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Controversial Business Moves: Have Amazon Gone Too Far?

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Amazon are a marketplace giant, and their combination of a huge choice of products, low prices, and fast delivery options have seen them wipe the floor with their competitors. It’s even claimed that whole industries have been almost wiped out by the online retailer’s presence. But, where there is brilliance, there is often also controversy. Amazon is no exception. Let’s take a look at some of their most controversial business moves of late!

Packaging

Let’s start with what is perhaps the one thing that we’ve all experienced when shopping with Amazon that has left a sour taste in our mouths: packaging. Now, we live in a world where we’re becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental effects that human activity is having on our planet. One of the main man-made problems posing a threat to our beloved Earth? Waste. We use so many products on a day to day basis that are seen as disposable, and we often throw many products and most packaging away after just a single use. The UK produces around 30.5 million tonnes of waste every single year. Within the EU, people produce around half a tonne of waste per person, and with over 500 million inhabitants, this figure quickly mounts up. America is said to produce 250 million tonnes of garbage on an annual basis. So, when many of us shop, we expect responsible large-scale businesses to use as little packaging as possible and to, preferably, send our purchases in recyclable materials. Sure, this may cost a little more and take a little more time, after all, you’ll have to pick packaging options logically rather than throwing every item into the first box that catches the supplier’s eye, but surely it’s worth it. It really isn’t all too surprising that Amazon causes outrage on a regular basis when they have been reported to send items as small as a phone charger in a box large enough for your small kids and cats to make a fort from. Now, the company has tried to justify this behaviour by saying that they optimise for the whole rather than the individual. Theorist Alexander Savin noted on his twitter feed that “Amazon uses a complicated software system to determine the box size that should be used based on what else is going in the same truck and the exact size of the cargo bay. It is playing an automated Tetris with the packages. Sometimes it will select a larger box because there is nothing else that needs to go out on that specific truck, and by making it bigger, it is using up the remaining space, so items don’t slide around and break. This actually minimises waste and is on the whole q (sic) greener system. Even if for some individual item it looks weird.” While this is an interesting theory, the tweet received all sorts of lash back from people refuting the theory. Many believe that the genuine reason for entirely environmentally unfriendly packaging is because Amazon promises such fast delivery that workers have just a matter of seconds to grab the nearest box or packaging to get the item out on time.

Drone Delivery

Again, convenience has come hand in hand with another complaint for the big bosses at Amazon. Sure, we’re all now familiar with Amazon Prime, a service which offers guaranteed next day delivery on a whole host of items. But have you heard of Amazon Prime Air? This is a fully autonomous system where a drone (otherwise known as an aerial vehicle) without a human pilot can deliver goods to customers within 30 minutes or less of completing their order. Sounds like something from the future, right? While this service hasn’t yet been launched by the company, it is in development and trial, and Amazon hopes that one day seeing an Amazon drone delivering goods by air will be as common a sight as seeing one of their delivery trucks travelling down the highway. People, expectedly, have a lot of questions surrounding the practice. They want to know how heavy the goods that this method could deliver can be (the answer, so far, is five pounds), where they are testing (there are currently trials in the United States, United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Israel), and whether weather will affect the service (the company claim that they aim to operate in daylight when there are low winds, there’s good visibility, and a lack of rain, snow, or ice). Perhaps the most important issue on our minds, however, is how Amazon intends to navigate the airspace in each given country, as drones are a risk to planes. This is still being negotiated, so perhaps it will be a while before we really do see these plans come into practice and public use.

Live Purchases

Perhaps the most recent controversy associated with this retail giant is its delivery of live animals. The company has been slammed by animal activists and many consumers alike for offering home delivery of live animals such as lobsters and crabs. Not only is the method of boiling these creatures alive for consumption cruel in and of itself and something that shouldn’t be promoted at all (nevermind in the home and left to the hands of inexperienced and unprofessional cooks), they can also face the cruel fate of being left in boxes for days as they make their way from supplier to consumer. This is a sad case of sentient creatures being treated like commodities on a whole new level. Many customers have since cancelled their accounts completely, stating that they will not return to Amazon until they cease this cruel practice.

As you can see, Amazon is no stranger to controversy, and some of the decisions that they have made in their process of trying to meet the mass market’s needs and expectations really have backfired. However, where there is a complaint, there is room for improvement, and hopefully, they will begin to take customer feedback into account, ensuring that their business becomes as eco-friendly, safe, and cruelty-free as possible!

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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ServiceNow Development Consultancy: Business Process Automation as Disruptive Technology

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In the age of AI and Machine Learning, automating business processes has become a must for any business that wants to remain competitive in their industry. Business process automation consists of setting up any process to be completed mostly by any existing technology with minimal manual input from human employees. For organizations seeking to optimize their workflows, engaging with a specialized ServiceNow implementation consultancy can be a game-changer, offering tailored solutions to streamline operations.

Examples include implementing an inventory management system so both you and your customers have access to accurate data on what products are available, sending out confirmation emails after purchase, having sales reports automatically generated through a CRM platform, social media posting schedules, and most email marketing tasks.

There are many reasons why business leaders have been turning to tech to improve their companies in recent years. The benefits of business process automation far outweigh the costs. These benefits range from increased efficiency, cost savings, scalability, and improved accuracy, to enhanced customer experience. Automating tasks in areas such as HR helps with employee onboarding and retention, and automation in all areas saves time when it comes to drafting reports and communicating with leads.

Marketing automation is responsible for a 14.5% boost in sales and a 12.2% decrease in marketing expenses (source: Nucleus Research). When employed in HR processes, business automation has shown that automation processes, when applied to onboarding, increase new hire retention by 16% (source: LinkedIn).

As is the case with any disruptive technology, business automation also poses risks, especially for more vulnerable sectors. It is estimated that by 2030, 47% of jobs in the United States are at risk of being displaced by automation (source: Science Direct). In the United States, workers aged 16 to 24 are the most exposed to the risk of automation, as 49% of these workers could have their jobs displaced by automation processes (Brookings).

Various government and company policies can be put in place to provide upskilling and reskilling for these workers to minimize the risk business process automation poses to some members of the workforce. However, it is clear that business process automation is here to stay.

Other concerns brought up by automation include data privacy and protection and copyright issues. Because automation involves storing confidential data in the cloud, businesses are concerned about security breaches by competitors or, worse, malicious users wishing to scam their current clients. Business leaders are paying more attention to cloud infrastructure services to minimize these risks.

Cloud infrastructure security can protect your business’ data through advanced encryption. Regular audits and compliance are automated but still supervised by human employees to ensure security has not been compromised. Data segmentation and isolation can also ensure your company’s data is not easy to access, even if there has been a breach.

On the other hand, some processes involving AI can end up infringing copyright laws in various industries. This can lead to large expenses in legal fees if AI is not used mindfully by departments, without mentioning the PR risks of your company accidentally employing someone else’s copyrighted content.

In conclusion, business process automation is a process including a wide array of existing technologies (AI, ML, etc.). Through business automation, business sectors start to delegate tasks to technological solutions.

As a result of automating tasks, there is proof of increased proficiency and accuracy, enhanced customer experience, and saved costs. However, there is also resistance from some sectors of society, as automation can result in job displacement for some existing members of the workforce.

To mitigate this, business leaders can emphasize the fact that they are automating processes while still making an effort to retain skilled workers. Upskilling and reskilling can help businesses retain employees whose jobs have become obsolete. Many governments are also expected to step up with a series of policies to protect the interests of these workers.

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Screen Printing Services: A Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Your Investment

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Are you thinking about ordering custom t-shirts and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Screen printing is an incredibly popular and versatile technique that allows you to create durable, high-quality designs on a variety of products. In this guide, I’ll teach you the essentials to make your first screen printing experience a success.

What is Screen Printing?

First, let’s talk about the basics. Screen printing is a printing method that uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a surface, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a stencil. This sounds a bit technical, but it’s actually quite simple: think of a large stencil and ink passing through it to form your design. It’s especially useful for printing on textiles, like t-shirts, but it can also be used on paper, wood, plastic, and more.

Benefits of Hire Screen Printing Services

Before getting into the details of how to place your order, let me tell you why screen printing is an excellent option:

  1. Durability: The ink used in screen printing is thick and adheres well to fabrics, making the designs last longer without fading.
  2. Versatility: You can print on almost any material. So, besides t-shirts, you can think of caps, tote bags, hoodies, and more.
  3. Cost-effectiveness: For large orders, screen printing is very cost-effective. The more units you print, the lower the cost per unit.
  4. Print quality: The colors are vibrant, and the details can be captured very well, especially in simple and bold designs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Now, let’s move on to the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:

1. Not Defining Your Design Clearly

It’s crucial to have a clear design before starting the process. Think about:

  • Colors: Less is more. Screen printing works best with a limited number of colors.
  • Details: Make sure the details are not too small. Fine elements can get lost in the print.
  • Design size: Make sure the size of your design is appropriate for the final product.

Tip: Work with a graphic designer or use design software to ensure your design is ready to print.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Fabric

Not all fabrics are the same. Some fabrics are better for screen printing than others. For example, 100% cotton is ideal because the ink adheres well and the colors look more vibrant.

Tip: Ask your screen printing provider about the best fabric options for your design and purpose.

3. Not Requesting a Sample

Always, always, always ask for a sample before mass printing. This allows you to see how your design will look on the fabric and make adjustments if necessary.

Tip: Make sure the sample includes all the colors and details of the final design.

4. Not Planning the Production Time

Screen printing takes time. From preparing the design and stencils to printing and drying, there are several stages involved.

Tip: Plan ahead and consider production times, especially if you need the t-shirts for a specific event.

5. Not Considering the Total Budget

It’s easy to overlook additional costs like setup fees, shipping, and taxes. Make sure to get a complete quote before committing.

Tip: Ask your provider about all the costs involved and ensure there are no surprises.

Maximizing Your Investment

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, here are some tips to get the most out of your screen printing investment:

1. Bulk Orders

The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. If you know you’ll need more t-shirts in the future, consider placing a larger order upfront.

2. Classic and Timeless Designs

Opt for designs that won’t go out of style quickly. This ensures you can use the t-shirts for a long time without them looking outdated.

3. Deals and Discounts

Many screen printing providers offer discounts for large orders or frequent customers. Don’t hesitate to ask about available promotions.

4. Take Care of Your Products

Once you have your t-shirts, make sure to take proper care of them. Wash printed t-shirts inside out and avoid using bleach to prolong the life of the design.

Choosing the Right Provider

Finally, choosing the right provider is crucial to the success of your project. Here are some aspects to consider:

  • Experience and Reputation: Research and choose a provider with a good reputation and proven experience.
  • Portfolio of Previous Work: Ask to see examples of previous work to ensure they can handle your design.
  • Communication: A good provider should be willing to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
  • Reviews and References: Read reviews and ask for references to ensure other customers have had good experiences.

In Summary

Screen printing is a fantastic technique for customizing t-shirts and other products, but like any process, there are tips and tricks to help you avoid issues and maximize your investment. From design preparation to choosing the right provider, every step is important. I hope this guide has given you a clear and practical view of how to start your screen printing journey without a hitch.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are here to help you bring your screen printing ideas to life. Good luck with your project!

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Learn English quickly and effectively with the Callan Method

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In a world where all countries and cultures are interconnected, learning different languages has become mandatory. To do so effectively, you should try the well-known Callan Method, with which you’ll easily master English in less time than you imagine.

The learning of the English language has gained great importance in the job and academic world due to the globalization our society has experienced and the fluid communication constantly occurring between all countries. Due to these factors, and if you want to grow as a person, mastering English is crucial and something you must do to increase your opportunities in the current world. Therefore, it’s best to explore efficient methods to learn it, and one of them is undoubtedly the Callan method.

The Callan Method is totally different from conventional methods for learning English, and it has shown to be effective for those who decide to start their journey of learning this language.

What is the Callan Method, and how does it work?

Since ancient times, many language teaching methods have been developed with different approaches and types of progressions, of which one of the most effective is the Callan Method. Developed by Robin Callan in the 1960s, this method stands out for its intensive approach aimed at quickly and effectively imprinting the language into the student’s brain.

This is achieved because it is based on fundamentals such as repetition, constant real-time practice, and immediate correction of any error. With this method, students are constantly exposed to oral questions and answers in English, with repetitions of the same and, above all, error corrections.

Upon entering one of these classes, you will quickly notice the difference from a regular English class. The teacher will be speaking in English at a natural speed, and you won’t touch a pen or paper throughout the entire lesson, but rather respond to oral questions and participate in structured conversations.

Thus, the Callan method mainly emphasizes improving fluency in speaking and the auditory ability to understand the language, skills that will be tested in real-life situations. Repeating this a sufficient number of times results in a student with fluency and confidence in the language, ready to face the world in English and engage in advanced conversations with native speakers of this language.

Benefits of the Callan Method

This method, unlike many others, offers a variety of advantages for students that make it stand out from the crowd and position it as one of the best, as studies have confirmed that with this method it is possible to learn English up to 4 times faster than with any other.

One of these advantages is the fact that when you start studying with this method, you don’t learn grammar but rather dive straight into the world of English. This might sound counterproductive, but it’s quite the opposite, as it allows you to start familiarizing yourself with the sounds and vocabulary, even as a beginner.

Furthermore, being based on a primarily oral learning system, you will improve your fluency in speaking and your listening skills will progress effectively and rapidly. These two skills are the ones you will use the most in real life, so the Callan Method is perfect if you want to go to an English-speaking country.

Beyond the typical generic conversations you would learn in any class, the Callan Method offers structured conversations that encourage you to use new words and phrases in each one, emphasizing learning with each session to make the most of your time.

By receiving corrections from the teacher immediately after making a mistake, not only do you have the chance to correct it, but little by little you gain the confidence necessary to speak and master the language as if it was your mother tongue. So if you are looking to learn English easily, or to further improve your English skills, the Callan Method is definitely worth diving into.

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