ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Throughout the history of McDonald’s development as the most successful fast food corporation in the entire world, it is very easy to identify a variety of business strategy implementations that have proven to work. However, how did MacDonald’s exactly achieve such success? The company has a variety of strengths: is shares the largest part of the food market in the world with a brand recognition estimated at approximately forty billion dollars. It is also known worldwide for its memorable advertising. Although, to properly analyze the company’s strategy, it is also important to recognize its weaknesses. McDonald’s is aware of its main weakness, the negative publicity. The company is criticized for offering unhealthy food to the customers which contributes to the increased obesity rates. Another weakness is the employee turnover which contributes to the lower performance of the workers that are paid minimum wage and have low-qualified jobs. Favorable geographical approach The major bulk of the successful business strategy in McDonald’s is based on the geographical approach. Offering products that are relevant to a specific area on the globe gives the company a major competitive advantage in the field. For example, in India, where the consumption of beef is quite low, McDonald’s offers a lower selection of products that contain beef, compared, for example, with European countries. With the help of the geographical approach, McDonald’s not only caters to the specific needs of various populations but also pursues the ‘maximum local development’ of the products. However, the standards that every McDonald’s product should have are the same everywhere. This means that the company is able to serve the needs of the niche at the same time with sustaining its standards and cost-effectiveness. Up-to-date with the current trends Another strong point when it comes to the competitive advantage of McDonald’s is being up-to-date with the current trends. For instance, the Happy Meals that cater to children ar
Takeda is a company operating in more than 70 countries around the world, in Japan, the USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, and has more than 230 years of history. The company’s pharmaceutical products are sold in over 100 countries around the world. As Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company and one of the world leaders in the field, Takeda is committed to improving the health of patients around the world and enhancing their quality of life through leading drug innovation. Again, it should be emphasized that the Japanese company Takeda is one of the largest manufacturers of prescription drugs. Such a significant result did not become a reason for the company to rest on its laurels – Takeda is actively developing: it creates innovative medicines and expands its presence in the global pharmaceutical market, both geographically and in therapeutic terms. As part of its global strategy, the company pays special attention to doing business in emerging markets to increase the availability of modern innovative drugs for residents of the respective countries (Takeda, 2021b). The history of Takeda goes back to the days when samurai valor and the code of honor. It was founded in 1781 by the descendant of the legendary samurai family Chobei Takeda I, who opened a small shop in Osaka specializing in the sale of traditional Japanese and Chinese medicines. The liberalization of Japan’s foreign economic policy in the second half of the 19th century became a powerful impetus for business development. In 1871, Chobei Takeda IV organized and headed a cooperative importing Western medicines. The company supplied Japan with quinine, an antimalarial drug, and drugs for cholera (Takeda, 2021a). At the initial stage, imports were organized with the participation of Western companies, but Takeda developed, and in 1895, direct imports of drugs from the UK, USA, Germany, etc., began. This made it possible, in a few years, to conclude an agreement on the exclusive distribution of medicines from the German company Bayer throughout Japan. The junction of the XIX and XX centuries was defining for the company. It was then that there was a reorientation to innovative drugs, first of Western production and then of our own. So, the company opened the first plant for the production of drugs and then – a research unit that developed sedatives, analgesics, and injectable forms of D-glucose. In 1925, Chobei Takeda V established Chobei Takeda & Co., Ltd., which was another step towards the creation of a large, integrated, innovative research and manufacturing company. She not only strengthened her position in the market of the Land of the Rising Sun but also began exporting her own medicines to China and the USA (Takeda, 2021a). Rebuilding the business after World War II
The study of the historical context is essential for any research, devoted to any particular occasion of regional significance. The fact is that, history as a science is not just the collection of facts and dates, but it is the system of events, each having its background and consequences. In the case of the study of the fall of Saigon, it is necessary to mention, that the research of the historical background would add to the significance of the study, as the objective of the Cold War aggravations are still the burning issues of the history of 20 th century. It should be emphasized, that the study of the background and the surrounding circumstances frequently assist in gathering the whole image of the situation, which is of the primary importance for any study, but not just historical. In the case of the Fall of Saigon, the matter of personal stories may be rather helpful for the thorough study. The personal stories often appear to be rather touching, and help to feel the tragedy of the event. The image of the people, escaping form their own country because of the fear of possible repressions reveals the fact that the Communist powers seemed very cruel and ruthless. In the conclusion, it is necessary to emphasize, that the books, offered as the central resources for the paper. There is no doubt that the Fall of Saigon had caused a great impact on its citizens. The panic that arose during the Fall of Saigon suggests the impacts on the citizens, as thousands desperately search for ways to flee their country. These two sources make strong accent on the suffering of the people, who lost their homes because of the immense ambitions of two Superpowers. The lives of the citizens were impacted immensely, they were controlled by the fear, and nothing could stop most of them. The Vietnamese used every opportunity possible to escape from the approaching communist forces: they addressed the US embassy, asked American military forces to take them to the USA. The airports were overfilled, and in order not to overload the plains, people were allowed to take the minimum of the luggage. The mothers, keeping their babies, children and old men getting lost in the crowd… These images are the best for clear realization of the Fall. The sources were aimed to be written in t
Introduction The invention of cheaper means of mining shale natural gas has resulted in an increase in production of gas in the U.S. With the availability of shale gas in large quantities, consumers consider substituting their energy needs with power generated from gas. Coal is still considered the leading source of energy used by industries. There are possibilities of natural gas acting as a substitute in many areas such as residential and transportation sectors. Kinder Morgan (KMI) indicates an investment activity cash flow of over $5 billion in 2012. There are projections that the company may grow by 153.1% in the current year. KMI represents the highest growth among the three competitors under consideration. TransCanada invested a large amount in 2010. Earnings per share (EPS) for both companies are almost similar. Spectra Energy indicates high EPS rates than its competitors. Spectra Energy is expected to grow at a lower rate than the other two competitors. The political environment indicates great concern over pollution. Policies put in place are likely to encourage the generation and consumption of renewable energy (EIA 2012). The government is likely to prolong a tax credit of about 30% to corporations that generate renewable green energy. Consumers will be required to use more energy efficient devices that will result in a decrease in energy consumed. Political parties are associated with a particular trend of voting. Republicans may prefer increased production and consumption. China and India are expected to account for 50% of the increase in energy demand in the long-run (EIA 2012). The export of gas in the U.S. is expected to increase. The rate of increase of production exceeds the rate of growth in consumption. Imports in fossil fuel are expected to decrease until 2019 when the cost of production in U.S. increases. Canada may resume as the main exporter of fossil fuel to the U.S. after 2019. Methodology/literature review Porter’s Five Forces have been used for industry analysis in the oil & gas transportation industry. Grundy (2006) discusses that Porter’s five forces simplifies micro-economic theory. It has been used to “predict the long-run rate of returns in the particular industry” (Grundy 2006, p. 215). Its factors are interdependent with other factors such that it fills the gap between PEST and SWOT analysis (Arons & Waalewijn n.d. p. 3). New entrants c
Decision making is an important part in an organization and the process need to be procedural and driven in a slow pace. This ensures that no negative implications arise when the whole process is executed or when the effects have already been felt by the organization and the environment. Critical thinking helps in the elimination of this possibility and any proposed decisions that may be part of a solution is well implemented. Because of the operational and management problems that ANC is experiencing in Kava, various decisions which are part of the solutions have already been indentified. The solutions were identified through the use of the brainstorming decision making model. The given solutions were arrived at after an inductive process, sound judgment and use of logic was applied on a list of the possible solutions. However, the implementation of the solutions in an organization may be hard. This is because not every stakeholder agrees with the solutions and some may require a lot of resources to be effective. As part of the assignment, the paper identifies various factors that affect the decision implementation in an organization in regard to the proposed solutions. Implementation of decisions that may be part of a proposed solution is usually affected by several factors some which may be external or internal. ANC Company is no exception and several factors that may affect have been determined. The solutions given are mainly human management related and one of the factors that need to be considered is support of the ANC employees and respective stakeholders. Decision implementation requires the involvement of all parties involved in the running of an organization. Jones (2005) notes that sharing information forms part of the implementation process which encourages team responsibility. If for instances, the workers are not included and various stakeholders, there can rise issues of strikes, stoppages and protest that may paint a bad picture or tarnish the company’s public image. This is used to counter any from of resistance that may arise in the implementation of the solutions. The option of whether there are available alternatives to the solutions or decisions being implemented should also be put into consideration. For example, human resource management or the issue of corporate social responsibility requires options to ensure that the proper way is followed. Through planning the process of implementing the decisions or solutions may be delayed because of the options assessment. So as to ensure that successful implementation is arrived at, consideration needs to be put on the options available to avoid choosing the wrong option. Jones (2005) suggests that the likely impacts of the decision made should be relayed to all stakeholders together with possible alternatives. This prepares them participants from any surprises or shock that may affect the implementation of the solution. Organizations should consider the cost involved in the imp
Marcus Furius Camillus is the Roman leader and military hero who managed to triumph for times. The Roman statesman is also considered the second founder of Rome. Augustus is the first founder of the Roman Empire. Therefore, leaders could be regarded as the founders of the Roman Empire. Hence, during the reign of Augustus, the Romans experienced the peaceful existence for over two centuries despite the continuous expansion of the emperor. The wisdom of the Roman Emperor consisted in his ability to favor expansion policy with no harm to the Roman population. In his book, Augustus mentioned, “I made the sea peaceful and freed it of pirates” (section 25 n. p.). Hence, the Roman ruler managed to establish allegiance with Spanish, Gallic, and African governments. Unlike Augustus, Camillus was known as a tyrant who captured the Rome through violence and war. Acknowledged as a military leader, the Roman Senators appointed Marcus as the dictator to confront the Gauls. Despite his image of a violent and aggressive leader, Camillus managed to negotiate with Brennus, the Gallic leader, and made him leave Rome. The day after, the Gauls returned with refreshed army, but were defeated by Camillus. As a result, the Roman soldier was later appointed as Roman Emperor and was known as the dictator who reigned for the longest period. In the book, Livy refers to these events to emphasize the courage of the Roman leader: “…a general, selected by the fates, both for destruction of that city, and the preservation of his native country, Marcus Furius Camillus, was nominated dictator” (pg 475). The Roman Senate recognized the powerful tactics of fearless soldier although his violent attitude to the people was not welcomed. Both leaders brightly expressed their commitment to the welfare of Roman people and Italy. In this respect, Augustus is also known as the one who donated land, grain, and money to the Romans to improve their welfare. While enumerating his achievements, Augustus specifically refers to success in war and foreign policies and states, “the whole of Italy of its own free will swore allegiance to me and demanded me as the leader in the war” (sec. 25 n. p.). The first Roman Emperor reconciled conflicts on his territory and restored the stability in the country. He also received various awards and honors, which were represented in historic documents. The official title was among the highest honors assigned to a Roman. Unlike Augustus, Camillus’s achievements were less recognized among the Roman people. This is of particular concern to his return to the Capitolium. The Romans were not
Introduction International Business has been written by Charles W. L. Hill. This book is not only inspiring but it is also quite enlightening. The author has a Ph.D. in industrial economics from the University of Manchester’s Institute of science and Technology. He has a vast base of knowledge in teaching. This combined with his excellent skills in writing and global consulting has put him in good stead to write this book which a master piece is touching on numerous issues in international business. The book has tried to explain the interlocking relationships between such factors as the various economic theories, government policies, business strategies, organizational structures etc. in influencing the global economy. The author has maintained a detailed integration of the various chapters where great emphasis is laid upon the decision-making implications of every topic that the book covers. This paper will specifically restrain itself to highlighting the most relevant issues covered in the various chapters. International Trade Theory Several theories about inward Foreign Direct Investment have been advanced. These include; Vernon’s Product Cycle theory, however, the following has also been extensively discussed, Mercantilism, absolute advantage, Comparative advantage, opportunity cost, terms of trade, gains to trade etc. (Charles, 2008) This paper will however restrict itself to looking at some theories which have been conceptualized and advanced in relation to inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Internalization theory This theory was conceptualized by Buckley and Casson (1976). It largely basis its argument by inferring that licensing possesses three main disadvantages when it comes to consolidating and making good use of discovered foreign markets. These disadvantages are as follows;  1. It reasons out that investing firms stand the risk of transferring vital knowledge, skills and even machinery to potential offshore business rivals.  2. It also hold the view that through licensing a firms ability to control such vital areas as manufacturing, marketing and strategizing for profit maximization is restricted.  3. This theory also reasons out that licensing posses a great challenge to a firm when its competitive advantage is less dependent on its products but rather on its management or marketing strategies. By and by, internalization theory is a relative analytical way of scrutinizing the behavior of Multinational firms. Internalization theory enhances the scrutiny of the competence and helpfulness of different mechanisms that a state can put in place so as to organize o manage financially viable self supporting relationships in international trade. Rugman (1976) and (1979) have made it quite obvious that Multinational firms have the benefit of accruing a stable flow of income than indigenous firms of comparable size, and are also able to scheme for better industrial conditions in foreign countries. Having read quite extensively about this theory, I must confess that I am in concurrence with most of the views expressed about about the effects of licensing and impacts of multinationals
Alabarran, Chan-Olmsted and Wirth (2006, 275) believe that media management stands alone as a distinct field of management for two major reasons. The first reason is the unique position that media organizations as well as their output occupy in the cultural and political life of societies and nations where they operate in (Cook 1998, 122; Sparrow 1999, 46; Golding & Murdock 2005, 68). Croteau and Hoynes (2001, 54) and Mcchesney (2008, 44) believe that media organizations have the capacity, and in some situations, the obligation to influence the cultural and political behaviours, attitudes as well as opinions of audiences. The second reason is its economic position. Media organizations produce products which are quite different from products offered by businesses in other industries. (Napoli 2003a, 106) states that media organizations produce content which are distributed to audiences as well as audiences to be distributed to advertisers. (Hamilton 2004, 11) confirms that it is these products, content and audiences, which make the media to have distinct economic characteristics that distinguish the media industry from other industries across the globe. It is these economic distinctive characteristics that require managers of media companies to have specialized training as well as specialized understanding of the unique dynamics of the industry’s marketplace so as to be able to make effective managerial decisions and strategic plans (Herrick 2004, 102). This paper discusses how content and audiences have affected the structures of media organizations. Content and audience have significant influence on various political and cultural issues in the society. Therefore media organizations have to focus on the core of the businesses while serving the information needs of the audiences (Barkin 2002, 168). However, the increasing competition in the market among media companies has created intense competition for audience attention. This has largely been caused by the increased channel capacity of different forms traditional media, television and radio, as well as the growth of content delivery technologies such as the internet and Direct Broadcast Satellite. Napoli (2003b, 64) says that these factors have fragmented the media audience such that it has become quite a challenge for one media outlet to attract significant audiences. Where there was once two international television networks, CNN and BBC, there are several of them nowadays including CNBC, CNN, BBC, FOX News, Al-Jazeera, MSNBC as well as numerous other regional and national television channels. Alabarran, Chan-Olmsted and Wirth (2006, 284) report that an average home receives more than a hundred television channels which is also supplemented by content from the internet. However, the huge increase in the content options available to audiences has not been accompanied by increase in the amount
Customer relationship management (CRM) is a notion that refers to the framework of technologies, strategies, and practices businesses employ for managing and analyzing interactions with customers. The key goal of CRM implementation is improving relationships with clients, driving the growth of the business, and facilitating retention. Companies use CRM systems to collect information about customers across a variety of channels – emails, telephone calls, social media, market survey, etc. This report will focus on the implementation of CRM system in Fly Emirates, one of the largest aviation corporations in the world. Company Background Established in 1985, Fly Emirates is currently operating one of the biggest fleets that includes Boeings 777s and Airbuses A380s. The company positions itself as customer-oriented, so its target strategy is providing luxurious, safe, and comfortable flying experiences to its customers ( About Emirates , n.d.). Serving clients worldwide, Fly Emirates offers transportation services, in-flight entertainment and air catering, luxurious first class lounges in airports, as well as other accommodations. Therefore, the key business strategy of the company is to establish itself as a reliable air transportation service provider that offers its clients unique and luxurious travel experiences. Immaculate communication and customer retention are of the highest importance for the company, so the management makes sure to invest time, efforts, and funds into developing efficient Customer relationship management systems that will help gather more information about loyal and potential customers and facilitate the decision-making process in the company. CRM Implementation: Advantages and Limitations The key elements of CRM with regards to Fly Emirates airlines include marketing automation, customer service, and the automation of the sales force. CRM systems used by the company are characterized by central databases that store key information about customers, client data analysis tools and customer self-service, as well as the identification of prospective customers and up-to-date reporting. As implemented by Fly Emirates, Customer relationship management systems provide a range of benefits varying from assessing customer requirements to the ability to create a unified service platform that will specifically target the needs of the company’s clients. One of the key advantages of CRM systems used in Fly Emirates is the increase in yearly revenue and the number of loyal customers. By keeping track of current customer profiles that have already received air transport services provided by the compa