ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Water is among the most valued natural resource. This mere fact acts to increase the rate at which it continues to be violated and threatened by human activity. The water resource is depleted and replenished through a complex structural setup that employs different factors and environmental features such as land cover, evaporation, industrialization, irrigation and water bodies. Water as a resource has a variety of economic benefits that accrue from its various uses. The continued exploitation of this resource however often occurs at an irreparable cost of impairment of the ecosystem and biodiversity. This has explains the recent climatic changes and inconsistencies in the distribution of rainfall across the various regional divisions. This shortage has led to an even greater water crisis that comes in the form of water borne diseases that arise due to the lack of clean water. The artificial centralized systems of water treatment hardly meet the exiting demand for clean water leaving a large number of people with little option but to use contaminated water. Consequently, up to 3.5 million people die every year from waterborne infections and diseases. It is clear therefore that there is a permanent need to establish a policy framework to safeguard and protect this resource from constant depletion and impairment. This has often taken the form of conventions motivated by scientific assessments and recommendations on the methods and means to diagnose and reverse this impairment trend. It is no longer a problem for the developed world alone since all persons rich or poor are united by the common need for sustainable fresh water supply Are we running out of water? One would then ask whether we are running out of water. Truth be told, the world’s supply of fresh water is slowly but steadily depleting. This fact sounds vague in the face of the scientific claim that at least 70 % of the planet is covered by water. Out of this proportion however, less that 1 percent is available for human access and use. This small percentage is left to serve the large world population of over 6.7 billion that is predicted to grow to more than 8 billion in the next decade. This in effect leads to water stress especially in countries with high population growth rates. Global statistics suggest that at least 30 states experience a considerable amount of water stress that ranges from either supply or disp
The modern digitalized society offers multiple opportunities to improve existing practices and achieve better outcomes by implementing innovative solutions. For this reason, today, there are significant shifts in all spheres of human activity aimed at integrating technologies. The sphere of management is not an exclusion and the methods used there are also reconsidered in terms of new digital technologies. Management Information Systems (MIS) also experiences substantial changes under the impact of recent advances in science and technology. There are various definitions of the term. The generalized one states that MIS is the field of knowledge presupposing the investigation of people, technology, organizations, and their interactions (Laudon & Laudon, 2017). The main goal of this science is the alignment of the cooperation between individuals and computers, and the realization of maximum benefit from investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes (Laudon & Laudon, 2017). Today, MIS focuses on people and the improvement of their functioning via the use of different technologies. Speaking about MIS, it is essential to outline the five eras or five phases of computing technology’s development. These include mainframe and minicomputer computing, personal computers, client/server networks, enterprise computing, and, finally, cloud computing (Laudon & Laudon, 2017). The advances in the evolution of devices and the achievement of a new stage of development critically impacts MIS and creates the basis for the emergence of multiple changes towards the achievement of better outcomes and maximization of output along with the reduction of input, resources, and effort (Laudon & Laudon, 2017). Today, MIS benefits from the existence of cloud services; however, one should remember that MIS managed to make substantial progress and evolve from the punch card system. It presupposed using a piece of paper to contain digital data by adding holes in special
Objectives The goals of the study include exploring the current financial issues faced by McDonald’s, determining the factors that define its performance, analyzing its current position, and suggesting improvements. The company has been operating in the global market for quite a while, yet it seems to have been facing difficulties over the past few years. Thus, new approaches toward marketing and product pricing will have to be explored. Market Conditions The current market conditions can be defined as favorable for McDonald’s. The company’s current shares are at the 163.34 mark and have been experiencing a rather steady rise, which can be deemed as a positive tendency (see Fig. 1). Figure 1. McDonald’s: Shares (“McDonald’s Corporation (MCD)”). As Fig. 1 provided above shows, despite a minor hiccup in 2016, McDonald’s has been experiencing a rather impressive success and has enjoyed gradual economic growth. The identified phenomenon can be defined as rather impressive given the vast range of competitors with which the company has to deal in the context of the global economy. The presence of firms such as KFC, Taco Bell, and Subway, makes the process of not only increasing the company’s revenues but also retaining its current profit margins rather difficult (see Fig. 2). Figure 2. McDonald’s: Stock Share Prices (“MCD – McDonald’s Corp (NYSE)”). Buying Decision Triggers When considering the factors that condition buyers to purchase particular products, one must mention the efficacy of repetitions, as well as psychological approaches to pricing. Much to its credit, McDonald’s uses both approaches. However, in its attempt to attract its target audience, the company lacks subtlety. By using the approach that requires ending each price in.90, the company creates an impression of reducing its price by $0.10, which is believed to be perceived on a subconscious level and, thus, compels target audiences to choose McDonald’s products over the ones offered by other companies. However, seeing that the identified approach is used by a variety of other organizations, it can hardly be considered as an advantage for McDonald’s. Marketin
Introduction Nike is an American footwear and apparel firm that has global market coverage. The firm operates in a very competitive industry together with other top brands such as Adidas and Puma. Nike has embraced e-marketing as a way of gaining competitive advantage over other market competitors. This move has been beneficial to the firm, as it has witnessed an increment in sales volume. E-marketing has increased the market scope for this firm. This research is focused on analyzing how Nike has adopted e-marketing in its market strategy. Brick and Moter and E-Marketing used by Nike Nike has been operating in Brick and Motar market for a very long time. Brick and motar market has been the main market for this firm. However, the management has been keen on using applying modern technologies. This has seen it embrace e-market in the current society. The management has been advancing in technology, and currently Nike is one of the leading firms in the apparel industry that has advanced in the use of virtual market. The website of Nike is well developed to support e-marketing. However, this is possible in the European and American markets. The firm is yet to capture international markets in countries considered to be less developed in infrastructure. The firm still operates in pure brick and motar markets in African countries and most of the Asian countries. Brand Image Brand is one of the most important asset within an organization. Brand is the most important asset that a firm can ever own. With a strong brand, a firm is always assured of growth in the market. Establishing a brand is a complex process that requires the management to convince the market of the quality of the product. The brand Nike is one of the strongest brands in the market of apparel industry. The market trusts this brand as it has been positioned as a brand that cherishes quality. The management has been able to outsmart other competitors in making this brand very strong. The logo for this brand is a swoosh, as demonstrated below. Nike Logo The brand name Nike has been growing consistently over the years. The name has become very popular not only among the athletes, but also with other market segments in the apparel industry. The popularity of this brand has surpassed that of other competing firms such as Adidas and Puma. In order to reach this position, the management has been keen on endorsements by known celebrities. Nike has been striving to attract the African market. As such, it used Didier Drogba of Ivory Cost in West Africa. This is one of the most celebrated African footballers. The use of this celebrity has helped this firm increase its market share in this region. The Target Market In marketing, it is always important to define the target market. This always helps in ensuring that marketers understand the approach they should take in marketing. For Nike, the target market has been the athletes who use their products in their games. However, as it grew, the management realized that the market was going beyond the athletes. Other members of the society who wanted simple sportswear and other casual wear were also
Abstract This study sets out to examine the constitutional roles of the Italian and German presidents, with the aim of drawing conclusions based on the differences or semblance in the duties or powers granted to and played by each. The President Of Italy The President of the Italian Republic (Italian: Presidente della Repubblica Italiana ) is the head of the State and represents the unity of the Nation. He or she is intended to represent national unity rather than a particular political tendency in his term of seven years in office; The duties and powers of the President of the Republic are as laid down in the Italian constitution. He calls elections of the Chambers and fixes their meetings. In discharging his legislative functions he authorizes the presentation of proposed laws in Parliament on the part of the government; promulgates the laws approved in Parliament and issues decrees having the same force of law and regulations. He has the right to call a referendum in such cases as are laid down by the Constitution and in case the referenda are popular with the voters. The president is responsible for accrediting and receiving diplomatic dignitaries as required by state laws. He is the commander of the armed forces, presides over the Supreme Council of Defence and upon authorization of Parliament he can ratify international treaties and declare a state of war, if the sovereignty of the state is threatened by any external forces and may order them to perform such military duties as, in his opinion, are necessary or appropriate for the defense of the State. He presides over the High Council of the Judiciary. He may grant pardons and institute punishments. He also confers honours of the Republic to individuals. In relation to the administrative acts and regulations of the government; the president also appoints State officials in such cases as are laid down by the law. For instance he appoints the President of the Council of ministers, ambassadors, special envoys among other state officials. President Of Germany The President of Germany (German: Bundespräsident , literally: federal president ) is the head of state of the Federal Republic of Germany. His functions are mostly representative. The constitution created a semi-presidential system in which these powers were divided between the President, a cabinet and the parliament (Reichstag). The German Reich (government) ceased to exist in 1945. After a period of Allied occupation, two German states were created in 1949: the federal republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German democratic republic (East Germany). Each republic had a head of state with the title of President, although in 1960, East Germany abandoned the title. There continued to be two heads of state in German until the in 1991 when there was reunification. At that point the President of the Federal Republic became the president of the whole of Germany. The President then, enjoyed far greater powers than the current president an
DFS is passionate about sofas and designs its products with vital elements in mind. The company’s products include chairs, beds, tables, sofas, mirrors, leather, cabinets, desks, coffee tables etc. This paper discusses the need for DFS to start manufacturing its products in India rather than exporting to the same destination. International marketing refers to companies doing their product marketing overseas across national borders by applying the marketing principles to more than one country (also known as global marketing). It results in business internationalization (Doole and Lowe, 2001). Product exportation is a low-risk venture in which minimal investments are made in the foreign country because the firm makes few marketing investments in the destination country hence the company’s market share is below potential. The firm would also learn less about the foreign market in terms of consumer requirements, distribution methods, advertising campaigns among others by not operating actively in the new market hence it would be difficult for DFS to make the desired larger profits from the foreign market. The other pitfalls of exporting are that the venture is very expensive, time-consuming and requires resources that management doesn’t have access to. It’s also difficult to obtain special export licenses from the government. The company also faces challenges in identifying good product distributors in the overseas market. The firm would have to undertake product modification and packaging to suit the new market. Receiving payments also takes longer and the company would have to obtain personnel for travel hence the administrative costs increases. The company also requires new promotional materials in the new market like competent translators of user manuals. In addition, there are government rules and regulations that restrict exports activities by increasing tariffs and quotas (Johansson, 2000). DFS need to consider manufacturing their products in the foreign market directly by acquiring a firm or building operations from the ‘scratch’ though it involves higher risk exposures but also the opportunities for profits are greater. DFS would gain more knowledge about the Indian local market and maintain higher control of their investment. This is known as foreign direct investment (FDI) and it entails a company making physical investment into buildings, factories, equipment, machinery and other lasting management interests in the foreign country and it takes many forms including direct acquisition of a foreign firm, construction of a facility, investment in joint ventures, the strategic alliance with the local firm with attendant input of technology and the licensing of the intellectual property. This results in business internationalization which provides a company with
According to the title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the employees can sue the employers for utilizing the unjustified employment practices which had an adverse impact on the working conditions. Regarding the appearance policy of Peace City Salon which required wearing a uniform and prohibited beards and hair longer than shoulder length, the owner of the salon rationalizes it with presenting a consistent image for the salon and relates it to business necessity of the enterprise. Though several employees object to the requirements, the practice does not violate the title VII and cannot be regarded as unlawful. The main difficulties of proving the unlawful character of the procedures are caused with indistinct concepts of a disparate impact of the practice and the business necessity to which the employer relates it. On the one hand, the requirements are equal for all the classes of workers without discriminating representatives of particular racial, gender or ethnical groups. On the other hand, some of the requirements are too strict and it is difficult to prove the relationship between the practice and its impact on business. It is important to distinguish between the generally accepted appearance standards and the biased perception of dress code requirements which can result in unjustified employment practices. Considering the norms that are generally accepted in the present day society, the employer could limit the appearance policies to wearing a uniform and cutting hair neatly that would be a less discriminatory but more reasonable method for achieving the business goals. Regarding the case with Gourmet Grocery, which made knowledge of Spanish obligatory for promotion to the managerial positions, this practice does not violate the Title VII because it is based not on the criterion of ethnical origin of the employee but on worker’s knowledge and skills. According to the Title VII, the practice can be defined as unlawful if the choice of applicants or candidates for promotion is performed on the basis of consideration of race or national origin as wll as sex and religion. It is important that this requirement can be justified with business necessity of the store because the 75 % of its customers are Hispanic, and employees’ ability to communicate with the customers is crucial for maximizing the profit potential of the market. Looking for a less discriminatory method of meeting the business goals, the employers could organize training courses for teaching the workers Spanish and providing them with opportunities to enhance their chances for promotion. The policy of Martin’s Shoes Company which distributes athletic shoes prohibits individuals weighing more than 150 lbs (68 kg) to use the elevator to the third floor because of its maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. Though this requirement is predetermined with the objective fa
Introduction Capitalism is generally thought of as a philosophy of economic methods, which works to the advantage of the private ownership, which is in charge of the production of goods and provision of services for income or profit by cooperate organisations and individuals. Several philosophers have critiqued certain basics of capitalism, including Marxists. This paper distinguishes and evaluates Marxists’ critique of crises, alienation and exploitation with the capitalist system of economy and society. Marxist Critiques of Capitalism Exploitation Marxists view the capitalist system as characteristically exploitative. In economics, exploitation is connected with the expropriation of labour for the purpose of generating profit. According to Marxists, exploitation is a collection of social relations that forms the basis of capitalism. Workers in the capitalist system are being exploited by earning little compared to the worth of their produce. Marxists use the term ‘surplus value’ to describe a situation where by a worker works to produce much but receives meagre earnings. Capital gains in capitalism rise by workers exploitation to produce more surplus value, mostly by reducing the wages of workers. Also, there is competition among capitalists over capital gain, by seeking new strategies to create more profit as well as surplus value, so as to transcend. Marxists termed this effort ‘the universal law of capitalist accumulation’. Class Crises Marxists argue that the capitalist system has a long-term existing tendency in the direction of crisis (that is, static and high rate of unemployment). The centre of capitalism is the crisis that results from the contradictory views and stands of the capitalist and the proletariat. According to Marxists, capitalists and the proletariat are classes, since they are representative groups in conflict. Marxists believe that more people in the society would turn out to be proletarians, as capitalists are constantly gathering capital gain at the same time, competing against each other. As a result, few capitalists would be exploiting a huge amount of poor proletarians living on meagre wages in the society. Marxists termed this set of proletarians ‘the industrial reserve army’. Exploitation of workers and crisis in the capitalist system creates struggle among classes, in the sense that classes rally in a political manner to affect the state and raise industrial conflict. Alienation Marxists argue that the capitalist system alters the affiliation between human and labour, instead of meeting their needs or convey ideas. In the capitalist system, products belong to the capitalists, who cause alienated workers. Under capitalism, workers are alienated in the following ways:   * Labour transformative potentials
Gladwell’s main thesis pertains to the trends in society being understood in the same manner as researchers understand the spreading of viruses and to the fact that a surprisingly large variety of social phenomena can be addressed by using the metaphor about such fads. The main focus of the book lies in the fact that three factors can result in bringing about remarkable and unexpected changes within society. These are the context, (which pertains to the current circumstances), the ideas, and the concerned people. He makes a point in saying that a small number of minor changes in single or several different contexts can result in dramatic changes in society that can influence people in sweeping ways and in epidemic proportions, which is evident when he says “in a given process or system some people matter more than others.” (Gladwell, p.19). He also writes that “the success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts.” (Gladwell, p.33). Gladwell has divided such gifted people into three sections, the connectors, mavens, and the salespersons. He refers to connectors as “sprinkled among every walk of life… are a handful of people with a truly extraordinary knack of making friends and acquaintances (Gladwell, p. 41). Connectors’ ability “to span many different worlds is a function of something intrinsic to their personality, some combination of curiosity, self-confidence, sociability, and energy.” (Gladwell, p.49). They can be present in different worlds and can take advantage of benefits from them. The author writes that the word Maven is derived from Yiddish which refers to people who accumulate knowledge. “The fact that Mavens want to help, for no other reason than because they like to help, turns out to be an effective way of getting someone’s attention.” (Gladwell, p.67). He refers to salesmen as a group that have the skills to persuade people when they are not convinced about what they hear. Gladwell goes on to further depict Tom Gau who is a salesman and has extraordinary qualities which are powerful and like being contagious and tempting to the extent that one can understand more than what he attempts to explain. Such qualities in him make people agree with him for whatever he says which is because of the enthusiasm, amiability, and many more qualities that he exudes. The author further gathers empirical data about ideas and does not just rely on making assumptions about determining quality or stickiness as referred to by him. He has cited examples relating to instances whereby assumptions have been related to the given data, “Kids don’t watch when they are stimulated and look away when they are bored. They watch when they understand and look away when they are confused.” (Gladwell, p.102). He asserts that kids also look for awareness and predictability. This is why Barney videos lose favor with children when they realize that predictability weighs less as compared to uniqueness. The book is praiseworthy for the