Sunday, January 26, 2020

Ryanair: Performance Objectives

Ryanair: Performance Objectives Ryanairs five performance objectives to maintain or ultimately increase Ryanairs competitiveness, it is useful to analyse its operations with the help of five performance objectives: Quality: In the long run, even the most competitive price structure will not attract customers if the quality of the service offered is below a certain standard. This includes maintenance, efficient booking and luggage handling, reliability, punctuality, and interaction with Ryanair staff. Speed: The areas where speed matters most for Ryanair are turnaround time of aircrafts, reservations, luggage handling, and aircraft maintenance, all of which have a direct impact on costs. Although Ryanair has implemented many steps to increase speed, it also depends on service providers that are not directly under its control. Dependability: This compares very favourably with competitors, where punctuality is similar, but the missed bag/passenger ratio is orders of magnitude higher. This excellent record has to do with the fact that Ryanair offers only point-to-point flights, thereby eliminating the risk of luggage mismanagement during connecting flights. Flexibility: Customers have a high degree of flexibility in choosing the level of service, since only the basic airfare is charged and any additional services must be paid for. Increasing flexibility for the customer would mean offering additional options. From Ryanairs perspective, flexibility comes with diversification of supplementary services on the one hand, and, with increasing market strength, the ability to negotiate alternatives for various service sectors, such as maintenance agreements, outsourced functions, etc. Cost: The fuel price is one of the direct costs for any airline operations. There are enormous fluctuations, and, unlike its competitors, Ryanair has committed to a policy of not imposing fuel surcharges. Therefore, the fuel price become fluctuations and Ryanair takes consider of that action. As a result, Ryanair reported its first annual loss in 2009 when oil prices were at a record high. (BBC Online News, 21 June 2009) International Competition: Ryanair is one of the most successful low cost carriers in Europe. The phenomenon strategy for long-term sustainable which Ryanair has developed from Southwest airlines is cut-cost to gain in high profitable in market share. According to Gillen and Lall (2004) stated that Ryanair has taken step further of Southwest operational, therefore, Ryanair has strongly and clearly position regarding to the airline does not offer any frills such as, no providing service, no ticket, no connection, no travel agents, no frequent flyer programme as well as food and beverages are sell on board. However, Ryanair can keep the cost low and gain more profit by setting the cheaper fares to customer regarding to increase the cash flow. In addition, according to the economic crisis and the fuel price has been increased, it effected to all airlines industry. However, it seems not really effected to Ryanair. Based on that, in 2009, Ryanair has aggressively discounted fares to increase the pressure on its com petitors and increase the cash flow. (Euromonitor International 2010) Nevertheless, Ryanair has been very tactical and acted very quickly to get advantage out of the competitors. Moreover, the competitors of Ryanair, for example, in Western Europe are mostly the schedule airlines such as, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM Group, British Airways, and Easyjet. Therefore, Easyjet is the direct competitor of Ryanair. Furthermore, the competitors in Eastern Europe are mainly budget airlines such as, Wizz Air (Hungarian airlines) as well as the schedule airlines Aeroflot (Russian airlines), LOT (Polish airlines) and, CSA (Czech airlines). In this case, Ryanair claim to increase the traffic to compete with cometitors by operate more routes. However, the competitive advantage of Ryanair that helped Ryanair to maximine growth which require the location advantage by using the secondary airports that located not far away from the city. For example, Gillen and Lall (2004) stated that at Hahn airport ne ar Frankfurt, the number of passengers increased from 450,000 in 2001 to 1.5 million in 2002, due to Ryanair serving that airport. Easyjet tend to have the same direction, however, Ryanair negotiation with secondary airports, often located in economically depressed areas, Ryanair bargained hard for low fees compare to EasyJet. On the other hand, Gillen and Lall (2004) stated that EasyJet is not entirely secondary airport based and so it does seek to attract some business customers. Based on that, Easyjet has more cost regarding to the airport fees. In addition, one of the advantages of Ryanair is rapid turnaround time than other airlines. According to (Barret 2004) stated that the shorter turnaround times permit more journeys per plane which, coupled with the higher seat density of Ryanair planes, generate lower seat mile costs. Based on that, Ryanair planes are mostly flying and it savings more cost of the airport fees in term of the landing charge. According to Ryanair report (201 0), Ryanair received award of being punctual and less in baggage lost Based on the short-haul point to point routing, hence, (Barret 2004) stated that the punctuality performance of Ryanair is high, therefore, the simple point to point is not delayed the passenger and check-in is quicker because is less complex than an interline one. According to table 1, staff of Ryanairs were non union, (Vlaar et al. 2005) stated that the consequence is flexible workforces enable low-cost airlines to fly and support each aircraft with only eighty workers, compared to the employees that required by traditional network carrier. For instant, Ryanair focus on the tight cost control measures. Pilots and cabin crew received lower salaries than other industries, however, the employees received significant variable compensation such as, the commissions on on-board sales. (ibid) Table 1. Some distinctive features of Ryanairs business model Choice Consequence Secondary airports à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Low airport fees Lowest ticket price à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Large volume Low commissions to travel agents à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Low cost Standardized fleet of 737s à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Bargaining power with suppliers Single-class à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Economies of scale High-powered incentives à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Attract combative team No meal à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Faster turnaround Nothing free à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Additional revenue Spartan headquatres à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Low fixed cost No unions à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚   Flexibility in rostering staff Source: Casadesus-Masanell R, and Ricart J E, 2010 cited from Strategy to Business Models to Tactics As a result, (Vlaar et al. 2005) concluded that Ryanairs business model is a simple product, low operating cost, and differential positioning which they focused on leisure, VFS (visiting friends and relative). Based on that, the value proposition is good fit with these customer segments. More importantly, (Casadesus-Masanell and Ricart 2010) concluded that Ryanair plan of action create a unique and valuable position by engaging in a new set of activities. Based on that, Ryanair found the way to operate the company more efficiency amongst the competitors by create the value for their stakeholders. International emerging markets The Ansoff product-market expansion grid is useful for Ryanair to visualise and identify market opportunities. Therefore, Ryanair establishing a partnership with Wizz Air, it helps company penetrate non-EU markets, synergies can benefit in both party. Regarding to, the market development Ryanair striving to target in business travellers by offering them more benefits such as refundable tickets in terms of more flexible. Moreover, Ryanair consider of the product development by plan to open the new route to US for long-haul, with flight tickets starting at EUR10 according to the Open Skies Agreement between the EU and the US. Based on that, Ryanair could attract more young generation travellers who has low income but would love to experience in Hollywood place.

Friday, January 17, 2020

History of education Essay

John Gatto is a New York City seventh grade teacher with remarkable accolades. Because of his impressive accolades as a teacher and citizen, his words are not taken lightly. As a result of his spotlight, he has come up with a list of seven lessons that no syllabus will ever include, but Gatto insists that they form the core of our educational curriculum today. While he does not agree with the lessons himself, they are being taught nationwide and he insists â€Å"that schools have traded their educational function for one of social coordination†(Gatto 1). First, Mr. Gatto explains that he teaches confusion. That is, he teaches the idea of un-relating everything and making disconnections or teaching too much all at one time. He states â€Å"educators persist in the idea that it is better to leave school with a tool kit of superficial jargon derived from economics, sociology, math, sociology, and natural science, rather than one genuine enthusiasm†(Gatto 2). Rather than studying one or two genuine passions, students are trained to attempt to learn them all even if they don’t care for the subject. Next, Mr. Gatto teaches the lesson of class position. Rather than attempting to move up or down to an easier or harder class, the student must learn that they are in that class for a reason and they must like that position. Gatto explains that, â€Å"[his] job is to make students like being locked together with children who bear numbers like their own†(1). He claims that he never lies to students outright, but has come to learn that truth and teaching are incompatible. The third lesson taught is indifference. Instead of caring about anything too much, Gatto emphasizes that â€Å"nothing important is ever finished in my class†(Gatto 2). Students are taught that nothing really matters. Students in his class must drop everything they are doing once the bell rings, no matter the importance. Pupils live life on the installment plan and must learn to turn on and off like switches. The fourth and fifth lessons taught are emotional and intellectual dependency. Instead of thinking and acting on their own, students are drilled to believe that what they think and do is up to the teacher. The one in charge must first OK simple tasks like going to the bathroom or speaking in class. In addition, they learn that good people let experts tell them what to do. The sixth lesson is provisional self-esteem or the idea that people â€Å"must be told what they are worth†(2). If not, they will rebel against the system and cause utter chaos. Finally, it is taught that you cannot hide. He asserts that â€Å"students are encouraged to tattle on each other† (Gatto 3). Wherever you go there is a big brother watching you and you are never completely alone. Without it, children would learn unauthorized ways. These seven lessons are being taught to the majority of students across The United States of America. While some teachers, such as John Gatto, do acknowledge the fact that the system is flawed, the vast majority do not. Gatto argues that this national curriculum â€Å"produces physical, moral, and intellectual paralysis† (Gatto 4). Instead of instructing how to use your brain to it’s full potential and think critically, our system ensure that children will never grow up fully human. This system is certainly flawed and may seem impossible to recreate, but with enough backing and support a change can be made to restore the educational system. Works Cited Gatto, John T. â€Å"A Few Lessons They Won’t Forget.† The Sun May 1991: 1-5. Print.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Understanding the 4 Basic Types of Unemployment

If youve ever been laid off, then youve experienced one of the types of unemployment  that economists measure. These categories are used to gauge the health of an economy — be it local, national, or international — by looking at how many people are in the workforce. Economists use this data to help governments and businesses navigate economic change. Understanding Unemployment In basic economics, employment is tied to wages. If you are employed, that means youre willing to work for the prevailing wage being offered to do the job youre doing. If you are unemployed, that means you are unable or unwilling to do that same job. There are two ways of being unemployed, according to economists. Voluntary unemployment occurs when a person is jobless by choice, rather than due to a lack of employment opportunities. Quitting your job because you just won the lottery and no longer need a steady paycheck is one example of voluntary unemployment.Involuntary unemployment occurs when a person is willing and able to work for a given wage but cannot find a job. Corporate layoffs following a merger or a downturn in the economy are two examples of involuntary unemployment.   Economists are chiefly interested in involuntary unemployment because it helps them gauge the overall job market. They divide involuntary unemployment into three categories. Frictional Unemployment Frictional unemployment is the time a worker spends between jobs. Examples of this include a freelance developer whose contract has ended without another gig waiting, a recent college grad seeking his or her first job, or a mother returning to the workforce after raising a family. In each of these instances, it will take time and resources (friction) for that person to find a new job. Although frictional unemployment is generally considered short-term, it may not be that brief. This is especially true for people new to the workforce who lack recent experience or professional connections. In general, however, economists regard this kind of unemployment as a sign of a healthy jobs market as long as its low. A low frictional unemployment rate means people seeking work are having a fairly easy time finding it. Cyclical Unemployment Cyclical unemployment  occurs during downturns in the  business cycle when demand for goods and services declines and companies respond by cutting production and laying off workers. When this happens, there are more workers than there are available jobs. Unemployment is the inevitable result. Economists use this to gauge the health of an entire economy or large sectors of one. Cyclical unemployment may be short-term, lasting mere weeks for some people, or long-term. It all depends on the degree of the economic downturn and what industries are most affected.  Economists usually focus on addressing the root causes of the economic downturns, rather than correcting cyclical unemployment itself. Structural Unemployment Structural unemployment is the most serious kind of unemployment because it points to seismic changes in an economy. It occurs when a person is ready and willing to work, but cannot find employment because none is available or they lack the skills to be hired for the jobs that do exist. Oftentimes, these people may be jobless for months or years and may drop out of the workforce entirely. This kind of unemployment may be caused by automation that eliminates a job held by a person, such as when a welder on an assembly line is replaced by a robot. It may also be caused by the collapse or decline of an important industry due to globalization  as jobs are shipped overseas in pursuit of lower labor costs. In the 1960s, for example, about 98 percent of shoes sold in the U.S. were American-made. Today, that figure is closer to ten percent. Seasonal Unemployment Seasonal unemployment occurs when the demand for workers varies over the course of the year. It can be thought of as a form of structural unemployment because the skills of the seasonal employees are not needed in certain labor markets for at least some part of the year. The construction market in northern climates depends on the season in a way it doesnt in warmer climates, for example. Seasonal unemployment is viewed as less problematic than regular structural unemployment, mainly because the demand for seasonal skills hasnt gone away forever and resurfaces in a fairly predictable pattern.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Summary Of Guy De Maupassant s -the Necklace

I, Gyani Smith, certify that I have personally completed this assignment based on my own personal efforts. I understand if I use outside sources, I must properly give my source(s) credit using the APA format and my paper should not include more than 20% of direct quotes from other sources. I understand if I do not provide proper credit to outside sources, I will be documented for plagiarism and be required to resubmit a new assignment. I will not divulge the content of this assignment or any of my work, generally or specifically, to any current or future James Madison High School students. 4/16/2017 . Guy de Maupassant s, -The Necklace, is a tragic short story, that is set in 1800s Paris, France during the period of Belle Epoque†¦show more content†¦She loses the necklace at the ball like the glass slipper which would cost her an arm and a leg. She fails to find it within a week but internalizes and decides not to reveal the truth to her friend. Her sacrificial lamb , replaces it with his inheritance and the rest he borrows from friends and family. Her husband, her knight in shining armor, is so stressed that he has aged 5 years within the week . However, like the illusion that exists in France, she later finds out the truth that the necklace was no good, just a show- as all that glitters is not gold. The writer weaves the themes in and out and around outward appearances and deception along with self-sacrifice which are apt for that era. Throughout history and literature deception, materialistic and covetous behaviors have led to the downfall of many men and women. This story is no different. Both madame Forestier and Mathilde display appearances that are deceptive. Mathilde is a middle-class woman who daydreams about the grandeur of other homes and the lavish meals of the upper classes. She even covets her friend s wealth and cannot bear to see her and the costly furs the other women wrap themselves in at the ball. Mathilde thinks that beauty and charm make her deserving of such luxuries, spending her time imagining the lives of the upper classes instead of accepting her circumstances.Show MoreRelatedIrony in the Works of Kate Chopin and Guy De Maupassant1903 Words   |  8 Pagesirony as the cause of death Paragraph 5: The Necklace summary/analysis Paragraph 6: conflict and irony Paragraph 7: result of ironic twist Conclusion: Irony in Chopin and Maupassant Irony is a literary device wherein what the reader expects to occur does not and the events that transpire are wholly surprising. Authors throughout literary history have used this devise to surprise and entertain the reader. Kate Chopin and Guy de Maupassant both utilize irony in their respective short storiesRead MoreFiction in Henry James Paste2797 Words   |  12 PagesFiction in Henry James`s â€Å"Paste† Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. American Modernism 4 3. Henry James (1843-1916) 5 4. Paste 8 5. Fiction in Henry James 10 6. Paste analysis 12 6. Conclusion 14 7. Bibliography 15 1. Introduction In my term paper I will primarily discuss Henry James and his short story Paste. Firstly, I will focus on the time he wrote the story and than I will describe his life and his three major writing phrases. Next, I will go on with giving the most importantRead More Analyses of Short Stories Essay examples4756 Words   |  20 Pageskilled him? Seems to me like he was a little guilty. Source: www.poedecoder.com Ambrose Bierce, â€Å"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge† â€Å"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge† takes place during the American Civil War that was fought in the 1860’s. The United States was divided over the issue of slavery. The Northern States wanted an end to come from slavery and the South wanted to keep slavery alive to ensure low labor and production costs. In the short story there was a bit of symbolism