ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The article under review was chosen because of its specific focus on international affairs. It looks at challenges in national security, defense, and diplomatic strategies through the South East Asian lens. In this regard, the work will be particularly insightful in understanding how issues such as conflict resolution, power symmetries, and strategic balances can play out in international relations. Article summary The paper principally talks about the relationship between six South East Asian nations i.e. China (PRC), Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei about territorial claims on the South China Sea and the Islands contained therein i.e. Paracel and Spartly Islands. In essence, Emmers (4) claims that for decades, international relations between these nations have been handled by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and this group has been dealing with inequality in the South China Sea. Although the people’s republic of China and Vietnam possess historical claims to these waters, the other claimants have also expressed interest in minor portions of the territory. Some of the reasons for these interests include: furthering their economic interests, boosting their maritime security, and controlling sea line communication. By far, China is the claimant with the largest capability in the region. It has recently been engaging in naval expansions and has also acquired arms to meet its strategic objectives for the South China Sea. Because of these recent developments, the other five nations have been threatened by China’s growing powers, and in response to doing so; some of them have opted to expand their military capabilities. In the international arena, the United States may be the only country that is capable of handling China’s growing ambitions but it is too busy with other foreign relations issues such as Iraq. ASEAN has been active in maintaining order in this reg
Introduction Branding refers to the marketing practice that implies creating a name, symbol, or design that is readily identifiable to customers as belonging to a particular company. The main task is to explore the concept of branding and its utilization in marketing through using the example of H&M, a large clothing retailer. Importance of Branding Branding is detrimental for identifying a specific product and distinguishing it from others available in the market (Mindrut, Manolica and Roman, 2015). It helps to deliver a specific message to potential customers, emotionally connect to them, motivate to buy, create user loyalty, and confirm credibility. Branding is expected to change how organisations perceive their brands as well as how popular is a brand among potential clients (Gürhan-Canli, Sarial-Abi and Hayran, 2018). When a company has established a recognisable brand, it is possible to increase the value of a business by providing the organisation more leverage in the industry (OECD, 2017). For investors, appealing brands represent the potential for investment opportunities because of the firmly establishes position in the market that attracts regular customers. Furthermore, in developing a strategic market plan, brands can help align the latter with the established objectives of a company. Key Academic Theory and Indicative References When exploring the branding of H&M, the concepts and theories associated with marketing communications should be applied. The old model of branding, which is based on creating an external (or fictional) image of a brand and marketing it to customers, is no longer relevant (Pennington, 2019). This has occurred because customers do not want to buy into a manufactured brand image and want to get the truth. Because of this, firms use digital marketing that allows to communicate the message of a brand directly to consumers around the globe. Moreover, as suggested by Ind and Horling (2016), brand responsibility is also easier communicate with the help of digital vehicles to which potential clients have access every day. As society changes, new ways of communication emerge, and brands must adjust to these changed in order to say relevant and explore the various opportunities in marketing (Pedersen, Lonner, Draguns, Tribmble and Scharron-del Rio, 2016). Justification for the Choice of the Brand It was chosen to explore the branding of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), which is a Swedish clothing retailer for fast fashion. As of 2019, the company has stores in 74 countries and is highly popular among consumers (Waller & Waller, 2018). The branding of H&M is simplistic in design; however, its logo is recognisable because of the simplicity (Stewart and Saren, 2014). When encountering the brand, customers are reminded of the clothing company that delivers fashionable products at a reasonable price. Whi
Introduction Undoubtedly, British Airways is one of the largest carrier airlines in the world. British Airways has its headquarters in Waterside, United Kingdom, and operates into various destinations in the world. Mainly, the company operates from three hubs in United Kingdom, that is, London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and London City Airport. So far, according to statistical reports, British Airways has grown to become the one of the largest airline companies on fleet size, international flights and destinations. From Africa countries to Asian destinations to Europe and South America, British Airways flies its flag high. Since its establishment in 1971, British Airways has undergone major changes that include merging of the then small airlines such as Northeast Airlines, Cambrian Airlines, Newcastle upon Tyre and Cardiff Airlines. Precisely, in 1974, the four airline companies merged to form British Airways. However, thirteen years later, the then government of United Kingdom plotted a plan and privatised British Airways. Having undergone privatisation, the carrier embarked in a mission to expand its territories by acquiring British Calderon and Dan-Air airlines in 1987 and 1992 respectively (Marriott, 1998, pp. 4-13). With time, the carrier went a step further to purchase new aircrafts for example, Boeing 787s and Airbus A320 family thus, expanding its operations and services. On 30 July 2008, British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia embarked on discussions that will see British Airways takeover Iberia. One year later, the two carriers announced a
Making a choice is not an easy task. It takes a lot of effort, the whole being of emotions and time to find what we want or prefer from an array of different products that may serve the same purpose. What perplexes most is the question of why we prefer one and not the other? Our behavior remains to be unique towards our environment; hence we find ourselves making choices according to the uniqueness of the different environs. The environment greatly affects our emotions. There are several reasons that make men and women like or dislike a particular model of car. (Martineau, 1958). To know much about these surroundings, we mostly depend on our initial body senses, which tell us information about the environment. I am therefore made to suggest that one of the reasons why we like a car is through our sight. From the overwhelming number of cars, we look at one that has the right characteristics and features so as to determine our preferred color, which is attractive to our sight hence raising the emotions of decency. The emotions of decency make one make a choice of he has to drive. Men are therefore compelled to dislike cars that are dreadful in their appearance. The choice of engine size, boot space as well as body shape can only figure out through our eyes. Sight, therefore, plays a very vital role in making the decision of the physical appearance of the car. (Martineau, 1958). When searching for a car, our emotions of the kind of our present lifestyle and also the kind of future lifestyle that we would like to adopt are triggered. Carefully thinking of our lifestyles makes us like or dislike a car. Most people who are of high profile lifestyle prefer buying a car that is the most recent model with high classic features. That person who is employed in white color jobs demands to have a saloon car rather than the business-oriented model. High classic lifestyle love to have their car being fitted with music systems so that they may enjoy entertainment while they are on their journey. Therefore, our emotions about our class of lifestyle are very paramount to the fulfillment of our car choice. (Westfall, 1962). Cars are not easy to own. This is because they require a lot of money to purchase one. Considering the
Psychoanalytic perspective includes personality development and the theories of personality development. It deals with the Ego, the Id and the Superego of a person. Childhood experiences help to shape the behavior of an individual (Carpenter, 2009). Behaviorist perspective seeks to explain a person’s character through actions that can be observable. It also studies the public events which tell so much about someone more than the private events such as his or her thoughts. Humanist perspective is a philosophical stance that describes the value and agency of people. It requires critical, rational thinking and evidence. Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes. It includes the person’s language, perception, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The study illustrates that man’s mind contains all the ideas a man has and that is where all the thinking originates. Biopsychological perspective is a theory that examines two related behaviors; The Behavioral Inhibition System, which has links with sensitivity to punishment, and The Behavioral Inhibition System that is a sensitivity to reward (Carpenter, 2009). Evolutionary psychology studies the transformation of human psychological state over a period of time. It seeks to explain that every organism that exists came from another and inherited certain features, but changing environment influences the person is a certain way. Hereditary genes pass from one offspring to another. Sociocultural psychology studies how cultures and communities change over a period of time. There comes a structural reorganization of a community, such that the ancestral attributes seem to disappear due to the change (Carpenter, 2009). Sigmund Freud and his colleagues are the ones responsible for coming up with of the Psychoanalytic psychology. He was carrying out a study on Anna O. He later concluded that hysterical patients always get the origin of their problems from childhood experiences The following are the research methods used in psychology; Method         Purpose                          Strengths                                 Weaknesses                            Example                           Experimental   Study of behavior and processes  Sensory nerves and motor nerves analysis  The use of human beings can be risky  Bell-Magendie law                 Descriptive    Population characteristics       Explains chemical reaction                Does not answer all questions         Conceptual framework, frequencies Correlational  Causal relationship              Offspring                                 Some unrelated examples               Electricity usage
Economic and political factors are closely related and today, they are inextricable. Though both play a fundamental role in social development, it may go unnoticed that both economics and politics are influenced by culture. Japanese culture plays a fundamental role in shaping the social structure in Japan. However, it cannot be termed as the role influence. Thus, political culture and economy are “factors of the same whole, interpenetrating at all levels. The interlinking of these two facets is exhibited in several arenas. First, politics are controlled by bureaucrats rather than elected politicians. Again, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, which controls the economy interlinks state bureaucracy with commerce. A strong work ethic and management culture in the commerce and manufacturing industry has ensured the prosperity of the Japanese economy. The hyper-consumption in Japanese cities can be attributed to policy shifts in economics. This hyper-consumption has caused the realignment of political parties and public clamor for political reforms. It is noteworthy that while law reforms have ensured that both men and women get equal employment opportunities, the Japanese culture and social structure influences progress up the career especially for women. Consumption is the point at which economic activities and cultural practices combine. The Japanese have a liking for well finished products i.e. the aesthetics of a product must be high on average. The aesthetics must also come in technologically advanced forms. An inspection of modern Japanese culture will reveal popularity of erotic, violent and hedonistic media. Thus, the Japanese consumer is highly likely to consume goods and services that have these themes. However, although through consumption the different classes in a society can be pointed out, the Japanese have dampened the visibility of class distinctions. It is important to recognize that the consumers are the producers i.e. the Japanese workforce consumes what it produces. Consequently, by virtue of the argument that consumption of the average Japanese is influenced by his culture, then it follows that the cultural sphere interlinks the mode of production and consumption. The interactions of everyday consumption and cultural norms provide an essential dynamic in understanding the dynamics of culture. A good example of the interaction of political economics and culture is the case of money in Japan. Though highly technologically advanced, the Japanese like transacting in cash. The most probable explanation for this phenomenon is culture. Exchange and transfer of cash involve interpersonal interactions during which more than just money is exchanged. Consumption and work culture in Japan has changed from buildi
Introduction International Business Machine [IBM] is a public limited company, which operates within the global Information Technology industry. The firm deals with the provision of diverse information technology products and services. Some of the services that the firm offers include outsourcing, integrated technology and business transformation outsourcing, and consulting services. In an effort to maximise profits, IBM has incorporated the concept of internationalisation. This move has enabled the firm to venture in different markets. One of the markets that IBM has ventured into is Australia. The firm has managed to attain an optimal market position in Australia despite the intense competition. However, the lucrative nature of the Australian IT industry is attracting numerous entrants and thus it has become critical for IBM to improve its competitiveness. The objective of this paper is to conduct an internal and external environmental analysis of IBM. In analysing the firm’s external environment, the paper takes into account two models, which include the PEST and porter’s five forces. On the other hand, the SWOT analysis and value chain model are used to evaluate the internal environment. Findings of the analysis reveal that IBM is faced by various threats emanating from the external environment despite it internal strengths. Therefore, to develop its competitive advantage in its Australian market, the paper recommends that IBM should consider improving its competitive strategies. One of the ways through which the firm can achieve this goal is by investing in new market segments and creating increased market awareness. Analysis of the macro-external environment Pest analysis In their operation, a wide range of external factors affects businesses. Some of these factors emanate from the political, social, economic, and social environments. Political environment Businesses face a wide range of threats and opportunities emanating from the political environment. However, the degree of threats and opportunities is relatively high for multinational companies such as IBM due to political differences across the different countries of operation (Mouncey 2007). In the face of the present global economic challenges, governments are increasingly considering improving their political environment in an effort to promote businesses in different economic sectors. The political environment in Australia has been relatively stable. A report by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010 ranked Australia fourth with regard to political stability during the last decade. The
Racial sensitivity: definition Racial sensitivity is a term that refers to racism and can be described as an attempt to separate human beings by raising their awareness about their race, skin color, ethnic origin, or nationality. It has over the centuries posed and continues to be a great hindrance to harmonious living among peoples and societies of the world. Wars have been fought; conflicts continue to take place both within and without societies and people have been displaced from their original settlements as a result of racial intolerance. Racial sensitivity undermines the fact there are only one species of human beings who trace their roots to the same ancestor and that every person has a right to life and to be involved fully in the development of the society that they are living in. It also ignores the fact that human beings only appear different if assessed based on historical and cultural backgrounds, geographical locations, social and economic factors, and that such differences can in no way be used to describe a human being (Boxill Bernard R). Racial sensitivity leads to a situation whereby those affected by it undergo a lot of suffering about such issues as gender, politics, religion, and language among others. It has therefore become a common phenomenon in societies today that most people view differently those who do not belong with them and this has created complexes either of superiority or inferiority among different societies or even different groups within the same society. Any decent society that wishes to develop must therefore deal with ethnicity as it has adverse effects on society at large (McGoldrick Monica). Racial sensitivity operates on three main levels namely individual, institutional and cultural levels. Individual racism leads to a feeling of inferiority and an individual experiences very low esteem and a concept of oneself that is highly inadequate. Institutional forms of racial discrimination range from issues related to the system of education, high levels of unemployment among certain groups, harassment by the police, and uneven distribution of essential social amenities. Cultural racism reflects a majority trying to decide what is socially valuable. People tend to place great value on familiar things a din such way, various aspects of culture will reflect the prejudice for example language, religion, economics, and education. Through cultural racism, for example, there has been a widespread belief that Western and European cultures are more superior and should be emulated. It is important therefore that every effort is made to promote views that portray all cultures and languages as acceptable and of great value to society. Persistent efforts towards achieving this goal will certainly yield some positive results (Brick Neil). The root causes of racial sensitivity can be traced back to slavery and the slave trade. During this era, slaves
Water is one of those life sustaining elements that are often taken for granted. Taking a major part of the Earth surface and required for a normal functioning of not only human body, but basically every single living creature or plant, water is the substance without which the mere existence of humankind would be impossible. More to the point, the ratio of actual drinking water to sea water makes approximately 0.0025; ion other words, only 2.55 of water can be defined as fresh. Therefore, it is imperative that the use of fresh water should be reasonable. However, in recent past, the residents of the UAE used to consume water rather thoughtlessly. By integrating technology into water consumption process and raising awareness amount the UAE citizens, one may possibly bring water consumption rates down and make the given process more economical. Therefore, the problem is obvious – the amounts of fresh water used by the UAE citizens have increased greatly over the past few years. The given phenomenon can be attributed to the sharp increase in the number of people inhabiting the state; indeed, according to the results of the census conducted in the 2013, the UAE population has grown by 1% compared to the previous decade, and is expected to reach 10.6 million in 2030. Therefore, the rtes of water consumption are most likely to grow, which in the current situation of the lack of fresh water poses a considerable problem. Obviously, with the increase of the number of the UAE citizens, the amount of fresh water consumed is also going to grow, which will definitely lead to a major problem. Apparently, a reconsideration of the water supply strategy, as well as the means to spread awareness on reasonable water consumption among the residents of the UAE must be defined as soon as possible; otherwise, in the nearest future, the problem of the lack of water in the state will reach drastic proportions. To evaluate the problem, one will have to consider the changes in the UAE population and analyze the assumptions for the future growth: Table 1. Population and GDP in UAE: 1990–2030 (Supposition) (Countrylicious) Year  Population  GDP             1990  1806000     94,000,000,000  2005  4149000     148,000,000,000 2010  8442000     271,200,000,000 2015  9077000     360,000,000,000 2020  9575000     420,000,000,000 2025  9917000     420,000,000,000 2030  10167000    470,000,000,000  According to the data provided by Countrylicious, the UAE gross domestic product, as well as its population number, is growing to increase rapidly. The fact that by 2030, the population of the state is goin