ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
There are several approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR), the main ones being direct funding programs, targeting the needs of staff, non-financial support to the community, and investment in the environment. Companies also choose to implement CSR for various reasons, be it pressure from within or outside the company, as a tool for risk management, improved accountability in the company or enhanced stakeholder management (Crane and Matten, 211). This paper therefore evaluates similarities and differences in Honda’s and Nissan’s CSR strategies based on their scorecards and CSR reports, and assesses their social accounts. Nissan Motors, according to its CSR report (Nissan-global.com), aims to “Enrich People’s Lives”. Guided by its vision, the company makes efforts to grow with society by prioritizing on two objectives: sustainable profits for the company and development for society. Nissan Motors first formulated a CSR policy in the fiscal year 2005, whereby it identified vital areas to focus on. To measure its performance in CSR related activities, Nissan developed a scorecard which has been published annually since 2007, so as to increase transparency and encourage feedback from all stakeholders. In comparison, Honda (UK) first published a CSR report in 2007 since it recognized a need to communicate that it was a good corporate citizen (world.honda.com). The report highlighted Honda’s core philosophy, and the work it had done to promote them. Honda has attached itself to a ‘2010 vision’, as per their CSR report, that is, “Committed to being a company that society wants to exist”. Although the company encourages feedback from all key stakeholders, Honda does not have a sustainability scorecard like Nissan; therefore the company doesn’t communicate the success or failure of its CSR initiatives. Honda’s CSR report focuses on the company’s achievements in the environment, safety concerns, educational initiatives and the company’s relationship with the society. Nissan’s sustainability report is much wider in scope, whereby it illustrates the company’s approach to CSR by mentioning eight key areas of focus. The eight key areas in the report are: corporate governance and internal control, the environment, safety, quality, employees, value chain, philanthropy, and economic contribution. Honda, in its CSR report, claims to be the first manufacturer to volunteer a global target for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions for all its products and manufacturing facilities. In its Environment Statement (1992), the company says that it aims at developing products and facilities that have the lowest impact on the environment, by following four principles: first, Honda will ensure that it recycles materials and make efforts to save energy and resources at each stage of a product’s life cycle. Second, the company will minimize waste and find appropriate solutions of doing away with waste at each stage of the product life cycle. Thirdly, each member of the company will strive to protect human health, and take up the assigned role so as to make sure that Honda as a whole is
Introduction Globalization is the international unification, global amalgamation of individual national economies, social cultures, technologies, and political powers into an integrated single society. Globalization is not a recent day concept and has taken many years for the current world to develop into what it is today. Globalization has transformed the world outlook into a more open-minded or neo-liberal present day form. Globalization can also be viewed as the process of heightening relationships between national economies through improved international trade, foreign direct investments by Multinational corporations, and international financial investments. The world in the recent past has witnessed fast flow of information, people and materials from one part of the globe to the other, thanks to globalization. Globalization in the most basic terms can be viewed as the integration of the global cultures, and as a result reducing the world into a global village. Growing integration of the world economies and societies has been an endless and heated debate in the global economies in the recent past. In the 21 st century, great leaps in the technological advancements coupled with myriad innovations have been witnessed. As such, integration of societies has become possible as people can communicate with much ease from one part of the world to another. Globalization can be characterized be expansion of communication networks and transportation systems. For instance, the internet has made it possible to relay data and information from one part of the world to the other more promptly hence crating a global network. Also, transportation of material and information has been improved through the innovation of more efficient transportation of networks. For example, the innovation of large and fast air couriers and electric trains has enhanced movement of people from one nation to the other. Hence, it is possible to travel half way the world within one day thanks to improved transportation. Globalization as a result, has seen the world become a global village with different economies, societies and cultures creating a global network. Globalization, as a matter of fact, has improved the wellbeing of the global citizens. Individuals and firms can outsource labour, materials and funding they require form any part of the world with much ease thanks to globalization. It is becoming apparent that no nation or individual that wants to compete reasonably can dispense with dynamics of globalization and survive in the current global market. Globalization offers many opportunities to the global citizens among them making their lives better. However, there are a couple of risks and challenges associated with globalization and that have a bearing in the lives of the global citizens. This essay seeks to analyze three key areas that could Impact one’s life career and future. The opportunity of Poverty reduction Globalization has increased the flow of fund and information globally through online stock markets. Global financial markets where different national economies can
The coronavirus outbreak has had a profound impact on the entire planet. COVID-19 became one of the most serious challenges faced by the global community, disrupting normal processes across various industries and changing the lives of millions of people. However, while most areas of human activity saw a strong pandemic-conditioned impact, its effect on the healthcare system has been particularly serious. The global medical infrastructure and workers showed a consolidated effort at the time of a previously unseen healthcare crisis. The magnitude of the situation became a major stressor for the system, forming a highly difficult environment. However, in addition to the direct impact of the pandemic on the population, COVID-19 had other disrupting repercussions. Following the response protocols implemented by the authorities in an attempt to contain the virus, direct personal contact had to be reduced to a minimum. This principle included the patient interaction in medical settings, especially for non-urgent cases. Under these circumstances, electronic consultations became an emerging healthcare trend. This format entails an array of challenges for the system, as well as opportunities. Nevertheless, the former are to be addressed effectively for the latter to reveal themselves. First of all, while the format of telemedicine is not a new phenomenon, its implementation had never been full-scale prior to the pandemic. As in many other sectors, COVID-19 changed the rules of the industry, leading to an unprecedented prevalence of remote medical interactions. For many people, the novelty of the format became a major drawback. Indeed, the effectiveness of telemedicine is not a proven nor well-established concept in the minds of the population. Therefore, for the patients, it may have been associated with decreased quality of care (Gadzinski et al., 2020). In this regard, overcoming prejudices and creating a favorable image of the format became the primary challenge for the system. Electronic consultations have been introduced for both COVID patients and other cases to reduce the risks of the virus contraction. In the present situation, the widespread use of telemedicine has become a necessity, but it has the potential to improve the prevalence of the format in the long term. This way, more patients will benefit from affordable and efficient electronic consultations in the post-COVID age, especially in non-serious cases, thus reducing the workload of the system. At the same time, the format of electronic consultations faced another impediment in the form of the population’s digital literacy. This barrier has been observed across other spheres, in which remote communication became the norm, such as education. Within the healthcare system, the lack of digital literacy encompassed both medical professionals and their patients. Indeed, as stated by Hong et al. (2020
The model of Continuous Improvement Process and Sustaining Educational Change comprises eight essential steps that guide school leaders during the change management process. They include the identification of the current situation (where we are?), needs assessment, focus development, planning, professional development activities, implementation of interventions, evaluation, and reformulation of objectives (Speck, 1996). When applying this model, different process tools can be used at each of the outlined stages. In this discussion, I would like to talk about the Cause-and-Effect Analysis tool (also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or the Fishbone Diagram) that can be of great help throughout the needs assessment and planning stages. The selected tool allows evaluating a single problem from multiple angles and identifying a variety of causes that contribute to it. Therefore, the Cause-and-Effect Analysis assists in choosing the right and the most effective solutions to an issue that requires changing (Slameto, 2016). The process tool has four steps: identification of the problem, detection of the major factors involved, finding of causes, and collected data analysis (“Cause and effect analysis,” n.d.). For instance, knowing that the school aspires to achieve greater performance excellence, I would explore personnel, administrative processes, workplace culture, and o
Water transportation is one of the oldest methods of transfer of goods, people, and services between two points in the world. Watercraft were used as an economic and effective means of transport in ancient times. For instance, it is believed that ancient human populations migrated from Eurasia to the Americas through watercrafts such as rafts and crude boats (Hills 14). Also, the history of water transport is recorded in ancient times, which indicates that this method provided the societies with the most convenient methods for the transfer of goods in bulky. Moreover, it provided these societies with transportation methods over long distances such as from one continent to another. Water transportation refers to the process of moving goods, people, and services from one location to another using watercraft such as rafts, dhows, boats, sails, or boats, which move over bodies of water such as seas, lakes, oceans, rivers, and canals. In the modern context, the water transpiration system is complex, with huge investment and technologies allowing the development of expansive components. For instance, cruise ships, tourist ships, corporate and merchant ships, military and space objects are launched on large bodies of water. Most of these objects are in form of large ships that float freely on deep waters. Nevertheless, canoes and smaller boats are still the major forms of the water transportation system in various societies, especially in places where rivers and lakes form boundaries between communities. Despite the size and function of the various components of water transportation, it is worth noting that the physical principle of floatation applies to the entire marine and water vehicles. The principle of buoyancy is important in designing and operating watercraft. For a water body to be navigable, all vessels must remain floating on water. This principle means that the hull is the dominant aspect of designing, constructing, and maintaining water vessels. The development of the three and four Masted ships in the 16 th century was a major event in the history of the water transportation system (Dix 66). These ships had a larger capacity to withstand storms and heavy winds. Also, they made navigation easier. Moreover, technology increased the carriage capacity for vessels, which made it possible for international navigation and exploration. Before the 1800s, water navigation was the main mode of transport that linked continents. Nevertheless, the principle of using wind as the driving force was limiting. The development of the steam engine in the 1700s marked a major development in the water transport system (Hills 46). Thomas Newcomen developed the first commercial steam engine in 1712, but it was used in mining. However, it initiated a major trend towards developing steam engines for all modes of transportation. The SS Savannah, an American steamship, was the first of its kind to cross the Atlantic. The steam engine increased the speed and horsepower of vessels and reduced reliance on wind energ
The election of President Barrack Obama was an indication that the US had finally come of age in as far as eradication of racism is concerned. However, critics argue that Americans were simply against the bullying of Iraq in a war that the previous president, George Bush, alleged was necessary to facilitate the destruction of nuclear weapons in Iraq. Unfortunately, the American military found no such weapons, which raised questions on the motives of the government in attacking Iran. According to critics, such loss of confidence in the administration and the thirst for change led to the election of Barrack Obama but did his election contribute to a decline in racism. Although it is evident that the US is making milestones in the reduction of racism, this vice is a mindset dependent on individual choice and thus the election of a ‘black’ or ‘white’ president has nothing to do with people’s view on racism. The concept’s primary basis is personal experiences as well as stereotypes that various individuals grow into. For instance, African Americans mainly came into the country because of colonization and slavery. Although the government later legally abolished slavery, Americans of European descent still treated former slaves and their children as inferior, which is a stereotype that exists to date. The implication of the stereotype, at the time, was that African American could not access education, proper health, and other government social amenities but a lot has changed and such individuals get access to most of the facilities that Americans of European descent get. The motto ‘E Pluribus Unum’ as embellished on America’s Great Seal, which translates into ‘Out of many, one’, signifies the country’s desire to create unity from the many races that inhabit the territory. However, as long as racism is still prevalent, the US cannot claim to live in the spirit of the creed. It is difficult to change the mindset of all individuals regarding their view of different races, but the government has to try to put more effort into it instead of letting time ‘heal all wounds’. Ronald Takaki, an author, activist, and one of the pioneers of ethnic studies suggests that the education system has a significant role to play in changing the perceptions of Americans towards individuals of different races in their midst. He adds that educators bear the task of enabling individuals from different races embrace each other’s diversity and derive strength in multiculturalism. Judging by the rise of interracial marriages in the US today, it would be appropriate to deem his assessment as accurate. Takaki suggests that reminding people of their diversity and enabling them to understand the positive side of different cultures is the way forward in the journey to eradicate racism in
Introduction A number of contract types exist and these can be awarded to contractors based on the circumstances that surround the kind of work to be done. According to Lenahan (1999), a complex project may consist of a combination of two or more contract types. When awarding contracts, it is critical to understand all the circumstances that surround the contract. This paper presents a discussion on three types of contracts and looks at their features, benefits, and drawbacks from different perspectives. As will be seen later, each of the contracts has distinct features the separate it from the rest. Fixed Price Contracts Fixed price contracts enable clients to transfer all the risks of a contract to a contractor. Typically, a contract will be awarded to the lowest fixed price bid in a competitive tender, on the assumption that all other things are equal, including the expertise of the tendering organizations and the extent to which they are motivated to look after the client’s best interests. The client is expected to pay a fixed price to the contractor regardless of what the contract actually costs the contractor to perform (Chapman & Ward, 2003). The contractor carries all the risk of loss associated with higher than expected costs, but benefits if costs turn out to be less than expected. Under a fixed price contract, the contractor is motivated to manage costs down. For example, by increasing efficiency or using the most cost effective approaches, the contractor can increase profit. Hopefully, this is without prejudice to the quality of the completed work. However, the client is directly exposed to quality degradation risk to the extent that quality is not completely specified or verifiable. According to Lenahan (1999), one of the greatest benefits of a fixed price contract is the fact that most things are fixed and variation is to a very limited degree. These include both costs and duration which, once agreed on, are not expected to change. Under fixed price contracts, it is the mandate of the contractor to make sure that delivery is effective and based on the terms of the agreement. Generally, drawbacks of fixed price contracts result from how they are managed and, apparently, this comes with numerous challenges. The client must, therefore, be equipped with excellent management as well as coordination skills (Lenahan, 1999). From the stand point of the contractor, a fixed price contract has the potential for a satisfactory profit, if the project is well managed and costs are properly controlled. Usually, it is the contractor who wields this control. In addition, the need for detailed cost records for the owner’s use does not exist. As a result, the contractor does not need to prove costs in order to receive payment. Another potential benefit to the contractor is the prospect of profit from changes in the work after the contract is signed. However, a poorly managed or unlucky job
Introduction Performance appraisal is the process of evaluating an employee’s performance of an employee in the dispensation of his/her duties. A performance appraisal is a strategic method of integrating human resource functions with the policies of the institution. This essay seeks to recommend a performance appraisal system that a person serving as a retail-store manager can effectively use. Among the responsibilities that a person in this capacity is expected to fulfill include the scheduling and assigning of duties to junior workers as well as the identification and implementation of customer needs. A retail store manager is also tasked with the responsibility of hiring employees and ensuring that the individuals who are taken on board are committed to the attainment of the company’s strategic goals. Theoretical Framework Wayne Cascio (2013) describes performance appraisal as “the systematic description of an employee’s job relevant strengths and weaknesses” (p.331). Among the elements that are evaluated at when conducting a performance appraisal are the employee’s initiative, loyalty and regularity in comparison with their counterparts in the same position and in consideration of the company’s laid-down objectives. When conducting a performance appraisal, there are three key terms of relevance. These are rater, ratee and rating. The rater (sometimes called the appraiser) is the person who is conducting the assessment of the employees’ performance (Peretz and Fried, 2008). The ratee is the person whose performance is being evaluated, while rating is the process of a performance appraisal (Katleen, Ashford and Buyens, 2001). The techniques for conducting performance appraisals are divided into two main categories; old and modern methods of appraisal. Among the old methods of appraisal are ranking, which can be done by simple ranking, alternation ranking and paired comparison, depending on the requirements of the task. Graphic rating scales were also used in the traditional appraisal systems and these worked by rating the employees on elements such as the quality of work done and their reliability. Confidential reports, prepared by the immediate supervisor of the ratee were also used in the past to conduct performance appraisals. In presenting the confidentiality reports, the supervisors used a number of methods including checklists, critical incidents and narrative essays, all of which focus on evaluating the strength of the ratee. The modern methods of performance appraisal are more elaborate that the old methods. One of the popular modern methods of appraisal is referred to as Management by Objectives (MBO). This method is used to gauge the effectiveness of managers in the dispensation of their duties. The MBO process starts with the senior and junior managers setting common objectives and then making plans for the attainment of these objective