ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Review of Marketing Goals and Objectives Jamie’s Italian as a network of restaurants was launched around the strategic goals of broadening the geographical scope and creating a clients’ multinational population. The goals of expanding geographically and pursuing the building of a celebrity-led gastronomy brand were initially prioritized. However, as the latest collapse of Jamie Oliver’s UK-based restaurants occurred, the functioning restaurants are aimed at maintaining business performance despite debts (Farrell, 2018). Remaining fresh and relevant to the audience are the goals that drive the internal culture of the company and influence the marketing strategies. Review of Current Marketing Strategy and Performance The disruption in the international restaurant chain induced a shift in the marketing strategies of Australian restaurants. In the traditions of postmodern marketing, Jamie Oliver’s marketing strategy is developed around his personal brand and an image of an icon whose popularity and expertise contribute to the company’s performance (Schneyer, n. d.). According to Rossolatos (2019), Oliver’s strategy of using Italy and Italian cuisine as the displaced brand allows for reaching more market segments and building a global brand. Since the main reasons for the collapse of the UK business were “food costs, rising rent, stiffening competition and changing consumer habits,” these are the issues that are addressed within the current marketing strategy and performance (Smith, 2019, para. 12). Review of Current and Anticipated Organizational Resources The firm’s current organizational resources are limited due to the collapse in the UK. As research shows, the restaurant chain owner contributed his personal assets to assist his business (Smith, 2019). Although the Australian facilities operate in the usual mode, the effects on the brand’s image might be observed in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to review the resource-related strategy to maintain Australia-based restaurants’ current level of performance. Review of Current and Anticipated Cultural and Structural Issues Overall, as derived from the brand and celebrity image, the corporate culture is favorable and contributes to the firm’s popularity among various segments of the target market. The quality of food, the emphasis on Italian cuisine traditions, and the affordability of restaurants services at Jamie Oliver’s fir
Google has a code of conduct that guides intellectual property governance. In their general guideline, the term “Don’t be evil” is meant to help Google users to serve their clients by meeting their needs by offering them with best products, without any barrier to information access. In summary, it involves acting right; making use of their quality employees to act ethically in every arena. They also act by the principle of trust and mutual respect for the property owners. This is accomplished by the policy of free information to all in a respectable manner without personal infringement. However, Google considers its trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents as the most useful assets they own. This means that any unauthorized application of the above may cause the company big losses. It, therefore, follows that for any intention to use them, a marketing team must approve the user. Possible Issues and risks of intellectual property protection in China The theft of intellectual property in China is considered to be at its highest level compared to other nations. According to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, China presents a scenario where foreign companies can sell various products such as media and software that wholly rely on intellectual property are never paid for because of such cases as piracy (Gohring, 2010). It is stated that Microsoft is one of the foreign companies that have borne the wrath of intellectual property theft (Gohring, 2010). Furthermore, the fact that China has been known for many years as a country thriving in the outsourcing business, with foreign companies outsource like Microsoft, Motorola, IBM, etc taking the lead as companies that have followed this Chinese trend. However, intellectual property theft is proving tricky for these companies, as they are now engaging their research and development in their attempt to manufacture on their own (Clark & Kennedy, 2005). Google China and theft of intellectual property Since it entered the Chinese market in 2005, Google China has struggled to deal with the intellectual property controversy. The controversy surrounds the problems that emanate from the intellectual property that the Chinese government felt that the company has been breaching the law by their unfiltered contents in the search engine (Staff, 2010). Google found out that its security measures on intellectual property were being attacked by a ‘highly sophisticated network’, thereby leading up to the theft of its intellectual property (Staff, 2010). Google’s
Major Facts Many companies relocate their manufacturing facilities to emerging economies for production cost reduction. Supply chain finance is the process of collaboration with partners, which allows reducing costs. Through this process, a company’s executives can optimize their financial resources. According to ACAA (2014), reverse factoring “allows a supplier to receive a discounted payment of an invoice due to be paid by a buyer” (p. 7). The process allows third-party manufacturers to finance their manufacturing for a particular company by acquiring money from banks. In this way, the invoice is paid on the due date, while the manufacturer has resources for operations. Major Problem Risks include supply chain resilience and sensitivity to internal factors. According to ACAA (2014), such an issue exists because third-party manufacturers are responsible for the production of essential components. Thus, problems with such a company would affect the rest of the chain, failing to develop a product. Additionally, daily operational liquidity has become essential for executives (ACAA, 2014). Therefore, to successfully apply supply chain management, a company needs proper planning and awareness of components, which contribute to successful outcomes. Possible Solutions  1. Proper planning, which ensures that all parties involved understand the agreement and can obtain resources to fulfill it, is the key to resolving possible supply chain limitations. The solution allows considering factors that may influence the operations, which is its primary advantage. The disadvantage is that some components may be left out and unplanned, resulting in further difficulties.  2. Understanding financial structure, which comprises supply chain management, is required. It is evident that this operational activity differs from conventional manufacturing, and third-party individuals have to obtain proper resources to be able to fulfill an order. As was previously mentioned, daily liquidity is the crucial component of supply chain management, while the structure of the process is designed to ensure that a manufacturer can obtain financial resources without the buyer paying in advance. Additionally, knowledge regarding currency differences, payment systems, and local banking procedures is required. The advantage is that the approach allows mitigating financial risks. The disadvantage is that in case of unexpected events, the buyer may not receive the needed product, which will affect the organization’s work.  3. Adequate legal assistance, which ensures that all parties involved can agree on a contract’s terms, can help mitigate adverse outcomes. Additionally, specific components, including tax regulations, have to be considered. Specific dates and possible consequences of the agreement’s violations should be included. This method
In the contemporary world, there is a great variety of legal systems that exist in different countries. A country’s legal system is a result of its political and historical development, as it reflects the core values of the state. For instance, a variety of Middle Eastern countries follow Muslim law due to the significant impact of the Islamic religion on all aspects of governance. Due to extensive international cooperation, it is crucial for international law students and practitioners to understand the different legal systems used in different areas of the globe. The JuriGlobe site (n.d.) provides a useful overview of international legal systems. There are four types of law included in the JuriGlobe (n.d.) overview: civil law, Common law, customary law, and religious (Muslim and Jewish) law. Also, although a lot of countries adhere to a single legal system, many countries use mixed legal systems (Reichel, 2013). Common law is the first type of law addressed in the JuriGlobe. It is based on English Common law and is based on judicial precedent (Reichel, 2013). The precedent system means that the court decisions are made based on previous cases and decisions and not on written laws. The United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland all follow the Common law legal system. One advantage of the common law, as opposed to other systems, is that it promotes fairness of court decisions. Statutory laws passed by the government might not apply to all cases, which is why addressing past decisions in similar situations allows viewing each precedent separately. On the other hand, the precedent system complicates the court process, which might increase the efficiency of the judiciary. One of the most popular legal systems in the world is civil law. It is used in European and South American countries, as well as in Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Thailand, and others. Civil law is also called the Roman law, as it largely based on the legal system used in ancient Rome (JuriGlobe, n.d.). The civil law gives precedence to written law, which means that it relies on a set of codified principles (Reichel, 2013). Such practice allows for a systematic support of the law, as the court decisions depend solely on the written principles and not on past precedents or the jury. This, in turn, allows for a simpler and clearer legal process than in common law, enhancing the court’s effectiveness. In the U.S. legal system, on the other hand, more value is given to past cases and decisions, which makes the law more flexible and adaptable to sociopolitical changes. Another common legal system is religious law. JuriGlobe (n.d.) addresses Muslim law specifically, as it is the most common version of the religious law. Muslim law is practiced in Afghanistan, Maldives Islands, and Saudi Arabia and is part of mixed legal systems in Egypt, Iran, UAE, Pakistan, and many other countries of the Middle East. Jewish law is another version of religious law, which is used as part of a mixed syste
Aspects of Strategic Management One of the major peculiarities of Zara’s strategic management is its focus on innovation. The founder of the company, Amancio Ortega, opened a clothing store that provided a product that was new and innovative for the fashion industry. The new store offered “high-fashion look-alikes to price-conscious Europeans” (Robbins and Coulter 286). The focus on products’ prices and fashion is still central to the strategic management of the retailer. Clearly, this strategy is very effective during the period of financial constraints many countries (and individuals) are facing at present. Another important aspect of the company’s strategic management is its emphasis on efficiency as well as speed. Zara is one of the first companies characterized by a very short production and distribution terms (Jarvis). The company has its facilities in Turkey, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, which is very close to the countries where it operates. This proximity makes it possible to develop designs and distribute items among the stores within two weeks (Robbins and Coulter 286). The speed of the development of new items is beneficial for the company’s success as the consumer society needs more and more products. Quality control is also an important aspect of the fast fashion leader’s strategic management (Loeb). The company makes sure that each item is of the necessary quality. If any deviations from the high standards (set by the company itself) are detected, the item is removed from the line (Robbins and Coulter 286). Of course, people try to get high-quality products even if they are ready to pay limited sums of money, so quality is one of the major competitive advantages of the company. Finally, the focus on innovation has led to the introduction of the new area. Zara is going online and develops numerous services to its online customers (Hanbury). E-commerce is evolving at a very high pace, and the number of people shopping online is increasing each day. Therefore, the use of online resources is likely to bring more customers and result in significant growth of the company. Competitive Advantage The adherence to its strategic vision enables Zara to maintain its competitive advantage. There are growing concerns that fast fashion companies provide low-quality products due to their desire to sell more and cut their costs (Whitehead). Nevertheless, the quality control system developed at Zara ensures the high quality of products provided (Robbins and Coulter 286). Another way to maintain its competitive advantage is to reduce the time span between the point when a design is developed and the time when the products appear in the store. It has been acknowledged that fast fashion is becoming even faster as companies reduce the time of product design and distribution. The use of online platforms and one-day delivery is likely to become a new norm in the industry (Friedman). Zara is trying to keep up with other competitors. Finally, proper marketing and communication are essential for the maintenance of the company’s competitive advantage. Information technology ena
“The World Is Flat” video by Thomas Friedman is a chance to learn better the list of software and hardware events and understand the essence of the trends in technology that have already become a kind of “flatteners” in the society. However, the information mentioned in the video proves that there is no end of possible technological improvements and innovations. The analysis of Friedman’s book shows that it is a matter of time when some new trends can appear and become the next flattener in the sphere of technology. The Internet of Things, 3D printing, and mobile payments may become the next three trends in technology and be called the “flatteners” that can affect the future generations and even define the quality of life. Within a short period of time, billions of things will be connected to the Internet. This technology is called the Internet of Things and presupposes a scenario according to which the majority of objects, animals, and even people will be provided with their own identifiers and the abilities to share information on a global level without any additional devices. It may be called a flattener as it may change the way of life and processes crucial for any kind of business. It affects future generations due to the possibility to make an object something greater than it is by itself. 3D printing is another flattener that can change the world due its possibility to create objects of any shape from different digital files. It helps to unite different spheres of life and promote the development of new materials, ideas, and commerce that can provide future generations with more opportunities. Finally, mobile payment is the third trend that can become a flattener due to its possibility to replace any other kind of payment and the necessity of money presence at all. People should not take care of any cash. All they should have is an appropriate device. It helps to save time and space considerably and prove that the technological progress has its advantages.
Introduction There are different steps for accomplishing tasks. In order to effectively realize specific tasks, individuals must be aware of the various steps. Notably, while undertaking certain duties, people ignore important considerations. An examination of the steps for accomplishing specific duties is necessary. This paper discusses the basic steps involved in accomplishing specific tasks. How to Get a Good Suntan, Tie a Shoe Lace, Do Laundry and Change a Diaper To obtain a good suntan, a person has to exfoliate his skin. Intensive skin scrubbing must be avoided. Individuals should exclusively tan for approximately two hours daily. It is advisable for one to shower following the sun tanning period. However, caution must be taken to avoid over showering. Drinking large volumes of water and avoiding sunburns must also be encouraged. In tying shoe laces, an individual should tie the first knot. The second step is to develop a knot using either the right or left shoelace. The last step involves circling the remaining lace along the created loop. This occurs either in the front or back of the knot. In doing laundry, a person must first read the clothing labels. After sorting by color, cold water must be used in the washing machine. Drying is done within the least setting. Either hanging or immediate folding is recommended after drying. Care must be taken when changing the baby’s diaper. The baby must be laid down by help of safety traps. Placing a burp on the baby minimizes accidents and spillovers from r
The SWOT model is a very simple analytical technique, which allows a company to “quickly identify both its internal factors linked to internal functioning and external factors that depend on the environment in which it is evolving” (Speth & Probert, 2015, p. 5). While internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) are the elements that managers can influence and modify, the external ones (Opportunities and Threats) are beyond their grasp. This largely defines the significance of the SWOT model because it helps organizations to find ways to influence the manageable elements of organizational performance so that they adapt to unmanageable external situations. In this way, it is possible to increase benefits and decrease possible risks found in political, economic, legal, technological, and other external environments. Current data collected within the SWOT model also assists managers in the identification of strategic priorities and orientations based on the occurring changes in the external environment and consistently with organizational vision, mission, and objectives (Gürel & Tat, 2017). It allows sizing up the company’s competencies and deficiencies and helps understand which of them can help avoid current risks and maximize present-day opportunities better or vice versa. Thus, the SWOT analysis can certainly be regarded as one of the most efficient decision-making tools.
In order to effectively analyse and evaluate frameworks that affect the external environment of a business entity, it is crucial to explore aspects such as life cycle of a business, strategic group management, Porter’s five forces analysis, and PESTLE analysis. Analysing the external environment of a firm refers to the process of identifying opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses that affect the company in fulfilling its mission. Opportunities are external, current and future situations that can positively influence a firm if properly utilised.Threats are either current or future external situations that may negatively affect the operations of a firm if not eliminated at the right time (Magretta 2013).External Forces are firm characteristics that may either be tangible or non-tangible but can be leveraged upon in order to optimise the performance of a business organisation. Weaknesses refer to company characteristics which may either be tangible or non-tangible. They should be minimised at all times in order to avoid negative influence in the overall performance of a firm. In regards to strategic group planning, it is vital to underscore the fact that for successful and profitable operation of a firm, the influence and interests portrayed by stakeholders should be put into consideration since stakeholders play a key role in the well being of a business organisation (Osita, Onyebuchi & Justina 2014). Second, the focus area for a business entity should address pertinent issues that affect profitability by keenly exploring the prevailing threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (Al-Debei & Avison 2010). The latter may demand thorough integration of information analysis as part and parcel of environmental scan. In other words, continuous engagement of all stakeholders is vital. Life cycle also affects the external environment of a business entity. There are seven key stages of a business life cycle that management teams should analyse regularly so as to assess performance. The life cycles refer to various inter-related stages of development that a firm traverses before it can attain maturity in terms of profit maximization. They include the seed, start-up, growth, establishment, expansion, maturity and finally the exit stage. At the initial stages, market acceptance of a firm is an external environmental factor that ought to be put into consideration. As an organisation continues to grow towards maturity, external forces such as demand and supply of its products will continue to influence it either negatively or positively (Helms & Nixon 2010). When it comes to PESTLE analysis, politics is an external environment factor that may influence a business. For instance, political stability of a region where a business is located, government policies regarding imports and exports as well as bilateral and multilateral trade agreements attached to politics may all affect firms in one way or another (Anderson, Potočnik & Zhou 2014). Economically, interest rates and exchange rates at any given time in the operation of a business may lead to either losses or gains. Government policies
Introduction In corporate finance the roles of financial ratios is very important. Financial ratios are formulated from financial reports; these are formal records of a business entity. Financial reports show a business overview of the firm’s financial position or condition in both the short-run as well as the long run. There are four basic financial statements. These are; the balance sheet, income statement, the statement of cash flows and the statement of retained earnings. Financial statements or reports are read by different people. Among them are students, financial analysts, internal and external auditors, shareholders, creditors as well as prospective investors. To incorporate the requirements of all these groups financial statements are thus required to be reliable, relevant, and understandable as well as being comparable. The equity assets and liabilities are closely related to a firm’s financial position while the expenses and income are related to the financial performance of the company at stake. Financial statements are thus supposed to be objective and judgmental at the same time. This in turn means that financial reports should be simple, reliable and easy to use. To understand the financial position or status of a company we make use of different financial ratios. The reliability of the financial ratios depends on how accurate the financial reports of a firm are. For MCC plc having incremental profitability ratios means that the company is doing well. If this is not the case then there is need for managers to look at the issue before it gets out of hand. Analysis The first financial ratio we shall look at is that of the gross profit margin. The gross profit margin is financial ratio used to evaluate the profitability of a firm’s core operations exclusive of its fixed costs. It measures how well each unit of money of the company’s income is available to cater for expenses and profits after taking care of the cost of goods sold. A high margin indicates that a company is in the right path if the overhead costs are minimized. Gross profit margin=revenue-cost of sales/revenue. The gross profit margins for the 2007 and 2008 periods are given be