ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The differences in women and men’s perceptions of themselves and each other are discussed in Susan Glaspell’s one-act play “Trifles” (1916) where the author focuses on the problem with references to the aspects of gender. The social opposition of women and men is represented in the play with the help of describing the differences in the female and male vision of the world processes and social development. As a result, the play can be considered as the ironical discussion of the prejudiced viewpoints related to the roles of men and women within the society. In spite of the fact that men and women play equal roles as the protagonists of the play, it is necessary to analyze the viewpoint of men about the described situations because it is necessary to compare the socially adopted visions of the male roles with the biased visions of the gender roles. Thus, it is important to state that the viewpoint of men in Glaspell’s “Trifles” is correlated with the patriarchal principles of the society observed in the early part of the twentieth century because the male characters are inclined to discuss their actions as right and logical and women’s actions and considerations as only ‘trifles’. Glaspell describes the male characters as full of dignity and as concentrated on the really important issues because they came to the house of Mr. Wright to perform their duty and professional tasks. That is why the men’s actions are associated with logic and reasoning (Gainor 45). On the contrary, the female characters are perceived by men as focused on secondary tasks because they cannot be really useful for the society. Thus, women’s main task is to be housewives, and they should perform it well. From this perspective, the men’s viewpoint about the things which are important for women is described in one phrase said by Mr. Hale who states that “women are used to worrying over trifles” (Glaspell 38). The important things and tasks can be done and performed only by men because they are the core of the patriarchal society oriented to success and progress. The author draws the audiences’ attention to the fact that there are two opposite visions in society about the distribution of gender roles and tasks. Providing the parallel narratives of female and male characters, Glaspell helps the audience concentrate on the men’s ideas without references to the women’s ones. That is why it becomes more clear that men see women only in their relation to men because men play more important roles in society (Belasco 782; Glaspell 39-40). As a result, it is possible to state that male characters in the play are inclined to develop their conclusions about the people’s roles, referring to the discussion of strict gender roles. Even if men state that all people are equal, they also state that men are more important than women for society’s progress because their actions are based on the reason. In her play “Trifles,” Susan Glaspell draws the public’s attention to the fact tha
Introduction After awarding of the contract, contractors and clients turn to management of the project. Primarily, cash management is very essential to both parties, in order to avoid additional costs or delays to the project. The contractors seek to maximize positive cash flow and improve profit margins. Therefore, they employ cost control systems that detect cash flow variation or possible problems i.e. cash deficit. Cash Management and Control In fact cash flow problems are a major contributor to the financial crisis in construction firms during the implementation stages (Chen, Cheng-Wu et al., 2010). Therefore the ability to forecast any cash flow problems is very paramount. Moreover, cash management systems can be used to estimate during the tendering processes. By utilizing cash management models contractors are able to decrease volatility, relieve quantity and pressure on capital allocation thus resulting in improved profits. To maintain cash flow there is a need to manage both cash inflow and outflow. When forecasting cash inflow the following factors are always considered; retention and payments schedule. The construction industry like other cash driven businesses depends on cash flow. In fact, cash flow determines the feasibility of a project. Generally, projects with large cash flow are more appealing compared to projects with less cash flow. Post Contract Cost Control Post contract control is the process of controlling costs during construction after being awarded a contract (March, 2009, p.206). Primarily, contractors are most concerned with cost control. Additionally, subcontractors, clients, and suppliers also want to control their costs. It was established that effective cost control systems concentrate on key elements. Costs control systems should be easy to use and to understand by all stakeholders. Control systems enable contractors to predict project cash flows while satisfying the clients’ demands. Furthermore these systems aid in the estimation of the impact of risk factors, thus helping contractors to make informed financial decisions (Chen, Cheng-Wu et al., 2010). To maintain good cost control, contractors ought to identify sources of variation, make accurate evaluations of the impact of proposed changes prior to implementation and continuously review progress and cost. In addition developing a clear budget to build with accurate estimations will eliminate variance. March (2009, p.212) argues that contractors and clients should not result in questionable practices of maintaining good cash flow. These questionable practices include front-loading, back-loading, over measurement, delaying payments and entering into disputes. Clients’ main objective is to have their projects completed within the agreed contract sum. Similarly, clients require that their contractors seek approval in case of cost variance. Additionally, clients need to be informed early of unforeseen time and cost changes. On the other hand, contractors aim to gain projected profit from their projects or improve anticipated profit margin. Furthermore, they aim to improve turnover and maximize positive cash flow. Moreover, contractors need to p
Human resource management (HRM) is the art of managing employees in an organization. It involves the use of people to achieve organizational objectives in a productive manner and still satisfy the needs of individual employees (Fuller, 2005). This is the traditional approach to human resource management. Human resource management has always been viewed as a department set apart from the rest of the organization. Lately however, the human resource department has had to justify its existence within an organization due to the increase in use of technology in place of human resources. The move is an attempt by the HR department to remain relevant to an organization in the face of the current technological changes. This has led to the emergence of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM is a form of management that links HRM with organizational goals and objectives to improve performance and to strengthen organizational culture (Fuller, 2005). SHRM focuses on organizational performance rather than individual performance (Inyang, 2010). Unlike HRM, SHRM is not just reactive. It seeks to prevent problems rather than tackling them when they occur. The objective and activities of SHRM must be measurable, must include deadline for accomplishments, should identify and involve key stakeholders and HR customers, and should nominate individuals responsible for implementation (Fuller, 2005). It is difficult to implement SHRM and as such, it is faced with various challenges. This paper discusses the issues that a human resource manager should understand and the actions that should be taken to get the job done. The three big issues facing HR managers in recent times include developing and retaining talent, anticipating change, and enabling the organization (Society for Human Resource Management, 2002). Although strategic talent management lacks a consistent definition and clear conceptual boundaries, Collins and Mellahi have defined it those activities and processes that involve the identification of key positions that contributes to the organization’s competitive advantage. It is the development of a pool of talent consisting of high performing employees and the development of a human resource structure to facilitate filling of these roles (Collings & Mellahi, 2009, p. 304). In the search for a good employee, the HR department is normally faced with the challenge of observing the behavior of an employee and determining if it is a good fit for the organization. For example, the behavior of an employee seeking a job in a discount store cannot be equated to that of an employee seeking a job in an upscale store. HR is charged with the responsibility of managing talent, improving leadership development, managing work- life balance, and managing demographics. The HR manager is faced with the problem of finding the right talent in a market short for talent, and where employees are less loyal to employers. Tough economi
Introduction For a long time now, the debate on the legalization of marijuana has remained a controversial issue in the United States. Cannabis sativa found diverse applications in the field of medicine in many nations from as early as 2700 BC. Some of the merits that have been cited for legalizing the drug are the taxes the government would collect from sales, its medicinal value and usage in the clothing and paper industry. On the other hand, many groups have outlined that the legalization of marijuana would lead to an increase in the rate of crime in addition to opening up of the gateway to the abuse of more serious drugs like cocaine and heroin (Berman, 2010). This brief essay is an analysis of an essay entitled Drugs: Case for Legalizing Marijuana by Gore Vidal. Vidal’s Arguments Vidal (1970) outlines that legalizing marijuana is the simplest way of dealing with the addiction problems associated with the drug. According to him, a rational person will be wise enough not to consume a harmful drug that has a clear label of its pros and cons. He also adds that Cannabis sativa is neither addictive nor dangerous. He points out that not everyone can be affected in the same manner or to the same extent by every drug (Vidal, 1970). Vidal posits that it is essential for the societal implications of good or bad to be left to individuals to judge for themselves. As long as the actions of one person do not hinder the freedoms or undermine the rights of another, such persons should be left at liberty to indulge themselves. He argues out that no sane person can allow themselves to fall under the force of addiction if they already have foreknowledge of the detriments associated with addiction. He goes on to posit that the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest. The implication is that when people are denied the legal right to take marijuana, they will all the more want to use the drug (Vidal, 1970). Vidal illustrates that the same consequences that were evidenced when alcohol consumption was illegalized would be realized by the prohibition of marijuana. With time, the citizenry (whose interest should be the basis of the law) would hold the legal system and the Congress at contempt for misrepresenting the interests of the majority. He continues to point out that the interest of drug barons and the Bureau of Narcotics are to some extent related. According to him, neither the Mafia nor the government would like marijuana to be legalized and sold at cost because they both have financial interests when it comes to legalization (Vidal, 1970). He concludes that there is no hope for anything better as far as legalization is concerned. This is because the people of America and their legislators regard taking marijuana as a sin that must be atoned for monetarily. This money keeps systems running (Vidal, 1970). Vidal’s Arguments: A Counter-argument I do not agree w
Introduction In her book “A Brazilian slave of the eighteenth century,” Junia Ferreira Furtado presents some important and interesting scenes of slavery in Portuguese America in the eighteenth century. In particular, the author uses the protagonist character Chica da Silva to present fascinating arguments about gender and racial stereotypes. Chica is a colored woman who has obtained freedom from slavery in Minas Gerais, a small mining town in Brazil where various peoples interact, including Portuguese administrators, merchants, freed slaves, and concubines. Although the author uses Chica’s character to present her argument, it is worth noting that her story describes the history and experiences of women in colonial Brazil. The story presents the position of women, the myths surrounding females, and their roles in society. Arguably, Furtado uses Chica as the protagonist to depict the stereotypes created by these myths and the perceived position of women in colonial times. In this book, the story of Chica symbolizes the racial and colonial aspects of democracy (sensualities and licentiousness) that were associated with colored females. Analysis of Furtado’s perspective on female and racial stereotypes in Minas Gerais First, it is worth reviewing the story of Chica da Silva, albeit briefly. The book is based on popular history and life of a certain Francisca da Silva de Oliveira, a mulatto (colored) woman who rose from slavery to become the wife (or mistress) to her Portuguese owner, Joao Fernandes de Oliveira. In popular Brazilian history, Mr. Oliveira was a judge in Minas Gerais and owned the diamond contract in the mines around the town. History states that Chica obtained her freedom from slavery by courting and seducing Oliveira, thus depicting a negative aspect of women. For instance, several books and historical contexts argue that Chica sexually seduced men for her benefit. They state that Chica used her body to seduce Oliveira and eventually buy her freedom. Nevertheless, Furtado disputes these claims. She tends to portray a positive side of Chica. The author examines the history of Chica’s family as well as the lives of people in Minas Gerais and eventually attempts to show that Chica and Oliveira have normal relationships, which eventually lead to marriage. According to the author, Chica’s story “…moves beyond the stereotypes that are attributed to her…” 1 The author argues that the notion that Chica used her appearance to seduce men to buy her freedom is untrue and unfounded. She argues that this is a form of stereotype attributed to women, especially blacks and mulattos. According to the author, Chica was exceptionally intelligent, beautiful, and presentable. In her analysis of the history of Minas Gerais, the author argues that the town was located in the interior of Brazil, which discouraged many Portuguese settlers in the early colonization era. However, the discovery of gold and diamond attracted various companies and workers. Most of them were men, which resulted in a gender imbalance. For instance, the author states that only 16.5% of the population at one mining district was females in 1738 2 . Most males entered int
The use of solar energy can be critical for environmental and economic sustainability of many communities that can be located in different regions of the world. Moreover, the adoption of this approach can make societies less dependent on natural resources such as oil and coal that can eventually become depleted. At present, the main objective is to make solar energy technologies more affordable. Their price should reflect the purchasing power of contemporary buyers who want to make sure that their investment will break in the future. In many cases, some of these consumers believe that it is not reasonable to buy such products. To a great extent, this task is related to the work of engineers, since these professionals can make technologies more energy-efficient. Moreover, they should find solutions that can reduce the cost of manufacturing such products. For instance, they can select the materials that can be viewed as the best ratio of price and quality. Thus, one can say that these professionals can contribute to the spread of these technologies in various countries. These are some of the main details that should be taken into account. There are several ways of making this technology more affordable. First of all, engineers may need to focus on the process of manufacturing, because high production expenses often make solar energy technologies less affordable [1]. This problem can be partly explained by the need to use very expensive materials through which the electric charge travels. However, there are some alternative solutions. For instance, it is possible to construct sells that are composed of tiny cylinders. The main advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need for high-purity materials that are usually very costly. In turn, the application of tiny cylinders can make solar panels less expensive. This is one of the suggestions that can be made. Apart from that, researchers speak about the use of nano-crystals that can increase the efficiency of solar cells [1]. Therefore, the investment into this technology can be more justified. By adopting this approach, the engineers may not necessarily decrease the cost of such products. However, they can dramatically increase the efficiency of these technologies and their overall value. If this approach is adopted, a greater number of people will be willing to purchase such products. This is one of the details that should be taken into account. Moreover, it is important to speak about the improvement of energy storage devices which are critical for people’s ability to harness solar energy. In particular, one can mention the use of such materials Glauber’s salt and paraffin wax because they are less expensive [2]. This strategy can help manufacturers offer products better correspond to the purchasing power of clients who may have different levels of income. These are some of the recommendations that can be considered. Overall, this discussion shows that the adoption of solar energy can be made possible provided that engineers find ways of making these technologies more economical. At present, there are materials that can reduce the costs of producing solar energy technologies. Moreo
Introduction GDP measures the nation’s total spending on newly-manufactured services and goods or all income received from the services and goods manufactured; therefore, GDP is market price of final services and goods manufactured in a nation in a particular time period (Mankiw, 2012). GDP(Y) is normally made up of four components that include Y =C+I+G+NX; Consumption (C), Investment (I), Government expenditure (G) and Net Exports (NX) and their connection can be articulated and discussed as follows (Mankiw, 2012). Consumption is expenditure by a household on services and goods and is the final consumption by the household, for instance, Mary’s dinner at Hilton Hotel (Amadeo, 2011). The household normally spends on non-durable goods (petrol, clothing, soap, toothpaste and food), durable goods (appliances, land, cars, furniture and houses) and on services (medical, education). There are four major factors that influence consumption; these include anticipated income, rate of interest, disposable income and wealth (Amadeo, 2011). Investment on the other hand entails using the remaining money after consumption to buy assets such as new buildings like commercial, residential and public as well as investing in financial securities. For instance, if Tom constructs a residential building this year in Australia it means that the value of the building will be included in this year’s GDP, but purchase of an old house will not be accounted for because it was previously included in the GDP of the year of construction. Thus, only those buildings that add value to the building stock are relevant towards GDP valuation (Amadeo, 2011). Government must spend in order to offer social services and goods this requires the government to trail the actual spending on these services and goods. The government spends money on research, salaries, space shuttles, toasters and stealth bombers and most of these things are rarely sold at the marketplace and consequently, they are valued at the price in which the government acquired them. Government expenditure for purposes of GDP rule out some incredible types of real expenditure such as transfer payments that allocate income basically to potential consumers, as well as payments of interest on debt (Coursework.info, 2006). Net export is the expenditure by foreigners on the locally manufactured goods (exports) minus domestic spending by the res
Introduction A large firm with many divisions and operating in different locations was focused on adding controls and reducing the risks associated with the offsite storage of the company’s records. Statement of the Problem The firm lacked the effective business intelligence solution to control the offsite storage of the company’s records, and it had no developed strategy in order to reduce possible risks associated with the offsite storage. Objectives The stated objectives were to assess the technology options available in the firm for improving the controls and assess the used strategies and approaches to reduce possible risks associated with the offsite storage. Furthermore, the BIS experts’ task was to develop specific requirements for “a consistent approach for records ownership, metadata quality, and records labeling” (“Case Study 3”). Areas of Considerations The problem associated with the offsite storage records was in the fact that the company had many offsite storage vendors. Furthermore, different methods of storing and retrieving records were used in the firm. In addition, the “limited controls for adding new users, inconsistent data requirements for records, and lack of clear ownership for records” were identified as the areas for considerations while focusing on the problem to be addressed (“Case Study 3”). From this perspective, it was important to focus on assessing the available technology options and approaches to reduce offsite storage risks. Furthermore, it was necessary to revise the requirements to storing the data offsite and to provide the effective strategy to add controls and contribute to reducing the offsite records storage risks. Alternative Courses of Action It is important to focus on two possible courses of actions appropriate for the resolution of the discussed case. The first course of actions is proposed as the primary because it is developed by the BIS experts. The company was proposed with such solutions to the problem as the use of offsite inventory for vendors according to the firm’s requirements formulated for the offsite storage (“Case Study 3”). The second solution was based on conducting the assessment of technology options while comparing them with the set requirements. The appropriate technology solution to address the requirements was chosen. Thus, the requirements were defined and set as regular for the company. The next step was on developing, testing, and presenting the new technology to offsite users of the records’ storage. Finally, a regional rollout approach was developed by experts to address the problem of controlling the work activities and workload. The alternative course of action reflects the main steps performed by the BIS experts, but it is more focused on the formulation of requirements and on the issue of the data security. Requirements should include compliance, security, accessibility, convenience, consistent work, completeness, ac