Research Task for Childcare

Unit 4 – Keeping Children Safe Hand in Date – 21st May 2012   Explain how strategies to establish and maintain healthy, safe and secure environments in early years settings are supported by legislations. E1. Identify legislation which influences healthy, safe and secure environments for early years settings. List 10 of the main laws that underpin the provision of healthy, safe and secure environments for young children. Give the full title and date. D1.Explain how legislation can support strategies to establish and maintain healthy, safe and secure environments in early years settings. Write about how relevant laws support ways to keep the environment of settings healthy, safe and secure. At least 3 ways which may include: having policies and procedures, regulatory body inspections, staff ratios, CRB checks, working with parents and other professionals, training, resources. ——————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Task 2 Describe the environment and procedures necessary to keep children safe who: * Receives a bump on the head Has an asthma attack * Has sickness and diarrhoea * Shows symptoms and signs of meningitis E2. Describe the procedures which will keep a child safe for each accident, illness or emergency. For each accident, illness or emergency listed in the assignment task, describe the procedures that will keep the child safe. State the main aims of the procedures, e. g. asthma attack – Administration of medicines procedure will clearly set out what the practitioner should do. D2. Explain how establishing a safe environment can support the procedures necessary for accidents, illnesses and emergencies. Associated essay: Childcare Level 2, Unit 2 AssignmentWrite about how creating an environment in the setting which is safe will help appropriate procedures for accidents, illnesses and emergencies to be written, implemented and understood by everyone in the setting. Produce a booklet covering all these accidents and emergencies. ————————————————- Task 3 Plan the care for a child aged 1 year and a child aged 3 years for a full day in the setting AND: * Consider ways to maintain the security and privacy of the children and to respect their wishes. E3. Plan the appropriate care of a child aged 1 for a full day in the setting.Provide a care plan that shows understanding of how to meet the overall care and development needs of a child aged 1 year for a full day in the setting. E4. Plan the appropriate care of a child aged 3 years for a full day in the setting. Provide a care pla n that shows understanding of how to meet the overall care and development needs of a child aged 3 years for a full day in the setting. B1. Consider possible ways to maintain the safety and privacy of children and respect their wishes. Think about and give information about how the practitioner can maintain safety, privacy and respect for children's wishes.Give 4 examples which could include: following policies/procedures, understanding children's rights, consulting children, sensitive understanding, confidentiality, working with parents, multi-agency team working. Must include a reference. ————————————————- Task 4 Write a handout for a staff meeting to consider how the practitioner can provide an enabling physical environment for children. The handout should include: * The issues that affect the planning of a challenging environment for children. * An evaluation of TWO in itiatives that influence the provision of challenging environments for children. The importance of helping children to manage risk and challenge in their environment. E5. Describe the issues that affect planning of a challenging environment for children. Write about what affects the planning of a challenging environment for children. Give 5 issues which may include: policies/procedures, children's rights, type of setting, resources, health and safety, supervision, age/stage/abilities of children, consulting children. E7. Explain the importance of helping children to manage risk and challenge in their environment. Give reasons why it is important for children to be helped to learn to assess and manage risk and challenge.Reasons could include: why children need adult help, the benefits of risk and challenge – develop life skills, understand consequences of actions, explore limits in a controlled environment, learn to take responsibility/ balance their rights against those of ot hers, make choices/decisions, effects on holistic development. E6. Describe the initiatives which influence the provision of challenging environments for children. Write about an international, national and local initiatives/schemes that influence the provision of challenging environments for children, e. g.Forest Schools, children's play initiatives, local play policies. C1. Evaluate how the TWO initiatives contribute to the provision of an enabling environment for children. A development of E6. Consider how TWO (2) of the initiatives described in E6 help to ensure the environment for the children supports their development through appropriate experiences and empowerment. ————————————————- Task 5 Include in the handout an explanation of the ways that meeting the care needs of children can affect practitioners and possible sources of support for practitioners.A1. Discuss t he effect on practitioners of meeting the care needs of children. 5 detailed considerations of how and why practitioners may be affected when meeting the care needs of children and the range of support available. Effects must be positive and negative. Task 4 and 5 will be in form of a handout. Remember throughout to include: E8. Show an understanding of diversity and inclusive practice. This criterion will be met if throughout you show understanding of the importance of identifying and meeting the individual needs and rights of children and their families.AND E9. Include references and a bibliography. At least TWO (2) references must be made in the text to relevant books, articles, magazines or websites. These are sources of information and the sources used should be listed at the end of the assignment in a bibliography. Sources of background reading can also be included in the bibliography. YOUR COMPLETED WORK SHOULD NOT EXCEED 3500 WORDS. THERE IS NO LOWER WORD LIMIT. WORK THAT IS MORE THAN 10% ABOVE THE WORD LIMIT WILL NOT BE MARKED. REFERENCES AND QUOTATIONS WITHIN THE TEXT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE WORD LIMIT.

Yvain

Yvain or The Knight with the Lion: The Introduction of Literary Strengths There are few novels today that possess the adventure which takes place throughout Yvain (aka The Knight with the Lion). Chretien’s use of structure in this poem has surely influenced the modern day novel. Yvain was one of the first books to introduce the genre of Chivalric Romance, which many authors still mimic today. The genre capturing this tale clearly defined literature thereafter and was the beginning of a new era in story-telling. In Northrop Frye’s definition of modes, we can see that this poem is clearly in â€Å"Romance Mode†.In the concept of modes, Frye identifies literary works to be classified by the hero’s power of action. By distinction of any novels’ hero, the audience can discern whether the main character or hero has powers greater, less, or roughly the same as the audience’s. The romance mode is the second mode of Frye’s distinction. In this poem, the hero of the story is human, but is certainly superior to normal humans; it is a story in which the hero has marvelous strengths and powers of endurance. The setting of the story may also slightly suspend the laws of nature in a way that allows magical things to happen.As Frye says, this is the world of legends, folk tales, and fairy tales. In this novel, the main character Yvain portrays the essence of these qualities. Yvain has many instances throughout the poem, in which he miraculously overcomes obstacles. There was not one event in which he lost against another knight or creature. The fact that Yvain intruded on a fight between a lion and a snake, is in itself, marvelous. No human in real life, would risk their life for this situation. In this scene, as Yvain chose to slay the snake by chopping it into pieces, and the lion shows a sense of gratefulness. The Lion rose on his hind feet and joined his forepaws in complete submissiveness and then he spread his forepaws out and bowed his head in great humility (pg 95). † It was after this point that they became companions, and the lion would never leave his side. This scene illustrates the Romance mode as the basic laws of nature are slightly obstructed by the lion’s ability to express feelings. Taking a closer look, we can discern the subcategory of this romance mode to be chivalric and contain courtly love. The entire story is full of many events in which even Chretien noted as chivalric.These consist of the knightly values of courage and loyalty as well as extreme respectfulness to others, especially women. In these civilized times, the royalty- living in castles and employing warriors- created these rules of combat and courtly manners that knights should carry out. It was the main goal for every knight to perform the good deeds, because it was the honorable thing to do, not because its adventure was of interest. In the poem, Calogrenant went in search for a marvel to entertain himself with adventure.But when this lead to disaster, Yvain had to stand by his side because they were cousins, and blood relatives were not to be abandoned. Yvain went out in hopes to avenge his cousin Calogrenant, â€Å"The lord did not sit down or pause; he poured some water on the great green stone. The storm came, just as he had known (pg 23). † Here, Yvain committed the same act that got Calogrenant in trouble, yet Yvain did not commit this act in hopes of a marvel, but rather to hold honor because it was the right thing to do for his family.This act reinforced Yvain’s knightly duties, furthering his intent to be chivalrous. Instrumental for the configuration of any chivalric identity in a medieval romance, this genre entices the male audience with its tales of lone adventuring, jousting with common men, killing beasts, rescuing virgins, and fighting in fateful battles. It also introduces a new side (in the medieval time period) to male and female relations, fascinatin g the idea of courtly love. The behavior of courtly love was a social phase that society engaged during the time of the poem.It was the idea that love was a service that gentlemen carried out for their women. It also reflected the principle that men and women could have conversation, and â€Å"flirt†. One could even fall in love at first sight by a physical process: in through the eyes, and passing down to the heart, and from there taking over the entire body as though captured by love’s poison. In the poem, the audience sees Yvain express his feelings through courtly love. â€Å"A new Love sweetens him with sugar and honey. Love, at whim, has hunted in her lands today, and now she gathers in her prey.His enemy has his heart (pg 38). † By this quote, we see that the force of love is overpowering, and Yvain is the â€Å"prey† wounded by love, because this woman, whose husband he has killed, now has his heart. When Yvain was published, society had just rece ntly become civilized, as opposed to their previously barbaric state. People were becoming accustomed to mannerism and sense of ruling. In the poem, we see a little of both sides of this society. In most of the story, Yvain and his surroundings are civilized, he is a proper knight and he is carrying out duties of society in a refined way.But when Laudine brought shame upon him for breaking his promise to her, we see Yvain turn to the opposite of civilized society. Yvain became so ashamed of himself he turned to a barbaric state of society, â€Å"a whirlwind broke loose in his brain, so violent that he went insane, and clawed himself, tore off his clothes and fled across the fields and rows (pg 79). † By entering the forest in this manner, Yvain indicated his complete abandonment of everything his aristocratic culture stood for—he no longer takes the part of a husband, or even a knight, but merely a wild animal.The entire poem is composed with many individual stories. W hat made this poem such an inspiration for the future genre was its completeness. Like Aristotle mentioned, a good story must have a beginning, middle and an end. Yvain, is compiled with many intricate stories chronologically placed, perfect and large enough for one to remember them all. The uniqueness of the Chivalric Romance genre had great influence on subsequent literature, but presenting three definite parts in the story is why Yvain or The Knight with the Lion became so renowned.

Microsoft strategic alliance with Nokia

Abstract Nokia is a very big telecommunications company that has experienced serious brand and financial issues in the recent years, and lately forged an alliance with Microsoft to try and save the situation. This paper is going to examine the strategic alliance between the two giant companies by evaluating their external and internal environments. It will also examine three different growth strategies and then select the most appropriate one. From the evaluation of the growth strategies in the paper, product development has been selected and it is the only way that the company can attempt to come closer to its competitors or even beat them in the market. Introduction and Company Background Nokia, which is a Finish Company that manufactures mobile phones, has been in existence since the creation of the earliest mobile devices, and the corporation has managed to take the world by storm by domination of the mobile industry (Roy, 2011, p. 23). The company has a large market and has been producing the best mobile phones over the years. However, things have not been smooth for the company in the North American market where penetration has been an uphill task. This is particularly bad news for the company because it is a region where smartphones have become a necessary commodity for every individual, regardless of their standards of living. The smartphones market went up by as much as 50 percent in the year 2011 and Google has been in the lead in the industry with their Android, a young operating system. The company is well aware of their problem all over the world, and the United States of America in particular. This forced them to hire Stephen Elop, who became the first person from outside Finland to head the company. This new chief executive officer joined the company from a high-ranking position at the Microsoft Corporation in the year 2010. He had a primary task of increasing company’s market share cap on the Asian and North American markets. Being the first person from outside Finland to head the company, he became under a lot of pressure to ensure that the share losses of the market of the company are reversed. Nokia found it difficult to perform in the market for smartphones and that is why they decided to have an alliance with the Microsoft Corporation to try to save the situation (Saylor, 2012, p39). This was the first major step that the new CEO took. The unexpected cooperation with the Microsoft Corporation elicited several debates regarding Nokia as well as about the general smartphones market (Schwarzinger, 2012, p.53). The IDC (International Data Corporation), which is a company for market analysis, and monitors the smartphones market, predicted that the Windows Phones would become the second largest provider of software for smartphones globally (Grant, R 2010, p. 31). The analysis and prediction is based on the strategic alliance between Nokia and Microsoft Corporation. Combined with the projected growth in the sales of smartphones and the predictions given by the ICD, then why is it that there was negative action by the financial market when he news of the two giant companies collaborating came outThis is one of the questions that many financial analysts have been asking themselves. This paper examines the strategic alliance between the two giant companies by evaluating their external and internal environments. It will also examine three different growth strategies and then select the most appropriate one. External AnalysisThe Five Forces Framework of NokiaThe present competition that Nokia is facing in the phone industry has greatly affected its market share. However, it still holds a considerable share of the market in the industry that is ever changing. The microenvironment is the internal factors that affect the customers, staff, competitors and the shareholders (Henry, 2008, p.24). The five forces model is the most appropriate for the evaluation of the microenvironment of Nokia as it takes into consideration the clients, suppliers, competitors as well as the new entrants.The power of suppliers: moderateAlthough the company relies on its suppliers to provide equipment, there are numerous large manufacturers of equipment that they can turn to (Baron, 2008, p53). Currently, Microsoft is the supplier of software for the company and they have a high bargaining power together. In addition, the company is in a good position to bargain as well as negotiate with any mobile phone hardware p roducer because there are a large number of the suppliers of equipment, which are readily and easily accessible should their current suppliers attempt to ask for more money with them. Moreover, the alliance with the Microsoft Corporation is regarded as a coup for Nokia and not Microsoft. The Microsoft Corporation may have more power in the negotiation of price along with the share as the pact is of more significance to Nokia that the Microsoft Corporation.The power of buyers: highThe customers have an increasing power because of increasing variety of alternatives available in the sector of mobile telecommunication. Majority of Nokia’s competitors also offer the same packages and the sector is very sensitive to matters like the prices with clients seeking the best value for their money. Majority of the customers are also tied into the long-lasting contracts and thus having to change from one mobile phone to another is hard and costly for consumers. The sector has a very compet itive market that has a variety of choices, which makes the customers to have much power as they can choose to go to the various competitors of Nokia if they are not contented with what the company is providing.The threat of new entrants: lowThe market of mobile phone is well-established and a lucrative one, and there is a relatively low threat of new entrants, as the technology that is needed to rival the devices that are already existing is very advanced. This is something that cannot be achieved easily by any company. The barriers to entry into the market are very high, as any potential new entrants need a lot of investment in marketing and technology so that they can be in a position of challenging the companied that are already established (Hill, et al, 2009, p.53). The threat of any potential new entrants is not probable as the initial cost that is required to enter the industry is very high and requires a lot of investment in time to be in a position of competing against the organizations that are already established. Currently, Nokia has a 29 percent of the entire global mobile telecommunications market and for any new entrant to get a little bit of their market needs a long-term scheming or even products that are highly innovative as compared to any other seen in the market (McGuigan, et al 2010, p. 41). For this to be possible, the new competitor needs very high investment for marketing and R&D, in order to get positive result.The threat of substitutes: Very lowIt is beyond reasonable doubt that mobile phones are an everyday essential in human being’s lives presently and they would not find it easy to replace, as consumers will not be in a position of having constant contact when they are not near their houses, family members or even friends (Baron, 2008, p.53). Nonetheless, the consumers may make contacts with individuals through other forms of media like email address, home telephones and social networks. However, it will not be easy for peo ple to keep in contact in their daily lives, as the forms of communication are not convenient. Contrary, smart phones come with several functions and specifications, meaning there are many substitutes offered that focus on just a single function. Presently, mobile phones are an everyday requirement in the lives of human beings because of the fundamental functions they are capable of performing and can all be found in a single handset. Only smart phones have the ability to make phone calls, send messages, and browse the internet in a single device. Another thing that makes them an extremely critical device to human beings is the fact that it enables them to communicate constantly and at any place. Thus, the threat of alternatives is very low because a mobile phone is not only for making calls or for sending messages but many some other functions. Without the mobile phones, people will find it very difficult to have a replacement, since it can provide a lot to them all in one device. People also rely on the mobile phones greatly and might not easily find an alternative that has the whole functions of a mobile handset.Competitive rivalry: lowThe competitors of Nokia turned to smartphones and androids early enough while Nokia delayed in releasing their first smart phones, and hence lagging behind competitors like Apple and HTC (Hahn, and Kibora, 2008, p. 12). Their strategic alliance with Microsoft, though offers some lifeline, still needs some time before catching up with the rest. There is high competition from big corporations like Blackberry, LG and Sony Erickson. The industry of mobile phone has very high rivalry and needs huge amounts of investment in marketing and the R&B to be able to compete with the established companies (Stonehouse, et al, 2007, p.43). Nokia had a slow shift into the market of smartphone, and this has left them trailing their competitors. Therefore, there is extremely high competitive rivalry and the company needs to be alert of their r ivals’ threat on their business especially with the Apple iPhone and RIM Blackberry’s rising popularity. Competitive rivalry in the industry is the principal threat to the Nokia Company because they are seriously behind in the market of Smartphone and it really needs a lot of efforts to raise their market share. Internal AnalysisSWOT AnalysisSWOT analysis is the most appropriate tool for the strategic planning analysis by companies’ management. It is a critical tool to the improvement of business because it embraced or followed the concept that success in the digital economy is the deployment of an incorporated value chain that extends beyond and across the business Saylor (McGuigan, et al 2010, p. 17). Nokia is a leading company in the mobile phones industry and its strategic alliance with Microsoft is expected to be a game changer. It is therefore important to look at the company’s internal environment.StrengthsGrant (2010, p.55) says that Nokia currently enjoying more that 32 percent market share in the mobile phone industry, and this is expected to even increase following the new pact with Microsoft as they will be provided with operating system affordably and sufficiently. Both Nokia and Microsoft are well respected and trusted brands as they have been there since the star t of the mobile phones and have been able to retain the trust of customers. Now in their association with Microsoft, they have regained strength in the market of smartphone, as it is a pact that has brought together two giants in their respective sectors. Having a strong brand name is an advantage since it enhances consistency; however, it is no secret that their brand name has had some wavering and now considered promotion of brand (Grant, 2010, p.43). The alliance between the two companies also means that Nokia has a secure and steady supplier market in Microsoft, where there will be enough time to concentrate on innovation, production and marketing. The company has a strong internal R+D. Nokia became one of the first companies to the market despite not dominating the market of Smartphone, the company became one of the because of their exceptional R+D program. The new chief executive officer has brought some new ideas to the organization and influenced its entire image.WeaknessesN okia has had its market share drop from the end of the last year in the industry of Smartphone. They have not been able to realize that Smartphones are a way of life amongst the users currently, with support software for the mobile phones that are very low. These are in the forms of applications, contrary to Blackberry and Apple that both have their individual App World. Nokia has an insight of only building phones that are brick shaped, which gives them lack of prestige in the present market of (Smartphonen, 2011, p.35). There are weak subdivisions in the company; they own as well as manage the Symbian but have abandoned it and instead gone for the windows 7, meaning than Symbian is now making losses (Saylor, 2012, p.54).OpportunitiesThe corporation has the chance of developing their own version of the App store OVI, since their new mobile phones are being launched and hopefully accepted in the market. The company also has an opportunity of developing more products with the Microso ft Corporation and explores more opportunities that might come up from the deal. Diverse self-sufficient and valuable portfolio; Microsoft could also do diversification of their immense portfolio and dispose parts of it that is not profitable in the probable future.ThreatsIf further loss of the share of market for Nokia continues being lost to the other big producers of Smartphones, they would actually consider withdrawal from the industry of Smartphones. The industry of mobile phones is not different from that of fashion with a quite quick turnaround. Nokia are investing lots of funds in trying to have a successful penetration into the market. By the time they succeed in doing so, the market could possibly have again shifted and had another serious breakthrough into another kind of mobile phone (Saylor, 2012, p.57). With the mobile phones software in the present day industry being as critical as the hardware, it is important that the Microsoft Corporation do not have excessive powe r as if the novel devices are a great success. It would not be good for the Nokia Company if Microsoft chose to raise their price on the pact or even walk out of it all together. Issues and challenges facing the company The challenges for Microsoft and Nokia alliance are overwhelming. Microsoft has still not been able to rise above the minuscule share of the market in the United States or even globally, even despite joining forces with Nokia. The Blackberry’s implosion was actually the best chance for Microsoft to get hold of its market share, but that did not happen. The company has to put in a lot of effort to carve out its niche in a world that has been dominated by the Android and iOS (Saylor, 2012, p.59).Missing appsThe Windows Phone still has the same old problem despite now being with more Nokia; that is the lack of a sufficient app ecosystem (Donner, and Steenson, 2008, p.35). Microsoft is not getting anything from Nokia in terms of software that was not already in th e Windows Phone. This is because the strongest mobile software asset of Nokia, which is its maps business, was not part of the agreement. After more than three years into the deal, Windows Phone still does not have table stakes apps as such like the native customers of Instgram and YouTube. The stance in the tablets is excessively bleaker. The Windows RT, which is the version designed for tablets specifically, is a very big flop and the Window 8 applied on tablets has not done any better in the market. The iPhone has successfully turned mobile phones, together with business mobile phones into a wholly consumer business (Saylor, 2012, p.70). This has an implication that the acquisition of Nokia has dragged the Microsoft Corporation into a sector that it should have avoided as much as possible. In other words, Microsoft is not a good consumer organization. Still it is not easy to see what the new CEO who has a good record of accomplishment in the companies he worked before has brought into the Nokia Company.The Xbox ProblemThe Xbox is a one consumer bright spot of Microsoft. Even without taking into account, the Xbox’s sunk cost and the fumbled Xbox One’s release, the segment of Devices and Entertainment is too small, particularly in the profit share that cannot make any significant difference (Goggin, 2011, p.23). With very little expectation for immense growth in the game console and set top box industry, the Xbox is going to make no difference for the company.Reinforce successEvery business requires reinforcement and mobile phone industry is no exception. Another area of power or strength is the web services, especially those serving business and not the ones that are consumer-facing. Although Microsoft is behind Google in several aspects, it is much ahead of Apple, which usually appears as having very little idea about the web services as it is much into the devices (Saylor, 2012, p.73). This is something the two companies have not taken advant age of, and they might realize it a little bit late if the other companies have realized their shortcomings and countered them accordingly.Brand imageFor any business to be successful in the market, brand image must be at its best because it is what consumers will be looking for. This is because everyone wants to consume a product they are well familiar with. For the Nokia Company, its brand image has dwindles constantly to a great deal such that people are no longer comfortable buying and using its products. This is something that might make it difficult for them to regain their initial status as the leading mobile phone maker, despite alliance with Microsoft (Saylor, 2012, p.79). They might pump in a lot of money in an attempt to save the situation but may as well flop if proper marketing and investment in technology is not done to win back its customers. If things do not work out for the company as expected, then it will be a big loss for Microsoft as it entered into a partnershi p with a company that was already going down.Generation of Strategic growth optionsEvery section of an organization is affected by a marketing strategy. It is all about the use of everything at the business’ disposal in creation of value for others. Customers are also included in this but workers as well as shareholders benefit. The marketing strategy’s major purpose is setting out the means by which the marketing objectives that are agreed are to be accomplished. One of the most appropriate ways to analyze the different strategies that can be used by an organization in growing the business is with the ANSOFF Matrix (Schwarzinger, 2012, p. 42). The model takes into account the opportunities of providing available and new products and services within the present and new markets together with the levels of risk that come with them. Below are possible three strategic options that can be employed by the company:Market penetrationThe aim of this strategy is selling products to a market that already exists. This has been proposed because Nokia has an already existing market even though it seems to be losing it at a higher rate. Market development This strategy refers to the completion of market development successfully (Hahn and Kibora, 2008). The method has been proposed because the Nokia Company appears to have lost touch with the huge client base that it enjoyed when it was performing still well. 5.3. Product development This section of the Ansoff matrix aims at being updated as regards the latest technology in the industry. The strategy has been proposed because the company appears to be lagging behind in terms of innovation, and this is where their competitors have fully taken advantage of to win the game (Kovvali, 2011, p.73). Evaluation of strategic growth optionsMarket penetrationThe aim of this strategy is selling products to a market that already exists. Nokia has an already existing market even though it seems to be losing it at a higher rate. For the company to be able to achieve this, there are several things that needs to be done such as: changing the pricing plan; this should be done in a manner such that it is competitor or penetration based. Changing the pricing plan means that they will be reducing prices of their products in an attempt to attract more customers or even maintaining the existing ones. However, in doing so, the quality of the products must also be high as consumers do not only go for the price but they want to enjoy the value for their money. For the prices to be reduced as much as possible and to ensure sustainability, a lot of resources needs to be pumped in, which the company may also not be having, considering the financial crisis that it faced (Kovvali, 2011, p.63). Introduc e discounting; the company can also introduce discounting services whereby customers pay certain amount of money in buying a particular product or quantity. Starting up a different promotion campaign or considering changes on the present one; shifting from one campaign strategy to another or improving on the available one may also help the company in getting the message home, thus attracting more customers. 6.2. Market development This strategy refers to the completion of market development successfully. Nokia Company appears to have lost touch with the huge client base that it enjoyed when it was performing still well. The company has an option of penetrating or developing new markets that its products has not reached. This can be done through targeting a completely new client base and carrying out vigorous product promotions in order to attract them. Some other means through which this can be achieved is researching and selling the products to a different market segment in instances of poor market share and saturation (Kovvali, 2011, p.79). They can also change the periods that adverts are run on television and change the places in which the display of print adverts happen. This is the best way of ensuring that the products appeal to a completely new market. The company can also reduce the present prices of its products to help in attracting a wider range of clients. 6.3. Product development This section of the Ansoff matrix aims at being updated as regards the latest technology in the industry (Bull, 2007). The company appears to be lagging behind in terms of innovation, and this is where their competitors have fully taken advantage of to win the game. The mobile phone industry is just like fashion where trends come up each day and players in the market try to beat each other by being creative and innovation in an attempt to win the customers as much as possible. Companies like Samsung have rose to great heights due to their technological inventions and they are really doing well in the Smartphone market. They have been coming up with new applications that have been appealing to customers and that are why they are really selling (Kovvali, 2011, p. 34) Nokia should pump in a lot of cash and invest heavily in technology because it is the only way to succeed in the business. Description of selected strategyProduct developmentThe selected strategy for at Nokia is product development. Nearly everyone knows that this has been the biggest undoing of the company as they have not been able to keep up with the pace at which technology is growing. Just as said earlier, the mobile phone industry is just like fashion where trends come up each day and players in the market try to beat each other by being creative and innovation in an attempt to win the customers as much as possible. Therefore, the company has no option but to invest in technology if at all they are serious about regaining the lost market share. They should produce some high-tech products with a lot of features that fit specific market segment. With the strategic alliance with Microsoft, the company stands a good chance of recovering as this is an opportunity to get a source of finances that they require to keep up with the new technological development (Saylor, 2012, p.89). Microsoft is also known for its creativity and this alliance puts Nokia in a good position because they will be able to get the best operation systems that are updated to meet the current market requirements. Moreover, the alliance will enable the company to have a pool of new ideas as together two giants that have been leaders in their respective industries for several years. Conclusion It is no doubt that the alliance between Nokia and Microsoft is the best decision ever made by the management because it is a chance of recovering from the fall to try to catch up with the current industry leaders. Pundits see it as a major coup for Nokia, but Microsoft also stands to gain from the pact. Nokia should use this opportunity to venture fully into the Smartphone market by doing product development. They should invest heavily in technology and even employ more staff that can bring meaningful changes. The company has been doing well in the other growth strategies such as market penetration and market development, but has not been doing product development. From the evaluation of the growth strategies above, product development is the only one that has remained and it is the only way that the company can attempt so as to come closer to its competitors or even beat them in the market. The Smartphones market is still growing and there are several opportunities that are yet to be exploited and with Microsoft on board, it only needs proper strategies to conquer the market. However, if proper measures and strategies are not in place then the highly hyped alliance might as well be a waste of time and resources as other companies will continue steadily while Nokia continue to fall steadily. References Baron, N 2008, ‘Adjusting the Volume: Technology and Multitasking in Discourse Control’, in Katz, J. (Ed.) Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass, pp.177-94 Baron, N 2008, Always on: Language in an Online and Mobile World, Oxford University Press, New York. Batson-Savage, T 2007, ‘†Hol Awn Mek a Answer Mi Cellular†: Sex, Sexuality and the Cellular Phone in Urban Jamaica’, Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies, Vol.21, No.2, June, pp.239-52. Bull, M 2007, Sound Moves: Ipod Culture and Urban Experience, Routledge, London. Donner, J, and Steenson, M 2008, â€Å"Beyond the Personal and Private: Modes of Mobile Phone Sharing in Urban India.† In The Reconstruction of Space and Time: Mobile Communication Practices, edited by Scott Campbell and Rich Ling, 231–250. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers. Goggin, G 2011, Global Mobile Media, New York: Routledge. Grant, R 2010, Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text Only. John Wiley and Sons. Hahn, H and Kibora, L 2008, â€Å"The Domestication of the Mobile Phone: Oral Society and New ICT in Burkina Faso†. Journal of Modern African Studes 46. Henry, A 2008, Understanding Strategic Management. Oxford University Press. Hill C. et al 2009, Strategic Management Theory: An Integrated Approach. Cengage Learning. Kovvali, G 2011, â€Å"Cell phones are as carcinogenic as coffee†. Journal of Carcinogenesis 10 (1): 18. McGuigan, J. et al 2010, Managerial Economics. Cengage Learning. Roy, D, 2011, Strategic Foresight and Porter’s Five Forces: Towards a Synthesis. GRIN Verlag. Saylor, M 2012, The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change Everything. Perseus Books/Vanguard Press. Schwarzinger, A 2012, Porter’s Five Forces Framework – An Analysis of the Swiss TV-Broadcasting Industry. GRIN Verlag. Stonehouse, G. et al 2007, Global and Transnational Business: Strategy and Management. John Wiley and Sons.

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Economics - Essay Example These relative assessments of other economic arrangements are, to be certain, innately hypothetical for two explanations (Feldman & Serrano 2005): first, they are hypothetical due to the hypothetical feature of the theories on which they are founded; second, they are hypothetical because practical limits on individual, business, and societal choices cannot be merely understood as proof of a breach of the rules of deliberate individual, business, and societal choices. These are the main reasons economic principles become increasingly important nowadays. For the two explanations abovementioned, the hypothetical assessments of other economic structures are constantly open to questions from both parts: they could be assessed because economic principles about the operating components of institutions are discovered to be insufficient, or to be inappropriately used. And they could be assessed because they wrongly analyze the unconscious or conscious feature of the ‘constitutional choi ces’ (Feldman & Serrano 2005, 64) that have situated the society, businesses, and individuals in a specific institutional context. However, the reality that the comparative assessments of economic institutions and principles will constantly be hypothetical and open to questioning in this way has one more repercussion: so long as there is no major opposition to the theories, and so long as there is no opposing proof to the dominant interpretation of the particular individual’s, business’s, and society’s constitutional interests and the unconscious or conscious character of their choices, as long as the temporary evaluation may properly be declared to be the most justifiable and well-substantiated hypothesis in sight. This kind of hypothetical comparative assessment can be used for all forms of economic structures: it can be used for institutions and principles that are the product of ‘natural development’, and to those that have been intention ally recognized. And it can be used for the wide-ranging economic principles that guide market forces, at least for the organizational-constitutional principles that rule structured general arrangements. Theories of the operating components of social and economic institutions serve a fundamental function in the assessments of other economic structures. As a result, the economic principles that generate such theories are a major root of information for the attempts in comparative organizational and constitutional assessment of choices. Specifically, obviously, not to claim that practitioners of economics could profess to be better evaluators of the appeal of other institutional structures, more ‘superior’ than the society, business, and individuals themselves who are to exist within these structures. However, due to the important function that theoretical perspective serves in any comparative assessment of economic institutions and principles, there is a substantial comp onent of ‘truth-judgment’ (Buchanan 1977, 213) required in these assessments. And one could quite be cynical about the level to which the ‘final evaluators’, the society, business, and individuals themselves, may be supposed to be directed, in their own assessments of other institutions, by a knowledgeable understanding of the concrete operating components of the economic alternatives. The economist’s ‘comparative institutional analysis and evaluation’

Final Project Statistics Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Final - Statistics Project Example It is the researcher’s belief that other data sets (particularly those about student aid) must be utilized to find out how government budget can affect enrollment in college or universities in the country. In an op-ed piece written by Jeff Madrick (2004), he said â€Å"higher education†¦will cure just about anything, from globalization and outsourcing to technological change and income inequality†. This view is of course subscribed to by many organizations and are calling for increased budget for education and other related programs. In fact, the University of Washington has published a report (University of Washington, 2011) showing the importance of financing higher education so as to ensure that the state of Washington will continue to allot budget for the university’s operations. Through government funding, the universities can maintain the excellence and access to research, hence continuing to enrich communities. To answer the questions above, we will use data on education from the National Data Book (US Census Bureau, 2011). Data from 2003-2008 will be used in this study. Because we want to determine the effect of government expenditure to enrollment in higher education, all figures presented focused only on public colleges and universities. We will use regression analysis in determining the trends in college enrollment, charges and expenditures in higher education institutions, as well as discovering the relationship between government funding and college enrollment while descriptive statistics will be used to describe the sample further. Table 1 below shows that between 2000 to 2009, about 66% of all high school completers enrolled in college. Meanwhile, average enrollment in all higher education institutions slightly exceeded the 17,000,000 mark. Average annual tuition fee and in the US between the years 2000 to 2009 was at $3,443 while dormitories cost $3,251.20 on the average. School expenditures

Breast cancer Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Breast cancer - Assignment Example 1). It is the common cause of death from cancer for NSW women, 862 deaths in 2001 (ibid.). In Victoria, figures for 2007 showed an incidence of 3,188 new cases per 100,000 population with 708 deaths (www.cancervic.org.au, 2007, p. 12). One in eleven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 75 (www.cancerscreening.gov.au). It is a leading cause of death among women in 45-55 age bracket (www.imaginis.com, 2010, p. 1). The lifetime chance of ever developing breast cancer is 4.8% in developed Western countries (due to higher hormone use) but only 1.8% in poorer countries. By age groups, those below 20 years old have the lowest prevalence (1 in 1,985). Those in older age groups have higher prevalence rates of 1 in 37 by age 50; 1 in 26 by age 60 and 1 in 24 by age 70. The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (by simply growing older) with about 90% of cases due to the ageing process and not due to heredity (www.breastcancer.org, 2010, p. 1). Some 14,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease this year; this makes it the most common cancer among Australian women (BCNA, 2010, p. 1). There is hope, however, as latest statistics indicated a 5-year survival rate of 88%. The average age of a first diagnosis is 60 years old but 75% of new cases develop in women who are 50 years old or older; while women with higher incomes have a higher incidence rate compared to lower-income women (134 vs. 110 but 21.1 overall deaths per 100,000 population). Over 70% of cases diagnosed occur in women aged 50 or older but those women aged 50-69 can reduce chances of dying by 30% if they opt to have a breast screen once every two years (www.bcig.org.au, 2009, p. 1). About 95% of all breast cancer cases occurred in women aged 40 or older but there is an observed decrease in women aged 80 and above

A Micro and Macro Analysis of the Mobile Industry Environment Using Essay

A Micro and Macro Analysis of the Mobile Industry Environment Using the Pestel Analysis. A Case Study of Blackberry - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Blackberry is one of the multinational electronic product suppliers in the world that has managed to dominate the mobile industry market for a long time now in the history of the mobile industry. The organization is a major supplier of wireless devices including mobile phones and pagers and currently working on the launch of more products. Commonly known as Research in Motion, the company started in 1984 and took the world by storm in 1999 with the introduction of blackberry solutions. It continued to produce advanced models of blackberry solutions while partnering with technological and telecommunication companies such as MTN, Yahoo, AOL among others. Blackberry has proved a superior communication device especially during the 9/11 crisis, in which it was able to send messages where other devices had failed. In addition, during the anthrax scare, blackberry also emerged a superior means of wireless communication, and the two incidences earned it a reputation for security and reliability. BlackBerry recorded a revenue of $18.435 billion and profit of $ 1.164 billion in 2012. The company’s main competitors are Google Inc., Nokia OYJ, Apple Inc., and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. However, the mobile industry environment has considerably changed, and the intensity of competition has greatly put the supplier at a lower bargaining end. As Husso points out in his research, scholars have taken a keynote of the change in the dynamic mobile environment that has threatened to push most organizations out of the market. Despite the fact that the company is performing well financially, it is not immune to the pressures of external forces. Currently, most researchers have established that new market entrants, change of technology, and development of new government regulations have all heightened the competition. Consequently, the organization has engaged in research-driven strategic management to react to the changes in the market force and to remain profitable in this industry. The mobile industry is one of the market environments that have garnered a wide range of research from scholars across the world. Ryan expressed the competition that exists within the mobile industry and recommended that all mobile industries switch to modest business strategies to survive in the competitive market. This scholar pointed out that competition has reduced the cost mobile products so much that business priced-market strategies have become obsolete in this market. The research of Ryan has been followed by numerous researchers seeking to evaluate various aspects of the mobile industry environment. Researchers such as Kim and Tallberg have paid particular attention to the mobile handset market and the competition that has emerged in the recent past.

Teamwork And Motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Teamwork And Motivation - Essay Example The employers therefore face the uphill task that needs them to preserve the productivity and profitability that they have while trying their best to keep the employees that they have engaged and satisfied with their jobs. Researchers have been able to find that the social or cognitive construction view of job satisfaction deals with the effects of emotions on behavior of various kinds where the attitude that people have toward work can be associated with other perceptions about jobs such as the variety of tasks that constitute that job and the level of skills that are needed for one to be able to do that particular job. Therefore, it can be said that emotional responses may be of assistance in the determination of the reactions that the employees will have to the jobs that they are doing and the general theories of emotion might become useful in the effort to understand the attitudes that people have towards jobs (Furnham, 1992). Creating job satisfaction is therefore an endeavor that entails several steps so that in the end it can be achieved to make sure that the employees are motivated and this will be the first step in increasing the productivity. To start with, the working environment should be made to be positive where the factors that motivate the employees will be identified so that the working environment will cater for the needs of the workers. The employees of WooWoo will be entitled to discounts in the case that they need to purchase any thing that the company makes provided that they get it directly from the company. The company will also make sure that it organizes get-togethers were the management and the other employees can have the chance to interact and the views of the employees can be listened to and adjustments made if possible. The employees that have an exemplary performance at work and those that beat the deadlines that are set will be recognized through a program that will be aimed at identifying the employee of the

Impact of iTunes and Other Online Services on Music Industry Research Paper

Impact of iTunes and Other Online Services on Music Industry - Research Paper Example Furthermore, the study indicates that the drop in the number of revenues is a result of two main factors; an apparent increase in piracy related issues and the ability of the potential buyers to pick and choose particular songs rather than buying the entire albums instead. Though iTunes has proved to be a dynamic and a powerful medium having the potential to revolutionize the music industry, but the drop in revenues has turned out to be a huge drawback which overpowers the apparent advantages of the medium of the industry. Impact of iTunes and other online services on music industry Introduction iTunes is like a music jukebox which is used to manage, purchase and download the music online. It is an online music library with an added feature that allows the online purchase of music. However, in contrast to the tradition purchase of music albums iTunes allow the customers to cherry-pick the particular songs instead of buying the entire albums. This in turn has various implications whic h will be addressed further on in the paper. iTunes was launched in 2003 which was a product conceived by Macintosh replaced Napster; therefore it is important to analyze and track the impacts of Napster on the industry to contrast the results with iTunes for a more credible result. The decade after Napster was replaced saw a drastic decrease in the revenues of music industry in the U.S. In contrast when Napster was first introduced in the market, the U.S music industry saw a rapid increase in the profits. According to the statistics, the U.S shipments for recorded music were increase from $5.8 billion to $12.8 billion between 1975 to 1990`s. This is a positive indicator as the recorded shipments almost doubled. However, between 1990`s to 2007, the records again dropped back to $5.5 billion. (Waldfogel 2011). The same trend was observed worldwide indicating the strong impact of iTunes in the market. Though many researches indicated that iTunes have paved way for piracy and illegal c opying of music, but iTunes was constituted in such a way that it minimizes the risks of piracy related issues. With iTunes, music can be shared in two ways, i.e. either by sharing an entire library or by sharing specific playlists. iTunes doesn`t support illegal copying of music over the internet as the music is only available to the host system where iTunes is located. Also, the music can only be retrieved by the person using the iTunes, he shuts down the system the music is no longer available for anyone to be listened. (Waldfogel 2011). iTunes protects the content by two ways, i.e. firstly by incorporating copyrights laws and secondly via contracts. However, different countries have now come up with different jailbreaks and unlocking software which allows copying of music online onto iTunes for free. Though the laws are considerably strict in U.S, but in Europe and other places the laws can be molded which results in music piracy via iTunes elsewhere. Thus, these two factors i.e . pick and choose which music to purchase, and unlocking software leading to music piracy leads towards the apparent decrease in revenues. However, according to a review by Berkeley University, the impact of peer-to peer music

Saudi Arabia and The United State of America PowerPoint Presentation

Saudi Arabia and The United State of America - PowerPoint Presentation Example In United States the companies are privatized and the government has less control over it. While in Saudi all the economic activates of the country is controlled by the government alone. Obviously the country is a kingdom where in the royals has the say on the functioning of the political activities of the country. Saudi is ruled by King whereas America has election which selects the President of the country. The country has central and federal government and a legal body to govern the nation. America is a democratic country whereas,Saudi Arabia is a monarchy. However, Saudi Arabian GDP is less than America as latter is a country depended on its oil reserve rather than employed nationals. Saudi has a smaller economy than America as latter is a large country. America is a country which can be considered as the melting pot of culture. It has a wide variety of people belonging to various religion, ethnicity race and nationality .American culture encompasses the customs and traditions of the United States, including language, religion, food and the arts. According to (Zimmerman,2013) â€Å"Nearly every region of the world has influenced American culture, as it is a country of immigrants, most notably the English who colonized the country beginning in the early 1600s.†.Contradictory to this, the Saudi Arabian culture is traditionally linked to the Islamic laws and guidance. There is strict prohibition regarding alcohol consumption, pork and rights of women. Saudi Arabia is the most strict nation in the world and it is functioning according the laws of Quran as Prophet Mohammed is from this region. Also the holy pilgrimage happens in Mecca which is a privileged region for Muslims. When we look at the culture of America and Saudi there is a wide gap between them. Saudi can be nowhere compared to America as the former is restricted nation whereas latter is free country with liberal human rights and freedom. Saudi has

Place and Memory Essay Example for Free

Place and Memory Essay Perhaps the strongest case for memory is made in the context of the places we occupy. It is not easy to forget what happens in our lives with reference to the space we occupy. In other words, we remember our experiences, especially the most important ones, with reference to the places we occupied at the time of those experiences. Elizabeth Liebert (2004) has written: â€Å"Novelist Barbara Kingsolver loves the places where she writes. She observes: ‘Whether we are leaving it or coming into it, its here that matters, it is place. Our greatest and smallest explanations of ourselves grow from place, as surely as carrots grow in the dirt. ’† According to the author, we learn about ourselves with references to the memories we have about certain places. If I happen to find something I dislike or disagree with in a particular place, for instance, I will be reminded of my sure likes and dislikes whenever I hark back to my specific experience of disliking or disagreeing with something in that particular place. In fact, I had an important experience in Aruba that would explain this phenomenon. I paid a twenty-day visit to the island of Aruba when I was fifteen years of age. Three of my older cousins accompanied me to the gorgeous 32 km long island in the Caribbean Sea. The weather was warm and sunny. The landscape: cactus-strewn. Aruba offers tourists natural, historical and cultural attractions they would not find elsewhere. Still, I find myself repressing my memories of Aruba whenever they occur. My cousins and I visited many places in Aruba by ourselves. These interesting places included the Alto Vista Chapel; the Arikok National Park; Bushiribana Balashi (historical gold mines); the California Lighthouse; and the Palm and Eagle Beaches. Although we made very short visits to these wonderful places, we felt very fortunate to be there. A week before we were suppose to return home from Aruba, my cousins and I decided to take a tour bus to the Ayo Rock Formations that have been described as the town of Bedrock in The Flinstones. We had learned about the puzzling geological formations in Aruba, and about the Ayo Rock Formations we were particularly excited because we all had read in our travel guide that this place was once a dwelling place of an ancient race that left petroglyph markings on stone boulders. And, the area is surrounded by huge stones that seem as though they had been stacked on top of each other by giants! On our way to the Ayo Rock Formations, however, a rather unfortunate incident occurred. Our bus had stopped at the red signal on an empty road when a motorbike came very close to our vehicle, as if out of nowhere. There was a young girl sitting in front of the man riding the motorbike. She yelled at the top of her voice: â€Å"Help! Rape! † That is all I remember hearing at the time. I was nervously moving in my seat on the bus, only trying to understand what had just taken place, when our tour guide stepped off the bus to confront the man on the motorcycle. I had actually not seen him getting off the bus. I only gathered that he had left our bus when I saw him being stabbed in his shoulder by the man on the motorbike! The next thing I knew was that the driver of my tourist bus drove off in a rush, leaving the tour guide behind. Many tourists on my bus questioned him anxiously as he drove the bus at top speed. But the man refused to say why he had done what he did. Of course, there were many complaints to the authorities later on. All the same, we could not undo the act of the driver, or the man on the motorbike who had stabbed the tour guide before my eyes. I have never returned to Aruba, and I believe that I never will. Several of my friends have tried planning out a trip to Aruba with me, knowing that I have been there before and may be able to guide them. I do not think I would be able to guide them, however. I do know that that place and experience taught me that I love justice and refuse to empathize with those who do not submit to it, such as the bus driver, who left the tour guide in the lurch, or the man who stabbed our tour guide in the shoulder. I have often told my friends that I hate Aruba. Today I question myself: Do I really hate the place that has made me understand that I love justice?

Influence of pH on the activity of Potato catalase Essay Example for Free

Influence of pH on the activity of Potato catalase Essay Therefore SA = 7. 065mmi. So, 7. 065mmi x 50mm will provide the volume of the 5cmi space in the manometer tube, which is 353. 25mmi. The rate of reaction can now be calculated as: Rate of Reaction = Volume Time The results for the rate of reaction are displayed as follows: pH Average Time/Seconds Rate of Reaction: Rate of Reaction Results Graph: Conclusion: From the average time and rate of reaction results, it can clearly be seen that the fastest and shortest reaction time was for the pH of 6. 3. Basically, this shows that the most appropriate pH for the enzyme Catalase to function in is a pH of 6. 3 as it the enzyme is forming a complex with the substrate and producing the by-products Hi O and Oi , at a faster rate. The least effective pH buffer to use in a Catalase reaction would be a pH of 2. 8, although there may be more inhibiting pHs outside the range used in the experiment. The longest reaction was for the pH 2.8 and the smallest rate of reaction was also, therefore pH 2. 8. Moving up the pH range used in the experiment, the rate of reaction continues to increase until the optimal point of pH 6. 3, where the rate of reaction slows and average time taken begins to increase above this point, as shown in the pH 8. 3 results and graph. Evaluation: Overall, the experiment was conducted in a suitable way that enabled the collection of relatively reliable results; however as with most experiments there were some sources of error in its conduction that will have had an effect on the results. The main error in this experiment was the factor of human error; this was mainly present in the measuring and timing stages of the experiment. The measurement of the buffer solutions, hydrogen peroxide and cutting of potato discs will have had slight discrepancies in their quantities; this will have had a small effect on the results as the enzyme and substrate amounts will have varied and the rate at which products are formed will have increased or decreased. To eliminate human error in the experiment the measurements and timing would have to be done by using more technological equipment, in order to gain precise results. Another factor that will have influenced results is the presence of inhibitors when the reaction took place; these occur naturally and can be either competitive or non-competitive: A competitive inhibitor molecule has a similar structure to the normal substrate molecule, and it can fit into the active site of the enzyme. It therefore competes with the substrate for the active site, so the reaction is slower. A non-competitive inhibitor molecule is quite different in structure from the substrate molecule and does not fit into the active site. It binds to another part of the enzyme molecule, changing the shape of the whole enzyme, including the active site, so that it can no longer bind substrate molecules. Non-competitive inhibitors therefore simply reduce the amount of active enzyme; similar to decreasing the enzyme concentration. In conclusion, the presence of these inhibitors will have altered the reaction by increasing or decreasing the rate at which the products are produced. There will have been limitations in the results as the range of buffer solution pHs used in the experiment were inadequate to determine an exact optimal pH for the enzyme Catalase to function. To find the optimal pH, further tests could have been conducted by using pHs with closer intervals within the range of 4. 5 and 6. 5, where the rate of reaction increases sharply, as shown on the graph by an arrow. By analysing the results and the graphs that were produced, there are no obvious anomalies in the results achieved; however there may have been a slight discrepancy in one result which is marked on the graph/s with a circle. This could have been a consequence of any of the factors mentioned above in the evaluation section.

Quality Management at McDonalds

Quality Management at McDonalds QUALITY MANGEMENT OF McDonald’s –  A CASE STUDY Quality management is the management of activities and functions which are involved in determination of quality policy and its implementation. It ensures that the relevant organization, product or service is consistent. The four main components of quality management are quality planning, quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement. The aim of quality management is not only to focus on product and service quality, but also pay attention to the different ways to achieve it. The main principals of quality management as defined by International Standard for Quality Management (ISO 9001:2008) and other organizations are following: Customer focus Leadership Process approach Involvement of people Benchmarking Continuous improvement System approach to management Factual approach to decision making Mutually beneficial supplier relationship In this work, a detailed analysis of quality management of McDonald’s is presented. The report include the history, strategy, quality control and the supplies , logistics and inventory management of the stated company. McDonald’s HISTORY McDonald’s Corporation was established in 1940s (McDonald’s, 2014). It was the only fast food industry in the whole world who has started a chain system in global market. The main menu of McDonald’s includes some of the global world renowned foods like Big Quarter Pounder, French Fries and Chicken Nuggets. In breakfast they serve Sausage McMuffin with egg. Today it is one of the famous and leading food service retailer. IT has more than 35,000 local food chains (restaurants) in more than 100 different countries (McDonald’s, 2014). The total employees of McDonald’s are approximately 1.9 million and it serves more than 70 million customers every day around the world (McDonald’s, 2014) (Steve, Dudley, Hazen, 2012). A pictorial description of quick facts of McDonald’s is shown in Fig. 1. The corporation has distributed sale approach and more than 80% of its restaurants are ran by independent and local distributors. The restaurant was start ed by only two brothers Dick and McDonald’s in 1940, they were beginners but now McDonald’sCorporations is one the main stakeholder of fast food industry of today world. The beauty of this chain is that they did not only sale their main products but they also change the product type and its ingredients according to the local country or region requirement. Also every year they introduce new products and schemes to attract their customers. Their recent menu includes a wide range of Burgers Sandwiches, Chicken Fish, various Breakfast options, Salads, Snacks Sides, Beverages, and Desserts Shakes (McDonald’s, 2014). For competing and to be a main stakeholder of today competitive international market, McDonald’s is using an operational management system (William, 2008). Figure 1 Quick overview of McDonald’sCorporation COMPANY STRATEGY The brand mission of McDonald’sis â€Å"To be our customer’s favorite place and way to eat and drink† (McDonald’s, 2014). The global world operations of McDonald’sare aligned around the worldwide strategy called â€Å"The Plan to Win†. This strategy is centered on the best exceptional experience for the customers. The organization follows the motive of â€Å"People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion† (McDonald’s, 2014). McDonald’s wants to become the world’s best quick service fast food chain which provides high quality food to its each and every customer every time, in a clean environment with extraordinary service and great values. The adopted strategies by McDonald’s are differentiation and cost leadership strategies (Operations Management in McDonald’s, 2014). McDonald’s is committed to its people. It provides equal opportunity to each employee. They develop leaders and reward them according to their achievements. This firm believes that a team of well-trained individuals with different background and experiences, working together in a competitive environment with high level of commitment is their key to success. QUALITY CONTROL McDonald’s has a set of management teams for the inspection of food item quality and their control for the successful business. Quality service and quality control are properly checked by the management team. The quality management team deals with the quality service and quality control as given below. Quality service The food- The quality of meat, bun, vegetables etc should be good and up to the standard. The Employees- The quality management team has a look at the timing, neat dress and cleanliness of an employee. The team work is always preferred in the McDonald’s to get maximum benefits. The Restaurant- The management team looks that the restaurant should be clean, tidy and sparking. While they also tried to provide the fast, accurate and friendly service. Quality control The quality management team makes it sure to fulfill the basic criteria set for the operation of McDonald’s. They also listen and get feedback from the customer to make their business improve. They also have a relationship with the scientific community to provide best and safe food among the people. They tried to have solutions for special health issues among children, and prepare a hygienic food for them. There is no compromise on quality and quality control, the one of the reason for the successful development of McDonald’s all around the world. The inspection is done on all McDonald’s franchise and it is also a part of their strategy. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)is the applied system of McDonald’s to keep nice and good food items to the customers. The quality management team also looks at the diet contents and nutrition of each food items and is given in Table 1. The health related issues are handled by the quality management team and nutrition is properly controlled. Table 1 Nutrition of McDonald’s food. SWOT ANALYSIS The pictorial description of SWOT is shown in Figure 2. On the basis of environmental analysis of McDonald’s, the structural analysis of fast food industry, and the assessment of internal resources of the company, following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are there for McDonald’s: Figure 3 SWOT description    (S)trengths McDonald’s holds a very strong brand name worldwide. They have large partnerships with other companies that provide them with their desired products; this increases the goodwill of the company. McDonald’s is one of the most reputed firms who are socially responsible. Self-service criteria save a lot of cost. Loyal employees management customer are their biggest strength. McDonald’s makes sure that cultural regional barriers are kept in mind while providing food to different countries. Clean environment and play areas for children where they can enjoy their time. (W)eaknesses The weakness that hits the list of employee turnover rate. Every year many of their employees are fired out of the restaurant. McDonald’s mostly advertises products and food items that targets children. Health conscious people often complain that they do not provide us with the organic and healthy food. This becomes their weakness when they get in the complaints. They also face quality issue at times. This affects the business as they are running the outlet worldwide, if one franchise gets affected others also get a bad name. (O)pportunities It can open up online services for their customers so that they can easily order their desired meals sitting at home. Discounts given on every food item may help them gain more customers. They can go for a joint venture with the retailers they work with. They can introduce healthy hamburgers and healthy drinks for the people who are health conscious. In order to be environment friendly, they can use packing material which can be recycled later or material that does not create pollution. (T)hreats Emerging competition of similar outlets is becoming a problem for McDonald’s. Health issue also becomes a problem when it comes to food. As it is a multinational food outlet, fluctuations in the currency of other countries becomes a problem for such companies. Recession in any country would definitely affect the whole outlet worldwide. People facing heart problems and obesity accuse McDonald’s for not providing them with the healthy food. They have a threat of local food outlets in different countries. McDonald’s is operating in a fully-fledged economy where competition is increasing day by day therefore they should work effectively to overcome their drawbacks because of the recession. Recommendations Reduction of employee training spending (lowering employee turnover). In order to reduce of employee training spending and to lower turnover, I would like to suggest: To give the job just for highly motivated people. It means, that they are going to be loyal and not to leave job so fast; New employees would be trained by employees, who are working longer. In this way, company reduces training spending, new employees are trained by the people, who are working inside the company and do the same things every day. To motivate employees and always take care about their expectations. It can be money premiums for good working in the end of the month (or year), some employees parties, ’’Employee of the week (month)’’ competition. To make a line of organic food in their menu and take a look what is more popular and healthy for their customers. If it is going more popular than usual menu food, it is more worth to make all food in organic way, even it is more expensive. First of all, people like what is natural, and then they are interested in the price. To make big advertisement companies declaring organic food pluses and make it more popular in such way. Many people loves McDonald’s food, so it has an authority and can show good example of necessity of organic food in people life and compare how organic and usual McDonald’s food effect customers’ health and all the nature about them. Advantages of human health problems (improvement of products) McDonald’s is big food supplying company, and all of us know, how food affects our health. It is one of the main factors, what built our body and strength our brains. Knowing that, McDonald’s should: Suggest just high quality, improved products, which is full of vitamins and minerals. So, it means that the company must improve their products, all the food must be certificated and fit for all healthy food standards. Be in a contact with suppliers, who supply products for McDonald’s food and always check if the products is natural, high standard and healthy for all of age customers. Contact with doctors, scientist and improve their products to fit for all of age customers, even they have some problems with their stomach. It means to make measures and find what the best is for all possible customers. More Healthy Choices McDonald’s should develop menu choices that are healthy and socially acceptable. It is possible to develop a menu that people will enjoy and that also fits into the original â€Å"Speedy Service† model the company introduced in the 1950’s. Use local food sources where possible. Using local sources decreases the time to market, and also decreases the use of fuel to transport goods. Increase presence in Asian countries McDonald’s has most certainly had a profound effect on China. When the first McDonald’s opened in Beijing more than a dozen years ago, 40,000 people lined up to observe a Big Mac and get their picture taken with the infamous Ronald McDonald. McDonald’s is growing faster in China than in the United States. McDonald’s owns operates more than 600 stores across 105 cities in China. More than 100 more McDonald’s stores will be added annually to Chinese cities within the coming years. CONCLUSIONS McDonald’s is operating in Pakistan as very profitable organization. In this project we struggled to study the management behaviour of McDonald’s starting from its history to its vision and mission statements in which explained the historical of McDonald’s of how it entered Pakistan’s market and the expansion of its business in various cities. Moreover we also explained about its and services which are offered in Pakistan by McDonald’s as their revenue generating products and services. I addition to that we researched all their product line. We also explained the organizational structure of McDonald’s. In that we explained the hierarchal structure of McDonald’s. As a gigantic organization of the world need to build their strong organizational structure so does McDonald’s. Its works on the basis of vertical and horizontal coordination. All the executives from up to the lower management on making it a successful organization.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Essay

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, most commonly known by its initials HIPAA, was enacted by Congress then signed by President Bill Clinton on August 21, 1996. This act was put into place in order to regulate the privacy of patient health information, and as an effort to lower the cost of health care, shape the many pieces of our complicated healthcare system. This act also protects individuals from losing their health insurance if they lose their employment or choose to switch employers. . Before HIPAA there was no standard or consistency for the enforcement of the privacy for patients and the rules and regulations varied by state and organizations. HIPAA virtually affects everybody within the healthcare field including but not limited to patients, providers, payers and intermediaries. Although there are many parts of the HIPAA act, for the purposes of this paper we are going to focus on the two main sections and the four objectives of HIPAA, a which are to improve the portability (the capability of transferring from one employee to another) of health insurance, combat fraud, abuse, and waste in health insurance, to promote the expanded use of medical savings accounts, and to simplify the administration of health insurance. Title I of the HIPAA act refers to mostly the group health plans and the restrictions they can place upon the policy holder. In layman’s terms, HIPAA makes sure through Title I, that a third party cannot deny you coverage due to the loss or change in employment. On top of the basic clause, a group plan cannot deny coverage based on your health status, which includes medical history, genetic information, or disabilities. Ti... ...proactive. With the way that HIPAA was drafted, then add the possible penalties for violators, lead physicians and medical facilities to withold information from individuals who have a right to it. After reviewing the rules of the HIPAA, the legislation found health care providers were unsure of their legal privacy responsibilities and often responded with an overly guarded approach to disclosing information. To date these rules are still confusing and need to made clearer. References Medical Law and Ethics 4th edition, Bonnie F. Fremgen PhD, (2012, 2009, 2006, 2002) Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine 8th edition, (2009) Health Insurance Today: A Practical Approach 3rd edition, Janet I. Beik (2011) www.health.howstuffworks.com www.ehow.com/facts www.all-things-medical-billing.com/history www.geomarcomputers.com/hipaa www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hippa

Plagiarism :: Cheating Education Essays

Plagiarism Plagiarism is not only in violation of the law, but also in violation of the ethics that we, as Americans, should possess. This is one case in which laws agree with ethics. To plagiarize means to steal and pass off the ideas and words of another as oneà °s own. It is important to recognize that this definition includes the use of anotherà °s production without crediting the source. When a person makes an effort to present an idea that has been taken from an existing source as new and original, he or she is committing an act of plagiarism. Many may not realize the extreme prevalence of plagiarism in our society. The Center for Academic Integrity conducted a survey in which they found that approximately 80% of college students admit to cheating at least once. A similar study was conducted by the Psychological Record. This study found that 36% of undergraduate students have admitted to plagiarizing written materials. A national survey was conducted and published in Education Week. It yielded the following conclusions that 54% of students admitted to plagiarizing from the Internet and 74% of students admitted that they engaged in serious cheating in the past school year. These statistics prove that this is a growing problem that needs to be solved before it becomes an even larger issue. Many teachers tend to ignore students who are cheating. According to a study conducted by Ronald M. Aaron and Robert T. Georgia, 257 chief student affairs officers across the country feel the colleges and universities do not handle this issue adequately.(Plagiarism.org 1)It can be seen that many faculty members are not willing to devote their time and effort to this growing issue. Gallup Organization has said that the two most pressing issues that are facing society today are education and a decline of ethics.(Plagiarism.org 1) How can one fix an issue that seems to be extremely demanding, when one refuses to put in time and effort? Many students feel that in order to receive a good grade they need to plagiarize, however the Writing Center from Hamilton College provides the public with alternate routes to achieve an A.

Jamestown Essay -- essays research papers

Jamestown   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the sixteenth century, England was one of the most powerful countries in the world. England was also in dire need of money at this time. In an effort to alleviate the country’s financial burdens, King Henry VIII decided to seize land owned by the Catholic Church. Henry then sold the already inhabited land to investors, and its residents were forced out. These people and their descendants would eventually become some of the fortune-seeking colonists that would settle America during England’s try at Imperialism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the early 1600’s England need money once again, and this time it decided to by settling the new land to the west of them. Instead of actually funding these colonial expeditions, England would issue charters to joint – stock companies. These companies consisted of wealthy English investors who would all give some money to finance the trips and would share in the riches if they succeeded or lost their money of they failed. Most of the time the benefits of their investments would outweigh the risks. For England, this was a win-win situation. Since England did not pay for the voyages or the colonies themselves, England wouldn’t lose the money if they failed. If the companies succeeded, England was entitled to a percentage of the profits and became its ultimate authority.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  England’s first colony was established in 1607 by a joint – stock company, and was named Jamesto...

Analysis of Kingfisher. Essay

Introduction: Kingfisher Airline is a private airline based in Bangalore, India. The airlines owned by Vijay Mallya of United Beverages Group. Kingfisher Airlines started its operations on May 9, 2005 with a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircrafts. The airline currently operates on domestic routes. The destinations covered by Kingfisher Airlines are Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Guwahati, Kolkata, Pune, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Mangalore and Jaipur. In a short span of time Kingfisher Airline has carved a niche for itself. The airline offers several unique services to its customers. These include: personal valet at the airport to assist in baggage handling and boarding, accompanied with refreshments and music at the airport, audio and video on-demand, with extra-wide personalized screens in the aircraft and three-course gourmet cuisine. Kingfisher is one of only 6 airlines in the world to have a 5 star rating from Sky tax, along with Asian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. In a short span of time Kingfisher Airline has carved a niche for itself. The airline offers several unique services to its customers. These include personal valet at the airport to assist in baggage handling and boarding, exclusive lounges with private space, accompanied with refreshments and music at the airport, audio and video on-demand, with extra-wide personalized screens in the aircraft, sleeper seats with extendable footrests, and three-course gourmet cuisine. HISTORY Kingfisher Airlines is a subsidiary of the UB Group, one of the largest beverage companies in the world. The branding of the airline is linked to that of Kingfisher Beer, India’s largest brewery. The airline, which is headed by the charismatic Dr Vijay Mallya, took to the skies in May 2005, and attracted attention for its high quality product with personal in flight entertainment in every seat; custom interior designs for each aircraft; valet assistance at airports and complimentary hot food and beverages. The airline initially operated a single class service but subsequently introduced a highly acclaimed First Class, allowing it to compete with Jet Airways for the high yield corporate market. In addition to its A320 family aircraft used on domestic routes, Kingfisher Airlines also operates ATR-72 turboprops on regional sectors. Under current Indian regulations, which require airlines to operate 5 years domestic service before being granted international rights, Kingfisher will not be permitted to operate overseas until 2010. However, the airline has very clear international ambitions, with an order book for 45 wide body aircraft, including A330s, A340s, A350s and A380s. In just over two years, Kingfisher Airlines has achieved a market share of 10% and has one of the most aggressive expansion plans of all Indian carriers during 2007. In Jun-07, it dramatically increased its influence in the market with the acquisition of a 26% shareholding in India’s largest LCC, Air Deccan, for approximately USD130 million, and an open offer for a further 20%. Through schedule coordination and joint operations in ground handling, training, and maintenance, the carriers are projecting annual cost savings of over USD70 million. There will also be greater coordination between the two brands, with Air Deccan to adopt the Kingfisher image in its logo and to switch to a red, rather than a blue color scheme. The combined Kingfisher/Deccan group has a market share of just over 30% and a product range spanning from the price-sensitive, first-time flyer, to the high yield business traveler, making I tone of the key pillars of the airline industry. The airline which started its operation on 9th May 2005, following the lease of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft. As of July 2007, Kingfisher operates only on domestic routes; however it has announced plans to start flights to the USA with Airbus A380 aircraft. The airline is  owned by the United Beverages Group under the leadership of Vijay Mallya (which also owns the popular Indian beer of the same name). The airline promises to suit the needs of air travelers and to provide reasonable air fares. Kingfisher Airlines’ main â€Å"luxury† component is its In-Flight Entertainment System, a first among Indian airlines. The airliners in-flight Mobile Phone and Internet Services will be provided by On Air starting 2008 for long haul flights. VISION â€Å"The Kingfisher Airlines family will consistently deliver a safe, value-based and enjoyable travel experience to all our guests.† VALUES  Safety  This is our overriding value. In our line of business, there is no compromise. Service  We are all in the hospitality business; we must always seek to serve our guests and gain their trust, goodwill and loyalty. Happiness  We seek to build an organization with people who choose to be happy, and will Endeavour to influence our guests and co-workers to be happy too. Teamwork  We will succeed or fail as a team. Each one of us must respect our colleagues regardless of their rank, and we must work together to ensure our mutual success. Accountability  Each one of us will be held accountable for the successful execution of our duties, commitments and obligations, and we will strive to lead by example. MISSION â€Å"Kingfisher Airlines will have ‘Fly the Good Times’ approach and this will reflect in the experience we will offer to passengers.† SERVICES DOMESTIC Kingfisher First The domestic Kingfisher First seats have a 48 inch seat pitch and a 126 degree seat recline. There are laptop and mobile phone chargers on every seat. Passengers can avail of the latest international newspapers and magazines. There is also a steam ironing service on board Kingfisher First cabins. Every seat is equipped with a personalized IFE system with AVOD which offers a wide range of Hollywood and Bollywood movies, English and  Hindi TV programmers’, 16 live TV channels and 10 channels of Kingfisher Radio. Passengers also get BOSE noise cancellation headphones. Domestic Kingfisher First is only available on selected Airbus A320 family aircraft. Kingfisher Class The domestic Kingfisher Class has 32-34 inch seat pitch.  Every seat is equipped with personal IFE systems with AVOD on-board the Airbus A320 family aircraft. As in Kingfisher First, passengers can access movies, English and Hindi TV programmers’, a few live TV channels powered by Dish TV, and Kingfisher Radio. The screen is controlled by a controller-console on the seat armrest. Ear cup headphones are provided free of cost to all passengers. The default channel shows, alternating every few seconds, the aero plane’s ground speed, outside temperature, altitude, distance and time to destination, the position of the aircraft on a graphical map, and one or more advertisements. Passengers are served meals on most flights. Before take-off, passengers are served bottled lemonade. Economy class meal on-board a Kingfisher Airlines domestic flight. Kingfisher Red After Kingfisher Airlines acquired Air Deccan, its name was changed to Simplify Deccan and subsequently to Kingfisher Red. Kingfisher Red is Kingfisher Airline’s low-cost class on domestic routes. A special edition of Cine Blitz magazine is the only reading material provided. Kingfisher Airlines is the first airline in India to extend its King Club frequent flyer program to its low-cost carrier as well. Passengers can earn King Miles even when they fly Kingfisher Red, which they can redeem for free tickets to travel on Kingfisher Airlines or partner airlines. INTERNATIONAL Kingfisher First The international Kingfisher First has full flat-bed seats with a 180 degree recline, with a seat pitch of 78 inches, and a seat width of 20-24.54 inches.[32] Passengers are given Merino wool blankets, a Salvatore Ferragamo toiletry kit, a pyjama to change into, five-course meals and alcoholic beverages. Also available are in-seat massagers, chargers and USB connectors. Every Kingfisher First seat has a 17 inch widescreen personal television with AVOD touch screen controls and offers 357 hours of programming content spread over 36 channels, including Hollywood and Bollywood movies along with 16 channels of live TV, so passengers can watch their favorite TV programmers’ live. There is also a collection of interactive games, a jukebox with customizable playlists and Kingfisher Radio. Passengers are given BOSE noise cancellation headphones. The service on board the Kingfisher First cabins includes a social area comprising a full-fledged bar staffed with a bartender, a break-out seating area just nearby fitted with two couches and bar stools, a full-fledged chef on board the aircraft and any-time dining. A turn-down service includes the conversion of the seat into a fully flat bed and an air-hostess making the bed when the passenger is ready to sleep. Both Kingfisher First and Kingfisher classes feature mood lighting on the Airbus A330-200 with light schemes corresponding to the time of day and flight position. Kingfisher Class  The international Kingfisher Class seats offer a seat pitch of 34 inches, a seat width of 18 inches and a seat recline of 25 degrees (6 inches). Passengers get full length modacrylic blankets, full size pillows and meals. Each Kingfisher Class seat has a 10.6 inch widescreen personal television with AVOD touch screen controls. The IFE is similar to that of the international Kingfisher First class. It can also be controlled by a detachable remote-control console fitted in the armrest. This device can be used to control the IFE, reading-lights, play games and even has a credit-card swipe for shopping on Kingfisher’s ‘Air Boutique’. It also has a facility for sending text-messages, though the service isn’t provided by Kingfisher. CARGO Kingfisher Xpress Kingfisher Xpress is a new Door-to-Door cargo delivery service from Kingfisher Airlines. Kingfisher Xpress same day service will be India’s  first and only same day delivery by air service. In-flight entertainment Kingfisher’s IFE system is the Thales Top Series i3000/i4000 on-board the Airbus A320 family aircraft, and Thales Top Series i5000 on-board the Airbus A330 family aircraft provided by the France-based Thales Group. Kingfisher was the first Indian airline to have in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems on every seat even on domestic flights. All passengers were given a â€Å"welcome kit† consisting of goodies such as a pen, facial tissue and headphones to use with the IFE system. Now, passengers of Kingfisher class are not given â€Å"welcome kits† but, as mentioned earlier, a complimentary bottle of lemonade and earphones for use with the IFE are still given. The in flight magazines are special editions of magazines owned by Mallya’s media publishing house (VJM Media) viz. Hi! Blitz for domestic flights and Hi! Living for international flights. Initially, passengers were able to watch only recorded TV programming on the IFE system, but later an alliance was formed with Dish TV to provide live TV in-flight.[34] And in a marked departure from tradition, Kingfisher Airlines decided to have an on-screen safety demonstration using the IFE system; however the conventional safety briefing by the flight attendants still exists on many flights. King Club The Frequent-flyer program of Kingfisher Airlines is called the King Club in which members earn King Miles every time they fly with Kingfisher or its partner airlines, hotels, car rental, finance and lifestyle businesses. There are four levels in the scheme: Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Members can redeem points for over a number of schemes. Platinum, Gold and Silver members enjoy access to the Kingfisher Lounge, priority check-in, excess baggage allowance, bonus miles, and 3 Kingfisher First upgrade vouchers for Gold membership. Platinum members get 5 upgrade vouchers. Kingfisher Lounge Kingfisher Lounges are offered to Kingfisher First passengers, along with King Club Silver and King Club Gold members. Lounges are located in: Bangalore International Airport Chennai International Airport  Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai) Cochin International Airport (Kochi) Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) London Heathrow Airport Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) However, note that the airline has suspended operation in London, Kochi, Kolkata and Hyderabad. AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Kingfisher Airlines frequent flyer programme, King Club has won Top Honors at the 21st Annual Freddie Awards in the Japan, Pacific, Asia and Australia region. King Club has won the Freddie Awards 2008 in the following categories: Best Bonus Promotion Best Customer Service Best Member Communications (First Runner-up) Best Award Redemption (First Runner-up) Best Elite Level (Second Runner-up) Best Website (Second Runner-up) Program of the Year (Second Runner-up) Kingfisher Airlines has received three global awards at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2010 Named Best Airline In India / Central Asia; Best Cabin Crew – Central Asia. Kingfisher RED named Best Low Cost Airline in India / Central Asia. NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award for Aviation. India’s only 5 Star airline, rated by Skytrax and 6th airline in the world. Rated India’s Second Buzziest Brand 2008 by The Brand Reporter. Ranked amongst India’s Top Service Brands of 2008 by Pitch Magazine. Voted as India’s Favorite Airline. Rated as Asia Pacific’s Top Airline Brand. Brand Leadership Award. Economic Times Avaya Award 2006 for Excellence in Customer Responsiveness. India’s No. 1 Airline in customer satisfaction by Business World. Rated  amongst India’s most respected companies by Business World. Rated amongst India’s 25 Innovative Companies by Plan man Media in 2006. The Best Airline† and â€Å"India’s Favorite Carrier’ in a Survey conducted by IMB for The Times of India. Best New Domestic Airline for Excellent Services and Cuisine by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA). Service Excellence 2005-2006 for a New Airline by Skytrax. Ranked third in the survey on India’s Most Successful Brand launch of 2005 under the Brand Derby Survey conducted by Business Standard. Busiest Brands of 2005 by agency fans and The Brand Reporter. Rated amongst the Top Ten Internet Advertisers by Yahoo. Rated amongst the top ten in the Best Television Commercial Jingles by NDTV. Best New Airline of the Year Award for 2005 by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Award in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region. Listed in the top 100 most trusted brand in The Brand Trust Report. POLITICAL FACTORS 1) Open sky policy 2) FDI limits: 100% for Greenfield airports 74% for the existing airports 100% through special permission 49% for airlines ECONOMICAL FACTORS 1) Contribution to the Indian economy. 2) Rising cost of fuel. 3) Investment in the sector of aviation. 4) The growth of the middle income group family affects the aviation sector. SOCIAL FACTORS 1) Development of cities leads to better services and airports. 2) Employment opportunities. 3) Safety regulations. 4) The status symbol attached to a plane travel. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS 1) The growth of e-commerce and e-ticketing. 2) Satellite based navigation system. 3) Modernisation and privatisation of the airports. 4) Developing green field airports with private sector for example in Bangalore the airport corporation limited. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 1) The increase in the global warming. 2) The sudden and unexpected behavior of the atmosphere and the dependency on whether. 3) Shortage of the infrastructural capacity 4) Tourism saturation. LEGAL FACTORS 1) FDI limits 2) Bilateral treaties 3) Airlines acquisitions and the leasing cost. STRENGTHS Strong brand value and reputation in the minds of customers. Quality of the service. Route rationalization. First airline to have a new fleet of airbuses. Quality and continuous innovation. WEAKNESSES Still a not in profit organization. High ticket pricing. Facing a tough competition from competitors. OPPORTUNITIES The expanding tourism industry. The non penetrated domestic market. International market. Untapped air cargo market. THREATS Competitors Infrastructure issues. Fuel price hike. Tourism saturation Economic slowdown. Promotions and sponsorship declining. STP ANALYSIS SEGMENTATION Geographic Region Density Social Classes Income Level TARGETING Kingfisher First company executives Kingfisher Class lower middle, upper middle, lower upper segment POSITIONING Lifestyle Benefits Quality P’s PRODUCT Fleet Size Aircrafts International Foray PROMOTIONS Advertisements Magazine and Newspaper ads Exposure at non-corporate event Participation in International Air shows Endorsing celebrities like Katrina Kaif and Yana Gupta PRICE Dynamic pricing model – Multiple fare levels Uniform rules No hidden restrictions. Pricing model – 8 different levels Discounts provided from time to time PEOPLE Backbone of the brand Extensive trainings Hospitality industry and consider their customer as guests Interpersonal skills, aptitude, and service knowledge PLACE Online Booking – www.flykingfisher.com Online Booking – Yatra.com, MakeMyTrip.com, ezeego1.com Credit Cards & Debit Cards Payment SMS / Call Outlets in every major city and at every airport across the country PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Personal valets Exclusive lounge space Hi! Blitz Gourmet cuisine world class cabin crew 5 trendy video- Fun TV; 10 music stations -Kingfisher Radio PROCESS Booking the ticket – online booking or tele-booking or from any of the kingfisher outlet COMPETITORS Company Sales (Rs.Million) Current Price Change (%) P/E Ratio Market Cap.(Rs.Million) 52-Week High/Low Jet Airways (I) 127768.30 305.85 6.38 0.00 26405.26 518/167 Spice Jet 28795.08 29.50 8.66 0.00 14288.32 43/15 Kingfisher Airlines 62333.79 12.95 2.78 0.00 8747.08 44/13 Global Vectra Helico 2315.75 9.70 -0.10 0.00 135.80 26/9 Jagson Airlines 97.25 4.10 2.50 0.00 82.69 10/3 MARKET SHARE PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT Mar’11 Mar’10 Mar’09 Mar’08 Jun’07 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months INCOME: Sales Turnover 6,233.38 5,067.92 5,269.17 1,456.28 1,800.21 Excise Duty 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 NET SALES 6,233.38 5,067.92 5,269.17 1,456.28 1,800.21 Other Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL INCOME 6,422.58 5,140.00 5,863.60 1,504.92 1,830.19 EXPENDITURE: Manufacturing Expenses 3,466.83 2,911.81 3,715.47 1,297.51 1,597.06 Material Consumed 56.69 40.89 51.19 43.79 45.94 Personal Expenses 680.54 689.38 825.42 244.96 247.72 Selling Expenses 659.07 687.02 683.82 85.00 17.90 Administrative Expenses 426.21 418.41 546.47 110.20 154.00 Expenses Capitalised 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Provisions Made 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 5,289.34 4,747.51 5,822.36 1,781.46 2,062.61 Operating Profit 944.04 320.41 -553.19 -325.17 -262.40 EBITDA 1,133.24 392.49 41.24 -276.54 -232.42 Depreciation 203.02 162.80 133.20 18.28 17.67 Other Write-offs 38.01 54.49 38.39 18.31 26.25 EBIT 892.20 175.20 -130.35 -313.13 -276.34 Interest 2,340.32 2,245.59 2,029.33 434.44 466.05 EBT -1,448.12 -2,070.39 -2,159.68 -747.57 -742.39 Taxes -455.35 -700.00 -546.38 -494.45 3.40 Profit and Loss for the Year -992.76 -1,370.39 -1,613.30 -253.12 -745.79 Non Recurring Items -107.62 -405.38 4.47 64.98 312.12 Other Non Cash Adjustments 72.99 31.28 0.00 -0.9 14.09 Other Adjustments 0.00 97.27 0.00 0.97 0.00 REPORTED PAT -1,027.40 -1,647.22 -1,608.83 -188.14 -419.58 KEY ITEMS Preference Dividend 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Equity Dividend 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Equity Dividend (%) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Shares in Issue (Lakhs) 4,977.79 2,659.09 2,659.09 1,357.99 1,354.70 EPS – Annualised (Rs) -20.64 -61.95 -60.50 -18.47 -30.97 CASHFLOW STATEMENT Particulars Mar’11 Mar’10 Mar’09 Mar’08 Jun’07 Profit Before Tax -1,520.78 -2,417.92 -2,155.21 -682.59 -416.18 Net Cash Flows from Operating Activity -2.23 -1,665.09 -645.78 -541.52 -552.58 Net Cash Used in Investing Activity 38.05 235.13 206.63 13.82 119.48 Net Cash Used in Financing Activity -81.72 1,464.55 290.11 -9.23 993.68 Net Inc/Dec in Cash and Cash Equivalent -45.90 34.60 -149.04 -536.93 560.57 Cash and Cash Equivalent – Beginning of the Year 206.47 171.87 320.91 817.05 256.47 Cash and Equivalent – End of the Year 160.57 206.47 171.87 280.12 817.05 BALANCE SHEET Particulars Mar’11 Mar’10 Mar’09 Mar’08 Jun’07 Liabilities 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months Share Capital 1,053.83 370.39 371.02 145.89 135.47 Reserves & Surplus -4,005.02 -4,268.84 -2,496.36 52.99 249.23 Net Worth -2,951.19 -3,898.45 -2,125.35 198.87 384.70 Secured Loans 5,184.53 4,842.43 2,622.52 592.38 716.71 Unsecured Loans 1,872.55 3,080.17 3,043.04 342.00 200.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,105.88 4,024.15 3,540.21 1,133.26 1,301.41 Assets Gross Block 2,254.26 2,048.14 1,891.80 322.33 340.77 (-) Acc. Depreciation 682.37 493.62 316.29 43.55 33.74 Net Block 1,571.89 1,554.51 1,575.52 278.78 307.03 Capital Work in Progress. 673.35 980.60 1,630.95 346.25 357.62 Investments. 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.00 0.41 Inventories 187.65 164.88 147.25 48.64 61.62 Sundry Debtors 440.53 322.49 229.84 27.16 35.24 Cash And Bank 252.36 206.47 171.87 280.12 817.05 Loans And Advances 5,380.19 4,604.31 3,640.42 832.48 149.76 Total Current Assets 6,260.73 5,298.13 4,189.37 1,188.41 1,063.68 Current Liabilities 4,463.86 3,908.03 3,814.63 687.31 449.15 Provisions 62.11 46.77 45.55 9.52 6.94 Total Current Liabilities 4,525.97 3,954.80 3,860.18 696.83 456.09 NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,734.76 1,343.34 329.19 491.58 607.59 Misc. Expenses 125.84 145.64 4.51 16.64 28.75 TOTAL ASSETS (A+B+C+D+E) 4,105.88 4,024.15 3,540.21 1,133.26 1,301.41 FUTURE STRATEGIES Market Penetration Can tie up with Corporate and Government Companies by Providing Unique Travel Solutions for Professional and Personal Use. Can implement programs implemented by South West Airlines to penetrate market. Product Development Seek additional distribution channels such as more tie ups and Collaboration. Collaboration with international carriers, bilateral discussions over seats and code sharing between the carriers. Market Development Special offerings for first time fliers. Try to find out new customer group such as old-retired persons. Diversification Can enter into other Transport Services like Bus Services between Major Cities and Other Services. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Current Indian scenario : Air travel For majority of people preference-No frills – low cost airlines Kingfisher competing with both the â€Å"no frills – low cost† airlines as well as those with frills. Three unique classes of service :– Kingfisher First (Business class) Kingfisher Class (Premium economy) Kingfisher Red (Low fare) Current segmentation based on social class & income level Social classes: which use full carrier services and those which use first class services of the railways Income level : Low cost carrier for those who travel by first class railway Problem with positioning Brand relates to Lifestyle RECOMMENDATIONS Needs to change brand perception Currently perceived as Lifestyle slogan Red color of crew :Reflects Royalty Over dependence on brand image of Mr. Mallaya Jet airways : Reflects professionalism Advertisement reflecting Value for Money Gain operational efficiencies through alliances as with Jet Airways Leverage Upon: New fleet, Unmatched flight service Innovative ideas-LIVE TV with 16 channels Air Boutique, in Kingfisher Airlines A joint promotion, i.e. using MakeMyTrip services and flying Kingfisher Airlines. By partnering with Kingfisher Airlines, further convenience in travel is offered at no extra cost- Added value Fleet size expansion SUGGESTION Reduce the labor cost Simplify the flight operations Offer more transparent pricing Get smart on fuel The process of acquiring spice jet if complete would make kingfisher the largest player in the aviation industry Different modes of pricing should be taken care of. CONCLUSION After doing a study of this project representing on Kingfisher Airlines, I have come to a conclusion that Kingfisher Airlines is one of the largest and most widespread airlines of the country providing its services not only in India as well as outside India also. It has alliance with many other airlines in this sector. Kingfisher Airlines offers world class services to the customer at a nominal rate. The national carrier takes immense pride in having successfully played a pivotal role in making various facets of India popular with the people of the world and acting as the country’s cultural ambassador. The airline uses the services of one of the advanced plans been operated in the world. To sum up I would like to say that Kingfisher Airlines is serving its customer in an appreciated way and going to be in the list of best services providers in coming years.