ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction A boom economy cycle refers to the period within which consumers have a high demand for products and those who provide the products make large sales that have high profit margins (Goldstein and Lardy 2004). A bust economy on the other hand refers to duration during which there is reduced levels of demand and supply and slow economic growth (Goldstein and Lardy 2004). A normal economy is one in which there is no marked acute market spirals. There is stability and economic activities are slower than they are in a boom economy. According to Gibson (2008), asset allocation policy refers to manner in which investors place value on assets in long-term mix so as to show balance between returns and risk taken. This is of great importance to investors who seek to increase potential for returns while reducing chances of loses. Markowitz portfolio optimization theory indicates a method of allocating wealth in a way that incorporates the expectations on returns as well as preferences of investors for the amount of risk they want to take (Bai et al. 2007). Through the use of different alternatives in investment, investors can attain higher levels of profits while at the same time, distributing their investment risk and thus maintaining minimum risk for anticipated returns. The concepts for this are expressed in mathematical form
White lies are told for many reasons and are widely accepted as a vital component that facilitates smooth communication and interactions. First, they give people the pleasure of not hurting others by telling them the truth. Many people tell white lies as a way of soothing the egos of their friends or as a way of preserving their social relationships. These lies are told to hide one’s feelings. For example, they are told by consumers to their hairdressers, servers, and friends to hide their true feelings and evaluations of situations in order to ensure that their interactions proceed smoothly (Argo and Shiv, 2012). White lies are widely accepted in many societies because they are innocent ways of deception that are harmless. They are usually used to protect other people who would be otherwise harmed if the truth were to be revealed. White lies also help people avoid hurting others by protecting their feelings. For instance, a person who receives a gift that they consider unattractive will lie and tell the giver that it is awesome (Broomfield, Robinson, & Robinson, 2002). The recipient of the gift would heart the giver if he/she said that they hated the gift. A white lie told in such a situation protects the feelings of the giver and avoids hurting them. Second, white lies facilitate the attainment of peace in certain situations. This is common among police officers who often use white lies to bring peace and security in communities. They tell these lies by hiding their identity, omitting certain details during interrogation, and giving false information in order to get certain information from suspects. In that regard, Alpert and Noble stated that: Police officers will deceive by omission, conceal their identity, and even deny that they are police officers while attempting to gain evidence of the criminal actions of another. They will work to create a perception of safety in their communities, knowing full well that dangerous crime exists (Alpert & Noble 2009). It could be argued that telling white lies in such situations is okay. However, it could be harmful if the truth is stretched to large extents. Peace cannot be attained without security. Therefore, the use of white lies by police officers to retrieve information on criminal activities is acceptable. This has been supported by courts of law that have upheld the use of lies by police officers in certain cases.
Written and oral communications in the classroom Written communication is a form of interaction done by the use of pen and paper or via, typing while oral communication is a kind of interaction affected by talking. Written communication is used in the classroom during written or typed assignments. On the contrary, oral communication is used in teacher-students discussions or student-student discussions. There is certain information in a class that may not be effectively understood when communicated orally, especially when it involves calculations. For a better understanding of knowledge, communication must be in written form for effective internalization. In another example, oral communication can be affected when a student or teacher reads books to pass information to students. Six communicative competencies There exist different types of communicative competence i.e. technology competence, professional competence, critical thinking and problem solving, leadership, communication, and teamwork. Communication entails passing information from one unit to another. It can either be written form or by word of mouth. Technological competence is one’s fitness of being able to comfortably interact with technology. It can also be understood as a critical thinking skill that one can use to analyze technological devices. Critical thinking is a brainstorming activity aimed at giving a deeper meaning to an observation. Critical thinking is often used in finding solutions to problems (Thinking skills, 2008). It is because it not only assists in finding many solutions to a problem but also helps in deciding on the best possible solution. As a skill, leadership is considered as one’s capability to mobilize a social crowd or group to achieve a common purpose. Teamwork is one of the competencies that entails working at ease with excellent interaction in a group, crowd, or team. It can be noted with the frequency of disputes or complaints raised between an individual and his team. The ability to perform an expert job with a definite excellent output is considered as professional competence. Critical thinking and problem-solving as a communicative competence Critical thinkin
The movie viewed was Creating an Environment for Learning. Observation and Description Group characteristic The group under consideration consists of ten students comprising; six girls and four boys. While in the group discussion session, the emphasized group has one girl and three boys. Considering the ethnicity of the class; it consists of all blacks inclusive of the teacher. This clearly shows that the class consists of one racial group, which seems necessarily of African-American ethnicity. It can be made out that the students are in their sixteen to nineteen years, and this constitutes a remarkably focused and attentive group. This is evidenced by the conduct of the learners in the classroom. The group can also be termed as cooperative and respectful, orchestrated by the friendly nature of the teacher. Through the vibrancy of Madam Smith, the group opens up during the course of learning and contributes progressively towards the topic under consideration. The approximate grade levels to be considered are grades seven and eight ascertained by the mode of learning upheld in the course of learning. Delivery of Instructions Various instances can be pointed out where Madam Smith instructs her class towards achieving set objectives. Initially, the teacher directs her students on what to do as part of the classwork regarding the topic, like “give reasons why…” then she interacts with the students during the discussion session. Madam Smith seeks more emphasis on issues like… “form of protest,” this eventually outlines clearly the instructional channel she uses to expound on the topic and level of thinking. The advantage of including instructions in the process of learning is that it initiates a guided channel to follow and evaluate the intended achievements (Slavin, 2006). Thereby, the result is the achievement of the set goals in the course of teaching. Analysis, Exploration, and Listening Student-Teacher Interactions Madam Smith demonstrates passionately how the interaction between the teacher and the student should fare. She also takes time to listen to the students’ ideas and views, identifying their weaknesses for guidance. Madam Smith sits with the students and discusses from the same context. This helps the students adjust well with the topic of study and familiarize themsel
Abstract Companies across the globe have devised different corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address the common social challenges affecting their customers. Among the companies with comprehensive and well structured CSR initiatives include the Viacom Inc. This analytical treatise attempts to explicitly review the CSR initiatives of the Viacom Company. Reflectively, the company strives to factor in the three Ps of management strategies comprising of the Planet, Profit, and People in its CSR activities. These seer values are designed to facilitate sustainability due to acceptance by the community and coexistence, thus, earning the company a competitive advantage over other service providers in the same field of operation. Specifically, the paper adopts a holistic approach in extrapolating corporate social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and quality in service delivery with an added value tag at the Viacom Company. Viacom Company Overview The Viacom Inc. Company is a mass media company based in the United States of America and has several subsidiary brands within its business activities. Founded in 2006, the company is the fourth largest in the global mass media industry and provides services such as radio, cable television, movies, and publishing. The company generated revenue of US$ 13.887 billion in 2013 and currently has an asset value of US$ 22.250 billion. The company operates in the competitive and dynamic global mass media industry. The company functions as a private entity with diverse interest in the entertainment industry. Since its inception, the company has remained profitable due to its competitive business models and series of CSR initiatives. The organizational overview of this company consists of several divisions such as the BET Network, Paramount Pictures, Viacom Media Networks, and the Viacom International Media. The company operates under a board of directors (Viacom, 2014). The company’s management philosophy is systematic governance with flexibility for innovation and creativity. This philosophy operates on the assumptions of confident, competent, and responsible business activities. The philosophy encourages a practical approach to addressing daily challenges in running the business and monitoring progress of the implemented strategies. In addition, the philosophy provides channels for constant motivation and rewarding the customers through a series of CSR initiatives (Viacom, 2014). Viacom Company has managed to maintain innovation and commitment to quality in products through the ‘create share value’ policy which promotes customer loyalty. Besides, the company has participated in a series of corporate social responsibility activities through ethical managerial commitments designed to support socially responsible activities in the business such as the annual ‘Viacommunity Day’, which enhances its resource based approach to CSR (Viacom, 2014). The competencies exhibited by the company are part of its overall strategic management and ethical corporate responsibility model. As one o
Introduction Authored by Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz and published in the Journal of Accounting Review, the article, “The Importance of Reporting Incentives: Earnings Management in European Private and Public Firms” investigates the mechanism through which issues such as pressure in capital markets and institutional factors induce organizations to adopt incentives for reporting paychecks in a manner that reflects their economic performance. The article reveals that since firms operate under the same legal forms in the EU, both publicly listed and private organizations exploit similar accounting standards. This paper summarizes the main arguments raised by Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz. Summary Quoting the work of Levitt, the authors assert that the focus of international accounting practice has been on increasing the quality of reporting by standardizing accounting practices (82). For example, in the EU, Van Hulle reveals how coordination efforts have emphasized the reduction of any variations in accounting principles (29). The primary goal is to improve the quality of reporting. However, Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz emphasize the necessity for regarding the contribution of forces of capital markets together with institutional factors as incentives for providing edifying information about organizations’ earnings. The article’s main argument is that although accounting standards are standardized, they are applied to data that is privately provided by organizations. An assumption is made that the information provided is of high quality. However, Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz observe, “reporting incentives and forces that shape them are likely to play an integral role in ensuring accounting quality” (984). The researchers hypothesize that capital market forces and institutional factors play an essential role in determining firms’ reported earnings. The article documents variations in the reported earnings, despite the many years of harmonizing accounting practices (Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz 993). Synchronization of accounting practices constitutes the fourth and the seventh directives for 5 million companies that operate as limited liability companies without any segregation in terms of their type of listing (Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz 990). The companies must prepare financial accounts that are audited following the directives. The orders recommend the tolerable bookkeeping regulations in both public and classified institutions in matters concerning their combined and unconsolidated monetary documents. Burgstahler, Hail, and Leuz report that variations arise due to different reporting incentives (991). Using bivariate, univariate, and multivariate tests as their data analysis strategies, the researchers document various findings. For example, they find a high frequency in earnings management within private organizations compared to publicly listed organizations. The speculation that capital markets increase
Introduction Organization development principle is a concept that has been applied in organization management for over five decades. Therefore, it has undergone through various changes overtime. Based on this, an organization development principle does not have a clear definition. However, it is essential to argue that an organization development is a managerial theory that mainly focuses on individuals and organization satisfaction (McLean, 2005). Further, various organization development principles have been approved to be very important and are applicable in different situations particularly when an organization is undergoing major changes. Generally, organization development can be described as a process where behavioral science knowledge and practices are utilized by an organization to attain greater efficiency and success (McLean, 2005). The application OD Principles in automotive organization The greatest efficacy that various organizations strive to attain relates to the concentration on increased productivity and enhanced product quality. Such values can be achieved through better service quality and superior life value to all stakeholders including suppliers, investors and customers (Yaeger & Sorensen, 2009). For a continuous positive operation, organization development should put much emphasis on the ways an organization can improve its ability to assess and restructure its problems. In fact, the orientation of organization development aims at improving the whole organization system including internal and external environments that greatly influence organization functions (Anderson, 2011). The way an organization development is designed is not merely to provide simple solutions to a minor or temporary issue within the organization, but it is rather meant to move the company to a greater level through proper functioning. This should improve its performance and satisfaction to all the stakeholders. After it was announced that the automotive company was relocating to Mexico, more information was needed to show the reasons for such a big move. This information is regarded essential in the establishment of the firm in this new destination. Besides, the firm has been doing fairly well in its current location as it gained some profits while employing thousands of people. Therefore, relocation implies that the firm has to deal with other social issues emanating from the country of origin as well as from the relocation venue. This information is essential in dealing with these issues. The main principle of OD is to gather as much information as possible concerning organization behavior and changes (Anderson, 2011). The facts regarding organization management, current employees as well as any other issues relating to organization has to be put together so as to bring in the necessary changes that are needed to successfully relocate to new destination. The information researched should be used to establish the organizat
Introduction The movie Mulan is about woman who went to the military to save her father’s life, to make her family happy and make people proud of her, and this woman was called Mulan. Mulan is an animation movie created by Walt Disney in 1998. This movie is a way to learn about the Chinese culture. Also, the movie has a lot of points; these papers will discuss four argumentum topics. The four arguments questions are: the role of gender in mulan ? What makes Mulan happy, lessons learnt by women from the film and the appropriateness of the theme? Role of gender Role of gender is understood as the “behavioral norms that are usually associated with male or female in a given social group” (Giroux 1). Mulan is a female character in the movie described as independent and not thinking about finding a husband like other women but she is instead trying to transform herself to a man the fact that Mulan remains subordinate to men despite her abilities and capabilities qualifies her into Giroux understanding of gender. The movie showed men as the undisputed heroes and any feat by a woman to match this was considered exceptional and Mulan is t
Introduction Written by Yukio Mishima, Patriotism is an allegorical short story describing the circumstances leading to the death of a young man and his newly wed wife. The author employs different elements of literature to underscore different themes. However, use of symbolism/imagery to explore the theme of loyalty stands out conspicuously as developed next. In ‘Patriotism’ Mishima develops the theme of loyalty through the use of symbolism. One of the lieutenants general, Ozeki ensures there is proper housing for his soldiers. For instance, Shinji gets an apartment immediately after his wedding. However, the apartments are of poor standards. The houses are old with three bedrooms and a tiny garden on the side. The rooms are made of patches of mats hence the sun penetrates through into the houses. Moreover, the rooms are not enough hence some rooms double as guest rooms and bedrooms. Interestingly, none of the soldiers complains about the poor housing system. The houses lack any form of security incase the soldiers are on duty. The soldiers’ silence towards the deplorable living conditions symbolizes their loyalty to the government and authority. The pathetic shacks going for soldier’s houses is an image of how living conditions here are wanting; nevertheless, this image brings out loyalty because at the end of the day, no one complains despite the fact that anyone has every reason to complain. As aforementioned, silence and compliance are symbols of loyalty. For instance, one day the lieutenant general orders other junior officers to prepare for a coup that would automatically rebel against the government. Homma, Yamaguchi, and Kano respect these orders at the expense of their lives. This highlights the theme of loyalty, as the soldiers are ready to obey orders well aware of the dangers involved. Although one of the lieutenants, Shinji is against the coup, he does not resist the orders before the general. However, before he commits suicide he writes a note stating, “Long live the imperial forces” (Mishima 95). This form of ‘blind’ compliance regardless of the risks involved underscores the theme of loyalty in the story. The author continues to explore the symbol of compliance and selflessness by explicating how soldiers brave hostile conditions to execute the coup. On the dawn of 26 February, violence erupts in the country. Soldiers forego their sleep, overlook the snowy weather, and assemble in order to plan for a coup. Although there is violence and poor weather, soldiers obey orders and stay in cold for about two days to plan for a coup. As the story closes, the reader might wonder why soldiers seem to follow orders blindly even in cases where common sense would demand otherwise. For instance, a coup
Introduction In strategic management and planning examination of the internal and external factors is very important. These factors are categories in the SWOT analysis, which involves the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths and the weaknesses are the internal factors while the opportunities and threats from the internal factors. Through SWOT analysis a strategy can be developed and used in the marketing of the firm (Bohm 2). It can also be used in avoiding any weaknesses thus enabling it benefit from any opportunities in the future regardless of expected threats. According to Boham (2) SWOT analysis is responsible for the offering of vital information that enables evaluation of the capabilities and resources of a firm against competitive background it operates from. This is used in strategy formulation as well as enhancing competition in the market. The paper gives a SWOT analysis of Wal-Mart stores, one of the leading retail stores in the world. Background Wal-Mart is the leading retail store in the United States of America. It has several stores in the North America region that it solely owns and operates. It has its headquarters in Bentonville; Arkansas becoming the largest company that privately employs people (Blair 262). It has 8,500 stores in 15 different countries. It operates under fifty five different store names although in the USA it operates on its own. In Mexico it operates as Walmex, in India as best price, in UK as ASDA, under its name in Puerto Rico, and as Seiyu in Japan. In Brazil, Argentina, Canada, UK and Puerto Rico it fully owns the operations. Outside North America the investments had mixed results (Blair 262). It pulled out from Germany when its operations were rendered unsuccessful while in china the operations have been successful. During the 2010 financial year the company recorded $258 billion that translates to total sales of 63.8%. The competitors of Wal-Mart stores are many in the respective countries where it has the different stores SWOT Analysis According to Kneer (2) when the Wal-Mart stores was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton the core values of the company were “respect for individual, service to the customers and striving for excellence”. All these core values have the objective of satisfying customers and believing that customers are important to the company. Over the years the company has been operation with profits even in times of economic crisis becaus