Statistical modelling..BUSINESS REPORT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Statistical modelling..BUSINESS REPORT - Essay Example The home characteristics can further be classified into ‘the number of rooms in a house’, ‘the number of full and half bath rooms’, ‘availability of garage’, ‘cellar’, ‘balcony’ etc. Similarly, the characteristics related to the vicinity or the neighborhood of a house can be termed as the neighborhood characteristics. These characteristics can further be classified into ‘roadside’, ‘traffic intensity’, ‘bothersome location’, ‘crime prone vicinity’ etc. The scope of this paper is to consider given factors for the assessment of house value by testing the level of their significance. The expected outcome is termed as a prediction model. INTRODUCTION The assessment of the price of a house is generally assessed through the few apparent factors like the construction value, design and location of the house. The rough estimation usually does not encompass the related factors t hat are important to decide the value of a house and have a significant impact on the assessment process. The study of the factors other than the common factors is important to identify their role in the determination of the price or value of a home. Generally a realtor’s claim would always be that the location is the most important factor when it comes to determining the value of a house or home. ... The null hypothesis here would be the realtor’s claim i.e. the location is the most important factor in assessing the house value whereas the alternate hypothesis refutes by stating that this is not the only factor but there are other significantly effective factors that are needed to be taken into account. LITERATURE REVIEW There are a number of processes that can be used to predict house values. These include various probabilistic methods. Multivariate Spatial Method, Time Series analysis, Footy Forecast Forecasting methods( a method that is similar to simple sequence method), ordinary least square regression and logistic regression, ‘hedonic model and artificial neural network model’, ‘non-parametric latent manifold model’. The procedure that we would incorporate in order to evaluate the house values from our system is multiple regression analysis. Multiple Regression Analysis incorporates the effects that a number of independent variables have on a dependent variable. In the current study it is attempted to evaluate that what do independent variables such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms present in a house, the vicinity of the house and other factors etc. have of the value of a house. Home characteristics The properties related to the home structure, architecture, design and construction quality and the provisions it extends are considered to come under home characteristics. The main characteristics included in this study are the size in square feet, number of bedrooms and bath rooms, presence of pool and fireplace, age of house and design of construction. Neighborhood characteristics The outside environment of a home generally referred to as location comprises of the neighborhood characteristics. The study includes

Compare and contrast the work and lives of Walter Gropius and Oscar Essay

Compare and contrast the work and lives of Walter Gropius and Oscar Niemeyer - Essay Example The art of architecture is not in its defiance of function, but in its ability to create a form through which functioning within the structure takes on meaning. Walter Gropius created a school in which the exploration of craft, art, and the functionality of a building through the form of its design was explored. His theories on teaching were based upon ideas of innovation and his students were encouraged to create their world by working with materials so that they could find how they could be used in expressive and innovative ways. Gropius must be understood to understand how the rest of Modernity through architecture has been achieved. Oscar Niemeyer is still a working architect, even at the age of 106. At the age of 101 he wrote his memoirs, explaining the trajectory of his life and how his politics prevented his work in the West and despite them he was still able to contribute to architecture because of his beautiful and extraordinary curvaceous forms. Although he was a Communist and he was dealing with the world as it was conditioned during the 1940s and 1950s to deny those who believed in Communist politics to work, he was still able to be a contributing architect to the UN building and to build beautiful works of art within which public functions could be accomplished. Gropius and Niemeyer were contemporaries, although Niemeyer was younger. Their histories intersect in the United States where the German born Gropius had migrated to Boston and Niemeyer was asked to become the dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, the second post that he would have to decline because of his associations with the Communist Party and the political climate in the 1950s. Walter Gropius Walter Gropius was born in 1883 and died in 1969, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a history of teaching those ideas that he came to discover. Along with Oscar Niemeyer, who is the second subject of this paper, was a pioneer of modern architecture and ideas on form. Lupfer, Sige l, and Gropius write that without knowledge about Gropius, Modern architecture cannot be understood. His ability to communicate was his most powerful resource as he could not draw well.1 Therefore it was necessary for his associates to create what he could describe, his work the result of collaborations with those who could put into a drawing what he could not. His ability to communicate resulted in founding the Staatliches Bauhaus, or more commonly just referred to as the Bauhaus, was a school that was focused on the arts and craft.2 Craft is often seen as something less in modern interpretations, but the true idea of craft is the ability to build something that is high quality and with fine design. It might be said that art interprets life while craft enables it. Something is crafted when raw materials are developed into something that can be used in the everyday. Gropius said that â€Å"Let us then create a new guild of craftsmen without the class distinctions that raise an arro gant barrier between craftsman and artist!†3 Of course, not all art is interpretation and not all craft is used in the everyday, but it is a good way to consider the two. The Bauhaus was likely the direct result of the

Stephen King the Dead Zone Essay Example for Free

Stephen King the Dead Zone Essay What The Future Holds While Stephen King has rightfully garnered a reputation as a horror writer, some of his best fiction revolves around stories of everyday humanity affected by elements of the supernatural, such as the Dead Zone. After awakening from a five-year coma, John Smith has come back from the ether with a clairvoyance to see certain futures and hidden pasts of others by touch alone. Opting to use his powers for good, John is alled upon for such tasks as helping the police to catch a elusive rappist. hen he shakes hands with a political candidate at a rally, he sees a future where the candidate will start a nuclear holocaust as president. Leading John to the ultimate dilemma of potentially altering the future, and perhaps even losing his life in the process. While this is a novel about a supernatural ability, and how John lives after his accident as well as how other people around him react to him and his new ability s the theme of the novel. A reader feels for him because he comes out of his coma an altered man, alternately awed and feared by those who cannot understand what it is to receive an unwanted gift for psychic vision.. He wrestles with the possibly that assassinating the politican will lead to his probable death or his incarceration. Is the future he glimpsed even certain. The Dead Zone tackled issues to do with predestination, and what the future holds. Were things happening Just because Johnny was drawing attention to them because he thought they were going to happen, or would they have happened anyway? Should he tell people, or let nature run its course? And when he is driven to act on a vision that he thinks will affect the greater population, the big issues roll out. even if precognition probably isnt something we all need to dwell on, because King brings up other conundrums about human nature and other things for the reader to chew over.

Essay example --

MSA University Faculty of pharmacy Pharmaceutical Microbiology PM 203 Name: Dina Ahmed Abd El Fattah Hegab ID# 111797 Group: C Under Supervision of: Dr. Reham Wasfy â€Æ' Disinfectants Disinfectants Can be applied to any non- living objects ; as this substance can destroy the microorganisms living on its surface. The Bacterial spores is kind of resistant to the Disinfection , it doesn't necessarily kills it, thus not necessary kills all the microorganisms. Unlike the sterilization – that is extreme physical (and/or) chemical process that kills all types of life- it is less effective in results. Disinfectants are not like any other antimicrobial agent as antibiotics that kills the microorganisms living inside the bodies or the antiseptics that kills the microorganisms on a living tissue it is even not like biocides that don't just kills the micro organisms, but also kills all types of life. Disinfectants simply cause damage to the microbe cell wall or it interferes with its metabolism. More about Disinfection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Disinfection are by nature toxic to human beings and animals, as most of the modern Disinfection contains the substance bitrex which is considered to be the bitterest substance ever, this substance is used as a safety measure and is added to discourage the ingestion. Disinfectant Types can be divided into two main groups; which are oxidizing and non- oxidizing. 1- Oxidising disinfectants : It works by the oxidization of the microorganism's cell membrane; this leads the cell to death. In the oxidizing disinfectants both the components oxygen and chlorine exists heavily, as they are both strong oxidizers. 2- Non-oxidising disinfectants: It operates by disturbing the phospho-lipid molecules that make- up the ... ... to be kept in a temperature of 16  °C to 18 °C for 24 hours then leave it to be chilled for 1 hour before starting the test. References: 1- Holchem- leader in the speciality chemical manufacturing industry Available at : http://www.holchem.co.uk/disinfectant-types.aspx 2- Holchem- leader in the speciality chemical manufacturing industry Available at : http://www.holchem.co.uk/disinfectant-tests.aspx 3- The Egypt Germany disinfectant company Available at : http://egypt-germany-disinfection.com/index.php/products/ahd-2000-menu-item 4- The Egypt Germany disinfectant company Available at : http://egypt-germany-disinfection.com/index.php/products/2013-02-02-09-45-28 5- Wikipedia, Available at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinfectant 6- The Egypt Germany disinfectant company Available at: http://egypt-germany-disinfection.com/index.php/products/lysoforminspezial

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 7. UNEXPECTED

The line of black advanced on me through the shroud-like mist. I could see their dark ruby eyes glinting with desire, lusting for the kill. Their lips pulled back over their sharp, wet teeth – some to snarl, some to smile. I heard the child behind me whimper, but I couldn't turn to look at him. Though I was desperate to be sure that he was safe, I could not afford any lapse in focus now. They ghosted closer, their black robes billowing slightly with the movement. I saw their hands curl into bone-colored claws. They started to drift apart, angling to come at us from all sides. We were surrounded. We were going to die. And then, like a burst of light from a flash, the whole scene was different. Yet nothing changed – the Volturi still stalked toward us, poised to kill. All that really changed was how the picture looked to me. Suddenly, I was hungry for it. I tvanfec/them to charge. The panic changed to bloodlust as I crouched forward, a smile on my face, and a growl ripped through my bared teeth. I jolted upright, shocked out of the dream. The room was black. It was also steamy hot. Sweat matted my hair at the temples and rolled down my throat. I groped the warm sheets and found them empty. â€Å"Edward?† Just then, my fingers encountered something smooth and flat and stiff. One sheet of paper, folded in half. I took the note with me and felt my way across the room to the light switch. The outside of the note was addressed to Mrs. Cullen. I'm hoping you won't wake and notice my absence, but, if you should, I'll be back very soon. I've just gone to the mainland to hunt Go back to sleep and I'll be here when you wake again. I love you. I sighed. We'd been here about two weeks now, so I should have been expecting that he would have to leave, but I hadn't been thinking about time. We seemed to exist outside of time here, just drifting along in a perfect state. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I felt absolutely wide awake, though the clock on the dresser said it was after one. I knew i would never be able to sleep as hot and sticky as I felt. Not to mention the fact that if I shut off the light and closed my eyes, I was sure to see those prowling black figures in my head. I got up and wandered aimlessly through the dark house, flipping on lights. It felt so big and empty without Edward there. Different. I ended up in the kitchen and decided that maybe comfort food was what I needed. I poked around in the fridge until I found all the ingredients for fried chicken. The popping and sizzling of the chicken in the pan was a nice, homey sound; I felt less nervous while it filled the silence. It smelled so good that I started eating it right out of the pan, burning my tongue in the process. By the fifth or sixth bite, though, it had cooled enough for me to taste it. My chewing slowed. Was there something off about the flavor? I checked the meat, and it was white all the way through, but I wondered if it was completely done. I took another experimental bite; I chewed twice. Ugh – definitely bad. I jumped up to spit it into the sink. Suddenly, the chicken-and-oil smell was revolting. I took the whole plate and shook it into the garbage, then opened the windows to chase away the scent. A coolish breeze had picked up outside. It felt good on my skin. I was abruptly exhausted, but i didn't want to go back to the hot room. So I opened more windows in the TV room and lay on the couch right beneath them. I turned on the same movie we'd watched the other day and quickly fell asleep to the bright opening song. When I opened my eyes again, the sun was halfway up the sky, but it was not the light that woke me. Cool arms were around me, pulling me against him. At the same time, a sudden pain twisted in my stomach, almost like the aftershock of catching a punch in the gut. Tm sorry,† Edward was murmuring as he wiped a wintry hand across my clammy forehead. â€Å"So much for thoroughness. I didn't think about how hot you would be with me gone. I'll have an air conditioner installed before I leave again.† I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. â€Å"Excuse me!† I gasped, struggling to get free of his arms. He dropped his hold automatically. â€Å"Bella?† I streaked for the bathroom with my hand clamped over my mouth. I felt so horrible that I didn't even care – at first – that he was with me while I crouched over the toilet and was violently sick. â€Å"Bella? What's wrong?† I couldn't answer yet. He held me anxiously, keeping my hair out of my face, waiting till I could breathe again. â€Å"Damn rancid chicken,† I moaned. â€Å"Are you all right?† His voice was strained. â€Å"Fine,† I panted. â€Å"It's just food poisoning. You don't need to see this. Go away.† â€Å"Not likely,Bella.† â€Å"Go away,† I moaned again, struggling to get up so I could rinse my mouth out. He helped me gently, ignoring the weak shoves I aimed at him. After my mouth was clean, he carried me to the bed and sat me down carefully, supporting me with his arms. â€Å"Food poisoning?† â€Å"Yeah,† I croaked. â€Å"I made some chicken last night. It tasted off, so I threw it out. But I ate a few bites first.† He put a cold hand on my forehead. It felt nice. â€Å"How do you feel now?† I thought about that for a moment. The nausea had passed as suddenly as it had come, and I felt like I did any other morning. â€Å"Pretty normal. A little hungry, actually.† He made me wait an hour and keep down a big glass of water before he fried me some eggs. I felt perfectly normal, just a little tired from being up in the middle of the night. He put onCNN – we'd been so out of touch, world war three could have broken out and we wouldn't have known – and I lounged drowsily across his lap. I got bored with the news and twisted around to kiss him. Just like this morning, a sharp pain hit my stomach when I moved. I lurched away from him, my hand tight over my mouth. I knew I'd never make it to the bathroom this time, so I ran to the kitchen sink. He held my hair again. â€Å"Maybe we should go back to Rio, see a doctor,† he suggested anxiously when I was rinsing my mouth afterward. I shook my head and edged toward the hallway. Doctors meant needles. â€Å"I'll be fine right after I brush my teeth.† When my mouth tasted better, I searched through my suitcase for the little first-aid kit Alice had packed for me, full of human things like bandages and painkillers and – my object now – Pepto-Bismol. Maybe I could settle my stomach and calm Edward down. But before I found the Pepto, I happened across something else that Alice had packed for me. I picked up the small blue box and stared at it in my hand for a long moment, forgetting everything else. Then I started counting in my head. Once. Twice. Again. Theknock startled me; the little box fell back into the suitcase. â€Å"Are you well?† Edward asked through the door. â€Å"Did you get sick again?† â€Å"Yes and no,† I said, but my voice sounded strangled. â€Å"Bella? Can I please come in?† Worriedly now. â€Å"O†¦ kay?† He came in and appraised my position, sitting cross-legged on the floor by the suitcase, and my expression, blank and staring. He sat next to me, his hand going to my forehead at once. â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"How many days has it been since the wedding?† I whispered. â€Å"Seventeen,† he answered automatically. â€Å"Bella, what is it?† I was counting again. I held up a finger, cautioning him to wait, and mouthed the numbers to myself. I'd been wrong about the days before. We'd been here longer than I'd thought. I started over again. â€Å"Bella!† he whispered urgently. â€Å"I'm losing my mind over here.† I tried to swallow. It didn't work. So I reached into the suitcase and fumbled around until I found the little blue box of tampons again. I held them up silently. He stared at me in confusion. â€Å"What? Are you trying to pass this illness off as PMS?† â€Å"No,† I managed to choke out. â€Å"No, Edward. I'm trying to tell you that my period is five days late.† His facial expression didn't change. It was like I hadn't spoken. â€Å"I don't think I have food poisoning,† I added. He didn't respond. He had turned into a sculpture. â€Å"The dreams,† I mumbled to myself in a flat voice. â€Å"Sleeping so much. The crying. All that food. Oh. Oh. Oh† Edward's stare seemed glassy, as if he couldn't see me anymore. Reflexively, almost involuntarily, my hand dropped to my stomach. â€Å"Oh!† I squeaked again. I lurched to my feet, slipping out of Edward's unmoving hands. I'd never changed out of the little silk shorts and camisole I'd worn to bed. I yanked the blue fabric out of the way and stared at my stomach. â€Å"Impossible,† I whispered. I had absolutely no experience with pregnancy or babies or any part of that world, but I wasn't an idiot. I'd seen enough movies and TV shows to know that this wasn't how it worked. I was only five days late. If I was pregnant, my body wouldn't even have registered that fact. I would not have morning sickness. I would not have changed my eating or sleeping habits. And I most definitely would not have a small but defined bump sticking out between my hips. I twisted my torso back and forth, examining it from every angle, as if it would disappear in exactly the right light. I ran my fingers over the subtle bulge, surprised by how rock hard it felt under my skin. â€Å"Impossible,† I said again, because, bulge or no bulge, period or no period (and there was definitely no period, though I'd never been late a day in my life), there was no way I could be pregnant The only person I'd ever had sex with was a vampire, for crying out loud. A vampire who was still frozen on the floor with no sign of ever moving again. So there had to be some other explanation, then. Something wrong with me. A strange South American disease with all the signs of pregnancy, only accelerated†¦ And then I remembered something – a morning of internet research that seemed a lifetime ago now. Sitting at the old desk in my room at Charlie's house with gray light glowing dully through the window, staring at my ancient, wheezing computer, reading avidly through a web-site called â€Å"Vampires A-Z.† It had been less than twenty-four hours since Jacob Black, trying to entertain me with the Quileute legends he didn't believe in yet, had told me that Edward was a vampire. I'd scanned anxiously through the first entries on the site, which was dedicated to vampire myths around the world. The Filipino Danag, the Hebrew Estrie, the Romanian Varacolaci, the Italian Stregoni benefici (a legend actually based on my new father-in-law's early exploits with the Volturi, not that I'd known anything about that at the time)†¦ I'd paid less and less attention as the stories had grown more and more implausible. I only remembered vague bits of the later entries. They mostly seemed like excuses dreamed up to explain things like infant mortality rates – and infidelity. No, honey, I'm not having an affair! That sexy woman you saw sneaking out of the house was an evil succubus. I'm lucky I escaped with my life! (Of course, with what I knew now about Tanya and her sisters, I suspected that some of those excuses had been nothing but fact.) There had been one for the ladies, too. How can you accuse me of cheating on you – just because you've come home from a two-year sea voyage and I'm pregnant? It was the incubus. He hypnotized me with his myst ical vampire powers†¦. That had been part of the definition of the incubus – the ability to father children with his hapless prey. I shook my head, dazed. But†¦ I thought of Esme and especially Rosalie. Vampires couldn't have children. If it were possible, Rosalie would have found a way by now. The incubus myth was nothing but a fable. Except that†¦ well, there was a difference. Of course Rosalie could not conceive a child, because she was frozen in the state in which she passed from human to inhuman. Totally unchanging. And human women's bodies had to change to bear children. The constant change of a monthly cycle for one thing, and then the bigger changes needed to accommodate a growing child. Rosalie's body couldn't change. But mine could. Mine did. I touched the bump on my stomach that had not been there yesterday. And human men – well, they pretty much stayed the same from puberty to death. I remembered a random bit of trivia, gleaned from who knows where: Charlie Chaplin was in his seventies when he fathered his youngest child. Men had no such thing as child-bearing years or cycles of fertility. Of course, how would anyone know if vampire men could father children, when their partners were not able? What vampire on earth would have the restraint necessary to test the theory with a human woman? Or the inclination? I could think of only one. Part of my head was sorting through fact and memory and speculation, while the other half – the part that controlled the ability to move even the smallest muscles – was stunned beyond the capacity for normal operations. I couldn't move my lips to speak, though I wanted to ask Edward to please explain to me what was going on. I needed to go back to where he sat, to touch him, but my body wouldn't follow instructions. I could only stare at my shocked eyes in the mirror, my fingers gingerly pressed against the swelling on my torso. And then, like in my vivid nightmare last night, the scene abruptly transformed. Everything I saw in the mirror looked completely different, though nothing actually was different. What happened to change everything was that a soft little nudge bumped my hand – from inside my body. In the same moment, Edward's phone rang, shrill and demanding. Neither of us moved. It rang again and again. I tried to tune it out while I pressed my fingers to my stomach, waiting. In the mirror my expression was no longer bewildered – it was wondering now. I barely noticed when the strange, silent tears started streaming down my cheeks. The phone kept ringing. I wished Edward would answer it – I was having a moment. Possibly the biggest of my life. Ring! Ring! Ring! Finally, the annoyance broke through everything else. I got down on my knees next to Edward – I found myself moving more carefully, a thousand times more aware of the way each motion felt – and patted his pockets until I found the phone. I half-expected him to thaw out and answer it himself, but he was perfectly still. I recognized the number, and I could easily guess why she was calling. â€Å"Hi, Alice,† I said. My voice wasn't much better than before. I cleared my throat. â€Å"Bella? Bella, areyou okay?† â€Å"Yeah. Urn. Is Carlisle there?† â€Å"He is. What's the problem?† â€Å"I'm not†¦ one hundred percent†¦ sure___† â€Å"Is Edward all right?† she asked warily. She called Carlisle's name away from the phone and then demanded, â€Å"Why didn't he pick up the phone?† before I could answer her first question. â€Å"I'm not sure.† â€Å"Bella,what's going on? I just saw – â€Å" â€Å"What did you see?† There was a silence. â€Å"Here's Carlisle,† she finally said. It felt like ice water had been injected in my veins. If Alice had seen a vision of me with a green-eyed, angel-faced child in my arms, she would have answered me, wouldn't she? While I waited through the split second it took for Carlisle to speak, the vision I'd imagined for Alice danced behind my lids. A tiny, beautiful little baby, even more beautiful than the boy in my dream – a tiny Edward in my arms. Warmth shot through my veins, chasing the ice away. â€Å"Bella, it's Carlisle. What's going on?† â€Å"I – † I wasn't sure how to answer. Would he laugh at my conclusions, tell me I was crazy? Was I just having another colorful dream? â€Å"I'm a little worried about Edward†¦. Can vampires go into shock?† â€Å"Has he been harmed?† Carlisle's voice was suddenly urgent. â€Å"No, no,† I assured him. â€Å"Just†¦ taken by surprise.† â€Å"I don't understand, Bella.† â€Å"I think†¦ well, I think that†¦ maybe†¦ I might be †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I took a deep breath. â€Å"Pregnant.† As if to back me up, there was another tiny nudge in my abdomen. My hand flew to my stomach. After a long pause, Carlisle's medical training kicked in. â€Å"When was the first day of your last menstrual cycle?† â€Å"Sixteen days before the wedding.† I'd done the mental math thoroughly enough just before to be able to answer with certainty. â€Å"How do you feel?† â€Å"Weird,† I told him, and my voice broke. Another trickle of tears dribbled down my cheeks. â€Å"This is going to sound crazy – look, I know it's way too early for any of this. Maybe I am crazy. But I'm having bizarre dreams and eating all the time and crying and throwing up and†¦ and†¦ I swear something moved inside me just now.† Edward's head snapped up. I sighed in relief. Edward held his hand out for the phone, his face white and hard. â€Å"Urn, I think Edward wants to talk to you.† â€Å"Put him on,† Carlisle said in a strained voice. Not entirely sure that Edward could talk, I put the phone in his outstretched hand. He pressed it to his ear. â€Å"Is it possible?† he whispered. He listened for a long time, staring blankly at nothing. â€Å"And Bella?† he asked. His arm wrapped around me as he spoke, pulling me close into his side. He listened for what seemed like a long time and then said, â€Å"Yes. Yes, I will.† He pulled the phone away from his ear and pressed the â€Å"end† button. Right away, he dialed a new number. â€Å"What did Carlisle say?† I asked impatiently. Edward answered in a lifeless voice. â€Å"He thinks you're pregnant.† The words sent a warm shiver down my spine. The little nudger fluttered inside me. â€Å"Who are you calling now?† I asked as he put the phone back to his ear. â€Å"The airport. We're going home.† Edward was on the phone for more than an hour without a break. I guessed that he was arranging our flight home, but I couldn't be sure because he wasn't speaking English. It sounded like he was arguing; he spoke through his teeth a lot. While he argued, he packed. He whirled around the room like an angry tornado, leaving order rather than destruction in his path. He threw a set of my clothes on the bed without looking at them, so I assumed it was time for me to get dressed. He continued with his argument while I changed, gesturing with sudden, agitated movements. When I could no longer bear the violent energy radiating out of him, I quietly left the room. His manic concentration made me sick to my stomach – not like the morning sickness, just uncomfortable. I would wait somewhere else for his mood to pass. I couldn't talk to this icy, focused Edward who honestly frightened me a little. Once again, I ended up in the kitchen. There was a bag of pretzels in the cupboard. I started chewing on them absently, staring out the window at the sand and rocks and trees and ocean, everything glittering in the sun. Someone nudged me. â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"I don't want to go, either.† I stared out the window for a moment, but the nudger didn't respond. â€Å"I don't understand,† i whispered. â€Å"What is wrong here?† Surprising, absolutely. Astonishing, even. But wrong? No. So why was Edward so furious? He was the one who had actually wished out loud for a shotgun wedding. I tried to reason through it. Maybe it wasn't so confusing that Edward wanted us to go home right away. He'd want Carlisle to check me out, make sure my assumption was right – though there was absolutely no doubt in my head at this point. Probably they'd want to figure out why I was already so pregnant, with the bump and the nudging and all of that. That wasn't normal. Once I thought of this, I was sure I had it. He must be so worried about the baby. I hadn't gotten around to freaking out yet. My brain worked slower than his – it was still stuck marveling over the picture it had conjured up before: the tiny child with Edward's eyes – green, as his had been when he was human – lying fair and beautiful in my arms. I hoped he would have Edward's face exactly, with no interference from mine. It was funny how abruptly and entirely necessary this vision had become. From that first little touch, the whole world had shifted. Where before there was just one thing i could not live without, now there were two. There was no division – my love was not split between them now; it wasn't like that. It was more like my heart had grown, swollen up to twice its size in that moment. All that extra space, already filled. The increase was almost dizzying. I'd never really understood Rosalie's pain and resentment before. I'd never imagined myself a mother, never wanted that. It had been a piece of cake to promise Edward that I didn't care about giving up children for him, because I truly didn't. Children, in the abstract, had never appealed to me. They seemed to be loud creatures, often dripping some form of goo. I'd never had much to do with them. When I'd dreamed of Renee providing me with a brother, I'd always imagined an older brother. Someone to take care of me, rather than the other way around. This child, Edward's child, was a whole different story. I wanted him like I wanted air to breathe. Not a choice – a necessity. Maybe I just had a really bad imagination. Maybe that was why I'd been unable to imagine that I would like being married until after I already was – unable to see that I would want a baby until after one was already coming†¦. As I put my hand on my stomach, waiting for the next nudge, tears streaked down my cheeks again. â€Å"Bella?† I turned, made wary by the tone of his voice. It was too cold, too careful. His face matched his voice, empty and hard. And then he saw that I was crying. â€Å"Bella!† Hecrossed the room in a flash and put his hands on my face. â€Å"Are you in pain?† â€Å"No, no – â€Å" He pulled me against his chest. â€Å"Don't be afraid. We'll be home in sixteen hours. You'll be fine. Carlisle will be ready when we get there. We'll take care of this, and you'll be fine, you'll be fine.† â€Å"Take care of this? What do you mean?† He leaned away and looked me in the eye. â€Å"We're going to get that thing out before it can hurt any part of you. Don't be scared. I wont let it hurt you.† â€Å"That thing?† Igasped. He looked sharply away from me, toward the front door. â€Å"Dammit! I forgot Gustavo was due today. HI get rid of him and be right back.† He darted out of the room. I clutched the counter for support. My knees were wobbly. Edward had just called my little nudger a thing. He said Carlisle would get it out. â€Å"No,† I whispered. I'd gotten it wrong before. He didn't care about the baby atall. He wanted to hurt him. The beautiful picture in my head shifted abruptly, changed into something dark. My pretty baby crying, my weak arms not enough to protect him†¦. What could I do? Would I be able to reason with them? What if I couldn't? Did this explain Alice's strange silence on the phone? Is that what she'd seen? Edward and Carlisle killing that pale, perfect child before he could live? â€Å"No,† I whispered again, my voice stronger. That could not be. I would not allow it. I heard Edward speaking Portuguese again. Arguing again. His voice got closer, and I heard him grunt in exasperation. Then I heard another voice, low and timid. A woman's voice. He came into the kitchen ahead of her and went straight to me. He wiped the tears from my cheeks and murmured in my ear through the thin, hard line of his lips. â€Å"She's insisting on leaving the food she brought – she made us dinner.† If he had been less tense, less furious, I knew he would have rolled his eyes. â€Å"It's an excuse – she wants to make sure I haven't killed you yet.† His voice went ice cold at the end. Kaure edged nervously around the corner with a covered dish in her hands. I wished I could speak Portuguese, or that my Spanish was less rudimentary, so that I could try to thank this woman who had dared to anger a vampire just to check on me. Her eyes flickered between the two of us. I saw her measuring thecolor in my face, the moisture in my eyes. Mumbling something I didn't understand, she put the dish on the counter. Edward snapped something at her; I'd never heard him be so impolite before. She turned to go, and the whirling motion of her long skirt wafted the smell of the food into my face. It was strong – onions and fish. I gagged and whirled for the sink. I felt Edward's hands on my forehead and heard his soothing murmur through the roaring in my ears. His hands disappeared for a second, and I heard the refrigerator slam shut. Mercifully, the smell disappeared with the sound, and Edward's hands were cooling my clammy face again. It was over quickly. I rinsed my mouth in the tap while he caressed the side of my face. There was a tentative little nudge in my womb. It's okay. We're okay,I thought toward the bump. Edward turned me around, pulling me into his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder. My hands, instinctively, folded over my stomach. I heard a little gasp and I looked up. The woman was still there, hesitating in the doorway with her hands half-outstretched as if she had been looking for some way to help. Her eyes were locked on my hands, popping wide with shock. Her mouth hung open. Then Edward gasped, too, and he suddenly turned to face the woman, pushing me slightly behind his body. His arm wrapped across my torso, like he was holding me back. Suddenly, Kaure was shouting at him – loudly, furiously, her unintelligible words flying across the room like knives. She raised her tiny fist in the air and took two steps forward, shaking it at him. Despite her ferocity, it was easy to see the terror in her eyes. Edward stepped toward her, too, and I clutched at his arm, frightened for the woman. But when he interrupted her tirade, his voice took me by surprise, especially considering how sharp he'd been with her when she wasn't screeching at him. It was low now; it was pleading. Not only that, but the sound was different, more guttural, the cadence off. I didn't think he was speaking Portuguese anymore. For a moment, the woman stared at him in wonder, and then her eyes narrowed as she barked out a long question in the same alien tongue. I watched as his face grew sad and serious, and he nodded once. She took a quick step back and crossed herself. He reached out to her, gesturing toward me and then resting his hand against my cheek. She replied angrily again, waving her hands accusingly toward him, and then gestured to him. When she finished, he pleaded again with the same low, urgent voice. Her expression changed – she stared at him with doubt plain on her face as he spoke, her eyes repeatedly flashing to my confused face. He stopped speaking, and she seemed to be deliberating something. She looked back and forth between the two of us, and then, unconsciously it seemed, took a step forward. She made a motion with her hands, miming a shape like a balloon jutting out from her stomach. I started – did her legends of the predatory blood-drinker include this? Could she possibly know something about what was growing inside me? She walked a few steps forward deliberately this time and asked a few brief questions, which he responded to tensely. Then he became the questioner – one quick query. She hesitated and then slowly shook her head. When he spoke again, his voice was so agonized that I looked up at him in shock. His face was drawn with pain. In answer, she walked slowly forward until she was close enough to lay her small hand on top of mine, over my stomach. She spoke one word in Portuguese. â€Å"Morte,†she sighed quietly. Then she turned, her shoulders bent as if the conversation had aged her, and left the room. I knew enough Spanish for that one. Edward was frozen again, staring after her with the tortured expression fixed on his face. A few moments later, I heard a boat's engine putter to life and then fade into the distance. Edward did not move until I started for the bathroom. Then his hand caught my shoulder. â€Å"Where are you going?† His voice was a whisper of pain. â€Å"To brush my teeth again.† â€Å"Don't worry about what she said. It's nothing but legends, old lies for the sake of entertainment.† â€Å"I didn't understand anything,† I told him, though it wasn't entirely true. As if I could discount something because it was a legend. My life was circled by legend on every side. They were all true. â€Å"I packed your toothbrush. I'll get it for you.† He walked ahead of me to the bedroom. â€Å"Are we leaving soon?† I called after him. â€Å"As soon as you're done.† He waited for my toothbrush to repack it, pacing silently around the bedroom. I handed it to him when I was finished. â€Å"I'll get the bags into the boat.† â€Å"Edward – â€Å" He turned back. â€Å"Yes?† I hesitated, trying to think of some way to get a few seconds alone. â€Å"Could you†¦ pack some of the food? You know, in case I get hungry again.† â€Å"Of course,† he said, his eyes suddenly soft. â€Å"Don't worry about anything. We'll get to Carlisle in just a few hours, really. This will all be over soon.† I nodded, not trusting my voice. He turned and left the room, one big suitcase in each hand. I whirled and scooped up the phone he'd left on the counter. It was very unlike him to forget things – to forget that Gustavo was coming, to leave his phone lying here. He was so stressed he was barely himself. I flipped it open and scrolled through the preprogrammed numbers. I was glad he had the sound turned off, afraid that he would catch me. Would he be at the boat now? Or back already? Would he hear me from the kitchen if I whispered? I found the number I wanted, one I had never called before in my life. I pressed the â€Å"send† button and crossed my fingers. â€Å"Hello?† the voice like golden wind chimes answered. â€Å"Rosalie?† I whispered. â€Å"It's Bella. Please. You have to help me.†

Medical Marijuana Should Be Legal - 897 Words

Medical Cannabis Weed Cannabis, also known as Marijuana has many effects to it. In recent years officials have decided that it should be used for medical usage. They have found out that it helps many medical conditions. Medical cannabis has many things that could cure. Studies has shown that it slows the response time in the synapses in the brain it helps the brain heal. For example if someone was in a bad wreck it allows the brain to eventually heal. Because it is unlike other prescribed drugs weed has little to no side effects depending on the person. Compared to others it has the least amount of side effects with the best results possible. Multiple studies have shown among a variety of participants from the age of 3 to 93 that in multiple test subjects that have seizers in the womb and wasn’t able to speak walk or function properly on their own actually begin to learn to use their natural body functions, and It will help to heal the brain, body faster. Medical Cannabis has many cause and effects to it such as, it could help you medically, the cannabis could give you a bad reaction and it could be a gateway to other drugs. Cannabis, has had many factors to which officials did not believe that it should be legal. According to the NCSL, â€Å"In late August 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an update to their marijuana enforcement policy. The statement reads that while marijuana remains illegal federally, the USDOJ expects states like Colorado and Washington toShow MoreRelatedMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal904 Words   |  4 PagesMedical Marijuana Although marijuana is illegal and lacks FDA approval it should be used to treat cancer. Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They believe marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain. They also believe that medical marijuana is a front for drug legalization and recreational use. Benefit that it is isn’t a great treatmentRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1249 Words   |  5 PagesMarch 1, 2017 Medical Marijuana Informative Unless you ve been living under a rock, you have probably at some point in the last few years had a conversation with a friend or family member regarding medical marijuana. Although it is considered a controversial topic, in recent months it has been gaining approval by the public. But it does not come without opposition and arguments. Medical marijuana is a complex subject and still requires more education for the public, the medical community, and theRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1477 Words   |  6 Pagesacross the nation believe that medical marijuana can provide a variety of benefits ranging from pain relief to increasing appetite. Others won’t provide the drug to patients until more significant evidence is presented. The drug has been a topic of debate for many years, but one thing that researchers can always count on is a growing library of testimonials from patients who have legally experimented with the drug to manage their conditions. As it stands, mari juana has had a different impact in eachRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1651 Words   |  7 Pagesmost commonly referred to as marijuana. Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and its cannabinoids to treat disease or improve symptoms (Wikipedia.com). Cannabis contains two active ingredients inside called cannabinoids (CBD) along with the delta-g-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The medicinal and psychoactive effects that personally associate with marijuana are caused by unique structures of cannabinoids. In addition, the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, which additionallyRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1778 Words   |  8 Pagesusing medical marijuana for chronic pain outweigh the risks? Medical Marijuana is a topic we have all heard a couple of times in the past years. It has been a debatable topic since there seems to be a lot of opinions on what should be and shouldn’t be legal. Some say its benefits outweigh anything else, and some others state that there is a hazard involved with this drug. There are studies on both sides of the question that demonstrate what appear to be clear benefits for medical marijuana, asRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1545 Words   |  7 Pagesmedicinal utility of marijuana. However, the federal government opposes passing legislation that would legalize medical marijuana because of its potential to be abused or unregulated. The states are continuously challenging the federal government causing complications in legislation in regards to medical marijuana. Because of its history of medicinal properties and accumulating amounts of state and local legislation, the federal government should decriminalize medical marijuana an d legalize its useRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1053 Words   |  5 PagesMedical marijuana, also called cannabis, is used in some places as a medication to treat diseases and symptoms. Many people consider it helpful and harmless making it the most used illicit drug in North America. With legalizing medical marijuana people can alleviate some health problems and help ease physical pain, but it also can bring many concerns, questions, and responsibility. Legalizing cannabis can help many people with their health conditions. There are some advantages to taking medicalRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1591 Words   |  7 Pagesdebated topic on marijuana legalization is widely argued. Whether it’s for medical or recreational usages, this topic is reaching boiling point. The complicity on the legalities of marijuana has reached a point in society where legal usage has been popping up across the country. In the medical sector, studies have shown benefits, and harmful effects in patients. Some physicians support, however some physicians do see health concerns that influence their stance on whether medical marijuana laws are toRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal860 Words   |  4 Pagesthat medical marijuana might be useful in reducing this pressure. Marijuana has also became a common sight in the medicine cabinets of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS and many different forms of cancer. Cannabis consumptions has been known for its ability to stimulate appetite commonly referred to as â€Å"getting the munchies.† Medical marijuana can successfully benefit its patients with HIV or cancer by helping generate an appetite through the use of plant. Researchers have shown that medical cannabisRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1777 Words   |  8 Pages Medical marijuana brings many benefits to the medical community and should be legalized. Medical marijuana also known as medical cannabis, brings relief too many people with multiple different types of diseases. One major benefit of marijuana being such a good relief medicine is that it is not addictive. Medical marijuana would also be very easy to regulate and bring many economic benefits to our country. Medical marijuana also known as medical cannabis brings relief too many people with many different

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