ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The main article to be evaluated is entitled “ Strategic planning in a turbulent environment: Evidence from the oil majors ” developed by Rober Grant (2003). This is in recognition that strategic planning plays a great role in effective performance of any organization including its quest for profit maximization. Indeed, an enterprise would not achieve its investment goals if it had a shaky strategic planning framework. The aim of this study is to provide a summary of this article but with the hope that its findings can be used to develop more research on the study topic. The article is aimed at assessing the extent to which companies have directed their strategic planning processes towards addressing the rapid, unpredictable and changing business world dynamics. The author aims at identification of the main features underlying strategic planning systems in light of an industry that transitioned from being stable to turbulent. In terms of contributions, the findings are relevant to strategic management understanding. For instance, it provides information on processes of strategic planning applied across the world’s biggest companies from the period 1990. It also demonstrates how such practices have evolved amidst increased turbulent situations. It provides reconciliation between the “design” and “process” as applied in different schools of management. Finally, it illuminates more on effective management of complex enterprises that operate in dynamic business environments. In the main theories, the author articulates various themes. For instance, he focuses on planning and environmental turbulence, the implications of environmental turbulence, strategic innovation among others. In the section for empirical evidence, the author refers to the link between formal and informal strategic planning procedures. The assertion is that a greater part of major companies observes formal strategic planning processes. In terms of approach, the development of this article used an exploratory methodology in investigating the extent to which corporations’ strategic planning models have withstood increased environmental turbulence. Thus, the author did not opt for formal hypothesis testing. This is because the study sought to develop descriptive data relating to strategic planning procedures in major companies. The main investigation included are the following:  1. Assessing the principal features underlying strategic planning models in large and international corporations;  2. Establishing the impact of increased volatility and unpredictability as a result of strategic planning processes used in a given corporation;  3. Evaluating on how companies’ systems of strategic planning interrelate with rational, analytic, formalized, staff-driven procedures; the same analysis extends to the manner in which such are consistent with emergent strategies underlying “process school”. Thus, the study aims at international oil companies due to the fact that they succumbed to depre
Military service is perhaps the most difficult profession in the world because it calls upon its men and women to execute tasks that in some measure, involves death and destruction. Managing troops and subordinates in the military is unique as unlike a corporate entity, military leaders are required to manage their people to fight a war, suffer privations and give orders to kill other human beings. In short, the noble profession of arms is an anathema to all teachings humane and at times produces ethical dilemmas which are not easy to resolve. This essay examines the ethics of military service against the backdrop of philosophical theories of Natural Law, Constitutional ethics, Utilitarianism, Relativism, and Kant’s Categorical Imperative with the aim of determining whether the actions of Kilo Company of the Marines in November 2005 in Haditha, Iraq were ethically correct or otherwise. A war zone is unlike any other environment that a human being can be exposed to. In a war zone, uncertainty, lack of information and the near certainty of death are omnipresent. Under these circumstances, it becomes extremely difficult to maintain rationality. Rational behavior in a war zone is ensured by rigorous training and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures as also by unquestioning obedience. All these ingredients can come rapidly unstuck once a firefight develops and the ability of the troops to maintain fighting efficiency and rationality depends on the dynamic situation which no amount of training can predict or control. In November of 2005, Marines from Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines were involved in an incident in Haditha, Iraq, after a roadside bomb struck their convoy. In response, the soldiers went on a three-hour shooting spree in which they shot five passengers of an approaching taxi and killed 10 women and children at point blank range. A subsequent investigation by Time magazine showed that most of the dead were killed as the Marines swept through the houses near the bombing (McGirk 2). Out of the eight marines charged, only one has been recommended to be tried for negligent homicide and not murder. Natural law is essentially a law whose contents are set by nature. By extension, many philosophers and theorists extend the meaning of natural law to natural justice and natural rights. A natural law in its pristine state is a just law. These, in the context of every human, translate into a right to life and by that extension into a right to retaliate in self defense. This interpretation of natural law has been codified into domestic laws as well as International Law and Laws of Armed Conflict. Thus ‘anticipatory self defense’ is a valid precept if there are sufficient grounds to prove that by not acting in accordance with offensive action would have resulted in grievous harm to own self or the troops under command. The rider, as always is
Tesla Motors Company Founded in 2003 by a group of engineers in Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors is focused on delivering electric cars that perform better than gasoline-powered cars (Tesla Motors, 2015). Tesla is touted as an extraordinary automaker with a focus on technology and design, as well as energy innovation. Tesla Motor Products Tesla delivered the world‘s first premium electric sedan car in 2012. The company’s cars are designed with “instant torque, incredible power, and zero emissions” (Tesla Motors, 2015). These design features are incorporated without compromise. For Tesla, every new generation of its electric cars should be more affordable to assist the firm in achieving its mission of moving the world toward sustainable transport (Tesla Motors, 2015). Currently, more than 50,000 Tesla Model S vehicles are driven in over 30 countries globally. Given this success in a short period, the company is preparing to introduce Model X with even more advanced features. Major design features of Tesla Models include all-wheel-drive systems, dual motor, autopilot for side collision avoidance, automatic lane changing, and automatic parallel lane changing. The Models also boast of advanced safety features, touch screens and options for Supercharger with longer life batteries and drive warranty. The models guarantee absolute Zero Emissions and Zero Compromise. Configuration of Resources Suppliers Tesla Motors has developed a custom-built supply chain to compete with dominant auto companies. Along the supply chain, the company works with other automobile companies such as Toyota and Daimler. This strategy has helped Tesla to control costs of shared components by obtaining them directly from these dealers (Tao, n.d). The company believes in working with suppliers that are faster and highly agile to ensure that it can manufacture its car faster relative to most automotive manufacturers. Overall, Tesla has significant control of the supply chain and suppliers by careful consideration of potential suppliers that can deliver components within the shortest time possible. Besides, the suppliers must deliver custom-designed components that meet the unique features of their car models. Factories It is observed that Tesla has embarked on vertical integration of its factories, or possibly adopt the model used by Apple and Foxconn and supply chain strategy (Wesoff, 2014). At the same time, the Tesla Gigafactory is designed to meet the unique requirements of the company. For instance, it is built to reduce the cost of the cell rapidly relative to the present state. In addition, by the year 2020, the Gigafactory will manufacture more lithium-ion batteries every year than all batteries manufactured globally in the year 2013 (Wesoff, 2014). Tesla operates in low plant investment facility at Fremont (Tesla Motors, 2011). In the future, i
The Ethical Issue Presented in the Case In this case, the ethical concern presented is a report about sexual harassment of one of the trusted employees by one of the reliable suppliers. Jane, one of the most successful employees of Propmore Corporation, has reported that while on her official duty, Bill Smith of Airgoods Corporation had made inappropriate sexual comments and even made physical contacts against her wishes. The fact that Bill went from making verbal sexual comments to physical contacts traumatized Jane so much that she considered taking legal action. Why it was an Ethical Concern The issue is classified as an ethical concern based on the guidelines provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Propmore Corporation’s Policy HR-13 on Sexual Harassment such acts constitute sexual harassment (Pathak, 2013). The issue is also considered an ethical concern because of the threats made by Jane and the dilemma that Don Bradford faces as a manager responsible for handling such issues. The Appropriateness of the Solution to the Issue Don Bradford has decided to look at the legal nature of the issue at hand. The approach of trying to solve the issue by taking into consideration the legal factors but avoiding court proceedings is appropriate. Legal actions are not only expensive but can also hurt the image of the company. Solving the issue based on the agreement would be appropriate. Changes Necessary Based on the facts presented in the case, it may be necessary to introduce some changes in the manner in which the issue was addressed. Bradford should have contacted the immediate supervisor of Bill to discuss the issue (Hill, Jones, & Schilling, 2017). The two officers should have then summoned the accuser and the accused in an office to discuss the issue. Bill should then be reprimanded for his actions and asked to apologize to Jane, and with a reminder that he would face the law if such a case is reported in the future. Using the Ethical Decision-Making Process to Handle the Situation The case presented can be addressed using an ethical decision-making process. This process emphasizes the need to be fair when addressing such cases and to observe the law. It is legally appropriate for the manager to engage the offended employee to try and find an out-of-court settlement to the issue (Brown & Nagy, 2015). It is also legally appropriate for the manager to request the offended not to punish the whole company for a mistake committed by an individual as long as she is assured the offender will be punished appropriately. The New Solution Based on the changes made in solving the problem
Abstract Witchcraft and sorcery are as old as humanity for different societies have been practicing it for centuries, for both good and bad ends. A majority of anthropologists is unanimous that witchcraft predates religion and that the existence of religion was to counter the effects of witchcraft. Witchcraft and religion are similar since they link to a higher being, who is more potent than human, with the main difference between them being that witchcraft is associated with evil, while religion with righteousness. Islam condemns witchcraft (Sihr), which comes from supernatural creature, Jinn , and effected by humans, witches. Islam considers sorcery as evil because it entails evil spirits, which perform evil activities among people. In Islam, the Quran documents the existence of different types of Sihrs and the overall penalty for practicing witchcraft. Introduction The history of humankind is replete with sorcery and black magic, especially during the pre-religion era in most societies, as evidenced by the predominant Islamic communities, such as the Digo tribe that inhabits the coastal region of Kenya (Ndzovu, 2013). Witchcraft was ubiquitous in almost all spheres of life in most societies, and hitherto sorcery is still being practiced in some communities, including, agriculture, fishing, and hunting, where it was used to find the cures for unknown diseases, explain unnatural phenomena, dictate human behavior, and provide stereotypes on how to counter unnatural events. Though humans have embraced modernity and are in an era where witchcraft and sorcery are a primitive practice, it is highly employed in both global and local politics and religion. Witchcraft and sorcery, therefore, have been the subjects of interest for most anthropologists and scholars for many years. Hence, this research paper, therefore, looks at black magic and Islam, types of Sihr and cures for Sihr and the penalty for practicing witchcraft. Black Magic and Islam Black magic and Islam are inseparable religious elements that are present in Islam. Ndzovu (2013) asserts that religion and magic share some similarities in that they are both associated with different forms of deities that are present in Islam. The assertion has lead researchers to try to establish the linkage between the religion and black magic. Ndzovu (2013) further claims that all unnatural phenomena are associated with either magic or religion. Although Christianity and Islam have different doctrines, they do not advocate for the practice of witchcraft. According to Kamali (2013), Islam strongly condemns the practices of witchcraft and sorcery, termed as Sihr. These practices are evil because they contribute to the occurrence of evil activities in the society or among the righteous people. Kamali (2013) further goes ahead to state Sihr has no clear definition, even in Quran scriptures and refers to its practitioners as infidels. In essence, sorcerers are not faithful followers of the Islamic teachings and religion. Sihr is unlawful (haram),
Introduction California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) is a medical organization that provides care, including medical, dental, and mental health services for California inmates. The introduction of an IT system in this facility may be an acceptable solution, as it will simplify the health workers’ work and improve treatment rates. This paper aims to provide a detailed assessment of implementing the EHR system in California Correctional Health Care Services, determine the best supplier of such systems, conduct ROI analysis, and draw up a project implementation strategy. Benefits of the IT System The most common IT systems in medicine are EHRS for electronic records and patient information storage. These systems simplify the day-to-day work of doctors and nurses, allowing better data structure and access. The use of EHRS creates better opportunities for the analysis and synthesis of medical data, both in scientific research and in work with patients. These systems have already been implemented in many states and have proven to be effective. The introduction of EHRS in CCHCS will help improve patient care for several reasons. Most scientists agree that the benefits of using EHRS at work outweigh the potential risks. In particular, EHRS is particularly useful in treating patients in complicated social situations. Scientists Gold et al. (2017) note that when treating patients, it is imperative to take into account the social determinants of health (SDH), which are preclinical factors that determine patients’ health. Since EHRS makes it easier to document and analyze SDH, scientists believe it could lead to better health outcomes. There are three types of electronic records – Electronic Health Records (EHR), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and Personal Health Records (PHR). All of them serve similar purposes; however, they are located on different IT platforms and use other technologies and standards (Heart et al., 2017). EHR typically has access to health information from multiple vendors’ IT systems, and is an inter-organizational system, while EMR is an internal organizational system. PHR allows integrating information components into EMR and EHR systems. Scientists note the advantages of IT systems, including the improved quality of medical care and reduced costs. The PHR is a person-centered system that allows patients to independently maintain medical records, leading to greater awareness and interest (Heart et al., 2017). EMRs are considered more convenient for sharing information within an organization, while EHRs provide the ability to transfer data between different vendors’ systems. Besides, IT systems can combine demographic, lifestyle, and behavioral data with health records to create personalized care opportunities. Choosing a Vendor Since patient information is handled not only by doctors and nurses but also by medical staff, pharmacists, and laboratory personnel, there is a need to familiarize the
George Chauncey offers useful ideas to explain the emergence of new cities established distinctive urban cultures. Most of the individuals living in such cities were anonymous to each other. Such people did not consider their societal norms. This development resulted in unconventional behaviors in different societies. The number of visitors and tourists was on the rise in these cities (Chauncey 134). Most of the employees in these cities would engage in new activities during the weekend. The dwellers of these cities assumed various roles, sexualities, and positions. More women were looking for new jobs. Some of these women engaged in prostitution. Most of these cities made it possible for more citizens to exercise their freedoms. Every person “was free from the constraints of his or her family” (Hunter 149). The existence of social classes also supported the establishment of diverse lifestyles. Restaurants, theatres, and saloons also emerged. These developments played a critical role towards supporting new forms of sexuality and leisure. Most of the unmarried individuals in these cities embraced new malpractices. This “was possible because they did not encounter any societal barrier” (Chauncey 142). This practice is also notable in many cities today. The emergence of new sub-cultural groups explains why many cities are promoting unconventional lifestyles. Such cities offer appropriate resources that encourage people to engage in different forms of leisure. The youth are taking advantage of these cities in order to engage in new sexualities. The diversities experienced in these cities have produced these practices. Urban centers will always create new lifestyles and sexualities. The student begins by explaining how different American cities supported new forms of sexuality and leisure. Many individuals had their unique jobs while engaging in funny lifestyles. The freedom associated with many urban centers encouraged more people to engage in various lifestyles. The availability of financial resources and amenities produced new social habits. Every large city attracted more people from different backgrounds (Chauncey 148). The student also highlights the idea of capitalism because it encouraged people to create more time for leisure. Employees were not working throughout the clock. This situation made it easier for them to engage in different forms of sexuality. The student also believes that every modern city is embracing this concept of anonymity. This development is creating new lifestyles and social roles. The presence of diverse populations makes it easier for citizens to engage in different leisure activities (Hunter 153). The student offers useful arguments to explore the concept of anonymity. This concept resulted in different unconventional behaviors. Many immigrants were feeling freer in these cities. They embraced new lifestyles and ideas that existed in such cities. Some individuals also became part of the gay subculture. New “moral codes and language
This article focuses on the efforts made in the eradication of Emerald Ash Borer (EABs) by demonstrating how the inputs of the three stakeholders have brought success to the venture. The initial 3-D prints failed to work, and the scientists had to look for better options to deal with the problem. The input of designers and artists was required to come up with lures, which ultimately led to a 40% increase in the number of EABs drawn from the trees. An important aspect that comes up is the cooperation between the three parties in dealing with problems that cut across both scientific and social worlds. However, this is no coincidence since modern day research, and overall scientific activity has been focusing on how to incorporate the input of the three disciplines. The concept of diversity of expertise in approaching problems such as the EABs, therefore, proves to be the new way of approaching socio-scientific problems. Diversity is not an easy thing to come by since it has taken the scientific community years to realize that inclusivity and collaborative effort is a sure means of reaching specific goals. Moreover, diversity sometimes leads to disagreements and conflict. A consensus is slowly being arrived at concerning the essence of diversity, especially in expertise. Diversity as a concept has the potential of bearing both a positive and a negative side. The positive side as illustrated by the scientists, artists and designers working on the EABs include making of discoveries and an improved level of problem-solving. A fundamental aspect to consider in such cooperation is the magnitude of the said socio-scientific problem. As pointed out in the article, the EAB infection runs across more than 24 states in America. Thus, this is an indicator that the problem is widespread, and thus the solution needs to be wide as well. Restricting ideas to one area of expertise may result in solutions that are partial and insufficient. The cooperation between the scientists, designers and artists ensures attainment of inclusive solutions. When scientists, artists and designers work together, it becomes easy to achieve sustainable solutions to socio-scientific problems. Besides, coming up with solutions from single perspectives yields defective solutions with additional costs and consequences. Like it happened in the earlier versions of the models intended to draw out EABs, they were defective and did not yield the expected results. Afterward, working together led to a more efficient and sustainable solution. Another advantage that comes in when diversity is encouraged while dealing with socio-scientific problems is the richness of information shared. All the different groups or disciplines bring to the table varied levels of perspectives opinions and insights. All these contribute to the realization of efficient solutions.