ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
This memo refers to a particular business (Starbucks) and its structure, as well as descriptions of other business structures that will help investors take a better decision. It will also help them see the affects the structure will have on the organization’s culture and work ethics. Starbucks Starbucks, the famous coffee house, set up its first outlet in the 1970s in Seattle. It is famous for importing the finest coffee beans to deliver superior quality to its customers. As its popularity increased, Starbucks opened up outlets all over the United States and then finally became a public limited company in the 1990s. Starbucks entered the market of the United Kingdom in 1998, with its head office in Chiswick in South West London. Starbucks now has over 15000 outlets all over the world and has added other beverages to its menu. Why Starbucks? Starbucks is a successful brand today. It is unique and ever-growing. Starbucks pays a lot of attention to quality of inputs (the coffee beans and the labor) as well as quality of its output. The good thing about this brand is that besides quality, it also gives a lot of importance to its customers to ensure their satisfaction. Its stores are designed in a way that helps people relax and break free from their stressful, everyday routines. The History of Starbucks Bowker, Baldwin and Siegl set up the first Starbucks store in 1971 in Seattle. Starbucks became a public limited company in 1992. Since then, the business expanded to various areas of the United States, and eventually outside it as well. Starbucks formed partnerships with companies such as Pepsi and Dreyer that enabled it to diversify into other areas namely Frappuccino and ice cream. After a major overseas expansion, Starbucks is now also involved in the business of music and film making. Legal Structure of Starbucks In 1992, Starbucks carried out its initial public offering (IPO) and became a public limited company. It was after this that Starbucks opened up outlets in places outside the United States. It now has various business alliances and joint ventures with other companies who have helped it add diversity to its menu (Clayton, 2004). Advantages of a Public Limited Company   * Shares can be easily traded on the stock exchange   * Easy acce
Introduction To extend the market reach, international companies engage in strategic alliances of two or more parties that share markets, intellectual properties, knowledge, resources, and revenue. Such business partnerships are called international joint ventures (JVs) that constitute the most challenging concept among various inter-organizational relations. The firms across the globe form joint ventures as a long-term collaborative strategy. However, they face complex and multiple internal inter-organizational relationships. This essay will examine the main intercultural and inter-organizational pitfalls posed by joint ventures and the solutions that help companies gain a competitive edge with successful joint venture tactics. The Major Challenges in Forming International JVs One of the most critical and problematic aspects of managing international joint ventures is the corporate relationship between the joint venture partners. More specifically, as two different companies decide to join their forces with dissimilar strategic interests and objectives, they might engage in inter-partner conflict. The latter can also be enhanced by cross-cultural distinctions, the different strategic expectations of the alliance, and dissonant internal structures and organizational processes of both partner enterprises. As a result, the overall establishment of international JVs is challenged by unbalanced partners’ ties, venture instability, and performance concerns. Additionally, inter-partner trust also impedes a venture’s performance and the impact of external institutional environments in which the companies operate. Nora-Sakari Case This business case represents the proposed joint venture agreement between a Malaysian company, Nora Holdings Sdn Bhd (Nora), and Sakari Oy (Sakari), a Finnish conglomerate. The core motives behind forming this international JV implied that Nora aimed to expand and diversify its current business by integrating new technology. Sakari, in turn, intended to apply switching technology to new markets and obtain market knowledge. However, their strategic negotiations have failed due to cultural differences, management style discrepancies, and the fundamental incompetence of both firms to compromise (Bartlett and Beamish, 2018). Moreover, the underlying problems of unsuccessful joint venture agreement were equity ownership, technology transfer, royalty payment, expatriate’s compensation and benefits, and arbitration. Resolution of JVs’ Issues Based on the above-mention case, the companies must develop strategic agility for a more efficient and profitable approach to managing international joint ventures. More particularly, the firms must formulate strong “strategic sensitivity, leadership unity, and resource fluidity” (Debellis et al., 2020, p. 2). Therefore, joint venture parties must be agile enough to develop
Introduction The definition of design usually depends on the field that the definition applies. This is not very strange given the differences in opinion regarding the fundamental components of design. Design as a function applies to the fashion industry as well as to the manufacturing industry. This function is also vital in the software industry as well as architecture. This explains why it is almost impossible to find a single definition for use across different fields. On the other hand, design thinking is becoming the uniting thread that ties all the design approaches found in different fields. This refers to the approach, rather than the specific methods that designers use to develop design options. This paper explores the implications of design thinking to businesses. The fundamental inquiry that this paper deals with is whether marketers can benefit from design thinking. To achieve this, the paper examines design approaches and methods in order demonstrate their relevance to business. Design Approaches and Methods Design thinking is the overall philosophy that guides designers regardless of their fields. The first element of design thinking is that it focuses on people. The goal of design is to provide solution to various problems that people face. This means that any item that comes from a designer’s desk must meet the functional requirements needed to meet consumer needs. However, the designer must also think about how people will interact with the product. This aspect is called “emotional design”. Engineers use ergonomics to ensure that final designs are pleasant and suitable to use, while software designers use concept like intuitive design to make software products easy to use. The second element that governs design thinking is message. This concept arises from the realization that people interact with products, not just as functional items, but also as extensions of themselves. In this sense, people want products that feel right. People interact with products as an intimate part of their lives. The products send out a message about them to the wider community. For instance, the clothes people wear determine how people look at them. Designers must ensure that whatever they design sends out the message that the customers want. Lawyers want suits that project power and self-confidence, while musicians want attires that demand attention and brand them as musicians. The third element of design thinking is achieving balance between the art of design, and the science of design. The art of design refers to the freedom of thought, and the evaluation of possibilities in relation to a specific design process. The science of design ensures that the design options meet the constraints of a design project. Design thinking requires setting aside considerable time to explore the possibilities, and then subjecting these possibilities to extensive analysis to determine whether it is possible to turn them into real products. Design thinking is a disciplined process that has multiple manifest
Introduction We live in a world where people constantly deal with intense sorrow and unhappiness caused by the loss of a loved one, especially by death or other life changing events such as divorce and termination from work among others. According to psychologists, there is no universal way of expressing grief, as everyone’s experience is influenced by factors such as personal values, cultural background, family setting, life experiences, and inherent beliefs among others (Giannopoulou, Bitsakou, Ralli, Chatzis, & Papadatou, 2018). For example, talking about death is often treated as a taboo element in most societies. This makes it hard for some people to recover from the trauma of experiencing the death of a family member or close friend because they tend to internalize the whole experience. Grief counseling is a form of therapy, which helps people deal with different forms of responses when they experience loss (Giannopoulou et al., 2018). According to psychologists, dealing with death of a loved one often has spiritual, emotional, physical, and social effects on people. Some of the notable signs of someone experiencing grief include withdrawal, crying, anger, as well as feelings of helplessness and regret (Enns, 2018). Most people consider it appropriate, when a grieving person holds him or herself from crying. Grief becomes a counseling issue in situations where the grieving process faces interruptions that leave several crucial elements unresolved for a prolonged period. Discussion Grief counseling is very important, especially to people that are often overwhelmed by loss that disables their coping process. One advantage of grief counseling is the fact that it helps one to express his or her emotions, as well as the reasons for feeling sad, lonely, and isolated following a loss (Worden, 2018). Through counseling, a grieving person is empowered to think consciously through the loss they are experiencing, the possible changes and challenges that might follow, as well as viable copping mechanisms they can apply. Psychologists also argue that grief counseling is necessary for people that suffer from anticipatory grief (Worden, 2018). This often happens to someone who has a loved one going through an experience such as a terminal illness that easily result in death. Such people are highly vulnerable to suffering health conditions such as depression because the daily exposure to the suffering of a loved one and their inevitable death can be too overwhelming. Psychologists argue that whenever someone starts to feel guilty and helpless over a situation they have little or no control over, then the time is right for them to seek professional help from a grief counselor (Enns, 2018). Another ad
Gender may be defined as psychological condition and state that identifies a person as either male or female. Generally, the interaction between hormones and behavior determines gender identity to some extent. This paper will evaluate and discuss some of the relationships between hormones and human behavior. Again, the paper will analyze some of the ways through which the interaction and relationship between hormones and behavior determine gender identity. There will also be a discussion about the roles played by biological and environmental factors in human behavior. This will be followed by an evaluation of the role of nature and nurture in determination of human characteristics and sexual differentiation. Finally, the paper will evaluate and analyze sexual identity in relation to biopsychology (Eagly and Wood, 2013). Relationship between hormones and behaviors Various researchers have established that there is a close relationship between endocrine hormones and human behavior (Eagly and Wood, 2013). For example, growth hormones are usually responsible for determining how people grow, while sexual hormones such as gonads and hormones produced by the ovaries influence sexual behaviors. This is a testament to the fact that most sexual behaviors of females are usually evident during the estrus cycle. In addition, the testosterone hormone in males is usually responsible for the development of male sex characteristics. However, female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone do not play a great role in the fetal sexual differentiation. Furthermore, the male sex hormone known as the androgen is mainly responsible for the development of male external reproductive organs (Eagly and Wood, 2013). A hormone is a chemical substance that circulates in the body, which has influence on behavior and physiology. Most hormones that affect behavior are usually located in the brain although their effects are felt in various body parts. Generally, these hormones influence various behaviors such as cognitive, emotional and sexual behaviors. Nevertheless, major hormones in the body are found in the nervous system and the endocrine system (Coleman and Hong, 2008). Various scholars argue that the main difference between female and male brain development usually depends on the sex of the person and the gender identity. For example, studies on brain structure and functioning reveal that prenatal exposure of male children to androgen hormone slows down the growth of the left hemisphere of the brain (Coleman and Hong, 2008). Again, researches provide that the right hemisphere is responsible for most characteristics and abilities of male children and adults, mainly because the male sex hormone is associated with development of the right hemisphere of the brain. This also indicates why male students mainly show characteristics such as mathematical talents that are located in the right hemisphere. On the other hand, the female sex hormone estrogen is responsible for the development of the left hemisphere of the brain. This is why characteristics that this part of the brain is responsible for, such as the
Introduction Globalization is the current issue making waves around the world. The trend towards globalization is simply awesome especially in the third world countries. Over the years, some economists have expressed their views in support of globalization while others, have criticized it. However, with due respect accorded both parties over their respective opinions, it is worthy of note here that globalization is an issue that has come to stay particularly with the trend towards it. (Duiker, 306) In his book “The world is flat,” Thomas Friedman argues in favor of what he calls “The Dell Theory of conflict prevention.” But William Duiker, who is also a writer, thinks differently. Duiker believes the trend towards globalization may be offset by a simultaneous trend towards fragmentation. This argumentative essay is written in favor of Thomas Friedman’s hypothesis which he calls “The Dell theory of conflict prevention.” In the course of this essay, Thomas Friedman’s book “The world is flat” will be summarized and explained to support the argument. Lastly, in the concluding part of the essay, it will be shown how globalization is greatly taking over the world. In developing and developed countries respectively, the issue of globalization is of top priority as no country in the world wants to be left behind. The trend towards Globalization There is barely a country or nation in the present world which has not joined the trend towards globalization or intends to be a part of it in the nearest future. In this 21 st century when the world is classified or termed as a global village, global governors, super powers of the world and international organizations like, the United Nations, (UN) European Union, (EU) and the African Union, (AU) are not resting in their campaigns to take globalization to the next level. (Duiker, 712) The present world is a highly technological advanced world. Virtually everything in our daily lives is connected to one technology or the other. In the health sector, highly advanced technical tools are used to perform neuron surgeries, plastic surgeries and treat diseases of different kinds. In terms of education, schools have launched websites and portals which enable students pay school fees on the internet from anywhere in the world. There is also an immense improvement in the communication sector as new devices are invented thus making communication easier and cheaper. Today, people communicate through different mediums like, phones and the internet which records a tremendous 20 million users daily. In the agricultural sector, agric products are processed into baked foods and beverages. All these and more are made possible and easy through technological advancement. (Duiker, 432) Even in farming, technological equipments enable agricultural systems like; irrigation, cross breeding and rearing of animals or live stocks. The aforementioned examples explain why there is a trend towards globalization and the reader will agree with me that, our every day lives are influenced and made easy due to the advancement in technology. As the world advances so does the
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is the top performer in the international banking industry and is one of the biggest world’s banking institutions. This multinational corporation currently employs over 150,000 of workers all over the world and operates in more than 40 countries ( RBS, 2015). It maintains its reputation as a top player at the global financial service market with the world class services provided to its customers. RBS is remarkable for the excellent leadership practices and governing strategy enabling the corporation to handle the changes and challenges that take place in the industry. This paper aims at the evaluation of the RBS organization sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Since 1727, RBS has been a top performer in the provision of financial services in Europe. Today, this international banking corporation with the headquarters in Edinburg, Scotland has become a leader in the industry all over the world. Through the major subsidiaries Royal Bank, Ulster Bank, Coutts, and Nar West, RBS successfully works in the number of the largest financial markets including Europe, Asia, and America (Kemal, 2011). As a leading financial service provider, RBS does not only ensure the achievement of higher revenue for its offered services, but above everything, profitability. In 2014, RBS operational profit was at the rate of £3,503 million ( RBS sustainability , 2014). At that, the leverage ratio was 4.2% and the net interest margin was 2.23%. All these variables considerably exceeded the results of the previous year demonstrating the success of the company operational decisions. RBS financial priorities are (1) strengthening the capital position, (2) bringing the cost base in line with the smaller banks being acquired; and (3) restructuring away from the olden “Group” business model ( RBS sustainability , 2014). With the recent economic recession, RBS implemented new policies to its business with an objective to manage uncertainty at the market. The bank has developed new elemental management approaches and leadership innovations to ensure adaptability to the change ( RBS, 2015). Understanding that the major organizations providing financial services have to initiate change addressing the problems connected with uncertainty at the market, and not doing so would only lead to their disadvantage in the future, RBS has gone through a row of organizational changes within the recent period (Rose & Hudgins, 2010). To maintain the level of profitabil
Is the Korean film industry focused on the reflection of the issues connected to the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer)? One of the most widespread features of the Korean movie industry is the abundance of the sexual and sometimes vulgar episodes. The reason for creating the movies with gay or lesbians is that the LGBTQ are facing some challenges and discrimination in the country. The drama The King and the Clown reflects the relationships to gays in the society. The film is about the connection between the jester and the king. A good-looking jester magnetized the king. However, it should be stressed that the movie does not show provocative scenes. Gong-gil has a talent for being an actor. Being on the half way to execution, he managed to satisfy the king and enter new adventures full of candid performances, and love. How the modern Korean movie industry reflects the attitude towards gay? There is no common idea regarding the attitude towards gays in Korea. As the matter of fact, the society in the country is more conservative, and the vast majority of older people are sure that the increasing number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer is the result of the influence of the progressive Western countries. According to the recent researches, most of the children keep their sexual orientation in secret from parents. The topic received the highest popularity nowadays, and that is, is reflected in the movie production. However, it worth stating that gays and lesbians are the essential part of the Korean history. The problematic nature of the issue is discovered in the movie Hello My Love . Hyo-Jung is a scenario writer. She waits for her boyfriend to return from France where he spent two years. Having long-lasting relationships, Hyo-Jung expects her boyfriend to make a proposal. However, Won-Jae comes back not alone. Dong-hwa is his new love. Hyo-Jung was shocked but aims to save friendships. After the public discovered their secret, the friends lose the connection. At the end of the movie, they meet again, and there is a hint that there is a possibility for the gay relationship to continue. The movie proves that the public opinion matters and influences the life of people who cannot handle or change their sexual orientation in a significant way. What is an attitude towards gay people in Korea and how is it reflected in the film industry? There are not so many ways for a gay to meet a partner. In Korea, all the gay bars and clubs are hidden, as it is believed to be not acceptable from the point of view of the society. The connection with the LGBT groups is weak (Shaw par. 7). Discrimination became a significant issue in the Korean community. As the matter of fact, the movie production usually reflects every process that is going on in the country. Hello My Love proves that not everyone is ready to accept homosexuality as a normal phenomenon. The opinion of the society can destroy relationships as it happened in the movie. However, the movie makes a hint that maybe in future gays will have equal rights, will be resp
Retail sales refer to the sum total of all receipts that go to those who sell merchandise and other consumer goods. Retail sales cover a wide range of consumer goods, both durable and non-durable. Economists monitor retail sales because they are primary indicators of trends in consumer expenditures over time. In the U.S., for example, retail sales account for approximately half of the total expenditure by consumers (Krugman, 2009). In addition, it can be used in planning for output as it gives an indication of which products the citizens’ demand more. Online trading has a number of difficulties as far as the measurement of economic activity is concerned. First, products that can be delivered online, such as computer programs and updates are difficult to classify as either exports or imports and are usually recorded (Deepeshree & Agarwal, 2006). An individual in Australia can buy software in Germany online without the knowledge of the relevant authorities. Similarly, retail prices indicated online exclude freight costs, and it may be difficult to know the actual price paid by the consumer. In addition, since the individual retailers have access to the online trading database, they can engage in malpractices such as tax evasion and tax avoidance by giving incorrect information.