ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Kao’s Resources & Capabilities The key resources of Kao Corporation, a leading branded and packaged goods company based in Japan but with global interests, include its “learning organisation” orientation, reputation as a creative company, production of high-quality goods, use of newer technologies to develop innovative and highly diversified products, horizontal management structure, and ownership of raw material sources. The company’s capabilities include technology know-how, capability in basic research, efficient marketing and information systems, and ability to produce and market innovative brands due to expansive network of wholesalers. According to the case study, Kao has been able to achieve competitive advantage largely due to its capacity to integrate and facilitate these capabilities through learning. Additionally, the company has been able to achieve competitiveness by encouraging access to and sharing of information across all levels due to the management structure, investing in distinct creativity among employees, and an enhanced capacity to share ideas across R&D laboratories. Sustainability of Kao’s Capabilities & Competitive Advantages Kao’s capabilities and competitive advantages appear to be sustainable as the firm moves into new areas, in large part because of its focus on learning as a way of developing high quality, innovative products. Through sustained learning, the company has the capacity to add value to their product offerings rather than imitate its global competitors, not mentioning that its ownership of resources will serve as a competitive advantage in the development of high quality, reasonably priced products with the capacity to break even in the international arena. Leveraging Organisational Capabilities It is evident that Kao can indeed leverage its internal organisational capabilities to develop competitive advantage overseas by diffusing its learning capability and technological know-how to key international markets it intend
Introduction The 2008 financial crisis that was partly due to unlimited and unregulated speculations brought to an end many things had been experienced before. However, it changed the way countries approached their spending patterns and even the way corporations do business. The downturn caused a tremendous change in the consumption pattern as consumers became more sensitive to prices and value consciousness. Technology companies that have taken advantage of the rising demand Though the general demand has not reached the level it was before the crisis, many companies have taken advantage of the rising demand and have made tremendous sales. Apple and Hewlett Packard are such companies. The rising consumer demand is characterized by value consciousness, frugality and brand loyalty (Flatters & Willmont, 2009). In addition, the consumers are more sensitive to prices and quality. Companies have no choice but to produce according to the consumer expectations. Companies have to adopt new strategies that would ensure customers’ value and provide low cost prices (Mansoor, 2011). Apple has adopted the cost cutting strategies in none priority areas. The company cut the functional budgets by 10% in 2008/2009 financial year as a strategic response to the crisis. However, the company has increased its spending on the functional areas considered strategic for the growth of the business. These include marketing as well as research and development (R&D). Spending on research and development has helped the company innovate itself out of the crisis through development and manufacture of new products such as iPad. The customers perceived iPad as having high value and the product value corresponded with the price offered. The argument presented by the company is that the spending on research and development would result in innovations that will end up providing business with long-term competitive advantage. The company also focused on marketing and it was placed in the same category with research and development. The company argued that investment in marketing would ensure increased production and satisfactory return on investments. The company focused its marketing on building the brand and PR activities. Hewlett and Packard, on the other hand, used the expansionist strategy through takeovers and acquisitions of its smaller competitors. With the contracting customers, the company has increased its customers’ base through acquisitions while drastically reducing competition. Moreover, the company has invest
Introduction Physiopathology refers to the methodical learning of serviceable changes connected to a disease or injury within a human body. Kidney stones are examples of such functional changes that are studied under this discipline (Pooler, 2009). The medical term used to refer to kidney stones, is renal calculi. On the other hand, someone diagnosed with this condition suffers from Nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones are common in many people. Statistics show that in every twenty people, at least one person has to develop them at one time in their life (Goldsmith, 2013). Numerous types of kidney stones exist depending on the type of dissolvable minerals deposited to the kidney and other parts of the body such as the urinary tract. There are various causes of kidney stones, as well clinical manifestations associated with them. This essay will explain the causes of renal stones, and identify changes in bodily function of patients associated with the condition. Causes of kidney Stones The main cause of kidney stones is imbalance in elements that constitute urine such as dissolvable minerals, salts and water (Pooler, 2009). For example, the recommended amount of water that a human being needs to take in a day is 8-10 glasses. Water in the body helps to dilute uric acid that determines the levels of hydrogen potential in the kidneys. Low water levels in the body lead to high acidity in the kidneys, thus creating a favorable atmosphere for development of renal stones. An imbalance in these crucial elements determines the type of kidney stones diagnosed in an individual (Goldsmith, 2013). Kidney stones are small and build up on the interior coating of the kidney, where dissolved mineral deposits congregate. Some of the dissolvable mineral deposits that cause renal stones include uric acid, calcium, and oxalate among others. Deposited minerals stick together to form kidney stones in situations when the urine lacks certain essential elements that prevent the bewildering from taking place (Pooler, 2009). Uric acid deposits lead to uric acid stones that develop in individuals with low body fluid levels. Low water levels in the body are caused either by too much loss or by too little uptake of the same. Uric acid stones are also very common among people with gout, people who consume foods with high protein content, as well as people with certain genetic conditions that predispose them to the condition (Goldsmith, 2013). Another common type of kidney stones is calcium stones that develop due to high levels of calcium in the body. High concentration of calcium and oxalate in the kidney is responsible for development of kidney stones (Goldsmith, 2013). Kidney stones pass through the urinary tract, and it is hard to notice them unless one experiences pain
Difference between EAP and General English English for academic purposes focuses on high standards of English for higher learning and studies in general. It provides only what the students need. Therefore, it is goal-oriented as opposed to general English, where students are taught everything necessary to be learned and known in English (Smith 2015). EAP’s major task is learning how to plot theses and dissertations. Hence, there is a need for proper planning, writing, organization, and even proof-reading written works to ensure adherence to the rules of EAP. Various factors such as the objectives, levels of the students, their goals, and even culture are challenges that make it impossible for EAP to be provided equally. Consequently, such factors must be put into consideration when establishing effective methods of learning EAP. On the contrary, general English only aims at basically teaching students how to listen, speak, read and write English in their day to day communications (Smith 2015). EAP has numerous features. These features include genres, signposting, and even the use of linking words. Knowledge of the language is also a very crucial component of EAP as it aids the learner in understanding questions and responding to them in their examinations.another differentiating factor between the two varieties of English is that EAP learners are generally adults while General English learners include both children and adults. Skills I have improved and the Methods I used Reading and writing are among the main skills I have enhanced. The process of achieving their enhancement was possible through the formation of groups. Particularly, we always hold discussions for purposes of demonstrating how to pronounce and write English words. Group discussions have also helped improve speaking and listening skills. Through them, we are always able to discuss every challenging thing we came across. Eventually, every learner is corrected through consensus and lessons end with all problems settled. EAP Areas to be worked on and the Methods to Use Learners’ expectations should always be addressed in good time (Smith 2015). In this process, appropriate materials must be used in proper ways. This situation can be achieved by setting goals on how to meet learners’ expectations and using certified and approved materials. At the same time, individuals training as teachers of both EAP and general English should be well trained to handle their students without difficulties. Saving Money and Carefully Planning for the Future Saving money and striving to make one’s future bright is vital. People should invest every small amount of money they get in businesses for the sake of securing the future. Investing in businesses helps reduce a lot of expense and increase earnings ( Spreading your wings 2015 ). Savings also prevent people from becoming bankrupt for the money is not all spent. Some reasonable amounts of
In the course of the twentieth century, there have been many military interventions into sovereign states. They have been aimed at stopping or reducing violence within certain countries. The critics of this strategy argue that such an approach can turn into an instrument of coercion. In their opinion, this main purpose of this interference is to impose ones geopolitical interests upon another country (Manokha, 2008, p. 11). Furthermore, one can say that this form of interference is more likely to endanger the lives of many innocent people. However, at the same time, this intrusion can also save millions of people who can be victimized by dictatorial governments. Moreover, in many cases, there are ethnic conflicts within societies. Under such circumstances, it is vital to stop different ethnic groups from entering into a military confrontation with one another. These are the main issues that should be discussed. First of all, humanitarian intervention is particularly necessary when there is a risk of violence that is based on national, religious, or ethnic prejudice. For instance, one can mention such a country as Rwanda in which Hutu political leaders provoked the ethnic genocide of Tutsi people (Chatterjee & Scheid, 2003, p. 5). One should bear in mind that international organizations were aware about these threats, but unfortunately no action was taken. Similarly, it is possible to mention the ethnic hostilities in the former Yugoslavia. The deployment of peacekeepers can avert a disaster such as genocide. Overall, this argument is based on the premises of the just war theory which postulates that a military action be justified when it is necessary to stop injustice (Al-Haj, 2013). Additionally, it is possible that in the course of this ethnic conflict, a dictatorial and totalitarian government can come into power. In the long term, this government can turn into an enemy of the United States and its allies (Seybolt, 2007, p. 3). This is one of the main threats that should be taken into account. This is another rationale for implementing a military intervention. The argument is particularly important when one speaks about the international intervention into the Korean War which broke out in 1950 (Krieg, 2012). In turn, contemporary Southern Korea is one of the most advanced countries in the world, and it is a long-term ally of the United States. Therefore, a humanitarian intervention can be critical for protection the geopolitical interests of a country as well as its national security. Certainly, one can also offer arguments against this intrusion. In particular, it is possible to say that this military action can be motivated primarily by political or economic interests, rather than the intention to save innocent people (Kegley, 2011, p. 364). For instance, the critics of this strategy point out that this military intrusion is more likely to boost the geopolitical aims of economically and military advanced countries. This is of the main pitfalls that should be avoide
Every day people interact with the other persons in the context of their usual daily activity or at the workplaces. The character of communication between different individuals can be positive or negative depending on the effectiveness of their interaction in reaching the goals which can satisfy or not both persons. Thus, when it is difficult to achieve the effective result of the cooperation and the goals and visions of the means for their reaching are different for the participants of communication, this activity can influence the development of the interpersonal conflict. Conflicts are based on the confrontation of the personal visions of definite situations and phenomena. They are predominantly destructive in their character and can lead to diminishing the results of communication. However, conflicts can also be discussed as the stimulation for choosing or developing a new approach to the problem solving. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the details and aspects of the personal conflict and to present the features of the possible resolution for it. The Details of the Conflict Interpersonal conflicts which occur at the workplaces can be often discussed as the negative consequences of the poor organized group or team work. The typical conflict of distributing the duties and determining the leadership positions within a group was developed during the group work which was organized in order to present the project for one of the major subjects at high school. Groups for completing the projects for the class were determined randomly. That is why I was appointed to work in the same group wit
Even though some of the features of clinical and addictions assessment tools may coincide, they are two different notions that must be distinguished. Similar to addiction assessment, a clinical evaluation may consist of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews. Additionally, clinical screening may include neurological or biological tests. It should be noted that questions asked in the process of assessment differ considerably depending on its type. Therefore, clinical assessment may not replace addictions assessment and vice versa. The assessment tools are regulated by different authorities and have distinct purposes. According to Samet et al., addiction assessment tools are reliable and effective only for the cases of addictions, while the clinical screening may be used only as a supplementary measure for the diagnosis of comorbid conditions. Addictions assessment evaluates all the bio-psycho-social factors including type, amount, frequency, and consequences of a clients’ addiction, their medical history, readiness to change, and history of substance use in the family. Clinical assessment, most of the time, focuses more on the physical representation of the problem and relies on test results. Since the choice of appropriate assessment strategy is central for making relevant findings, therapists are to use only reliable and valid instruments. Even though the discussed types of assessment differ, the accumulated results may supplement each other. For instance, Samet et al. encourage to omit or alter the questions of semi-structured assessment instruments considering the uniqueness of every client. Samet et al. state that the results of previous tests may be incorporated into the assessment process to save time to avoid irritation from patients. Therefore, therapists should omit or alter questions of addiction assessment instruments if these questions were asked during the clinical interviews. Work Cited Samet, Sharon, et al. “Assessing Addiction: Concepts and Instruments.” Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, vol. 4, no. 1, 2007, pp. 19-31, Web.
Executive Summary Scientists have discovered that the level of pollution in the western bank of Lake Erie has been increasing over the past decade. The increase in cyanobacteria and algae is a clear indication that there are pollutants in the water from different rivers that feed the lake. Studies have revealed that there is a high amount of phosphorus in the water, and there are also untreated industrial wastes present in the lake. Introduction Lake Erie is popularly known for its high pollution level in the 1970s, whereby the industrial sector had released high amounts of toxic waste into the shallow lake. The high pollution rate led to the death of many species of fish and an increase in algae and bacteria in the lake. However, through the combined efforts of the industrial sector, the communities around the lake, and the authorities, conservation measures were applied to save the lake. The lake was liberated from the brink of death, but it is apparent that over the past several years, the Western side of the lake has been experiencing an increase in green slime, which has been associated with high toxicity. There are worries among the members of the community that the lake could be facing another episode of high toxicity, and they have called for the authorities to investigate the main causes of the pollution in an attempt to mitigate the occurrence of another catastrophe in the lake. This paper looks into the main cause of pollution in Lake Erie today. Research Method This study utilizes secondary material as the main source of information to highlight the main cause of pollution in the Western bank of the Lake Erie. The secondary material includes scholarly journals retrieved from online libraries. The information from the sources has been peer-reviewed for validity; hence, the findings of the research are reliable. Analysis Scientists at the Heidelberg University’ National Center for Water Quality Research have revealed that the depth of Lake Erie implies that the water is replaced every 2.5-3 years (Burlakova et al. 563). This is one of the main reasons that it was possible for the lake to recover from the extensive water pollution in the 1970s (Allinger and Reavie 369). However, there has been an increase in cyanobacteria and algae in some parts of the lake over the last decade, which implies that there is a new source of pollution that is threatening the lake. The scientists have been studying the quality of the water in the rivers that feed the lake, and it is apparent that the industries around the lake have been treating their waste-water adequately.
Response to Three Texts on Teaching Writing to College Freshman The three texts on the subject of teaching writing, especially at the beginning college level, are illuminating and encourage me to think about my writing, and learning to write better, differently. It is a little bit humbling to realize that so many people are concerned about whether a course that I took for granted is worthwhile and accomplishing what it needs to. It is also distressing to realize that those people are often not paid well or equipped with the facilities (for example, as Crowley notes, mailboxes, or offices) to do their jobs effectively. Furthermore, it is a bit daunting to realize that this is not the last writing I will be doing in college but merely the first. I also am beginning to be a bit apprehensive at the thought that there will be not one but several ways of writing that I will be expected to master before exiting college. Finally, I am hopeful that what I learn here will prepare me for what could be an entirely different form of writing in the working world. I do not know what the best solution to the problem of teaching writing efficiently and effectively is but I do know that these texts make me more appreciative of the effort that my writing instruction has involved thus far. I do think that students would be more excited about learning how to write if they understood from the start that it would be necessary for every field of endeavor for the rest of their lives. Images of Women in the WWii War Effort The photo titled “Women welders on the way to their job at the Todd Erie Basin dry dock” shows a racially diverse, well-uniformed, properly equipped, and cheerful group of women off to work for the war. This conveys the message of inclusiveness, safety consciousness, and good fellowship that women can expect if they join the war effort. It also reassures their families that they will be safe on the job. This would encourage more women to participate and reduce the objections of those who did not support the idea of women in any workplace. This contrasts powerfully with the images of women in Good Housekeeping in the 1920s. IN that magazine, women’s role was circumscribed by the demands of the home and the needs of children and husband. The primary goals were to run an efficient household and raise healthy normal children while still attracting and fascinating one’s husband. While the unceasing demands of kids appear in at least one cartoon in the collection of war images, where a woman holds her baby while riveting a ship, for the most part, the war women are without men, without kids, and out of the home. Somehow, the frail stick figures of the 20s have grown muscles that are useful in the war effort. Images of Anti-Japanese Racism in WWii T