ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Strategic analysis is one of the fundamental management elements and it involves evaluating an organisation’s business environment in order to be effective in formulating business goals. Conversely, strategic planning is long-term oriented and it focuses on the entire organisation. Strategic planning involves setting long-term organisational goals and formulating plans that aid in attaining pre-determined ends. Besides, strategic planning enhances optimal resource allocation, thus increasing the likelihood of realising organisational goals and a high competitive edge. Grunig and Kuhn (2011, p. 8) argue that the ‘process concentrates on determining the future success potentials’. Organisations base their long-term planning process on the hypothesis that the prevailing environment will persist for a prolonged period. However, Marvell (2009) is of the view that achieving strategic goals is a demanding task due to the turbulent business environment in which firms operate. Thus, organisational managers must evaluate the emerging issues progressively and adjust their operational strategies accordingly. British Airways has attained market position by operating as a full service global airline. The airline has established a broad global route network. These aspects have provided the firm with optimal market leadership in the UK. Furthermore, its extensive network has provided a global market presence. The airline intends to achieve long-term sustainable competitive advantage. However, this goal will depend on the effectiveness in aligning the firm’s operations with the changing business environment such as fluctuating oil prices (Ringbeck, Gautam & Pietsch 2009). Purpose This paper involves a critical strategic analysis of the British Airways. The analysis considers a number of elements, which include a resource audit, value systems, product/service portfolio, and the potential future strategic growth. Resource audit Effective resource management is essential in organisations’ pursuit for competitive advantage. Resources include an organisation’s competencies and assets. Assets include the diverse resource endowments such as equipments, plants, brand equity, and location that an organisation has developed or accumulated over time. Conversely, competence includes the abilities, skills, and knowledge within an organisation that enab
Abstract Management refers to gathering of personnel in a work place to achieve set objectives through effective utilization of accessible capital. Management occurs in varied forms that include a process, an activity, a discipline, a group, a science, an art and a profession. Various theories apply in management and must be integrated together to achieve results. Theories applied in management include the emergency theory, confusion theory, systems theory and theory X and Y. Effectual management involves a cycle that acts as strength of character for success in an enterprise. A management cycle has five key stages. “Management” is a difficult term because it entails the application of numerous concepts and theories in achieving set objectives. The principal goals of management include acquisition of maximum results with little utilization of resources, escalation of the effectiveness of production factors and the harmonization of running enterprises (Cole, 2004, p.23). Management exists as a process, an activity, a discipline, a group, a science, an art and a profession (Cole, 2004, p.31). Process management entails directing enterprises through orderly, harmonized and well thought-out human efforts. Activity management entails achieving goals in an enterprise through directing the efforts of others. This management includes informational duties for the manager, decision-making and interaction of all workers in an enterprise. Discipline management means identifying desirable conduct in managers and the various ways applied in management of an enterprise (Cole, 2004, p.44). Group management refers to everyone involved in the management tasks of an enterprise. Management science entails a systematic body of knowledge, though not to exact figures. This is because management involves human beings whose behavior is hard to predict (Ghuman, 2010, p.26). Art management entails application of information and expertise to achieve certain objectives. Profession management entails the use of information, acquisition of recognized instruction and guidance, meeting social obligations, abiding to defined rules of demeanor and registering with associations that embody the profession (Ghuman, 2010, p.47). Theories on management apply to the general productivity and service liberation by an enterprise (Ghuman, 2010, p.125). Theories applied in managing an enterprise depend on factors such as the nature of the enterprise, rationale of the enterprise and the workforce available t
Introduction Personal computer users face diverse security consequences due to different malicious software such as spywares and root-kits in their current system usage, especially during internet transaction procedures. This report outlines the procedures for securing personal data through un-trusted internet as addressed by Mohammad Mannan during a security seminar. The presentation took place on February, 22 nd 2011 at Concordia University also abbreviated CIISE (Concordia Institute of Information System and Engineering), located in a vibrant cosmopolitan setting in the city of Montreal, Quebec Canada. The “Authentication and Securing Personal Information in an Un-trusted internet” colloquium addressed drawbacks relating to computer and web usability. The session by Mannan mainly addressed semantic attacks for instance phishing, which has become a common in un-trusted host machines as well as through legitimate sites. Today most antivirus software suffers higher vulnerability than non-security software. The increase of untrustworthy environments in the web therefore leads to the question of whether there are measures or tools to control, improve and protect environments for the end-users. How can users continue to engage the online economic transactions safely? Discussion Mobile Password Authentication (MP-Auth) The main way of improving security for the end user is by finding a realistic technology/model that clients can put into operation during valid or virtual global operations. The ability to verify veracity of usage as well as passwords generation and authentication of techniques are some of the mechanisms that can assist end-users to improve transactions’ security. Phishing and session interferences compromise procedures of authenticating integrity of sensitive data even when users practice the most convenient security measures. This is a real concession for user safety during virtual transactions. The intention of most web-based security practices is to provide protection to user, from complex phishing frauds during sensitive web transactions either through a secure PC or through compromised platforms. The security of personal information requires authentication and safeguarding of sensitive information such as application for online banking and other long-term codes/keys. Mobile Password Authentication ( MP-Auth ) addresses this issue through use of simple mobile devices such as smart phones or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that combine with servers to generate random encryptions through use of the public key, to be relayed through venerable end-user machine terminals. The long-term password can therefore be applied as a single use password since it is concealed from potential phishing sites. The Mobile Password Authentication ( MP-Auth ) protocol therefore safeguards integrity of transactions through persisted confirmation and transparency to the mobile device in use, as opposed to the two-factor technique. MP-Auth provides p
Introduction Social media is a young but rapidly developing field. Its current level of popularity and recognition suggests its importance not only from the purely material perspective but also as a significant phenomenon in contemporary life. Due to its young age and highly dynamic pattern of development, it is not supported by the reliable theoretical framework. The aim of the current paper is to establish a connection between film theory and social media by identifying the intersection points of their principles. The suggested connection is expected to improve understanding from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. Analysis One of the key intersection points that support the implication of a connection between the two media domains deals with the fundamentals of film theory. According to the early theorists, films can be distinguished from similar types of media (e.g. the photography) by the fact that the images are not accompanied by the description of the movement (which would be true for the photography, for example). On the contrary, in film, the movement process, or the continuity, serves as an initial premise of the picture. Therefore, the film must be differentiated from the collection of successive still images and perceived as prioritizing the flow of time. This concept was famously pioneered by Gilles Deleuze and can be considered one of the defining principles of the film as an art form. In the simplest terms, the movement in films creates not only the image but also a time continuity, which differentiates it from many forms of visual art. In the overwhelming majority of instances, films treat time as a linear process and are therefore continuous from the observer’s perspective. In addition to serving as a framework for perceiving the information on the screen, it shapes the expectation of the viewers and serves as an ordering principle for both the artist and the observer. In the case of social media, this time-based principle is less evident but still relevant. The easiest example is a twitter that organizes the information published by the users chronologically. While the relevance and popularity of the information can be considered decisive for the information intake, it is still necessary to acknowledge the time frame and continuity as a defining principle behind the observer’s perception. The same time-based presentation can be identified in other social network resources, such as Facebook, although additional mechanics may alternate the resulting continuity to a varying degree in each individual case. Interestingly, it can be argued that social media underwent the same transition from stillness towards continuity with the evolution of the technology and the growing popularity of the Web. Specifically, the early online resources were predominantly page-based – in other words, they presented the information in a piecemeal manner and
Introduction The Bratter’s Syndrome consists of a group of almost similar kidney disorders that result in an imbalance of “potassium, sodium, chloride, and related molecules in the body” (Nooh, Abdullah and Sheta 419). The condition is rare, but as a significant congenital type of secondary hyperaldosteronism because of inability of the renal system to control electrolytes. Bratter’s Syndrome may be depicted through hyperplasia (unusual growth of cells) and hypertrophy (enlarged cell growth) of the juxtaglomerular cells. It presents normal blood pressure without observed edema. In some instances, Bratter’s Syndrome may be noticeable before birth due to the presence of polyhydramnios. This is apparent from the “increased volume of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus” (Colussi 3). The increased volume of amniotic fluid is “most likely to cause premature birth” (Colussi 3). Children with Bratter’s Syndrome normally fail to thrive, i.e., grow as expected. The condition results in excessive loss of salt through urine. The loss of salt (sodium) causes “constipation, dehydration and excessive production of urine or polyuria” (Nooh et al. 419). This situation results in weaker bones (osteopenia). Further, calcium deposits may be found in “the kidney, leading to hardening of the kidney, a condition known as nephrocalcinosis” (Nooh et al. 419). The condition also causes the level of potassium to drop in the blood. Hypokalemia is responsible for weak muscles, fatigue and cramping in individuals with the disorder (No
Chronic back pain is a common disease that affects many people, especially the ones aged 35 – 55. It is quite difficult to detect the causes of this pain, but it is usually considered to be related to the strain in one of the structural components of the back. A chronic back pain is the one that is lasting longer than a month. It can be caused by many reasons, such as long period of standing or sitting, having a fall, lifting or carrying heavy objects, stress, overweight, etc. There are several ways of treatment of the chronic back pain, including tacking various medicines, physical therapies, surgery, psychological therapy, complementary therapy. The Gate Control Theory provides the methods of the chronic back pain therapy based on the work of mind and brain regarding pain perception. In this paper, we are going to discuss the methods of pain control based on the Gate Control Theory and how the Gate Control Theory relates to cultural explanations regarding the sensation of pain. We will also consider a possibility to completely eliminate pain by applying the Gate Control Theory. The Gate Control Theory was developed by Patrick Wall and Ronald Melzack in 1960s. The theory suggests that there are systems in the central nervous system responsible for the transmitting the “pain messages” through the brain. These systems can open or close “gates” that let in or block the pain. This process can be explained by the work of neurotransmitters: “when a nerve impulse comes to the end of the axon and reaches a terminal button releases a chemical courier called a neurotransmitter” (Ryan, 2011). The Gate Control Theory describes the phenomena of the mental nature, but with regard to the processes that occur in the nervous system. Although, there are no detailed explanation of how these processes occur and regulated, the Gate Control Theory help explain why different treatments might be effective to manage the chronic back pain, “The effectiveness of nonpharmacological pain-management strategies can be explained by the Gate Control Theory and the processes responsible for the transmission of pain” (Simpson and Creehan, 2007). Thus, acupuncture is one of the alternative medicines based on the Gate Control Theory. However, there are also: “Opioid analgesics act on synaptic transmission in various parts of the central nervous system by binding to natural opioid receptors. They inhibit ascending pathways of pain perception and activate descending pathways” (Freudenrich, n. d.). Thought, they can become addictive. The massage is another method of back pain relief. In order to prevent or reduce the back pain, one should combine these methods. Our sensation of pain can be explained by the Gate Control Theory as it is related to the work of mind. Our cultural background plays an important role. Thus, our beliefs and values, memories of previous pain, upbringing, expectations of and attitudes towards pain affect how we interpret the pain. (“Pain and How You Sense It, n. d.). Thus, the information mentioned earlier suggests that we can eliminate pain by applying the Gate Con
Introduction A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a key decision-making tool for many western countries. This is why nations that have adopted western political ideologies have also embraced the concept for many decades. Consequently, the CBA has infiltrated different aspects of social, political, and economic development in these jurisdictions. At its core is its ability to inform policymaking decisions (Morgan 9-11). This thinking describes a rational and analytical approach to addressing governance issues (Morgan 9-11). Many instruments are used to support this analytical tool, but they are generally quantitative in nature and rational in thought (Welch 57-59; Florio 83-86). This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of utility maximization, which is a key tenet of the CBA, through an inclusion of different analytical perspectives, such as ethical thought and the practicality of implementing it in real-life situations. The discussion is largely defined through an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the CBA. Strengths One of the most notable strengths of the utility maximization concept is its unique ability to act as a social welfare protection tool. In other words, it is deemed an instrument for exploring social decisions (Welch 57-59). It has also been hailed for outlining a systematic statement of goals through its ability to provide policymakers with a wide range of options to accomplish stated goals. These areas of competencies define its appeal to public policy experts. Unlike other decision-making models, which do not have a predictive capability, the CBA is able to describe the kind of outcomes that policymakers will be facing after implementing different policy options (Hahn 105-106). This predictive capability is only an alternative that requires people to confront the trade-offs associated with each action. These trade-offs could be evaluated at two levels. The first one is the aggregate expenditure option, which allows policymakers to evaluate how many financial resources would be needed to accomplish a specific goa
EBay is an online company that allows people to buy and sell goods online. It offers no restrictions on the kind of goods offered on its site. People can buy anything offered on the site. The lack of company restrictions on what is for available for sale raises an ethics question. Laws on what they can sell and to whom they can sell restrict traditional shops. The case is not similar for eBay. EBay’s services go beyond borders. The media through which it sells goods allows the company to bypass local regulations in respective countries on what is sellable. Ethics demand that the business does what is morally acceptable irrespective of the existence laws to reinforce that. It is not proper for eBay to allow its users to sell items that are restricted in physical stores like the Nazi Memorabilia. The items are restricted in physical stores because their use is not for the overall betterment of the society. EBay does not expect its competitors in the business to win by being immoral. It should be at the forefront of demonstrating a good example by restricting the sale of such items in its online store. Allowing the sale of restricted items online is an insult to lawmakers and the laws they make to protect the society against the harmful effects brought out by continuous use of the restricted items. Other than disagreeing with the sale of restricted items, I see no problem with sale of fake items. However, the sale of such products is not acceptable to many people around the countries served by eBay. They expect that eBay has a quality assurance system to ensure that what customers obtain has passed the quality test. Quality assurance is not the covered by eBay. The company has explicitly mentioned in their end user agreement that they are not liable for compromised quality on the respective item. Therefore, when it comes to quality issues of items bought at eBay, the buyer has to rely on trust and instincts. Fortunately there is a way around that buyers can rely on to verify that the item to be bought meets their expected quality standards. EBay has provided a forum service on its website that buyers and sellers can use to interact. On this forum, other buyers of a similar item offer reviews that provide novice buyer third party quality assurance judgments. EBay may argue that its international presence raises it beyond individual country’s laws prohibiting sale of certain items. In addition, the global nature of the internet makes the company’s online store to be always open. It is impossible for eBay to restrict the window period when items considered non-appropriate for non-adults. Although it is inappropriate in most countries like Germany and France for businesses to sell adult items like videos to minors under the legal age in those countries, su
Arranged marriages are decreasing The “cultural focus” of marriage has “shifted” from a collectivist ideal to an individualistic ideal, more so in the last few decades. A marriage that is established on a collectivist ideal tends to be focused more on the interests of the in-group more than self interests. This is as opposed to the individualistic view whereby egocentrism prevails (Newman & Newman, 2008). The collectivism practice of arranged marriages is no longer a thriving practice in most societies and instead, couples are becoming more individualistic where romantic love is central to establishment of a marriage relationship. Individuals are making personal choices on whom to settle down with in marriage and concerns about the effect of their choices on others are not of great importance. Romantic love that has been enhanced by urbanization due to increased choice and creation of an ideal of what constitutes a relationship. Individuals are therefore highly guided by their personal choice on who to marry rather than in-group influences on partner choice. Individualistic societies have higher divorce rates The shift from collectivism to individualism in marriages can be seen in how conflicts are resolved between couples. In a collectivism society, the goals created by the in-group tend to have an upper hand as the couples resolve their differences. This has changed with individualism as conflict resolution is characterized by preference of personal goals. This may to some extent explain why there has been an increase in divorce rate in the more individualistic societies like the West. In less individualistic societies like China and Africa, the divorce rate is lower since the parties have to consider the interests of clan and the in-laws (Jia-xue, 2009). Wealth growth has reduced interdependence Interdependence in marriages, where the couple would depend on the extended family or the community for resources or social support, is shifting as individuals are becoming more affluent in an industrialized world. The modern society has changed from an agricultural and hunting society to an industrialized one and this has diminished the advantages accrued from collective lifestyle. Couples have gained economic independence and tendency to pursue own goals or goals that affect the nuclear family only has set in. Individuals who are settling in marriages or those who are already in marriages are becoming more affluent and the interdependence which is achieved in an in-group is diminishing. This wealth growth has promoted individualism in marriages since couples can accomplish their goals without external support. More education has promoted individualism as characterized by late marriages and childbearing Exposure to education is cited as one of the factors that lead to a shift from a collectivism view of life to an individualistic life (Newman & Newman, 2008). Due to more education, individuals are getting a lot of information and cultural diversity is enhanced. As a result, individual choice is strengthened as the person tends to have different views on issues that affect him or h