Case Study of Hunter Wine Company, Australia - 1925 Words

Case Study of Hunter Wine Company, Australia (Case Study Sample) Content: Strategic Management: Hunters Wine Company Name: Institutional Affiliation: Strategic Management: Hunter Wine Company Introduction Various trends have occurred in the market and which have led to the creation of various business opportunities. These prospects have brought variations in the international market. Significant changes in the supply and demand of different products have also been observed. Among these products is wine. There has been an increase in the request for wine in the recent years which has led to Asian countries to be more focused on dealing with the increasing the wine supply. The result of this action is that the world economy has diverted its focus on the growth of these countries. Due to this change, there has been an increment in the demand for goods and services in the Asian countries. Wine is also the most affected product as a result of high demand in Asia. Australia has benefited mostly due to the increased export of their wine to the Asian countries. Over the years, China has been the major wine exporter, but with the expansion of Hunter Wine Company, there are prospects of beating China's market share. The aim of this paper is to highlight the vital aspects that Hunter Wine Company has incorporated in its development strategy. Some of these features will entail the company's history, the resources at its disposal, its capabilities, core competencies, and the strategic development. These will help in determining the company's sustainability, the external as well as internal environments, the wine consumption patterns, the international market entry barriers and strategies, the trading agreements, the possibility of acquisition and mergers, and the Blue Ocean strategic opportunities. Also, the report analyzes the importance of strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, the organizational structure, corporate governance and the regulatory controls. History and Strategic Development of the Company The Hunter Wine Company (HWC) is located in the Hunter Valley, in the State of New South Wales. The Smith Group founded the company in 1990 on a twenty-five hectares of vineyard. The vineyards included the Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. The firm has over the years continued to enlarge by getting new vineyards from the neighboring ranches. The company has also come up with measures that have enabled them to improve the yield and the nature of generating more grapes from other growers. These actions have brought an expansion in the procedure of winery creation. The company has become popular in Australia and has figured out how to grasp a few awards throughout the year. They have won silver, bronze, and even gold medals in various occasions. Resource Capabilities and Core Competencies The company's capabilities, as well as the essential skills, are attributed to the successful administration. The core management has enabled Hunter Wine to deliver quality products that have earned it reputation throughout the years. It can be said that one of the critical values of the Smith Family is the constant research of upgrading their facilities as well extension services to their external grapes suppliers. As a matter of fact, the family is passing down knowledge, trust, enthusiasm, and experience from generation to another. The Competitive Advantages Competitive advantage exists when a competitor cannot imitate or lacks the resources to attempt the imitation. According to Rocchi Manuela (2013), the regional identity can be a competitive advantage to an extent where the competitor cannot produce the same wine as other competitors unless they use its lands. Also, in the case of Hunters Wine Company, the transmission of the winery from one generation is a clear indication of the sustainability of such a competitive advantage. The competitors will not have access to the company's territories as long as the knowledge is passed on in the family. The Internal and External Environment The Internal Environment These are factors from inside the company that affects its performance. These are indicated by the strengths and weaknesses of the company. Strengths * The location of the vineyard * The power of Smith family to preserve high reputation in Australia * Producing fantastic brands has given the organization a huge position in Australia Weaknesses * The firm concentrates on neighborhood showcases * Hunter Wine Company provides necessary items and has not yet figured out how to extend its creation The External Environment These are factors from outside the firm and that affect its performance. They include the potential threats and opportunities. Opportunities * Possibility to grow internationally * The increment in the quality and quantity production brought by the existence of enhanced production machines. * Incorporate more wine types in their generation line * Gaining worldwide market that will expand its reputation Threats * The wineries may be influenced by changes in climate and the frequent catastrophes like absence of rain and disasters * Variations in the financial structure can affect the estimating arrangement of the organization Economic Market Drivers and Wine Consumption Patterns Persons across the world are allowed to take alcohol when they achieve a legal age. The table below shows that wine is the most consumed drink in the Asian continent. Alcohol Consumption in Asia 2011 According to the Wine Economics Research Centre, in the period between the year 2000 and 2009, the use of grape-wine increased in Asia specifically in Singapore, India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Market Entry Strategies, Barriers, and Trade Agreements Trade barriers restrict the exportation and importation of commodities from and to a particular country. One such barrier is that many states necessitate registration of foreign wine bottles, thorough inspection of the wine, and specified labeling necessities. These are some of the obstacles that may affect the Hunter Wine Company. The entry requirements for the international market may be suppressed by some factors. For example, the Hunter Wine Company is a local Australian company and thus may lack the necessary funds for indulging in the international opportunity. The WTO provides an agreement that ensures that all the technical regulations such as packaging, labeling, and marking do not prevent international trade of wine (Foster Spencer 2012). The Hunter Wine Company must ensure to uphold this agreement if it takes the opportunity to enter into the international wine business. Wine companies in Australia have an advantage over other firms because of their high-quality fine wine. Some of the companies have engaged in the prevalent wine business opportunities in the Asian market such as in Japan, China, and Thailand. Australia has engaged in free trade agreements with these nations. According to a report by Wine Australia (2016), the agreements have resulted in the removal of trade tariffs in the wine industry between Australia and each of these countries. These agreements have seen an increase in the value of wine export from Australia. These are some of the favorable deals that HWC can seize and reap more profits. Some of these countries such as Japan have witnessed a change in alcohol consumption with a larger population preferring quality wine. The confidence in Australian wines has increased in the Asian market, and the Hunter Wine Company may utilize such opportunities. The Potential of Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions occur for various strategic reasons that include increasing the capabilities of a company, developing a competitive advantage, and increasing the market share. However, these policy options also bring along with them many problems such as fear among the employees of either company being retrenched after the union. Hunter Wine Company has become a strong competitor in the Asian market and merging it with a reputable Asian company would be a big step into enlarging its market share. There have been mergers happening in other Australian wine companies, but none involves The Hunter Wine Company. The business is family-owned and is passed on from generation to another. Combining it with another company would also bring in new knowledge in the management of the enterprise. One of the strengths of the company is its a...

Spices Kill Some Bacteria and Have Other Benefits

In the hopes of finding ways to control pathogens in food, researchers have discovered that spices kill bacteria. Several studies have indicated that common spices, such as garlic, clove, and cinnamon, may be particularly effective against certain strains of E. coli bacteria. Spices Kill Bacteria In a Kansas State University study, scientists tested more than 23 spices in three scenarios: an artificial laboratory medium,  uncooked hamburger meat, and uncooked salami. Initial results indicated that clove had the highest inhibitory effect on the E. coli in the hamburger while garlic had the highest inhibitory effect in the laboratory medium. But what about taste? Scientists admitted that finding the right mix between the taste of the food and the amounts of spices necessary to inhibit the pathogens was problematic. The amounts of the spices used ranged from a low of one percent to a high of ten percent. Researchers hope to further study these interactions and perhaps develop recommendations for spice  levels both for manufacturers and consumers. Scientists also cautioned that the use of spices is not a substitute for the proper handling of food. While the spices used were able to greatly curtail the amounts of E. coli in the meat products, they did not eliminate the pathogen entirely, thus the necessity of proper cooking methods. Meats should be cooked to approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit and until the juices run clear. Counters and other items that come in contact with uncooked meat should be thoroughly washed, preferably with soap, hot water, and a light bleach solution. Cinnamon Kills Bacteria Cinnamon is such a flavorful and seemingly innocuous spice. Who would ever think that it could be deadly? Researchers at Kansas State University have also discovered that cinnamon kills Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria. In the studies, apple juice samples were tainted with approximately one million E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. About a teaspoon of cinnamon was added and the concoction was left to stand for three days. When researchers tested the juice samples it was discovered that 99.5 percent of the bacteria had been destroyed. It was also discovered that if common preservatives such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate were added to the mixture, the levels of remaining bacteria were almost undetectable. Researchers believe that these studies demonstrate that cinnamon can be effectively used to control bacteria in unpasteurized juices and may one day replace preservatives in foods. They are hopeful that cinnamon may be as effective in controlling other pathogens that cause food-borne illness such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Previous studies have shown that cinnamon can also control microbes in meat. It is most effective, however, against pathogens in liquids. In liquids, the pathogens cannot be absorbed by fats (as they are in meat) and thus are easier to destroy. Currently, the best way to protect against E. coli infection is to take preventative measures. This includes avoiding both unpasteurized juices and milk, cooking raw meats to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and washing your hands after handling raw meat. Spices and Other Health Benefits Adding certain spices to your food can also have positive metabolic benefits. Spices such as rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic powder, and paprika increase antioxidant activity in the blood and decrease insulin response. In addition, Penn State researchers found that adding these types of spices to meals high in fat decreases triglyceride response by about 30 percent. High triglyceride levels are associated with heart disease. In the study, the researchers compared the effects of eating high-fat foods with spices added to that of high-fat foods without spices. The group that consumed the spicy food had lower insulin and triglyceride responses to their meal. Along with the positive health benefits of consuming the meals with spices, the participants reported no negative gastrointestinal problems. The researchers contend that antioxidant spices like the ones in the study could be used to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic disease such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. For additional information, see: Cinnamon Is Lethal Weapon Against E. Coli O157:H7Antioxidant Spices Reduce Negative Effects of High-Fat Meal

Tomorrow When the War Began- John Marsden Essay - 1261 Words

Tomorrow when the war began- John Marsden Novel essay. â€Å"Tomorrow When The War Began† by John Marsden, is a novel of survival, friendship, love and war. He uses many language techniques (e.g. simile, metaphor, personification, oxymoron, irony, symbol, allusion etc.) to get across to the reader the importance of each of the themes discussed. He also uses these techniques to set the mood in each chapter and to help emphasise each major point in the novel. â€Å"We’ve learnt a lot and had to figure out what’s important- what matters, what really matters.†- Ellie Survival in â€Å"Tomorrow When The War Began† is a very important issue. The whole novel is about Ellie and friends learning to become independent and to fend for themselves in a world†¦show more content†¦They must go through a series of challenges to get from point A to point B by stealing vehicles and food. When Ellie and Robyn pick up Lee from his restaurant they have to kill soldiers to get away. Same as when Ellie, Kevin and Corrie blow up the lawnmower, they also blow up soldiers in order to stay safe for a little while. Friendship is another major theme in the novel, John Marsden uses this theme to overlap with other issues like survival and war. The characters of the novel all depend on those around them for help and support in everything they do. Friendship provides people with strength, hope and love, and all these things help a person overcome tragedies, death, and moments when it seems life isn’t worth living. An example from the novel would be when Corrie’s house is blown up, she is devastated and it is only with the support of the others that she can continue. A real life issue about friendship/love and survival would be the incident with the Beaconsfield miners. 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It begins when Ellie and her best friend, Corrie, decide to go camping in a deep valley named Hell along with a five other friends. When they return home to their rural town of Wirrawee, they find their lives shattered. Their dogs are deadRead MoreTomorrow When the War Began813 Words   |  4 PagesIn the book â€Å"tomorrow when the war began† author John Marsden. The character Homer grows and matures throughout the story line. This essay will explore how Homer’s maturity and growth is displayed through his ability to start making decisions and leading members of the group. In the beginning he was always in trouble but towards the end he grew into a strong leader who considered his friends and their safety. The first incident Read MoreEssay on Australian Literature (Stereotypes)829 Words   |  4 PagesI agree with contemporary literature encouraging young readers to look beyond Australian stereotypes. 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The poem describesRead MoreTomorrow When The War Began Essay984 Words   |  4 PagesTitle: Tomorrow When the War Began Author: John Marsden Date Completed: 25 March 2015 In the novel, Tomorrow When the War Began, there is an invasion on a small rural town in Australia. A group of young teens are out camping and manage to avoid capture. The discovery that their friends and families have been captured ignites them on a crusade to do what they can to liberate their town. The key idea in the text that is significant to me is about the importance of strong teamwork and leadership

Planet Mission Astronomy Essay Example For Students

Planet Mission Astronomy Essay Astronomy is not just about the stars. Astronomy is about the constellations, the nine planets, the sun and the moons. The solar system is very complex and has many extraordinary objects. There are four different types of stars: Protostars, Bright Stars, Red Giants, and White Dwarfs. Protostars are stars that are on the verge of being born. They are glowing clouds of dust and gas. Gravity pulls on every atom moving them towards the center of the cloud of dust, which causes the Protostar to collapse. Over a period of twenty million years the star begins to form and 10 million years after the pocket of gas was formed, a star is born. The second types of stars are called Bright Stars. They are formed when the new star has completed about 35 million years of its life cycle. A stars life cycle is a lot like a humans life cycle, except a stars years are in millions. When a star is about 10 million years old it is in the same stage on average as a regular human that is about twenty years ol d. The birth and death rate of stars is called Stellar Evolution. A Bright Star is made when nuclear fusion doubles the size of the star. The third types of stars are called Red Giants. They are made because the outward flow of the stars core energy stops. Gravity then steps in and squeezes the star to make it decrease in size. The core of the stars heat increases and it starts releasing small amounts of energy, the energy holds a large amount of hydrogen gas. The star then begins to grow larger, but it does not get brighter. As a result of the sudden and fast temperature drop, the stars color changes from blue-white to a red color. Most Red Giant stars have been found in groups called Globular Clusters. Globular Clusters are groups of up to one million stars that move through space. The fourth type of stars are called White Dwarfs. When a White Dwarf is made the star begins cooling off. As a result of cooling, the outer gas layer spreads out. The stars temperature drops and makes t he gas layer spread out even more. Eventually, the outer layer spreads out so far that the gas layer separates from the star. Then, a Planetary Nebula (cloud of glowing atoms), moves in all directions. The stars core isnt giving out any more energy and is to the point of collapsing slowly. All of the matter that the star had in the beginning is still there, but it is compressed more tightly. Because it is packed so tightly the star is now as big as planet Earth. The star is still very hot. Because it is so hot it gives off a glowing white light. This star is called a White Dwarf because of its color. Out of the twenty stars that are closest to the Earth, two are White Dwarfs. The next big thing about the solar system is the Planets. The nine planets play a big part in our solar system. Astronomers have been studying them for a long time but there are still many things to learn about them. The nine planets are Earth, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. Mercury is also known as the planet of Hot days and Cold nights and it is the closest planet to the sun. It has the shortest year out of all the other planets, which is 88 days long and is half the size of Earth. Mercury orbits the sun at an average distance of 36 million miles. Daytime temperatures of Mercury can reach up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. At night they can get down as low as -279 degrees Fahrenheit. Venus, also known as Cauldron, has a yearlong period of 243 Earth days. It is the second planet away from the sun and can reach oven-like temperatures up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night. Venus is a very bright planet, totally surrounded by clouds. It is the sunli ght reflected off these clouds that makes the planet so bright (Ridpath 24). This planet is very unique compared to the other planets because scientists discovered that Venus actually rotates backwards also. Chemistry: Water Pollution Phosphates In Water Pollution Phosphates Ma EssayThe Constellations are another great feature of our solar system. Constellations are names for groups of stars that appear to form shapes in the sky. (Miller, 1) There are about 2000 stars visible to the naked eye on a clear night and there are now 88 known constellations covering the whole sky. They were given their names many hundreds of years ago to help stargazers and astrologists to remember which stars were which. Astrologers use constellations to divide the sky up. Finding one constellation can help them find another because they move so slowly that they will always be found in about the same place. The earliest efforts of organizing the stars into constellations date back 6000 years ago. Many civilizations depended on the stars for direction and they became a large part of many cultures lives. The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Hebrews were the first to form the constellations in the sky. Behind every constellation there is a story or tale of some sort. The most famous constellation in called the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is made up of a group of seven stars. Three stars form a handle and the other four form a bowl. The Big Dipper is actually not a constellation itself, but part of one called Ursa Major, or Great Bear. The Little Dipper is a smaller version of the Big Dipper which is part of the constellation Ursa Minor or Little Bear. Another famous constellation is Orion. Orion was an ancient Greek hunter and warrior. The constellation Orion shows him caring a club shield, and a sword dangling from his belt. Orion has more Bright Stars the any other constellations. The two brightest stars in it are Betelgeuse and Rigel. Betelgeuse is Orions shoulder and Rigel is his foot. Cassiopeia is another well-known constellation. Cassiopeia is a group of stars, the brightest which form a large W in the northern sky. (Miller, 10). Cassiopeia is found next to the Big Dipper and Orion. Its shape is an exact M or W, formed with the five bright stars. The mythic Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian Queen. (Miller 10). Constellations are probably the most interesting thing in the solar system. Most people look at them as an exciting look at the mythological part of our solar system, and others think that they are just another interesting part of the night sky. The Universe is something no one can explain. Our Galaxy is one of the countless galaxies dotted throughout the Universe, like islands in a big ocean. Many objects in the Solar System have yet to be discovered and may never be, but it will always be there and may never change for generations to come.