Developers of generative artificial intelligence systems promote the idea of personal assistants for various tasks, including translation and authoring creative content. As a consequence of these developments, the topic of “human” creativity has moved centre stage. Acknowledging similarities between translation and creative writing, this article offers a critical discussion of intersecting areas and suggests a framework for creative skills couched in the tradition of social sciences research. As a practical application with pedagogical impact, the paper presents a new module on writing specifically designed for translators. As is argued, the conceptual design, content, mode of delivery and evaluation of potential pedagogical benefits may be replicable in other pedagogical settings at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The role of technology is also problematised, indicating how writing may be augmented by using tools. Ideally, this is to be done in a context where creativity upskilling can equip students with the ability to (de)select context-appropriate solutions, that is, to use convergent and divergent thinking, ultimately preparing them to play a fundamental role in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
C. Çobanoğlu, Muhittin Cavusoglu, Gozde Turktarhan
Introduction Researchers around the globe are utilizing crowdsourcing tools to reach respondents for quantitative and qualitative research (Chambers & Nimon, 2019). Many social science and business journals are receiving studies that utilize crowdsourcing tools such as Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Qualtrics, MicroWorkers, ShortTask, ClickWorker, and Crowdsource (e.g., Ahn, & Back, 2019; Ali et al., 2021; Esfahani, & Ozturk, 2019; Jeong, & Lee, 2017; Zhang et al., 2017). Even though the use of these tools presents a great opportunity for sharing large quantities of data quickly, some challenges must also be addressed. The purpose of this guide is to present the basic ideas behind the use of crowdsourcing for survey research and provide a primer for best practices that will increase their validity and reliability. What is crowdsourcing research? Crowdsourcing describes the collection of information, opinions, or other types of input from a large number of people, typically via the internet, and which may or may not receive (financial) compensation (Hargrave, 2019; Oxford Dictionary, n.d.). Within the behavioral science realm, crowdsourcing is defined as the use of internet services for hosting research activities and for creating opportunities for a large population of participants. Applications of crowdsourcing techniques have evolved over the decades, establishing the strong informational power of crowds. The advent of Web 2.0 has expanded the possibilities of crowdsourcing, with new online tools such as online reviews, forums, Wikipedia, Qualtrics, or MTurk, but also other platforms such as Crowdflower and Prolific Academic (Peer et al., 2017; Sheehan, 2018). Crowdsourcing platforms in the age of Web 2.0 use remote labor recruited via the internet to assist employers complete tasks that cannot be left to machines. Key characteristics of crowdsourcing include payment for workers, their recruitment from any location, and the completion of tasks (Behrend et al., 2011). They also allow for a relatively quick collection of data compared to data collection in the field, and participants are rewarded with an incentive—often financial compensation. Crowdsourcing not only offers a large participation pool but also a streamlined process for the study design, participant recruitment, and data collection as well as integrated participant compensation system (Buhrmester et al., 2011). Also, compared to other traditional marketing firms, crowdsourcing makes it easier to detect possible sampling biases (Garrow et al., 2020). Due to advantages such as reduced costs, diversity of participants, and flexibility, crowdsourcing platforms have surged in popularity for researchers. Advantages MTurk is one of the most popular crowdsourcing platforms among researchers, allowing Requesters to submit tasks for Workers to complete (Cummings & Sibona, 2017). MTurk has been used as an online crowdsourcing platform for the recruitment of human subjects for research purposes (Paolacci & Chandler, 2014). Research has also shown MTurk to be a reliable and cost-effective tool, capable of providing representative data for research in the behavioral sciences (e.g., Crump et al., 2013; Goodman et al., 2013; Mason & Suri, 2012; Rand, 2012; Simcox & Fiez, 2014). In addition to its use in social science studies, the platform has been used in marketing, hospitality and tourism, psychology, political science, communication, and sociology contexts (Sheehan, 2018). To illustrate, between 2012 and 2017, more than 40% of the studies published in the Journal of Consumer Research used crowdsourcing websites for their data collection (Goodman & Paolacci, 2017). Disadvantages Although researchers have assessed crowdsourcing platforms as reliable and cost-effective for data collection in the behavioral sciences, they are not exempt of flaws. One disadvantage is the possibility of unsatisfactory data quality. In fact, the virtual setting of the survey implies that the investigator is physically separated from the participant, and this lack of monitoring could lead to data quality issues (Sheehan, 2018). In addition, participants in survey research on crowdsourcing platforms are not always who they claim to be, creating issues of trust with the data provided and, ultimately, the quality of the research findings (McGonagle, 2015; Smith et al., 2016). A recurrent concern with MTurk workers, for instance, is their assessment as experienced survey takers (Chandler et al., 2015). This experience is mainly acquired through completion of dozens of surveys per day, especially when they are faced with similar items and scales. Smith et al. (2016) identified two types of problems performing data collection using MTurk; namely, cheaters and speeders. As compared to Qualtrics—which has a strict screening and quality-control processes to ensure that participants are who they claim to be—MTurk appears to be less exigent regarding the workers. However, a downside for data collection with Qualtrics is more expensive fees—about $5.00 per questionnaire on Qualtrics, against $0.50 to $1.50 on MTurk (Ford, 2017). Hence, few researchers were able to conduct surveys and compare respondent pools with Qualtrics or other traditional marketing research firms (Garrow et al., 2020). Another challenge using MTurk arises when trying to collect a desired number of responses from a population targeted to a specific city or area (Ross et al., 2010). The issues inherent to the selection process of MTurk have been the subject of investigations in several studies (e.g., Berinsky et al., 2012; Chandler et al., 2014; 2015; Harms & DeSimone, 2015; Paolacci et al., 2010; Rand, 2012). Feitosa et al. (2015) pointed out that international respondents may still identify themselves as U.S. respondents with the use of fake addresses and accounts. They found that 5% to 10% of participants identifying themselves as U.S. respondents were actually from overseas locations. Moreover, Babin et al. (2016) assessed that the use of trap questions allowed researchers to uncover that many respondents change their genders, ages, careers, or income within the course of a single survey. The issues of (a) experienced workers for the quality control of questions and (b) speeders, which, for MTurk can be attributed to the platform being the main source of revenue for a given respondent, remain the inherent issues of crowdsourcing platforms used for research purposes. Best practices Some best practices can be recommended in the use of crowdsourcing platforms for data collection purposes. Workers IDs can be matched with IDs from previous studies, thus allowing researchers to exclude responses from workers who had answered previous similar studies (Goodman & Paolacci, 2017). Furthermore, proceed to a manual assignment of qualification on MTurk prior to data collection (Litman et al., 2015; Park & Park, 2020). When dealing with experienced workers, both using multiple attention checks and optimizing the survey in a way to have the participants exposed to the stimuli for a sufficient length of time to better address the questions are also recommended (Sheehan, 2018). In this sense, shorter surveys are preferred to longer ones, which affect the participant’s concentration, and may, in turn, adversely impact the quality of their answers. Most importantly, pretest the survey to make sure that all parts are working as expected. Researchers should also keep in mind that in the context of MTurk, the primary method for measurement is the web interface. Thus, to avoid method biases, researchers should ponder whether or not method factors emerge in the latent measurement models (Podsakoff et al., 2012). As such, time-lagged research designs may be preferred as predictor and criterion variables can be measured at different points in time or administered in different platforms, such as Qualtrics vs MTurk (Cheung et al., 2017). In general, the use of crowdsourcing platforms including MTurk may be appropriate according to the research question; and the quality of data is reliant on the quality-control strategies used by researchers to enhance data quality. Trade-offs between various validity types need to be prioritized according to the research objectives (Cheung et al., 2017). From our experience using crowdsourcing tools for our own research as the editorial team members of several journals and chair of several conferences, we provide the best practices as outlined below: MTurk Worker (Respondent) Selection: Researchers should consider their study population before using MTurk for data collection. The MTurk platform should be used for the appropriate study population. For example, if the study targets restaurant owners or company CEOs, MTurk workers may not be suitable for the study. However, if the target population is diners, hotel guests, grocery shoppers, online shoppers, students, or hourly employees, utilizing a sample from MTurk would be suitable. Researchers should use the selection tool in the software. For example, if you target workers only from one country, exclude responses that came from an internet protocol (IP) address outside the targeted country and report the results in the method section. Researchers should consider the demographics of workers on MTurk which must reflect the study targeted population. For example, if the study focuses on baby boomers use of technology, then the MTurk sample should include only baby boomers. Similarly, the gender balance, racial composition, and income of people on MTurk should mirror the targeted population. Researchers should use multiple screening tools that identify quality respondents and avoid problematic response patterns. For example, MTurk provides the approval rate for the respondents. This refers to how many times a respondent is rejected for various reasons (i.e., wrong code entered). We recommend using a 90% or higher approv
A current trend in multinational corporations (MNCs) is a strong focus on diversity management in order to attract andretain talent. The present study investigates the linguistic manifestation and justification of a very recent company policyintended to facilitate this trend, viz., global paternity leave. The study aims to contribute to the linguistic turn inorganisational studies. As a theoretical point of departure, Corporate Communication, and specifically links betweenCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity Management communication are discussed. Concepts and tools fromtext linguistics are then applied to investigate the communication strategies employed when introducing the new familyleave policy in four MNCs headquartered in the UK and Norway, respectively. The material consists of a set of texts onglobal parental leave produced by the four companies. The linguistic analysis identifies similarities as well as differencesbetween the British and Norwegian companies in how the new global leave policy is presented. The findings alsodemonstrate a tension between focussing on the CSR efforts gender equality and inclusion in the justification of the newmeasure intended to support the MNCs’ diversity management efforts.
Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
The Correspondence Processing System at the Peureulak Post Office, East Aceh Regency is a system used to manage the sending and receiving of letters at the post office. This system was created to increase efficiency and effectiveness in managing correspondence, to provide better service to the community. In developing this system, the methods of observation, interviews, and literature studies were used to understand the needs and existing business processes at the Peureulak Post Office. Then, an analysis of the data obtained is carried out to design a system that suits these needs. The Correspondence Processing System at the Peureulak Post Office in East Aceh Regency consists of several modules, including the letter receiving module, the mail sending module, the mail tracking module, and the reporting module. This system uses computer and network technology to connect all modules so they can work in an integrated manner. With the Correspondence Processing System at the Peureulak Post Office, East Aceh District, it is hoped that sending and receiving letters can be done more quickly and efficiently. In addition, this system can also make it easier for users to track mail and produce reports that are more accurate and detailed.
Parmi les nouvelles données sur lesquelles travaillent les chercheurs figurent les commentaires numériques. Quelles qu'en soient les formes (visuelles, sonores ou textuelles), ces traces sont l'objet de nombreuses analyses dans différents champs disciplinaires. Commenter une information, un produit, un programme, est aujourd’hui une activité qui s’est largement intensifiée sur internet et la gestion des commentaires est devenue une préoccupation majeure pour nombre d’organisations, publiques ou privées, et ce, quel que soit le secteur économique concerné. Ce numéro souhaite explorer la professionnalisation des pratiques autour des commentaires numériques de l’organisation dans leur variété, leur complexité, d’une part en proposant une vision du commentaire compréhensive et profonde, et d’autre part en mettant en exergue les différents aspects de leur prise en charge par les community managers/social media managers et autres chargés de réseaux socionumériques.
Communication. Mass media, Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
Cet article analyse la gestion des commentaires numériques faite par le ministère de la Santé du Brésil (Ministério da Saúde) lors de la diffusion d’une vidéo en direct sur Facebook Live dans le cadre de la Journée mondiale de l’alimentation 2018. Notre étude a examiné les interventions communicationnelles des travailleurs de la santé qui participent à la vidéo, à travers une analyse qualitative du contenu. Les résultats révèlent qu’il est possible de trouver des traces indiquant que cette organisation a engagé un processus continu de professionnalisation dans le volet de communication numérique qui se traduit par la reconnaissance de l’existence des profils de travail et l’intention de réglementer leurs pratiques professionnelles au sein de l’organisation. En outre, ces actions communicationnelles s’appuient tacitement sur des techniques de changement de comportement (TCC) pour gérer les retours d’informations numériques générés par les textes primaires utilisés pour promouvoir une alimentation saine.
Communication. Mass media, Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
Aggressive commercial practices are a type of conditioning factor imposed by businesses on consumers to modify their freedom of choice. Today, no-one is in any doubt about the financial and social impact aggressive commercial practices can have on consumer wellbeing. In fact, this type of unfair practices has caused, and continues to cause, significant damage to the interests of consumers, as evidenced by the financial crisis which has recently beset Europe. Aware of this problem, European institutions have made consumer protection from unfair commercial practices a priority in their legislative policies. Some of these initiatives have already been in place long enough to allow their results to be analysed (for instance, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive). Others, on the other hand, are still at an early stage (for instance, the New Deal of Consumers legislative proposals), but nevertheless invite reflection. In the light of current trends which argue in favour of greater protection for consumers than has been the case to date, this study will review the European regime of aggressive commercial practices, and analyze the most relevant decisions, especially focused on the financial sector.
Finance, Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
Increasing automation and the emergence of new needs and forms of communication are triggering a redefinition of the role and work settings of translators and interpreters. For this reason, and with a view to enhancing employability, students need to be aware of the range of professional profiles they can pursue and the value they can bring to society. The aim of this paper is to put forward a series of teaching proposals aimed at promoting entrepreneurial competence. After presenting the results of an exploratory study of students’ views of the profession, it proposes some activities that are considered particularly useful for fostering entrepreneurial competences.
Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
Videos are everywhere. Video retrieval, i.e., finding videos that meet the information need of a specific user, is important for a wide range of applications including communication, education, entertainment, business, security etc. Among multiple ways of expressing the information need, a natural-language text is the most intuitive to start a retrieval process. For instance, to find video shots showing "a person in front of a blackboard talking or writing in a classroom". Such a query can be submitted easily, by typing or speech recognition, to a video retrieval system. Given a video as a sequence of frames and a query as a sequence of words, a fundamental problem in video retrieval by natural language is how to properly associate visual and linguistic information presented in sequential order. We attempt to address the fundamental problem by decomposing our quest along the following three dimensions: (1) Query representation, (2) Video representation, (3) Common space. The three dimensions also account for major designs in the state-of-the-art systems. We introduce a set of deep learning methods recently developed by our joint team of RUC, ZJGU, UvA and CAS. We evaluate the deep models on the TRECVID Ad-hoc Video Search (AVS) benchmark over the last three years (2016-2018). Much room exists for future research. Compared to video retrieval with semantic representations, deep learning approaches lack an intuitive explanation of the results obtained, in particular when the results are unsatisfactory. As the retrieval performance continues to improve, the accountability of a video retrieval model requires more research attention. While a well-performed deep model can be largely expected given adequate training data, novel algorithms that enable learning a video retrieval model from limited training resource are much in demand. Consider, for instance, visual annotation and retrieval for a target language other than English. Data and code used for this research are available at http://github.com/li-xirong/video-retrieval.
This study aims to carry out an analysis of the range of resources offered in the field of Legal and Economic Translation in English and Spanish, in order to carry out a methodical examination of documentary sources in these two translation fields. Hence, it differentiates between those named “reference works” and “reference sources”, as direct and indirect or oblique resources, respectively, for these two types of specialized translation. Through a systematic scrutiny of eight terms of special significance in the economic and legal fields (four in Spanish and four in English, in either field), the different resources classified in both groups are tested and categorized into files per term and resource, in order to assess the effectiveness of the latter according to the data obtained. Results point to a higher number of entries for the group of reference works, but also suggests that translation effectiveness in these specialized fields does not necessarily have to be achieved through direct resources, indirect ones being useful to get accuracy of meaning in the legal and economic fields.
Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
Campo Alcides Avellaneda Bautista, María Isabel Borda Arias
The missionary function of accounting is to generate information related to heritage phenomena. One of its most valuable attributes, fi delity or the characteristic that guarantees that the object information represents what it intends to represent, has been questioned due to the fi nancial scandals that occurred during the 1991-2016 period. In them, manipulation of that information is evidenced and, consequently, they have undermined the confi dence of the users. However, an objective system is not visible to determine the degree to which an informational body meets or fails to comply with the attribute mentioned. A model is proposed here to measure the approach of an informational body to the reality that it tries to represent
Business communication. Including business report writing, business correspondence
This contribution evaluates the United States (U.S.) government’s policies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmentally-sustainable behaviors. It looks at the establishment of particular corporate citizenship procedures and expectations. US entities, including bureaus, agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have often interpreted their own view on business ethics and stakeholder engagement, within their own regulatory context. This conceptual paper suggests that relevant policies, guidelines and communication on corporate citizenship and their disclosures can change the companies’ attitudes toward CSR, sustainability and corporate governance reporting. It has presented numerous opportunities for businesses to engage in CSR practices in order to create value for themselves and for others. In conclusion, as corporate citizenship and social responsibility policies are widely-understood, accepted and implemented by stakeholders, there will be greater convergence of laudable behaviors. This will ultimately bring positive implications for a sustainable and fair future for all.
This article examines how the levels of student interaction change through the use of small groups and moderators in online writing courses. The study examines three technical and professional online writing courses: one course that employs small groups and group moderators and two courses that have no small groups or moderators. The results of this study show that the amount of interaction between students in online writing courses increases dramatically by incorporating small groups and peer moderators.