ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Organizations should be strategic, especially when operating in the global market. Failure to apply tactical measures leads to failure, as most of the competitors take up the company’s consumers, which lead to business closure or profit reduction for the victim (Peng, 2011). This paper reports on why Italy faces a ‘reputational risk’ for Starbucks and the challenges the company faces in tackling the threat. It also addresses the question of whether entering the Italian market would offer a strategic advantage for Starbucks and how the competitors marketing strategies should influence its entry. Finally, it tackles the question of whether Starbucks should enter into the market. Starbucks in the Italian Market The Italian market sets a ‘reputational risk’ for Starbucks, especially as it sets the global standards for the quality of coffee in the world, against which all other coffee is measured (Faris, 2012). Consequently, the natives are faithful to the coffee and they do not welcome new entrants in the market, which may explain why Starbucks is hesitant about entering into the market. The notable factor is that the company has spread in other regions where it was the first coffee seller, attracting customers to the new product. The case in Italy is different as the gap that existed in other regions is absent in the country. Starbucks would face a strategic advantage if it entered the market, particularly where tourists in Italy are concerned (Finch, 2013). It is notable that the country attracts many vacationers, as it is ranked among the highest tourist destinations in the world. The main sites include Venice, Vatican museum, Amalfi Coast, Colosseum, ‘The Last Supper’, Milan Duomeo, Spanish Steps, and others. Markedly, most of the visitors hail from America, and Starbucks can strategize based on this market. Notably, most of the foreigners are already accustomed to Starbucks outlets in their home countries, and as a result, they would easily buy the company products, as opposed to the coffee sold in other Italian shops. Furthermore, the job market in Italy is filled by foreigners based on high immigration rate, which explains why Starbucks would identify them as a niche market. Consequently, some of the natives may also be interested in the coffee, and this would serve to increase the market. The competitors price their coffee cheaply, as compared to Starbucks’ prices, as a way of beating competitor fees (Faris, 2012). Moreover, the local availability of the product also makes it slightly low-priced compared to Starbucks coffee. Additionally, the rivals only sell Italian blend coffee, as opposed to a wide variety available in Starbucks. The coffee shops as well sell other dishes such as meat so that the families can take their meals in these locations. Consequently, Starbucks should use premium pricing based on the fact that high prices will indicate better quality to the Italians, and as a result, they will desire to make some purchases. Furthermore, they should make their shops exclusively coffee outlets as a branding strategy, as opposed to competitors who sell other meals (Finch, 2013). They should in addition customize th
Founded in 1943, IKEA company specializes in producing ready-to-assemble furniture and home products for designing the interior. The main strength of the company’s strategies lies in a one-stop shopping for customers. It means that customers will not have to attend several shops to make the right choice. So, the role of the sale representatives is to convince them to buy the product at one store. In addition, IKEA tries to respond to daily needs of their consumers by displaying “lifestyle” habits through furniture that is designed specifically for single people, couples, or young families. The company focuses on the customers who are not interested in the furniture bought for a lifetime, but in the furniture that is suitable for them at the current moment. Due the fact that IKEA manufacturers offer home decorative and furniture market, the size and breadth of the proposed products is limited. Currently, the company needs to make decision concerning the place and strategies to contribute to its revenues and businesses. In order to make a wise decision, the company should face the issue of cultural diversity because it plans to enter the international market. On the one hand, IKEA manufacturers should find additional resources for expanding markets. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the cost by developing online sales for customers all over the world. This alternative decision is much more beneficial for the company. However, the history of the company’s development proves that traditional sale methods have been successful. There is no need to introduce any advancement. Nevertheless, while choosing a narrow-focused policy, the company might have difficulties in adapting to a competitive environment. Although IKEA products have a unique concept, other related producers can offer much more beneficial concepts that can take advantage of the home decorative market. In a rapidly developing market, consumers’ needs are constantly changing and, therefore, the company should keep track of even slightest shifts. At the current moment, the company should not stop focusing on one marketing strategy and target audience. Searching for new markets is necessary to sustain a competitive advantage. A multi-dimensional approach is the best way to stay afloat and overcome other related businesses. Like any other retail business, IKEA is likely to face day-to-day competition on the part of other furniture producers. In a highly competitive world, the
Outline  1. Introduction.  2. Methods and Tools.  3. Effectiveness.  4. Company Example.  5. Future of Quantitative Research.  6. Conclusion. Quantitative research is the type of study which uses an analysis based on mathematics and statistics. Various tests and models exist that helps to draw accurate conclusions about processes or events. The field of facilities maintenance is very technology-oriented, and many aspects require a mathematical approach. Although qualitative research proves to be useful when collecting opinions, this field needs the application of quantitative methods to measure the effectiveness of technology maintenance on each of the studied spots. Methods and Tools A typical quantitative research starts with the review of data that was either obtained through interviews or collected from measurements of technical performance. Both methods of collecting information are useful when addressing either human or technical performance. However, while qualitative research uses this data to compare and contrast different values, quantitative methods integrate it in various tests to prove a hypothesis. A hypothesis section is usually mentioned at the beginning of the study and includes two or more statements that are usually contradictory. The null hypothesis, as a general rule, implies that given variables do not have a significant impact on a studied value, while the alternative one insists on the opposite. Models and tests are the essential part of any quantitative research. Some of the most popular are the ANOVA, the t-test, the Chi-square, and others. For instance, the study by Zhou, Kou, and Ergu (2014) features a proportional intensity model that was applied to measure the failure and repair rates as the part of a maintenance process in a particular site. Two composite models were also used, as well as geometrical calculations of graphic functions. The harmonic analysis method was used to measure the weekly failure level. Effectiveness Quantitative research proves to be very effective regarding prediction and evaluation of results. Statistical methods help to calculate the possibility of results that were acquired by an occurrence. Besides, errors can be tested by manipulating the size of the studied pool of data or the other variables that are independent. For instance, if the population is small and some people have provided answers that do not fit in the general picture, the number of questioned individuals should be increased to see if the initial deviation is a trend or an occurrence. Moreover, the way of representing data via linear graphs helps researchers to make predictions for the future if there is a clear trend seen on the model. This is probably the most valuable feature of quantitative research that differentiates it from qualitative studies. Company Example One of the companies that use
In society and culture, the word “Church” is used in various senses. It might be treated as a building intended for religious activities, a denomination, a local community, or a meeting of the group of believers professing Christ. The word “Church” can mean all the Christians in a given country, or only those who relate themselves to a certain theological current or tradition. The Church is not a new religion, a special religious organization, or a special system of a spiritual reformation of the human society in the world. Nothing close to that meaning has been told by the Lord – therefore, undoubtedly, the Church is the society of His pupils. The Church, through which the risen Lord acts in the world, often is figuratively named the body of Christ, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”(King James Version, Rom. 12.5). The Church, i.e. the Body of the Christ, consists of all the revived souls, each of which is expiated by the blood of the Christ, and transformed by the Holy Spirit. In such way Paul has expressed the live, indissoluble connection of the Lord with the believers, shown in the constant influence of the Christ on Church, which He invigorates and fills with His Spirit; being The Head of the Church, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body” (Eph. 5.23), the Church owing to Him finds life. In addition to this, in the image of the Body of Christ, Christians see the ideal model of the true mutual relations between the members of the Church, based on dialogue in the Christ; like organs of one Body, the members of the Church help, support and supplement each other. Describing the Church as a body, there are many places in the New Testament that run across such image of the Church. When Paul compares the church to a human body, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1.22-23), it is obvious that he speaks here about the unity and interrelation of all the members of the Church. Comparing the Church not merely with the body, but with the body of the Christ, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Cor. 12.27), Paul places the emphasis on the unity of the believers through their communication with the Christ. It is remarkable that from such metaphor, another one organicall
The play Ubu Roi or King Ubu was written by Alfred Jarry, can be described as a tragicomedy or even a farce. I was able to see the Cutting Ball production of this work on February 1, 2014. To a great extent, this performance is aimed at making this play more relevant to the contemporary audience. Overall, the main theme is the absurdity of life, which is driven by power, lust, and greed that eventually lead to the complete corruption of a person. This is the main detail that the viewers should consider. While discussing the atmosphere of this play, one should focus on several aspects. First of all, the seats were placed too close to the stage. The main problem is that the viewers could not fully appreciate the scenery and lighting. This is one of the limitations that can be distinguished. It is possible for me to argue that the atmosphere was effectively expressed through sound effects, which enabled the audience to sense the feelings of the major characters and understand the dynamics of the narrative. It should be mentioned that the action takes place in a modern kitchen setting. One of the details that attracted my attention is that lighting did not always follow the characters, and this mismatch could confuse the audience because viewers could not always determine which of the characters was speaking at a particular moment. The characters were dressed in formal costumes, and in this way, the performers tried to make the play more relevant to the modern audience. In turn, different background music helped the spectators trace the development of the plot and understand the emotions of the protagonists. Furthermore, the acting strongly appealed to me because the performers were able to portray the inner world of the main characters. These are some of the aspects that can be singled out. Overall, the actors succeeded in creating a single ensemble, and they were able to illustrate the interactions between the main characters. The only exception was the actor who played the part of a guest invited to the dinner. This person seemed to be quite nervous, and he failed to impersonate the character properly. He did not fully fit this play. This is one of the shortcomings that should not be overlooked. It is possible for me to say that the voices of actors and their movements enhanced the believability of the performance. These people were able to recreate the absurd world which Alfred Jarry envisioned. Certainly, one actor underplayed his part, but this limitation did not undermine the credibility of acting. This is one of the points that can be made. In my view, there were several outstanding performances that should be discussed in greater detail. For instance, I can mention the actor who played the role of Mother Ubu. In particular, I would like to refer to the scene when she uses the toilet brush to pretend that she baptizes people. In my view, her acting was both creative and convincing. Moreover, it is possible to speak about the actor who played the Russian Czar. In particular, one can mention his fishing at the seashore
Introduction The movie Batman Returns is a typical example of how Christopher Vogler’s structures rings true in storytelling. Nonetheless, the director and production team took liberties with the sequences of these occurrences as well as the nature of characters that belong to those categories. In certain circumstances, one may be fooled into thinking that a character is an ally only to realize that he is an adversary. It was these twists and turns that make the movie breathtaking. The hero in Batman begins Batman begins has all the twelve elements of the Hero’s journey. The story is intertwined by a series of distant and close flashbacks which help to provide a background to the goings in the story. These flashbacks are what reveal the first component of the Hero’s journey; the ordinary world. Audiences can get a glimpse of Bruce’s earlier life. He seemed happy and fulfilled as a child with both parents until their death. Thereafter, the young man develops a great degree of animosity and hatred towards his parents’ murderer – Joe Chill. One also gets a glimpse of the influential people in his life, such as Alfred Pennyworth and Rachel. The call to adventure occurs at an early point in the film. During the trial of his parent’s killer, Bruce decides to carry a gun with him into trial. His intention is to shoot the perpetrator if he is acquitted. However, another assassin learns of the wrong and prevents him from this great misdeed. It is at this point that the call to adventure occurs. Rachel tells him that Joe Chill had critical information about Gotham City’s worst drug baron – Carmine Falcone. He, alongside other hardcore drug lords, was terrorizing the city. They were the real problem, and if Bruce only killed Chill then he would be exerting revenge. Rachel asserted that true justice occurred when hardcore criminal elements like Falcone were captured. Bruce thus realized that Falcone was responsible for the city’s decay. He needed to deal with this man and others like him in order to restore sanity in Gotham (IMBD 18). In most films, the refusal to call occurs shortly after the call, and Batman Begins is not an exception (Vogler 7). Bruce confronts Falcone at his underground bar and gets beaten by his employees. At this point, he escapes into China where he steals and infiltrates into the criminal underworld. It seems as though the last place one would fight Gotham’s ills would be in China, which was miles away from his home place. Furthermore, he appeared lost and confused when he made this escape. Bruce then enters the fourth phase of the hero’s journey by meeting with his mentor. This happens when he goes back home and gets introduced to Lucius Fox. The latter individual gives him insights about the goings-on of Wayne Enterprises, and is the one who introduces him to a series of special weapons. Fox’s ideas lead to formation of
Introduction Languages vary, just as they share similarities. There are numerous languages spoken around the globe. These languages vary in speed of their pronunciation, the emphasis put on specific words, the tone used and many other characteristics. However, Heyvaert (2003) observes that these languages also share a great deal in their morphological structure. Depending on various factors, the similarities or differences may be more evidence or otherwise. Nominalization refers to the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns. It also includes the process of turning a verb or an adjective into a noun phrase. Nominalization is very popular among those who have a mastery of a given language (Giannakidou & Rathert, 2009). Although some languages do not allow for much freedom when nominalizing the verbs or adjectives into noun, other have much freedom in formation of nouns. The European languages are closely connected in structure. The need to form nouns from verbs may arise out of the need to create a clearer picture of what is being passed across. As Tamm (1993) observes, some languages are limited in vocabulary. There are no sufficient words that could be used to express certain emotions, ideas or general information using the existing vocabulary. Pundits have developed the habit of forming nouns out of the verbs or adjectives. As Rathert & Alexiadou (2010) says, the use of adjectives or verbs to form nouns may become inevitable in some languages because of this limitation in vocabulary. According to Genetti (2007), caution should be taken when using nominalization as a way of forming nouns. This is so because at times the message risks being misinterpreted, or may exhibit, largely, some ambiguity. In some cases, Foong, Wrona, & Hårsta (2011) observes that nominalization is always as a result of what is commonly used within a given society. For this reason therefore, the nominalized word may mean one thing in one community, and a different thing in another community. In some communities, it may lack meaning completely. Discussion Nominalization may be very useful, especially in spoken language. There are various occasion that may require nominalization. Heyvaert (2003) says that language should be flexible enough to accommodate twisting of words to bring different meanings. The following is the main reason that may warrant nominalization of words. New Phenomena or Items There are occasion where some occurrences were not commonly practiced among a given society. Due to globalization, such occurrences are introduced to the society that never knew it before. For this reason, a word would need to be found that would be a representative of the new phenomena. For example, among the Latgalian of Eastern Europe, kissing was not common. However, the act of bringing the lips into contact with the another could be described us
Businesses depend heavily on consultants who are useful in carrying out technical problems or tasks that arise in an organization. Consultants are usually specialists with skills, experience and knowledge used to drive a particular business activity. They oversee the implementation of a business activity that the organisation was unable to carry out or lacked the expertise and the manpower. Strategic planning is part of change and consultants are seen as the drivers of change in organisations. In general, consultants provide solutions to manage problems by carrying out operations towards a specific function. The report is based on the marketing department that has sought consultancy in coming up with a strategy that seeks a new market for its products. The report develops strategies that can be used to develop effective client relationships with the marketing department. It also gives the importance of having an effective client and consultant relationships. Lastly, it provides supporting research on how client consulting relationships can be maintained. Strategies for developing effective client and consultant relationships Effective client and consultant relationships are usually developed through various strategies. Close interaction and communication between the parties bonds the relationship. This builds trust, transparency, and emotional confidence among other attributes which are necessary in building effective communication. The bond that is build on trust based on communication is lasts longer as both the client and the consultant feel free around each other and are more likely to be more open. Providing the best solution and responding quickly when a problem arises deepens the relationship between the two parties. This has been supported by LaBonte and Necessary (2007) who note that relationships are build on the value and commitment a consultant brings and has in ensuring the client’s business succeeds. This kind of strategy can be adopted to ensure an effective clients-consultant relationship is developed and maintained. Socializing with the clients outside the office which is a more open space deepens the relationships. This can be realised through dinner arrangements or attending of social functions where the client and the consultant interact. However, when using this kind of strategy it is advisable to be aware of the policies that guide the client as far as gifting and entertainment is concerned. This is because some companies have laws and ethical policies that prohibit gifts and dinners or they have limitations on the two. This way the consultant becomes aware and does not end up crossing boundaries that may jeopardize the relationship. Importance of an effective client and consultant relationship Client and consultant relationship is the association that exists between the client and the consultant (Briggs, 2010).The success of an operation that an organisation is seeki