Expansion of Diageo Plc. - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2689 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Type Analytical essay Level High school Did you like this example? DIAGEO PLC Introduction, Company Profile and Current Strategy Diageo is one of the worlds largest alcoholic drinks companies, leading the global market in flavoured alcoholic beverages (such as Smirnoff Ice), and spirits. In this regard it is still very similar to several of its major rival companies, including Allied Domecq, Pernod Ricard or CCU, all of who have varied alcoholic drinks portfolios. Where Diageo has differed from its rivals in recent years, however, is the way in which its wine business has been somewhat overlooked in comparison to the development of its global priority brands, which have mainly been centred on spirits, as well as its flavoured alcoholic beverages. The strategic review undertaken in the case study has the potential to alter this state of affairs, and the company may wish to look at possibly extending its presence in the premium New World wine segment, taking on its rivals head on. Diageos decision will likely depend upon s everal factors, with the key factor, likely to support growth in wine, being the growth potential of premium wine, particularly in the light of recent health claims made about the benefits of drinking red wine and dangers of spirits consumption. In addition, the company has endured a decline in its flavoured alcoholic beverage business, again like its competitors which have seen this particular sector begin to lose its fashionable appeal. However, through extending its wine offering, Diageo will intensify the competition between itself and companies such as Pernod Ricard or Allied Domecq, as well as more wine-centred companies including Kendall-Jackson or Constellation Brands. All four of these companies have portfolios which are similarly prioritised around Californian premium wines. A merger, or acquisition, may be the best way to achieve a strong presence in the wine sector, as consolidation continues to be strong amongst wine firms. The global wine industry has yet to settle down from the period of intense merger and acquisition activity witnessed over the last few years. The acquisition of BRL Hardy by Constellation Brands in 2003 was the first major salvo, creating an environment of consolidation which remained in early 2005, with EJ Gallo acquiring Barefoot Cellars and the integration of Robert Mondavi into Constellation Brandss fine wine division, not to mention Diageos own acquisition of Chalone. (Diageo Plc, 2005) External Environment Opportunities and Challenges An analysis of the external environmental opportunities and challenges facing Diageoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s wine business, in some of its major markets, is based primarily on the fact that the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s portfolio is firmly rooted in the still light grape wine sector. It does have a few rosÃÆ' © and sparkling wines, notably extensions to the UK-focused Blossom Hill, but these are unlikely to have a significant impact on the companys sales going forward despite the pre dicted growth of around 27% in the UK still rosÃÆ' © sector and 6% in UK sparkling wine. Within its other key markets, Spain and Ireland, Diageos wine portfolio is likely to see mixed results. Whilst in Ireland, which has come late to wine-drinking, the potential of an immature market is apparent. Increased interest in wine as consumers develop more sophisticated tastes is expected to lead to growth of around 92% in red wine and 80% in white wine, offering Diageo great potential once its distribution channels have been widened. In contrast, the Spanish wine market is much slower, suffering from maturity and the same change in family habits that has had such a negative impact on the French wine industry. As a result, static growth rates are expected, although it is likely that with Spanish consumers exchanging quantity for quality, the potential for Diageos premium wine portfolio remains. In the US, where wine drinking is still a relatively new activity, the growth potential fo r the companys wide premium wine portfolio is good. Red wine growth of around 26% is anticipated over the five years to 2009, as US consumers grow increasingly interested in wine and sophisticated in their tastes. This growth will be significantly faster than the developed UK market, which is expected to grow only by a further 3% in total as it matures. Diageo CEO has earmarked four markets which he wishes to expand, Brazil, India, Russia and China. In Brazil, where the company is already active, the red wine market is anticipated to grow by around 14% in volume, suggesting positive forward growth as domestic production continues to grow, encouraging more widespread wine-drinking, particularly for reasons of health. Here, white wine growth of just 4% will be significantly slower, but nonetheless offers organic growth potential. India, Russia and China are all significant immature markets, expected to enjoy dynamic wine growth in the 2004-2009 period, as all three countries see an increasingly westernised lifestyle. Although Diageos New World-focused portfolio may be slower to enjoy the benefits of growth, with these markets particularly enjoying wines from the Old World producing countries such as France, there is certainly medium-term potential, particularly with the benefit of the work being done to widen distribution channels. In Russia, the development of a market for domestic wine may also dampen Diageos growth rate. Only in China is red wine growth expected to outpace that of white. In Russia, both white and red wine are expected to grow at very similar rates of between 28% and 29%, whilst in India white wine is likely to grow more rapidly, at around 81% compared to 74% for red, due to its lower base. (Global Market Information Database, Mar 2005) Industry Environment The wine industry environment, as a whole, is particularly susceptible to fluctuations in supply arising from weather-related factors that influence the volume and quality of the a nnual grape crush harvest. In 2004, a shortage of wine in Western Europe resulted in increased prices, leading to slower volume growth and consumers switching to cheaper alcoholic alternatives such as beer. In the previous year, however, oversupply had caused the opposite effect, with a glut of wine volume driving down prices and value in the industry. As a result, the wine industry needs more effective coordination between producers in order to ensure a steadier level of global supply. A long-term challenge facing the global wine industry is the underlying trend away from wine consumption in major traditional markets such as Italy, France and Spain. Changes in the pattern of life in these countries, with consumers increasingly rarely drinking wine at lunch, have led to falling consumption per capita of wine, with younger consumers often preferring alternatives such as FABs, soft drinks or water. Specific marketing towards younger consumers in these markets, and continued expansi on of wine distribution in developing markets are two key strategies in confronting this challenge. Manufacturers also face increasing competition from outside the wine industry, with the growing popularity and heavy marketing of beer, FABs and soft drinks. In response, manufacturers are seeking to make wine accessible to an increasingly wide consumer, whilst retaining the products social cachet. Celebrity endorsement, product placement in films and the broad-based promotion of a culture of wine connoiseurship are central strategies in wine marketing. As consumers grow increasingly health conscious in both developed and developing markets, demand for beverages with a high alcohol content continues to diminish. This presents wine manufacturers with an opportunity to emphasise the potential health benefits of wine, particularly when compared to the health risks of high alcohol-content spirits that are the customary drink in certain regions such as Eastern Europe. Increasing consoli dation in the highly fragmented global wine industry has arisen due to the significant growth opportunities in developing regions, and the success of global brands of New World wines such as the USs E J Gallo and Australias Jacobs Creek. As such, the key challenges and strategies for the next few years fall into a few distinct categories: Destabilising fluctuations in supply: There is a need to coordinate between producers to maintain steady level of supply, and the use of available technology to prevent the damaging effects of over, or under, supply. Declining consumption in traditional markets: This must be countered by the promotion of premium wines in developed markets, and increased distribution and education in emerging markets. Increased competition from non-wine drinks: This is already being tackled by cultivating a sophisticated, yet accessible product image for wine. Health trends away from alcohol: This has long been dealt with by the promotion of the appa rent health benefits of wine, and the development of organic and low-alcohol variants. Increased consolidation in global industry: This is causing geographical and sector expansion via acquisition, global branding, and an increasing focus on the key growth sector of premium wines. (Global Market Information Database, Sep 2005) Recommendations for the CEO SWOT Analysis Strengths Diageos broad geographical coverage acts as a cushion against economic uncertainty in any one particular region. The company is becoming increasingly recognised for providing a positive working environment, and being a good place to work. High levels of employee loyalty will help the company through difficult periods. Diageo recognises the importance of building international brands, which enhances its sales potential. A broad wine portfolio means that the company is reasonably insulated from undesirable fluctuations in consumer confidence, through its affordable labels, but can also o ffer the aspirational consumer, higher-priced reserve wines. The acquisition of the Chalone Wine Group, which was completed in February 2005, adds several premium Californian wines to Diageos portfolio, which significantly increases the companys profile in the wine industry. Focused marketing of Blossom Hill in the UK has paid off, with significant volume increases during fiscal 2004. Taking control of its North American distribution through dissoliving its joint venture with MoÃÆ' «t Hennessy gives Diageo greater control over its marketing in this region as well. Weaknesses Insufficient marketing resources are being put towards the companys wine brands in comparison to its spirits business. The lack of any major wine strategy reflects a lack of commitment to Diageos wine portfolio. The company has not established itself fully in the UK premium wine market, with both Blossom Hill and Piat DOr more mid-priced wines. The lack of a major global brand is a dis tinct disadvantage in an industry which is becoming increasingly focused on branding. Diageos portfolio remains incomplete without ownership of an Australian brand, and also suffers from lack of participation in the Chilean or Argentinian wine industries, which are increasingly popular in key markets such as the UK. Opportunities The UK wine market is proving to be more resiliant against private label wines than may be suggested by the growth of private labels elsewhere in the retail sector. Strong growth in both still red and white wines is forecast in the US market over the 2004-2009 periods. This will help to boost sales in the companys most significant overseas market. The companys domestic market, the UK, is a showcase market, where consumers are happy to experiment with wines, providing a wide market for Diageos products. Red wine sales are likely to continue to benefit from medical and scientific research findings indicating that it offers health benefits to regular, moderate drinkers. Recent studies have suggested red wine may help improve coughs, lower blood pressure and, reduce the risk of lung cancer. There is considerable growth potential in Norway and Ireland. Although sales in these countries are growing, they are not yet at the same level as other Western European countries. As Diageo is currently well represented in Europe, it is in a strong position to further exploit these markets. The trend towards premium wines offers growth potential to several of Diageos brands including Sterling Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard and Barton Guestier. Threats Continued fears about the social impact of alcohol abuse may lead to the reduction of Diageos market as consumers are encouraged to turn away from alcohol. Any changes in excise levels in any of its markets could have a negative impact on the companys margins. As a British company, with significant overseas sales, the company is at the mercy of fluctuating exchange rate s, when a strengthening pound, particularly against the US dollar may impact negatively on revenues. Falling sales of spirits brands could lead to an international price war, which could drive down both the companys revenues and margins. There is increasing competition from small, artisan wineries throughout California, which could impact Diageos Californian wines. Greater emphasis is being placed on anti-drink/driving campaigns in some traditional wine-drinking countries, such as Spain, which is a key market for Diageo. Conclusion Further global expansion is definitely possible for the Diageo CEO, who has pinpointed several geographic markets into which he wishes to increase sales, including the growth areas of Brazil, India, Russia and China. All of these markets offer potential for its wine business as well as spirits, and the company should be able to gain economies of scale were it to share distribution channels with its extended spirits business. Further expansi on of the companys wine portfolio could be considered in New World wine producing areas such as Chile or Argentina, which are also growth areas and popular sources of wine in key markets such as the UK. The company already has Latin American operations in the form of its Monte Xanic wine, acquired through the purchase of Chalone Wine Group in 2004. The wine business of Chilean brewer CCU may well make a good fit within an expanded Diageo Chateau Estate Wines. Diageo could also look to Australia for further expansion, as it still lacks wine from this region. It is unlikely that Diageo would stretch itself as far as attempting to acquire Southcorp alone, as Fosters has been attempting since early 2005. Nonetheless, Diageo could be in the running either to participate in a joint venture to bid to part-own Southcorp, or to pick up any of Fosters wine business that it would need to divest following a successful takeover of its rival. As the worlds leading producer of spirits, Diag eo is an attractive company, most notably for its eight global priority brands which include JB whisky, Smirnoff vodka and Tanqueray gin. The company is at risk, however, from losing its premier position in the global spirits market once South Korean spirits maker Jinro, currently ranked second in the market, is sold at the end of March. Should the buyer be Diageos key rival Allied Domecq, this would have serious implications for Diageos global position. Should this happen, an alliance or merger activity between Diageo and Pernod Ricard should not be ruled out. The latter is rumoured to have been investigating the possibility of a takeover of Allied Domecq since early 2005, and here again Diageos dominance of the market is at risk. A merged Jinro/Allied Domecq would also well prove too large a proposition for Pernod Ricard, leaving it to look elsewhere for consolidation and Diageo would be a good fit, although there would be some clash within the joint Californian wine portfolio. Diageo is unlikely to be approached with regard to its wine business alone, because of its lack of a major global brand, which is an essential element of any major wine company. Although Diageo has one ace up its sleeve, current UK still light grape wine market leader Blossom Hill, its history of underinvestment in its wine business and falling volumes in its established Californian portfolio, combined with its lack of a true global brand makes Diageo an unattractive proposition from this point of view. As such, Diageo needs to rapidly and dramatically increase its marketing and branding expenditure in its wine business, if it wishes to gain the necessary regard to be able to enter into joint ventures and alliances with major companies. One way of doing this would be to look towards acquiring a smaller company, with one or two recognised brands, and leveraging Diageoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s main strength: its brand development skills and expertise, to developing these brands, and thus t he whole companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s global wine image and potential. Alternatively, the firm could try to make Blossom Hill a truly global brand, however this would require a large investment of time and expenditure, and may be beyond even Diageoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s branding skills. References Diageo Plc. (2005) www.diageo.com. Accessed 26th December 2005. Global Market Information Database (Mar 2005) Diageo Plc. Euromonitor International. Global Market Information Database (Sep 2005) The World Market for Wine. Euromonitor International. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Expansion of Diageo Plc." essay for you Create order

Unable to Permanently Escape Reality in Paul´s Case by...

In the short stories, â€Å"Paul’s Case† by Willa Carter and â€Å"Araby† by James Joyce, both the protagonists are infatuated with the idea of escaping the conventional routines in their daily lives. Their main goal is to obtain a more romantic, extravagant, glamourized life. For Paul, his dream of a glamorized life lies in distant New York. For the unnamed protagonist in â€Å"Araby†, he hopes to find his in Araby with the neighbor girl who he barely knows. They believe that by achieving this escape, they’ll find the pleasure and satisfaction they’ve been hoping for. Both the protagonists dream to find a romance in a world hostile to romance by escaping the reality that they live in. Paul in â€Å"Paul’s Case† wanted to get away from the reality and the†¦show more content†¦Paul finally escaped the hostile world he lived in, but his money-bought romance did not last long. When he discovers that his theft has been made known in the new papers, and all the stolen money has ran out, he knew he had to go back to his real life. After a week of having the glamorized life he was longing for, Paul refused to go back to face the reality that he left behind in Pittsburgh. Paul knew he couldn’t go on forever in the City with no money in his pockets so he decided to give up on his own life. While going to get on his train that would bring him back to reality, Paul stepped out in front of it and killed himself. The unnamed protagonist in â€Å"Araby† is just an average adolescent boy. His schedule never changes; week to week it is always the same. Each week he helps his Aunt shop for groceries and for fun he plays outside with other boys his age. There is nothing special about his family either. He lives with his aunt and uncle in an average house, in a normal town. Like most kids, his best friend is his neighbor, Mangan. His uncle is a business man and seems to follow the same routine every d ay. The only thing that makes the boy excited each day is the thought of Mangan’s sister. He would time his mornings around her and make sure that when she left her house, he left his. He would follow behind her down the street until he had the chance to quickly walk by her. He has only spoken to her a couple times, but the thought of her drives him

Issues that HR Needs to Manage-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Write Issues that HR needs to Manage more Effectively and how? Answer: As per the case study, there is a number of issues that the Human Resource (HR) department faces in running the department as well as the organization. The HR must consider the issues at the highest priority in order to resolve the same for the wellbeing of the organization. The most severe issues are: Employee Turnover and Retention: Employee turnover is one of the biggest issues that the HR department of the firm faces. The retention of the existing staffs within the organization is a challenging task for the HR department. There are some situations both within and outside the organization that causes the high employee turnover. The turnover is capable of disrupting the firms image and affects the firms sustainability. Employee turnover, at the same time impacts on the firms productivity. Solution: Employee retention is considered as the fine balance among the remuneration, company culture and the incentives. The HR department of the firm must handle the disrupting situation effectively by providing each staff the proper combination of all the three to prevent the turnover. On the other hand, effectual leadership is also capable of retaining the existing employee o the organization. Productivity: The productivity is another major issue that is dealt in the HR department. The productivity of the company is determined by the competency of the employees. If the productivity is low, the HR is responsible to solve the issues by identifying the lack of competency within the employees. Solution: The HR must take effective steps according to the severity of the issue of productivity by providing the employees proper training and making them comply with their job responsibilities. Along with this, proper feedback from the employees will also enable the company to guide the employees for increasing the productivity Payroll: Payment is one of the main issues faced by the HR apart from the finance department in the case study. There can be emergency situation of bankruptcy, low profit, natural disasters and other which can make the organization unable to pay salary to the employees. In addition, the chance of mistakes is high in the manual process of payment. Solution: The organization must implement payroll software which will help the HR to pay the wages of the staffs timely. Moreover, the company must seek technological implementation of the payment process to avoid any kind of mistakes in the payment of the employees. On the other hand, the HR must introduce the employees with some policies which will be able to resolve the problem of emergency situation automatically. Health and Safety: The HR department is responsible for the health safety o the employees. Any health issues of the employees within the workplace are a threat to the HR department as because health hazards are capable of lower the productivity. Besides, the employees safety both physical and social is another concern of the HR. Solution: The HR department must introduce to some policies concerning the health and safety of the employees in order to provide them with proper facilities regarding the same. At the same time, the firm must have proper workplace structure to ensure the better health and safety of the employees within the workplace.

Seven Things you Should Know About Twitter

Scenario The growth of social networks has witnessed the entry of Twitter into the market. Twitter provides microblogging service, which enables its subscribers to receive and send short messages of less than 140 characters. The messages are popularly referred to as ‘tweets’ by bloggers. Twitter vies for subscribers with Facebook, Youtube, Myspace and Google +.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Seven Things you Should Know About Twitter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Key stakeholders in Twitter Established in early 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter was launched four weeks later. Twitter rapidly appealed to more subscribers across the world, attracting 0.2 billion members barely five years after its launch. Although, tweeting is free of charge, when one enjoys the services through short message texts on the phone, telephony companies may be obliged to levy some charges on users. Further, users may mak e subscriptions to fellow friends’ Internet feeds on the site, a process referred to as following and follower services for the message senders and recipients respectively. How Twitter works The site is of late handling the publication of more than 200 million posts and handling almost ten times the number of searches every day. Owing to the extraordinary tweeting services, many have referred to the company as the medium for conveying short message services. The firm that manages the online networking site is situated in San Francisco; however, some servers and property are based in other cities which include New York City, and San Antonio in the United States (Rogers, 2003). Significance of Twitter According to Ansari, Koenigsberg, and Stahl (2011), the huge acceptance of Twitter began in 2007, when its use recorded a massive upsurge in subscription and posts. Since then, Twitter has become more of an online Internet Relay Chat (IRC) for the hundreds of millions of users. Ge nerally, twitter messages can be viewed by anybody; nonetheless, senders can limit the scope of the ‘tweets’ to their friends only. Meanwhile, subscribers can send and receive Twitter messages on the company’s Internet site. This can be achieved through compatible devices that can enable access to the site such as Internet enabled cell phones or by short texts on the mobile phone in selected jurisdictions across the world (Hamill, Gilbert, 2010). Additionally, the subscribers can also notice their followers that are opting out on them. This development is more familiar to Tweeter users as ‘unfollowing,’ usually noticeable through various tools provided by the site. The site also allows subscribers to manipulate their individual accounts through profile updates. This service can be achieved through the cell phone either by sending short text messages or by software that can be downloaded on particular mobile phones.Advertising Looking for case s tudy on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Downsides of Twitter Despite its successes, Ayoung et al (2011) believe Twitter sometimes experiences server failures, thus dispatches automated error notifications to subscribers. When the site experiences downsides or outage, subscribers are exposed to a notification message that reads ‘fail whale’ that implies the jammed traffic. In 2007, for example, the site had an estimated two percentage points of downtime. Notably, such problems were particularly manifest during major social occasions such as football matches or athletics. Where Twitter is going Gray, Parise, Salvatore, and Iyer (2011) suggest Twitter is set for better things, thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. In mid 2011, the company launched its own innovative technology that enables users to share photos. The service supports the taking of photos and their upload to accompany messages posted on the site. Subscribers, today, can enjoy the attachment of their preferred pictures to the site for followers to view and issue comments. Further, the company also intends to launch a new service that will allow users to create photo albums for collecting all images that a subscriber has uploaded on the site. The conventional centralized system has been reported to impede the surging user demand, triggering the overuse of server and important loss of accessibility. However, the company is working on decentralization of the systems to improve the speed and efficiency of the ‘tweeting’ services. Implications of the broad diffusion Twitter The exposure of Twitter messages to all users unless restricted by the sender could injure the privacy of the subscribers (Hamill, Gilbert, 2010). Moreover, the gathering of tweets by the company and their disclosure to third parties is also injurious to the user’s privacy. The sale of such user content if the company is sold to another party is also an indication the company’s readiness to benefit from beneficial user content, even without their consent. References Ansari, Asim, Koenigsberg, Oded, Stahl, Florian. 2011. Modeling Multiple Relationships in Social Networks. Journal of Marketing Research (JMR), 48 (4): 713-728. Ayoung et al. 2011. The Influence of Virtuality on Social Networks within and Across Work Groups: A Multilevel Approach. Journal of Management Information Systems, 28(1): 351-386. Gray, Peter H., Parise, Salvatore, Iyer, Bala. 2011. Innovation Impacts of Using Social Bookmarking Systems. MIS Quarterly, 35(3), 629-643.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Seven Things you Should Know About Twitter specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hamill, Lynne, Gilbert, Nigel. 2010. Simulating Large Social Networks in Agent-Based Models: A Social Circle Model. Emergence: Complexity Organization, 12(4), 78-94. Roger s, M. Everett. 2003. Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. This case study on Seven Things you Should Know About Twitter was written and submitted by user Aaden Z. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Medical And Social Disability Models The WritePass Journal

Medical And Social Disability Models INTRODUCTION Medical And Social Disability Models 08.pdf {Accessed 20th January 2012} Dowling, et.al, 2006. Person-centred planning in social care, London: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available from jrf.org.uk/system/files/9781859354803.pdf { Accessed 23rd January 2012} Harris, J.C., 2010. Intellectual disability: a guide for families and professionals. Oxford. Oxford University Press. Lago, C. and B. Smith, 2010. Ethical practice and Best practice. sagepub.com/upm-data/35379_01_Lago__Smith_2e_Ch_01.pdf { Accessed 23rd January 2012} Mansell, J. and J. Beadle-Brown, 2004a. â€Å"Person-centred planning or person-centred action? Policy and practice in intellectual disability services†, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 1–9 Roberts, et.al, 2008. SCIE Research briefing 26: mental health and social work. scie.org.uk/publications/briefings/briefing26/ { Accessed 25th January 2012} Russell, P., 2006. Sterilization of intellectually disabled minors Sanderson, H., 2000. PCP: Key Features and Approaches. Retrieved August 25, from helensandersonassociates.co.uk/PDFs/PCP%20Key%20Features%20and%20Styles.pdf {accessed 25th January 2012} Sanderson, H., E. Jones and K. Brown, 2002. â€Å"Active support and person-centred planning: strange bedfellows or ideal partners?† Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 31–8 Smull , M. and K.C. Lakin, 2002. â€Å"Public Policy and Person-Centered Planning†. In Holburn, S., Vietz, P.M., (Eds.) Person Centered Planning: Research, Practice, and Future Directions. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes The Royal Australian College of General Practictioners (RACGP), 2007. Disability. Available from racgp.org.au/scriptcontent/curriculum/pdf/disability.pdf {accessed on 20th January 2012} Towell, D. and H. Sanderson, 2004. â€Å"PCP in its Strategic Context: Reframing the Mansell/ Beadle-Brown Critique†. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17, 17-21 Trevithick, P., 2000. Social work skills: A practical handbook. Buckingham, Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Ornitholestes - Facts and Figures

Ornitholestes - Facts and Figures Name: Ornitholestes (Greek for bird robber); pronounced OR-nith-oh-LEST-eez Habitat: Forests of western North America Historical Period: Late Jurassic (155-145 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 5 feet long and 25 pounds Diet: Meat Distinguishing Characteristics: Slender build; long hind legs About Ornitholestes Discovered in 1903, Ornitholestes was given its name (Greek for bird robber) by the famous naturalist Henry F. Osborn before paleontologists had grappled with the evolutionary origin of birds. Its certainly possible that this slender theropod preyed on the proto-birds of the late Jurassic period, but since birds didnt really come into their own until the late Cretaceous, its more likely that Ornitholestes feasted on small lizards and the carrion left over by larger carnivores. Whatever the case, theres not much fossil evidence to support either supposition: unlike the situation with its close cousins Coelophysis and Compsognathus, remains of Ornitholestes are few and far between, necessitating a large amount of guesswork. Ornitholestes reputation as a bird-eater has much in common with Oviraptors reputation as an egg-stealer: these were inferences drawn on the basis of insufficient knowledge (and in the case of Ornitholestes, the myth was perpetuated by a famous painting by Charles R. Knight depicting this dinosaur preparing to eat a captured Archaeopteryx). Theres still a lot of speculation about Ornitholestes: one paleontologist suggests that this dinosaur snatched fish out of lakes and rivers, another maintains that (if Ornitholestes had hunted in packs) it might have been capable of taking down plant-eating dinosaurs as big as Camptosaurus, and yet a third believes that Ornitholestes may have hunted by night, in a deliberate attempt to avoid (and outfox) its fellow theropod Coelurus.

Selected Family Health Promotion Assessment and Initiative Essay

Selected Family Health Promotion Assessment and Initiative - Essay Example Health promotion impacts positively on health literacy centering on health related knowledge, attitudes, motivation, confidence; behavioral intentions; and, personal skills relating to healthy lifestyles. The central purpose of this paper is to examine the concepts of health and learning as outlined by the McGill model of Nursing. In light of family partnership, I visited a family three times in which I adequately familiarized with the family’s health goals and concerns, their present strengths, coping strategies, and resource utilization. Selected Family Health Promotion Assessment and Initiative Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background and Aims Health promotion refers to the process of enabling individuals to exercise control over their health and its determinants. Health promotion seeks to create an environment that is essential for the making of informed choices. Health promotion approaches include early intervention and prevention such as primary health screening and survei llance; identification of opportunities to facilitate and support healthy lifestyles choices; understanding and application of the determinants of health encompassing aspects such as societal influences on the health of individuals (Allen & Warner, 2002). Effective health promotion requires gathering of enough information regarding the identified health issue. The underpinning issues in health promotion activities include individual beliefs, knowledge and attitudes centering on the health issue (Friedman, Bowden, & Jones, 2003). This factor in inspired by the manner in which an individual thinks, which renders him/her susceptible to developing the health problem. The McGill model of nursing, whose salient features encompass health, family, collaboration, and learning was developed by F. Moyra Allen. The McGill model of nursing can be praised for its fluidity, flexibility, and functionality. The model core focus centers on health promotion, especially within the family. The goal of t he model is to bridge the gap evidenced by the absence of community resources that pursue the healthy development of families across their life span (Allen & Warner, 2002). Some of the assumptions of the model include every family has capabilities or health potential manifested by strengths, motivation, and resources that form the foundation of health promotion behavior, and the outcomes of health promotion hinges on competence in health behavior and enhanced health status. 1.2 Nature of the Home Visits The visit to David’s family was a referral made by a neighbor out of concern that the family was tackling various health issues. Since the visits are conducted at home, I had to decide the times that would be best to reach the target audiences, especially which the family members are likely to pay attention, act on the message, or find the messages more engaging. This situation meant that I must pay close attention to providing explanations for the initial phone call, and avai l an opportunity for the family to accept or reject the visit. Prior to the introductory meeting with the family, I had to prepare adequately beforehand to ensure that the meeting was successful. I made the phone call to the family and requested a home visit and expressed my desire to meet up with the whole family. The family in question was a single family comprising of a father, David, and his two teenage daughters, Natalie and Millie. I came to learn later that