Bmw’s Dream Factory and Culture Essay

The culture at BMW is an entrepreneurial culture which emphasizes creativity, risk taking and the bottom-up system of freewheeling ideas. The top-down management style is popular in Germany but not at the BMW. As soon as associates start working at the BMW, they will have the sense of the place, history and the mission of the company. BMW creates a working environment that promotes easier communications between leaders and employees. Every employee can contribute his or her ideas and creations via either formal or informal ways. For example, an employee sees his or her supervisor by chance on the way to lunch, he/she can tell this person of the idea which has just happened in his/her mind. More importantly, their voices and their ideas are heard, welcomed and brought into discussions and consideration. As a result, a car from BMW is often a production of thousands of impromptu brainstorming sessions. Furthermore, BMW cares for the benefits of its employees. It includes all employees in profit sharing. It has a plan that distributes as much as one and a half months’ extra pay at the end of the year to employees. The company also provides a high level of job security for its employees. Lastly, BMW also focuses on high-quality but practical products which meet the demand of consumers and are highly competitive with other auto producers. The company’s near-failure from producing impractical and expensive cars during the postwar time in 1959 was a big lesson for them. This near-failure is always retold and mentioned in all new orientations for the new associates. It helps to remind all employees at BMW of a lesson learned for the company in developing its plans in the future and ensuring that kind of mistake should never happen again. 2. Discuss the model of leadership illustrated at BMW. The model of leadership illustrated at BMW is the consideration model of leadership. The leaders at BMW have close relationships with subordinates that are based on mutual trust, two-way and open communications, and respect for employees’ ideas. The managers at BMW must stay humble and work closely with subordinates and their peers. The Leipzig factory, which looks like an art museum, is a very creative working environment that can make the communications between managers and employees easier. Managers at BMW are the ones who know to make the right questions to ask their subordinates, not the ones who have all the right answers. They also emphasize the satisfaction of their employees’ needs and provide as many benefits to their employees as possible. They are approachable and always willing to listen to their employees. They think if the employees are well motivated, better cars will be produced. . Discuss how the leadership model contributes to the culture. The leadership model at BMW shortens the distance between leaders and subordinates. The relationships between them are built on mutual trust. Employees can feel free to raise their innovative ideas to their managers anytime and anywhere. When the employees see that their voice is heard, they are more encouraged to talk. Moreover, the company cares for the employees’ benefits. In return, the employees are very flexible to contribute their best for the company. The employees do not mind working temporarily for months in another work location which requires them to be far away from their family. They are willing to work for extra hours without being concerned about overtime. In summary, the leadership model at BMW has made it such a culture that is quite distinct from other German companies. 4. Discuss why employees derive high job satisfaction at BMW. The employees of BMW derive high job satisfaction because their benefits are well cared of, their voice is heard and their hard work is highly appreciated. Also, their job security at BMW is high. Any employees, regardless of what grade they are, can contribute their ideas and their innovations to the company’s managers easily. There are no complicated, formal processes or procedures required to send their ideas to their management teams. Furthermore, when the company gets more profits, the employees will also be more benefited. Good working environment is developed and paid attention to. In conclusion, BMW’s employees are highly motivated so they are satisfied and willing to contribute more to the development of the company.

Language & Literacy for Young Children Essay

This paper will discuss developmentally appropriate methodologies in teaching language and literacy to young children across a developmental curriculum. Also to be discussed will be the aspects/knowledge’s of language, language diversity and Theoretical Perspectives. In the Beginning There is now evidence that it is never too early to teach a child. Through research it has been discovered that the infant even before he/she is born can hear sound and as we know that is how we acquire language, by hearing spoken words. According to Otto (2010), language development begins when language speakers assume that an infant is a participating partner in conversational settings, even though it is months before the child is able to begin using conventional words. In an article written by Dr. Carmelita Lomeo-Smrtic,Ph. D, she wrote that â€Å"Teaching children to become literate members of society is a daunting task, often relegated to the elementary teacher. However, research on teaching children to become literate suggests that this process must begin well before kindergarten. Research suggests that children are primed for learning language in utero. Also from the Otto text, â€Å"research on children’s perception of speech and the development of the auditory system in utero has determined that the fetus can perceive sounds beginning with the 25th week of gestation and at the 35th week a fetus’s hearing acuity is at a level similar to an adult’s(2010). Knowing all of this has prompted mother’s and some father’s to read to their unborn infant and even â€Å"talk† to him/her. Documented research suggests that infants can distinguish their mother’s voice from the voice of others-including other female voices a first few days after birth (Otto,2010). Aspects of Language It has been established that children begin learning at a very early age, even though they do not begin speaking words for many months. Now we will move on to speak about howthey learn. There are five aspects or knowledge’s of language. -Phonetic, Semantic, Syntactic, Morphemic, and Pragmatic.

Describe What Your Role, Responsibilities and Boundaries Would Be as a Teacher or Trainer in Terms of the Teaching and Learning Cycle. How Might “Equality”, “Diversity” and “Inclusion” Impact on a Learner’s Experience?

PTLLS Assessment Describe what your role, responsibilities and boundaries would be as a teacher or trainer in terms of the teaching and learning cycle. How might â€Å"equality†, â€Å"diversity† and â€Å"inclusion† impact on a learner’s experience? Give examples from your own experience and research to support your assertions. â€Å"This submission is entirely my own work unless I have used quotation marks to indicate my reference to the work of others† As a teacher or trainer, there are a variety of roles and responsibilities that are important to consider. The main role of a teacher is to create a relaxed, comfortable learning environment for students to meet their learning needs. In many cases, the teacher’s role also involves delivery of specific content as defined by a curriculum, in order to prepare students for passing examination. As such one of the main responsibilities of the teacher is to be aware of any curriculum and examination requirements of a course. Another role of the teacher is to ensure that the lesson is inclusive of all learners and they are therefore responsible for recognising diversity within the group. This may include disabilities; language barriers and cultural differences. These roles and responsibilities would fall under the ‘identification of learners needs’ aspect of the teaching and learning cycle. This is a continual process and would necessarily be affected by other aspects of the cycle, particularly assessment and evaluation of the learning and teaching. This evaluation will constantly inform the teacher and will include such varied mediums as end of course evaluation sheets as well as simple observation of candidates demonstrating their knowledge and/or skills. It may be appropriate for candidates to meet certain assessment criteria or competencies throughout a course as part of this evaluation process. In my experience of teaching manual handling, I would expect leaners to be able to demonstrate specific manual handling, lifting, pushing and pulling skills during the course. Evaluation of previous courses and of the evolving requirements of students also helps to inform the planning and designing of lessons. In addition, the teacher is responsible for researching the subject area to ensure a wide, current knowledge base that will help when establishing credibility and professionalism, and then to develop a variety of interesting ways to deliver the content whilst ensuring a safe working environment for students. The teacher’s role is then to deliver the lesson content in a manner consistent with the learning styles and requirements of the delegates. These might include lecturing, large group discussion or case studies. In the past I have taught legislative considerations in regard to health and safety aspects of manual handling and use of display screen equipment and have used role play; small group work and case studies to try to accommodate different learning styles. Within all this, it is essential that the teacher establishes and maintains professional boundaries. These can be varied and quite different, depending on the context, the environment and the group or individual being taught, for example, a teacher teaching young children would have a different set of boundaries than a football coach coaching an adult football team. However, the teacher should always consider relevant legislation. This includes health and safety legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974; the Equality Act, 2010 and most relevant to the above example, child protection guidelines. On a more general level, establishing ground rules such as timekeeping and use of mobile phones is important in minimising disruption and allowing optimal delivery of course content. Promoting equality, embracing diversity and ensuring inclusion are essential components of an effective teaching strategy, if the goal of that strategy is to provide a positive, rewarding learning experience for all learners. â€Å"Equality is about the rights of learners to attend and participate, regardless of their gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age†1. If a teacher fails to actively promote equality, they run the risk of excluding individuals from the learning process. For example a failure to acknowledge that English may not be the first language of some or all of the delegates and to adapt the teaching session accordingly would be detrimental. Once, when teaching a manual handling training session to porters and housekeepers working in a hospital, the majority of the candidates spoke Portuguese as their first language. I acknowledged this prior to starting the course and altered the course structure to enhance the learning process. One of the strategies I used was to include more small group work, ensuring a mix of people with difficulty understanding English, and those who were bilingual. â€Å"Diversity is about valuing the differences in people, whether that relates to gender, race, age, disability or any other individual characteristics they may have† 1. Just like promotion of equality, the importance of embracing diversity lies in recognising differences within any given group and using this to enhance, rather than detract from the learning experience. Diversity within a group will allow a variety of different perspectives on any given topic, thereby promoting wider understanding in the group as a whole. Johnson and Romanello2 examined teaching and learning considerations when teaching generationally diverse nurses. They opined that when presenting health problems to nurses from different generations it â€Å"leads student to share insights that can be applied to patient care with multiple groups of patients across generations†. 2 â€Å"Inclusivity is about involving all learners in relevant activities rather than excluding them for any reason† 1. In many ways, failure to acknowledge diversity and/or promote equality will inevitably lead to exclusion. In order to effectively ensure inclusion, planning of the teaching process, utilising a variety of teaching methods is essential. Moreover, the ability to adapt course content and delivery methods following recognition of diversity within a group is paramount to ensuring equality and inclusion. Even something as basic as starting and finishing a lesson on time will help with inclusion as a failure to do this might exclude learners who have commitments outside of the lesson times such as childcare. With regards to the learning cycle, the assessing and planning stages: assessing the requirements of the group and planning the format of the lessons accordingly are essential to ensuring inclusion. References 1 GRAVELLS, A, Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, Bell and Bain Ltd, Glasgow, 2008, p. 18. 2 JOHNSON, S and ROMANELLO, A. Generational Diversity. Teaching and Learning Approaches, Nurse Educator, 30(5): Sept-Oct. 2005: 212-216.

Movie Analysis- Charlotte Sometimes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Movie Analysis- Charlotte Sometimes - Essay Example Indeed, King highlights that the narrative of the independent film often subverts genre, thereby heightening viewer empathy with characters in contrast to the Hollywood approach, which would support the Warhol perception of independent film (King, 2005). The focus of this analysis is to critically evaluate the independent film â€Å"Charlotte Sometimes† (2002) and in doing so this paper will undertake a contextual analysis of the film in context of the independent film format. Firstly, it is submitted that the Eric Byler’s film Charlotte Sometimes utilises the signature independent film technique of subversion of the formulaic Hollywood approach in narrative and characterisation. To this end, it is posited that this is a significant feature of the appeal of the film, as the subversion of the Hollywood approach through the use of complex narratives and anti-stereotypical characterisation symbolises the rise of the wider demographic and the growing development of independent cinema. By analogy, this is further highlighted by the overlap of nominated films at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Independent Feature Project Stage and the Academy Awards and the Independent Spirit Wards (Sconce, 2002). For example, in 2006, Ang Lee won both the Oscar and the Spirit award for the direction in Brokeback Mountain, arguably obfuscating the distinction between independent films and Hollywood films with the â€Å"indiewood† effect (Tzioumakis, 2006). However, Rombes argues that â€Å"the coincidence of films does point to a phenomenon in contemporary (particularly) American filmmaking, which is yet to be critically evaluated in any sustained way† (Rombes, 2005). Indeed, Nicholas Rombes’ collection of essays further develops this point by addressing contemporary film culture and raises the possibility of the evolvement of socio-political conceptualisation through what he terms as a â€Å"cinematic avant garde†, which attracts

Compare and contrast literature regarding primary closure of surgical Essay

Compare and contrast literature regarding primary closure of surgical wounds and its effect in wound healing - Essay Example From February of 1996 to July of 1996, Singer et al (2002) examined 814 patients having 924 wounds. In this study, they suggested that wound infection was associated with the presence of extensive wounds and adjacent trauma in the skin. Suboptimal appearance of the wound was increased with its location in the extremity, the size of the wound, its apposition, associated trauma in the tissue, use of electrocautery, and the presence of infection. Singer et al (2002) suggested that minimizing electrocautery use and other surgical techniques traumatizing the skin as well as ensuring complete apposition of the wound with minimal tension during closure of the wound help achieve a cosmetically appealing scar. This study is limited due to its nature being a secondary prospective analysis study. Moreover, wound care was not standardized and only showed small number of poor outcome (12 infections being treated with systemic antibiotics, 9 of which belong to the adhesive group and 3 belongs to t he group that uses standard sutures). Another study done by Zeplin, et al (2007) on the comparison of various materials for treatment of lacerations of the skin by means of a pig experiment using OPTOCAT 3 – dimensional scanning technique with 10 Goettinger minipigs as experimental animals to examine wound healing process and development of scar in full incision of the skin. Suture materials used were skin adhesive, absorbing and nonabsorbing suture materials from the following companies: (1) Braun companies (Histaocryl, Monosyn, Safil, Premilene); and (2) Ethicon (Dermabond, Monocryl, Vicryl, Prolene). Zeplin et al (2007) reported that in all wounds that were treated, dehiscence occurred in about 2.5%. Histoacryl skin adhesive shared 15% of the wounds that were treated. From this research study, Zeplin et al (2007) concluded that with an increasing wound length,

Is genetic engineering ethical right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Is genetic engineering ethical right - Essay Example Ethics is concerned with what is right or what is wrong. Defining ethics for stem cell research is quite challenging. Researchers and scientists have been focusing on the risks of the stem cell research and any issues and concerns that are raised by the general society. Some researchers claimed that they do not know exactly where to draw the line regarding ethics in stem cell research when scientists organized a panel to discuss the ethical issues that may arise in this field (Nathan, 2006). Situational ethics depend on the situation of something at a given time and applying the moral principles to what has been done to determine whether it is right or wrong. Situational ethics do not have adherence to specific rules and is based on the greater good. The person has to do what is right morally to achieve the goals of situational ethics. However, there are some things which are deemed good but they are wrong in some ways. This makes such things to be rejected by some people despite agr eement that they have sustainable solutions. For example, the stem cell research is widely accepted by all people. However, the source of the stem cells is considered wrong as it increased immorality (Oxford Dictionaries, 2013). On the other hand, Utilitarianism ethics which are also known as consequential ethics are based results of an action. If the consequences are good, then the consequences are morally right but when the consequences are bad, then the act is termed as morally wrong. In the stem cell research, the use of blastocysts as source of stem cells leads to death of the expected child. As it is widely believed, the life of a person starts immediately the sperm fuses with an ovum. As such, when a blastocyct is used, the embryo that would have grown to be fetus and a child is killed (Sinnott-Armstrong, 2012). Stem cell research can change the medical field dramatically, by providing cure for genetic diseases but has been faced with a number of situational and consequential ethical issues which have to be addressed to maximize on the benefits of this field. Embryonic stem cell research is based on undifferentiated cells in the blastocysts. This is a round ball like structure which is formed immediately after fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Its formation starts in the fifth day after fertilization when the zygote has settled on the wall of the uterus. Blastocysts are made up of cells which are to form all the parts of the body during the pregnancy. As such, the cells are differentiating at a very high rate. Since most of the cells are not differentiated, they can be used by scientists and researchers to form any part of the body. The fact that there are many undifferentiated cells that can be obtained from a single blastocyct makes the scientists and researchers to prefer them for stem cell research. Blastocysts for obtaining stem cell research are obtained in several ways. One, scientists and researchers are said to have agreements with abortio n clinics. The agreement is for the clinics to surrender viable blastocysts to the scientists and researchers within a given period of time. In this case, when the clinics come across aborted embryos that would be good candidates for obtaining stem cells, they store them and pass them to the stem cell research laboratories for obtaining the cells. The situational ethical question here is whether it is morally right to take

Marriage in Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Marriage in Crisis - Essay Example After this, the next step is to analyze the families based on the multi-generational transmission concept. Since it is generally accepted that those who were abused generally repeat the cycle by becoming abusers, this is probably the case with Luis. By allowing him to understand this and reviewing his own feelings as a child, he can develop empathy for what he is putting his children through. Furthermore, some of the issues Jessica is causing also need to be addressed. Jessica’s relationship is unstable, as Bowen argued that many two-person relationships are. Therefore, to bring about stability, she tends to involve her older son. This is unhealthy for her son since he is too young to understand fully the repercussions of what is going on. Therefore, this situation needs to be addressed, and Jessica needs to be taught alternate methods for handling her issues.   Genograms cam is a very helpful tool in a number of situations. In the situation of Jessica and Luis, it can provide a helpful visual chart that may help to make them more aware of their bad situation. Jessica and Luis are undergoing many relationship issues, and genograms can be helpful in providing awareness in issues like this. The genogram itself â€Å"is a visual representation of an individuals family of origin and is similar in concept to a family tree† (Daughhetee, 2001, p. 21). It has been used for many decades in family therapy and was initially created by Murray Bowen. The genogram allows the counselor and the family to take a look at the relationships, roles, patterns, and functions that are common within the family. This can, therefore, allow the counselor to gather important data, cover levels of functioning, create a hypothesis, and increase the awareness of the family regarding the emotional processes and repercussions their family structure may be undergoi ng (Daughhetee, 2001).   

Descartes' Discourse on the Method (Part IV) Research Paper

Descartes' Discourse on the Method (Part IV) - Research Paper Example Descartes’ Discourse on the Method (Part 4) In part four of his Discourse method, Rene Descartes delves into finding out the metaphysical basis of knowledge or truth. Having resolved to doubt any belief that he had earlier on held, and to subject all his earlier beliefs into critical evaluation through his discourse method, Descartes had to find a rational basis of knowledge that would serve as the foundation for his system of Philosophy. Descartes sought to break from the past after realising that he could doubt everything that he had earlier on held as the truth, he therefore, realised that all the theories of truth or of knowledge that his predecessors had given were insufficient and false. Descartes, therefore, started doubting everything including his own existence. But in the course of proving his own existence, Descartes ended up with a surprising argument proving God’s existence. This paper analysis and evaluates Descartes discourse method in part four and focus es on how Descartes deviated from proving his own existence as the basis of all knowledge to prove the existence of God as the source of truth. ... le he can doubt everything, he cannot, however, doubt his own existence because the doubting of his own existence requires him first to exist so as to be able to doubt. Consequently, one has to be so as to doubt, and with this realisation, Descartes found an indubitable basis of truth that would serve as the basis of his epistemology. Following this realisation he proclaimed, ‘’I think, therefore I am’’ (Descartes, Discourse on the Method, Part Four, online). This means that his very doubting self is the proof of his existence. Descartes, therefore, conceived himself as a thinking self because his thinking or doubting nature is the only thing that he could not doubt. But proving his own existence wasn’t the end of his journey in finding out the metaphysical foundation of knowledge. This is because after proving the truth of his own existence, he had now to proceed to prove the truth of other things external to him. Having proved his own existence as an indisputable truth, Descartes sought to know what makes propositions true. Since some propositions are true, like the one that he had already proved about his own existence, there must be something universal in such propositions that make them true. And reflecting on the proposition that he had already proved as indubitable truth, Descartes realised that the only assurance that he had of the truth of the proposition, I think, therefore I am, is that he could clearly and distinctly see that in order to think, he had to exist first. Descartes, therefore, took it as a general rule, that whatever is conceived clearly and distinctly must be true (Descartes, Discourse on the Method, Part four, online). But the problem in applying his general rule lay in recognizing the things that could be conceived clearly and

Cultural diversity research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cultural diversity research paper - Essay Example This has resulted mainly due to a lot of pressure under exerted by the human rights activist under the Howard Government in the past decade. The multicultural policy also results due to general repercussion against liberal social movements surrounding groups such as the native people, feminist, ecologists and trade unionist over the decades. Due to such advocacy, the Australian environment has witnessed a shift of governance and policy conceptualization from quasi-pluralist model of ethnic governance to civic nationalist steered by the leadership of Howard government. Australia Multicultural Population Australia has a unique population in that 25% of them were born oversees and 43% of the national population are either born oversees or have one parent born oversees making it a country of multicultural population (Skywirk, 2013). In addition, this has been witnessed since 1945 due to the planned immigration programs, which have resulted into 6million people coming to Australia from ov er 150 countries in the globe (Skwirk, 2013). People wishing to migrate to Australia will not be denied entry based on race, ethnicity, religion or gender since selection of immigrants has been non-discriminatory over the years (Dunn & Forrest, 2006). This diversity in Majority of the Australia Immigrants are from the U.K, which represent over a million immigrants since 1970s to date. The immigration program of Australia and the multicultural policy is accommodative since it also tolerates the religious diversity by allowing populations from diverse religious backgrounds. In addition, the religious diverse groups are represented by the people from turkey, Lebanon and India who are equally welcomed in Australia. By 1980s, the Australian population was so diverse that it contained people from Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cambodia and china, both in significant numbers making it a country of all races (Australia Government, 2013). The official language in Australia is Eng lish but there are over 200 languages from different communities including the 48 languages from the indigenous people hence about 16% speak other languages other than English. The Asian countries form the largest chunk of Australian immigrants representing 7% of the Australian overall population (Skwirk, 2013). Most of these are Chinese and Vietnamese representing the fifth and the fourth largest population in Australia respectively. By 1901, the Immigration Restriction Act restricted most of the early immigrant groups leading to fewer populations of immigrants during that period and this was before the realization that immigration is crucial for the social and the economic future of Australia. Australian multicultural policy principles (Australian Government, 2013) Principle 1: Due to the diversity of the Australian population in terms of both ethnicity/race and religion, it makes it a multicultural nation with more vibrant and creative ideologies, which helps in nation building. An enduring theme of Australian multicultural policy is that everyone belongs and enjoys all the benefits that come with the rich diversity. Moreover, the Austrians celebrate the diversity and recognize that the expression of diversity is embedded within their

Mozart's Don Giovani Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mozart's Don Giovani - Research Paper Example The form of opera established by Florentine Camerata was initially practiced in Italy in 1600. The opera was initially performed for the upper class individuals and the characters were also from the aristoto class. Opera was later exposed to the public with the city of Venice being the centre for opera performance which was enhanced by the construction of a public opera house in the city of Venice in 1637 (Snowman, 2010, 46). 1The story line of the opera commences by a strong relationship existing between Don Giovanni and Donna Anna. Being the womanizer, which he is, during the Opera, Don Giovanni is anticipated by the audience to get up and leave Donna Anna—the anticipations are confirmed when he tries to abandon her (Mozart., 1985, p. 5).However, she rejects the idea of him leaving and insists that the only possible alternative would be that Don Giovanni takes her life before she will allow him to abandon her (Mozart., 1985, p. 6) Don Anna’s words stay engraved in Don Giovanni’s mind, which he recounts over and over, nevertheless, he continues to degrade Donna Anna with his insults. In the midst of the chaos, Donna Anna’s father, who is the leader of the civil authority, is awoken by disturbance; He challenges Don Giovanni to a duel, which, he strongly refuses initially but accepts later after Anna’s father insists. The duel carries on and eventually Donna Anna’s father is killed (Mozart., 1985, p. 7) Regardless of the tragic beginning the opera takes a slow turn to light humor during the act—there is an inclusion of several practical jokes alongside pranks which enhances comedy in the opera, commonly involving Loporello, which is Don Giovanni’s servent. The Jokes are also an aid for hiding the tension and frustrations within each character in the Opera – Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, Zerlina (Rushton, 1981, p. 4). For example, the case where Don Giovanni’s Ex-girlfriend, Elvira, who continues to pursue him, manages

Consensual Relationships Agreements ( CRA) Case Study

Consensual Relationships Agreements ( CRA) - Case Study Example In this connection, the Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRA) between the working people and the employer is generally regarded as a written contract in which the working people belonging to an organization agree to follow various policies relating to workplace that are established by the employer. The written agreement also states that the working people agree to discard certain attitudes or behaviors that might offend others in the working place. In this particular agreement, the employees or the staffs also agree to behave professionally and not to permit the relationship to hamper their work performances. Through this particular relationship agreement, the working people of a particular organization also promise to report any sort of harassments that might prevail in the working place to the higher authority of the organization (Appleby, 2007). Along with the need of executing consensual agreements in the workplace, there also lie certain different reasons which might possess negative impact for the employees with the implementation of Consensus Relationship Agreements (CRA) in any organization. The different reasons for the negative impact of the workplace agreement include unfavorable effect upon the morale of the employees, emergence of favoritism and potential interest conflicts among the staffs that ultimately can affect the working performances of the staffs (Edwards & Angell LLP, 2005). In this context, the morale of the employees who consent to be a part of Consensus Relationship Agreements (CRA) greatly suffers at a particular time when the other employees of the organization enjoy superior as well as well advanced job assignments along with other opportunities of working operations. This particular factor ultimately helps to raise the aspect of favoritism and also unfavorably affects upon the working performance of the employees due to the relationship agreement

Data Communications Essay Example for Free

Data Communications Essay Repairs by Return is a successful company and offers a repair service for various electrical appliances including washing machines, dishwashers etc. The business is expanding, meaning taking on additional engineers who might need on-the-job training. The aim of our group is to advise the owner of Repairs by Return on the new technology and research on how well the technology can make the company more efficient and the communication between the staff and owner better. We will also recommend an appropriate solution. ` MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES Mobile tools and technologies have the capacity facilitate communication, keep employees informed in real-time and reduce hours once spent bound to a desk. However, along with the liberating aspects of an increasingly versatile workplace, mobility presents challenges for todays workers. Below are short descriptions of mobile technologies currently available. SMS Short Message Service (SMS) is a service available on most digital mobile phones that allows the sending of short messages, also known as text messages, or more commonly as SMS, texts or even txts) between mobile phones, other handheld devices and even landline telephones. Messages must be no longer than 160 alpha-numeric characters and contain no images or graphics. Picture Messaging Picture Messaging is a service, which allows users to send and receive messages that combine pictures with text and sounds from their phones. WAP Wireless Application Protocol is an open international standard for applications that use wireless communication allowing users to access information instantly via handheld wireless device e.g. internet access from a mobile phone, smart phones, two way radios etc. MMS Multimedia Message Service is the evolution of SMS. With MMS, a mobile device is no longer restricted to text-only messages. It can send and receive multimedia messages such as graphics, sound files, video clips or any combination of the above, within certain size limits. GPRS General Packet Radio Service is a protocol for passing data over a mobile phone network. With GPRS connection, the phone is always on and can transfer data immediately, and at higher speeds. 3G 3G is the generic term for third generation mobile phone technologies. It offers high speed connections enabling video conference and other applications which require broadband connectivity to the Internet. PDA Personal Digital Assistants are handheld devices that combine computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking features. Originally designed as personal organisers but have now become much more versatile over the years. FEASIBILITY STUDY The feasibility study is aimed at viewing the ideas given to us by the owner and assessing whether they will help the company communicate effectively. We will also look at the limitations of the ideas. * Apprentice engineers asking for help silently to senior engineers GPRS allows instant connectivity (as long as there is radio coverage), meaning information can be sent/received immediately. Engineers can take picture(s) of the problem they cannot fix, write a little note with it, send it as an MMS to senior engineers, and receive an immediate reply without the customers realising. The problem with this will be that the engineer on the other side might be with a client and therefore, will not be able to reply immediately. Another problem could be that the reply received from the engineer may be inaccurate and unclear. Drawback of GPRS is the limited bandwidth and is particularly suited for sending and receiving small bursts of data. So when engineers do send pictures, the size of the message and picture will be limited. * Web access to manuals and diagrams GPRS also aims to deliver remote access type applications via a mobile network for businesses including data uploads and synchronisation, document sharing and collaboration, email and web browsing. Ideally, a wide variety of information can be delivered via a mobile device, overcoming the 160 character limitations of SMS. It is usually impossible to directly port a desktop application to a wireless to a handheld device; therefore, directly access most websites using a handheld device is difficult. Another problem the engineers might face is that typing on a cell phones tiny keys can be difficult and time consuming and the size of the screen is limited too. This could be a problem when an engineer is trying to download diagrams, as there will be problems with its clarity. * FAQs facility stored on mobiles One of the drawbacks on using GPRS is that it has slow data transfer rates. Although rates of 115 kbs (or more) have been quoted, the realistic speeds are 20 to 30 kbs can be expected. Applications can be used in a shared environment, and data sharing is made easier effectively like being connected to a Local Area Network (LAN). An important functionality of PDAs is the possibility of synchronising data with a contact database, such as MS Outlook hosted on corporate servers or a personal computer. The synchronised data ensures that the PDA has an accurate list of contacts, appointments and email. Critical to shared data access, synchronisation allows multiple clients to access, edit, and remove data records that a particular group of users may regularly use. As well as that, data input is a lot quicker on a personal computer. Therefore, transferring data to a PDA via the computer is a lot quicker than having to manually input it all on the handheld device. POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF COMBINED MOBILE PHONES/PDAS, IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS BUSINESS We will now discuss the benefits of mobilisation to the business. * PDA from for capturing progress made A form can be created for the use on the PDA which will enable the engineers to capture progress while they are with clients, which could then be distributed over the network, noting the problems that they could not fix or if any additional parts are required. Each time the engineer collects heir PDA, it is pre-loaded with weeks progress form. Once the form is completed, the engineer can synchronise it when they get back to the office or using GPRS whilst out with the clients. The data can then be fed into a progress database, collecting the data from all the engineers. This will enable you to generate a project progress report automatically. The potential usefulness with mobile phones and PDA There are various other ways the business can use the technology to help their staff. As the workers are apprentices, they can use the technology by using i.e. the intranet to access the help guide. This is a good idea as the staff can learn while on duty and in their free time. It is also a good cost saver as they will not need to pay for a teacher and a class room, and it is also less time consuming. The PDA or some mobiles phones have a satellite navigation system built in to help the staff if they are travelling to any location which they have difficulty finding. It will give them clear directions and pinpoint the location to save time. RECOMMENDATIONS Having considered the ideas that have been brought forward by you, the technology would help to build a better relationship with the staff and also improved customer service. Before purchasing new technology, Repairs by Return will need to invest in training the staff to use the hand held device. We recommend using a mobile phone called the Treo 650 Smart phone; this is a combined technology of some of the features of a PDA and also most of the features of a mobile phone. Of the three ideas, we think that the best idea would be having a server or the intranet to access the manuals and diagrams from the mobile phone. This will give the staff the knowledge to solve any problems and also gives some secrecy as the customer will not realise that the engineer is asking for help. The idea of using the mobile phone to contact other experienced engineers is a good idea but may distract the other staff that may also be with a customer. The idea of having a FAQ database maybe a bad idea as the staff may not always find the most accurate answers to there questions. The database will have answers of the problems that have arose in the past but may not have new problems, this will mean that the information would have to be updated frequently so that it is up to date. The information will have to be stored so will take up the hard drive space which the staff may need to use for other information. This will mean that the business would need to purchase higher mega byte memory cards. This is an additional cost for the business. The intranet would be a good idea as the all the information is there; you do not need to store the information as it is on the intranet saving memory space. Although the information maybe hard to find as the staff would need to go through the manual to find what they are looking for. The technology of the smart phone will help the staff as the phone has the features of browser to search for any words or phrases on the web to located information much faster and have less time consumed looking through the whole manual. BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS USED 1) Panko. R., Business Data Communications and Networking, Prentice Hall, 3rd Edition (2000) WEBSITES USED 1) http://www.voiceanddata.com.au/feature_article/item_022003a.asp 2) http://www.palm.com/us/products/smartphones/treo650/web.epl 3) http://web.ukonline.co.uk/p.boughton/wap.htm 4) http://www.my-xda.com/xda2_closer.html 5) http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews90293.html GROUP LOG Group Names * 21 February 2006 ALLOCATION OF GROUPS 1) Manik Maih 2) Bijal Pandit 3) Ime Udoh All members exchanged phone numbers and e-mail addresses. We allocated tasks and said that we should research on mobile phones and PDA. Time allocated for research only Manik Miah 7 days Bijal Pandit 7 days Ime Udoh 7 days * 28 February 2006 All the group members conducted sufficient research needed to write the report, within the time given. There were plenty of books and internet print outs. All members looked and read through the research found and divided into files. We divided 3 ideas between us. Manik idea 1 Bijal idea 2 Ime idea 3 We then allocated the tasks of the report and the internet website. Bijal Part 1 and 2 Manik Part 3 and 4 Ime website, contents page, group log We met up every 3 days to check the progress of the report and to help any group members that are having difficulties. * 7 March 2006 All group members attended, and arrived on time. At this stage majority of the work was completed. Each member rotated the work around to ensure there were no more mistakes. We all contributed equally and suggested that the work was fine and additional work that needs to be done should. * 13 March 2006 The group had finished off all there tasks and got together to check over all the work. We then edited the website. Once the final touches were made, we printed out the work. GROUP AGREEMENT 4BIM504 Data Communications We, the undersigned members of this group, undertake to be bound by the following agreement: 1. to attend all group meetings on time, except when agreed by other group members in advance, or where a documented excuse is provided 2. to be well prepared for each meeting, ensuring that all relevant material is adequately researched and presented 3. to be actively involved in the work of the group, by contributing to the best of our abilities 4. to participate in the editing and preparation of the final report We agree that if a group member breaches these undertakings, then the group has the right to recommend a reduced mark for the individual concerned of up to 30% below the group grade. In this eventuality the group would submit reasons in writing to the seminar leader. We accept that the seminar tutor may require further information before making any penalty mark adjustments. We accept that the seminar tutors decision is final in these matters.

Effect of Community Care on Needs of Service Users

Effect of Community Care on Needs of Service Users Community Care Introduction Foster and Roberts (1998, p. i) indicate that there are deficiencies in †¦ the ‘triangular’ relationship between user, carer an community†. They point out that there is a â€Å"†¦common tendency to establish a two-way relationship, and disregard the perspective of the third party †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which â€Å"†¦obstructs the healthy functioning of the care system† (Foster and Roberts, 1998, p.i). Booker and Repper (1998, p. 4) expound upon the preceding in adding that â€Å"†¦ community living is particularly difficult for people who have serious mental illness, many of whom experience frequent re-admissions in times of crisis and survive inadequately: in poverty and isolation, without work, with poor social supports and networks, and at risk of victimisation, exploitation, homelessness and imprisonment†. They add that â€Å"Indeed the community tenure of this population is often dependent upon the support of informal carers who ine vitably have problems and needs themselves† Booker and Repper, 1998, p. 4). The foregoing points to valid issues brought out regarding the community care system that indicate need further examination, and which represents the focus of this examination. Such asks the question, ‘to what extent is current community care policy and practice responsive to the needs and concerns of service users and carers? The preceding represents an expansive discussion. In order to formulate a balanced assessment of these aspects, this examination shall seek to break down the context into the three frameworks as indicated by Foster and Roberts (1998, p. i), and examine key policy frameworks, and practice developments representing the four specific areas of disability, health, mental health and older people in community care. In said examination, this study shall consider the extent to which policy and practice has been shaped by factors other than the needs and concerns of service users and carers. In a study conducted by the Hull Community Care Development Project over a three year period, it found that â€Å"†¦ care and support issues have been largely neglected in area-based work† (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2004). The following shall seek to reach a determination if that assessment is true in terms of the four areas identified, disability, health, mental health and older people. Community Care represents the help as well as support that is provided to individuals that aids them in being able to live either in their own homes, or in a home type setting in their community (careline.org.uk, 2007). The foregoing assistance can consist of representing help for the individual that needs the aid to live in the community as well as help and or assistance for the carer. The government’s policy on community care sets forth six key objectives (careline.org.uk, 2007). The first represents the providing of â€Å"†¦ home care, day and respite services †¦Ã¢â‚¬  that enables individuals, wherever feasible as well as possible, to live in their own homes (careline.org.uk, 2007). Secondly, it entails the making of a proper assessment concerning â€Å"†¦ need and good care management †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which represents â€Å"†¦ cornerstone of high quality care† (careline.org.uk, 2007). The third area represents the promoting and â€Å"†¦ t he development of a flourishing independent sector alongside good quality services† (careline.org.uk, 2007). The fourth element consists of the clarification of responsibilities to thus make it easier to hold the various agencies accountable for their performance (careline.org.uk, 2007). The fifth aspect represents, â€Å"†¦ to secure better value †¦Ã¢â‚¬  for expenditures as a result of the introduction of â€Å"†¦ new funding structures for social care† (careline.org.uk, 2007). With the last area, sixth, representing the providing of â€Å"†¦ additional help for carers †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well as offering a choice for patients and the general public (careline.org.uk, 2007). Community Care services are available to support older people, individual with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health problems and chronic illness (careline.org.uk, 2007). The services that are available, which can differ slightly in some areas, basically consist of 1). Home care, that includes assistance with washing and dressing, 2) meals on wheels and frozen meals, 3) equipment as well as various adaptations to make living at home an easier prospect, 4) Day care centers that contain helpful activities, 5) respite services, 6) supported housing for individuals that with mental health and or disabilities. 7) intermediate care, 8) practical as well as financial assistance, 9) community nursing, 10) incontinence as well as NHS supplied nursing equipment (careline.org.uk, 2007). Community Care Policy The National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990, that was phased into operation over a three year period, established a system whereby the needs of individuals were assessed entailing an agreed upon care plan, assigned worker and regular progress reviews (BBC News, 1998). Part of the procedural aspects of the foregoing was identifying those individuals whom might represent a significant risk, either to themselves and or others (BBC News, 1998). Those so identified where placed onto a ‘Supervision Register’ to prevent them from ‘slipping through the net’, which of course did not, and has not proven full proof (BBC News, 1998). The purpose of the National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990 was to â€Å"†¦ split health and social care provision between purchasers and providers to create an internal market† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 16). This approach represented a means â€Å"To curb costs, purchasers were required to assess nee ds, while providers were intended to compete against each other to secure contracts from the purchasers† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 16). The foregoing represented efficiency from the standpoint of governmental administration, however, it shortchanged the ends users, and the patients, in that it immersed them into a bidding supply system that did not place their needs and concerns upper most in the hierarchy. Leathard (2003, p. 16) states that the preceding â€Å"The split between purchasers and providers, as well as the competition between the providers themselves, led to fragmentation of services but a collaborative momentum began to build up between the purchasers†. Important in the foregoing, is the understanding that the methodology provided the District Authorities with the power to purchase hospital care, and the family health service authorities had the responsibility â€Å"†¦for services provided by GPs, pharmacists, dentists and opticians, while local authorities covered the purchasing of all social services in the community† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 18). The Secretary of the Central Association for Mental Welfare, Evelyn Fox, in 1930 stated the pure view of community care was one that has seemingly gotten lost in the translation to practice, (Fox, 1930, p. 71): â€Å"Community Care should vary from the giving of purely friendly advice and help to the various forms of state guardianship with compulsory power . . . It should include the power of affording every kind of assistance to the defective boarding out, maintenance grants, the provision of tools, travelling expenses to and from work, of temporary care, change of air in a word, all those things which will enable a defective to remain safely in his family . . . If the state has undertaken the duty and responsibility of active interference in the life of an individual by supervision, compulsory attention and so forth, it must undertake the corresponding duty of making his life as happy as possible. The effective control of a defective at home does inevitably mean a restriction in his complete freedom to go in and out as he pleases, to make what friends he chooses, to select what type of employment he likes out of those that are open to him. To impose these limitations without at the same time giving compensating interests is to court disaster†. Her statement, which has validity today, saw the family at the centre of community care. In fact, her view was that families should be co-opted to supply effective control (Fox, 1930, p. 73). The policy statements thus far put into action have tended to favour the carers more than the service users, which is shown by the following. The NHS and Community Care Act 1990 is based upon the â€Å"†¦ triumvirate of autonomy, empowerment and choice (Levick, 1992, pp. 76-81). Smart, 2002, p. 102) as well as Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) both state that the ‘Act’ has a major weaknesses in that it fails to account for any critical analysis concerning the role as well as daily practices of care managers. Clements (2000) provides a critical observation in stating that community care law bears the indelible stamp of its poor origins and that the present shape still resembles Beveridges vision of the welfare state. Care in the Community was a policy of the Margaret Thatcher government in the 1990’s whereby she questioned the existence of society and sought via the NHS as well as the Community Care Act 1990 to extend the privatisation agenda into health and community care through the creation of NHS trusts, the greater use of independent residential and nursing homes, and the general promotion of the mixed economy of care (reference.com, 2007). The preceding represented the second shift in the community care / health care approach. The third shift occurred under Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 which casts the definition of a public authority as â€Å"to embrace any person some of whose functions are of a public nature† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The preceding continues â€Å"The expansive nature of this concept was explained by the Lord Chancellor who stated that the key question is whether the body in question has functions of a public nature †¦ If it has any functions of a public nature, it qualifies as a public autho rity† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The foregoing means that â€Å"†¦ private community care providers as represented by residential care home owners, and or voluntary sector service providers such as Age Concern, MIND or housing associations are public authorities in relation to anyone for whom they provide publicly funded care† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). They continue that â€Å"Such providers now shoulder public responsibilities for their vulnerable clients and are accountable in public law for their actions† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The Department of Health has accordingly emphasised the need for English social services departments to ensure that contractors and independent providers are made aware of their new duties† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). Under Article number 2 of the Act, which relates to policy for the Community Care Act 1990, it requires that the government and local authorities take reasonable measures to protect life (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). Studi es conducted by the Times (1994) found that relocating institutionalised elderly people to a new residence may have a dramatic effect on their mental health and life. A study by the Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) indicated that mortality rates run as high as 35% in such instances. Service Users and Carer Perspectives Both aspects point out the fact that the system was not geared to the well being of the users. Further evidence of the foregoing was also expressed by Hardy et al (1999, pp. 483-491) who pointed out that the changes as brought forth in policy by the 1989 white paper ‘Caring for People’ as well as the 1990 NHS and Community Care Act were to increase choices for users as well as carers. The preceding changes were as a result of the fact that service users had been subordinate to professional service providers (Hardy et al, 1999, pp. 483-491). In addition, their had also been an inherent bias of funding that was geared for residential and nursing care and that such had deprived service users of the choice of being cared for in their own homes (Hardy et al, 1999, pp. 483-491). This was expressed by Leathard (2003, p. 16) who stated, â€Å"The split between purchasers and providers, as well as the competition between the providers themselves, led to fragmentation of services but a collaborative momentum began to build up between the purchasers†. The preceding was a result of the efficiency the Act brought to community care which did not address the needs, wishes and concerns of the users as it put them into a bidding system that saved money, but resulted in poorer care. The foregoing included all four areas, disability patients, health patients, as well as mental health, and elderly patients who were caught in policy and practice developments. The Kings Fund Rehabilitation Programme (Hanford et al, 1999) addresses the foregoing deficiencies through policy initiatives based upon three themes, 1) working in partnership, 2) joint planning, and 3) commissioning. The preceding has been further developed through the King’s Fund updated statements on health and social care, in community based settings (King’s Fund, 2003). The combined initiatives have been devised to loosen governmental control and provide more accountability to patients and the local community (King’s Fund, 2003). Such a shift in policy will also affect hospitals as well as other what is termed as frontline providers to thus be more responsive to local needs and potentially improved performance (King’s Fund, 2003). The King’s Fund (1999) pointed out that the primary responsibility for the improvement in health programmes, specifically with regard to community care, lies with the health authorities, The King’s Fund (1999) also pointed out the however it is the local authorities that are expected to work out the objectives in improving the health and well being of their local communities. The initiatives put forth by the King’s Fund (1999) (2003) have been designed and crafted to achieve these lends through streamlining of the policy and operational facets. An important aspect of the 1999 King’s Fund initiative entailed calling for improved preventive services that called upon local authorities to aid users to take on as many tasks as they could for themselves for as long as they could, along with living in their own homes for as long as possible. The preceding was borne out of fiscal realities, in order to better conserve funds. However, in light of the findings of studies conducted by the London Times (1994) as well as the Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) that found that elderly patients that were institutionalized had morality rates that ran as high as 35% in many instances, means that this approach had definitive merits beyond the saving of funds. The foregoing approach was based upon older policy documents by the government that reinforced the methodology of fostering greater independence. Such was put forth by the Department of Health that stated the promotion of independence would â€Å"†¦ have a positive effect on informal or unpaid carers †¦ (King’s Fund, 1999). The King’s Fund (1999) also pointed out under ‘Best Value Initiatives’ â€Å"†¦ local authorities should reduce delays in providing housing adaptations as part of the general move towards increased accountability to local people†. The above recognizes the need as well as better care that users would and do receive from home based care that Evelyn Fox brought forth back in 1930. Her statement â€Å"If the state has undertaken the duty and responsibility of active interference in the life of an individual by supervision, compulsory attention and so forth, it must undertake the corresponding duty of making his life as happy as possible† (Fox, 1930, p. 71). The initiatives of the King’s Fund helped to remove the stigma as indicated by Clements (2000), that community care law bears the indelible stamp of its poor origins and that the present shape still resembles Beveridge’s vision of the welfare state. The initiative also addressed the observations of Smart, 2002, p. 102) as well as Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) who both stated that the ‘Act’ had a major weaknesses in that it failed to account for any critical analysis concerning the role as well as daily practices of care ma nagers. Through promoting more in home care for as long as possible, signaled a change in direction. Policy changes as brought forth in 1997 resulted in the United Kingdom government issuing in June of each year a policy document informing the Health Authorities of their purchasing intentions for the following year (NHS Executive, 1996). Resulting there from were three sets of objectives: long-term objectives and policies; medium-term priorities and objectives for the 1997/98 year; and baseline requirements and objectives for 1997/98 year (NHS Executive, 1996). In the longer term, performance will be assessed under three headings: equity, efficiency, and responsiveness (NHS Executive, 1996, pp. 11-21). Under the 1997 New Labour reforms, Health Authorities are to be responsible for drawing up three-year Health Improvement Programmes, which are to be the framework within which all purchasers and providers operate (NHS Executive, 1996, pp. 11-21). Under Section 17 of the Health Act 1999 it accords wide powers to the Secretary of State to give directions to Health Authorities, Primary C are Trusts, and NHS Trusts. Prior to the 1997 New Labour proposals, monitoring efforts in the UK’s internal market concentrated on a small set of dimensions of output: annual growth in activity, waiting times, and targets for improvements in the health of certain groups of the population (Propper, 1995, pp. 1685). The foregoing is why the Health Authorities had focused on performance being monitored, but not the needs, desires and wishes of patients and carers. Changes in Direction The preceding facets were thus corrected under the indicated 1997 New Labour proposals promise to broaden performance measures to â€Å"things that count for patients, including the costs and results of treatment and care† (Department of Health, 2007). This represented the backbone of the indicated King’s Fund (2003) initiatives that have resulted in better patient and carer involvement. The Human Rights Act has had implications both for service users as well as carers in terms of re-focusing upon rights afforded them. It provides for them to have the right to life, the right to be free from inhuman and or degrading treatment, as well as the right to respect for private and family life (Carers UK, 2005). These aspects might seem as being basic rights that carers should have had all along. However, governmental surveys have shown that all too often the rights of carers are ignored and need to be balanced against the people they care for (Carers UK, 2005). The United Kingdom’s National Strategy for Carers (Carers.UK, 2005) revealed, â€Å"carers’ rights are not adequately considered†. The preceding represents that under the Human Rights Act the rights of patients is balanced against the rights of the carer to mean that their views are considered by social services in the rendering of decisions. In addition, the research uncovered that all too frequently â€Å"carers’ rights are not real† (Carers.UK, 2005). The foregoing refers to assessments of carers regarding either their opinions and or rights as well as those expressed on behalf of their patients. Research conducted uncovered that carers’ all to frequently feel that their views and opinions are not considered in assessments and or decisions (Carers.UK, 2005). The third aspect of this facet represents the fact that carers’ as well as patients feel that â€Å"resources are inadequate to allow rights to be protected† (Carers.UK, 2005). The foregoing refers to the services needed are in all too many instances not available as a result of resources that are inadequate in terms of the cost and or staff time (Carers.UK, 2005). The last aspects refer to â€Å"good practice need not be expensive† (Carers.UK, 2005). The research conducted indicated that there are instances whereby imaginative good practice helped to safeguard the human rights of carers. One such example that was provided referred to the utilization of a 24-hour hotline that enabled carers as well as patients to arrange for support in cases of emergency thus referring to the ‘right to life’ aspect of human rights (Carers.UK, 2005). However, unfortunately, there are too few such examples. Conclusion The King’s Fund has been most progressive in being circumspect as well as balanced in their review and analysis of legislation, policy, procedures and rights as contained in documentation and as provided by carers and patients. Steps to shore up the human rights of carers as well as patients have been implemented under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995 (opsi.gov.uk, 1995) that calls for a separate assessment of carers at the same time one is carried out for patients. The vagueness is being addressed to clear up ambiguities in terms of words and phrases such as ‘substantial care’ services are a result of assessment, autonomy, health and safety, management of daily care routine and involvement (opsi, 2000). The preceding represents four key criteria under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 (opsi, 2000). It corrects the loopholes found under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995 in that anyone over the age of 16 years of age who are or intend to provide substantial care that will be on a regular basis for another individual over the age of 18 years of age is entitled to an assessment (opsi, 2000). The preceding occurs regardless of whether the individual for whom they provide care and or support to has refused community care services (opsi, 2000). Additionally, social workers are advised to provide potential carers of their rights through the hand out of a special booklet that sets forth the benefits in receiving a carers assessment (Carers.UK, 2005). All of the foregoing represent policy and practice developments that are and have addressed a number of carer and patients concerns and issues under community care for disability, health, mental health and the elderly, yet there is still room for improvement. As shown and evidenced throughout this examination, governmental policies in terms of community care policies and practice for the areas of disability, health, mental health and the elderly has been one of evolution. Sometimes however, representing backward steps before moving forward. Evelyn Fox (1930, p. 71) represents an example of progressive thinking and understanding that was not put into practice initially, but was gradually recognized as the approach later in the process. Her statement that placed the family at the center of community care was initially usurped by the efficiency of the National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990 was devised to curb costs, but shortchanged patients and carers (Leathard, 2003, p. 16). As the system evolved, through its triumvirate of autonomy, empowerment and choice (Levick, 1992, pp. 76-81), it was impacted by the Human Rights Act 1998 and more recently by the combined initiatives of the King’s Fund (2003). These initiatives helped to reshape the inadequacies as presented by the efficient governmental system and adding more humanity, understanding and caring. Through addressing the observations of Smart, 2002, p. 102) along with Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) who commented that the Act’s major weaknesses represented its failure to account for a critical analysis of the roles and daily care practices of carers and the importance of maintaining home care for as long as possible. Additionally, the King’s Fund (2003) initiatives brought forth the importance of the carer, patient voice in their affairs as a part of the overall community based care programmes. Thus, after 80 years, the system as swung back to Evelyn Fox (1930. p. 71). Family, after all, is the basis for the community, and as such is the foundation of community care. Bibliography Bacigalupo, V., Bornat, J., Bytheway, B., Johnson, J., Spurr, S. (2002) Understanding Care, Welfare and Community: A Reader. Routledge, London, United Kingdom BBC News (1998) The origins of care in the community. 29 July 1998. Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/background_briefings/politics_of_health/141204.stm Biggs, S., Powell, J. (2000) Surveillance and Elder Abuse: The Rationalities and Technologies of Community Care. Vol. 4, No. 1. Journal of Contemporary Health Booker, C., Repper, J. (1998) Serious Mental Health Problems in the Community: Policy, Practice and Research. Balliere Tindall, London, United Kingdom careline.org.uk (2007) What is Community Care? Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://www.careline.org.uk/section.asp?docid=166 Carers UK (2005) Whose rights are they anyway? Carers and the Human Rights Act. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.carersuk.org/Policyandpractice/PolicyResources/Research/ResearchHumanRightsReport.pdf Clements, L. (2000) Community Care and the Law. Legal Action, London, United Kingdom Department of Health (2007) The New NHS. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/doh/newnhs/newnhs.htm Foster, A., Robert, V. (1998) Managing Mental Health Care in the Community: Chaos and Containment. Routledge, London, United Kingdom Fox, V. (1930) Community Schemes for the Social Control of Mental Defectives. Vol. 31. Mental Welfare Hanford, L., Easterbrook, L., Stevenson, J. (1999) King’s Fund Rehabilitation Programme. King’s Fund, London, United Kingdom Hardy, B., Young, R., Winslow, G. (1999) Dimensions of Choice in the assessment and care management process: the views of older people, carers and care mangers. Vol. 7, No. 6. Health and Social Care in the Community. Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2004) Community care development: a new concept. Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialcare/534.asp Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) Relocation of the aged and disabled. Vol. 11. of American Geriatric Society King’s Fund (2003) Kings Fund statement on the health and social care (community health and standards) bill. Retrieved on 13 May 2007 from http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/news/press_releases/kings_fund_34.html Leathard, A. (2003) Interprofessional Collaboration: From Policy to Practice in Health and Social Care. Brunner-Routledge, London, United Kingdom Levick, P. (1992) The Janus face of community care legislation: An opportunity for radical. Vol. 34. Critical Social Policy NHS Executive (1996) Priorities and Planning Guidance for the NHS. NHS Executive opsi.gov.uk (2000) Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000016.htm opsi.gov.uk (1995) Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/Ukpga_19950012_en_1.htm Propper, C. (1995) Agency and Incentives in the NHS Internal Market. Vol. 40, No. 12. Social Science Medicine reference.com (2007) Care in the Community. Retrieved on 12 May 2007 from http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Care_in_the_Community Smart, B. (2002) Michel Foucault. Routledge, New York, N.Y., United States Times (1994) Elderly patients die within weeks of transfer. 7 July 1994. The Times, London, United Kingdom

Case Study Analysis Ryanair The Low Fares Airline Management Essay

Case Study Analysis Ryanair The Low Fares Airline Management Essay The key objective of this report is to critically evaluate the strategy of Ryanair against the backdrop of the European air line industry and the bludgeoning Budget sector, in response to the challenges facing the Industry as a whole and Ryan air in particular also has evaluated the Ryan airs bid for fellow Irish carrier, Aer Lingus. This evaluation is done by using a strategic analysis of environment and the industry as well as the company, present strategic choices recommended new strategic initiatives and areas for improving strategy implementation using Macro-environment analysis, Industry analysis and Internal analysis. The analysis has been done by using significant theories such as PESTEL analysis, Porters five forces, Strategic group model, key success factors and value chain etc. knowledge on Ryanair. Through the Ryanair environmental analysis unproductive strategic decisions have been identified and finally suggest the recommendations to develop Ryanairs competitive gain in the future. (2.0) Introduction This document is based on the case provided; Ryanair the low-fairs Airline which was written by Eleanor OHiggins, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland in 2007. Ryanair is Europes first and largest law fares airline which started 1985 by Ryan family. (Ryanair website) Its an Irish airline with head office in Dublin and its biggest operational base at London Stansted Airport in the UK (Ryanair Europes greenest airline n.d).Ryanairs has grown steadily to now in the most environmentally friendly way by investing in the latest aircraft and engine technologies which have reduced fuel burn and CO2 emissions and the implementation of certain operational and commercial decisions. According to the case the report has critically evaluated the strategy of Ryanair against the backdrop of the European air line industry and the bludgeoning Budget sector, in response to the challenges facing the Industry as a whole and Ryan air in particular also has evaluated the Ryan airs bid for fellow Irish carrier, Aer Lingus. For this evaluation as a member of the management consulting firm I have provided a strategic analysis of environment and the industry as well as the company, present strategic choices recommended new strategic initiatives and areas for improving strategy implementation using Macro-environment analysis, Industry analysis and Internal analysis from this document to the senior management team of Ryanair. The analysis of this report was done with the support of the provided case information, Ryanair website, industry related information from academic books, journals, websites, and other publicly available secondary data sources. (3.0) Overview of Ryanair Ryanair is a global airline which provides scheduled passenger airline services between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Starting in 1985 Ryanair followed the example of Southwest Airlines. It was set up with a share capital of just  £1 and a new staff base of 25. Since 1985 to now it has grown massively into one of the Europes largest low fare carrier. In 1990 the company suffered a  £20 million loss and was forced to completely restructure and a new management team was brought in headed by Michael OLeary who made major changes to the airline. Ryanair restructured itself and became a low-fares, no -frills carrier. After the next few years Ryan air significantly slashed its fares further and managed to open up many new routes. Today, Ryan Air has destinations in 26 countries with 950 routes. Also the headquartered in Dublin, employs about 4,200 people, operates with a fleet size of 120 Boeing 737-800, carries approximately 35 Mio passengers a year and had a turnover of 1,692.5 Mio in 2006 with a net profitability of about 10% (Mayor, 2007). Furthermore revenue has risen from à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬231 million in 1998 to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2,714 million in 2008 and net profits have increased from à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬48 million to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬480 million, over the same period despite the worldwide recession and the high oil prices. (3.1) Vision Ryanairs CEO, Michael OLeary, has a vision of a world where the fare could drop to nothing as local communities would subsidize the airline to bring a steady traffic of business people and tourists to their region. (Ryanair Report, 1997) Mission Statement Ryanair will become Europeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ²s most profitable lowest cost airline by rolling out our proven `low-fare-no-frillsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ² service in all markets in which we operate, to the benefit of our passengers, people, and shareholders. (Mayor, 2007) Ryanair aims to offer low fares that generate increased passenger traffic with a continuous focus on cost-containment and operating efficiencies. Moreover Ryanair has main objective and other objectives to stay as the favorable and low cost airline in Europe. (Please Refer Appendix 01). Also refer Appendix 02 for financial analysis. (3.3) Critical Issues Though Ryanair has gone quite well all the way to now I have identified below critical problems through out the case. Major critical issues are; Negative public image due to aggressive CEO and unfriendly staff. Immature handling of sensitive issues such as criticizing politicians, disabled passengers Misleading advertisements and messy website. Unreasonable ancillary charges for example wheelchair charges, check in baggage charges, refund handling charges etc. Leadership issues (4.0) Environmental Analysis Environment has a great impact on functioning of any business. Environmental analysis is the process of monitoring the organizational environment to identify both present and future threats and opportunities that may influence the firms ability to reach its goals. (Certo Peter 1991). Its important to a business to adapt to the environment to be successful hence it needs to be analysis both internal and external environment. (4.1) External Environment Analysis Purpose of an external environment analysis is to identify or develop a finite list of opportunities that could benefit a firm and threats that could be avoided. Firms should be able to respond either offensively or defensively to the factors by formulating strategies that take advantage of external opportunities or that minimize the impact of potential threats. The external analysis can be divided into macro environment and industry analyses. (4.1.1) Macro Environment Analysis There are several influences of macro-environment on Ryanair within their operating countries. Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors had created a considerable impact in macro environment on the performance in a company. This is known as PESTEL Analysis. Please Refer Appendix 03 (4.1.2) Industry Analysis Industry can be defined as a group of organization or business unit producing close substitutes (Fletcher 2003). The aim of this analysis is to assess the industry environment and answer the following questions. Whatre the forces within the industry which are determining the profitability of the industry? Howre the forces changing and expected to change overtime? How will those changes affect future profitability? For the analysis of Ryanair industry environment have used porters five forces model and Strategic group. Please refer the Appendix 04 05 (4.2) Internal Environment Analysis An internal analysis should be conducted in-order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an organization. It also assist the firm to find-out its resources and capabilities in-order to utilize those resources to the best potential. The main objective of internal analysis for this case is to measure the Ryanairs resources in terms of other major competitors such as Easy jet and South West air lines. For the internal analysis have used value chain model and key successes factors. Please Refer Appendix 06. (4.2.1) Key successful Factors Key successful factors are some of the important factors which are necessary in business. It brings a comparative advantage to the business. It is highlighted that low-cost companies concentrate on offering the lowest prices as the first critical success factor. Although Ryanair had encountered different problems especially in line with its cost structures, the company had been able to survive and grow in the marketplace. They have implemented different marketing strategy to make the company survive in the competition and to gain a competitive position in the airline market.   Ryanair has recognised recently as the most punctual airline between Dublin and London and also recognised as the second largest airline in United Kingdom and Europes largest low-fares airline because of the strategy of it. Technology related Expertise in given industry technology Scientific technology expertise in airline industry Making Internet the primary base of distribution and marketing Distribution related Accurate filling of customers orders A strong network of communication via internet Low distribution cost Marketing related Fast, accurate technical assistance Courteous customer service Clever advertising Manufacturing related Access to adequate supplies of skilled labor A strong brand identity among the buyers Low cost marketing and distribution methods Skills related Superior work power talent Ability to develop new products and product improvements. Expertise in technology Organizational capability Superior information system Experiential top management SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis given below is to help Ryanair to achieve their mission and objectives by capitalizing on opportunities using their strengths and reducing their weaknesses and threats. Strengths Ryanair is the 1st to launch low cost flights in Europe and has continuously maintained the low fare policy. They have a strong brand image and strong bargaining power in airport deals. Aggressive and Innovative leadership (CEO- Mr. Michael OLeary). Larger market share New fleets results in maximum aircraft utilization. Weaknesses Earn publicity through negative press reporting which affect brand image. Very poor customer relations which is damaging to the success. Low level of understanding for employees Misleading advertisements about ticket fares and destinations. In-flight mobile phones and gambling can deter some customers Opportunities Withdrawal of traditional companies from most of the less traffic intense point to point routes using regional airports. Industry growth in European air travel industry Being an fine choice of most of the market due to recession Threats Upper middle class economy travelers may seek greater value proposition than just low fares. Increasing Prices of Oil Markets and fluctuating currency issues Terrorism Impending legislations for environment protection. Recommendation. The whole analysis has summarized both pluses and minuses in the company. Through examining the Treats and weaknesses the following recommendation could be illustrates. Following strategies can be used to decrease the weaknesses and avoid threats of the company and improve its competitive upgrading. Total Quality Management The low cost strategy has hided the quality of the service. To attract and retain the customers Ryanair has to follow an effective total quality management process. Efficient total quality management values could make a great difference in the service quality. It will not only enhance the quality but also it will increase the productivity. Thus effective quality management will make the brand identity stronger and make a more brand loyalty with in customer base. Competitors Competitors like easyJet, Air Berlin, Basic Air are catering to the value market division and have established slots at some main airports and providing basic cost effective services. Later acquiring the Aer Lingus would increase Ryanairs showings in stock market and faster growth in to the value oriented market segments. Therefore Ryanair need to be more concern about the low price strategy. Customer Relationship Management In the service sector what is important is the satisfaction of the customers. Due to poor facilities and ancillary services Ryanair has lost their customer relationship. Therefore, a strong CRM strategy should be implemented to minimize the weaknesses of the company. Apart from the CRM strategies Ryanair could move on to CSR projects to draw the corporate position to the organization. (7.0) Conclusion Ryanair is the most favorable low fare airline in the Europe and with this they have been successful all the way so far. But now I can conclude from the above analysis that Ryanair have to develop a successful strategy not for only winning the low fare strategy but gaining a stable position in the value segment and in new non-European markets. References Barrett, S., (2000), Journal of air transportation of Transport Management Vol.6, pp. 13-27 (Butterworth-Heinemann; Oxford) David, F. R. (2005). Strategic Management (10th Ed.). NJ:Prentice hall Fletcher, J. (2003). Strategic Management à Ã‚ ¨ study guide and plan. Edith Cowan University. Lynch, R. (2003), Corporate Strategy, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall Financial Times Mayer, S. (2007). Ryanair and its low cost flights in Europe. University of the Sunshine Coast Queensland (Business Faculty). Retrieved April 23, 2010, from http://www.grin.com/e-book/87815/ryanair-and-its-low-cost-flights-in-europe Paul, V. (2007). French Accent Ryanair Slow on Emotion, Retrieved from April 27, 2010, from http://www.brandchannel.com/brand_speak.asp?bs_id=72 Ryanair case study analysis (2009), Retrieved from April 27, 2010, from http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2009/04/case-study-analysis-ryanair.html Ryanair and its low cost flights in Europe (2007), Retrieved from April 28, 2010, from http://www.grin.com/e-book/87815/ryanair-and-its-low-cost-flights-in-europe Ryanair Europes greenest airline. (2006). Retrieved from April 28, 2010, from http://www.ryanair.com/en/about/ryanair-and-the-environment (9.0) APPENDIX Appendix 01 Ryanair main objective is to: Offer the lowest fares at all time on all routes: Ryanair main objective is to establish itself as Europes leading low-fares scheduled passenger airline through continued improvements and expanding offerings of its low-fares service. Ryanair other objectives are to; Continue to find ways of reducing costs Though Ryanair has the lowest cost base of any of its competitors Ryanair can continue to lower its cost base as it grows even if at a slower pace. Ryanair 100% online Ryanair expect continuing to use the internet as its primary point of sale and over the next 5 years the aim is to have 100% of bookings via the internet so as to reduce the costly call centers. Increase the Frequency of Existing Routes On the moment Ryanair have an average of 3.88 flights per day per route. This figure, compared to Easyjet and traditional carriers, is very low. It means that Ryanair is losing out on business passengers who need more flexible timetables. If Ryanair can enhance the frequency on some of their routes they possibly will effectively steal some of the passengers from the traditional carriers thus increasing market share. Open New Routes in Europe There are many possible routes still un-served by low-cost carriers. Ryanair can also open routes where the competition is a more expensive for traditional carrier while attracting customers with the cheaper, no-frills option. Develop Its Smaller Continental Operating Bases Ryanair must look to other operating bases to expand their network. Although there is not the same demand outside there is still sufficient demand to make a considerable profit. Source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkcd=1HYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkhl =enHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkct=clnkHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkHYPERLINK http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:FfQQcO538yAJ:solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdf+http://solvay.ulb.ac.be/cours/alle/BuspPresRyanair04.pdfcd=1hl=enct=clnkgl=lkgl=lk) Appendix 02 Financial Analysis Appendix 03 PESTEL ANALYSIS Political In political factor focused on Government stability, Taxation policy, foreign trade regulations and Social welfare policies but in the Ryanair case according to the provided information affected to; Increase of route charge by the government In 2006, airport and handling charges increased by 21%, slower than the growth in passenger numbers, reflecting a net reduction in costs from deals at new airports and bases despite increased costs at certain existing airports such as Stansted. Increase in trade union pressure Some of the countries in Europe have formed a trade-union among each others and due to this it gives the pressure for Ryanair to do business in these countries. Furthermore the Europe Union (EU) has expanded in the past few years and it is a big factor that affects the direction and strategy planning for Ryanair. Government passed The law for carbon emission to aviation industry to compensate further taxes Ryanair replaced its fleet of old aircraft with new more environmental friendly aircraft. The newer aircraft produced 50% less emissions, 45%less fuel burn and 45% lower noise emissions per seat. UK government put on compulsory security measures and restrictions due to terrorism attacks on airlines in August 2006, UK authorities imposed severe security measures at all airports in the face of an alleged imminent terrorist plot to attack up to 10 aircraft on transatlantic routes. Economical According to the Fletcher, 2003; The health of a nations economy affects the performance of individual firms and industries. The economic environment refers to the nature and direction of the economy in which a firm competes or may compete (Fletcher, 2003, M.3, P. 4) Economical Analysis consists of GDP, Price fluctuations, unemployment trends, depreciation of U.S dollars, interest rates and economies of scale etc. In Ryanair case they have affected by; High price ceiling of petroleum products and fuels From 2005 fuel prices are increased and Ryanairs fuel costs represented 35% of operating costs in 2006 compared with 27% the year before. Energy and fuel costs are cause of uncertainty Also jet fuel cost fluctuations are unpredictable and not controllable. Social The socio-cultural environment represents the set of values, ideals and other characteristics that distinguish members of one group from those of another according to the Fletcher, 2003, M. 3, P. 3). Organizations need to be aware of these factors because they can straightly affect the way the organizations manage the operations, more importantly human resources and marketing. Change in the mode of travelling due to the terrorist attacks Because of the terrorists attacks there was a treat that passengers would choose other forms of transport such as trains rather than facing to the inconvenience and expense of checking in luggage and extra time spent in airport security queues. Increase in travelling life style and flying patterns. Technology Many new advances in technologies can affect the way businesses are competing. Technological developments represent a real opportunity for the skillful people who can understand and apply them appropriately. It also helpful to reduce its costs effectively and furthermore can maintain good relationship with customers. Technological analysis consists of new communication technologies, product innovations, new product development and application of knowledge etc. Related to the Ryanair occurred; Technological expansion Ryanair has introduced new technological environmental friendly airlines in order to make profits High fuel efficiency, less noise pollution and lessening of carbon pollution using Boeing 737 planes Ryanair tries to reduce pollution. Web sales/services Ryanair tries completely to do online check-in in the future. Environment This consists of changes in environment that can impact on industries such as tourism and farming etc. nowadays more and more people are concerned about global warming and green house gas effects. According to the case Ryanair affect environment by; Contributing Global warming though Ryanair contribute to the global warming up to some certain they have introduced new aircrafts that reduce fuel burn in 45%. Noise level controls Also they have lower the noise emission in 45% in their new aircrafts. Legal Legal analysis consists of competition law, health and safety, employment law and product safety. As in the case Ryanair affected by; Allegations of misleading advertisement Ryanair accused it of misleading passengers on its website by exaggerating the prices of its competitors in making comparisons. Safety measures; pilots and passengers In July 2006 the Irish high court found out that Ryanair had bullied pilots and forced them to agree to a new contract, pilots had to pay à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 15000 for retraining on a new aircraft if they left the airline. In 2006 pilots of Ryanair lodged a pay claim stating that there is significant difference in take home pay between Ryanair and Aer Lingus pilots it also claimed that training pilots were working for nothing. Also the case says Ryanair has charged more money for the insurance than its actual amount. Appendix 04 Porters Five Forces Model. This five forces model is developed by Michael Porter and it described five forces which are Bargaining power of Suppliers, Bargaining power of customers, New entrants, Threat of Substitutes and Competitive Rivalry. These forces have analyzed below according to the Ryanair. Source: http://notesdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/porters-five-forces-model.jpg Bargaining Power of Suppliers Aircraft Suppliers Boeing is Ryanairs main supplier. There are only 2 possible suppliers of planes. They are Boeing and Airbus. Fuel Suppliers Price of aviation fuel is straightly related to the cost of oil (Ryanair controls these through hedging Regional and Bigger Airports Regional Airports have little bargaining power as they are heavily dependent on one Airline. Bigger airports, where Ryanairs competitors operate, have greater bargaining power. Ryanairs policy is to try and avoid these airports. Bargaining Power of Customers Low price Customers are price sensitive and they know about the low cost of supplying the service from Ryanair. Distribution power of travel agents was decreasing as prospects used to book tickets from internet or through direct booking. So it was a threat to travel agents, so they employed to offer complete travel solutions to customers. Direct bookings on the Ryanair website has meant that there have been savings in the region of 42.6% in marketing and distribution costs. New Entrants Some barriers to entry there are some regulations when entering to the European countries. High capital investment at the beginning of the new airlines need big financials otherwise there is a threat of losing money. Restricted slot availability makes it more difficult to find suitable airports European countries have many landing slots that were reserved or used by national carriers. Also for new entrants have a need for low cost bases. Threat of Substitutes Other modes of transport the treat of substitutes to the airline industry comes in three main forms. These are road, rail and boat service. Of these, rail would seem to suggest the maximum threat because, certainly around Europe, it offers a brilliant continental service around the main cities that Ryanair fly to. No switching costs for the customer there is no switching cost when changing the traveling mode and there is no close relationship between customers. Competitive Rivalry Most cost advantages can be copied immediately However if any company does choose to race on the same basis as Ryanair there will be heavy pressure on prices, margins and hence on profitability Low frills and low price Ryanair has a benefit over other airlines because their policy of bundling low frills and low prices together means that they are competing for the more price responsive customer. Appendix 05 Strategic Group Model Strategic group is a group of firms in an industry following the same or a similar strategy along the same strategic dimensions. (Fletcher 2003) It consists of competitors competes with similar strategic dimensions such as product, quality, target market, geographical area. Firms are competing directly with the aligned strategic groups as they hold same strategic scope. (Porter 1980) The below graph represent the strategic group analysis for the airline industry. The grouping has been done accordance to the dimensions of quality and price. 1st strategic group This is the basic strategic dimensions of this strategic group and Ryanair provides low cost fares with no frills. Ryanairs major competitor in this strategic group is Easy jet as they contain a similar resource promise in the industry. 2nd strategic group These companies targets the middle class hence they offer fares for a moderate cost and the service contain reasonable quality. The major players in this strategic group are Ethihad, Thai, Qatar and Kuwait air ways. 3rd strategic group: Emirates, British airways and Singapore airways generally targets the high end people. They provide a luxuries service with a high pricing system. According to the Strategic group Model Identifying Strategic group layers would enhance the understanding about the direct competitors, Different bases of competitive rivalry within the strategic group and also the threats and opportunities could be examined very clearly as it narrow downs the major players in the same category.