Westjet Verses Air Canada

Introduction This paper aims at contrasting two airlines, Westjet and Air Canada in terms of their financial performance and survival. The two airlines are based in Canada. Westjet is a low cost airline operating mainly within Canada and North America.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Westjet Verses Air Canada specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It was founded in 1996 and has since been able to acquire a fleet of 88 modern aircrafts â€Å"flying to over 70 destinations in Canada, the US, the Caribbean and Mexico† (Westjet, 2011). As at 31 December 2010, the firm had employed over 8000 workers. Westjet is one of the most profitable airlines in North America besides being associated with the best customer services. Air Canada on the other hand is the largest full-service airline in Canada (Air Canada, 2011). It is the largest provider of passenger flights within Canada and from Canada to major destinations such as US. It was founded in 1937 and has since achieved the status of â€Å"15th largest commercial airline globally† (Air Canada, 2011). As at 31 December 2010, the firm had employed 23200 workers. Currently, it serves 178 destinations directly and 1160 destinations in conjunction with its regional partners (Air Canada, 2011). The factors that affect the performance of these airlines are as follows. Factors in Airline Business: PESTE Analysis Political Canada is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. The political stability has enabled the country to achieve rapid economic growth. This has led to high demand in the country’s aviation industry (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). Canada has strong political ties with most foreign countries thus enabling it to enjoy favorable terms of trade with them. Besides Canada is a member of major trade agreements and trading blocks such as NAFTA, Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement and Canada-European Free Trade Association of Trade Agreement. This has enabled Canadian airlines to join the markets operating under the trade agreements thus increasing their market shares (Clougherty, 2009, pp. 440-468).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Air Canada has particularly improved its profitability in the cargo flight business due to the increase in trade volume among NAFTA member countries. Currently, Canada is negotiating for more ‘free trade agreements’ with Asian countries and this will further increase demand for its airlines. Economic Canada has â€Å"the 9th largest economy in the world† (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). Its economy has since recovered from the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. Currently, its economy is growing at a rate of 5.6% which has resulted into high economic activity and high disposable income among the citizens (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). This has led to high dema nd in its aviation industry. Besides, its low inflation rate of 1.6% as at 31st December 2010 has led a reduction in air ticket prices thus stimulating demand for flights (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). The airlines have been able to access cheap supplies such as petroleum due to the low inflation. This enables them to improve their competitiveness at international level through low prices. Robust economic growth in emerging economies in Asia and South America has also led to high demand for flights at international level. Social Canada has one of the wealthiest populations in the world. Canada’s GDP per capita by â€Å"purchasing power parity is $43100† (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). Over 90% of its population lives above the poverty line (Cotis, 2010, pp. 3-20). Consequently, majority of Canadians especially those living in urban areas are able to afford flights. Besides, the citizens are price sensitive and this explains the high pressure on prices in the aviation industry. Cana dians are keen on service quality and this has prompted most airlines to focus on product differentiation (Wulung, 2008, pp. 178-185). Westjet in particular is distinguished in the market as the best provider of customer services. Technology Technology is the driving force in the aviation industry since it determines the ability of the airlines to meet safety standards, achieve innovation and product development. Both Westjet and Air Canada have invested in modern technology to differentiate their products.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Westjet Verses Air Canada specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example Air Canada’s customers can book and confirm the status of their flights through their mobile phones (Air Canada, 2011). Both companies are using their websites for sales and marketing. Investments in modern aircrafts enable the firms to ensure the safety of their passengers. Besides, the modern aircr afts are efficient in fuel consumption thus lowering costs. Environment Air transportation is associated with air pollution due to the green house gases produced by aircrafts (Forsyth, 2010, pp. 204-255). Consequently, the industry regulators and environmentalist have teamed up to ensure that airlines operate aircrafts that are mechanically sound in order to avoid pollution. Airlines normally pay for air pollution through emission fines or fees. They also actively engage in environmental protection programs. This results into high operating costs. Legal Legal factors refer to the rules used to regulate the Canadian aviation industry. The industry is highly regulated in order to promote fair competition and customers’ safety. Regulation focuses on the mechanical status of the aircrafts, routes to be served and ownership of airlines (Competition Bureau, 2010). The implementation of the Competition Act for instance, forced Air Canada to reduce its market share in order to reduce its dominance in the industry (Competition Bureau, 2010). SWOT Analysis Westjet  Strengths Westjet is associated with the following strengths. First, it is the best in the provision of customer services. For example, it was â€Å"named a J.D power house in 2011† (Westjet, 2011). Excellent customer services have enabled it to ensure customer loyalty. Second, it has been able to maintain competitive prices. Consequently, it has been able to easily penetrate the market. Third, investment in modern aircrafts has enabled the firm to lower its expenditure on fuel. Finally, it was â€Å"inducted into the corporate hall of fame in 2010 after being named one of Canada’s most admired corporate culture† (Westjet, 2011) for three consecutive years. This means that it has excellent management polices and this explains its robust economic performance.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Weaknesses Westjet’s weaknesses are as follows. It has a relatively small market share as compared to Air Canada. It serves only 78 destinations as compared to the 1167 served by Air Canada. This limits its ability to realize high returns. It also offers a limited number of products. It mainly concentrates on passenger flights, accommodation and car rental services (Westjet, 2011). Besides, it mainly operates in US, the Caribbean and Canada. Thus it is likely to be adversely affected in the vent of an economic crisis in the region it serves. Opportunities The opportunities available to Westjet include the following. First, the implementation of the Competition Act has led to elimination of monopolistic tendencies such as predator pricing in the industry. This gives it the opportunity to sell its products at optimal prices. Second, Air Canada has given â€Å"42 peak hours slots at Toronto’s Passengers’ Airport† (Competition Bureau, 2010). Thus Westjet has the opportunity to use the slots forfeited by Air Canada to connect to East Canada. Finally, its partnerships with American airlines give it the opportunity to increase its route network by using its partners’ aircrafts to connect its passengers to destinations it does not serve (Westjet, 2011). Threats Westjet faces the following threats. First, Air Canada has always used its dominant position to prevent competition in the industry (Competition Bureau, 2010). Thus Westjet will have to depend on Competition Bureau’s ability to enforce fair competition in order to penetrate the market. Second, increase in oil prices has resulted into a reduction in the firm’s profits. Finally, restriction on airline ownership limits the firm’s ability to expand through partnerships with foreign airlines. Air Canada Strengths Air Canada is associated with the following strengths. First, it has the largest market share of about 57% (Competition Bureau, 2010). This has enable d it to achieve high returns and profitability. Second, it offers a wide range of products which include car rental services, accommodation, cargo flights and specialized flights for sports organizations and private companies. This has enabled it to increase its revenue and market share. Third, it has modern aircrafts with an aircraft age of 10.7 years (Air Canada, 2011). Besides, its aircrafts have the best entertainment and on-flight communication systems. Consequently, it was voted the best airline by Skytrax in 2010. Finally, it enjoys economies of scale since it is a member of the Star Alliance. It connects its passengers to various destinations through airlines in the alliance at low costs. Weaknesses Air Canada’s weaknesses are as follows. It has not been able to maintain its market share following the implementation of the Competition Act. Its market share has since reduced from 70% in 2000 to 57% in 2010 (Competition Bureau, 2010). As a network airline, it has been a ssociated with customer dissatisfaction due to the inconveniences attributed to inefficiencies of airline alliances. Connecting passengers through Star Alliance’s airlines has always been characterized by flight delays, several stopovers and inconsistent baggage rules. Opportunities The opportunities available to Air Canada include the following. First, the world economy is already recovering from the 2008/2009 financial crisis (Franke and John, 2010, 19-26). Besides, emerging economies are realizing high economic growth. These trends have led to high demand for flights at the international level. Thus Air Canada has the opportunity to increase its revenue by taking advantage of the high demand. Second, most domestic airlines in Canada have failed to expand their operations due to their poor financial performance. Thus Air Canada has the opportunity to expand its operations by acquiring the underperforming airlines. Finally, deregulation at international level especially in E urope is an opportunity to Air Canada to join the deregulated markets hence increasing its market share (Morrell, 2008, pp. 61-67). Threats Air Canada faces the following threats. Firsts, fluctuations in oil prices have adversely affected its performance by increasing operating costs. Second, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates results into a reduction in its profitability. For example, the strengthening of the Canadian dollar in 2010 resulted into high prices for Air Canada’s products at the international market thus lowering demand for its flights (Air Canada, 2011). Finally, with the implementation of the Competition Act, Air Canada will have to continue reducing its market share in order to enhance competition in the market. This will lower its profitability. Analysis of Possible Future Trends Factors likely to Influence Future Performance First, technological advancement in aviation industry as well as information and communication industry will determine performance. Such technological advancements will influence operations such as ticketing, customer services and efficiency of aircrafts. Second, oil prices will influence performance in future. Fuel costs form the greatest percentage of operation cost in aviation industry (Trethway, 2004, pp. 3-14). Thus if the prices of oil keeps rising, the demand for flights will reduce as operators pass the high oil prices to customers through high prices. Third, economic performance both at domestic and international level will affect performance. Strong economic growth will ensure robust growth in the aviation industry. Finally regulation and competition will determine the performance of airlines (Daraban and Fournier, 2008, pp. 15-24). High competition and regulation is likely to reduce growth in the industry. Actions to be taken by the Airlines The following actions can be taken by the two airlines to overcome turbulent times in future. First, they can â€Å"enter into fuel hedging contracts† (Tre thway, 2004, pp. 3-14) in order to reduce their vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices. Through such contracts, the firms will pay fixed fuel prices thus enabling them to control their fuel costs. Second, they can focus on maintaining competitive operating costs (Hazeldine, 2010, pp. 40-43). This can be achieved by acquiring modern aircrafts that are efficient in fuel consumption. Third, Westjet can join an airline alliance while Air Canada can increase its participation in Star Alliance. This will enable them to increase their market share in future at low costs. Fourth, in order to overcome the effects of poor economic performance, the airlines can diversify their businesses by investing in other industries. During the 2008/2009 global financial crisis, German’s Lufthansa survived since it was able to boost its passenger flight segment with revenue from its mining and real estate business segments (Hazeldine, 2010, pp. 40-43). Finally, they should focus on joining dere gulated markets in order to pursue their expansion plans effectively. Airline Product and Marketing Strategy Marketing Strategy Westjet’s marketing strategy focuses on maintaining low prices and providing excellent customer services. It charges low prices in order to penetrate the market and achieve its objective of being one of the top five largest airlines in Canada by 2016 (Westjet, 2011). It focuses of excellent customer services in order to ensure customer loyalty. This has been achieved by introducing new products and services such as non-stop flights and pre-reserved seating. Air Canada’s marketing strategy focuses on product differentiation in order to maintain its dominant position in the market. This is being implemented as follows. First, the firm has introduced innovative pricing system which allows customers to â€Å"customize their tickets by paying only for services they wish to pay for† (Air Canada, 2011). This leads to low prices and high custom er satisfaction. Second, the firm is focusing on high service quality. It has since completed its purchase of new aircrafts and refurbishing its existing aircrafts. Its aircrafts are associated with comfort, memorable entertainment experiences and safety. This has enabled it to retain its existing customers. Brand Equity Air Canada has the highest brand equity in the industry due to its dominant market position. Through its high quality products, most customers identify with it as the best airline in the region (Air Canada, 2011). The high level of brand equity has been achieved through investing in product differentiation. Westjet’s brand equity is relatively low as compared to Air Canada’s. Even though the firm is distinguished in the market by its low prices and excellent customer services, its brand equity has not improved due to the following reasons. First, it serves very few destinations and thus not used by many customers (Westjet, 2011). Second, it offers only a few services thus most customers find it inconvenient. Marketing Channels The airlines use similar marketing channels. The internet is the main marketing channel used by the airlines. They all have marketing websites through which customers can access product information, make enquiries and purchase tickets instantly. They also use social networks to market their products. Air Canada has recently introduced marketing through mobile phones (Air Canada, 2011). The two airlines also post their adverts on both print and electronic media. Competitors At domestic level, Air Canada lacks intense competition especially in the full service segment of the industry. However, it competes with low cost airlines such as Canada 3000 and Westjet. At international level, it competes with major airlines such as Delta, Emirates and Lufthansa (Trethway, 2004, pp. 3-14). Westjet’s competitors in the low cost segment include Canjet, Royal and Canada 3000. Frequent Flayer Program Both airlines h ave frequent flyer programs. Westjet’s is referred to as frequent guest program (Westjet, 2011). The program allows Westjet’s customers who spend over $1500 dollars to earn ‘Westjet dollars’ which they can use to purchase Westjet tickets. The program has no restrictions on destinations. Air Canada’s is referred to as the rapider program (Air Canada, 2011). In this case, the airline’s customers can earn a minimum of 3000 miles and a maximum of 25,000 miles by flying with Air Canada regularly. However, the bonuses can only be used on limited routes such as Montreal, Toronto and Pearson. Assessing of Success of Marketing Strategy Passengers usually chose Westjet due to its low prices and unparalleled customer services in the industry. As discussed earlier, low prices and best customer services are the factors that differentiate Westjet. Thus these factors form its main selling point in the market. The firm’s marketing strategy led to an i ncrease in load factor by 1.2 points to 79.9% in 2010 (Westjet, 2011). Passengers normally chose Air Canada due to the wide range of products it offers and the high quality of its services. From earlier discussions, Air Canada is differentiated by its service quality and the wide variety of products it offers. Thus these are its main selling points. The marketing strategy enabled it to increase its load factor by 1point to 81.7% in 2010 (Air Canada, 2011). Product Lifecycle Airline products are at maturity stage due to the following reasons. First, there is high pressure on prices as competition increases (Trethway, 2004, pp. 3-14). Second, there is an increase in the number of firms joining the industry following the removal of entry barriers. Third, firms are able to lower operating costs by joining airline alliances and forming regional partnerships (Trethway, 2004, pp. 3-14). Finally, the firms highly depend on product differentiation in order to increase or maintain their marke t shares. Business Model Low Cost Model The low cost model is associated with low prices which help in increasing the sales volume, market share and profits (Graham, 2009, pp. 306-316). It is also associated with greater emphasis on efficiency in order to lower operating cost and ticket prices. Finally it encourages fast turnaround time and full utilization of aircrafts (Graham, 2009, pp. 306-316). However, the flights are less comfortable as airlines cutback on the number of services they offer in order to reduce costs. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Besides, emphasis on cost reduction makes product differentiation difficult. Full Service Model The full service model is associated with high product quality which leads to customer satisfaction. The airlines using this model are able to offer a wide variety of services thus increasing their profits (Graham, 2009, pp. 306-316). However, maintaining the high quality of services leads to high cost of flights which can reduce demand. These trends indicate that both models have merits and demerits and the choice of the airline depends on the customers’ preferences and financial capabilities. Thus airlines can adopt both of them to increase their competitiveness. Financial Results Westjet In 2010, Westjet’s total revenue increased by 14.4% to $2.6 billion (Westjet, 2011). The firm’s operating margin also increased by 0.3 points to 9.5%. The firm’s net profit in 2010 was $136.7 million, representing a 39.3% increase from previous year’s results (Westjet, 2011). Load factor improved by 1.2 points to 79.7%. The company’s â€Å"current asset over current liability ratio improved to 1.52† (Westjet, 2011) as compared to 1.48 in 2009. The debt-to-equity ratio was 1.39 representing a 28% improvement (Westjet, 2011). In 2009, total revenue decreased by 10.5% to $2.3 billion (Westjet, 2011). The operating margin also dropped by 4 points to 6%. Net profit decreased by 45% to $98.2 million (Westjet, 2011). The firm’s load factor was 78%, representing a decrease of 1.4 points. â€Å"Current asset to current liability ratio† (Westjet, 2011) improved to 1.48 as compared to 2008’s 1.24. Adjusted dept-to-equity ratio also improved by 20.15 to 1.43 (Westjet, 2011). In 2008, the firm’s total revenue increased by 19.9% to 42.5 billion (Westjet, 2011). However, operating margin dropped by 1.1 points to 10.0%. Net profit decreased by 7.6% to 178.1 million (Westjet, 2011). The diluted earnings per shared also decreased by 6.8%. Air Canada In 2010, total revenue increased by 11% to 10.7 billion (Air Canada, 2011). The firm’s net profit was $107 million as compared to a loss of 24 million realized in 2009 (Air Canada, 2011). Load factor improved by 1 point to 81.7% while its yield improved by 2.3 points (Air Canada, 2011). In 2009, the firm realized 9.73 billion in total revenue which was 12% less than 2008’s total re venue (Air Canada, 2011). Consequently, the firm realized a loss of $24 million. The firm’s yield reduced to 7.6%, while the load factor reduced to 80.7% (Air Canada, 2011). The above trends indicate that Westjet has been profitable for the last three years. Besides, it is more financially stable. Air Canada on the other hand was not able to withstand the effects of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. This explains the huge losses it made in 2008 and 2009. Thus Westjet is performing better financially. Conclusion and Recommendations The SWOT analysis reveals that Westjet’s main strengths are its ability to maintain low prices and excellent customer services (Westjet, 2011). Its main weakness is that it has a small market share. The main opportunity available to it is the removal of anti-competition tendencies in the market while the greatest threat facing it is the high competition in the market. Air Canada’s main strength is its large market share while its weakness is its inability to retain its market share (Air Canada, 2011). The greatest opportunity available to it is the rising demand for flights at the international market while its greatest threat is high regulation. The main factors likely to affect the performance of the airlines in future include fuel costs, level of regulation and technological advancement. In order to remain profitable and competitive in the next twenty years, the airlines can adopt the following recommendations. They should focus on fuel hedging and acquiring modern aircrafts that are efficient in fuel consumption (Trethway, 2004, pp. 3-14). Besides, they should expand into new markets as well as diversifying their businesses. References Air Canada, 2011. Annual reports. [Online] Available at:  https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home.html . Clougherty, J. 2009. Domestic rivalry and export performance: theory and evidence from international airline markets. Canadian Journal of Economics. 42(2), 440-468. Competition Bureau, 2010. Competition Bureau enforcement approach in the airline industry. [Online] Available at:  https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home . Cotis, J. 2010. Benchmarking Canada’s economic performance. International Productivity Monitor. 13(1), pp. 3-20. Daraban, B. and Fournier, G. 2008. Incumbent responses to low-cost airline entry and exit: a special autoregressive panel data analyses. Research in Transport economics. 24(1), pp. 15-24. Forsyth, P. 2010. Environment and financial sustainability of air transport: are they incompatible? Journal of Air Transport Management. 17(8), pp. 204-255. Franke, M. and John, F. 2010. What comes next after recession? Airline industry scenarios and potential end games. Journal of Air Transport Management. 17(1), pp. 19-26. Graham, M. 2009. Different model in different space or liberalization optimization? Comparative strategies among low-cost carriers. Journal of Transport Geography. 17(4), pp. 306- 316. Hazeldine, T. 2010. Legacy carriers fight back: pricing and product differentiation in modern airline marketing. Journal of Air Transport Management. 17(1), pp 40-43. Morrell, P. 2008. Can long-haul low-cost airlines be successful? Research in Transport economics. 24(1), pp. 61-67. Trethway, M. 2004. Distortions of airline revenues: why the network airline business model is broken. Journal of Transport Management. 10(1), pp. 3-14. Westjet, 2011. Annual reports. [Online] Available at:  https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/index . Wulung, G. 2008. Productivity growth in Canadian and US regulated industries. Canadian Productivity Review. 2(1), pp. 178-185. This report on Westjet Verses Air Canada was written and submitted by user Megan A. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Diary - Definition and Examples

Diary s A diary is a personal record of events, experiences, thoughts, and observations. We converse with the absent by letters, and with ourselves by diaries, says Isaac DIsraeli in Curiosities of Literature (1793). These books of account, he says preserve what wear out in the memory, and . . . render to a man an account of himself to himself. In this sense, diary-writing may be regarded as a type of conversation or monologue as well as a form of autobiography. Although the reader of a diary is usually only the author herself, on occasion diaries are published (in most cases after an authors death). Well-known diarists include Samuel Pepys (1633-1703), Dorothy Wordsworth (1771-1855), Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), Anne Frank (1929-1945), and Anaà ¯s Nin (1903-1977). In recent years, growing numbers of people have begun keeping online diaries, usually in the form of blogs or web journals. Diaries are sometimes used in conducting research, particularly in the social sciences and in medicine. Research diaries (also called field notes) serve as records of the research process itself. Respondent diaries may be kept by the individual subjects participating in a research project. Etymology:  From the Latin, daily allowance, daily journal Excerpts From Famous Diaries Excerpt From Virginia Woolfs DiaryEaster Sunday, April 20th, 1919. . . The habit of writing for my eye only is good practice. It loosens the ligaments. . . What sort of diary should I like mine to be? Something loose knit and yet not slovenly, so elastic that it will embrace anything, solemn, slight or beautiful that comes into my mind. I should like it to resemble some deep old desk, or capacious hold-all, in which one flings a mass of odds and ends without looking them through. I should like to come back, after a year or two, and find that the collection had sorted itself and refined itself and coalesced, as such deposits mysteriously do, into a mould, transparent enough to reflect the light of our life, and yet steady, tranquil compounds with the aloofness of a work of art.(Virginia Woolf, A Writers Diary. Harcourt, 1953)I get courage by reading [Virginia Woolfs Diary]. I feel very akin to her.(Sylvia Plath, quoted by Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar in No Mans Land. Yale Univers ity Press, 1994) Excerpt From Sylvia Plaths DiaryJuly 1950. I may never be happy, but tonight I am content. Nothing more than an empty house, the warm hazy weariness from a day spent setting strawberry runners in the sun, a glass of cool sweet milk, and a shallow dish of blueberries bathed in cream. When one is so tired at the end of a day one must sleep, and at the next dawn there are more strawberry runners to set, and so one goes on living, near the earth. At times like this Id call myself a fool to ask for more . . ..(Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, ed. Karen V. Kukil. Anchor Books, 2000)Excerpts From Anne Franks DiaryNow Im back to the point that prompted me to keep a diary in the first place: I dont have a friend.â€Å"Who else but me is ever going to read these letters?†(Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl, ed. by Otto H. Frank and Mirjam Pressler. Doubleday, 1995) Thoughts and Observations on Diaries Safires Rules for Keeping a DiaryFor people intimidated by their own diaries, here are a handful of rules:Four rules are enough rules. Above all, write about what got to you that day . . ..(William Safire, On Keeping a Diary. The New York Times, September. 9, 1974)You own the diary, the diary doesnt own you. There are many days in all our lives about which the less written the better. If you are the sort of person who can only keep a diary on a regular schedule, filling up two pages just before you go to bed, become another sort of person.Write for yourself. The central idea of a diary is that you are not writing for critics or for posterity but are writing a private letter to your future self. If you are petty, or wrongheaded, or hopelessly emotional, relax–if there is anybody who will understand and forgive, it is your future self.Put down what cannot be reconstructed. . . . [R]emind yourself of the poignant personal moment, the remark you wish you had made, your predictions about the outcome of your own tribulations.Write legibly. . . . Vita Sackville-West on Capturing Moments[T]he fingers which have once grown accustomed to a pen soon itch to hold one again: it is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on on the hop.(Vita Sackville-West, Twelve Days, 1928)David Sedariss DiariesAt the start of my second year [of college]. I signed up for a creative-writing class. The instructor, a woman named Lynn, demanded that we each keep a journal and that we surrender it twice during the course of the semester. This meant that Id be writing two diaries, one for myself and a second, heavily edited one, for her.The entries I ultimately handed in are the sorts I read onstage sometimes, the .01 percent that might possibly qualify as entertaining: a joke I heard, a T-shirt slogan, a b it of inside information passed on by a waitress or cabdriver.(David Sedaris, Lets Explore Diabetes With Owls. Hachette, 2013) Research DiariesA research diary should be a log or record of everything that you do in your research project, for example, recording ideas about possible research topics, database searches you undertake, your contacts with research study sites, access and and approval processes and difficulties you encounter and overcome, etc. The research diary is the place where you should also record your thoughts, personal reflections and insights into the research process.(Nicholas Walliman and Jane Appleton, Your Undergraduate Dissertation in Health and Social Care. Sage, 2009)Christopher Morley on DiaristsThey catalogue their minutes: Now, now, now,Is Actual, amid the fugitive;Take ink and pen (they say) for that is howWe snare this flying life, and make it live.So to their little pictures, and they sieveTheir happinesses: fields turned by the plough,The afterglow that summer sunsets give,The razor concave of a great ships bow.O gallant instinct, folly for mens mirth!Type cannot burn and spar kle on the page.No glittering ink can make this written wordShine clear enough to speak the noble rageAnd instancy of life. All sonnets blurredThe sudden mood of truth that gave them birth.(Christopher Morley, Diarists. Chimneysmoke, George H. Doran, 1921) â€Å"I never travel without my  diary. One should always have something sensational to read  in  the train.†(Oscar Wilde,  The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895)It seems to me that the problem with  diaries, and the reason that most of them are so boring, is that every day we vacillate between examining our hangnails and speculating on cosmic order.(Ann Beattie,  Picturing Will, 1989)

Supply Chain Management College Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supply Chain Management College - Case Study Example This creates a bottle neck, which is translated in its inability to supply the eight-pack in the market. This creates a substantial loss in consumer sales which could have uplifted the numbers for the sales and marketing department. The inability to run in full capacity leaves some of its products unmanufactured. This can be seen as an opportunity cost for the company. Supply chain is indeed "one of the major areas for companies to gain a competitive edge" and operations is the first step (Lee, 2002). Efficient operations management allows the company to cut on costs through efficient labor and capital use and presents desirable products to the marketing people. The Seven Principles of Supply Chain Management suggests that to "develop a supply chain-wide technology strategy that supports multiple levels of decision making and gives a clear view of the flow of products, services, and information" (David L. Anderson, 1997). The system prepares the company in the short-term, the midterm and the long-term operations. For the daily transaction, this technology will be used to align the "supply" to the "demand" through "sharing of information on orders and daily scheduling" (David L. Anderson, 1997).

Ethical Research Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethical Research Practice - Essay Example There is considerable concern about consent issues in relation to groups perceived as 'vulnerable', i.e., where individuals have difficulties in giving initial and continued informed consent because of issues of 'competence'. Groups who are perceived as vulnerable include children and young people, people with mental health problems and people with learning disability. Ethics Committees generally ask that special consideration is given to the ways in which 'vulnerable groups' are accessed and give consent to participate in research to ensure that they understand what participation involves and are not coerced into taking part. The expectation is generally that the researcher should justify the importance of the research and the need to include 'vulnerable' populations and should identify the means whereby informed consent will be obtained - in many cases there will be an expectation that proxy consent (from a parent or relative) may be used to supplement the consent or assent from th e individual who is not seen as competent to give consent in their own right (Baez 2002). It has been argued that researchers should seek consent each time they collect data from a study participant to ensure that they are aware that data are being collected and that they are willing to continue participating in the study.

Grammar school Essay Example for Free

Grammar school Essay As I entered the trading post in a small border reservation community I passed two Navajo youth leaning against the wall, one leg propped behind them for support. They wore black tee-shirts, one declaring â€Å"Indian Pride on the Rise,† the other showing a heavy metal rock group â€Å"Twisted Sister. † Both wore high topped basketball shoes and hair free flowing to their shoulders. One spoke to me. â€Å"Hey, are you the lady who is talking to dropouts? You should talk to me. Im a professional dropout. † I did. And to many others. Their stories spoke of racial discrimination and rejection by teachers. â€Å"The way I see it seems like the whites  dont want to get involved with the Indians. They think were bad. We drink. Our families drink. Dirty. Ugly. And the teachers dont want to help us. They say, Oh, no, there is Another Indian asking a question because they dont understand. So we stopped asking questions. † Their stories spoke of the importance and power of families and the Navajo culture. â€Å"I go crazy worrying about my parents. They need me so us Navajo stick together. I feel kinda proud to be a Navajo. † And their stories spoke of academic and social marginalization in their classes and schools. â€Å"It was just like they wanted to put us aside, us Indians. They didnt tell us nothing about careers or things to do after high school. They didnt encourage us to go to college. They just took care of the White students. They just wanted to get rid of the Indians. † This article is about these Navajo and Ute youth who leave high school. In mainstream research the phenomenon of â€Å"dropping out† is commonly defined as an issue of individual failure (see Note 2). Youth â€Å"fail,† either academically or socially, to make it through school. The problem exists not because of deficiencies in the schools but rather because of deficiencies in individuals and families. Youth who leave school are described as deviant, dysfunctional, or deficient because of individual, family, or community characteristics. Solutions reside on remediating or changing youth and families to better â€Å"fit in. † After all, most youth do succeed in school, suggesting evidence of the school as an effective institution. This body of research ignores the barriers institutions themselves create for youth. Another line of research on dropouts has turned a critical eye towards the role the school and structural barriers play in creating the problem (see Note 3). The research reported  in this article follows this line of inquiry. A critical examination of the â€Å"place† of Navajo and Ute youth in their school and community reveals other reasons than just individual failure for â€Å"dropping out. † Structural factors restricting opportunities, in effect, â€Å"fail† youth. The decision to leave school can then be seen, in part, as a rational response to irrelevant schooling, racism, restricted political, social and economic opportunities, and the desire to maintain a culturally distinct identity. There are many similarities between Indian and other kinds of dropouts. In most  cases, the reasons for leaving school are alike. For example, nearly all dropouts say school is boring, teachers dont care, and school will not help them with what they want to do in life (LeCompte, 1987). Many come from substance abusing families. There are, however, differences between other dropouts and these Navajo and Ute school leavers that only become clear when examining the cultural context surrounding these youth. Cultural and structural factors that might be easy to overlook if only examining â€Å"student characteristics† are important in understanding why many Navajo and Ute youth leave school. Specific to this cultural framework are 1) racial and economic relations in the community and school, 2) home child-rearing patterns of non-interference and early adulthood and, 3) cultural integrity and resistance. The Data Base: Master Student List, Questionnaires and Ethnography In the fall of 1984 1 started an ethnographic study of a border reservation community. I looked at interactions, understandings, and strategies related to education, schooling, success, and failure both in and out of school, among and between three culturally distinct groups of adolescents—Anglo, Navajo, and Ute. Presented here is only one part of this ethnography, focused on school leavers. Throughout this article I use the tribal names, Navajo and Ute, in recognition of the distinctness of these two cultures. I use the term â€Å"Indian† in situations which include both Navajo and Ute for simplicity, not for stereotyping. In addition, fictitious names are used for both communities and schools. These results were produced from four data sets: 1) a master data base from school records; 2) ethnographic field notes and collected documents; 3) interviews with a  convenience sample of school leavers, and; 4) a questionnaire. In trying to determine an accurate picture of the attrition rates in this district, a data base was established to track all of the Navajo and Ute students by name who had attended Border High School (BHS) and Navajo High School (NHS) from 1980-81 to the 1988-89 school year. This master list contained attendance data, grade point averages, standardized test scores, dropout and graduation rates, community locations, current employment situations, post high school training, and type of diploma received for 1,489 youth. This list has been verified by official district records, local Navajo and Ute community members, school officials, and the youth themselves. The graduation and dropout rate in this community was determined by following â€Å"cohorts† of youth throughout their school careers. A total of 629 students forming six different cohorts, from the class of 1984 to the class of 1989, from each of the two high schools are represented with complete four year high school records. Students who took either additional years and/or completed alternative high school degrees are included in the total graduation figures.

Michael Lehmans Heathers and Steve Jodrells Shame :: Films Movies Film Movie

Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame Throughout time the concept of gender and the corruption of power associated with it has been a very evident problem within society. Many texts have been designed to expose these issues and in particular the feature films’ Heathers, directed by Michael Lehman and Shame, by Steve Jodrell. Both these films have been heavily constructed in order to position us as the audience to take a very negative response towards the concepts of power and gender and further an ‘anti-conform’ attitude. Techniques such as narrative elements and codes and conventions have been used to mould these ideas and attitudes within the texts. Both the films Heathers and Shame can be deemed to be modern day Westerns however are quite subverted. They both develop the idea that conformity leads to tragic consequences. Heathers is set in an American high school, Westerburg, in 1988 and attacks the idea of a high school hierarchy, where four girls particularly one, Heather Chandler, has the power within the school. On the arrival of a new student, Jason Dean, Veronica, one of the four girls breaks away and conforms to Jason. As a result she is led to kill Heather Chandler and later the ‘footy jocks’ to make their school a better place. Shame on the other hand is set in a small outback, Western Australian country town, Ginobrak, in 1987. It deals with the issues of a small town mentality and that ‘boys will be boys’. As result of these concepts and issues, many young girls were raped and the town accepted this. As Asta, an outsider coming into town, stumbles across these rappings’, she helps and encourages a young girl, Lizzie to face the boys and lay legal charges. In both texts it takes and outsider the ‘hero’ figure to expose the corruption and help in acting as a catalyst to change. Gender relationships are a very explored issue within these texts. In a majority, anyone no matter if they are male or female who do not fit in or do not conform to stereotypes to an extent, can be cast out by that group. Whether it is, their looks, their behaviour, the way they dress, or the way they think and feel, they are judged as different. This ‘outcast’ idea is portrayed in both the films. In the two feature films, the most obvious ‘outcasts’ would be the two ‘hero figures’ the intruders into the created microcosm. Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame :: Films Movies Film Movie Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame Throughout time the concept of gender and the corruption of power associated with it has been a very evident problem within society. Many texts have been designed to expose these issues and in particular the feature films’ Heathers, directed by Michael Lehman and Shame, by Steve Jodrell. Both these films have been heavily constructed in order to position us as the audience to take a very negative response towards the concepts of power and gender and further an ‘anti-conform’ attitude. Techniques such as narrative elements and codes and conventions have been used to mould these ideas and attitudes within the texts. Both the films Heathers and Shame can be deemed to be modern day Westerns however are quite subverted. They both develop the idea that conformity leads to tragic consequences. Heathers is set in an American high school, Westerburg, in 1988 and attacks the idea of a high school hierarchy, where four girls particularly one, Heather Chandler, has the power within the school. On the arrival of a new student, Jason Dean, Veronica, one of the four girls breaks away and conforms to Jason. As a result she is led to kill Heather Chandler and later the ‘footy jocks’ to make their school a better place. Shame on the other hand is set in a small outback, Western Australian country town, Ginobrak, in 1987. It deals with the issues of a small town mentality and that ‘boys will be boys’. As result of these concepts and issues, many young girls were raped and the town accepted this. As Asta, an outsider coming into town, stumbles across these rappings’, she helps and encourages a young girl, Lizzie to face the boys and lay legal charges. In both texts it takes and outsider the ‘hero’ figure to expose the corruption and help in acting as a catalyst to change. Gender relationships are a very explored issue within these texts. In a majority, anyone no matter if they are male or female who do not fit in or do not conform to stereotypes to an extent, can be cast out by that group. Whether it is, their looks, their behaviour, the way they dress, or the way they think and feel, they are judged as different. This ‘outcast’ idea is portrayed in both the films. In the two feature films, the most obvious ‘outcasts’ would be the two ‘hero figures’ the intruders into the created microcosm.

Radiological Threat to Public Safety

Radiation is a silent death sentence i. e. you cannot see, smell, or taste it. When radiological material ends up in the wrong hands it can become a catastrophic weapon of mass destruction. The public's security against radiological threats is in the hands of federal, state, and local government agencies. These agencies have the responsibility to regulate, mitigate, monitor, and respond to incidents involving sources of radiological materials. An analysis of current radiological threats will provide an improved understanding of potential and creditable radiological threats confronted by the public. Radiological Threat to Public Safety Newswire (2011) states, â€Å"Less than one-third of the population feels they are prepared for a terrorist attack, specifically a radiological attack such as a dirty bomb; yet over eighty percent of Americans feel this type of threat is imminent†. Howard & Forest (2008), suggest that a terrorist radiological attack would come by way of a radiological dispersal devise (RDD) or a dirty bomb i. e. a bomb mixed with radiological material and conventional explosives (p. 90). Oppenheimer (2008) states, â€Å"The threat of nuclear terrorism is far more likely from a radiological dispersal device (RDD)–a conventional IED laced with a radioisotope–than via a nuclear fission weapon†(para 1). Uranium and plutonium are well known elements used in nuclear devises. Howard et al. (2008) states, â€Å"Only uranium and a few other elements, notably plutonium, can be turned into explosive weapons, but many more elements emit radiation† (p. 90). Howard et al. (2008), states, â€Å"Two basic designs of crude nuclear explosives are likely to be adequate for most purposes of terrorist groups intent on nuclear terrorism†(p. 14). The first generation, gun-type nuclear explosive device is similar to the bomb that destroyed the city of Hiroshima, Japan. This is the simplest crude devise to design and construct with a powerful nuclear explosion (Howard et al. 2008, p. 114). The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2011) stipulates that the first step in understanding creditable radiation emergencies is to â€Å"draw the distinction between a nuclear event (like the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan) and a radiological event, such as a nuclear power plant incident or a radiological dispersal device (e. . , dirty bomb)†. The following is suggested credible nuclear and radiological events. Nuclear Events; * Produces a nuclear detonation involving the joining (fusion) or splitting (fission) of atoms to produce an intense pulse or wave of heat, light, air pressure, and radiation. * Highly destructive explosion that instantly devastates people and buildings because of extreme heat and impact of the blast. * Leaves large amounts of radioactivity and fallout behind. Radiological Events; * May involve explosion and release of radioactivity, but no nuclear fission. Typically, have less radioactivity released than in a nuclear event. In both events, the wind direction along with the weather patterns can spread radioactivity over a wide area (DHHS, 2008). Oppenheimer (2008), stipulated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested that â€Å"From 1993 to 2004, there were more than 400 confirmed incidents of trafficking materials–arrests and seizures involving radioactive sources–that could only be used to produce a RDD†(para 5). According to Howard et al. (2008) â€Å"no terrorist group has ever fielded or deployed a nuclear devise†(p. 110). However, Oppenheimer (2008) states, â€Å"Only one RDD incident is known: A dynamite bomb laced with cesium-137, a radioisotope used widely in medicine, was planted by Chechen separatists in a Moscow park in December 1995† (para 3). Authorities were able to find the terrorist RDD before it was detonated (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 3). The premise is evident i. e. terrorist organizations have the capability to obtain and deploy a RDD. Howard et al. (2008) suggest, â€Å"A homemade nuclear device, although crude and less efficient than a state military weapon, could very well serve the needs of a terrorist group† (p. 113). Bullock, Haddow, Coppola, & Yeletaysi (2009), describe different types of terrorist events that might include the use of radioactive material. * Introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply. * Using explosives to scatter radioactive materials. * Bombing or destroying a nuclear facility. * Exploding a small nuclear device† (p. 187). Oppenheimer (2008) described and highlighted the unpredictable radiological poisoning of a former â€Å"KBG agent Alexander Litvinenko by polonium-210 in London in November 2006 â€Å"(para 6). This type of radiation, once inhaled or ingested, will cause an illness that is slow and painful. The contamination spread as the Litvinenko moved about London and beyond (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 6). According to Oppenheimer (2008), â€Å"The U. K. Health Protection Agency had the unenviable task of tracing and testing the urine of hundreds of potential contacts and arranging for them to be treated and counseled†(para 6). There were a total of 17 people who were contaminated with radiation at above-average levels (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 6). Oppenheimer (2008) suggests that â€Å"A growing number of smuggling cases since 2002 have involved radioisotopes used in civilian industries and medicine†(para 2). Radioactive materials that are no longer considered useful in medicine could be used in building a RDD or a dirty bomb (The American Nuclear Society, 2005). Some agencies feel as though there has â€Å"not been enough of a concerted effort focused on the threat of a radiological attack such as a â€Å"dirty bomb† (Newswire, 2011). Oppenheimer (2008) describes four attempts at deploying RDD by Chechens i. e. â€Å"deploying an RDD and attacking a nuclear power plant, which are not well documented but are known within the EOD (explosives ordnance disposal) community†(para 1). Hawley (2008) suggests, â€Å"The use of a pharmaceutical grade radioactive material attached to a pipe bomb would release radioactive material†. In addition this small amount of radiation could cause sickness over time. Howard et al. (2008) states, â€Å"Extended exposure to low-level radioactive material increases the likelihood of cellular destruction†(, p. 90). The low level of security at many of Russia’s nuclear power plants and abandoned Russian Northern Fleet submarines has also increased the risk of possible terrorist attacks or takeovers. â€Å"There still are about 120 subs with fueled reactors in need of disposal† (Oppenheimer, 2008, papa 2). If a meltdown or explosion at a nuclear facility ever took place a large quantity of radioactive material would be released into the environment. Employees at the nuclear facility would likely be contaminated with radioactive particles to include injuries from the explosion itself. Individuals who received a large dose of radiation might develop acute radiation syndrome. Individuals in the surrounding area could be exposed or contamination and would need medical assists along with decontamination (Bullock, et al. 2009 p. 233). This huge concern and worry of radiological threats, voiced by the public, might not be credible. This is based on research and analyses performed by numerous agencies. According to Bevelacqua & Stilp (2009), â€Å"Bombings involving storage facilities or transportation vehicle pose the greatest threat†(p. 60). Mitigating potential bombings of critical facilities and transportation is a challenge for federal, state and local agencies. Bevelacqua et al. (2009) states† A nuclear bomb threat is unlikely to be carries out for a number of reasons, including the extreme expense, its logistical difficulty, and the enormous amount of technology necessary to develop a disperse such a devise† (p. 9). Hawley (2008) states, â€Å"The use of an actual nuclear detonation device is unlikely and very improbable given security these materials have† (p. 233). The amount of nuclear material required for an extensive nuclear result and the particular type of material needed makes use unlikely (Hawley, 2008, p. 233). Bullock, et al. (2009) states â€Å"Although a dirty bomb could cause serious injuries from the explosion, it most likely would not have enough radioactive material in a form that would cause serious radiation sickness among large numbers of people. Oppenheimer (2008) suggests, â€Å"There are numerous obstacles to overcome when weaponizing radioactive materials; the same devices that could be a threat to the public also pose potential threats to terrorists†(para 3). Howard et al. 2008, describe the seven myths identified about the threat of nuclear terrorism. 1. Terrorist want a lot of people watching, not a lot of people dead. 2. Nuclear material required to make a bomb are nearly impossible for terrorist to obtain. 3. Difficulties of constructing or stealing a nuclear bomb are unlikely by a terrorist group. 4. The only way a terrorist organization could acquire a nuclear bomb is from a state. 5. The mistaken belief that it is possible to put in place around the United States and other major countries a security cordon that can reduce to a low level the risk that nuclear weapons and material might be smuggled in. 6. The notion that an offensive security posture alone will mitigate the threat of nuclear terrorism. 7. A number of states analysts argue that states would not be especially interested in a stolen nuclear or stolen material to make one, because they want to produce the material for as many nuclear weapons as they need (p. 02). According to Shaw (2001) â€Å"Most studies of preventing terrorist nuclear attacks have reached the same basic conclusion–none of the available basic techniques is sufficiently capable to preclude a successful attack with a high degree of confidence† (p 3). The following are the seven suggested basic techniques: 1. Arms control and related diplomatic measures to control proliferation and access to technology and materials for making nuclear weapons. 2. Physical security and control of existing weapons and materials. 3. Pre-emptive actions. . Deterrent threats of retaliation for attacks. 5. Border controls and related domestic security measures aimed at preventing the movement of weapons or materials into the US. 6. Intelligence collection and law enforcement measures leading to the discovery and apprehension of would-be perpetrators. 7. Effective consequence control and mitigation—still a long way from reality—could be at best a distant second in desirability. Public education on the effects of radiation might allow for understanding the credibility of radiological events. Hawley (2008) states, â€Å"Education on hazards of radiation and the effective use of radiation monitors can ease this fear† (p. 234). There are organizations established to educate radiological protection, challenges, and issues. The Newswire (2011) states, â€Å"The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) was established to increase awareness and preparedness in this country against a possible radiological attack such as a â€Å"dirty bomb†(para 1) This synergistic awareness and preparedness was validated successfully by London government agencies responding to prevented a radiological event from becoming catastrophe. Oppenheimer (2008) suggests that the â€Å"London incident response demonstrate that government agencies could rapidly adapt to an unprecedented situation†(para 6). This radiological event also showed that nuclear events are all but impossible to predict. Conclusion The mitigation of nuclear weapons issues remain a heighten concern by free nations. The management of the existing stockpiles in the former Soviet Union continues to be a challenge in addition to the activities of the other governments that control nuclear weapons and demonstrate troublesome behavior especially, Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran (Banks, Nevers, & Wallerstein, 2008, p. 7). According to Hawley (2008) â€Å"there is currently speculation that there are some small nuclear devises missing from Russia; but this has never been substantiated† (p. 233). However, the fear of missing nuclear devises is a weapon itself. According to Hawley (2008), there is an advantage to a noncredible RDD or a small RDD, and that is the public's reaction. The public's perception, and first responders, is that this event would be a radioactive disaster. However, the reality is that the amount of the radiation would not be dangerous, and as time passed, the danger would lessen as the radioactive material decayed to a lesser hazard. Radiation is one of the big unknowns and cause of fear because it is unknown. This fear makes radiation a key weapon for a terrorist organization. Given this analysis, the question continues to be asked. Is there a credible radiological threat? The answer is yes or maybe no. Either way terrorist organizations have instilled fear of possible radiological events in our nation's future.