Sudhir Ahluwalia's Blog, page 26

How do I make my business stand out amongst competitors?

Competitiveness or lack of it is an outcome of strategy, business model, organization, and organization culture.
A business becomes competitive when its customer is willing to pay for its goods and services higher than its competitors. You also achieve competitiveness by lowering your costs and maintaining margins without impacting product or service quality.
Adopting management techniques like six sigma, digital tools, or having a best-in-class marketing strategy can help bring out operational efficiency. Still, these do not make your business stand out against the competition on its own. These can help you effectively compete against competitors. A good outcome, in this case, will be your ability to achieve strategic convergence wherein you will share the market with the competitors.
Competitiveness is achieved by building a unique set of activities that competitors find difficult to replicate. You accomplish this by looking at your strategy and business model.Similar Posts:

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Uses of henna leaves

The FAO estimates the global trade in henna leaves and powder to be 9,000 metric tonnes. The major suppliers of henna are India, Pakistan, Iran, and Sudan. Since the first millennium BC, when henna was closely associated with the divine coupling of goddess and consort in Canaanite Israel, henna has been associated with beauty, love, and eroticism.
The earliest reference to henna is at a site discovered in Catal Huyuk, Turkey, dating back to the Neolithic period in the seventh millennium BC. It shows henna used to decorate hands and perhaps links henna to the fertility goddess.
Dioscorides notes that crushed leaves were used to dye hair orange, and a plaster made from henna leaves effectively treats inflammations and blisters.
The Bible also associates henna with beauty in Song of Songs 1:14. Henna dyes cotton, silk, and other natural fibers and leather and leather products.
A 2013 study commissioned by the European Union, and conducted by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, concluded that lawsone is safe in hair dye. The traditional use of henna as a perfume is now limited to preparing an Indian or Middle Eastern aroma called attar, mixed with sandalwood. In his work Naturalis Historia, Pliny the Elder mentions a green ointment with henna used to treat sores on the head and mouth. A compress of the henna leaves is good for burns and sprains. More recently, henna leaves have been observed to be an effective antibacterial against E. coli (Abulyazid et al., 2013). Henna leaves have shown chemo-preventive properties in studies with rats. As observed in ancient medicinal literature, the wound healing property was also studied in rats and appeared to be validated (Babili et al., 2013; Chandra Kalyan Reddy et al., 2011; Kapadia et al., 2013).

Additional reading:

Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants Similar Posts:

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What is an NFT without any art attached to it? Is it a contract or a piece of storage space on a chip?

NFT is a unique code. It can be attached to a contract, a work of art, or anything that an individual thinks is so valuable that it requires protection from cyber hackers and thieves. The inherent value lies in the asset that this unique code represents.
NFT is neither a contract nor a piece of storage space on a chip.
When you trade-in NFTs, you are buying or selling the underlying asset. The buyer or seller does not have to physically verify the asset before the trade as is normally done in the physical world.
NFTs are becoming a component of the Metaverse. As we go along and technology evolves, the underlying asset that the NFT represents could also be accessed in the form of a 3D avatar. Buyers and sellers on the Metaverse can also be present as avatars at the time of the transaction.
When that happens, auction houses like Sotheby’s can conduct the auction virtually on the Metaverse. Sotheby here can be represented as an avatar. They can intermediate by explaining the asset’s value that people can see in 3D VR format.
In this hypothetical scenario, you will have an interplay of NFT, Virtual reality, Artificial reality, and robotics. You will now be having a use case happening on the Metaverse.Similar Posts:

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Which is more nutritious – organic or conventionally grown food?

Organic farms can probably feed the 10 billion people in 2050 if people turn vegan. Dairy and meat both require greener matter per unit of food energy compared to crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Such a lifestyle change is unlikely to happen. It brings us back to the equation of how the world can afford lower productivity in organic farms compared to conventional farming.

A comparison of the nutritional value, sensory qualities, and food safety of organically and conventionally produced foods were made. Except for nitrate content, there is no strong evidence that organic and conventional foods differ in various nutrients or contaminants (Bourn et al., 2002).

On the other hand, a nutritional quality comparative assessment study for fruits, vegetables, and grains raised in organic and conventionally grown crops showed that the former contained significantly more vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus and considerably fewer nitrates (Worthington, 2001).

Phenols are important to human health. The total content of this class of metabolites was studied in marionberries, strawberries, and corn cultivated in organic and conventional farms. A study comparing the three most common post-harvest processing treatments — freezing, freeze-drying, and air drying shows that in all cases, the phenol content was higher in organically raised crops (Asami et al., 2003).

162 studies, 137 examined nutrient quality in crop products, and 25 livestock products revealed that conventionally produced crops had a significantly higher content of nitrogen and organic crops had a higher content of phosphorus and higher titratable acidity. The scientists also noted no evidence of a difference in nutrient quality between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs. Small differences in nutrient content between the two could be related to differences in production methods (Dangour et al., 2009).

When compared to developing countries in the molded parts of the world, nutritional differences like the content of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates will determine the popularity of organic and conventional farm products. As the importance of compounds that help protect the human body from disease is understood, this difference between organic and conventional crops became an area of interest for researchers. Organic vegetables and fruits were more likely to contain more of these defensive compounds when compared to those produced in conventional farms (Brandt et al., 2001).

Additional reading:

Nutrition Facts a guide to good health Similar Posts:

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How can I measure the impact of a digital transformation strategy?

The purpose of a strategy should be to improve business performance. When we use digital tools to enhance the performance of a business, we can describe that as a digital transformation strategy. You transform your business with the help of digital technologies.
We measure impact with the help of indicators. Indicators can be quantitative or qualitative. Therefore, before implementing a digital transformation strategy, enunciate indicators like cost, profit, revenues, customer satisfaction, and employee satisfaction.
Measure the performance against these indicators. You will come to know if the impact of the transformation plan has yielded the desired results.
I have seen many IT service providers claim to have the capabilities of planning and implementing a digital transformation plan. Most of them are pure-play software engineers with little or no understanding of strategy. They come in to implement a software solution in your organization. They are good at what they do, but the company hiring the services of IT services companies should bring in a business strategy expert who should work independently and alongside the software team to develop indicators and get the desired outcomes.
Digital transformation is not merely implementing an application. There is much more to it.

About the writer:

Professional in strategy management from Wharton Similar Posts:

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What are the leading causes and risk factors for cancers?

There is scientific evidence that cancer and other common ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and many digestive tract diseases are related to lifestyle.

Exposure to carcinogens, poor eating habits, stress, lack of sleep are commonly listed causes.

By far, the largest reliably known percentage is the 30% of current U.S. cancer deaths due to tobacco. However, some nutritional factors (s) may eventually be of comparable importance. (Doll et al., 1981)

Smoking, alcohol use, and low fruit and vegetable intake were the leading risk factors for death from cancer worldwide and in low-and-middle-income countries. In high-income countries, smoking, alcohol use, overweight, and obesity are the most important causes of cancer. Sexual transmission of the human papillomavirus is a leading risk factor for cervical cancer in women in low-and-middle-income countries. Reducing exposure to key behavioral and environmental risk factors would prevent a substantial proportion of deaths from cancer. (Danaei, G et al., 2005)

References:

Richard Doll, Richard Peto, The Causes of Cancer: Quantitative Estimates of Avoidable Risks of Cancer in the United States Today, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 66, Issue 6, June 1981, Pages 1192–1308, Causes of Cancer: Quantitative Estimates of Avoidable Risks of Cancer in the United States Today

Danaei, G., Vander Hoorn, S., Lopez, A. D., Murray, C. J., Ezzati, M., & Comparative Risk Assessment collaborating group (Cancers. (2005). Causes of cancer in the world: comparative risk assessment of nine behavioural and environmental risk factors. The Lancet, 366(9499), 1784-1793.

Natural Solutions for Cancer by Sudhir Ahluwalia Similar Posts:

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Is Metaverse for real?

Metaverse, simply put, is a virtual world where all activity that today is being done in the physical world is being conducted virtually.
Avatars produce a virtual product, you promote and sell virtually. Buying and selling are done using virtual currency assets like cryptocurrencies. NFTs are used for trading. It is a world of smart contracts that cannot be tampered with and duplicated without authorization. It is a virtual world that will be cybersecure to a large extent.
Entertainment is also virtual, you organize music and art shows virtually, with avatars replacing the real world. The avatars will be so lifelike that it will be difficult to distinguish between the real and the virtual.
It is a world in which the physical world interacts with each other virtually. Technology giants like Facebook, Microsoft, and others are finding great promise in this virtual world. They are investing huge sums into building this technology.
As we imagine and use it today, the internet will be different and so real in the world of Metaverse. This world will require 5-G and 6-G technology for fast and instantaneous data communication.
Metaverse is the world of the future. Progressively many of the physical activities that we use today will take place virtually. For lovers of technology, it will be exciting. It will be a frightening place that they will find difficult to navigate for others.

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What is the difference between business policy and business strategy?

There are plenty of definitions in management literature that define business policy and strategy.
Let me try and explain the differences using real-life examples.
TATA group:
I worked in this group’s leading technology services company for ten years, and I quickly learned that ethics was a cornerstone policy. As a global business head of consulting, my targets for securing business and bringing in revenues were governed by a business plan prepared by me at the beginning of the year. The unwritten rule was a red line that you cannot cross regarding ethics.
Customer centricity was another business policy that permeated the organization. You were required to do everything to achieve customer satisfaction. Most of the projects that we executed in India were loss-making. We kept delivering them, investing more resources and technology to satisfy the customer. We compensated our losses from profitable projects from the US, UK, and other parts of the world.
Let me now move to business strategy –
At the heart of a great business strategy lies the ability to secure a competitive advantage over your competitors and undertake such steps that will increase the customers’ willingness to pay for your products and services.
It is secured by identifying the right product mix, improving business processes, increasing efficiency, acquiring talent suitable for the task at hand, determining the appropriate business model, etc.

My credentials:

Business strategy

Business model Similar Posts:

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What makes a business successful?

Let us look at existing successful businesses and draw from these factors that made them successful.
TATA group;
I have worked in one of the group companies and closely interacted with many others. These businesses are strong on ethics, customer-centric, low-key approach, modest, process-driven, and relentless.
Airbnb:
I have studied five companies of which one of which was Airbnb. It is customer-focused, huge on innovation, and technology-driven.
Walmart:
It is a company with an agile strategy that has enabled it to survive and thrive as the world’s leading retailer. At the core of its success lies its customer centricity and relentless pursuit of its strategy of everyday low prices.
Tesla:
It is a company with an agile business model and operations. Its focus is on innovation, pre-empting the future.
Tesla is a relentless startup constantly innovating and staying ahead in technology and innovation.
You can form your judgment on what makes a business successful.

Credentials:

Certified business strategy professional from Wharton

Certified in business model innovation from DelftX Similar Posts:

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Are myrrh and frankincense same or different incenses?

Myrrh is the aromatic gum or resin that exudes from the stems and branches of more than 150 species in the Commiphora genus of the Burseraceae family (e.g., Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora molmol, Commiphora gileadensis). These species, which are rare today, are distributed across Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and Somalia.

According to Pliny, myrrh was the royal perfume of the Parthian Empire, which encompassed modern-day Iran, Iraq, and neighboring territories. Ancient Egyptian papyrus writings from 2000 BC mention using myrrh to embalm the dead. Burning myrrh was a popular method to prevent fleas and odors.

In ancient Rome, the price for myrrh was five times that of frankincense. The Bible contains three prominent references to myrrh. The first is when the three Kings brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus soon after his birth. The second is when Mark notes that Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh to stop the pain of his crucifixion, but Jesus refused to take it. Finally, the third reference is when John says that Nicodemus brought a seventy-five-pound mixture of myrrh and aloe to anoint the body of Jesus before laying it in the tomb.

Frankincense:

One of the most well regarded of the ancient incenses, frankincense has a fresh pine-lemon scent with resinous and woody overtones that emanates from the milky white latex of the stem and branches. The name frankincense comes from the French words francencens, which means “pure incense” or “free lighting.” This name originates from the Frank Crusades of the eleventh century, when the Franks were believed to store large quantities of frankincense, for use as incense and medicine. In Arabic, it is called Luban, which means “white” or “cream” and olibanum, which means “oil of Lebanon.” In Hebrew, it is called lebonah.

Frankincense resin is produced from multiple Boswellia species, the aromas of which vary. The resin is extracted by steam or carbon dioxide distillation. Boswellia sacra syn B. carterii has terpenic and pine flavor; Boswellia papyrifera is fruity and citrus, with soft orange notes; Boswellia frereana has a pungent scent similar to cumin; Boswellia neglecta has a soft, earthy, and slightly musty aroma; Boswellia rivae is soft, woody, and elegant; and Boswellia serrata has fresh lemon, citrus, and pine notes.

Multiple references to frankincense in the Bible indicate its importance. The King James Bible contains 17 references to frankincense. Frankincense was widely used by people in the Mesopotamian, Arabian, and Mediterranean regions. Itsinebriating, euphoric, and mood-enhancing effects have been recognized for a long time. Some studies have confirmed the psychoactive and antidepressant effects of frankincense incense. The oil aids in treating skin ailments like acne and warts.

Additional reading:

Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants

Books on natural remedies Similar Posts:

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