ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Sustainable development is an important notion that implies addressing environmental, economic, and societal issues to maintain the provision of resources upon which the existence of the society depends. This paper scrutinizes the influence of environmental security on sustainable development, namely, the requirements the former sets to achieve the latter. It is also argued that these requirements are crucial for human society. The concepts of environmental security and sustainable development are explained; the mentioned requirements are exposed, and their importance is shown; and, finally, possible limitations related to the two concepts in question are considered, and a way to deal with these limitations is offered. The Concept of Environmental Security Environmental security is an interdisciplinary issue concerned with researching the natural environment and human activity in order to find out what hazards the latter creates for the former and what threats nature might pose to human security as a result and averting these hazards and threats (Khagram, Clark & Raad 2003 p. 291). Here, human security includes the possibility to have a reasonable life expectancy, to live without experiencing poverty, to be able to satisfy basic material needs, to take part in the life of one’s community, and to have freedom from want or fear (Khagram, Clark & Raad 2003, p. 292). It is important to point out that environmental issues are capable of causing various social problems and even lead to violent conflicts. These may result not only from the scarcity of natural resources but also from numerous effects of the human’s influence on the natural world, such as climate change. For instance, the global heating results in polar ice caps melting, which leads to the sea level rise (Riebeek 2010). If the rise is significant, many lowlands might be flooded permanently, which would cause people to seek new places to live; it is clear that violent actions and surges of xeno- and migrantophobia are quite probable to follow. They can be exacerbated by the lack of food due to desertification of formerly fertile lands, overpopulation, unequal resource access, etc. Such migrations would also cause further harm to the environment due to the increase in population density, resource conflict, and so on. On the other hand, the preservation of natural environment can have multiple benefits to the humanity (Khagram, Clark & Raad 2003, p. 294). For instance, the proper usage
Introduction Research is a process where the problem definition, methodology, and solution are the major components that cannot be ignored. To solve the problem of drug use among Boston’s students, the field study group of Harvard Business School chose the focus group method as the best compromise due to the inappropriateness of other options. In this paper, the Boston Fights Drugs case will be analyzed in terms of the research problem, objectives, and a corresponding management decision to understand if the chosen methods were appropriate. Methods Analysis The problem of the case under analysis is that the population of Boston is challenged by the access to illicit drugs. A research objective is to identify factors that may influence the decision of school-goers to use drugs. Despite the already taken steps of enforcement and education, Boston’s mass media resources have to be involved in producing commercials and informing people. A managerial decision to create a communication program on the basis of analyzing and interpreting data was made by Sullivan and Zegans to decrease drug demand. To create an effective solution to the problem, it is important to gather enough information and opinions. Among the existing qualitative and quantitative methods, the focus group method was offered. This alternative was more appropriate than surveys (subjectivity) or interviews (time-consuming) for this task. Its pros were the possibility to obtain detailed information about participants, save money, and promote insightful discussion about the topic. The major con discovered at the end of the study was the fact that not much new data was actually added to existing knowledge. The absence of financial backup and time resulted in poor outcomes and the inability to continue the study at the necessary level. Conclusion Regarding the fact that this project had the research objective (to understand the factors) and the decision (to decrease drug use), a mixed research methodology may be recommended. Direct communication with participants and questionnaires would help to combine qualitative and quantitative facts and create a solid background for the creation of new programs and steps.
Executive Summary In the recent years, there has been a growing concern over the reduction in sales and downturn in growth in Wal-Mart. An analysis of its existing information technology is done in this project report, with a SWOT analysis of the same being done. It concludes that despite the system being successful over the years, traditional and newer competitors have managed to build a matching system that has helped them reduce the price difference between them and Wal-Mart. Therefore, the goal is to create a better system that allows the retention of a large price difference through the reduction in operating costs. This project proposes a change in the management of the supply chain and billing in the organization through the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) expertise in Wal-Mart. The report concludes that the use of RFID will allow the organization to increase its output by reducing queues at the points of sale. Background Wal-Mart is one of the most successful organizations in the United States and the world. Since its inception, the management has embraced information system to stay competitive. Wal-Mart first opened its doors in 1962 as a small discount store located in Arkansas (Vance, & Roy, 1994). The founder, Sam Walton, wanted to provide low-cost goods and services to the population around as a way of improving its social status. His belief was that the people around deserved better services in terms of the quality and prices of goods that were sold. The company later assumed the current Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969. It entered the New York Stock Exchange list as a public company in 1972 (Vance, & Roy, 1994). The company currently has over 9,500 retail stores in more than 25 nations, employing over 2 million people worldwide, with the bulk of these employees being in the US (Vance, & Roy, 1994). The company has also topped the Fortune 500 list of the most successful and profitable organizations. It reported yearly revenue of $431.87 billion in 2010 (Vance, & Roy, 1994). Wal-Mart has pioneered in the use of information technology to remain competitive and/or stay ahead in terms of competition in the retail industry. The main utility of information system at Wal-Mart is to lower the operational costs, hence attaining more profits than any other organization of its size (Vance, & Roy, 1994). Wal-Mart uses a well-orchestrated information system in its organization. The system maintains its stock and ensures that prices are lower in relation to those of its competitors. Many individuals have described Wal-Mart as using its inventory replenishment system to move up to the current historical success (Troy, 2003). This system works through the automatic orderin
Introduction Globalization is the connection, comingling, and inter-reliability of the world’s resources and labor skills. Globalization has contributed to a ‘flat’ world where the flow of resources and labor is not restricted by traditional national boundaries. Outsourcing for cheap labor in less developed countries – a factor of globalization – negatively affects the professional motivation of workers in the home countries, and experts in fields like engineering will be forced to reduce their wages to stay globally competitive. Effects of globalization on outsourcing One of the most significant features of globalization is the increased tendency by organizations and companies to outsource various functions previously undertaken by the organization’s own workforce to reduce labor costs or capture new markets. Previously multinational organizations would outsource non-core functions, for example, a car manufacturing organization in the US would outsource the rather non-complex manufacturing of headlamps for automobiles to a less developed economy like Mexico in a bid to cut labor costs. Many companies would also outsource these functions inshore (within the boundaries of the specific organization’s home country) as opposed to offshore (out side the national boundaries of the organization’s mother country (Prasad, and Prasad 67). The rise in globalization in the last decade however has given way to the practice whereby, organizations are outsourcing even the most core functions to obtain cheaper labor and remain competitive in a world where traditional restrictions towards a single globe-based market in tariffs and taxes are quickly being phased out. According to Lynn and Salzman, recent trends indicate technology is being spread out equally throughout the world via globalization (12). The authors argue that as a profession, engineers have always been keen to preserve the core functions of their firms and the resultant technology within the mother countries, sometimes going to great lengths to keep secret certain technologies to stave off competition. However, Friedman rues that, the advent of outsourcing in light of globalization is rendering the hallowed practice redundant and even economically suicidal (146). Countries like emerging global powers Brazil and India are undertaking complex technological works that were previously the preserve of companies based in the US, UK or Russia. Engineering firms in America are outsourcing dynamic and resource intensive aerospace work to countries in South America like Brazil. Telephone and cell phone manufacturing companies are also outsourcing their core functions to China where labor is cheaper
Introduction In future, I would like to join American Psychological Association. The reason for this decision is the benefits that I am going to get from the organization. This paper gives an analysis of the organization as well as expanding further on the reasons that makes me take the decision. Background and History APA (American Psychological Association) was founded by 31 members in 1892, as a professional body for psychologists from United States of America. Currently it has a membership of over 150, 000 in 54 branches. The association is the largest in United States and combines scholars in different areas of psychology. It has its headquarters in Washington DC. Mission Statement for the Association Advancing the communication, creation, communication, and psychological (knowledge) application in a bid to improve individuals lives as well as the society at large. Core Values   * Continual Pursuit of Excellence   * Knowledge and Application Based on Methods of Science   * Outstanding Service to its Members and to Society   * Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion   * Ethical Action in All That We Do (APA Official website, 2010). Reasons for Choosing the Organization The organization is composed of different professionals who have specialized in different areas of sociology, philosophy, and psychology. Annually the organization has meetings with its members where they share different observations in their area of specialization. Other than being a local organization, the company has international recognition. It calls international meetings with other nations where they share experiences and knowledge. These interactions bring about net working environments and give a chance to enlarge ones knowledge in a certain area. When a member has attended a meeting, he is given a certificate which is recognized all over the world and given preference in America. On a monthly basis there is a magazine and a journal produced for the members to read on various developments of the firm. The magazine is freely available to members who have paid annual subscription. In the magazine discussion focuses more on current trends in psychology and the way it affects the world. To be a more productive member in the organization; I am planning to enroll in psychology classes. Other than understanding different trends in psychology, I will also understand different aspects in current changing world. Understanding the world will assist me in my main field which is economics; I will be able to understand the trends that are in business and the world economy at large and making decisions will be easier. In America the organization members are highly respected due to the precedence of integrity set by other members. Being a member of the organization will not only boost my knowledge in the area of psychology but will assist me when making decision in future on my career. The core values set on the other hand place responsibility of care in me and thus I will become a respectable professional with integrity (Jo-Ida & Melanie, n.d). Conclusion In the future, I aim
Introduction Nowadays, with the development of modern technologies, people actively watch TV shows and movies, read popular magazines and books and use the internet and social nets. All these activities and components form the so-called “popular culture,” based on information and entertainment. Sociologists give many definitions of popular culture, but “it always links the concepts of entertainment, media, technological developments, and diverse mass audiences across large geographical areas“ (Raine, intro). Since popular culture is created by the consumption of certain products by a large audience, it is logical to suggest that it has a serious impact on people and high significance for society. Through the media products that create popular culture, the ideas of social and cultural issues are passed to society. A good example of the social relevance of popular culture can be an episode of the British series “Black Mirror” called “Be Right Back.” The story about a young couple reveals the theme of grief and the way how an individual can deal with that. Another idea of the episode that is topical for the society of the 21st century is people’s addiction to virtual lives which are created online. The episode shows that social media and technologies can fill soul emptiness of a man in grief, but it has just a temporary effect. Summary of the Episode The story narrates about a young couple, Martha and Ash, who moved to a new house outside the city. Soon Ash died in a car accident, and Martha, heartbroken, decided to use the technology that created artificial intelligence. She uploaded pictures and videos of Ash to the database and started talking to his virtual copy on the phone. Soon Martha forced herself to believe that she was talking to real Ash and shared the news that she was pregnant. Being in fear that she can lose touch with him, she decided to transfer virtual Ash to a synthetic body and transformed it into an android that looked like Ash. However, Martha felt unhappy about this artificial life-form because it did not have the same characteristic features as Ash did. It obeyed her in everything, even when it came to the expression of its emotions. In a few years, Martha still kept artificial Ash in the attic of her house. She allows her daughter seeing it every weekend. Social Issues Raised in the Episode As it was mentioned above, there are two main problems of the society that are shown in the episode. First of all, it is a problem of acceptance of a death of loved ones. Martha loved Ash so much and the news about his death shocked her. To relief the pain she felt when she lost him, she created his virtual version. Even at the end of
Context Hellenic Community Trust was incorporated in 1991. It is a charitable company whose main activity is providing a community center with recreational and leisure facilities. In addition, the company also provides public education on the traditions, culture, religion and history of the Hellenic community. The company is also involved in numerous activities to generate income. As a charitable company, it is required by law to provide financial reports at least after every year and send the report if income exceeded £ 25,000. The trust has conducted a financial analysis. In this analysis, all the projects, activities and financial related entities of the company were evaluated. This analysis was conducted to determine the stability of all the financial entities of the organization and to establish whether they are sufficiently profitable for investment. The statements of focus during the analysis included changes in equities, cash flow, financial position, and income. Such an analysis is different from the financial reporting because the
Introduction Culture can be defined as people belief on something and is passed from one generation to another. This culture can be material or even non material. On material culture, it includes a society’s belief on norms and values. Culture can be used to educate people on various issues like certain events which happened in the past. Certain events like the national museums are areas whereby people can be taught about their culture. It’s through culture whereby people are enlightened about their culture, respect for ones culture and understanding of this culture. But in the modern societies, culture has received a different meaning. Most people use culture as a way of sustaining their daily life. To a far extend, people have been converted in to commodities whereby, they can use themselves as a marketing business. For instance, artists use culture mostly when performing and its through this culture which helps them earn a living.Commodification on the other hand as Marx puts it, is the act of selling something in return of money.Commodification is the process associated with capitalism by which institutions, objects, attributes, signs and even people are turned into commodities. A commodity is something whose prime purpose is sale in the marketplace. The idea of consumption becoming central to society has been identified as a key characteristic of post-modernity. For example, Marxist cultural theorist Fredric Jameson in a 1984 article in New Left Review called Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism, argued that commodification has extended into all realms of personal and social life and that escape from the market is impossible. People at a larger extend can be seen as commodities and this is shown by actors or even artists who perform art as a business. These artists usually perform their art in the national museums with the aim of sustaining their lifes.Also it’s through the films they produce which when sold can make them earn a living.(Clifford, 2005). National museum in Singapore Museums are centers of business, culture expressions and learning for most people. For instance, the national museum in Singapore has a variety of roles which include the following, many public programmes like cultural fairs are facilitated in this museum, and workshops on culture and heritage are also facilitated in this museum. Back in history, the role of museums was to preserve
Slavery is among the oldest institutions that spread rapidly throughout the world. It existed in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Middle East, and vast parts of Asia for a long time. It took its roots before the emergence of any religion in the world. The principles that governed it were so peculiar. In most occasions, slaves worked tirelessly in order to meet their needs and the needs of the lords at very low pay. The main victims of slave trade were the black people. The blacks were not only massively enslaved, but also sold into bondage across the continents. A lot of religious people also played a significant role in advancing slavery; Christians and Muslims also took part in enslaving others. This paper aims at providing detailed information on how slavery was abolished. This paper will expound on the diverse methods employed in eradicating slavery in many parts of the world. Abolishment of slavery is one of the greatest achievements that took place in the world. It took approximately two centuries for it to be eradicated since it involved overcoming opposition and cunning inversions from diverse parties. The signs of abolishment of slavery started being visible in the early 18 th century when evangelical Christians made up of mostly Britons held an anti-slavery political crusade (Sowell, 210). The crusade managed to mobilize most Britons into exerting pressure on the British government. “British governments found themselves forced to push the anti-slavery effort further and further towards its logical conclusion”, (Sowell, 210). To meet the demands of their citizens, the British government was forced, not only to do away with the international slave trade, but also to abolish the practice of slavery throughout the British Empire. Additionally, the British governments were forced to take part in bribing and coercing other nations into stopping slavery. The abolishment of slavery in Britain empires and the involvement of the British in preaching against slavery contributed immensely towards the end of slavery in the United States and France. It also led to the French governm
Parents have a responsibility to participate in child development. This makes work easier for teachers in their quest for success. It is also quite important to note that teachers play an important role in child development. To achieve this, they work all round to provide adequate resources for improvement of literacy levels. Moreover, they research on better methods of imparting literacy skills on them. In this regard, teachers have the responsibility of determining right materials for learning. They therefore take their time to cross check valuable materials for students. This paper will explore whether Charlotte’s Web is good for children’s literature needs (Winch & Poston, 1993, p. 21). The book talks of a sow that begets piglets. However, one of them is found to be a runt and the owner, John Arable decides to kill it. However, his daughter Fern aged eight begs for its life. Eventually Arable gives her the pig and she names it Wilbur. Later on, when it is full grown, Wilbur is sold to her uncle Homer Zuckerman (Tunnell & Jacobs, 2008, p. 15). Fern kept visiting Wilbur until she was too old and frail. However, Wilbur found a new friend in Charlotte, a grey spider. An old sheep in Zuckerman’s burn tells Wilbur that he will be slaughtered for Christmas. This event causes Charlotte to extol him in her web. This together with help from another rat known as Templeton helps Wilbur to escape death and instead become a winner of prize together with Charlotte (White & DiCamilo, 2004, p. 26). This paper is very valuable to children. This is mainly because it focuses on important values of life as well as challenge young minds into engaging in critical thinking. This is very important in improving their cognitive development as well as oral language. Moreover, it improves their reading skills. Literature covers a wide area of child development; it involves skills in analyzing symbolisms, poems, characters, styles and themes, among others. The book therefore provides good values for children development (Brace, Brockhoff, Sparkes & Tuckey, 2006b, p.15). For instance, it revels on the significance of friendship as can be witnessed between Wilbur and Fern as well as between Wilbur and Charlotte. Furthermore, it confirms that friends are very important in life and help students to commit to their friendships (Brace, Brockhoff, Sparkes & Tuckey, 2006a, p.10). Characters are also important in this book, for instance, Charlotte is found to be kind and selfless. This applies to Fern too. Moreover, it exposes children to vocabularies, consumerisms, and real world situations. These are important in helping them to develop critical thinking (Saxby, 1997, p. 26-32). Books are very instrumental in developing children’s literacy skills. Charlotte’s web provides children with ability to apply acquired skill in real