Compare and analyze two different core reading Thesis

Compare and analyze two different core reading - Thesis Example â€Å"But a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the Net, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is also turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers.† (par.1.Carr (a)).The author claims that the internet has shaped the modern thinking abilities and is constantly changing it in a manner that is highly making us more surface level thinkers rather than focused ones. The writer also argues on the point that the use of internet in teaching techniques is making weak holes in the thinking process of the human mind."But that has been accompanied by "new weaknesses in higher-order cognitive processes," including "abstract vocabulary, mindfulness, reflection, inductive problem solving, critical thinking, and imagination." Were becoming, in a word, shallower.† (par.7.Carr (a)). Another point that was highlighted in the article by Carr targets the multi-tasking individuals and how the juggling of various tasks at a single time overall impacts the mind making individuals have a short attention span, not to mention distracting thoughts that made it hard but almost not possible to focus on a single task.â€Å"The heavy multitaskers performed poorly on all the tests. They were more easily distracted, had less control over their attention† (par.8.Carr (a)). The three main highlighted points showed authors concern over how the internet not only affected the individuals thinking capabilities but rather destroyed the focus and control over the mind once possessed. Suggesting to return to the previous times, â€Å"We have to forge or strengthen the neural links needed to counter our instinctive distractedness, thereby gaining greater control over our attention and our mind.† (par.15.Carr (a)), where reading books enhanced the mental attention span but also gave the focus to develop the individuals own thinking. Clay Shirky holds

Strategic Management and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 7

Strategic Management and Leadership - Essay Example There are around 26,000 people employed under the company in worldwide market segments. The company has made adequate investments in the segments of production facilities and ‘Research and Development’ (R&D) facilities with the aim of ensuring that innovative along with better quality cars are provided to global customers. Subsequently, the company with the assistance of R&D facilities is able to conduct business operations in an effective manner (Jaguar Land Rover Limited, 2014). The success of a company is based on the facts that business objectives are accomplished in accordance with desired business outcomes. In this regard, Jaguar Land Rover has been performing business operations in the worldwide market segments with quality products. The prime focus of the company is in the area of quality, innovation, design and technology, which have assisted in enhancing market share, customer base as well as production line. Subsequently, the company is identified to develop new product types which include F-TYPE along with a new variety of Range Rover. The company has been selling different variety of cars that include luxury saloons, four wheeler off-road vehicles and spots cars in almost 178 countries (Bloomberg, 2014). The customers are recognised to be the prime consideration for the success of the company. The company has been making investments in R&D facilities with the intention of providing products in accordance with the expectations of the customers. In this respect, the company has invested around  £2 billion during the period 2013 with the intention of developing production facility, infrastructure and product development (Jaguar Land Rover, 2013). Jaguar Land Rover had employed around 3,000 additional employees during the year 2013. Subsequently, the company with the assistance of its employees, dealers and supply chain networks has been able to provide around 374,636 cars i.e. 23% above from the

Products Apply to SuperVisions Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Products Apply to SuperVisions - Case Study Example The representative description of quality by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society Quality Control (ASQC) in 1978 is, â€Å"the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs† (Peris-Ortiz et al 86). Supervisions is a regional retail eye care center, located in the northeast, which has been experiencing some quality management issues as discussed in this paper below.   There are two main approaches in the definition of quality, fitness for use and conformance to specifications. Fitness for use relies on the fact that customer needs must be the driving force behind quality products, while conformance to specifications argues that from the perspective of manufacturing or service delivery, specifications are targets and tolerances determined by designers of products and services. Targets being the ideal values for which production is expected to strive; and tolerances are acceptable deviations from these ideal values, recognizing that it is impossible to meet the targets all the time (Mawby 54).   Conformance to specification is the key quality dimensions that apply to SuperVision’s products. For SuperVision’s, conformance includes traits like, such as right lens and frame. The feature is a second most important quality dimension observed. The feature means availability of particular features than the total number of options available to customers. This encompasses reversibility such as change of lens and frames at minimal cost rather than purchasing a new pair. This is apparent in week one because it was noted that lenses were reversed. Furthermore, with wrong lenses attached, this is a quality dimension because they can be reversed in future (McCollum 116).   Reliability is the key service quality dimension observed.

Wannabe Bank Robber Essay Example for Free

Wannabe Bank Robber Essay I was randomly placed in a group with five other people in my drama class; we were given several stimuli and were told to think up an improvisation for each. We did so and were then told witch of the stimuli we would actually be working on. We then decided that we would create a comedy about an unfortunate bank robber. The comedy started with the lead character Victor Watt (Tom) standing centre stage in a white spotlight telling how, if the job had gone to plan, he would be rich Victor then exits up stage right. I, who was standing behind Victor, turns round and raises my hands then lowers them while wiggling my fingers and making the noise bidlyboop repetitively to comically signify going into the fantasy flashback, the stage then fades to black. The music (Little Green Bag from Reservoir Dogs) and lights come up on a fantasy scene in which Victors job goes exactly to plan and more. (The lights in this scene are more yellow to the side of the stage on which the bank is. ) As he walks in three ladies (Julie, Stacy Claire) look him up and down and he turns to the audience and winks. He waltzes into the bank (up stage left) winks at the female bank clerk (Kim) and receives his big bag of loot. He walks out (centre stage) and is intercepted by a police officer (Me) that thinks hes Clint Eastwood. The music stops and the police officer makes the tune from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Victor looks the police officer up and down and asks what the hell hes doing. The police officer responds to this by charging at Victor who cunningly side steps to evade his attack, this sends the police officer into an overly elaborate frenzy of a fall. After the deranged policeman is left face down half way down the street, Victor picks up two of the three ladies that flirted with him before he entered the bank leaving one (Julie). This last lady walks over to the face down police officer takes a look at him in disgust then continues to smoke. At this moment Victor looks back and whistles to this remaining female, all in a fluster she stubs out her cigarette on the police officers back and runs off to Victor who gentlemanly lets her leave first as he caches a gander at her rear. The music stops and again I stand centre stage and make the same action to signify returning to the present then the scene fades to black. The lights come up on Victor Watt who again is standing centre stage but this time explains that things never relay go to plan especially if the plan is his and that the next thing you are to see is what relay happened. He exits up stage right, I who again was standing behind Vic with my back to the audience turn round and make the same gesture this time to signify going into the real flashback. The lights go down. The lights come up on the same flashback scene minus the music. Victor walks in with a ripped old jacket over his hand and looking much less virile. Instead of women falling at his feet he is falling over his feet. The ladies take one look at him and blow a lung full of smoke in his face. He turns to the audience and rubs his bloodshot eyes. He stumbles as he puts his hand out to open the front door to the bank but manages to catch the handle, pull himself up (this was done planed in mime but was not acted out in the final performance) then open the door. He stagers into the bank and over to the bank clerk. When he removes his jacket he reveals the gun he was hiding, he points it with an extremely unsteady hand at the clerk. He then tells her, with an even more unsteady voice, to give him all the money. She turns round and presses the alarm. Victor panics and attempts to shot the gun but pulls the wrong trigger, the revolver opens and bullets fall out onto the floor. He runs for the door but the police sirens are already right outside the bank. A voice comes as if from nowhere and says, This is the police, come out with your hands up! then the scene fades to black. The lights come back up on Victor standing in a spotlight with his head hug. He looks up and states that that was his story but not to worry he make his fortune yet. There is then an unseen voice that says, Come on Victor, visitor times over. A large man dressed as a jail guard steps into the spotlight in front of Victor, with his back to the audience he turns Victor round and puts on his handcuffs, he then roughly pushes him out of the spotlight and follows him closely baton in hand. The scene then fades to black and the curtains close. I think our play was fairly well written and fairly well performed but it could have been better if we had a better set and props. To add a conclusion I am over all pleased with the outcome of Wannabe Bank Robber. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section.

Scottish Government public services reforms

Scottish Government public services reforms The Scottish Government together with local authorities, partners and stakeholders have initiated reforms in the way in which public services should be provided to achieve ‘a sustainable, person-centred system, achieving outcomes for every citizen and every community’. (Scottish Government 2011a) It is believed that everyone has to make a contribution. The Government set the aims to the services that should be person-centred, seamless and proactive. Services that would allow everybody to have best quality of life and give the full potential of contribution to the communities people live in. The key aspects involved in the public service provision focus on equality, respect and dignity, support in overcoming inclusion barriers and general positive outcomes and well being. The underlined values relate also to the individualised needs such as religion, culture or ethnic. Problems such as growth in public spending, social inequalities, poverty, lack of clarity in what lies behind organizations etc. have their origins in the way different services are funded, planned and managed. However, the aim of the Scottish Government remains unchanged and is to reduce the frustration resulting on long standing problems such as inefficiency of the public services, and the gaps that frequently exist within care systems. (Scottish Government Publications 2000). Researchers investigate what people value most to archive real-life improvements in the social and economic wellbeing of the people and communities. Half of the public finds that the Government’s foreground for service provision should be what is good for everyone in society as a whole (Ipsos MORI, 2010). This show that a progress in the development of an integrated public service has already occurred but requires continuation to success. Reaching an understanding It needs to be understood that public services and support systems exist for the society that use them. Evidence such as Christie Commission report (Christie, 2011), demonstrate that the needs have not always been central to the planning of services. The people that use the services often perceive themselves to be not sufficiently informed and not fully able to take part in the growth process of the services. Some changes in the service provision in relation to ‘shifting the philosophy ’ have already taken place. This makes the service provision more user centred and allows the user to participate actively in the changes and benefit the majority. (Rose, 2003) Client centredness became the watchword for the twenty-first century; however the progress in the implementation of person-centred planning in practice appears slow. Since devolution, there has been development, changes and new policies for health care, with reorganisations taking place, that are generally called reforms. These refer mainly to patients choice; system efficiency; quality of care and accountability acquired through transparency. In Scotland, for example, the separation of purchasing from provision of health care was abolished (National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990); it is not recommended for the providers to compete; The National Health Service (Free Prescriptions and Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Regulations (2011) implemented free drugs prescriptions as well as personal social care for the over-65s (Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002). Recent changes relate to the abolition of primary care trusts (PCTs) and strategic health authorities (SHAs), new commissioning of clinical groups (CCGs) and  Healthwatch England. Other examples of success relate to improving the quality of services that include smoking ban legislation; lower mortality levels or decrease in heart disease and stroke through a number of governmental initiatives. These changes led Scotland to become a leader in public service reforms and made visible improvements for the Scottish society. The system’s integration with social services discourages provider competition and encourages patient choice and strong performance management. The Scottish Governments 2020 Vision (Scottish Government (a) 2013) aims to enable everyone to live a life that is longer, healthier; possibly at home or in a homely setting. To achieved that the healthcare system that focuses on prevention and anticipation and on the integration with social care. Positive changes improving people’s lives do take place at national and local levels. However, studies show that the public are overall more negative about services nationally and show positive stance about local services. This can be reasoned by the affirmative actions in which the public can have a bigger impact on how local services operate and the on the decision making. Public Service Trust states that more than a half (58% ) of the public would like to be actively involved in shaping public services. Although this is more than a half of the public it proves that there is the need for more community and local activity an engagement in relation to the public services in order to reduce and minimise the substantial barriers.(Ipsos MORI 2010) These are only a few examples of the improvement that has occurred due to the governmental actions focused at partnetships between service providers and investment in people. (Scottish Government (c ) (2013) New legislation was introduced ( The Scottish Government (c)2013) to improve the integration of health and social care provision to make care for the citizens better. This affects particularly older people free personal care for them and acknowledging the facts highlighted in the Christie report (Christie, C. 2011) that by 2033, the number of people aged over 75 will increase by 84%. The report ( Christie, 2011) estimates however that additional demands on social care and justice services will be costly ( Although there is evidence demonstrating progress especially in implementing diverse and innovative approaches that appeal to healthcare and social care professionals, practitioners and policymakers there are also many challenges of implementing the client-centerness. Achieving outcomes for every citizen and every community While many professionals espouse the principles of client-centred practice it seems much more difficult to implement these into everyday practice. Health care providers, staff and clients must work together to facilitate changes and ensure that each client receives respectful, supportive, coordinated, flexible and individualized service where standards affirm basic ethical principles, beneficence and social justice. This is however a real change, due to many factors including changes in funding, culture and power relations, as well as in approaches to service management and staff supervision. This is why attention is paid to more openly and transparent performance of the services .This however according to Dr Barry ( Barry, M. 2007) requires comprehensive strategies to ensure fair, good quality but foremost integrated services for people with the knowledge and well structured priorities in relation to their professional and social roles. Across researchers (Ipsos MORI, 2010), it is to see that not all the issues policymakers find important for reforming public services resonate with the general public at the same levels. The fairness, good quality standards of customer service, local control, accountability, personalisation and choice are seen as public’s key priorities, however the first two aspects seem to be more important to the public. 63% think that standards of public services should be the same for everyone and everywhere in UK and over 47% would prefer greater local decision-making. This could be a consequence of declining trust in politicians. The findings of Ipsos MORI (2008/9) suggest that the citizens would like to feel more welcomed to take a part in an honest debate about the options ahead for public services because information about the scale of the approaching challenges has not reached citizens in a form they understand. This demonstrates the need of more control and choice in the consumer, and facilitates individualised rather than universal services. Roles, relationships and responsibilities of partners within an integrated public service. Many of current public services continue to operate on the basis of the traditional model of service provision. To allow the changes in how resources are managed and allocated to happen there is a growing need for appropriately trained staff and management. However to support the reforming public services change for a well integrated multi-agency working not just at managerial level is needed but a change to the whole culture that governs services. Collaborative working, partnership and community involvement Co-operation that would replace competition is required as well as focus on professional responsibility on meeting the increasing complexity. (Royal College of Nursing, 2004). The collaborative work, in practice should involve joint planning between health authorities both local and national as well as the private and voluntary sectors and education. Working together includes the whole process of researching, assessing, planning, implementing and evaluation. Balancing power relations in partnership across cultures, ethical, political or religious differences play an important role in promoting appropriate services for the service users. Teamwork and partnership often do not operate in an integrated way where the patient or service user would be seen as the central figure. The users involvement is vital. Working together, joining trade unions, expanding knowledge and engaging with local authorities helps find ways to reach excluded and marginalised groups of a society.(Department of Health 2000 a). This is already notable in the programs of most of the political parties. The citizens empowerment is seen as a social manner that can influence and shape the public services to suit better the users need. Giving people a say in the design and delivery of public services. This is however a social challenge as the public opinion research show a decrease from 58% to 47% in disposition to the interests in decision-making related to the local areas. ( Ipsos MORI 2010). This is why people should be motivated to get involved in collaboration and partnerships within the public services, they should be offered the chance to share experiences and discuss actions and widen the pool of resources and skills. The impetus for integration and collaboration has been pointed out in legislations and government policies such as The Vital Connection (Department of Health, 2000a), NHS plan (Department of Health, 2000b) or in the Governments Equality Framework (Department of Health, 2012) This demonstrates clearly that seamless health and social services provision has been a concern of policy makers for many years and that the UK governments underline the need for collaboration. However when the public was asked about getting personally involved in local decision-making, the commitment to involvement in decisions affecting their local area has dropped to 47% from 56%. (Ipsos MORI (2010). This could be one of the explanations why problems continue to exist. Service planning, empowerment and engagement The notion of empowerment is central. This however requires peoples engagement. Research shows that people find that vast majority are more interested in having a say (24%) or in knowing more (47%) than actually getting engaged. The service planning should therefore include informative element how the services are delivered and by whom for the users in order to engage them to recreate services they need. According to the annual Audit of Political Engagement only 11% of adults can be classified as ‘political activists’ and over half the public (51%) have no interests. (Ipsos MORI 2010). It seems that co-making decisions is less important than having the influence to make them. Managers and frontline workers Poor image, desinformation and low pay contribute to general feelings of helplessness among many frontline workers that should be involved decision-making and planning processes (Eborall,2003). Managerial styles need to be empathetic in order for frontline staff to adopt person-centred approaches to their work ( Sherad, D. 2004) A good style helps demonstrate and articulate the values of the organisation, values personal commitment and relationships with the people it supports. Look for ways to use staff interests and strengths in directly supporting people. The style shall rather review itself in decision making and in having a clear vision and direction. This encourages new ideas as well as personal involvement and helps to achieve the purpose as a team. . The Government support management and frontline staff in public services by implementing programmes that lead to integration of health and social care. One of the examples is The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill. The act underlines the importance of the integrated work for health and social care provision across Scotland. They both have a key role to play reforming the public services, therefore the reform should involve more educational, council, employer and training bodies to help improve the workforce awareness and leadership development. Also thethird sector organisations should have access to appropriate skills development opportunities, including leadership development .(The Scottish Government ( 2011 b) Summarising it needs to be believed that people learn from the past experiences and improve partnership at local and national levels to build a well functioning system that could seamlessly provide care for the whole community, including people with complex care needs because at the end of the day we do it for us. ( words 2641) References: Barry, M. (2007) Effective Approaches to Risk Assessment in Social Work: An International Literature Review Social Work Research Centre University of Stirling Scottish Executive Social Research [online] available http://scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/194419/0052192.pdf [accessed 11.11.13] Christie, C. (2011) Commission on the future delivery of public services [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/352649/0118638.pdf [accessed 01.12.13] Department of Health (2000 a ) The Vital Connection an equalities framework for the NHS [online] available http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4007652 [accessed 11.12.13] Department of Health (2000 b) The NHS Plan: Principles [online] available http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.dh.gov.uk/en/publicationsandstatistics/publications/publicationspolicyandguidance/browsable/DH_4901318 [ accessed 11.12.13] Department of Health (2012) NHS Outcomes Framework 2013 to 2014 [online] available https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-outcomes-framework-2013-to-2014 [ accessed 02.12.13] Eborall, C. (2003) The State of the Social Care Workforce in England. First annual report of the TOPSS England Workforce Intelligence Unit [online] available www.topssengland.net [ accessed 10.11.13] Hall, S. (2009) Spending priorities in the benefits system: Deliberative research with the public DWP Research Report No 559. Ipsos MORI (2008/9) Real Trends Slide Pack [online] available http://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/publications/1191/Real-Trends-Flyer.aspx [accessed 11.12.13] Ipsos MORI (2009) Public Services and Public Spending, RSA Slide Pack Leaders, Parties and spending cuts [online] available http://www.ipsos-mori.com/Assets/Docs/News/news-ipsos-mori-conferences-2009-briefing-pack.pdf [ accessed 18.12.13] Ipsos MORI (2010) What do people want, need and expect from public services [online] available http://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/publications/1345/What-do-people-want-need-and-expect-from-public-services.aspx [ accessed 12.12.13] Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill (2013) [online] available http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_HealthandSportCommittee/Public%20Bodies%20Joint%20Working%20Scotland%20Bill/PBJW0073_-_Scottish_Social_Services_Council.pdf [ accessed 01.12.13] Rose, D. (2003) Partnership, co-ordination of care and the place of user involvement Journal of Mental Health, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 59–70 [online] available http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638230021000058300 [ accessed 01.12.13] Royal College of Nursing (2004) Collaborative working, partnership and community involvement [online] available http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/learning/transcultural_health/multiagency/sectiontwo [ accessed 11.11.13] Sheard, D. (2004) Person-centred care: the emperor’s new clothes? Journal of Dementia Care, March/April, Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 22–4 The Scottish Government ( 2011 a) Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/06/27154527/10 [ last accessed 09.01.14] The Scottish Government ( 2011 b)  £7 million for third sector [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/07/18120453 [ accessed 10.11.13] The Scottish Government (2013 b) Route Map to the 2020 Vision for Health and Social Care (no author) Topics[online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/Quality-Strategy/routemap2020vision (last accessed 04.10.13) The Scottish Government (2013 c) Scotland leads the way on public service reform (no author) News [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/PSR19062013 [ accessed 01.12.13] The Scottish Government (a) (2000) Our National Health A plan for action, a plan for change ( Deacon, S) Publications [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/158732/0043081.pdf (last accessed 05.12.13) The Scottish Government 2013 a) 2020 Vision (no author) Topics [online] available http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/2020-Vision (last accessed 04.10.13) Reading: Social Research (2004) Health and Community Care Research Programme Public Attitudes to the National Health Service in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/26800/0025702.pdf – 2004 Survey Research st accessed 04.10.13)Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services

Environmental challenges of the airline industry

Environmental challenges of the airline industry The airline industry has to face one of its biggest challenges yet, in a world today of global recession, global warming and increasing shortages of raw materials. These factors as well as other challenges included in the analysis of the marketing environment of Aer Arann will be explained, so that to analyse how it can succeed and survive among its competitors. PESTEL: Political The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is a step to face climate change and it aims to control industrial greenhouse gas emissions. It was launched in 2005 and it imposes a limit on the total amount of gas emissions that a factory or other systems are allowed to have. So companies can receive emission allowances which they may sell or buy when it is needed. The Airline industry will join the scheme in 2012 since it contributes increasingly to climate change. Emissions in this industry were increased by 100% from 1990 to 2006 (www.ec.europa.eu, 22/11/2010). This situation creates a long-term challenge for Aer Arann, because their costs will increase. Fortunately in 2006 Aer Arann made a purchase of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬180 million for ten new ATR 72-500 aircraft which are environmentally friendly since they have lower emissions of CO2, because of reduced fuel burn. They use up to 70% less fuel than other jets travelling the same routes. However they will still have to comply to the new em issions regulation so their costs will increase (www.aerarann.com, 22/11/2010). Garry Cullen, Managing Director stated: Aer Arann is committed to the principles of energy efficiency. Whilst the contribution of the aviation industry towards global warming is significantly less than other large polluters, our new ATR aircraft are recognised as the most fuel efficient aircraft in their category, emitting 20% less CO2 per passenger-km than newer jets. The ATR operates more efficiently than jet aircraft on short-haul routes (www.aerarann.com, 22/11/2010). Economic During the economic crisis customers do not travel so often whether it is for leisure or business so the demand falls. Aer Aranns passenger numbers went down by 20% in 2008 and that is why they announced 20% sale at that time even though a few months earlier they had carried a record number of passengers (www.aerarann.com, 23/11/2010). The subject of the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Berlin 2010 was that Airlines look to overcome industry turbulence and cope with an oil price spike, a big drop in passenger numbers due to the global downturn and the volcanic ash cloud recently in Europe. Despite all these negative factors, IATAs latest figures show that global air traffic is back at the levels it was before the recession started. However profit margins for airlines are still tight (www.bbc.co.uk, 23/11/2010). Article reporter states: Northern Ireland has become one of the fiercest battlegrounds in the cut-price flight business. Budget airlines argue that the recession could actually be helpful for them in the long term for the reason that business travellers would switch to low-fares carriers (www.bbc.co.uk. 23/11/2010). Exchange rate variations can affect demand for air transport because customers will prefer to purchase a ticket when the rate will be better for them. Aer Arann operates a route from LOrient to the UK so it is significantly affected as pound to euro currency can change. Much of the initial growth and success of the company is due to the fact that Aer Arann has a competitive advantage among its competitors. Much of this development is due to the company being awarded Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes by the government (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). PSO routes are given by the government to the airline to create access to and from specific regions which were not supported by commercially operated services (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). The PSO routes are aiming to encourage tourism and business travellers to access these regions by air and not only with other means of transport. When an airline is awarded with a PSO route it has exclusivity on it for three years, so it is a good source of profit. Aer Arann gained almost à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬18.5 million from PSO routes in the past (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). Aer Arann was awarded by the Irish Government to operate in Ireland nationally, from Dublin to Galway, Sligo, Donegal and Kerry (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). Some of thes e locations are airports with shorter runways and this is an advantage for Aer Arann because of the small aircraft it operates. However PSO routes are awarded for three years only so Aer Arann should not be based on them on the longer term. There is not so much competition in PSO routes from other airlines when they do not have permission from the government except Loganair which operates some of the PSO routes in Ireland. Socio-cultural The airline industry as we know from the past can be affected negatively by global socio-cultural factors such as diseases and terrorism attacks. Some of them are the SARS, swine flu, terrorism attacks in London and September 11th in New York (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). For these reasons Airline companies and airports worldwide were challenged to evolve their policies and procedures and spent further costs and time in the safety of the customers (www.ehow.com, 24/11/2010). The other aspect of socio-cultural factors affecting the airline industry has to do with trends, social structure, income and the culture in general of the customers. For example each individual will act in accordance with his/her social and geographical space and travel where friends will travel or where it is the best option for that season. So as the society changes, so must the airline industry if it intends to succeed. Technological Technology had a huge impact on consumers lives and companies profits. Technological evolution can offer opportunities for new product development and threats to existing markets. So marketing now is conducted differently because internet technology has allowed companies to communicate with the customers and distribute their product differently and more efficiently. This is called digital marketing (D.Jobber, 2007, p.67). In the case of Aer Arann the new product development is the online booking system they had launched successfully in 2006 and the threatened existing market are the travel agents. Online bookings are currently 80% of all Aer Arann sales (www.aerarann.com, 24/11/2010). Micheal OCallarain, Marketing Manager, Aer Arann said: We are continually looking at ways to enhance our service and believe that this new online functionality will prove invaluable to many of our passengers (www.aerarann.com, 24/11/2010). On the other hand it is not always a positive aspect because now consumers are more informed and have more access to information with a wider choice of airlines to choose from, so the airlines should lower their prices in order to compete with each other. Environmental One of the most important environmental factors concerning the world nowadays is global warming and climate change caused by greenhouse gases and this is why EU ETS exists. As every form of industry in the world has to consider this and comply with the emissions regulations so as the airline industry has to do it, at extra costs because it contributes to the air pollution (www.ec.europa.eu, 24/11/2010). Other physical environmental factors have affected the UK, the worldwide economy and especially airlines. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano a few months ago with the biggest ash cloud over Europe caused disruption for thousands of travellers in Europe and rest of the world (www.bbc.co.uk, 24/11/2010). At that time most of the EU countries were not allowed to operate any flights, so the effect on costs of the airlines was huge (www.bbc.co.uk, 24/11/2010). Met Office issued severe weather warnings for icy roads and snow for central and eastern Scotland and eastern parts of Northern Ireland these days. Several flights have been cancelled in the north of England after more heavy snowfall and Durham Tees Valley Airport and Newcastle Airport were closed (www.bbc.co.uk, 29/11/2010). The increasing shortages of raw material, specifically oil is another environmental factor which is not in favour of Aer Arann. Oil is a non-renewable source and it is impossible for most industries to exist without it. Fluctuations in oil prices happen all the time depending on different factors, therefore an increase in price will mean that Aer Arann should be prepared for it in the long run, unless a contract with its supplier is signed which will state a standard price for a long time. However a positive aspect to this factor is that Aer Arann is operating the ten new ATR 72-500 aircraft which are much more economical and need less fuel than other jets. So an increase in prices will affect more other airlines and less Aer Arann. It is worth mentioning here the economic situation in Ireland since Aer Arann is an Irish Carrier and it is affected. Reuters states that oil increased to a two-week high after the European Union approved a rescue plan for Ireland. Oil lost its upward cha nge after rising for two weeks as the rescue plan for Ireland failed to calm the concerns about the health of other EU members (www.reuters.com, 29/11/2010). Legal The government has increased taxation of the airline industry. The Independent states that the increase in 2010 of Air Passenger Duty (APD) will make family holidays unaffordable for many (www.independent.co.uk, 27/11/2010). It certainly has to be the last time that the travelling public faces APD rises. Some also suggest replacing APD with a per-plane tax, so customers could choose between airlines but not all the travel industry will agree on this. From the 1st of November 2010 passengers will have to pay for APD a percentage increase from 9% up to 55% depending on how many miles they are travelling in contrast with last year (www.independent.co.uk, 27/11/2010). This is why in such economic situations people prefer to travel by car, bus or train to closer locations for holidays rather than by plane so airline industries are concerned (www.bbc.co.uk, 29/11/2010). Aer Arann ´s customers will have to face these new taxes but these shouldn ´t cause high price rise because Aer Arann is a regional airline which operates in the UK, Ireland and some routes from LOrient. So its customers will not have to worry for APD up to 55% since they do not travel so many miles. PORTER ´S FIVE FORCES Threat of Entry Existing airlines such as Aer Arann are not concerned so much about new entries in the airline industry but are more concerned with the existing competition they have from similar types of airlines operating the same routes and have similar prices. In the airline industry there is not so much thread of new airlines since the costs for new entries are huge. The required initial capital is massive, professional experience in this field is required, operation costs are huge and the assets and financing will cost a lot as well. Furthermore airline companies need to comply with EU and International regulations and they need approval for flight operations. Threat of substitutes The more actual or potential substitutes exist for the product, the more unattractive the segment is (Kotler, 2009, p.305). Aer Arann does not only compete with other airlines but also with other modes of transport since it is a regional airline. These substitutes for air transport are road, rail, bus and ferry (D.Jobber, 2007, p.69). These substitutes affect the prices that Aer Arann offers and its profits. The advantage of air travelling is that it is much faster, although increased delays at airports due to safety precautions and air traffic control delays have lengthened the time needed. These substitutes may need more time to arrive to each destination but they cost much less and this is why Aer Arann has so low prices and makes offers and discounts. Business travellers are more likely to choose the airline transportation since they have to get to their destination quickly and they do not always worry about the extra cost because their companies may pay for it. Leisure traveller s are more likely to choose the other modes of transport since they are cheaper or they might want to enjoy the journey. Bargaining power of buyers A product or service becomes unattractive when buyers have strong bargaining power. This power becomes stronger when buyers are better informed so they are more selective, when switching costs are low, or when buyers are price sensitive because of the recession. The way they become more organised is the internet, so the best option for AerArann is to make superior offers (Kotler, 2009, p.305). Buyer power in PSO routes is not so strong because Aer Arann was awarded four out of six PSO routes in Ireland. However there is competition in commercial routes by Ryanair and Loganair. This is where buyer power is high because switching costs are not much or even in some cases Rynairs prices are lower. For example the ticket price from Aer Arann for the 1st of December 2010 to travel from Dublin to Edinburgh costs  £139.99 but from Ryanair costs only  £44.99 same day, same route (www.ryanair.com, www.aerarann.com, 29/11/2010). Bargaining power of suppliers The threat from bargaining power of suppliers is high for Aer Arann. Suppliers are becoming more powerful since there are few or no substitutes at all and the product is an important input. The product in the case of Aer Arann if fuel which is an absolute necessity for airlines. Aer Arann has to deal with unstable prices because of the limited amount of oil reserves. The best way to face this problem is to have good relationships with the suppliers and sign a contract with them for a certain period of time at a reasonable price so that Aer Arann will not be affected when oil prices are increased again. Airports are also considered as a high power supplier. Aer Arann has to face increasing charges from the airports is operates. These charges include runway movement charge, aircraft parking, air bridge use and passenger charge. Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport are considering increases in charges (www.dublinairport.com, www.airportcharges.com, 29/11/2010). Aer Arann should create trustworthy relationships together with the airports and this is why a five-year deal was announced with Southend Airport (www.news.bbc.co.uk, 29/11/2010) Competitive Rivalry Competitive rivalry is a challenge that Aer Arann has to consider in order to succeed. There is not much competition on PSO routes except from Loganair which operates two PSO routes. On the commercially operated routes there is a lot of competition mainly from Ryanair, Aer Lingus and British Airways. However Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have announced a franchise agreement between them for specific routes (www.aerarann.com, 28/11/2010). Aer Arann is known as one of the fastest-growing regional airlines in Europe because of the strategy it follows and the competitive advantage it has (D.Jobber, 2007, p.66). The strategy of the company includes no chech-in fees, lowest check-in time in Ireland, allocated seating and direct flight to where customers want (www.aerarann.com, 28/11/2010). A disadvantage emerging from the competition is that Ryanair is considered a leading low cost operator and this is justified by some lower cost offers than Aer Arann so it is a big challenge. However Ryanair operates larger types of aircraft so they are not able to use shorter runways as Aer Arann and Ryanair will have to spend much more for emission allowances. (2) What marketing recommendations would you make to Aer Arann in order for it to enjoy sustained and ongoing commercial success? One of the most important aspects and key factors for the success of Aer Arann is the leadership and governance structure. Through the development of an excellent leadership the company is guaranteed to go the right way in the future. The experience and capabilities of employees are ingredients to the successful running of the business. Quality in the management of the company is crucial in order to face the challenges of the future, to make the right decisions when required and most importantly to push the business forward rather than let it fall down to the bottom when harsh situations arise. Another suggestion which also has to do with the companys actors, concerns the right selection of employees. The companys employees can be described as valuable assets because they affect directly the good will and reputation of the company. The relationship between customers and employees is very important in order to achieve long-term and repetitive sales and therefore profit maximization. Therefore, careful selection of the staff is required and qualifications such as professionalism, willingness, friendliness and courteousness, should be fundamental criteria. The promotion of Aer Arann through the various travelling and business magazines is another suggestion to boost the performance of the business. A range of marketing strategies such as special offers, discounts and awards can be promoted on the website of the company, in order to attract the attention of the customers. For example, to make the company well-known through internet advertisements, online social networks and Google. Aer Araan should seek for the best supplier option and build good relationships with them. If the company enters into a contract with its fuel supplier for supplying them with fuel for an agreed price over a certain period, then the company will be able to save costs from the rising prices for fuel. Also, another important idea for Aer Arann, will be to watch carefully the activities of their competitors in order to be prepared for their strategies. By keeping an eye on the progression of other companies, will help them not only to predict but also to compete with their activities. For example, Rynairs low-cost fares offers during selected days of the week will be a good starting point to be replicated. Furthermore, the creation of a loyal customer award scheme is another strategic proposal for the company. It will work on the basis of collecting points when buying a ticket and after a completion of a certain amount of points the customer will be able to exchange those points with a free ticket or a discount on a ticket. By applying this scheme, the company will attract more customers and also will secure returning customers. In the field of the corporate social responsibility of the company, there is a proposal to associate itself with green activities. The awareness of our society for the environment has increased significantly over the past decades and any kind of help from the company would be appreciated by the customers and the society as a whole. For example, short-term campaigns that will donate a small amount from the price of the ticket for environmental purposes can be organised periodically. This will significantly help to improve companys reputation. Another idea that the company can adopt, is the involvement with the sports teams of the country. Aer Arann can attempt a partnership with sports teams in Ireland or the UK and be the exclusive airline for these teams. Also they can be sponsors of important sports events and teams in order to promote the company and strengthen their reputation. Finally, the company is suggested to assess which routes are more profitable and minimize the number of flights which are less profitable and even suspend those which are non-profitable. Moreover, the company in order to be able to develop and produce what customers demand, is suggested to carry out some customer-satisfaction and evaluation researches which will be focusing on aspects such as customer satisfaction, services assessment, opinion about the prices. Then the company will be able to improve any weaknesses.

Computer Network Security Alternatives :: Computer Network Security Essays

Computer Network Security Alternatives Computer network security and integrity is a large concern among all types and sizes of companies. The options for solving security risks are as varied as the companies themselves. However, it is possible to break down the methods for dealing with security risks into three major categories. Companies have the option to: 1. Select best of breed products for their various security needs and assemble the products together to form their own customized solutions. 2. Purchase a security suite that contains security products that will address their various security needs. 3. Outsource security to another company rather than handle it internally. This paper will summarize primary research conducted by Kang-hun Lee, Yonghoon Choi, Mike Loveridge, Tom Gonzales and David Linford over a three month period to determine market trends in the security software industry. A survey instrument was prepared to capture the following data. 1. What do companies consider threats to their network environment? 2. What preferences do they have regarding specific security services? 3. What sort of security option do they prefer when choosing between: best of breed, suites or outsourcing. Findings and analysis Once the data were collected, we were able to organize and analyze the results. This section will both specify the analytical procedures we used as well as report on the findings. There are three (will be more when other sections get put in) primary types of analysis that we performed. 1. Find the security software preference 2. Segment the market based on preferred security options Finding the security software preference We analyzed the preference data from two perspectives. First of all, we took the data as a whole in order to describe the overall market. Overall Market The first type of analysis that we performed consisted of finding the percentage of respondents that preferred each of the three security options. The results of this analysis are summarized on chart 1. We found at this point that most of the people who took the survey overwhelmingly preferred a security suite approach. Most of those who preferred best of breed indicated that if a suite could provide a best of breed package, then they would prefer a suite.