God’s Long Summer

God’s Long Summer The novel Siddhartha and God’s Long Summer both show commonalities of religion as being an important part in the main characters of both books. In God’s Long Summer, each of the main individual characters in the first four chapters like the character Siddhartha, all were consistent with the statement, â€Å"What we believe matters. † All of the characters from both books used religion for giving them the strength to speak their minds, move on in their lives, and fight for what they believed in or wanted to accomplish.Also, in this book there is the statement of, â€Å"What we believe affects out vocation in relation to culture† and this pertains to the religious ideas and people’s courses of action through their faith and experiences they have went through. A person’s background determines his or her perspective on faith, so this shows how everyone is different. The statement, â€Å"What we believe matters† is the first point that sticks out to me. It is portrayed in the novel Siddhartha multiple times when Siddhartha goes through his different phases of being the son of a Braham, to living with the Samanas, to finally living on his own.He needed to try out different paths, so he would be about to find his own enlightenment or meaning of life. He would not feel whole as a person or have peace, until he found a path that caused him to experience enlightenment. The characters in God’s Long Summer were the same way. Fannie Lou Hamer, Sam Bowers, Douglas Hudgins, and Ed King all were fighting for something, and did not want to give up until they were successful. An example of this is when Mrs. Hamer was being beat in the county jail after trying to vote. Even after being beat, Hamer still used God as her guide to influence other people.She never backed down, but instead was comforted by God and instilled her faith for strength and acted in what she believed. Hamer was different than Si ddhartha though, because she was out to change the world, and he was more focused on himself. The second important point that I found relevant of my understanding of the people and issues in God’s Long Summer was the way the characters in the books went about accomplishing their goals and got past obstacles they were faced with. Hamer was a selfless person who used God as her strength to change things. She puts herself out there, just as Siddhartha had when he lost himself.Siddhartha had to lose himself to accomplish his goal of enlightenment. Hamer knew that if she wanted to win the fight for her voting rights that she would have to have others band together too, by using biblical stories and freedom songs to sell her cause. She believed that others like herself could be empowered by God and if whites and blacks could both believe in such a high power, and then they can believe and get along when they are on the Earth. To accomplish Hamer’s goal, she needed to improve the world, and Siddhartha wanted to escape the world to reach his goal.Sam Bowers and Siddhartha are also examples of obstacles being thrown their way. Bowers hit rock bottom just like Siddhartha did after almost killing himself by the river. In the book, God’s Long Summer written by Charles Marsh, Marsh provides input in his first statement in the book pertaining to, â€Å"What we believe affects our vocation in relation to culture. † This whole idea is explaining how everyone has there a different way of thinking about a higher power and Marsh wants people to be able to explore and accept the different types of faith.In the book these varieties of faith cause blacks and whites to have disagreements on issues such as the civil rights movement. The first four chapters of the book support the illustration of what Marsh’s claim and task was. Hamer can see that the people who are discriminating against African American’s have a much different perspective on faith than she does. Bowers looks at his faith in a different way as Hamer because he doesn’t even believe that Jesus can be a Jew because if he were then he would be a part of the inner racial mix, which he was completely against. Ed King and Douglas Hudgins were also different from each other.King had been accused of straying beyond proper bounds of the Christian faith, and Hudgins had been accused of narrowing the bounds of Christianity. Hudgins was all about the understanding of Christianity through the cultural environment, while King thought you had to be prophetic and take action even if it was through just words. I believe that Fannie Lou Hamer is the best example of what Marsh is attempting to demonstrate about the various perspectives of faith. The example that comes to mind when explaining this is when Hamer was in the county jail and was talking to the jailor’s wife about faith and religion.Hamer used the verses from the Bible to go against the jailor†™s wife and her own feelings and ideas on faith. Hamer can see that the jailor’s wife thinks she is a Christian believer, but has a different way of acting as one of God’s children. Another example I found in the first chapter about Hamer was when she was in a disagreement with her pastor. She scolded him for not being willing to adopt her stance on the subject. This shows how you think someone who is interacting with your same faith, but when it comes down to it and his or her own lived experience, people react differently.I also found an example in Hamer’s chapter when Lyndon Johnson was running for office and he tried to tamp things down and shut up Hamer. Johnson was even supposed to be a civil rights activist and a believer in faith, but because of his the experience that he was having at the present time in his life, he was not able to be consistent with his beliefs. He said and acted, as he wanted, just so he could get elected into office. Fannie Lou Ha mer’s vocation is using God as her guide to influence other people. She feels like God appointed her, and this gives her a sense of closeness to him. She uses God as her strength to change things.Her goal is to improve the world, and help African American’s have an equal chance in the world as everyone else. Hamer is dedicated and relied on her faith for everything. The church and Christianity is a way for people to come together. Hamer feels that if both whites and blacks can believe in such a high power then they can believe and get along when they are on Earth. A contemporary social issue in which people use religion in opposing ways to support their views would be the topic of abortion. There are many similarities and differences between the issue of abortion and the civil rights issue detailed in Marsh’s book.Some similarities between the two issues are that people have very strong opinions on the issues and there are people out there that are fighting for one side or the other on the topics. People are having meetings on abortions talking about why it should be legal or not, and in the case of the civil rights movements there were meetings happening all the time like the meeting with the Credentials Committee in God’s Long Summer. There are also politicians out there like Lyndon Johnson who claim they are all for an issue such as the civil rights movement, but when it comes down to it they may have some restrictions about the issue.Johnson really did not want to have African American’s voting and having these kinds of rights because he didn’t want to make the larger population of people out there getting mad at him, so he could be elected into office. A difference between the two issues is the way people fight for what they want. During the civil rights movement many white people would go as far as abusing or killing blacks, so they could keep them as the lower class that is not as important. I have not heard abo ut people who are for or against abortion going to the extent of killing to get their way or point across.A person’s vocation usually shapes the way they think or feel about an issue. The issue of abortion means different things to different people because of their vocation. If a person feels that they have been put on this Earth to protect people and think that everyone should have an equal chance for living, then they are more likely to be against abortion. I am a Christian, and have been brought up by my parents to believe that everyone should be treated equally and can make their own choices. This means that I am not against abortions, and feel that it is the woman’s choice to make the decision.Reading Siddhartha and God’s Long Summer has brought a lot of insight to my beliefs in religion. I am more aware of other people’s feelings and the reasons for why they believe in what they do. Beliefs are formed from a person’s past experience. I also l earned how God or a person’s faith can play such a big role in being someone’s strength to fight as hard as they can in what the believe in, even when the greater population feels the complete opposite on an issue. Like in Siddhartha, everyone has different paths, and deciding on the right path is up to the person taking it.

Case Study of Architect Lenny Oh

Introduction Lenny Oh was born in 1979 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His parents are the Straits Peranakan from Melacca and recently travel to Kuala Lumpur before given birth to Lenny. His full childhood was really joyful, he and household are rather frequently visit his grandparents and relation inMelacca. Due to this ground, Lenny has influence by the ThePasss Peranakan Melaka architecturesince he was immature. The long and narrow shop-house with a centre courtyard and air-well is the most important characteristics in Melaka house and was brought him influence when he grew up to be an designer. Lenny received his preparation in Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia. He so joined Arkitek Maju Bina Sdn Bhd after returning to Malaysia in 2003. He involved in legion residential and commercial undertakings as a design designer and undertaking designer. Lenny have 10 old ages working experience at Arkitect Maju Bina Sdn Bhd since twelvemonth 2003. After that, he successfully becomes as a professional enrollment member of Professional architect/Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia ( LAM ) . Then, he establishes CL+O Architects Sdn. Bhd in 2013 together with Ar. Chiam Chin Yong and Ar. Martin Lee Wee Hong and continues to pattern architecture under this new entity. Besides, he has besides been involved in two residential undertakings which have been received Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Awards and the Malayan Green edifice Index Certification. Besides that, Ar. Lenny had besides been involved in legion of residential and commercial development undertakings during his new architecture journey. The edifice that I choose among his art piece to make the analysis is theGrand Villas Bungalowwhich located at Tropicana Indah. Grand Villas is a modern and modern-day residential lodging which suit nowadays modern life manner every bit good to suit a turning three-generation household under one roof. Tropicana Indah is a fast development and up market enclave that is located in the bosom of Petaling Jaya, Tropicana. It surrounded by Tropicana Golf & A ; Country Resort and Seri Selangor Public Golf Resort and these golf classs bring the green exuberant scenery and nature to the Tropicana Indah. Architectural theory Architectural theory is the first factor that I wish to analyze on Grand Villas Bungalow. This cottage has a distinctively modern and modern-day facade which influence byModernism and Minimalism theory. It gives a sense ofOpenness,Minimalism,Elation,Transparency of infiniteandEasy motion in infinite. First, it shows a reallystrong linearsignifierthat takes on a modern design. The additive and horizontal elements are one of the characteristics harmonizing to Walter Gropius modern theory. ( ) This is seemingly shown in the facade lift of Grand Villa Bungalow. The elements as good without ornament and simple stuffs represent a sense of indispensable quality. Besides, it besides possesses the combination of modern-day tropical design. Furthermore, thesimple geometryis evidently reflected on Grand Villa facade. ( ) Minimalistic design is overtones of utmost simpleness and formal cleanliness. Harmonizing to minimal art theory, the design elements should convey the message of simpleness. Pure, simple motivation of denouncement is clearly shown in Grand Villa. ( ) Besides, the thought is without ornaments. However, that all parts and joinery inside informations are considered as reduced to a phase where no 1 can take anything farther to better the design. Theprimary coloring materialis used to accomplish the simpleness. ( ) Following, three of the 5 point architecture theory of Le Cobusier can be seen from the program of Grand Villa. Harmonizing tothe pilotistheory, the back uping reinforced concrete construction had given us the pilotis that steadfastly driven into the land. However, this had been changed and the alteration can be seen in through Grand Villa cottage. From the program, it shows that the pilotis is exposing at the front portion of the edifice, which is at the Entrance on the land degree and the balcony on the first degree of the edifice. Now, this is served for the aesthetic intents for the olympian forepart facade of Grand Villa. Second, harmonizing to the 5 point theory of Le Cobusier, the house should be erected on an independent model, supplying an unfastened program and free facades. However, theunfastened programtheory had been adapted yet remain partly which reflected on the Grand Villa program. In Grand Villa, the large open-concept dry kitchen, life and dining country are most agreeable. The unfastened program means entire freedom in infinites. ( ) It open out to a generous outdoor terrace which provides an overlooks to the infinity-edged lap pool and landscaped garden. Therefore, the moisture kitchen and laundry country separated from it. Theroof top gardenis besides one of the important point of Le Cobusier theory which shows in Grand Villa cottage every bit good. There no more sloping roofs which can non be put to utilize, in contrast, the possibility of puting a gardens on the roof is to counter the effects of enlargement. This pattern is clearly shown in the Grand Villa. Due to the modern evolvement of life style, the excess component of roof top sofa had been promoted to unite with the roof top garden. In add-on, it shows theexact circulationon the program. The running of a place consists of precise maps in a regular order. The regular order of these maps constitutes a phenomenon of circulation. An exact, economic rapid circulation is the key to modern-day architecture. The precise maps of place life require assorted countries whose minimal content can be rather exactly determined. These maps can be diagrammed along a uninterrupted line so the interplay of the necessary countries and their propinquities can be clearly discerned. The facades aresuppliers of visible radiation. The Minimalism province that the considerations for ‘essences’ are light, infinite and human status. This aid simplifies populating infinite to uncover the indispensable quality of edifices and conveys simpleness in attitudes toward life. They require a flow of light which in the daylight can be admitted as there are legion gaps and crystalline elements such as glass in the Grand Villa. This enhances the motion of natural visible radiation in edifices reveals simple and clean infinites. The elation is stressing the fluidness of natural visible radiation throughout the infinites in the Villa. Climate Following, clime is one of the analysis factors every bit good. First, the orientation of the spacial agreement is shown on the Grand Villa program. ( ) All the chief infinites such as life country, dining country, music room and the out-of-door infinites such as out-of-door terrace, deck, pool and verdure landscape are confronting east orientation. ( ) This is because there is a Casa Indah Condominium located east side which helps to test the direct forenoon sunshine. Besides, this is usage to catch the dawn scenery from the chief infinites and the out-of-door relaxation infinites. Furthermore,utilize of natural sunshineis to stress on the usage ofinactive design. Besides, it is besides to heighten the elation within the edifice. The Villa provides assorted big gaps and glass placed confronting east whereas the little gaps and Windowss placed confronting west. This is because there is Casa Indah Condominiums located south east side which helps to test the direct forenoon sunshine. After afternoon, the east portion of the edifice with big opening Windowss will be avoid from direct flushing sunshine yet still holding daylight admit into the edifice. During eventide, the out-of-door infinites can good use without direct eventide blazes. Additionally, the intent is besides to catch the forenoon sunshine which is better for human wellness alternatively of flushing sunshine. Furthermore, theusage of perpendicular shadingcan be clearly seen from the east lift of Grand Villa. The usage of perpendicular louvres is serve as an sunshade to partly test off the sunshine of the 2 chief infinites with excess high ceiling with full and big glass which confronting east way. The shading is good utilised as testing in order to accomplish the thermic comfort of the two chief infinites with big country of glass. Then, the user can bask the daytime within the infinite at a more comfy degree. In add-on, the ceiling tallness of the edifice besides helps better the airing. The Grand Villa possesses the high ceiling between 3.2 m to 4 m. The proviso of thesehigh ceilings and tall infiniteswithin encourage good airing. Theroofof Grand Villa is alone in form. The pitched roof with a larger gap is confronting east and the smaller gap confronting West. The intent is to let more natural visible radiation enter the roof top sofa during forenoon and appropriate degree of twenty-four hours visible radiation during eventide. Next, the back portion of Villa is environing by the river and flora. Thenature contextenhances the Villa from the dorsum which gives a nature background to the Villa. This is really emphasis the calm environment from the dorsum of the Villa every bit good. Personal Cultural Background Influences Last but non least, the personal cultural background influences besides one of the analysis factors.Cultural beliefis one of influence in his design calling. In the spacial planning of Grand Villa, the chief infinites of the Villa are confronting east orientation. In Chinese Feng Shui belief that East orientation is the best as it brings good fortune, wellness and wealth. It besides the orientation which the Sun rise typify a trade name new twenty-four hours with a good start. Besides, the transparence of infinite is besides stressing on the east orientation. In add-on, his design is influence byChinese traditional spatialcharacteristic every bit good. The spatial in Grand Villa shows the layering in infinite which stressing the privacy in spacial agreement from outer to inner. This is clearly reflected from the traditional Chinese brooding spacial layout. The following 1 is the influence on thelocation of the music infinitein the Villa. Ar. Lenny is a music lover as he plays assorted sort of music instruments. He loved to play piano and listen music with his household at place since immature until today. This shows that he is from a music background household every bit good shows that he serves music in a really particular place in his life. This is reflected his taught in his design calling. The arrangement of the music room in the Villa was located at the most interior portion of the edifice which confronting the nature elements such as river and flora. The combination of music with the serene, peace and natural environment is the considerable thought in his design. This may be the best interaction between both music and nature. Theâ€Å"Peranakan† architectureis besides one of his influences. Ar. Lenny is Melacca â€Å"Peranakan† descend. He has influence by the The Straits Peranakan Melaka architecture of the long and narrow shop-house with a centre courtyard and air-well in the Melaka house. The Centre dual volume courtyard is one of the important elements. Therefore, he modifies the thought and applies it into the dining country locate at the Centre which gives a dual volumetric sense of infinite which reflect partly from the Centre courtyard. The alteration is to accommodate the local neoteric modern life manner. Base on the above analysis, Ar. Lenny emphasize in good utilizing natural lighting in his design.

Fan Violence in International Soccer Essay

Fan violence in international soccer is a very serious form of aggression and it must be given a lot of attention by the games’ stake holders. Fan violence in international soccer involves actions that are taken by the football supporters and fights between the supporters of rival teams may sometimes take place after the football matches. The fights could also be prearranged in locations that are away from the stadiums so that the fans can avoid the police interventions. Fan violence can be at times be prompted by violent actions which involve the players themselves or any other form of event that could be taking place during a game or even disturbances and riots that are sport related and often they occur for other reasons. Fan violence in international soccer has been on the increase as it is known as the existence of an essentially unstable and an abnormal temperament in some individuals who happen for some reason to have taken soccer as an arena in which they act out their instabilities. (Smith, 1983) It has become very difficult to deal with the offenders in the football matches and the international football federation has had difficulties punishing the spectators who misbehave themselves . The international football federation has also had to deal with issues that prompt fans violence in soccer matches such as providing seats in place of standing accommodation, initiating maximum cooperation between the police and the football clubs and also ensuring that there is an absolute acceptance of the referees decisions by everybody in the football arena. The key stakeholders of the soccer game are the international football federation who ensure that the punishment that is given to the offenders and to those who participate in football hooliganism should match the seriousness of the offence. It is notably very true that the consumption of alcohol is a very important factor in crowd misbehavior especially in places where the football matches are taking place. (Smith, 1987) The football fans are mainly controlled by the activities and the popularize of different clubs . This makes it a contest as they embark on slogans chants and even songs so that they can demonstrate their support to the teams they support. The violence that exists between the sets of fans is seen as a part of their participation in the game. Violent fans and those who mainly participate in violent actions in the international soccer are basically those people who are young and unemployed. It also involves also those who are members of fanatic clubs and they are poorly educated since they attribute most of their behavior to the external factors rather than the internal ones. In most case there are usually two matches going on in a football stadium and whereas one match concerns the football teams that are on the pitch and the second match usually involves the fanatic fans whose interests are not in the game as such but on the opportunities which are offered by the football such as meeting the club mates and giving vents to their emotions and energies in the battles with others. (Smith, 1983) It is at times very complex to handle fan violence in soccer ethically since the game requires intense physical contact which may cause harm of injury. When the stake holders access the moral status of an action, they examine the issue of consent by the person on whom the action has been performed. Actions by the fans which are outside the rules of the federation of international soccer are considered to be morally unacceptabl. Reference: Smith, M. (1983): Violence and Sport, Toronto, Ontario: Butterworth’s. Smith, M. (1987): Violence in Canadian Amateur Sport, a Review of the Literature, Ottawa, Ontario, Commission for Fair Play, Government of Canada.

Philadelphia movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Philadelphia movie - Essay Example Tom Hanks brilliantly portrayed the character of Andy and communicated to viewers the need to look at gays suffering from AIDS in a different light. It was an emotional issue, to be sure, but Hanks did a good job at causing everyone to rethink their views towards people suffering from this horrible disease. When Andy began looking for a lawyer, he discovered that many people did not want to represent him simply on the basis of his illness. The frustration that he began to feel must surely have been overwhelming. Most people he met were afraid and would not get close to him. The movie effectively points out that even the lawyer who was brave enough to represent Andy was also afraid of him. In the end, however, this lawyer began to understand that Andy was no threat to his own health or to his reputation. He ended up learning a great deal from Andy and they turned into good friends. The overarching theme of this movie is to educate the public about AIDS and homosexuality. These two issues have divided society and have caused this segment of the population to be segregated and discriminated against in many communities across the country. This movie shows me that discrimination will likely always exist in our society, either on the basis of gender, race, or sexual preference. Philadelphia gives me, and other viewers as well, a good look at the reasons why we should shed our discriminatory views. Such thoughts serve to hurt not only the specific group being discriminated against, but also society in general. The message that the movie sends is that discriminating against homosexual people, especially those with AIDS, is illegal. It also conveys the message that judging people, commonly referred to as stereotyping, is wrong. Understanding people and our difference comes with time. This understanding came happen if we all take the time to get to know each

Unionization and the Nursing Profession Term Paper

Unionization and the Nursing Profession - Term Paper Example In my opinion, unionization does not conflict with a professional nursing orientation. In other words, unionization aligns with nursing orientation. According to Gordon (2009), "Nurses in most industrialized countries also belong to unions which bargain with management about workplace issues like wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions" (p. 280). It is worth noting that unions also attend to performance and action plan matters. As newly registered nurses therefore are assimilated into the nursing profession, there is need for solid institutions particularly unions that champion their rights. Otani et-al (2009) elucidates the fact that unionization gives nursing managers a greater voice in terms of making pronouncements. This is important for both nurse and patients. Through improving the decision making capacity of nurse leaders, a manager is able to improve working conditions and hence improved job performance and job satisfaction among nurses. In essence the role of nursing managers is to deal with all emerging nursing issues, espouse inventive initiatives, and ensure all nursing practices align with organization objectives. To achieve this managers require power and control. Unionization unites or merges all nurses from all corners of the world and hence managers are able to mobilize enough support when change is needed (Benson, 2010). To transition from one circumstance to another in a unionized setting, it is imperative for a manager to understand certain issues. As a manager, it would be required of me to examine or evaluate policy guidelines for both nurses represented by unions and for those not represented by unions. Actions plans aimed at transitioning ought to be analogous for both groups in order to avoid conflicts (Benson, 2010). Weber (2011) notes that examining and comprehending guidelines for various unions would also be important as it would ensure effective and timely conflict resolution as per

Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah - Essay Example He was a part of the Royal family and, therefore, especial attention was given to his education. He also was made responsible politically at a very early age. The department of public service of Ahmadi region in Kuwait was under control of Sheikh Jaber when he was only 21 years old (AME Info, 1). This shows that he was being groomed to become the ruler of the country from a very early age. His highness Sheikh Jaber had the honor of chairing the first finance ministry of Kuwait in 1962. Before this, Kuwait did not have a ministry of finance. During his tenure as a finance minister, Sheikh Jaber took many landmark steps. He was the first person to foresee that the oil reserves of Kuwait were perishable. He noted that once the oil runs out, the country will be left in bad situation economically. This is why Sheikh Jaber was the first to set up a fund in order to ensure the continuance of Kuwait’s economy in case of exhaustion of country’s oil reserves (AME Info, 1). This shows the foresight of Sheikh Jaber and his political wisdom. The fund is still in place and continues to grow. Sheikh Jaber was forced to steer the nation from abroad when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. Sheikh Jaber knew the importance of leadership and therefore left for Saudi Arab in order to secure the government of Kuwait (BBC, 1). Iraq had a strong military and Kuwaiti military was of no match to its enemy. This is why the ruler of Kuwait decided to take help from Saudi Arab and other western allies to protect his country from foreign oppression. Staying abroad, Sheikh Jaber was able to contact the international community in order to make a case against Iraqi invasion. Kuwait’s 13th ruler was still in close communication with the residents of Kuwait even after he left the country with his administration in 1990 (AME Info, 1). He was also able to build up a rà ©sistance force in Kuwait in order to fight the Iraqi invasion. This clearly shows that he was very well connected with the

Patient undergoing surgery Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8000 words

Patient undergoing surgery - Dissertation Example ies from Turkey (Sahin, et.al., 2010, Egri, et.al., 2008), four from the UK (Ashraff, et.al., 2006; Kay and Siriwardena; Yeoman, et.al., 2006; Akkad, et.al., 2006, Habiba, et.al., 2004, Vohra, et.al., 2003; Mauffrey, et.al., 2008), three from Saudi (Khedhiri, et.al., 2013, Abalfotouh, and Adlan, 2012; Amir, et.al., 2012; Al-Faleh, et.al., 2010), one from Israel (Brezis, et.al., 2008); one from Switzerland (Ghulam et.al., 2006); one from the Czech Republic (Kopacova and Bures, 2012) and one from Canada (Falagas, et.al., 2006). Majority of the focus of these studies relates to how informed consent is perceived by patients, whether they consider it satisfactory or not. It also relates mostly to the quality of informed consent for the patients, including the relay of sufficient information to the patients. Majority of the methods applied for this review is the quantitative study, with only one qualitative study meeting the inclusion criteria. In terms of methodological quality, the cross -sectional studies (Egri, et.al., 2008; Brezis, et.al., 2008; Amir, et.al., 2009; Abalfotouh and Adlan, 2012; Falagas, et.al., 2009; Ghulam, et.al., 2006; Khedhiri, et.al., 2013) p rovided a sufficient insight and trend for a larger population as opposed to other studies, especially qualitative studies (Habiba, et.al., 2004) which can only provide an insight for a smaller sub-set of a population. In this case, the larger group of patients going through different types of surgery are represented in these cross-sectional studies. The cross-sectional studies also allowed for the establishment of a link between informed consent and outcomes and perceptions of patient surgery (Egri, et.al., 2008; Brezis, et.al., 2008; Amir, et.al., 2009; Abalfotouh and Adlan, 2012; Falagas, et.al., 2009; Ghulam,... In terms of methodological quality, the cross-sectional studies (Egri, et.al., 2008; Brezis, et.al., 2008; Amir, et.al., 2009; Abalfotouh and Adlan, 2012; Falagas, et.al., 2009; Ghulam, et.al., 2006; Khedhiri, et.al., 2013) p rovided a sufficient insight and trend for a larger population as opposed to other studies, especially qualitative studies (Habiba, et.al., 2004) which can only provide an insight for a smaller sub-set of a population.   In this case, the larger group of patients going through different types of surgery are represented in these cross-sectional studies.   The cross-sectional studies also allowed for the establishment of a link between informed consent and outcomes and perceptions of patient surgery (Egri, et.al., 2008; Brezis, et.al., 2008; Amir, et.al., 2009; Abalfotouh and Adlan, 2012; Falagas, et.al., 2009; Ghulam, et.al., 2006; Khedhiri, et.al., 2013).   The sample of individuals from the larger population was polled and given questionnaires of intervie ws in terms of the quality of informed consent they had from their healthcare givers.   Their perception of the informed consent was also gathered through the cross-sectional studies included in this review.   Limitations in cross-sectional studies may however be observed in terms of the direction of the relationship where the quality of the informed consent may contribute to anxiety during surgery or the other way around (Abalfotouh and Adlan, 2012, Khedhiri, et.al., 2013; Ghulam, et.al., 2006).   In the prospective studies carried out (Sahin, et.al.)

Letter of recommendation for pharmacy residency program Essay

Letter of recommendation for pharmacy residency program - Essay Example She consistently performs her duties with a high degree of competency and often goes the extra mile, doing more than expected. she always puts her clients best interests above everything else. She values their health concerns so much that she does not hesitate to contact their physician’s office and insurance company in order to find cheaper alternative medicines for customers who could not afford certain medications. She genuinely cares for her patients wellness and takes the extra time and effort to ensure that the patients receive the treatments that they actually need. Claire’s clinical knowledge and communication skills are excellent. She consistently provides knowledgeable counseling to her patients, effectively answering their questions regarding prescription and non-prescription medications. She does not hesitate to contact the physician’s office to clarify questions about prescriptions, communicating effectively with them in order to get the problem identified in order to come up with possible solutions, proving that she has excellent problem solving skills. Claire works well under pressure and knows how to manage her time well. She is a master multitasker who can promptly process prescriptions and help customers. Even during our peak hours at the pharmacy, she manages to remain calm and always has a ready smile for the patients in life. She always meets our customers needs and provdes excellent customer service. Many customers have appreciated her helpfulness and have commended her by writing to me in my capacity as her supervisor in order to commend her commitment to her duties and responsibilities. Compared to her peers and numerous other interns that I have encountered, she has been the best of the lot. Claire has always been a hard working, fast learner, and a mature individual. She genuinely cares for the patients and takes her responsibilities seriously. She has excellent work ethics and always brings a positive attitude to the

Summry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Summry - Essay Example The first article to be considered in this review is â€Å"Apple Mac Computers Hit in Hacker Attack, Researcher Says†; written by Jordan Robertson and has been sourced from Bloomberg where it featured on 5 April 2012. According to this article, a recent research has shown that over 6 Million users of Mac computers had reportedly fallen victim to hacker attacks; this is an indication that Apple Inc, a company that had been predominantly untargeted by hackers, had now become a prime target. The article further relates that, according to a Russian antivirus software maker Doctor Web, the hacking attack predominantly targets computers using Apple’s Mac OS X software as opposed to windows systems. The research makes it apparent that most of the attacks occurred in the US and Canada, and the company had successively sealed off a security hole that had been a passageway for the virus. In addition to that, the research determined that the malware in question, specifically meant for Mac computers, capitalized on a weakness in a version of Oracle Corp’s Java software that functions as a plug-in on web browsers. The research also rebuffs traditional claims that Mac computers cannot be hacked, by pointing out the shift in hacker activities from computers that use Microsoft’s windows operating systems to those using Apple’s Mac OS X. ... Initially, Apple Inc has been an underdog in the computer operation systems business, and as such, it has been largely ignored by hackers due to its constrained market share. However, in the recent past, Apple Inc has risen above competition in this sector to rival industry giants like Microsoft Corp. In this respect, Apple Inc has taken a strategic position in the industry by increasing its market share considerably, that it has now attracted hacker activities. Conversely, industry giants like Microsoft Corp have traditionally been a haven for hackers and hacker activities due to their large market share; it is estimated that about 90% of the world’s desktop computers use the Microsoft Corps’s windows OS and this means that it has the largest numbers of victims. Numbers are very significant to the hackers because then they are able to transfer the malware to a large proportion of victims in a single attack; this highly promotes the hackers’ illicit money making schemes. The research establishes that Apple’s spokesman Bill Evans has declined to comment on the recent attacks, perhaps due to the implications of the incidence to the future strategic direction of the company. The sudden realization that the company was not hacker resistant anymore could potentially ruin the company’s prospects in the future because then it has lost one of its competitive advantages in the industry. It is understood that computers that use Apple Inc’s Mac OS X operating systems are equally vulnerable to hackers, just like the computers operating on Microsoft Corp’s windows operating system. The second article â€Å"Exclusive: Hacked companies still not telling investors† is by Joseph Menn, and

Whiteness studies Essay Example for Free

Whiteness studies Essay ?In essence, it’s a simple concept: white privilege refers to the both minor and significant advantages that white people have in today’s American society. To be honest reading this article was a huge eye opener for me. I still struggle with both believing that white privilege exists and figuring out how to get rid of it. I have never felt that I was privileged to be white, however, I suppose that could be because as McIntosh states â€Å"whites are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege† After reading McIntosh’s list of the daily effects of white privilege I now understand these privileges and can put myself into the shoes of other non-white individuals to see how they would perceive me as a privileged white woman. I have never thought of myself as being privileged, or better in any way that those that I come in contact with. The concept of white privilege does not deny my individual hardships that I’ve dealt with throughout life. Hardships can be circumstantial, they can be something we are born with, or even something that we cause on our own. These circumstances are for the most part out of our control. Some hardships are related to race, and those who haven’t experienced those particular race-related hardships, I now suppose are white. In most ways conferred dominance and the fact that whites have been labeled as superior in any way is the exact opposite of the way I feel about myself, and the way I view others in my daily life. After reading McIntosh’s article, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, I suppose that I do see some advantages that I may have just always taken for granted. The one that may seem silly, but I’ve always wondered about is: why do they only make white â€Å"flesh† colored band aids? I t seems like a no brainer to me to make them in all flesh tones. In my school community which consists of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students I struggle to pick out white privileges. I do not feel that any of our teaching staff or administrators see themselves as dominant over any other race or culture within our school community. I suppose that the fact that our school principal, secretary, and most teachers are white would portray dominance within our race. The majority of our staff speak English, however we do have several bilingual teachers and staff members. In the classroom environment, other than our bilingual classrooms the population of white students is greater than that of any other race. As a teacher I am committed to equality and treating all of my students fairly and as equals in our classroom community. I do not think that 7 and 8 year old white students see themselves as dominant of more important than any other classmate. I can, however see how a Black, Hispanic, or students of other cultural background would feel at times to be the minority. I think that this feeling, however is taught to them at home, or somewhat of a learned feeling of identity. In my school community we do our best to incorporate other cultural history into our curriculum by designing lessons that educate our students about important people in our history from a variety of cultures. The majority of our schools population is comprised of white and Hispanic students. I think that as a whole we could do a better job at integrating more of the Hispanic culture into our school’s curriculum. After reading this article I now find myself more aware of the white privilege that I do hold, and am definitely going to work toward building my daily classroom routines and lessons to include a wider variety of cultures and discuss current events around the globe that my students can relate to.

Required Skills For Collaborative Learning Nursing Essay

Required Skills For Collaborative Learning Nursing Essay First of all, Collaboration learning is Inter-professional education which focuses on training all health care professionals the needed skills necessary to effectively learn and work inter professionally. Department of health (2000) was essential means for inclusion of inter professional learning and working as an agenda for health and social care. During the class seminars, I acknowledged that the skills taught in these lessons would be fundamental for a successful collaborative working in practice. I recognise communication, knowledge, beliefs, team working, and consent as the skills required from collaborative learning. Cooper et al (2001) supported that, the benefit of collaborative learning strategy and include the effects upon student knowledge, attitudes, skills and belief and particular on the understanding of professional roles and team working. Moreover, when I reflected back the scenario during the seminars, I realised that, reflection as a tool use to find out a new methods of delivery out a duty that may have been difficult. I discover some mistakes that were not obvious while I was tried to solve the case study myself. It can be argued that we learn more through physical experience rather than reading from a text book. Jasper (2003) indicated that, knowledge that we gain using reflective method is different from the assumption that provides the knowledge underpinning our practice. During the seminars, I joined student nurses, physiotherapist, radiographers, paramedics and social workers. When I reflected back on the case scenarios, I noticed that there were great communication mistakes within all the health professionals in their care delivery to Daisy in scenario 1. While reflecting I also notice that, there was lack of team working among the professionals. Kenny (2002) recommended that even if the principle of inter professional learning and working were emerging there was little evidence to suggest it was being embraced by the health care team in the practice areas. Furthermore, Communication skills are crucial in collaborative learning, it improves the care development and it ensures that all health professionals involved in the patients care are conscious of the patients condition and development. In practice communication is also essential to gain consent from patients in order to give them good health care such as personal care, and giving them injections. Code of Conduct (NMC, 2010), states that all nurses must use excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Their method of communication must always be secure, helpful, kindly and polite. The code also indicates that nurses ought to have the skill to work with service users to be able to deliver care. In practice I realise that keeping record is also a form of written communication. What health professionals write in the patients medical notes is vital information that needed to be shared with other health professionals. For example, In case scenario 2, it was the record keeping that reveal the numbers of times Timothy visited the A E. In Timothy case, he was been abuse by his own mother. Moreover, when admitting a new patient on to the ward one way of getting information about the patient is reading the previous medical notes. In addition, according to NMC (2010) record keeping of medical notes should always be in adequate detail, precise and all decisions prepared concerning the patients care ought be kept securely and recorded even if this was done as a form of written communication or over the phone. Patients notes should also explain why these decisions were made and who initiated these decisions. Patient or service user medical notes or care plans have to be complete as soon as possible therefore, the time and dates should always be stated, referrals should constantly be integrated and reassessments should be made and confirmed by all the health professionals involved in the patients care. In addition, original records should never be altered or tampered with in any way. Nurses must also carefully explain all the treatment or touching that will occur when obtaining consent (Griffith and Tengnah, 2010). Moreover, upon reflecting on the case scenario 2, the five years old boy who was abuse by his own mother? I realise that, for the boy to be protected, all the inter professional will have to work together. This indicate that team working which is been applied in my practice is very important within all health certain. It has been said that, government legislation and policies have introduced partnership working for health and social care, which led to inter professional team working becoming the preferred model for working (Quninney 2006). Hall (2005) also support team working is about professionals carrying out their role, while working in collaboratively with other professional to achieve common goal. Team working also promote effective ways of meeting the needs of patient / Service users. However, in practice I observed that continuing professional in a multidisciplinary team has a helpful impact on how flourishing the health professional work inter-professionally. My viewpoint of being professional is: respecting confidentiality and having a non-judgemental approach, regarding all service users and given that equal opportunities, safeguarding all service users, and maintaining a professional therapeutic relationship, with the service users as well as respecting, the job role of other health professionals. Kasar, et al (1996) suggest that being professional they commonly, anticipate professional arrangement, presentation, Initiative, empathy, administration, teamwork, decision-making and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Even though, inter professional working or team work among professional create a wider safety net to avoid vulnerable children and adult at risk from slipping from through the safety between health social cares. However, Hallet and Thompson, (2001) argues that without team work the potential of practice governance is not achievable. Accountability was one of skills I gain from the collaborative learning during IPE seminars. All through in practice I found that when collaboratively working, the nurses were usually positive regarding the care of their patients. However, they were accountable for the decisions they made even if the decisions were made whiles working collaboratively. According to Griffith and Tengnah (2010) a registered nurse would be professionally and lawfully responsible for their conduct, in spite of of whether they are following the instruction of another. On the other hand, ethics is used to design to preserve respect and health, avoid mistakes, keep patient safe and defend the privacy of the patient / service user. I observed in practice that, as a student nurse, I must be of high integrity, be willing to developed professionally and have a good moral character. Thompson, Melia and Boyd (2000) explained that morals and ethics are terms often used to refer to social customs and explain their rights and wrongs, in theory and practice, of human behaviour. In practice, I observe that I have to treat each patient /service user as individual and equally, despite their race, social background, illness or their way of life. As is the duty of nurse is to show compassion and care to all patients. This entire attribute are due the guidelines in nursing (NMC 2008). In practice, I observed, there was one particular patient who was refusing treatment and all the necessary care for three weeks. I took the opportunity to apply my ethics; I was able to persuade him into accepting all the care provided for the sake his recovery. In conclusion, I have learned that collaborative learning can improve quality of care delivery to patient / servicers users. Through the skills and knowledge that was shared from the other inter-professionals. Communication and team work are very essential requirement skills to provide patient / service users good quality of life. Overall I have found it is very important to act in the knowledge as you can, to prevent any condition arising. I have been able to recognise my weaknesses that can now turn into strength. I believe now that I have learned a lot from this experience, with assurance that, it will make me better student nurse, importantly, be a qualify nurse. References: Cooper, H. Carlisle, C. Gibbs, T. and Watkins, C (2001) Developing an Evidence base for interdisciplinary learning. Department of Health (2001) Working Together Learning Together. Department of Health, London. Griffith, R. Tengnah, C. (2010) Law and professional issues in nursing. (2rd ed.) London Learning Matters Ltd Hall, P. (2005). Interprofessional teamwork: Professional cultures as barriers. Journal of Interprofessional Care. Jasper, M. (2003) Beginning Reflective Practice. London: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Kasar, J. Clark, N. Watson, D. Pfister, S. (1996). Professional Development Assessment. Unpublished form. Kenny, G. (2002) Inter professional working: opportunities and challenges Nursing Standard Marks-Maran, D. Rose, P. (1997). Beyond Art and Science- Reconstructing Nursing. London. Bailliere Tindall. NMC (2010) Standards for pre-registration Nursing Education London: NMC. NMC (2rd Edition), September. (2010). Guidance on professional conduct for nursing and midwifery student. Quinney, A. (2006) Collaborative Social Work Practice edited by Jonathan Parker and Greta Bradley Leaning Matters. Thompson, I. Melia, K. Boyd, K. (2000). Nursing ethics. London: Churchill Livingstone

Learning Disability Nurse Reflection

Learning Disability Nurse Reflection Summary reflection –Modules 5 9 Working as a learning disability nurse, poses a career fraught with many interesting and often frustrating challenges. However, this is a population that cannot be ignored or slighted medically just because they present with special needs (DOH 2001). Emerson et al. (2001) state that 2.5 – 3% of the population in the UK are among the learning disabled, with 30% of these individuals presenting with categorically severe or profound learning disabilities. Emerson et al. (2001) also tell us that frequently multiple learning disabilities present in the same individual, including physical and/or sensory impairments, physical or sensory disability and/or behavioural difficulties. The five modules presented an opportunity to explore various aspects of this specialty area and reflect on the experience on a module by module basis. The act of revisiting the individual reflection pieces to present the current summary essay allowed for not only intellectually experiencing what I wrote, but it also allowed me to re-experience each situation and gain a new appreciation for the patients I worked with, the teams I took part in, the pros and cons of each situation and what I have learned that will be immediately applicable to a real world work environment. Importance of reflection Driscoll and Teh (2001) tell us that practitioners can gain a stronger understanding about various interventions and protocols used, as well as reviewing the situation specifics of each incident, through the process of reflection. In particular, Foster (1985) stressed the importance of using a journal for purposes of written reflection on nursing practices and procedures in order to help clarify issues and make them more real and visual. Gardiner and Lawley (1995) believe that self awareness, one of the outcomes of nursing reflection, can enable staff to recognise the skills they employ and add meaning to their interactions with peers, team members and clients/patients. There were many positives and negatives I experienced on a module by module basis, but in summary, these will be presented thematically. Achievements Module Five offered the opportunity to gain insight into the lifestyle experienced by those with learning disabilities. Similarly, Module Seven provided much needed and interesting information on the role of special health needs observed in those with special needs. This enabled me to make a difference for a client with diabetes through the development of a health care action plan that included the client’s smoking cessation; something the social worker assigned to the case was no knowledgeable of. It was quite exciting to improve my communication skills throughout the five modules. For example, I was able to improve my rapport with other colleagues and various multidisciplinary healthcare professionals as well as clients as I achieved Module Nine communication based learning objectives. Godsell and Scarbrough (2006) comment communication skills are essential for healthcare practitioners. I believe they are even more critical for those working with the learning disabled. Another example was the ability to communicate effectively myself and help others, such as residential home management, communicate with a specific autistic client experiencing difficulty in choosing daily activities based on his disability. I was able to include this client in the decisions made which is critical to empowering the client with a sense of self. Similarly, during Module Five, I worked with a cerebral palsy client who was screaming due to discomfort; that was her mode of communication, which at th e time I failed to recognise, but upon reflection now know actions as well as words are important modes of communication for those with learning disabilities. Shortcomings In general, a major negative I encountered was feeling I was used as â€Å"the help† rather than as a student nurse during my placement. This limited my ability to contribute and to grow personally and professionally. This was particularly evident during Module Five. Similarly, during Module Eight I was faced with a situation creating a significant amount of stress with no stress management advice or training opportunities from which to learn how to effectively cope. Contrary to Davidson’s (2001) research, there were no in-house stress management training opportunities to take advantage of. There was a sharp discrepancy in Module Nine when reviewing the Valuing People (2001) discourse in relation to people with learning disabilities (PWLD) between what was written in the document and what I experienced at work; whereas the document stresses the rights inherent for all people be extended to PWLD, it was my experience that daily patients and clients were denied access to services due to budgetary measures rather than expressing interest in people’s rights to quality healthcare and a quality standard of life. Gates (2003) tells us those with learning disabilities have rights and should be encouraged to attain respect and reach their potential. Challenges/Learning opportunities One of the main challenges I experienced in the module series, particularly with Module Five, was relating theory to practice. However, through additional research and self motivated learning I was able to bridge the gap. I also experienced a number of personal and professional challenges that I believe helped me become a stronger person and future professional. For example, at the beginning of Module Six, my mentor informed me he would not be available to me. This was very frustrating and upsetting as I knew without the help of a mentor, it would be very difficult to achieve the specific learning objectives outlined. However, I was able to turn this situation into a positive by becoming an active contributor to my own educational process by learning, understanding and solving real life problems (Kaufman, Mann Jennet 2000). Similarly, in Module Nine, I found several of the teaching styles challenging, but that helped to develop my research skills and allow me to make contributions in the group and EBL sessions. This also helped to develop my learning and presentation skills. An additional challenge in Module Nine was situation I encountered when viewing a medication administration concern at work. While I informed my manager of the situation, the team had a negative reaction rather than positive which would have been consistent with concern over patient/client care. Thomas, Mason and Ford (2003) tell us it is difficult for workers to become whistleblowers, especially in situations related to patient/client care or maintaining standards of care. This was an even more difficult challenge for me as I was only a student with limited status in the work environment. This was similar to the situation I found myself in during Module Seven when the community care social worker appeared to be neglecting the client’s diabetes, which is inconsistent with the General Social Care Council (2002) code of practices. I felt I was caught in the middle being a student making suggestions and pointing out care inconsistencies. Through the increased communication skills I developed, I was able to participate with the social worker in the role Gates (2003) identified as a learning disability nurse educator and facilitate changes. In conclusion, through the combined effects of achieving the modules’ learning objectives, reflection on the positive and negative events as well as challenges I encountered throughout modules 5 – 9 have enhanced my skill development of working with the learning disabled, improved my problem solving skills, allowed for improved communicative ability both on interdisciplinary teams as well as working with learning or developmentally challenged persons. The added use of written reflection as a tool will further my ability to transfer these skills into practice in my future placement and allow me to be effective in my nursing capacity on day one of my engagement. References Davidson, J. 2001. Stress management: Minute 10 guide. New York: Macmillan, USA. Department of Health. 2001. Valuing People: A new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century. White Paper CM5086. Great Britain. Driscoll, J Teh, B. 2001. The potential of reflective practice to develop individual orthopaedic nurse practitioner and their practice. Journal of Orthopedic Nursing, 5, 95 – 103. Emerson, E, Hatton, C, Felce, D Murphy, A. 2001. Fundamental facts. London: The Foundation of People with a Learning Disability. Gates, B. 2004. Learning disabilities: Towards inclusion (4th ed). London: Churchill Livingstone. General Social Care Council. 2002. Code of Practice for Social Care Workers and Code of Practice for Employers of Social Care Workers. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.gscc.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8E693C62-9B17-48E1-A806-3F6F280354FD/0/CodesofPractice.doc [Accessed 20 September 2008]. Godsell, M Scarbrough, K. 2006. Improving communication for people with learning disabilities. Nursing Standards, 20(30), 58 – 68. Kaufman, DM, Mann, KV Jennet, P. 2000. Teaching and learning in medical education: How theory can inform practice. London: Association for the Study of Medical Education Monograph. Gardiner, A Lawley, K. 1995. Health and social care: Longman advanced GNVQ test and assessment guide. London: Longman Publishing Group. Thomas, A, Mason, L Ford, S. 2003. Care management in practice for the registered manager award: Essential reading for all care managers (2nd ed). Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers

Computer Creativity in Soccer :: Technology Artificial Intelligence Essays

Computer Creativity in Soccer Studies concerning computer creativity in art and music have been central issues in the field of Artificial Intelligence for over thirty years, and several scholars of computer science are optimistic that computers will eventually be able to create original works (Miranda, 16), but not until recently had any computer programmer pursued Artificial Intelligence in athletics. This is a particularly daunting field because our knowledge of robotics is still very primitive, but this does not merit neglecting further investigation. Robotic soccer has emerged as a new challenge in Artificial Intelligence, but the question remains of whether robots playing sports has anything to do with true â€Å"intelligence,† or the level of creativity that is necessary to produce something artistic. The study of robotic soccer is similar to that of computer-composed art in several ways, the simplest parallel being that the more intelligent a computer is, the more it excels at each of the fields. After a certain point, raw computing power will not help a computer to improve anymore at either soccer or art, but the ability to think originally will be essential in bringing out true talent in a machine. The concept for robotic soccer originated in 1994 at an AI conference when professor of computer science at University of British Columbia, Alan Mackworth, presented a team of motorized miniature Porsches with computer chips that chased a ball around, trying to knock it into a goal. The motorized cars were equipped with only a vision system and some basic programming, but much to the excitement of the crowd of European and Japanese spectators, they were completely independent of any human control. Mackworth had originally come up with the idea only a few years earlier, after learning of MIT and IBM’s joint project to build Deep Blue, the most advanced chess-playing computer program that became better than any human player after beating grandmaster Kasparov in a best out of five game match. Mackworth realized how simple it was to construct a computer that could outwit a human opponent at chess, commenting that, â€Å"chess computers sit in a room and stare at a board. I thought AI should raise the bar.† (Preville, National Post) Chess seemed to be tailored towards computers - it is a single-player, strategical game in which players have no time constraints when thinking through all possible moves, and it does not necessitate mobility.

Slavery in the United States Essay example -- Slavery Essays

Slavery in the United States In the history of the United States nothing has brought more shame to the face of America than the cold, premeditated method of keeping black people in captivity. People from England who migrated to America used many different methods to enslave black people and passed them down through the children. These methods were quite effective, so effective that these â€Å"slaves† were kept in captivity for over two hundred years in this country. It was the rain of terror that kept black people in fear of their lives for so long. The invention of the gun back in the fifth-teenth century was the main reason that these people were able to go to another continent and enslave so many people. These people from Africa were mistreated very badly right from the start both mentally and physically. They were packed very tightly on ships for months at a time chained to each other with no place to go to the bathroom, little water to drink, and hardly anything to eat. As the population constantly increased in the colonies during the 1600’s, so did the demand for slavery especially in the southern colonies where the big plantations were. These plantations were very lucrative since the owners had free manual labor and they could keep all the profit from the crops for themselves. They also had to justify what they were doing to themselves so what they did was tell themselves that these slaves were barbaric and not smart enough to be civilized. These slave owners also owned huge houses in the middle of their plantations and thought of themselves as noblemen. In acuality, it was the slaves who were living nobly while the Europeans were living barbaricly. The Europeans who owned slaves also thought that the sl... ...un power is what created slavery. Keeping the fear in the eyes of the slaves is what kept them working under such poor conditions everyday, while their friends and family could be sold away at any time or place. Learning English and being able to read and write is what educated these men and women. Once they were educated enough, they could secretly plan escape routes to the north and finally get some sympathy for their people which would eventually lead to the Civil War. This war was about right and wrong. There is a moral way to make money and then there is an immoral way to make a living. Slavery is the number one event in our country’s history that has disgraced and put shame to our culture. Even though not everyone owned slaves, one bad apple spoils the bunch. Hopefully people will learn from history, and immoral actions or events like slavery will not take place again.

Australian Beverages Limited

Exam case Australian Beverages Limited Pre-seen information Semester 1 2010 Australian Beverages Limited — Pre-seen information A. Introduction to Australian Beverages Limited — March 2010 Australian Beverages Limited (ABL) commenced soft drink manufacturing in 1937. During the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded its beverage portfolio by entering into other non-alcoholic beverage categories, such as fruit and milk-based drinks. Entry into the snack food market was recently undertaken in response to declining consumption of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), the company’s traditional area of business strength. This move also enabled ABL to leverage its strong distribution capabilities to supermarkets, convenience stores and hospitality channels by adding adding such complementary food products to non-alcoholic beverages. Nevertheless, CSDs still accounted for 90 per cent of company revenue in 2004. Tom Dwyer, the current managing director, has been with the company since 2005. He joined the company at a time when CSD growth was stagnating and shareholder confidence in the company was waning. This had resulted in the share price declining by 15 per cent in the two years prior to his appointment. In order to restore shareholder confidence, Dwyer established a strategic planning team within the company to assess the current product portfolio and identify organic and acquisition growth opportunities. From this review the importance of operational excellence was identified and strong investment was made in world class manufacturing facilities and systems. Process re-engineering was implemented to reduce costs of manufacture and time to market. Having finalised the integration of a snack food business acquisition just over 12 months ago, Dwyer is now aware that he needs to identify further growth options given predicted continuing decline in the CSD market. In January 2010 he asked the strategic planning team to undertake another detailed review of opportunities for future growth, specifically identifying products and markets where the company would have the capabilities for successful entry. Bottled water was one industry that was identified, based on its complementary nature to the existing beverage portfolio. This industry had been identified as ‘of interest’ in the ABL’s first strategic review in 2005. At that time the market was deemed too small and unsophisticated. However, the Australia bottled water manufacturing industry has grown significantly since this initial review. Dwyer has requested a detailed review to determine whether entry into the domestic bottled water manufacturing industry is now a viable strategic option. If deemed to be a viable strategic option, Dwyer also wants a recommendation whether the ABL should enter the industry by establishing its own operations or by targeting an existing competitor for acquisition in order to gain immediate market share. B. The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry 1 Bottled water is the fastest growing category in the non-alcoholic beverage market in Australia, with sales revenue of $1. 483 billion in 2009. The major segments of the industry include bottled still and sparkling water. Within these two segments, different packaging sizes and types are offered. Water can be purchased in a range of single or multi-serve bottles including 600 millilitre, 1 litre or 5 litre bottles from the supermarket or convenience store. Bottled water is also available in bulk packs (that is: 10 litres or greater) for water coolers for home or office use. Different types of water also exist, from naturally sourced sparkling mineral waters to purified 2 and specialty waters. Manufacturing facilities for purified water are generally located in close proximity to major water utility suppliers to minimise the transport distance from the water source to the purification plant. In contrast, most sparkling mineral water manufacturing plants are necessarily concentrated in close proximity to high quality mineral springs where the product is bottled at source, usually in regional locations. The bulky and relatively low value of the product as well as the high costs of transport mean that the manufacturing and distribution plants need to be located where there are major population centres. The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry is currently in a growth stage. Growth has been achieved due to the increase in per capita consumption of bottled water, albeit from a relatively low base compared with other more established beverages. As consumers become more health conscious and change their drinking habits away from CSDs to healthier beverages, bottled water would increasingly become their drink of choice. 1 2 All figures are for the year ended 31 December unless otherwise stated. Purified water is water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable processes. Page 1 of 21 As a result, sales of bottled water are expected to increase. Of particular significance in the industry has been the large number of new products that have been launched and accepted by consumers since 2005, making bottled water a dynamic and fast growing industry. 1. Evolution of the Australian bottled water manufacturing industry 3 A relatively new industry, the Australian bottled water manufacturing industry evolved out of the soft drink manufacturing industry during the 1990s. Soft drinks are those that do not contain alcohol. Soft drinks are distinguished from hard drinks—beverages such as distilled spirits, beer or wine—by the simple fact that they do not contain alcohol. Given bottled water is a category within the broader non-alcoholic beverage industry, trends impacting this broader industry also impact on bottled water. Total non-alcoholic beverage revenue in Australia was over $10 billion in 2009, including CSDs, bottled water, fruit juices, energy drinks, sports drinks 4, ready to drink teas and milk beverages. Table 1 shows the market share of bottled water within non-alcoholic beverages over the past 10 years and predicted market share to 2014. Table 1: Australian non-alcoholic beverages – market share of volume by category- 1999 to 2014 Category Diet CSDs Full calorie CSDs CSDs Bottled Water Milk Drinks* Fruit Drinks** Sports Drinks Ready to Drink Tea/ Coffee Energy Drinks Total non-alcoholic Beverages 1999 16. 70% 46. 10% 62. 80% 6. 40% 8. 20% 20. 70% 1. 50% 0. 40% 0. 00% 2004 16. 50% 41. 30% 57. 80% 9. 50% 9. 60% 18. 80% 2. 20% 1. 70% 0. 40% 2009 16. 30% 34. 70% 51. 00% 13. 30% 11. 90% 16. 90% 3. 70% 2. 00% 1. 20% 2014 (P) 16. 10% 25. 30% 41. 40% 17. 40% 16. 00% 14. 80% 5. 0% 2. 90% 2. 50% 100. 00% 100. 00% 100. 00% 100. 00% P = Projection * Includes white and flavoured full fat, skim and soy milk beverages ** Includes fruit juice and fruit drinks Australians consumed 963 million litres of bottled water in 2009. However, Australia consumption of bottled water is significantly lower as compared with the total consumption of the top 10 global bottled water consuming countries. Table 2 shows Australia’s per ca pita consumption compared with that of the highest consumption per capita countries in the world. When compared to similar markets, such as the United States, Italy, France and Spain, this data suggests that the Australian market has potential for a higher rate of consumption and sales growth before it reaches maturity. It needs to be noted, however, that the drivers for bottled water consumption can differ. The climate or lack of clean drinking water impacts on consumption levels in countries such as Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. However, in Italy, France and Austria, for example, consumption of bottle water is driven by fashion. A recent report by the Global Earth Policy Institute concluded that global consumption of bottled water rose 56. 8 per cent to 164 billion litres from 2005 to 2009. Table 2: Global bottled water consumption: Litres per capita – 2005 and 2009 Country Italy Mexico United Arab Emirates France Spain Germany Switzerland United States Australia Global Average 2005 170. 3 128. 7 120. 7 129. 0 112. 0 110. 8 99. 1 70. 0 35. 3 17. 9 2009 202. 0 185. 4 179. 9 155. 8 140. 3 137. 4 109. 5 89. 6 45. 5 26. 6 Total % Change 18. 6% 44. 1% 49. 0% 20. 8% 25. 2% 24. 0% 10. 5% 28. 0% 28. 9% 48. 6% Projection figures for the industry were provided by industry experts at the recent Bottled Water Institute of Australia’s â€Å"Future Focus† conference. Beverage designed to help athletes rehydrate, as well as replenish electrolytes, sugar and other nutrients, which can be depleted after strenuous training or competition. 4 3 Page 2 of 21 Table 3 contains consumption statistics of bottled water in Australia, showing actual consumption for the past seven years and projected consumption for the next six years. Table 3: Australian bottled water consumption, 2003 to 2015 2003 605 30. 6 2004 677 33. 8 2005 715 35. 3 2006 765 37. 2007 825 39. 9 Consumption million litres Consumption per capita (litres) 2008 906 43. 3 2009 963 45. 5 2010 (P) 1024 48. 0 2011 (P) 1089 50. 5 2012 (P) 1159 53. 3 2013 (P) 1235 56. 3 2014 (P) 1316 59. 4 2015 (P) 1398 62. 4 P = Projection Table 4 shows total industry revenue over the past seven years and projected revenue for the next six years for the Australia bottled water manufacturing industry, compared to that of non-alcoholic beverages in total. Historical growth in bottled water has been derived from increases in total consumption, helped along by strong customer acceptance of new products launched over the past five years. The increase in the total Australian population together with an increase in per capita consumption of bottled water has contributed to this historical growth. (Compared with other developed markets, however, growth in the Australian market has been achieved from a relatively low base). These trends are expected to continue in the future. Bottled water will therefore continue to increase as a percentage of the non-alcoholic beverage market. Table 4: Australian bottled water and non-alcoholic beverage revenue – 2003 to 2015 2003 810 $1. 34 7 199 2004 920 $1. 36 7 675 2005 990 $1. 8 8 191 2006 2007 2008 2009 Bottled water revenue $m Bottled water Ave $ per litre Non-alcoholic beverages revenue $m Bottled water % of non-alcoholic beverages 2010 (P) 1 070 $1. 40 8 723 1 200 $1. 45 9 250 1 335 $1. 47 9 648 1 483 $1. 54 10 449 1 660 $1. 62 11 024 2011 (P) 2012 (P) 2 121 $1. 83 12 235 2013 (P) 2 375 $1. 92 12 871 2014 (P) 2 611 $1. 98 13 515 2015 (P) 2 796 $2. 00 14 177 1 877 $1. 72 11 619 11. 3% 12. 0% 12. 1% 12. 3% 13. 0% 13. 8% 14. 2% 15. 1% 16. 2% 17. 3% 18. 5% 19. 3% 19. 7% P = Projection An exception to the identified growth trends, however, is the delivery of bulk water for home and office use. This product type is now in the mature phase of its life cycle. It has experienced low growth over the past five years as more offices and homes install water filters as a result of improvements in filter technology. To counteract the decline in bulk water sales to offices and homes, bottled water manufacturers have developed new distribution channels for bulk water products. Increasingly bulk packs are sold in petrol station forecourts and supermarkets. To date, manufacturing capacity within the industry has meant that manufacturers have been able to meet growing demand using existing manufacturing infrastructure. Production stockpiling has not occurred which has helped manufacturers protect their profit margins. They have been able to achieve an increased weighted average price per litre as all production is generally sold in the year it is produced, reflecting the strong demand growth. The average price per litre has also been influenced by new product launches during the past five years, particularly the range of premium 5 waters and smaller, more convenient packaging sizes that achieve higher average prices. 2. Bottled water manufacturing The Australia bottled water manufacturing industry has similar manufacturing and distribution processes to the non-alcoholic beverages industry from which it emanates. 2. 1 Water supply There are several sources of water for bottling, such as underground springs, wells and water storages. The source of water plays a key role in the quantity and quality of bottled water that is produced. About 25 per cent of all bottled water comes from water storages that is tap water) that is further treated before 5 Premium waters are generally higher priced waters which have higher levels of purity or are sourced from natural springs. Page 3 of 21 bottling at an average price of $2. 40 per kilolitre. The other 75 per cent of water comes from groundwater at an average price of around $1. 00 per kilolitre. In some Australian states, permits are required to extract groundwater. Bottled water manufacturers often contract out the actual extraction of water to external providers. The price of water in Australia compared with other countries and with other products is very low. It has become the subject of debate due to diminishing water supplies caused by extended drought conditions in Australia. To increase water prices would be politically contentious and many consumers would argue that because water is a basic human need it should be free. It is significant to note, however, that Australians pay a thousand times more per litre for bottled water than they do for tap water of similar quality. 2. 2 Treatment Once water has been sourced, the next step is to filter and purify the water to remove organic compounds such as metal ions. These compounds can contribute adversely to the taste and odour of the water and to bacteria that may cause health problems. Some water, mainly mineral water, is naturally carbonated at the source. However, more commonly, carbonation of both spring and purified water takes place in the factory (where both the treatment process and bottling occur). For other drink types (for example sparkling wines or beer) carbonation is achieved naturally during the fermentation of sugar into alcohol. However, for sparkling water, carbonation cannot be achieved through a fermentation process, as no sugar is added. It is therefore achieved by injecting carbon dioxide, into the water under pressure. The pressure increases the solubility of the water and allows more carbon dioxide to dissolve than would be possible under standard atmospheric pressure. When the bottle is opened the pressure is released, allowing the gas to come out of the solution, thus forming bubbles. 2. 3 Bottling and labelling After the water has been treated, and in some cases carbonated, it is transferred (if carbonated, this transfer occurs under pressure) to a filling machine. Here, bottles or bulk containers are filled and then passed by conveyor belt to a sealing machine. Once sealed, the bottles are packed in cardboard boxes for transport. There are currently 22 bottled water manufacturers in Australia certified by Food Standard Australia. Some manufacturers operate on a contract bottling basis only, providing bottling services to companies that have their own brands or to supermarkets which sell private label products 6. However, a number of these bottlers do have brands of their own which they sell. 2. 4 Packaging Bottled water is provided to consumers in a variety of packages. These may be glass, PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) or polycarbonate bottles. Water can be purchased in a range of single or multiserve bottles from various outlets and is available in bulk packs for water coolers for home or office use. The technology required to bottle water is quite basic and widely available. However, to achieve the volume of manufacturing required to be cost competitive, the level of capital investment is large. Key improvements in technology have been focused on quality control and automation to meet the need for greater manufacturing efficiencies and the strict health and regulatory standards of food standards that apply across all Australian states and territories. Environmental concerns are rising in relation to the disposal of empty drink bottles. With the increasing amount of water being consumed, the issue of the resultant bottle waste has become significant. In Australia, of the 118000 tonnes of drink bottle plastic used every year, only 35 per cent is recycled. In South Australia, where consumers can redeem a deposit for drink containers, the bottles made up less than 10 per cent of the state's rubbish, compared with 13. 4 per cent nationally. Drink bottles also take up more space than other waste, comprising 38 per cent of total volume of litter. Recycling experts believe that the recycling of empty water bottles is hampered because most bottled water is consumed as a convenience beverage outside the home where recycling bins are not readily accessible. Following the success of reducing the use of plastic shopping bags it is thought that the introduction of a nationwide empty bottle deposit law would create the incentive to recycle bottles. This would also help to ease the burden on taxpayers who pay for the clean-up of litter. Private label products or services are typically those manufactured or provided by one company for offer under another company's brand. Private label goods and services are usually positioned as lower cost alternatives. Page 4 of 21 3. Industry segmentation The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry has two clearly defined segments: †¢ Still water – this segment accounted for 7 6 per cent of consumption volume in 2009. †¢ Sparkling water – this segment accounted for 24 per cent of consumption volume in 2009. 3. 1 Still water Still water is generally consumed for hydration and thirst satisfaction at home, in the office or while travelling. Convenience is a major factor in the growth of the still water segment. It is used: †¢ as an alternative to other packaged beverages when consumers want to moderate their calories intake and seek an unsweetened, clean tasting and natural product. Water is the best and healthiest form of hydration as it is a fat and calorie-free thirst quencher; †¢ when consumers are not satisfied with the aesthetic qualities (for example, taste, odour and colour) of their tap water. Many people wish to drink something that is refreshing, clean and pure, and avoid certain chemicals used in the treatment of public water supplies, such as chlorine and fluoride; †¢ when consumers require the convenience of bottled water for their refreshment. This is especially the case with the development of more widespread leisure activities and the expansion of travel, for both business and pleasure; and †¢ for nutritional and performance benefits, such as near waters 7 and mineral water supplements claiming to have the nutritional components equivalent to a bowl of salad. As shown in Table 5 below, significant growth in bottled still water in Australia has occurred over the past six years, and this has driven most of the growth in the overall industry. As with the industry overall, the average price per litre has increased due to the introduction of premium bottled still waters. Table 5: Revenue and production- Still Water- 2003 to 2015 Type Revenue $million Production million litres Ave $ per litre 2003 555 516 $1. 08 2004 648 584 $1. 11 2005 708 619 $1. 14 2006 780 668 $1. 17 2007 883 720 $1. 23 2008 999 796 $1. 25 2009 1 127 847 $1. 33 010 (P) 1 279 901 $1. 42 2011 (P) 1 472 958 $1. 54 2012 (P) 1 688 1 020 $1. 65 2013 (P) 1 934 1 095 $1. 77 2014 (P) 2 154 1 173 $1. 84 2015 (P) 2 323 1 252 $1. 85 P = Projection 3. 2 Sparkling water Carbonated water was commonly known by the name of soda water until World War II. In the 1950s, new terms such as sparkling water began to be used due to the negative perceptions associated with use of the word ‘car bon’ being considered a chemical additive in water. Sparkling water is essentially still water into which carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved, resulting in the formation of bubbles. Sparkling water is generally consumed as a refreshment beverage mostly while dining out rather than for hydration or thirst satisfaction alone. In the last few years, supermarkets have started to stock premium sparkling water brands. 7 Near Water – also known as functional waters. These are bottled water beverages which have nutrients added, such as fruit juices, vitamins or minerals to enhance the positive health benefits associated with water. Page 5 of 21 Table 6: Revenue and Production:- Sparkling water- 2003 to 2015 Type Revenue ($million) Production (million litres) Ave $ per litre 2003 255 89 $2. 7 2004 272 93 $2. 92 2005 282 96 $2. 94 2006 290 97 $2. 99 2007 317 105 $3. 02 2008 336 110 $3. 05 2009 356 116 2010 (P) 381 123 $3. 10 2011 (P) 405 131 $3. 10 2012 (P) 433 139 $3. 12 2013 (P) 441 140 $3. 15 2014 (P) 457 143 $3. 20 2015 (P) 473 146 $3. 24 P = Projection $3. 07 While experiencing declining growth, sparkling water is still showing some growth, albeit at much lowe r rates than still water. This reflects the refreshment beverage nature of sparking water which is generally consumed at restaurants and cafes rather than in the home. The majority of the sparkling water consumed is comprised of premium imported spring waters, such as Eau de Vivre, which is the world’s premier sparkling water brand. As such, the average price per litre for sparking water is substantially higher than that of still water (see Table 6). This reflects the increased cost of manufacturing required to carbonate the water, different closure types required to retain the carbonation, the cost of imports and the premium nature of this product. The increase in average price over the projection period reflects estimates in foreign exchange movements. Foreign exchange xperts forecast that the current high levels in the value of the Australian dollar are not sustainable and project them to decline in the future. 4. Distribution trends Bottled water is sold by manufacturers to independent wholesalers, including specialist confectionary and soft drink wholesalers as well as grocery wholesalers. Figure 1 below illustrates the current industry distribution channels. Figure 1: Australian bottled water distribution channels – 2009 Manufacturer Wholesaler Supermarket Convenience stores Direct Distribution Hospitality Home & office Delivery Vending machines Other End Consumer In the past few years, retailers have been increasingly buying direct from the manufacturer to reduce the cost of goods by eliminating the wholesaler margin from their purchase price. This has been facilitated by improved information systems that now provide timely information to manufacturers for production planning, thereby enabling them to engage in direct sales to a larger numbers of customers. The increase in direct distribution has been most notable amongst major industry competitors. Major retailers want to purchase from fewer, larger companies. Beverage wholesalers, however, still play an important role in distribution for smaller bottled water manufacturers. These smaller competitors generally have a smaller product range and are unable to meet major retailer demands for inventory management and direct to store delivery. Page 6 of 21 Table 7 shows the share of revenue in 2009 by distribution channel. Table 7: Major distribution channels share of revenue- 2009 Distribution channel Supermarkets and grocery wholesalers 2009 35. 0% 30. 0% 15. 0% 9. 0% 6. 0% 5. % 519 445 222 133 90 74 Revenue ($m) Comments Supermarkets use online ordering systems direct to manufacturers, bypassing wholesalers in general. Major growth in this channel reflecting convenience purchasing. Main outlet for the purchase of single-serve products. Dominated by higher priced spring and mineral waters, including imported products. Bulk packaged water is the main product through this channel. Placed in schools, sports clubs and other public places or venues . Niche value added brands only due to high transportation costs (e. g. exports) or specific to single distribution channels. Convenience stores (including petrol stations) Hospitality Home and office delivery Vending machines Other Branding is an important differentiator in the bottled water manufacturing industry. Existing competitors that have established brand names have an advantage over new entrants who have to spend heavily on marketing for brand recognition. Sales in convenience stores have always been an important distribution channel for soft drinks. This importance is growing, not only for soft drinks but also for bottled water, driven by the trend in more frequent convenience shopping for ‘time-poor’ consumers. Success in the convenience store channel is critical for any new product to succeed. If the brand recognition is achieved, it is often quickly followed with brand extensions, leveraging the brand to offer new flavours and packaging. Once consumer demand is established in the convenience store channel, the move into the supermarket channel generally supports maintenance of profit margins, considering that supermarket buyer power is reduced when strong product demand has been established. Manufacturers have had to respond to significant changes in consumer buying behaviour. Product distribution, presentation and availability has had to match these changes in order to maximise sales. Increasing quantities of product are now distributed through convenience stores and petrol stations. For example, bulk water packs were once sold via direct sale to offices. However, as more offices have installed their own in-built water filters, this channel has declined and there has been a shift to bulk water sales through petrol stations and supermarkets. A key strategy employed by non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers to lock out rivals is the placement of vending machines and refrigeration units in distribution outlets. This ensures that their products are stocked and presented for the best possible sales whilst making it difficult for competitors to get refrigeration space. The distribution outlet has to invariably agree not to stock competitor products as part of the terms of using the refrigeration equipment supplied. Vending machines are increasing in variety, size, style and sophistication, depending on where they are located. Distributors in some locations, such as private or non-government schools, have worked with the manufacturers to introduce the use of smart card technology for payment and therefore avoid the need for cash. Similarly, in the hospitality arena, manufacturers have to tender for the supply of beverages to key entertainment and sporting venues. Once a manufacturer has secured a contract with a venue, their product has guaranteed sales for a defined period of time. Quite often, patrons are not allowed to bring in their own beverages for consumption or are limited in the amount they are allowed to bring in. Hospitality, through restaurants and cafes, is the main distribution channel for sparkling waters and it is also common practice for venues to be locked into one particular manufacturer. Exports and imports represent about 5 per cent of industry production. These levels are not expected to change in the future due to the high cost of transporting the heavy weight and bulk of water. The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry is protected to some extent from the threat of water imports due to the high volume and low unit value of water, even though water with no additives is exempt from tariffs. For water that has added sugar or other sweeteners, there is a 5 per cent import tariff. The main distribution channel for imported waters is cafes and restaurants that primarily serve premium sparkling waters. Page 7 of 21 5. Demand trends Bottled water is a growing part of the non-alcoholic beverages industry. While the broader non-alcoholic beverages industry is growing, bottled water is growing at a faster rate due to increasing awareness of health issues. Research shows that people want better tasting and healthier alternatives to many of the soft drinks and sports drinks currently available. Market research surveys suggest that over 90 per cent of Australians consume too many sugary and caffeine-based drinks. As bottled water is part of this larger beverages industry, it is important to understand firstly, the trends impacting on non-alcoholic beverage consumption overall, as well as the trends specifically impacting on bottled water consumption. 5. 1 Non-alcoholic beverages Consumption of non-alcoholic beverages in Australia increased from 179. 7 litres per capita in 2005 to 228. 5 litres per capita in 2009. Per capita consumption trends for all non-alcoholic beverages generally follows consumption patterns in the United States. On that basis, there are still significant opportunities for growth in all non-alcoholic beverages, including CSDs. Currently, Australian per capita consumption is 63 per cent of the US consumption level. Increasing awareness of the obesity problem in Australia, as well as the firmly established focus toward health and wellbeing, is ensuring strong future growth for ’healthy’ beverages. This has resulted in the introduction of sugar-free or diet CSDs. However, many older Australians are not switching to sugar-free versions of the CSDs they used to drink. Instead, they are moving to alternative beverages. Hence the general decline in the consumption of CSDs has also been accompanied by a rise in the consumption of beverages that are perceived to be healthy, such as fresh fruit juices, flavoured milks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. Changing lifestyle trends, health consciousness and a growing ‘cafe culture’ have also contributed to an increased demand for these alternative beverages. For example: †¢ Freshly squeezed fruit juices, with fresh flavour attributes being preferred by the consumer. With the emergence of juice bars and a greater focus by manufacturers in establishing juice brands, consumption of juice products has increased. In the United Kingdom and United States, juice bar sales represent about 5 per cent of total juice sales in those countries. However, in Australia, juice bars are still only an emerging distribution outlet and offer a good opportunity for new product development and growth. Ready-to-drink teas, with their antioxidant properties being promoted, have become a popular ‘health’ drink. The Australian market for this product is currently 2 million litres per annum and predicted to grow to as much as 20 million litres over the next few years, particularly as the Australian population ages. Product development includes a variety of flavoured ready-to-drink teas. †¢ Flavoured milk is a growth beverage. Data shows that A ustralians are each drinking, on average, nearly 0. litres more flavoured milk per annum than a year ago. Perceived health benefits of milk have contributed to this growth, and this is expected to drive continued growth in the future. Milk sales have increased by 6. 7 per cent with low fat brands performing particularly well. Last year, each Australian, on average, drank 9. 5 litres of flavoured milk – more than the per capita figure for any other country. †¢ Both energy 8 and sports drinks 9 are growing products in a society that is increasingly health conscious and aspiring to be more active. Energy drinks have had double digit growth since 2006 and the sports drink market has grown 14 per cent on volume and 20 per cent on revenue compound annual growth over the last three years. 8 Beverages that are designed to give the consumer a burst of energy by using a combination of methylxanthines (including caffeine),vitamins and herbal ingredients. 9 Purified water with additives similar to those of sports drinks with the aim of providing hydration during sport. Page 8 of 21 5. 2 Bottled water Bottled water consumption has increased significantly over the past six years, but is still significantly below consumption levels of other developed countries including Europe and the United States. This indicates further opportunities for growth in Australia, primarily at the expense of CSDs and fruit based drinks, given the rising concern surrounding the link between CSD consumption and obesity, especially in children. One possible reason for the lower per capita consumption of bottled water by Australians is the relatively good quality of tap water available. Tap water contains fluoride ions which have a positive effect on tooth decay. The drinking of bottled water, which is distilled 10 to remove element such as fluoride, is believed to be contributing to an increase in the risk of tooth decay. However, most people continue to cook with tap water and this should provide sufficient fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Alternatively, some people wish to avoid exposure to fluoride, particularly systemic ingestion of fluoride in drinking water, and may choose such bottled water for its absence of fluoride. Nevertheless, surveys show that there is an increasing concern about the quality of tap water in Australia and that this is driving some growth in bottled water consumption. Growth is further supported by concerns about alcohol consumption and associated drink-driving accidents which has encouraged the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages, such as bottled water, when dining out. Females consume about 58 per cent of all bottled water in Australia. Young people, in particular females aged between 18 and 35 years, are the largest consumers of bottled water. In general, bottled water consumers are more health conscious and socially aware. Studies have found that younger generations are far more diligent in drinking their recommended daily intake of water and men are less likely to think about water consumption on a daily basis than women. In addition, for young women, image is an important factor in determining consumption behaviour. Figure 2 shows consumption by age group. Figure 2: Australian bottled water consumption by age group, 2009 30 25. 8 25 20 23 18. 5 14. 8 % 15 10 5 0 9 8. 9 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 and older Age group (years) 10 Distillation is the process of eliminating impurities by heating a liquid until it boils, capturing and cooling the resultant hot vapours, and collecting the condensed vapours. Page 9 of 21 Due to the increase in health consciousness, water has also become a fashion accessory. Some consumers now carry a bottle of water with their mobile phone and iPod. Packaging is therefore critical. Small plastic bottles are preferable for many consumers as they are re-sealable, perceived to be more contemporary and can fit in car-cup holders. The convenience factor means that the most popular pack size is around 600 ml, as shown in Table 8 below. This is an important consideration for convenience when travelling for business or leisure. In fact, it is the convenience aspect that has to some extent, driven the growth in bottled water. Table 8: Australian still water revenue share by pack size Pack Size 1999 2004 2009 500 – 750ml 1–2 litre Bulk 47. 3% 22. 8% 29. 9% 52. 3% 27. 5% 20. 2% 57. 3% 32. 6% 10. 1% 2014 (P) 60. 3% 34. 8% 4. 9% P = Projection Increased future consumption of bottled water in the home is likely to result from continued growth in household disposable income in Australia. This disposable income growth will also sustain growth of takeaway foods and restaurant meals, both of which tend to increase consumption of bottled water and fruit juice. However, while currently experiencing positive growth, total household expenditure on consumable goods is expected to slow in the future. This will adversely affect growth in discretionary spending on all beverages. However, a factor which contributes positively to growth in the sales of bottled water is the climate. The gradual warming of Australia’s climate is expected to support further growth in water consumption. Bottled water is well positioned to benefit from the shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and natural drinks. Spring water is particularly popular in Australia because it is perceived to have come from a natural, pristine environment. This is reinforced by marketing that emphasises the pure and natural image of water. As well as purchasing more bottled water, consumers are also prepared to pay more; with 69 per cent of consumers recently surveyed believing quality is more important than price. New product development activities are targeting changing consumer lifestyle needs and the trend towards purchase convenience. There are now numerous bottled water brands available in Australia, from international beverage brands to boutique ‘rain farms'. The huge variety of waters and sources means that the bottled water market has a broad demographic reach. According to a recent consumer survey, at least 99 per cent of all Australians have tried or purchased bottled water in the last 12 months. The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry has pursued sales growth by developing products for niche markets. Smaller producers can supply relatively small segments with specialist or premium products. Given the continuing concern about the use of artificial colourings, flavourings and preservatives, the industry is expected to develop a range of premium products better suited to the demands of the health conscious consumer. For example, pet owners can now buy ‘vitamin-fortified’ water specifically formulated for their canine companion. 6. Costs and gross margins Bottled water has the highest profit margins of all non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages. This is due in part to the strong growth that the industry has achieved. Manufacturers are also able to sell all production in a year. Industry rivalry is relatively low, particularly as the major competitors are focused on supplying through different distribution channels. A percentage breakdown of costs in 2009 is as follows: †¢ 55. 2 per cent for purchases of supplies; †¢ 26. 8 per cent for marketing, distribution and selling costs; †¢ 12. 1 per cent for wages; †¢ 4. 1 per cent depreciation and administration costs; and †¢ 1. 8 per cent for utilities and rent. A net margin of 16. 3 per cent was achieved by the industry in 2009. Page 10 of 21 Purchases include water supplies, labels and other packaging materials such as glass and plastic resin bottles and closures which are generally purchased on 5 year contracts. One of the key costs is polyester (PET) resin for bottles; however, there is no forward market 11 for PET resin. As a commodity, PET resin has been subject to price rises over recent years, as the price of oil has increased. This is reflected in the minor decline in gross and net margins experienced by manufacturers in 2009, as shown in Table 9 below. Overall, however, the cost to create bottled water is relatively inexpensive. Therefore, water is a more profitable product than other nonalcoholic beverage categories. Table 9: Five year weighted average industry gross and net margins 2005 2006 2007 Gross margin % Net margin % 31. 3% 16. 6% 31. 9% 16. 9% 31. 1% 16. 5% 2008 2009 30. 7% 16. 3% 31. 5% 16. 7% Current levels of profitability are expected to continue. However, it is noted that as sales through the supermarket distribution channel increase, so too will the buyer power of these large retailers and this may have a negative impact on profitability levels. At a recent presentation, ABL’s managing director, Tom Dwyer, commented: ‘The increasing power of major retailers will squeeze the small competitors in both the food and beverage businesses. Without modern technology, smart systems and economies of scale, it will be very difficult for small manufacturers to generate an acceptable return on capital employed and maintain current levels of profitability. ’ 7. Industry key success factors and future predictions Industry experts summarise the following areas as critical to future success in the Australian bottled water manufacturing industry: †¢ Distribution and lacement: Control of distribution channels through an established and comprehensive network of distribution outlets to gain access to end consumers is essential to ensure timely delivery, low costs and maximised product reach through effective placement. If not operating in a niche market, manufacturers must become a major competitor in the wider market. I n general, a major competitor needs to have at least 20 per cent share of at least one distribution channel. Effective market orientation, product promotion, and advertising: Market research, product development and speed-to-market are important capabilities. Successful competitors need to be able to clearly segment the market and develop products that reflect the requirements of different customer groups. The ability to effectively promote their brand and provide label and packaging design is also important. First movers with effective distribution have an advantage in that new competitors need to spend heavily on marketing to catch up. The effectiveness of strong advertising, a sophisticated distribution chain and a focused strategy is critical in influencing consumer choice. Strong brand names contribute to the appeal of bottled water as an accessory as well as building a product's reputation for quality. Having these attributes allows manufacturers to win market share within particular consumer segments and charge premium prices. Economies of scope: Breadth of product range enables efficiencies in distribution, marketing and administration. Such efficiencies are gained when a competitor uses its manufacturing process to produce a wide range of beverage brands (and possibly also complementary products) which are provided as part of a total solution to the various distribution channel customers. Being a total beverage provider to major customers is becoming more important as these major customers are increasing in concentration and prefer to deal with fewer larger manufacturers. Economies of scale: Economies of scale are very important for a low value product since high volumes must be produced and sold to maintain profitability. Manufacturers must have effective cost controls and access to the most efficient manufacturing and distribution processes, tracking technology and techniques to monitor sales and respond accordingly. Economies of scale are particularly important for competitors who have undifferentiated products. Since unit manufacturing costs are an important element of profitability, it follows that economies of scale, based upon critical mass, are also important. Some manufacturers have commenced contract bottling for smaller industry participants in order to secure manufacturing volumes. †¢ †¢ †¢ 11 A forward market enables producers to lock in prices for a defined period of time, thereby providing certainty of costs. Page 11 of 21 At the recent annual Australian Beverage Congress, Alan Vaughan, an independent industry expert of 30 years’ experience, presented an extensive insight into the bottled water market and its future direction. Vaughan concluded his presentation with this comment: ‘The Australian and global beverage industries are in a period of growth and major transformation. In general, there has been a switch away from carbonated drinks to beverages with less sugar and additional functional benefits. To the younger customer, the older brands are looking a little staid, with bottled water and energy drinks viewed as more cool and exciting. This is reflected in marketing and advertising campaigns. People these days are working harder and have greater commitments. Bottled water and energy drinks are replacing other traditional beverages because they provide refreshment as well as a functional benefit, such as re-invigoration, replenishing hydration and energy levels, improving mental alertness and enhancing concentration. These beverages appeal to everyone from partygoers to office workers, through to truck drivers. ’ C. Industry competition 1. Basis of competition The basis of competition for non-alcoholic drinks are primarily price, convenience and taste. The main basis of competition by which bottled water competes against other beverages, such as CSDs, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks, is health appeal. Given zero or very low sugar content, both still water and near waters have successfully developed an image of being healthier than other drinks and this has driven growth in the industry. To a degree, home filters also serve as a source of competition, although mainly against the bulk water segment. Tap water is also an external competitor, with a clear advantage in price. Beverage marketing and display are beginning to undergo dramatic change. There will always be the major conventional media promotions, but the consumer market is becoming much more time sensitive and there is a high level of competition from substitute products, mainly other non-alcoholic beverages. The major ways for industry participants to differentiate and compete successfully include: †¢ Branding, image and breadth of product range: Recent growth in bottled water is related to the successful positioning of a number of brands as fashion accessories. Both media support behind the brand and the design of the bottle including the label contribute to the appeal of a product. Breadth of product range is also important as concentration of major customers continues. Large retail buyers (both in the supermarket and convenience store channels) prefer to deal with large manufacturers or suppliers that can provide a large product range. Packaging: Convenience is a key benefit of bottled water. Hence bottle size, shape and functionality form a basis of competition. Bottles are designed with particular uses in mind, for instance some water bottles have a pop-top cap for ease of use when playing sport or training. Distribution coverage: An ability to satisfy the needs of retailers, and obtain favourable terms such as promotional programs and stock positioning is important. Market share dominance of distribution channels is important as it allows manufacturers to diffuse the power of large buyers and maintain strong profitability levels. The ability to secure shelf space in convenience stores is also important, given that success in the convenience store channel is a precursor to getting new products into supermarkets. Taste: Especially at the premium end of the market, taste can be a basis of competition for both still and sparkling waters. Use of market data: Access to and use of market data is also important. The larger the competitor the more likely they are able to afford retail check-out scanning data to understand what its customers are buying. In this way, manufacturers can ensure retailers replenish their stock as required. This provides larger manufacturers with an advantage of responsiveness and flexibility as they make use of this information and respond quickly. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Page 12 of 21 2. Current industry competitors The Australian bottled water manufacturing industry is dominated by large beverage manufacturers. Two of the major competitors are subsidiaries of global food and beverage conglomerates that are also major competitors in the non-alcoholic beverage market. Table 10 summarises the market share of the industry competitors in 2009. It should be noted that Australian Beverages Limited (ABL) is not currently in the Australian bottled water manufacturing industry, despite being a major competitor in the Australian non-alcoholic beverage market. Table 10: Market share by distribution channel and major competitors – 2009 Total market share 26. 9% 26. 3% 18. 3% 12. 0% 16. 5% 100. 0% Other includes export sales and use of purified water for medical procedures (for example: dental etc) ** Other competitors comprise small, locally based water manufacturers. No single entity has greater than 2 per cent market share Competitor Butlers Hydrate Water International Beverages Fountain Springs Other** Total Market Share Australian bottled water manufacturing industry – Market share by distribution channel Supermarkets Convenience Hospitality Home & Vending Other* & grocery stores (15%) office machines (5%) wholesalers (30%) delivery (9%) (6%) (35%) 27. 0% 35. 0% 25. % 15. 0% 30. 0% 38. 0% 22. 0% 20. 0% 15. 0% 35. 0% 20. 0% 17. 0% 35. 0% 15. 0% 10. 0% 10. 0% 5. 0% 15. 0% 70. 0% 5. 0% 16. 0% 15. 0% 55. 0% 20. 0% 30. 0% 100. 0% 100. 0% 100. 0% 100. 0% 100. 0% 100. 0% The industry has grown significantly to date. To keep industry profitability levels relatively high, the industry’s major competitors have tended to dominate one or two distribution channels only, rather than all channels. In this way, they hope to avoid strong head-to-head competition. This has assisted in keeping the overall level of industry rivalry relatively low to date. However, this is expected to change in the future as consumption growth begins to slow. Several new competitors have entered the market over the last five years. Moreover, industry consolidation has occurred. Major industry competitors have acquired smaller competitors to increase economies of scale, scope, market share and profitability. In 2009, the four largest competitors accounted for approximately 82 per cent of industry revenue. No major change is expected to this trend in the future as further consolidation will be difficult due to the relatively high market shares held by the four major companies. Regulatory concerns about restriction of competition will also affect further consolidation. Two of the competitors, Butlers Corporation and International Beverages, are owned by global food and beverage conglomerates that use Australia as the base for their non-alcoholic beverages operations in Asia. Industry experts believe that acquisition of either of these companies, to be used as a mode of entry into the industry and gain significant market share, is not possible. The parent companies will be unwilling to sell their Australian operations. The major industry competitors are summarised below. 2. 1 Butlers Corporation A wholly owned subsidiary of a large multi-national listed company, Butlers Corporation commenced operations in the United Kingdom in the 1800s as the official chocolatier to the King. Operations were expanded throughout the 20th century to include other types of confectionary, biscuits, snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Geographic expansion was also undertaken. Butlers Corporation is now a global giant in its chosen products. Butlers established its operation in Australia during the 1950s. It has held the majority market share in the Australian confectionary, non-alcoholic beverage and snack food industries for the past 20 years. The company entered the Australian bottled water manufacturing industry during the 1980s through the acquisition and consolidation of several state-based water manufacturers. This helped Butlers to become the first bottled water manufacturer to have national distribution. Page 13 of 21 Butlers has strong distribution capabilities given its broad product range. It is the largest supplier to convenience stores and the second largest to the hospitality distribution channels. Growth in its market share of the supermarket channel has also been strong over recent years, in particular through its well known still water brand ‘Olympus’. The company also holds significant market share in the sparkling water segment, having obtained the Australian license for Eau de Vivre, the worlds leading sparkling water brand. One of the areas of focus for Butlers is innovation for all its beverages. This includes a large of number of soft drinks such as flavoured mineral waters, flavoured milks and fruit juices. Its broad product offering that includes complementary snack products, has been leveraged to achieve strong sales in convenience stores and through vending machines. 2. 2 Hydrate Water Pty Limited Hydrate Water is a privately owned company that originated in 1993 in Queensland. The company has access to natural springs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and a long term agreement with key water utilities in these states to access water when required. It distributes nationally from ISO 9002 quality accredited manufacturing facilities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. The company has products in the sparkling and still water segments. The products include energy drinks, fruit juices and a limited range of high quality carbonated soft drinks. It is also the manufacturer of the leading brand of still water, H2O, that is sold through the supermarket distribution channel. Hydrate is seeking a stronger presence in convenience channels. Its business model focuses on using its funds to support retailers so that the retailers can offer promotions, rather than spending on direct consumer advertising. The company has recently begun investigating the use of scanned retail data to monitor sales trends and adjust production volumes accordingly. This investigation into scanning data is due to having run out of inventory at the end of last financial year when the manufacturing plant was closed for annual cleaning and maintenance. As a result, the company had lost some market share. A number of the company’s water products are targeted to the sporting and energy drink consumer. One of its best known brands, ‘Viva! ’, has a 72 per cent market share in sports water products. Hydrate Water has been able to leverage the high brand recognition of ‘Viva! ’ to successfully introduce flavoured water. Similarly, Hydrate Water sells the leading brand in sparkling mineral water and has again leveraged this brand by introducing a number of flavoured mineral waters, including diet drinks. Both these initiatives have resulted in above average market growth for the company. The company is particularly well known in the industry for its packaging innovation and engineering design capability. Hydrate Water developed ‘Pop Tops’ – small plastic bottles that were very successful with young children as they fit perfectly into lunch boxes and have the advantage of being re-sealable. The ‘Pop Top’ range increased its bottling turnover by 50 per cent. This product won the coveted Australian dietician award for ‘Best New Product’ when launched. It also received the Australian Health Foundation endorsement for its diet drinks. In addition, the company has been commended by dieticians for promoting products that address the increasing concerns of childhood obesity linked to CSDs. Hydrate Water was also the first company to introduce stackable bulk water packs for sale through supermarkets. The management team at Hydrate Water have extensive industry experience, having a collective 80 years in the industry between them. Operations manager, Simon Miles, is well regarded in the industry and is currently the chairman of the Bottled Water Institute of Australia. Current owner, Jack Wells, has indicated he wishes to retire in the next five years, and has been grooming Simon Miles as his successor. An offer for acquisition was received from International Beverages last year, but Wells turned down the offer as he did not want to sell the Australian business he established to an international company. Page 14 of 21 2. 3 International Beverages Limited International Beverages is the wholly owned subsidiary of a large multinational company and sells fruit juices, energy and sports drinks, water and soft drinks. Its initial entry into the Australian market was through fruit drinks. During the industry consolidation in the 1990s, the company entered the bottle water manufacturing industry through acquisition. Through its parent company, International Beverages has the licence to sell the world’s leading brand of bottled still water Aqua Grande, in Australia and New Zealand. The company also sells the imported sparkling water brand San Vitale one of the most popular mineral waters bottled at the source. This product, in particular, has given the company a strong share of the hospitality channel. Company growth has been driven by new product development and product extensions which have leveraged existing capabilities and focussed on specific consumer requirements. The company’s latest successful product launch is calcium enriched water targeted at aged care facilities and nursing homes for women at risk of osteoporosis, a bone degeneration disease. 2. Fountain Springs Pty Limited Fountain Springs is a Sydney based company that has access to a naturally rising spring located in the Snowy Mountains in southern New South Wales. To date, the company has been unable to secure distribution and shelf space in major Australian retail outlets. This is because its product range is limited to only two pack sizes, 600ml and 2 litres. An export strategy was th erefore developed with the assistance of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). Fountain Springs is now Australia’s largest exporter of spring water and better known overseas than in Australia. In the past two years, the company’s bottled water exports have grown sales revenue significantly, having secured a contract with the major UK supermarket chain Besco. Growth is also expected through its expansion into UK convenience stores and petrol station channels which is planned for later this year. The UK was the first export market for Fountain Springs where it was able to leverage the perception of Australia as ‘clean and natural’. Since developing this UK market, the company has also been successful in developing business in the Middle East, South East Asia and the United States. Given the cost of transport to these export markets, Fountain Springs has a niche strategy and sells only premium grade water in the 600ml and 2 litre pack size at a higher price. However, market research shows that there is still very low consumer awareness of its products and brand in Australia. To raise awareness, a cause-related marketing strategy has been adopted. Under this program, the company donates a percentage of its profits to partner charities in its chosen markets. This has been central to the growing market awareness of the company in its selected markets. It leverages the networks and relationships of its partners to develop new business and sales. As a result of the company’s success in overseas markets their brand ‘Aqua Caliente’ is now being stocked in selected school canteens in Australia as a natural alternative to sugar laden CSDs and fruit juices. Given Fountain Springs did not have the capability to distribute directly to schools, it entered a distribution arrangement with a school food provider. The company also altered its cause-related marketing strategy whereby it would donate a proportion of all bottled water sales in each canteen to the school. The money was to be used by the schools to purchase new equipment or facilities for the school. Despite the success of its export strategy, the company has had mixed financial results over the past few years. This has been largely due to set up costs associated with its export business and distribution arrangements in the UK. It is rumoured that the company is in financial difficulty. Rumours abound that bankers have been requesting monthly audits of the cash position so that the company can maintain its line of credit. In addition, it is believed that its major UK supermarket customer, Besco, is demanding price reductions therefore squeezing margins for the company. Poor hedging of foreign exchange transactions with the company’s UK debtors has also contributed to its declining financial position. Page 15 of 21 D. Australian Beverages Limited (ABL) 1. History Australian Beverages Limited (ABL), formerly known as Australian Soft Drinks Limited, commenced operations in 1937. The antecedent company was established by a group of enterprising pharmacists who had previously made carbonated soft drinks in their pharmacies which were then offered for sale in sealed bottles. The first manufacturing plant opened in Sydney in 1938. Business began slowly, but the arrival of American soldiers in Australia in 1942 had a significant impact on both sales and market acceptance of carbonated soft drinks. Australian Soft Drinks initiated its move into non-carbonated soft drink beverages in 1984 when it began manufacturing fruit drinks. This followed the acquisition of a fruit juice manufacturer in Victoria. The fruit drinks’ business expanded nationally over the next 10 years. In 1990, Australia Soft Drinks entered the milk drink market with the purchase of manufacturing facilities from a dairy co-operative. The company officially changed its name to Australian Beverages Limited upon listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in 1996, to reflect the broader beverage base of the business. In the years since its ASX listing, ABL has adopted a multi-beverage strategy wherein its product range has been expanded to cover all categories of the non-alcoholic beverage market. However, bottled water remains outside this product range. The company has also moved into the manufacture and distribution of snack food products through its acquisition of several small businesses in 2004. It aims to strengthen distribution relationships with convenience stores and hospitality channels. These developments have resulted in ABL’s revenue composition to change from 90 per cent CSD-based in 2000 to 68 per cent CSD-based in 2009. The aim is to further reduce dependence on CSDs by 2015. ABL intends to increase its market share of non-CSD beverage products so that CSDs will represent less than 50 per cent of company revenue as part of its multi-beverage strategy. 2. Business strategy ABL’s vision is ‘To satisfy Australia’s thirst by being a manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages for every occasion in every location’. The company aims to achieve this vision by pursuing the following strategic goals for the 2007 to 2012 period: ? offer a wide range of products in the non-alcoholic beverage and complementary markets; ? grow the company’s share of the non-alcoholic beverage market to move from the second largest to the argest competitor in this market. This goal will be achieved by: ? offering a wider range of products; ? increasing per capita consumption of non-alcoholic beverages through product and packaging innovation; ? expansion into new non-CSD beverage categories; ? extend key customer relationship capabilities and grow product availability. This goal will be achieved through effective placement of refrigerated drink equipment and outlet expansion. This strategy would help the company to establish a major presence in all major non-alcoholic beverage distribution channels; ? aintain world best practices throughout the company’s operations to deliver cost discipline, low cost leadership and timely responsiveness to changing market demand; and ? ensure that the company’s operations are environmentally and economically sustainable. At a recent strategy presentation to market analysts, managing director, Tom Dwyer, outlined the company’s intention to be a major competitor in all categories of the non-alcoholic beverage market. He stated that ABL hopes to achieve this aim by being the supplier of choice for the distribution channels of supermarkets, convenience stores and hospitality outlets. It is hoped that ABL’s position in the snack food market, which it recently entered via acquisition, would be made stronger by another potential acquisition in line with the general consolidation already taking place in the food and beverage supply industry in Australia. Such an acquisition would add further breadth to the company’s total product offering to its customers in all major distribution channels. Of all the competitors, ABL would provide the greatest share of beverage and snack foods. Page 16 of 21 By offering a broader product range, ABL expects to leverage its market power in soft drinks to sales of related products. It also aims to control product supply, apply discounts, introduce loyalty rebates or promotions, and secure conditions of use on supplied refrigeration equipment. As more Australians now drink different beverages at different times of the day, Dwyer highlighted his belief that a modern beverage company needs to be highly flexible in manufacturing, distribution and marketing as well as be able to operate in all product areas. 3. Business operations ABL is currently the second largest competitor in t