limited group of illnesses. The most common examples are dental or gynecological clinics. In turn, the scope and range of indirect-care organizations is broader. They provide treatment for a wider range of illnesses. When speaking to indirect-care organizations, we can draw such an example as community hospitals. There are several opportunities and challenges, which consumers face due to the lack of integrated health care system. On the one hand, they are able to choose those service providers which
Introduction The accomplishment of anything worthwhile in education and other circles depends on the accomplishment of its objectives and aims (Glenn 1). The business economics curriculum provides the blueprint through which students and teachers accomplish their educational goals. In simpler terms, the business economics curriculum provides an educational structure to propel students, administrators and teachers towards a sense of business academic progression. When analyzed comprehensively, the business economics curriculum provides administrators with a dynamic and comprehensive program to guide the learning activities of existing and prospective students (Glenn 1). On a much broader platform, administrators in colleges and universities have consistently used different educational curricula to attract students (Glenn 1). Teachers have also been observed to use business economic curricula to asses their students’ performance and progress in their educational activities. In fact, for student progression, the curriculum has often been used to evaluate student performance to determine whether a student is fit to progress to a higher educational le
Introduction Culture is an integral part of every society. While some countries use their cultural assets to become economically prosperous, some of them experience economic stagnation because of cultural problems (Walker, Walker, & Schmitz, 2003). The most common difference in culture that affects general business practices is the concept of time. In some countries, time is sacrosanct. Lateness for meetings and appointments is considered a sign of disrespect. A cultural commitment to timekeeping in countries such as Japan many explains the ability of the country to develop very efficient systems and products. Elements of culture that guide interaction with strangers can enhance or inhibit business. Entrepreneurs usually seek opportunities to meet other business people in order to strike deals. A cultural barrier that inhibits such meetings, or delays them, increases the cost of business for entrepreneurs (Walker, Walker, & Schmitz, 2003). Two countries with a strong reputation for international trade are the UK and China. These two countries have a different concept of time and handling of appointments. In China, appointments made early in advance tend to succeed. In the UK, the time of booking the appointment is not a decisive factor. In China, a meeting with a high-ranking official demands for more stringent timekeeping. In the UK, there is a grace period allowed for lateness because of the known difficulties associated with moving around the big cities. Failure to observe these norms in the two countries can make it impossible for an entrepreneur to do business. Main Body The costs involved in the globalization process include the following. First, countries can pay a huge political cost when their citizens interact with people from other countries (Ab Hamid, 2008). For example, the forces of globalization helped to fuel the Arab Spring. Economically, competition from international players stifles businesses in poor countries, while wages in rich countries fall because manufacturers have access to cheap labor overseas. Socially, foreign culture invades local societies and can upset the social stability of a country. The environment also plays a price because of the greater demand for natural resources. In a recent survey reported by Forbes, the company with the best CSR reputation is Microsoft. Microsoft had the best aggregate scores on a raft of indices revolving around philanthropy, leadership, innovation, and financial performance. Microsoft seems to be benefiting from the work of its founder in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which works towards alleviating some of the biggest problems in the world today. One famous project done by the foundation is financing the fight against Malaria. Businesses and governments that are not responsible enough in light of globalization deserve condemnation. The forces of globalization keep proving that the world is a small ecosystem, which requires everyone to cooperate (Dalic, 2007). Economic boycotts can help to dissuade irresponsibility in this era of globalization. In addition, international rating agencies can help to show t
Humanistic mathematics is a rather complex subject; it provides the learners with a lot of challenges and allows them to exercise their mind making it more flexible and sharp. Unfortunately, this subject is not something everyone is fond of. Mathematics is normally viewed as a boring and incredibly difficult study. This course shifted my perspective on math shedding light on its sides that used to be unknown to me. Humanistic mathematics course has been one of the most inspiring courses I have ever attended as a mathematician. What I learnt during this course altered my perception of human mind and abilities. First of all, I found out that the so-called “math gene” does not exist. The belief that some people are better at mathematics than others is nothing but a popular myth. Everyone is able to exercise their mathematical skills and improve them. Solving mathematical problems, playing board games, applying strategic and logical thinking are good ways to become better at mathematics. Challenging one’s own brain stimulates its growth and makes it more flexible (Byers 28). One more idea I learnt during this course is that self-motivation is very important in mathematics (Byers 54). One should not give up after a mistake; on the contrary, making mistakes is the only way to learn. Problem solving is not about speed, but depth. Math is also not about fast thinking, but deep thinking. One’s academic success in mathematics is defined by how creative and flexible one is. Mathematics is present in every culture, yet the approaches towards it vary. Members of different cultures use materials around them to build numerical guides such as the Incan quipus (Ascher 43). Finally, during this course I learnt to think of mathematics as a connected subject. This means that all mathematical theories relate to one another. Besides, sense and intuition play a big role in mathematics, because math is about patterns. A mathematician has to apply logical reasoning to be able to solve problems. Mathematical reasoning thus forms one of the basic pillars of individuals’ success in math (Boaler 76). A few facts surprised me during this course. First was the number of people uninterested in mathematics in America. The way mathematics is presented in the American schools makes a lot of people develop negative attitude towards it. Secondly, I was surprised to find out that math skills are not determined by any genes, they are not something people are born with, but something they obtain through practice turning their fixed mindsets into flexible ones. Boaler’s “What’s Math Got to Do with It?” and “Math Through the Ages” by Berlinghoff and Gouvea were the readings that made me react the most as they made me understand I had a fixed m
Introduction China and India are globally known for their large populations and fast economic growth. However, these two countries are associated with distinct political systems. India is recognized as the largest democracy in the world. It can be described as “a sovereign, secular, democratic republic whose governance is based on a parliamentary system”. China on the other hand is a socialist republic. Thus its political framework is based on a single party system. The Communist Party is the ruling party and its mandate is enshrined in the country’s constitution. The state power in China is exercised through the “Communist Party of China, the Central People’s government alongside their provincial and local counterparts”. This paper compares the political system, political culture and policy framework in China and India. Political System: China Political Structure The constitution remains the fundamental law of the state in China. The government is dominated by the Communist Party of China (CPC). During the time of command economy, every enterprise that was owned by the state had to have a party committee. However, with the introduction of market economy, the party now has limited power over economic institutions. CPC has high influence in the offices of the central government, economic, industrial and cultural settings in the urban areas. However, its influence in the rural areas is relatively weak. The main functions of the party officials include selection and promotion of various personnel. They also ensure that the policy framework as given by the party and the state is followed. Besides, they ensure that autonomous organizations are not formed by the non-party members to challenge the ruling party. The Party Congress is the highest organ of the party. There is a multiparty system whereby, the various political parties acknowledge the leadership of the Communist Party but works together with it through cooperation and consultations. Government The state organs include the “National People’s Congress (NPS), the President and the State Council”. The State Council is composed of the Premier, the vice premiers, and five state councils. The heads of State Council commissions alongside 29 ministers also form part of the state council. The National People’s Congress (NPC) is recognized by the constitution as the body with the highest state power. It holds annual meetings and its roles include approval of major policies, laws, personnel changes and the budget allocations. The standing committee of the NPC adopts most of the national legislations. It is considered the legislative arm of the government. The country’s People’s Liberation Army was formed and is led by the Communist Party. The army’s role is to protect the people of China and their territory. Local Government The local government is hierarchical and consists of four levels. The village is the lowest level, followed in ascending order by the township, county, municipality and the province. The function of each level involves supervising the work done by lower levels of the administrative hierarchy. At each leve
Julian of Norwich belongs to a group of metaphysical mystics, in whom much can be learnt in regards to the wider complexities of Christianity and is dogmatic adherence to doctrine and Churchmanship; most of which was in essence misogynistic in power and albeit, content. The fourteenth century English Church was in a period of rapid change, expansion, church building and moreover, theological debates and discoveries, in that, despite being a hierarchical misogynistic institution, also in part, listening to the wider voice of mysticism, which had down the ages, allowed many to come to a place of faith. This is, in part largely due to mystics like our study and her notable, contemporaries like: Margery Kempe and Hilton. Interestingly enough, these mystics, represented a ‘personal church’ according to Wakefield (130), in that, they provided against a background of ecclesiastical institutionalised religion, a ‘personal religion’, within the bounds of the institutional confinements, of clergy and ritual. This allowing for a deeper more, mystical union of contemplative and God; in doing so, a rich and meaningful dialogue between the soul and God, through an opening of love for God and regards for the beauty of His creation. Julian of Norwich, 1342-1420, lived as an anchorite, for most of her adult life, in a ‘cell’ near the Church of St Julian, from where it is assumed she took her, religious name (Wakefield: 236). She is widely credited as being the first woman to write a book in the English language. This work which took many years to complete, was an account of her many metaphysical visions and enlightenments. Julian’s, Revelations of Divine Love was written in two versions; a longer and shorter notation; allowed her to be seen as a leading theologian of her day, and moreover, as a women, this was no mean feat. The crux of this metaphysical union was predominately attained through illness, an illness that was so serious that her life was ebbing from her; nevertheless, she prayed for a bodily sign of ‘Christ’s Passion’ (Wakefield: 236) which inevitably through answered prayer, she was enraptured in sixteen revelations, of Divine love. Despite her humility, in stating that she was indeed a ‘feeble, frail and women’ (Wakefield: 237) she nevertheless, was noted in that her education was such that, she was more than aware and conversant with biblical thought and had a firm knowledge of patristic theology. Within the simplicity of the ‘work’ she reflects upon themes clearly seen and experienced from the World around her, eg: the hazel nut, clothes blowing in the strong wind and the sea bed . The correlation between the drops of, ‘Christ’s blood’ and the ‘scales of herrings’ , notes her consistency between the Anglia coast and her focus of connecting spiritual beauty in the land. Therefore, it is not unknown for some to accept her as a proponent of: linking theology and ecology. In this extensive metaphysical work, she widely explores the nature of God’s love, in
The dissertation paper under analysis is called “Teacher Collaboration in Context: Professional Learning Communities in an Era of Standardization and Accountability” written by Karen Benson and approved in June 2011. The work explores the outcomes of the recently implemented education reform. Benson’s dissertations focus on such aspects as strict accountability, the emphasis of standardization of curriculum components and materials, pedagogy approaches and the use of standardized tests to evaluate learning and measure teacher, administrator and school performance (2011). The author admits that the result of the standardization and closer attention towards the performance of educators was the appearance of collaborative unions of the teachers created with the purpose of the exchange of knowledge and information to improve teaching techniques and strategies. In the paper, Benson (2011) conducts an investigation of the teachers’ cooperation within the collaborative groups that practice regular comparison of performances and the learners’ results. Objectives and Research Problems The dissertation has two main objectives. The first purpose of Benson’s research was to examine how teachers react to the participation in the collaborative professional learning communities where the practice of comparison of the academic performance and results of the learners is held often. The second objective of the inquiry was to discuss questions about the impact of standardization of pedagogy, curriculum and assessment practices produced on the educators. The teachers’ reactions to higher levels of accountability and transparency, their interpersonal relations and interactions were studied. The questions raised by the author are very timely since the reforms of the American system of education forced many teachers to change their habitual approaches to work and get out of their comfort zone. In other words, such practice as professional collaboration is not very common among educators who are used to working alone. Evidence-based comparison and analysis of the educators’ results held in collaborative groups are likely to create tension and alienate some of the participants. Study Type Benson’s study is focused on the exploration of the teachers’ reactions towards the newly introduced practices of collaboration. The author mentions that higher accountability and transparency may have two different sides and produce opposite effects on the participating educators. For instance, some of the teachers might benefit from collaboration and obtain new knowledge in their career field, some might help others improve and acquire a new perspective on their work, but many may feel extreme pressure and discomfort related to the public exposure of their students’ results followed by discussions and evaluations. Sin