ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Background Merit pay is a term used to describe the payment of wages or salaries based on performance. This form of payment grants bonuses to workers who execute their duties effectively according to quantifiable standards. Merit pay can easily be used in non-education sectors such as finance, industrial and other service industries as merit can be based on quantifiable factors such as financial performance and customer feedback. However, this method of payment cannot be easily used in education since different students and pupils have different abilities, besides, the educational sector is not a profit-making entity. However, proponents of merit pay, among other arguments, assert that the system would be coherent with management concepts from the private sector and would improve educational standards. Merit pay in the education sector has continued to face opposition from various stakeholders who insist that this system will lower staff morale and thus ruin the education system. Arguments for Merit Pay for Teachers Teachers’ pay should be based on performance as the system would bring several improvements into the educational sector. To begin with, merit pay would ensure that teachers achieve goals that are set at the beginning of the evaluation period. These goals could be in the form of students achieving a set mean grade, performance in specific subjects such as mathematics or sciences, or excelling in co-curricular activities. Secondly, merit pay would keep better teachers around for a longer time. The current educational system has no initiative for rewarding teachers who excel in their duties, for this reason, such teachers are normally ‘poached’ by private schools who offer better pay. Therefore, a pay based on performance would retain these teachers as their pay would match or even surpass those of the private sector, the schools will also be able to attract teachers with exemplary performance. Finally, the end results of this system would increase over the educational system. Besides keeping better teachers and achieving educational goals, the system would improve education over the long period (Solomon, Pp. 113). Evidences The applicability of this system is drawn from various evidences. Most teachers have a unique way of teaching that makes evaluating difficult. Should educational authorities implement a merit play, they will have to outline standards on which evaluations are based on and this will standardize educational systems in the country. Besides, increased pay would be a big motivator at the workplace as teachers who are ranked highly would feel that their efforts are paying back. This would encourage them and even encourage teachers whose rankings are low to work ha
Illegal immigration is one of the main disasters of the USA. One of the main problems connected with the immigration is Mexico and its border. The Mexico illegal immigrants remain one of the most devastating problems of the USA. One of the main problems which the USA considers as important is illegal job positions. However, the situation may be considered from another side. The USA is full of Mexican immigrants because they remain in demand in the country. If US employees were not interested in Mexican workers, the illegal immigrants would leave to another county. Therefore, the battle with illegal immigrants should start with either understanding the necessity of the immigration policy change or with making more severe the conditions for those who employ illegal immigrants. The problem is rather controversial and deserves much attention. Immigrants are different, however, there are many cases when illegal immigrants bring more good for the society in comparison with those who are the native citizens of the country. I like the offer of John F. Kavanaugh who is sure that illegal Mexican citizens should be offered the legal positions if they work and bring profit to the country. Of course, such offer is too general and immigration law should be changed in this way. It is important to think about the details of the changes to make sure that only those immigrants are offered legal placement who are really useful to the country. Those immigrants who managed to find jobs and bring profit to the American society should become the respected citizens of this country. Mexican immigrants are numerous in the USA. Many reasons make these people come to this country. Most of Mexicans come to the USA to protect themselves and give better lives to their children. There are those who hide from the police and other reasons why Mexicans appear in the USA. Of course, the changes are necessary and having the prohibition law and the measures aimed at reducing the number of illegal immigrants from Mexico, USA becomes the country of residence of many illegal immigrants. One of the main reasons of this situation is the necessity of American employees in illegal workers. The level of fines is too high, however, employees still continue hiring illegal immigrants as these people are ready to work for lower salaries and there is no need to pay for these people taxes. The situation may be corrected on by the changes in immigration policy. If people want to become the citizens of the USA, they are to prove that the USA needs these people. Having found the job and having shown that a person works for the benefit of the USA, he/she may be accepted as the deserving member of the
Corporate leaders are desperate to know the future of social media in five years time. They need to know in order to benefit from the power of social media when it comes to enhancing communication capabilities, and the ability to accumulate data through user-generated information. This concept includes the following: 1) social networking; 2) social bookmarking; 3) blogs; 4) discussion forums; 5) wikis; 6) photo-sharing; and 7) video-sharing sites (Meiselwitz, 2014). Early adopters of social media made a great deal of profit when they leveraged the power of social media platforms. However, those who came late to the party learned their lessons the hard way. The following is a discussion of a possible pathway to innovation when it comes to social media platforms. A Major Tool for Political Change In 2014 demonstrators in various parts of the world went out to the streets and expressed their frustrations. They protested the corruption that was prevalent in the their respective political and economic systems. Demonstrators from Egypt to New Delhi came together even in the absence of a formal organization. A traditional organization is usually required for a movement of that magnitude. However, there was no political organizer, and there was no financier with deep pockets who was able to inspire them to leave the comfort of their homes. The same thing can be said of the demonstrations that were made in other regions, such as those that grabbed headlines from Madrid to Manhattan. There were differe
The Case Study: Detailed Introduction The object of this case study is the Al Wahda complex, located in Abu Dhabi City in the UAE. The project was conducted by EC Harris International Ltd; moreover, the company observed and managed every step of the project, i.e. presentation and development of the concept, as well as suggestions on the furniture and interior design. EC Harris International Ltd’s involvement in the project was so significant that they were also allowed to provide names for some of the facilities at the hotel. The Al Wahda is a five-star hotel that also includes the shopping mall (biggest in the city), as well as apartments and office spaces. The project development was estimated to cost £400m; the hotel’s development continued from the year 2005 until 2012. The company’s initial aim was to create an “exciting shopping mall, five-star business hotel, office, and residential buildings” ( Overseas Project of the Year 2012 2012, p. 2). The business model EC Harris used during the development of the project included verification of the design, workshops dedicated to the engineering and its assessment, as well as evaluation of the risks and their management. The industry rivals of the company are not stated, but since Abu Dhabi City is a tourism center in UAE, it is clear that the EC Harris’ project has to compete with various shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and restaurants in the city. One of the main benefits of the project is its ability to accommodate various facilities that are not only attractive for the tourists but also offer leasable space that will bring profit in the future. Moreover, Al Wahda Football Club is also accommodated in the facility; this fact might increase the hotel’s and mall’s value in the eye of the public. However, the project also had to face some challenges that could have hindered its final success. When in the year 2008 the financial crisis began to develop, it had an impact on thousands of companies, including EC Harris. The project’s further development was dependent on the supplies of concrete, as well as steel prices that, during that time, became unstable. Therefore, the company could face the shutdown of the project that would bring great losses and harm the company’s image as well. Howeve
Introduction Delta Airlines is one of the oldest American airlines that was founded in 1924 as a small aerial crop dusting operation (“About Delta” par. 1). Nowadays, it is a large global airline with more than 160 million customers using its services annually. Like many other airline companies, Delta faces the challenges caused by the changes in fuel prices, the frequency of terroristic attacks in the air or airports, and the necessity to stay competitive in the market. Any successful manager should understand the importance of a properly chosen strategy in the company and the worth of all actions taken and the decisions made. In this report, Delta will be analyzed in terms of its strategic alignment, competitive advantage, marketing achievements, customer value, and profit propositions to clarify if its business model and current strategy are successful enough not to change it but promote its development. Current Strategy of Delta Airlines Delta Airlines spends much time and effort to analyze its current situation and the changes it can be promoted regarding the actual state of affairs. The latest reports of the company show that Delta, as well as other airline companies in the USA and the whole world, faces the problem caused by the changes in jet fuel prices. Even if these prices fell at the end of 2014 (“Delta Air Lines INC: Form 10-K” 4), fuel expenses remain one of the main problems for the company. Therefore, Delta tries to focus its strategies on the improvement of the situation and the creation of control over such types of expenses. For example, the idea to own a refinery to contain fuel costs seems to be a unique strategy introduced by the company because Delta can manage its fuel costs in a variety of ways (Cederholm 10). For example, Delta’s attempts to purchase agreements and practice fuel hedging are not new, but the idea to operate a refinery makes it unique and competitive. Also, Delta is involved in numerous activities to reengineer the business model to promote high employee engagement and gracious customer service (“Richard Anderson: Chief Executive Officer” par. 2). Strategic Alignment The VRIO framework is the tool to be used to comprehend if the company under analysis succeeds in choosing actions, articulating its goals,
Background Research studies show that leading a healthy lifestyle and consuming healthy diets contribute to positive health outcomes. On the other hand, the same studies note that a large percentage of the general population has failed in terms of meeting the desirable health outcomes through physical activity and dietary management (DiClemente & Peterson, 1994, p. 4). Furthermore, those individuals who initiate behavioral changes through incorporating physical activity and dietary management into their day-to-day activities do also fail in terms of adhering to the recommended activities. As a result, different researchers argue that certain aspects of the ‘self’ such as exercise identity and self-efficacy beliefs play a pivotal role in determining the exercise outcomes (Bandura, 2010; Leary & Price-Tangney, 2005). Therefore, the purpose of this research paper is to explore the relationship between one’s exercise identity and the self-efficacy beliefs relative to the findings of a research study involving 170 participants from a kinesiology class. In this survey, the participants were allowed to assess their exercise identity and self-efficacy beliefs through the Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) and the Exercise Identity Scale (EIS). As a result, this research paper analyzes the link between the two major variables of the ‘Self’ (Identity and Self-efficacy) relative to the findings of the study. State your hypotheses here…………note that this should be in line with what you will wish to discuss later under DISCUSSIONS Literature Review The uniqueness of different individuals in carrying out similar tasks cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, most studies recognize the importance of the ‘self’ as a possible line of investigation relative to health-related exercise outcomes. In fact, many researchers posit that self evaluations relative to exercising and other health-related initiatives are directly related to the final outcomes (Sparks & Guthrie, 2006, p. 1393; Conner & Armitage, 2006). Here, the researchers not that various aspects of the ‘self’ inform behavioral changes and choices such as task choices, exercise scheduling, and coping during physical activity. Conversely, behavioral changes and choices have been shown to influence the way in which an individual experiences the ‘self’ (Bandura, 2010; Baumeister, 1999, p. 70). Before, investigating the role of the ‘self’ and its variables in influencing exercise outcomes, there is the need to describe the ‘self’ at length. According to Leary and Price-Tangney (2005, p.218), the ‘self’ is a psychological instrument that enables one to think positively and deliberately about one’s abilities, experience, and perceptions by asking the questions, ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘What Am I Capable of?’. As a result, the ‘self’ forms an integral part of the process through which individuals get to think, experience, and observe themselves, and therefore, self-regulate different aspects of their lives. De
Concepts of Linear Equations Linear equations are functions of the form y=mx +b written in equation notation or f(x)= MX + b in function notation; y=mx +b is known as the standard form. These equations are referred to as the equation of a line and they have many applications in the field of mathematics. Some specific applications include area of the triangle given as = a x b, simple interest formulas I = p x r x t, and velocity given by the formula distance/time, v/t. In these notations m and b are fixed values; m determines how y changes for every single unit of change in x with this change in x (Δx) units the result is a corresponding change in y (Δy = mΔx units). Hence, we can obtain m by solving Δy/Δx while b has a vital role in the equation for instance when x=0, the equation notation will be y=b. (Hodgkin). Linear equations can be solved through other elementary operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, these operations are limited to the number of variables which when increased may make them complex to solve. Notable Inventors of this Concept Rene Descartes is one among many mathematicians who invented and worked extensively on linear equations; he was the first to coin the term linear to mean something that is in a row or a line and identify the functions surrounding this mathematical concept (Reilly). Rene Descartes was instrumental in developing the field of mathematics that pertains to linear equations and specifically the equation of a line. Rene refined the idea of the standard notation equation of a line given as y=mx + b, m which represents the slope and determines the change in y for every unit change in x, b is a constant determined by y-intercept (Reilly). By using two intersect equations i.e. (x/a) +(y/b) =1, Rene was able to show that linear equations can be solved graphically by plotting different values of y against x values and obtaining corresponding values of y when x=0, y-intersect, and x when y=0, x-intersect. For instance, through Rene’s ideas, we realize that if a linear equation is plotted on a graph the results are a straight line that has a slope of this line being m. This observation is constant for all straight lines and would enable solving of linear equations just by picking the values of y-intersect and x-intersect as the solution of the equation. Evolution of Linear Equations Now we can take this concept of a linear equation to another level and use it to solve linear models by use of point-slope formula. For example, equation of a line passing through the point (x 1 , y 1 ) which has slope m will be given by y=mx-
Introduction The portable concept presented is how a person’s ignorance on an issue can become a hindrance to their development. Portable human development concept Fadiman’s passage is about a little girl who suffered from epilepsy. Her parents’ inability to notice that their daughter’s condition was containable at an early age almost cost her life. Their ignorance is also portrayed when they fail to contact the hospital for a follow-up appointment ten days after the initial only come back to the hospital when their daughters’ condition begins to deteriorate again. This can be compared to Tannen’s “There Is No Unmarked Woman”. She notices how most of the time we are unable to take note of many underlying issues that present themselves in our mannerisms, even before we speak (Tannen 1). For example, women sometimes may decide to dress in a certain way for a simple reason such as the availability of their choice of cloth. What they may fail to notice is that society may be using this means to judge their character. For example, she says when she wrote that passage, she was simply doing so out of observation. She was not aware that some people would see her as a feminist and some would even brand her a male basher. While Tannen’s concept of close analysis accounts for the presence of ignorance in “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall”, it fails to account for Lia’s parents’ decision to seek modern medicine to treat their daughter. The concept of ignorance is portrayed at the beginning of the passage when Lia is first introduced (Fadiman 20). Her parents blamed her sibling Yer for banging the door (Fadiman 23). They believed that it was this action that had triggered their younger daughter’s illness. In their village, having epilepsy was believed to be a sign that one was chosen by the gods and possessed special powers. Perhaps this is the reason why Lia’s parents did not seem so alarmed by the state. Even the doctor was concerned because he had never handled that disease on such a young patient, and yet he detected from her parents that they did not seem to know the gravity of their daughter’s situation (Fadiman 27). In this village, instead of such diseases as epilepsy being treated, the sufferers were given a higher stature in the community as it was even believed to be able to cure other diseases. Their ignorance is also evident when we are told they signed two surgery consent forms, each seven hundred words long, without reading and translation. A close comparison to this in Tannen’s piece is when she remarks about how marked a woman always is despite the kind of makeup she uses. This shows the inability of humans to focus on the really important details (Tannen 2
Executive Summary History Las Vegas Sands Corporation was formerly called Sands Hotel in the early years of 1970s, Adelson and his partners acquired Sands hotel in the year of 1989 at a cost of more than $ 800 million. A year after the acquisition of Sand Hotel, Adelson and his partners opened the Sands Expo and Conventional Centre from the profits generated by the Sands Hotel. In the year 1996, stiff competition from other hotels in Las Vegas Strip forced Sands Hotel to seek for new markets in Venice, which had less competition and a more serene environment (Sands 2). Traditionally, hotels used to keep few guest rooms; the main aim was to encourage guests to spend more time in casinos and bar lodge, however, Las Vegas Sands Hotels had more hotel rooms, which were furnished with gorgeous furniture, large screen televisions, and big workspace, this created a paradigm in Las Vegas hospitality industry. In the year of 2004, Las Vegas Sands Incorporation saw a potential market in Asia and opened a branch at Macao; this branch was branded Sands Macao. In the same year, Las Vegas Incorporation was renamed to Las Vegas Sand Corporation in 2004 (Sands 2). In the year of 2008, there was a global financial crisis, which at some point saw Las Vegas Sands Corp. loss $ 1,000 per second, and its stock fell by 57 % within a period of 52 weeks. In the year 2009, the hotel opened a new branch branded Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In the year of 2010, Las Vegas Sand opened Marina Bay Sands in Singapore; Singapore had a stiff competition from other hotels, however, Marina Bay Sands posted an operating profit of $ 600 million in the first 8 months after commencing its business. At the beginning of the year of 2012, Las Vegas Sands opened a branch called sands Cotai Central in Macao. Currently Las Vegas Sands investigates the possibility of growing to other countries such as Spain, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, Madrid, Thailand, and South Korea (Sands 4). Products offered Las Vegas Sands Corp. offers quite a wide range of products and services to its customers; these products and services include accommodation, bars, entertainment, shopping, and dinning. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has build an air strip which holds ninety Boeing and 747 jumbo jets, exhibition centers in Asia which can hold 15,000 people, and a 550,000 square foot gambling casino. Additionally, the Sand Casino Resort in Bethlehem provides a perfect gaming centre, Sands Sky Park offers a lush vegetation, several restaurants, infinity swimming pool, conference rooms, and observation deck, and lastly Marina Bay Sands has an Art Science Museum, which is lotus-inspired (Sands 4). Size Las Vegas Sands Corp. has grown to a big empire, its size can be estimated by the use of the financial records, its properties, and its employees. Las Vegas Sands Corp. prope