ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Needs assessments that are a part of program evaluation can be similar to making a medical diagnosis. In the chapter devoted to this step of evaluation, Rossi, Lipsey, and Freeman (2004) regard it from a practical viewpoint, focusing on the approach’s effectiveness for the analysis and prioritization of needs. Such assessments can be conducted using social indicators and quantitative methods for prevalence research, and this approach is used in the evaluation of programs that deal with health and disease prevention. The concepts from the chapter can be illustrated using the example of the obesity reduction program implemented by WHO/Europe (n.d.). It involves monitoring and analyzing the potential causes of weight issues in children and adults to develop focused measures reducing these factors’ impact on people’s health status (WHO/Europe, n.d.). Good needs assessments should specify the problem’s size by gathering data from credible sources (Rossi et al., 2004). The European office of WHO initiated a study focusing on the social determinants of health in more than fifty countries that confirmed the problem of obesity risks (WHO/Europe, n.d.). Thus, social indicators or periodic measurements helping to track social changes are widely used in program evaluations peculiar to health policies. Assessments can be conducted using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the mixed methods studies are often effective. Rossi et al. (2004) believe that quantitative research methods help to make the results of the need assessments logically arranged. In needs assessments aimed at proving the necessity of measures for resocialization of the homeless and obesity prevention, quantitative structured interviews are successfully used to single out the most critical needs of the target population (Bauman, Rutter, & Baur, 2019; Rossi et al., 2004). Due to the nature of this approach, it can be effective in many situations that involve controversial problems capable of polarizing society. In the case of WHO, the assessment of needs was conducted with the help of quantitative data collection and prevalence analysis. The assessment and prioritization of obesity-related needs were the goals achieved using profile compilation (WHO/Europe, n.d.). All statistical information peculiar to the prevalence of obesity was taken from credible sources; it included population statistics, life ex
Australian Suburbs Just as many other countries, Australia consists of the inner city and suburbs. Their condition altered with the course of time, so people revealed their interest in living in different locations. For instance, in the 1980s the condition of the central part of Melbourne was rather poor, which made the population migrate out of it. As a result, even today many people traditionally prefer living in suburb areas. About 50 years ago, the country was highly concerned with its private interests and focused on functioning as a centralized metropolis. However, it had poor planning strategies, which affected people’s living conditions and their satisfaction. In order to alter this situation, activists started initiating changes that were expected to overcome existing issues. For instance, the City of Melbourne strategy plan was focused on the improvement of significant buildings and other heritage areas, such as parks and gardens (Dayis & Wolff 1973). Today, many parking places are returned to parkland, new residential units are added, as well as stores, bars, and restaurants. Melbourne’s suburbs improved housing as well. The revival of population growth increased the number of people interested in the development of these areas. It led to the residential development and triggered other changes. Medium-density housing became rather popular, as they could be afforded by one parent families and couples with no children. Separate houses that used to be preferred by the population tend to be more expensive, so such option attracted more individuals. Still, its suburbs are facing issues even today. The population emphasizes that additional funding from the government is needed to overcome a lack of infrastructure and services. For instance, many bus stops require repairing. Innovative projects that can develop beneficial for the citizens things lack investment. Traffic issues at pick hours are reported in some suburbs. This issue not only prevents the representatives of the general public from getting to their employment but also increases the number of accidents. Public transport does not operate regularly and stops early in the evening (Adoranti & David 2013). Cultural Mix Melbourne’s population is mainly located not in the central part of the city but in its suburbs, which can be explained by the issues faced by it in the past. The repr
Netflix is an American company, which uses technology to enhance film distribution. The company started its operations in 1997, in California, headed by three social entrepreneurs Randolph, Reed, and Mitch. It started as an online-based film-rental company where consumers could rent an item and have it posted to their destination. During this time, Netflix charged its customers for postage and late return of borrowed items. Later on, the company introduced a flat fee for unlimited rentals without imposing extra fees such as shipping and late fees. The company has continued to grow its customer base and distribution network. By 2007, Netflix distributed over 35,000 different films sending over a million DVDS a day. Netflix has expanded into Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Netflix continues to experience phenomenal growth in all the markets that it has expanded to (Keller & Kotler, 2011). There are a number of cultural factors, which have contributed to the phenomenal growth in the company’s market share. Cultural factors are a number of values and beliefs held by a community or collection of individuals. People pass on culture from generation to generation and roots deep in the lives of these generations. This influences their buying decisions greatly. For instance, certain cultures buy more than other cultures. Others only buy an item during certain ceremonies such as burials and weddings (Kashima et al, 1995). All cultures also have a number of subcultures such as age sets, gender status, and religion. For instance, whereas Christians lavish on beef, it is a taboo for a Hindu to eat the same. On the other hand, it is unheard of for a Muslim to think of eating pork, a common delicacy with the Hindu. During a wedding ceremony, a Christian bride adorns a snow-white flowing gown. On the other hand, a Hindu bride must adorn a red cloth during a wedding. For this reason, in an all-Christian subculture, white gowns will be on demand during wedding seasons, with red clothes having no demand. Another aspect of subculture is gender. A case in point is the fact that women buy more cosmetic products than men do (Keller & Kotler, 2011). Since man is a social animal, social factors also influence the buying behavior. Such factors as, an individual’s roles in the society, status, immediate family members influence a consumer’s decisions. Every person has a number of people whom he compares with. This could be friends, coworkers, or relatives. Take for an example, for the case of Anthony who is pondering over which brand of a computer to buy. Anthony will choose a brand according to the brands that his friends recommend to him. As well, people’s stages in life will influence their spending habits. For instance, bachelors will spend more on partying and luxury items whereas newlyweds will invest in a house or a new
Introduction Background and Research Problem of the Study Ethical audit principles govern the actions of auditors globally in order to promote public confidence on audit professionals. It is a requirement that auditors strictly adhere to, to set principles which form the auditor’s professional ethics in their duty. Despite availability of audit principles, there are instances where auditors are unprofessional; hence, there is need to study the importance of ethical principles in auditing. Purpose and Objective The purpose of this research is to enumerate the significance of ethical principles in an audit. The objective of this study is to make the principles governing an audit and their importance available. This research also provides a channel to ensure understanding and application of auditing principles. This research is noteworthy as it relates ethical principles and their significance adding value to available research. The allocated period is enough to complete the research. Literature Review This chapter also details the literature related to ethical audit principles and their importance. It focuses on the importance of ethical principles in auditing and forms the pillar of the study. Researchers including Kaler and Chryssides (1993), Russel (2005), Ferell, and Fraedrich (2012) have documented ethical audit principles in their studies including integrity, competence, independence confidentiality, and objectivity. Further research will be based on (Kaptein, 2010) and (Heerden et al, 2010) on ethical auditing, they explain ethical audit principles including tactfulness, judgment ability, patience and idea presentation. These studies on ethical principles expound on the ethical principles significance, which is the main objective in this study. This study has close relation to previous research and aims at improving adherence to ethical principles by auditors. Methodology Document analysis, interviews, and observation are the main data collection methods to be applied in this research. The data collection techniques will allow for the collection of present, practical, and historical data to make an all-inclusive research on the topic. Existing theories and principles shall be used in the research. The design of the project will be by analysis of documents to gain background knowledge and general concepts on the topic followed by interviews and observation of auditors in the course of their duty. This will aid in ensuring the findings are concurrent and reliable. Strategy, timetable, and challenges The strategies will entail in-depth document analysis in the first one and half years followed by incorporation of interviews, observation and data correction for the remaining years. A presentation of the findings and summary is the expected outcome of this part. Challenges include scheduling of interviews and securing auditor’s time for observation.
Stereotypes are generally formed based on different groups’ social roles. Therefore, they can evolve over time to reflect the new social structure and beliefs. The social position of racial and ethnic groups discussed in this paper has changed with time. Furthermore, in the 21 st century, their portrayal in media significantly impacts people’s perceptions (Yuen). There are several trends regarding the changes in ethnic and racial stereotypes from 1933 to 1957 to today. For example, it can be seen how consumerism in the United States led to the perception of Americans as materialistic. The Chinese, perceived as superstitious and sly in 1933, are now viewed as family-oriented and industrious. Stereotypes about the English have changed from athletic and intelligent to tradition-loving and reserved. A widespread stereotype about Germans since 1933 has been their scientifically-minded and industrious nature. Both in 1933 and now, the Irish have been viewed as quick-tempered, while Italians have been perceived as impulsive and artistic. The Japanese have been considered intelligent and industrious since 1933, although in 1957, they were perceived as deceptive and sly. Jews were generally viewed as shrewd earlier and are stereotypically labeled as selfish and sly now. Blacks have always been perceived as superstitious, while the second attribute included being lazy in 1933 and musical in 1957, which is apparently due to jazz and blues popularity. Currently, the black population is often viewed as family-oriented by others. Society must address racial and ethnic stereotypes and eliminate their adverse effect on various social groups. One way to do it is to recognize cultural and individual differences in people. The media portrayal of groups also affects how society perceives nations, wh
Definition of political correctness Different opinions are given by people in every issue occurring in the society. A number of the opinions are accepted, while others are rejected. Therefore, the term political correctness entails the narrowing of the opinions that retaken to be rational or acceptable and relating them to the opinions that are held by the policy enforcers (Hughes 2011). Political correctness is sort of double edged sword, a necessary evil Political correctness entails the development of policy options to the issues that are facing the society. Of key importance is the role of the enforcers of the opinions since they are the determinants of the level at which the acceptable opinions work for the good of the society. Political correctness remains to be vital in socio-political decision making, yet it can also be a source of tension in the society. Political correctness can be a source of moral indignation. The issue under question can be drawn away from the ordinary through the process of opinion outsourcing and the subsequent sieving of the opinions. Intense emotions can emanate from the process, thereby degenerating into more issues or conflicts. The question to ask at this point is whether the process of policy making can be highly guarded to an extent that it does not degenerate into conflicting arguments. The main problem with political correctness is that it invites the use of a language that has strong connotations. Such a language can arouse past abuses and lead to conflict. However, political correctness is applauded for its role in keeping the social and political environment active. The use of a language with strong connotation arouses earlier issues that are then considered as subjects of debate within the prevailing social and business environment. With political correctness, past subjects are aroused, which help to form sustainable foundations of policies in the business and social realms (Kirton 2003). Reference List Hughes, G 2011, Political correctness: A history of semantics and culture , John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. Kirton, MJ 2003, Adaption-innovation: In the context of diversity and change, Routledge, New York, NY.
Research and Facts In the UK, the real estate industry has been one of the most stable industries that has survived the harsh economic environment for several decades now (Miles 45). The industry has been relatively stable. It experienced its peak in the year 2008. However, from the year 2009 and the preceding 2010, the industry experienced a relative downfall. Consequently, the interest rates also dropped making the return on order on asset investments to be less appealing. The fall in the sterling also made foreign investors to have the notion that the assets in the UK are relatively cheaper. The shares of real estate companies have also dropped in value due to the downfall of the market. They trade at a fraction of what they used to when the market was vibrant selling at a discount to be more appealing to the buyers. Respected investors, analysts, investment banks and real estate agents have publicly announced that the market is reaching the lowest level that has ever been recorded in history (Jones 14). They however predict that the market would improve and stabilize in 2011 due to the several factors, them being the increasing value of the sterling that has been experienced for the last few months. From the above analysis, investing in the real estate industry at the present moment is a wise decision. While investing in the real estate industry at the present moment, an individual will be taking advantage of the cheap interest rates that are being experienced in the current moment. In addition, many assets are being sold at cheap prices. This is due to the high rates of inflation that are being experienced at the present moment. This has greatly reduced the purchase rates in the real estate industry. As a result, assets in the real estate industry are being sold at prices that are below their market prices. At the present moment, one is able to get the best property at the best price or even cheaper than the market value. This is what foreign investors are enjoying currently in the UK market. When the market will stabilize and prices go up these investors might sell their assets and enjoy abnormal profits. The property of interest is in Avenue Road, London, one of the best places to own a home in London. Since it is a new house, it does not have any accruing rates, taxes or other related fees. It is therefore a prime property that should be considered for purchase. The mortgage of the house will be insured so that in case of any irregularities in payments or default the property will still be secure. The maintenance and repair costs will be minimal as the property is new. However, in case of any imminent repair and maintenance work, the agent has suggested a good repair and maintenance company with competent staff who have been credited to have high quality work in the area at a good price. The property is a fully sized house. It is a three-storied mansion that is located at the corner of the street. The house is erected on
Introduction This paper aims to offer insight into Russian business expansion to the neighbouring countries of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, using the company-level approach to the subject. Although the extent of Russian investments in the CIS is commonly recognized, fewer contributions can be found discussing the economic and political leverage of Russians firms “near abroad. This paper will describe examples from a number of industrial sectors and will discuss the extent of Russian investments in the CIS countries and the related economic political leverage driven by these investments in the target economies. Literature review According to Peeter Vahtra, Russia has emerged as one of the major countries that export capital to CIS countries (2005, 4). The outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) of Russia have grown drastically since the end of Cold War. Although Russian OFDI to CIS pales in comparison to that of United States or European Union countries such as Germany, UK and France, in 2004, Russia exported over $ 99 billion in OFDI stock (Vahtra, 2005, p.4). The CIS countries have been used as launching pads for majority of Russian firms to gain entrance to the international markets (Moore, 2001, p.1). In many instances, the infrastructure and energy assets held by Russian firms in the CIS region tend to be contentious in nature. Moreover, Russian firms tend to be central players in a number of CIS markets while in high income economies, they frequently hold lesser market shares and control in respective sectors. However, attention should be given to the fact that there has been significant rise in investments by Russian Firms in the CIS region (Vahtra, 2005, p.9). According to the Russian Federal State Service, the OFDI investment to CIS countries in 2004 was over $ 710 million. On the other hand, the recent years the Russian telecommunications and energy companies have invested in CIS countries with the value of individual transactions surpassing the aggregate investment from Russia. This inconsistency is attributed to the fact that key Russian firms invest overseas via offshore investment units which are omitted from the balance of payment records of the Russian Federation. Belarus and Ukraine, some of the CIS countries, have received the largest capital investment from Russia in the past years (Kononczuk, 2009, p.2). Russia was the seventh biggest investor in Belarus with aggregate FDI stock of over $540 million (Vahtra, 2005, p.10). The revival of Russia’s economy after the economic crisis in 1998 was due to rising energy prices. Russia has turned out to be a viable business partner for a number of CIS countries. Given its solid economic growth and ensuing growth in consumption, Russia has re-surfaced as the main viable export market for most CIS countries as a result of the low level of competitiveness of their goods in the western markets. Moreover, consumer goods from Russia are more popular in CIS countries since they are cheaper than those imported from western markets (Vahtra, 2005, p.15). In addition, the supply of Russian energy to CIS countries is done R
Introduction France has had many major revolutions that changed the country’s face, politically, socially and economically. By the 1700s, it had a full strength monarch system of government in which the king held absolute power also known as an absolute monarchy, most typified by Louis XIV. The nobles that were allowed to make legislations were corrupt and often enriched themselves leaving the poor or the so-called third estates to lavish in poverty 1 . This paper will attempt to compare and contrast the two revolutions, which occurred in 1789 and 1848, focusing on their causes as well as the impacts associated with their occurrences. Origin and experience of the 1789 Revolution The 1789 revolution took place at a time when the French monarchy had absolute power, governing the whole country and implementing high tax due to massive debt caused by wars that King Louis XVI had participated in including the American war of independence. Its causes were mainly the hard social, economic and political cataclysm that they had and were worsening each day 2 . The country was heading into bankruptcy, making life much more difficult; people died daily and were buried in pauper graves, privileges were given to the nobles and the church. This led to a surge in protests involving mainly of the public and their sympathizers in various French cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, among others. The monarch’s symbol of power was the Bastille jail in Paris that had been in place for the past 400 years and its attack signified the beginning of a republican government. This saw execution of King Louis amid protest from other European countries that supported the rule of monarchy, and duped France into wars with other states like Britain, which had a constitutional monarchy, Spain and the Netherlands as well as Belgium. The impacts of this ‘terror’ were worsened by the soaring prices with the devaluation of French currency due to unprecedented war that was in existence. This prompted price control in almost all foodstuffs as the Jacobins seized power in a reign of terror. The national assembly that was constituted mainly by the third estate constituted a committee of public safety, whose days were numbered with the escalating famine and shortages that faced the country. Besides, workable laws were still in the process of making as they fought to install a feasible constitution. Tax levied by the Catholic Church, which owned the largest land in the country added more injury to already soaring economic problems. The effects were realized but at a price since even though rights of citizens were instilled, ravaging famine, wars and terror consumed the population 3 . This revolution took new shift as power changed hands from monarchy, through to the Robespierre, Jacobin