ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The advancement of information and communication technology, as well as globalization, is reshaping business processes around the world. Modern business people, therefore, need to understand various cultures to carry out business activities in respective countries. Understanding cross-cultural communication plays a significant role in understanding a particular country. In this paper, the writer focuses on the differences between the United States and South Africa when it comes to written and visual business communication. The author observes that while the American business style tends to be personal, the South African style is laced with humor. Similarly, America’s contract is enshrined with thoroughness while South Africa’s is a relationship based on a formal written communication contract. Content and style of written communication According to Mattock (2003), Americans predominantly focus on information exchange in conversations. In their conversations, they are straightforward and the words they pass across are taken literarily. Americans are problem-oriented when dealing with business matters. On the other hand, South Africa consists of different spoken languages, though English is mostly used as a business language. Diplomacy characterizes South African conversations. Similarly, black cultures emphasize on tact in communication (Spierenburg & Wels, 2006). Thus, you will find South Africans listening, disagreeing or admitting to the question the listener asks to avoid disappointing the listener. The communication style tends to be personal. Hence, the Americans engage an individual in a conversation on a wide variety of topics. The goal is to find out shared experiences, and if there are, then, they conclude that they have a lot in common. Sana & Valentine (2003) point out that the major conversation topic for Americans is usually on personal experiences. When combined with explicit and direct communication styles, Americans reveal more of them. On the other hand, humor defines South African business communication. It is embraced in communication as a means of releasing tension. South Africans are tactile, therefore, lengthy handshakes and back-slapping are typical (Spierenburg & Wels, 2006). However, this approach can be interpreted by other cultures as a sign of unfriendliness. Various features shape the communication styles of Americans. These features are straightforward, problem-oriented; focus on information exchange, personal and informal. Americans and South Africans communication styles differ in the manner they deal with matters of a contract. While the American contracts could be admired for their scrupulousness, the South African contracts are base
Importance of Ethics Code Ethics Code, or Code of Conduct, is a crucial element determining the effectiveness of the company’s operations and its performance. There are several reasons for making this statement. First of all, the Code of Conduct is a necessary minimum for establishing the standards of a firm’s operation. Regardless of the size of a company, a written ethics code determines whether there are lawful grounds for protecting a company itself and its employees. Moreover, it points to the acceptable behavior of employees and ways to treat them (Terris 69). In simple terms, having a code of conduct defines the rules of the fair play and bounds of propriety. However, to carry out this function, it should be made up in a legally appropriate manner, i.e., its content should aim at identifying principles of an organization’s ethical culture and pay maximum attention to developing mechanisms for addressing most common instances of unethical or illegal behavior in the workplace. Furthermore, the significance of the ethics code is motivated by the fact that it explains acceptable models of behavior when acting on behalf of an organization, either with employees or other members of a community. That said, it predetermines the path for the firm’s future development (“Lockheed Martin: Code of Conduct” par. 1). Finally, codes of ethics are the foundation of the company’s sustainability in the long run. Because they are the guidelines for carrying out job duties and cooperating with other members of the business environment and society, codes of conduct are helpful for developing a common sense of belonging and creating a comfortable atmosphere enhancing trust and openness among employees (Garegnani, Merlotti, and Russo 541). It means that well-thought ethics codes minimize the risks of unethical or illegal behavior in the workplace, thus eliminating the threat of instability. Significance of Employee Involvement and Ethics Training Employee involvement in ethics program implementation should not be underestimated because, in fact, it is the only way to make it work. In Lockheed Martin, several steps are taken to motivate employee involvement. Firstly, special ethics training programs are launched. They are focused on raising awareness among employees. The basis of this program is the organization of an annual ethics hour – giving employees one hour per year to discuss ethics-related problems and learn how to address ethical issues in the workplace (Terris 72). Awareness training includes video scenarios showing ways to react to alarming situations in the workplace and recognize them (“Lockheed Martin: Ethics Awareness Training” par. 1). It is worthy of mentioning that nowadays, all employees, regardless of their ranks within the company, are required to attend annual live training sessions and complete recommended tasks teaching how to address different instances of unethical and illegal behavior in the workplace (Transparency International UK 63). Another to
The capability of retaining important facts in a person’s mind with an ability to recall them after some considerable length of time at the will of an individual is very essential. This ability is closely related to cognitive psychology that dictates human memory (Robson 2006, p.145). In addition, the demand for memory varies from one individual to another. On the same note, different ages have various requirements for memory. Sigelman and Rider (2011, p.177) note that the school –going- age individuals have greater demands for memory compared to adults. It is notable that by the time persons mature into adults, they will have accumulated much of the adequate skills and knowledge they use in their day-to-day activities. The foundation of knowledge in different fields of study keeps on changing, mostly by building on existing facts and findings. On the other hand, there are new and continuously emerging ideologies that people retain in their memories. Everyone in society should develop and demonstrate a great mastery of all information which relates with their vocations. Hence, an efficient and effective memory is essential in human functioning. This paper discusses several strategies that can be used to enhance effective and efficient memory. The paper also offers situational examples which can be used as methods of developing memory. Strategies for memory, explanations and examples in real life situations Strategy for memory                                        Explanation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           How it works                                                                                                                                                       Method of loci in a real life situation                                                                                                                                                                                                       Use of peg words method in a real life situation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Comprehension monitoring                               This is a technique in which a person evaluates what he o she understands to be able to remember it. It works on the principle that it is easy to remember what someone has understood. It is mainly based on the acquired information and the ability to retain it.  This is counter-intuition. It works by bouncing thoughts from the logic of one’s acquired knowledge (Sigelman & Rider 2011, p.177)                                 This involves a
Antibiotics are a powerful weapon in the fight against pathogens, and therefore many parents, as soon as the child’s temperature rises, immediately turn to treatment with antibiotics. However, such self-medication is unacceptable, especially in the case of children. Moreover, microorganisms quickly adapt to the antibiotic, and some can contribute to their destruction. The more often an antibiotic is used, the more successfully and faster the microorganisms adapt to it. Therefore, it is necessary to look for drugs that break the very mechanism of resistance since there are already bacteria that cannot be stopped by almost any antibiotic. The studied article raises the topic of the impact of antibiotic consumption on the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by schoolchildren. This research under study aimed to examine the systemic consumption of antibiotics by schoolchildren and assess their consumption, the rate of transfer, and resistance of respiratory pathogens living in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract (Farkaš et al., 2020). The study analyzed the incidence and the nature of resistance of the most common respiratory pathogens. The research methods included population research, collection of samples, isolation and identification of bacteria, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, and static analysis. Farkaš et al. (2020, p. 267) note that “7% of the healthy children had consumed antibiotics in the previous six months, and this percentage was higher for children presenting with upper respiratory tract infection”. In conclusion, the article concludes that schoolchildren have significant resistance to antibiotics and that this age group should become an object for intensive training in the correct administration of such drugs both at the level of patients and at the level of medical professionals. The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a severe threat to human health. Due to the spread of resistance, it becomes more and more challenging to find an effective treatment every year. Even if people have never abused antibiotics, they may get resistant microflora from someone in their immediate environment or genetically (Yelin & Kishony, 2018). Acquired antibiotic resistance occurs when, despite the use of an antibiotic, the bacteria continue to multiply, which requires the use of a new antibiotic that is stronger than the one previously taken. The fight against resistance can go in two ways: first, creating new drugs that can effectively suppress resistant microorganisms and inventing ways to slow the spread of resistance. In my practice, I will consider the fact that children have a relatively high resistance to antibiotics. Moreover, instead of prescribing antibiotics to treat viral infections, such as the flu, runny nose, or irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa, other, more efficient, methods of treatment may be prescribed. I will also stick to the information from the artic
The assignment was to read the example of the business report and then to consider its strong and weak features, according to the formal structure and requirements for writing a business report. Therefore, the paper is divided into two sections to reflect on the positive and negative characteristics; also, a conclusion will be provided. Strengths of the Business Report When reading a business report, attention should be paid primarily to the structure. In this particular example, the paper follows the conventional scheme, since it provides all the necessary parts, such as a memorandum, executive summary, conclusions and recommendations, discussion of the findings, and references. The aim of the report is set clearly, and the structural parts are implementing their function. Another point of consideration is the language of the report, which includes the suitable vocabulary, clear sentence structure, and general formal tone of the paper. The research under discussion meets those requirements, as there is no slang or colloquial lexicon, and excessively long and unnecessarily wordy constructions are absent as well. The report is written in a neutral and informative tone, which is most appropriate for such papers. Also, the proper targeting of the business report is an essential quality. The paper under analysis is written with the distinct understanding of its audience. Since the research suggests the solution for the most efficient purchase of the equipment for the company, the report is primarily addressed to the general manager, and, secondly, it could also be useful for the workers of purchase department. Weaknesses of the Business Report However, critical reading of the report under analysis reveals its weak and underwritten parts. Notwithstanding the fact that the formal structure is appropriately observed, the content appears to be poorly elaborated. Some of the report’s structural divisions are not developed enough, some of them are mere skeletal. It is important to notice that even though all the necessary parts are not omitted, their logical flow could be better organized. It primarily relates to the author’s decision to use the inductive approach (to place conclusions and recommendations at the end of the report); however, the deductive method would much benefit to the understanding of the research. Another remark on the quality of content should be made. Alongside with the structural parts, elaborated to a relatively small degree, the materials of the study also leaves much to be desired since only two models of PC are compared. The report could use at least another one option for comparison. Besides, those two models are analyzed, based on the reference to a single source, which should also be considered as a weakness of the research. The next criterion is less cr
Introduction Distribution is an activity within the logistics and supply chain management system. In layman’s language, logistics can be defined as a process of moving raw materials from the source to the manufacturing firm, undertaking the transformation process, and delivering the products to the end-users. Similarly, the council of logistics management defines it as a process of planning, “implementing, controlling the efficient and effective flow of goods from point of origin to the point of transformation process and finally the flow to the point of consumption by the end-users” (Wieland &Handfield 2013). With so doing, conformity for the consumer’s orders is enhanced. Logistics is separated into two primary processes: these are inbound logistics and outbound logistics. Logistics, therefore, incorporates all activities related to; transportation, storage, material handling, production, planning, packaging, management of orders, purchasing, warehousing, and customer service. It is crucial and imperative for the logistics manager to plan and coordinate all these activities in order to enhance an efficient and effective logistics, and supply chain process (Wieland & Handfield 2013). A total cost approach system is adopted in order to ensure that cost efficiency is enhanced and that least resources including labor and materials are employed in the transformation process in order to enhance conformance to a customer’s specifications. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to analyze the case study for RankHovis McDougall PLC (RHM) while comparing the costs given in the contract proposals and making consultancy recommendations to RHM operations based on these proposals. An overview of the Case Study Rank Hovis McDougall PLC (RHM) is a leading food manufacturer in the United Kingdom with five operating divisions, the food services division is one of them. The case study, therefore, presents RHM Food Services division operations in the year 1991-1992. During this trading period, RHM had made divisional sales amounting to £ 250 million and the profit before interest and tax (PBIT) was amounting to £ 25 million. This constituted 25 percent of the entire group’s activities. The management of RHM was interested in reducing division costs by consolidating the distribution networks. A team of experts was, therefore, formed to evaluate this proposal by inviting distribution tenders from different companies. The company that wins the tender was to present a contract that would significantly reduce the distribution costs amountin
The beauty and cosmetics industry is at the core of becoming increasingly competitive through the use of newer technologies. Owing to the market created by the baby boomers when it comes to personalized beauty products, it is generally thought that the industry can use emergent technology to develop anti-aging solutions for use by beauty seekers in this group of the population. This paper describes how such an innovation relates to current business trends as well as the product life-cycle. One of the underlying trends in the beauty and cosmetics industry is that of the boomer population favoring ‘cosmeceuticals’ (personal-care products with supposed skin-enhancing ingredients) for purposes of looking younger. Additionally, the urban and affluent customer base is willing to pay a premium not only to maintain young and presentable looks but also to use the latest innovations in enhancing their personal and professional life. Another current business trend of great importance is that now, more than ever before, people are using green and sustainable products manufactured using non-toxic and earth-friendly processes. With the above current business trends in mind, the new anti-aging innovation targets to use active and natural ingredients (e.g., plant extracts from Lily Herbceuticals and Tibetan Snow Lotus) to come up with the final products depending on customer preferences and use. The idea to use such natural ingredients as opposed to chemicals is firmly embedded in the trends of customers using modern-day ‘cosmeceuticals’ with supposed skin-enhancing ingredients, people always wanting to use latest beauty innovations to look young and presentable in their personal and professional engagements, and people always wanting to use products developed using green and sustainable processes. Technology can be used in new ways to ensure that these innovative ideas are implemented in the beauty and cosmetics industry, hence enhancing the competitive advantage of the business. For example, new computer-based technology can be used to extract customers’ own stem cells and conduct a comprehensive analysis, with the view to understanding the ingredients that should be used to make anti-aging products for diverse members of the population. This type of technology assists in the alignment of the business with a current business trend, which seems to insinuate that consumers want to see results, not promises. In this light, it can be argued that the anti-aging products will gain a lot of favor among the baby boomers, who have money to spend but would still want to attain desirable appearances. Additionally, the business can benefit from upcoming technology companies that employ algorithms to match customers with individualized beauty samples. Such a technological innovation, in my view, will see the market for beauty and cosmetics products quadruple as customers will be assured that the anti-aging products on offer will not have adverse effects on them. Such products may be sold at a premium price, but this resonates well
The cost of capital refers to the cost incurred by a company to acquire finance, i.e. both debt and equity. From an investor’s perspective, it is the required return on all the company’s assets (Sharpe 367). The cost of capital is used to assess the acceptability of projects since it is the least return that shareholders expect to receive in order to provide capital to a company. Calculating the Cost of Capital A firm’s overall cost of capital comprises of the cost of debt and the cost of equity. The cost of debt is easier to calculate than the cost of equity, reason being that its calculation is based on interest payments to investors (Pearl 290). In contrast, equity investors do not receive fixed payments, making determination of the cost of equity more difficult. Determining the Cost of Debt To calculate the cost of debt, one has to first establish the interest rate being paid on a risk-free bond e.g. Treasury bill, with the same maturity as the company’s debt. A default premium is then added to this risk-free rate to determine the cost of debt (Yee 454). The cost of debt is determined as an after tax cost as most interest payments on corporate debt are tax deductible. The precise formula for calculating the cost of debt is as follows: K d = (R f + credit risk rate) (1-T) Where, K d = Cost of debt R f = Risk-free rate T= Corporate tax rate Calculating the Cost of Equity The cost of equity is determined using the following formula: K e = R f + β s (R m – R f ) Where, K e = Cost of equity β s = Company’s beta R m = Return on market portfolio The company’s beta indicates the sensitivity of returns on the firm’s security to changes in returns on the market portfolio, which refers the portfolio of all securities available in the stock market (Modigliani 261). Moreover, return on the market portfolio refers to the average historical return on the whole set of securities existing in a stock market, over a given time-period. The overall Cost of Capital The total cost of capital is the weighted average of the cost of debt and the cost of equity. This can be expressed as follows: K o = W d K d + W e K e Where, K o = Total cost of capital W d = proportion of debt in a firm’s capital structure W e = Proportion of equity in a firm’s capital structure. The Effect of Market Interest Rates and Perceived Market Risk on the Cost of Capital When the market interest rates are high, the cost of capital will also be high since high interest rates point out to higher required rate of return by investors. The converse is true. Similarly, increase in perceived marked risk leads to higher cost of capital as investor raise the required rate of r