Sunday, May 24, 2020
Julius Caesars Civil War Battle of Pharsalus
The Battle of Pharsalus took place on August 9, 48 BC and was the decisive engagement of Caesars Civil War (49-45 BC). Some sources indicate that battle may have taken place on June 6/7 or June 29. Overview With the war with Julius Caesar raging, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) ordered the Roman Senate to flee to Greece while he raised an army in the region. With the immediate threat of Pompey removed, Caesar quickly consolidated his position in the western parts of the Republic. Defeating Pompeys forces in Spain, he shifted east and began preparing for a campaign in Greece. These efforts were hampered as Pompeys forces controlled the Republics navy. Finally forcing a crossing that winter, Caesar was soon joined by additional troops under Mark Antony. Despite being reinforced, Caesar was still outnumbered by Pompeys army, though his men were veterans and the enemy largely new recruits. Through the summer, the two armies maneuvered against each other, with Caesar attempting to besiege Pompey at Dyrrhachium. The resulting battle saw Pompey win a victory and Caesar was forced to back away. Wary of fighting Caesar, Pompey failed to follow up this triumph, preferring instead to starve his opponents army into submission. He was soon swayed from this course by his generals, various senators, and other influential Romans who wished him to give battle. Advancing through Thessaly, Pompey encamped his army on the slopes of Mount Dogantzes in the Enipeus Valley, approximately three and a half miles from Caesars army. For several days the armies formed for battle each morning, however, Caesar was unwilling to attack up the slopes of the mountain. By August 8, with his food supplies low, Caesar began debating withdrawing east. Under pressure to fight, Pompey planned to give battle the next morning. Moving down into the valley, Pompey anchored his right flank on the Enipeus River and deployed his men in the traditional formation of three lines, each ten men deep. Knowing that he had a larger and better-trained cavalry force, he concentrated his horse on the left. His plan called for the infantry to remain in place, forcing Caesars men to charge a long distance and tiring them before contact. As the infantry engaged, his cavalry would sweep Caesars from the field before pivoting and attacking into the enemys flank and rear. Seeing Pompey move off the mountain on August 9, Caesar deployed his smaller army to meet the threat. Anchoring his left, led by Mark Antonyà along the river, he too formed three lines though they were not as deep as Pompeys. Also, he held his third line in reserve. Understanding Pompeys advantage in cavalry, Caesar pulled 3,000 men from his third line and arrayed them in a diagonal line behind his cavalry to protect the armys flank. Ordering the charge, Caesars men began advancing. Surging forward, it soon became clear that Pompeys army was standing their ground. Realizing Pompeys goal, Caesar halted his army approximately 150 yards from the enemy to rest and reform the lines. Resuming their advance, they slammed into Pompeys lines. On the flank, Titus Labienus led Pompeys cavalry forward and made progress against their counterparts. Falling back, Caesars cavalry led Labienus horsemen into the line of supporting infantry. Using their javelins to thrust at the enemy cavalry, Caesars men halted the attack. Uniting with their own cavalry, they charged and drove Labienus troops from the field. Wheeling left, this combined force of infantry and cavalry struck into Pompeys left flank. Though Caesars first two lines were under heavy pressure from Pompeys larger army, this attack, coupled with the entry of his reserve line, swung the battle. With their flank crumbling and fresh troops assaulting their front, Pompeys men began to give way. As his army collapsed, Pompey fled the field. Seeking to deliver the deciding blow of the war, Caesar pursued Pompeys retreating army and compelled four legions to surrender the following day. Aftermath The Battle of Pharsalus cost Caesar between 200 and 1,200 casualties while Pompey suffered between 6,000 and 15,000. Additionally, Caesar reported capturing 24,000, including Marcus Junius Brutus, and showed great clemency in pardoning many the Optimate leaders. His army destroyed, Pompey fled to Egypt seeking aid from King Ptolemy XIII. Shortly after arriving at Alexandria, he was murdered by the Egyptians. Pursuing his enemy to Egypt, Caesar was horrified when Ptolemy presented him with Pompeys severed head. Though Pompey had been defeated and killed, the war continued on as Optimate supporters, including the generals two sons, raised new forces in Africa and Spain. For the next few years, Caesar conducted various campaigns to eliminate this resistance. The war effectively ended in 45 BC after his victory at the Battle of Munda. Selected Sources HistoryNet: Battle of PharsalusRoman Empire: Battle of PharsalusLivius: Battle of Pharsalus
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Merychippus - Facts and Figures
Name: Merychippus (Greek for ruminant horse); pronounced MEH-ree-CHIP-us Habitat: Plains of North America Historical Epoch: Late Miocene (17-10 million years ago) Size and Weight: About three feet tall at the shoulder and up to 500 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; recognizably horse-like head; teeth adapted to grazing; vestigial side toes on front and hind feet About Merychippus Merychippus was something of a watershed in equine evolution: this was the first prehistoric horse to bear a marked resemblance to modern horses, although it was slightly bigger (up to three feet high at the shoulder and 500 pounds) and still possessed vestigial toes on either side of its feet (these toes didnt reach all the way to the ground, though, so Merychippus still would have run in a recognizably horselike way).Ã By the way, the name of this genus, Greek for ruminant horse, is a bit of a mistake; true ruminants have extra stomachs and chew cuds, like cows, and Merychippus was in fact the first true grazing horse, subsisting on the widespread grasses of its North American habitat. The end of the Miocene epoch, about 10 million years ago, marked what paleontologists call the Merychippine radiation: various populations of Merychippus spawned about 20 separate species of late Cenozoic horses, distributed across various genera, including Hipparion, Hippidion and Protohippus, all of these ultimately leading to the modern horse genus Equus. As such, Merychippus probably deserves to be better known than it is today, rather than being considered just one of the innumerable -hippus genera that populated late Cenozoic North America!
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Essential Parts of Computer and How It Works Free Essays
Contents II. Introduction2 III. Computers2 A. We will write a custom essay sample on Essential Parts of Computer and How It Works or any similar topic only for you Order Now CPU2 B. Memory storage3 1. Primary storage3 2. Secondary storage4 C. Peripherals8 1. Ink-jets (bubble-jets) printers8 2. Laserjet printers9 IV. Connecting To Internet10 V. Conclusion12 VI. Reference List13 * Introduction Nowadays, running business in 20th century means that you got to be clever about technology. When companies are striving for higher achievements and more-efficient workability, innovation is what everyone craving for. Thatââ¬â¢s the spot where technology shoots. Computer is one essential breed of our modern technology. However, while the majority of people know how to use computer, they donââ¬â¢t know how the machine works; the technical stuff. It becomes a problem when the technical stuff got broken and almost everybody does not get a clue. To improve our business means that we need to improve our consciousness to computer itself. So, with this guide, I hope we can understand the system of our computer, not just by its advantages, but by its personality too. Enjoy a new relationship with your computer. Computers For this matter, these are some of essential parts from computer that support its function A. Central Processing Unit (CPU) B. Storage devices C. Peripherals CPU Central Processing Unit (CPU), or called as processor, is the central part of computer, which accepts and processes data into information and maintaining its system (Gilster, 2000). In comparison, a brain to human is the same for CPU to computer. It stabilizes and ensuring computer to run normal. Moursund (1978) says that CPU consists of two units: control unit and arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit gives instructions to the system for executing programs. The control unit doesnââ¬â¢t do the tasks, but just giving orders to other units to do its jobs. The arithmetic/logic unit execute arithmetic and mathematical equations in the system, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To work in a constant and stabile period of time, CPU uses a small quartz crystal called the clock system (Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, 2008). The system clock produces electronic pulses, or ticks, that set the operating period to the components of the system unit. The clock system speed is measured by the number of ticks per second or Hertz unit. Hertz (Hz) is the measurement of speed in data processing. The faster the clock speed, the more instructions the processor can execute per second. For usage in our computer schools, there are two brand options, AMD Intel. AMDââ¬â¢s Athlon X2 Dual Core, and Intelââ¬â¢s Pentium D 925, both of them have 3 GHz clock speeds which are compatible for our studentââ¬â¢s needs in computer. I recommend Intelââ¬â¢s for our school since it has lower price than AMD. AMD has lower heat though in its operation, but this problem can be maintained by putting a fine working fan to cool the processor. Memory storage Extra There are terms of measure we need to know that used in byte (B) and hertz (Hz). They are: 1 Kilo (KB/ KHz) = 1000 (B/Hz) 1 Mega (MB/MHz) = 1000 Kilo = 1,000,000 (B/Hz) Giga (GB/GHz) = 1,000,000 = 1,000,000,000 (B/Hz) 1 Tera (TB/THz) = 1000 Giga = 1,000,000 Mega = 1,000,000,000 Kilo = 1000,000,000,000 (B/Hz) (Shelly et al. , 2008) Memory storage is the place where computer store all data and information in the machine. To measure memory storage, we use Byte unit. Byte is the measurement of space, determines the quant ity of data that memory can save. There are two kinds of memory storage: primary storage secondary storage. Primary storage RAM Random Access Memory (RAM), is used to open up programs, images, or any details when the computer is on. Its function is to accelerate the speed of processing programs. When the computer is off, the memory loses its data too and will be restarting when the computer is on again. Thatââ¬â¢s why RAM also called as temporary memory (Stokes, 2008). ROM Read-Only Memory (ROM) is used to store essential programs for computer, such as system operation (Smith, 2011). Data in ROMs cannot be changed again or written, unless for some types of ROM like EPROM (erasable programme read-only memory) or using some technique like exposing ROM to sunlight. Cache Cache located between CPU and RAM. It is a high-speed memory that accelerates CPU to exchange information from RAM (Shelly, et al, 2008). Cache works in a frequently accessible files and programs in the computer so it can be processed in shorter time. For example, a secretaryââ¬â¢s computer which used for typing a lot will have its word-processing program opened faster than the other staffsââ¬â¢ computer. Secondary storage * Stokes (2008) states that secondary storage is used for saving files and information in the matter of capacity. When programs are installed into the computer or files are inserted, secondary memory is the place where all the stuffs are put into. It gives information about how much computer can store data in its system. Files, programs, and other stuffs that put in secondary storage are saved permanently in the system. So, when the computer is off, the stuffs will stay at the same state and condition without having any lost parts. Picture 2. 1 Secondary storage works like cloth drawers for computers. As long as there is a space, it is fine to put more things. Image source: http://corriehaffly. wordpress. com There are various forms of secondary storage. Some attached in CPU and some is separated from computer. These are the kinds of it. Hard Disk Picture 2. 2 Physical appearance of a hard disk. Image source: http://www. pcguide. com A hard disk is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data (Shelly, et al, 2008). The large disk has top side and bottom side which used for recording and storing data in computer. To be used, hard disk must be attached in computer. Optical Disc Picture 2. 3 Physical appearance of optical disc. Image source: http://www. digitalmatrix. us An optical disc is a flat, round, portable, disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer. These discs usually have 4. 75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick (Shelly, et al, 2008). Optical disc commonly used for storing music, pictures, or programs depend on its capacity. There are many types of optical discs. Some types can be used for reading and recording files in it, some can only be used for read. CD-ROM A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), is a type of optical disc that can only be used for read the files in it (Shelly, et al. , 2008). The discââ¬â¢s content cannot be write-able or erase-able anymore. A typical CD-ROM has capacity from 650 MB to 1 GB of data, instructions, and information. To read a CD-ROM, you can use CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM player. Commonly, CD-ROM is used in licensed application, programs, music albums, or encyclopaedias so it cannot be pirated. CD-R and CD-RW A CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) is a multisession optical disc which users can write, but cannot erase the items in it, like text, graphic, or audio. Multisession means you can write on part of the disc one time and another part at a later time (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Write in this term means to record files. A CD-R can only be written once and the content cannot be erased. To write and read a CD-R, you need a CD-R drive. DVD-ROM and DVD-R A DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory or Digital Video Disc Read-Only Memory) is a high capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write or erase (Shelly, et al. , 2008). To read a DVD-ROM, you need DVD-ROM software. DVD-R has the same characteristic as CD-R, only with bigger capacity. DVDs usually has 4 GB capacity. Flash Memory Picture 2. 4 Physical appearance of flash memory. Image source: http://techcrunch. com Flash memory is a small, portable stick which implanted electrical chips that used to store files in computer (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Its size is none bigger than adult human thumb. It connects to a computer via an USB port. Its files can be read and written in multiple times. Flash memory has various capacities, from 256 MB until 32 GB are available in stores. Peripherals Peripherals are electronic devices that support computer functions to more useful and understandable (Gilster, 2000). Peripherals commonly consist of computer screen, speaker, printer, keyboard, and mouse. Each device is connected through port cables that inserted into CPU ports. In this handout, I would like to discuss the function of printer itself. Since it is a primary office need, so it is nice to know and be aware for this machine. Printer is an electronic device that used for printing images and texts in computer file, usually using papers as its medium (Gilster, 2000). There are many types of printers which available in the market and usually used for business and office work. Ink-jets (bubble-jets) printers Picture 3. 1 Bubble jet printer. Image source: http://www. inkjet-laser. com Ink-jet printer sprays ionized tiny inks on the paper. The printing pattern is organized by using magnetized plates in printer (Shelly et al. , 2008). It can produce high quality images that frequently used for photography. There are models that designed to black and white (B/W) colour printings too. Laserjet printers Picture 3. 2 Laser printer. Image source: http://www. hypercup. org Laser printers works by using lasers that melts powdered inks in cartridges, then the ink putted on a paper by desired pattern (Shelly et al. , 2008). Photocopy services usually use this type due to its fast process. Here are the comparisons of bubble jet printer and laser printers as shown below. Ink-jet Printer| Laserjet Printer| 1. Print by spraying inks into paper, which makes the ink is more liquid on paper. If the paper is touched or get heated, the ink can melt and smear the paper| 1. Print by heated powdered inks with laser. The ink is fast to dry. | 2. Printing process are quiet and does not cause any mechanical noise| 2. Printing process causes mechanical noise. | 3. Many models come in portable sizes, which are suitable for home and personal use that do not demand frequent printing. 3. There are portable sizes and large sizes. Portable size are suitable for home and personal use, while large sizes are suitable for office or business use that demands frequent printing. | 4. The quality of printing can be adjusted for faster printing process| 4. The quality of printing cannot be adjusted| Ink-jet Printer vs. Laser Jet Printer (Frost, 2010) Connecting To Internet To obtain much informatio n, internet is always helpful for providing sources anywhere and anytime. Connecting our computer to internet means that open the access of our computer through signals. To make it do so, computers are needed to be included in a network. Network is a group of computers and devices that connected together through communication devices and transmission media (Sosinsky, 2009). It is used in houses, cafes, libraries, or offices for many purposes, even for personal or business purposes. The ability of network allows people to communicate through each other (in verbal or in visual), sharing files, transfer money, etc. As Sosinsky (2009) states, networkââ¬â¢s patterns are divided into two categories: client/server and peer-to-peer. 1. Client/server One computer works as a server, then the other computers or devices in network work as client. A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources in network. It makes a server the centre storage of programs, data, and information. The clients are other computers and devices that rely on a server for its resources. 2. Peer-to-peer Peer-to-peer system is like two friends sharing stories to each other. One has useful information that the other one did not know, and vice-versa. In this network, each computer, called a peer, has different responsibility and capability, sharing hardware (e. printer), data, or information with other computers. Each computer has its files in own storage, but also have the same operating system and application software that allows them to connected to each other. For creating networks, computers need some equipment to make them connected through each other. Here are some services which make our computer available to internet. 1. Dial-Up M odems Dial-up modems are working by using telephone devices. When a computer connects to internet, computer transmits digital signals which converted into analog signal then it is transmitted over standard telephone lines (Shelly, et al. 2008). The internet speed is up to 56 kilobyte/second. Many people do not really interested in using dial-up modems now because it requires one telephone lines for working and other services have faster speed. 2. Broadband Services Broadband internet is a high-speed internet that connected through a wire (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Broadband internet services are provided through vary methods. Some known methods are: a) DSL (digital subscriber line), using telephone lines but does not interfere telephone connection; b) A cable modem that uses cable television network ) A Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) network uses radio signals to provide internet connection to computers and devices. Conclusion CPU plays the part of accepting data and processed it into rele vant and understandable information based on logic and arithmetic way of work. Data and information that has been processed comes in the shape of programs and files. The computerââ¬â¢s program and files are kept in memory storage. Some memory storage attached in computer, like hard disks, RAMs, ROMs, Registers, and Caches. Some are separated from computer for its portability, like optical discs and thumb drives. Printers are machines that used for printing and photocopying documents and images in computer. This can be used for printing in colour and black/white printings. Connecting computer to internet means to put it into a network. In a network, computer users can obtain information from many other sources and communicate with other computer users. Internet can be accessible through these two services, dial-up modem and broadband internet services. Through this guide, I delighted if you feel informed and become more common to computers. Knowing new things means to get to you into new insights. I hope the knowledge you read here can be useful for now and the future. Reference List Cashman, T. J. , Shelly, G. B. Vermaat, M. E. (2008). Discovering computers 2008 complete. Boston, Massachusetts: Thomson Course Technology. Cashman, T. J. , Shelly, G. B. Vermaat, M. E. (2008). Discovering computers fundamentals (4th eds. ). Boston, Massachusetts: Thomson Course Technology. Frost, M. (2010). Laser vs. inkjet printers. Retrieved September 28, 2011, from http://www. ehow. com/about_5390377_laser-vs-inkjet-printers. html Gilster, R. (2001). PC hardware: a beginnerââ¬â¢s guide. Berkeley: Osborne/McGraw-Hill Moore, C. Laserjet vs. Inkjet. (n. d). Retrieved September 20, 2011, fromhttp://www. ehow. com/about_5327065_laserjet-vs-inkjet. html Moursund, D. G. (1978). Basic programming for computer literacy. New York: McGraw-Hill Smith, M. (2011). What is read only memory. Retrieved September 28, 2011, fromhttp://www. ehow. com/info_8751600_readonly-memory. html Sosinsky, B. (2009). Networking bible. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Stokes, A. P. (2008). Is this thing going on. New York: Workman. How computer work: the CPU and memory. (n. d). Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://homepage. cs. uri. edu/faculty/wolfe/book/Readings/Reading04. htm How to cite Essential Parts of Computer and How It Works, Papers
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Strategic Management of Australian Dairy-Free-Samples for Student
Question: Discuss about the Strategic Management of the Australian Dairy Industry. Answer: Introduction The Australian Dairy industry has contributed massively to the countrys economy with numerous jobs created on dairy farms among other sectors. Indeed, the $13 billion sector is an important cornerstone to the wellbeing of majority of the Australians. According to Gourley et al. (2012), Dairy, in terms of farm gate value has a large export value with approximately 35% of the countrys dairy production exported annually. However, increased international competition particularly from countries such as the U.S and New Zealand means that the sector is currently experiencing a consistent decline (Chapman et al., 2014). This is evident from the closure of some processing plants, and this has weaken the individual ability of such companies to sufficiently pay dairy farmers. As such, this report examines the competitive environment of the Australian dairy industry, and this will entail a special insight into the dairy crisis that has engulfed the country. The report further explores the strategic landscape that will include an analysis of the Porters Five Forces within the Australian Dairy Industry. Moreover the report provides a comprehensive competitive advantage and quantitative analysis of the Australian Dairy industry. Competitive environment: Understanding the Australian dairy crisis The Australian dairy crisis started when the two major processing companies, Murray Goulbun and Fonterra announced unexpected and backdated price cuts. This decision affected most of the Australian farmers especially from the Southern regions whose only source of income had been disrupted (McDowell and Nash, 2012). Most of these farmers relied on the expanding Asian markets especially the Chinese increased demand for powder milk products. Tracing background of the crisis In essence, the Ukraine conflict is directly linked to the global milk crisis that also affected the Australian farmers. This was particularly true after the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was allegedly shot down by Russian backed rebels in Crimea killing everybody on board. The result was a protracted trade war which saw Russia slapped with numerous sanctions from the European Union and the U.S (Buys et al., 2014). Russia reacted by banning all imports from Western dairy companies from coming into the country. The Australian dairy farmers were greatly affected by this decision taken by Russian government. This is because milk and dairy products from the European Union and the U.S started flooding markets that were initially dominated by Australian companies. To be precise, dairy products from the EU that were initially branded for the Russian markets had to be rebranded and sold locally and to other new markets such as Asia (Buys et al., 2014). The outcome was a flooded market with dairy products which prompted major processing companies to slash their prices to remain competitive. As a result of the Russian ban of European dairy products, the EU embarked on its long-term objective of eradicating reliance on dairy production by exploring other viable alternatives and substitutes (Von Keyserlingk et al., 2013). The EU also removed the milk quotas further propelling a storm that was already ravaging the Australian dairy industry. The increased stockpiles of cheese and milk powder among other related products meant that production had outstripped demand. Prices of dairy products fell and this meant that farmers were paid less for their commodities. The Chinese market which the Australian farmers targeted also had a stretched supply of dairy products (Lees et al., 2012). Correspondingly, New Zealands decision to halt the building of milk dehydrators and explore other feasible production options further affected the Australian Milk industry (Tiwari et al, 2012). The country reasoned that the reducing global powder milk prices was bad for the economy and could easily affect other sectors if it was not adequately contained. The effects of the Australian milk crisis The immediate effect of the Australian milk crisis was a reduction in farmers incomes with most farmers struggling to keep afloat. Companies such as Murray Goulburn started diversifying into other nutritional product such as soy milk to sustain their competitive advantage (McDowell and Nash, 2012). The company was also forced to cut milk prices for Australian farmers and significantly re-evaluate its profit forecast. Notably, the decision by Murray Goulburn and Fonterra companies to cut prices exerted the biggest blow to the Australian dairy industry. Strategic landscape: Effects of the Porters Five Forces within the Australian Dairy Industry Threat of competitive rivalry There are numerous firms that are currently operating in the Australian dairy industry. As such, there is a comparatively higher level of competitive rivalry in this particular industry. The companies market share vary significantly depending on individual operational prowess among other market factors (Roberts et al., 2012). With the industry recording tremendous growth over the last few decades, dairy companies in the sector must upgrade their products if they are to sustain the fierce global competitions. According to Klerkx and Nettle (2013), most dairy product consumers relates high price to better quality and nutritious products, and companies operating in the industry must comply with such market requirements. Moreover, given the fierce competitive rivalry, most Australian dairy companies are currently focusing on the development of after-sale service, and include setting up free health clubs that provides nutrition information and advice to their consumers among other related consultancy service. Suppliers bargaining power There is relatively higher bargaining power of the suppliers in the Australian dairy industry. This is because most of the dairy farms in the country are specialized and produce in large scale. This implies that farmers can produce larger quantity of milk and control the quality and supply in the country and global markets (McDowell and Nash, 2012). This has strengthened the bargaining power of most farmers operating in this industry. Most of the farmers in the industry also have the requisite management experience, as well as large-scale farms that can facilitate and sustain higher production. Most of the countrys dairy products are consumed locally, and this has really plummeted the growth of the industry (Cary and Roberts, 2011). With the increase in demand for Australian milk products from some Asia countries, the industrys competitive capacity especially in the global markets is set to improve. Moreover, most companies in the industry possess the inherent ability to control milk purchase contracts based on quality and quantity of their dairy products (Roberts et al., 2012). However, the recent dairy crisis in the country have exposed the local dairy industry in a flaccid position that if not adequately addressed will significantly affect the industrys long-term survival. The consumers bargaining power Consumers in the Australian dairy industry have higher bargaining power. This can be accredited to the large number of companies that are currently operating in the industry (McDowell and Nash, 2012). Also, there are numerous dairy products that are available in the market soaring the consumers options. Most dairy product consumers are not swayed by commodity prices. Quality, product variation and the power of the brand are some of the most important consumer purchase determinants (Nettle, Brightling and Hope, 2013). The industry also have numerous direct customers such as dairy products distribution agents, pharmaceutical stores and nutrition clubs in most parts of Australia (Roberts et al., 2012). These are some of the important players that are significantly influencing the purchase decisions of some consumers (Henry et al., 2012). The numerous dairy product distribution points have further expanded consumer options strengthening their respective bargaining powers. Substitute products Dairy products remains to be an instrumental nutritional supplement that is relatively hard to substitute. As such, the threat of alternative nutritious products is medium. The only threat to the Australian dairy industry is the control of global market share given the increase in global competitions. Also, other products such as soy milk and cereal beverages such as cocoa and coffee possess serious market threat to liquid dairy products (Cary and Roberts, 2011). New market entrants Venturing into the dairy industry requires large capital investment and adherence to strict operational standards. For example, large capital is required to facilitate Moreover, companies operating in the industry are majorly characterised by stability in growth, higher profits and larger market shares. As such, any company willing to venture into this market must be ready to overcome such aggressive market competition and requirements (Roberts et al., 2012). The industry stresses mostly on product quality, therefore, capturing customer loyalty may prove difficult especially for new competitors. Correspondingly, most of the production and distribution channels in the Australian dairy market are full. This implies that new market entrants must invest heavily to gain some control of the market that is currently dominated by firms such as Murray Goulburn and Fonterra farmer. Competitive Advantage Quantitative Analysis The Australian Dairy industry is greatly affected by international competition. The table below shows the world dairy industry production from 2013-2016. Global production of dairy products is currently up with the production growth estimated to increase especially in from developed countries. 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total production output (millions tons) 700.1 652.4 723.1 699.6 Total trade volume (millions tons) 50.4 41.5 40.4 53.4 Demand of developing nations (kg/person/year) 66.5 67.8 71.5 63.7 Demand of developed countries (kg/person/year) 246 214 256.2 245 During the 2015 Australian dairy crisis, there was an increase in production and supply of daily products, but the consumption of such products was limited especially in Russia (Bardsley and Pech, 2012). The table below also shows the contribution and position of the Australian dairy industry both locally and in the global markets. Total number of dairy farms 6,400 Number of people employed on farms 24,750 Number of people employed in processing firms 19,000 People working directly working dairy 43,750 Share of national milk production 100% Total value of milk leaving farms $3.8 m Contribution of the dairy farms to the Australian economy $2.9 b Value of dairy products exported $2.8b Volume of dairy products exported 800000 tonnes Notably, Australia contribute approximately 6% of the global milk production with the U.S, European Union and New Zealand leading the pack. Most of Australias dairy products are sold locally given its relatively large local consumer base (McDowell and Nash, 2012). Also, the country export most of its products to some parts of Asia, the Americas, EU and Africa. The country also receives dairy products imports especially cheese from the U.S and New Zealand exposing the industry to global competition. Furthermore, the most popular dairy product that are locally consumed include milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt as shown in the table below. Dairy product Consumption per capita Milk 102 litres Cheese 13 kg Butter 4 kg Yoghurt 7 kg Overall, the Australian dairy industry is experiencing considerable amount of competitive pressure particularly on these locally consumed products given the increase in international competition (Roberts et al., 2012). The table below shows some of the major export markets that Australia exports to approximately 50% of its milk and dairy products. Region % exported Americas 5% Africa 4% Middle East 10% Europe 2% South East Asia 30% Japan 19% Other parts of Asia 24% The figure above also shows that the Australian dairy products are majorly exported. This can be accredited to intense domestic competitions and lower local prices (Nettle, Brightling and Hope, 2013). However, being a relatively liberal sector, the Australian dairy industry has for a very long time been able to brace global competitions. This can be accredited to the countrys efficient production methods and development of strong herd genetics with comparatively high milk production (McDowell and Nash, 2012). Therefore, the industry is poised for strong export growth given the increasing demand for dairy products from some countries in Asia. Australia is currently the third largest exporter of dairy products after the EU and New Zealand with about 10% global market share. By country, Australias major export destinations include China and Malaysia. Conclusion In general, the future of the Australian dairy industry is relatively bright especially the increased demand for powder milk in most parts of Asia. Indeed, the industry is poised to capitalize on the glowing international demand, and this will further facilitate the growth of the industry and general economy of Australia. Even though the infamous Australian dairy crisis greatly affected operations in the industry, the government and other related agencies response to the crisis has been impressive. The industry is still relatively volatile given that it is still recovering from the crisis and this is hurting consumer and investor confidence References Arvanitoyannis, I.S. (2010) Waste management for the food industries. Academic Press. Bardsley, D.K. and Pech, P. (2012) Defining spaces of resilience within the neoliberal paradigm: could French land use classifications guide support for risk management within an Australian regional context?, Human ecology,40(1), pp.129-143. Buys, L., Mengersen, K., Johnson, S., van Buuren, N. and Chauvin, A. (2014) Creating a Sustainability Scorecard as a predictive tool for measuring the complex social, economic and environmental impacts of industries, a case study: Assessing the viability and sustainability of the dairy industry, Journal of environmental management,133, pp.184-192. Cary, J. and Roberts, A. (2011) The limitations of environmental management systems in Australian agriculture, Journal of Environmental Management,92(3), pp.878-885. Chapman, D.F., Hill, J., Tharmaraj, J., Beca, D., Kenny, S.N. and Jacobs, J.L. (2014) Increasing home-grown forage consumption and profit in non-irrigated dairy systems. 1. Rationale, systems design and management, Animal Production Science,54(3), pp.221-233. Chapman, D.F., Kenny, S.N. and Lane, N. (2011) Pasture and forage crop systems for non-irrigated dairy farms in southern Australia: 3. Estimated economic value of additional home-grown feed, Agricultural Systems,104(8), pp.589-599. Cuganesan, S., Guthrie, J. and Ward, L. 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