Property Management Systems (Hospitality Industry)

Introduction Property Management Systems (PMSs) are essential tools in the hospitality industry. Hospitality industry is complex and has numerous challenges. Reservations, customer care and administration of hotels and resorts offer challenges that the management must confront in order to attain customer satisfaction, productivity and profitability of the establishments (O’Connor, 2004).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Property Management Systems (Hospitality Industry) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For this reason, PMSs are devised to manage the operations that take place in the complex hotel and resort environments. Therefore, PMS is an investment option that firms in the hospitality industry must implement. Technological developments have made various types of PMSs available for hotels at low prices (Deakin, 2004). This paper explores the functions, importance and structure of PMSs. In additi on, it includes a SWOT analysis of the use of PMSs in the hospitality industry. Finally, it considers some of the financial considerations that firms in the hospitality industry should consider before they integrate PMS systems in the management of their establishments. The paper focuses on hotels and resorts. Property Management Systems (PMSs) A property management system is software that computerizes the operations of resorts, restaurants, hotels and casinos. The automation of operations in these establishments includes the integration of back and front office activities and applications to enable full control of the entire establishments. A fully functional PMS system should be able to incorporate all value-chain parts within the establishment’s business network into one functional storage area (Ismail, 2002). Property Management Systems (PMSs) are significant components of business oversight mechanisms, and assist the management to oversee the operational activities of es tablishments (Bhattacharya, 2009). A PMS is a vital component of a firm’s decision assembly process. It is a group of application programs that are related directly to front and back office activities of hotels. Notably, the main activities that PMS deals with in hotel management include revenue, guest relationships and reservation management. Others are check-in and checkout, room condition and folio management. Consequently, PMS collects vital amounts of information that management can use to improve tactical, strategic and operational decisions. The management can also collect data from other sources due to the use of PMS. The management can obtain more data through customer relationships, electronic point of sales at outlets, the internet via hotels website or through loyalty programs (Karolin Hilary, 2011).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, PMS assi st in data management. Data management is of significant importance to the customer who seeks services and to the management of the hotel. In the hospitality industry, it is crucial for the hotel to know its customers. Moreover, the knowledge of customers is crucial as it is expressly related to the responsiveness of the customers. The PMS is the core data infrastructure for hotels and resorts. The PMS handles the management of all guests in the hotel, their profiles and check-in. Additionally, PMS handles the stay of customers in the hotel and the revenue generated in the hotel. Finally, PMS assists the management to coordinate the relationship the business has with clients and vendors. It enables the management to abide by laws and regulations that direct business and customers’ relationships (Berezina, 2010). Currently, many hotels worldwide use property management systems. This shows that many organizations have recognized the benefits of property management systems (Hart , Barinedum Benjamin, 2010). However, some organizations have not included the use of the software in management of their establishments. Such organizations have not determined the benefits of data in the formulation of business strategies. They have not determined the amount of data, associated with customers and management, obtainable from PMS and applicable in improvement of profitability and efficiency of their hotels. Structure and Complex Nature of Hotels and Resorts The overall structure of a hotel determines the management’s capability, the integration of technology in management of the hotel and the distribution of data in the hotel. Therefore, the organizational structure has a significant impact on the successful use of technology and information. The functional structures of many hotels are hierarchical. A full service hotel has numerous functional departments that include rooms, food preparation, sales and promotion, human resources, secretarial and public relat ions departments (Karolin Hilary, 2011). Hence, a functional management system that promotes efficiency is necessary. Efficient management of daily operational duties involved in management of a hotel is vital. Inefficient control of these daily operational activities can significantly affect services offered to guests and revenue collected by the hotel. Often, general managers have to invest much time and effort to gain functional control. However, business problems that hotels normally have in their daily operations usually have short lead periods.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Property Management Systems (Hospitality Industry) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These problems have to be solved within the shortest time possible. This presents problems to general managers. They cannot effectively address service-centered issues that occur spontaneously and at the same time focus on coordination of var ious departments of the hotel. Attempts by the general managers to address all these issues leads to decline in quality of standards of service delivery (WebRezPro, 2012). Therefore, guest service and hotel’s revenue can be easily compromised due to inefficient control of daily operational duties. Hotels require extraordinary level of interdepartmental cooperation to provide guest service of high quality. Organizational structures that many hotels use foster effectiveness within each unit of the hotel (Karadag Dumanoglu, 2009). However, such functional structures are weak in coordination of activities between the departments. It can take general managers a lot of time to supervise all the daily operational activities. In contrast, that should not be the case, since a resourceful administrator is also accountable for the profitability of the hotel. These complications necessitate the use of property management systems in hotels. Technical Complications in Hotels and Resorts H otels are technological units. Guests in hotels expect services of high quality within a short time. Additionally, they expect to receive access to internet, computers, entertainment systems and other appliances that are of high technology. The lobbies of many hotels have self check-in features and point of sale systems. Moreover, conference facilities are computerized and have projectors, computer stations, sound systems and technology that enable guests to hold video conferences (WebRezPro, 2012). Other technological features that modern hotels have include credit card terminals, customer management systems, online check-in systems and revenue management systems among others. These systems must interrelate to ensure that efficiency in operations is attained. Thus, the central reservation system has to align walk-ins and online reservations with telephone orders automatically (WebRezPro, 2012).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Implementation of a technology that can accomplish all these tasks efficiently is expensive. However, the benefit that it offers to the hotel is greater than its cost. These benefits justify the need for property management systems in management of hotels and resorts. A Comprehensive and Efficient Property Management System The use of PMS in the hospitality industry should increase efficiency in operations. Originally, PMSs were used in management of guest check-ins and checkouts, room management and reserves. Through the provision of these tasks, PMSs have ensured that there is no disorganization, inefficiency and inaccuracy in management (Brooks, 1999). However, the hospitality industry continues to be more complex. Therefore, a standard PMS must interface with other systems used by the management. It should have one platform that enables hotel staff to make updates and track changes and information (Bardi, 2011). Therefore, a standard PMS must have some basic properties or qualit ies. The PMS should be an intelligible, adaptable, strategic and a cutting-edge system. An Intelligible System The designs and functionality of PMSs have substantially improved, as they became fundamental parts of hotels. A PMS has to be user friendly. Hotel staff, including new staff, should be able to use the systems without difficulty. A standard PMS must have a logical navigation arrangement and a user interface that is streamlined (WebRezPro, 2012). A standard system used in the hospitality industry has to be flexible and accommodative. Moreover, it must allow collection of comprehensive, accessible and accurate data (Amizawati, Nik Muslim, 2010). Thus, it should allow staff to make accurate reports and manage accounts properly. Ultimately, a superior PMS system for the hospitality industry must improve guest service and increase revenue collection. A Strategic System PMSs enhance data collection and improve reports’ credibility and hotel’s relationship with cust omers. Furthermore, a PMS improves a hotel’s revenue control abilities. Reports are critical in the determination of appropriate strategies to be implemented in a hotel. A superior PMS has to be a strategic system (WebRezPro, 2012). It has to assist in the formulation of strategies such as channel supervision strategies. At the same time, it must improve a guest’s experience in a facility. Thus, an appropriate PMS should customize the stay of a guest in a hotel. In addition, it should enable development of e-promotion strategies. E-promotion strategies can be developed through the use of business intelligence gear and analytics. This can be done based on information collected by the PMS. An Adaptable System Operational and management efficiency is essential in both small and large hotels and resorts. Therefore, a PMS must balance with the amenities and size of an establishment. A small establishment may require a PMS that covers room reservations and online orders only . On the other hand, a hotel that has worldwide operations needs a PMS that manages various activities. Therefore, a PMS has to be adaptable to changes that take place in a business (WebRezPro, 2012). All businesses aim to grow. A small hotel must have a PMS that it adaptable to improvements in size, services and activities as it grows to become a large hotel. A property management system has to cater for hotels and resorts of different types and must not compromise efficiency (Amizawati, Nik Muslim, 2010). Finally, due to technological improvements, a PMS should enable centralized management of international hotels and resorts via a single database. This assists to smooth out activities across the entire group. A Cutting-Edge System Currently, the number of people who make online orders in hotels is high. Therefore, hotels and resorts must have websites. However, websites alone are not enough to improve efficiency. The websites must be linked to PMS to improve management and opera tions of hotels and resorts (Abhishek, 2008). Therefore, online orders made by customers must be automatically recorded in a hotel reservation records. The PMS should also be connected to third party service providers like tour agencies. Moreover, it should allow the use of mobile phones to make reservations. Integration of PMS with Property Management Enablers Integration of PMS with property-based applications in the hospitality industry is vital in improvement of functionality and benefits of PMS. Many organizations that have not integrated the PMS systems with essential applications suffer from misalignment hence inefficiency in management of the properties. Hotels can use Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) or standard-based integration to improve integration of PMSs and property-based applications (Cunnane, 2010). These two methods can assist hotels to integrate PMSs and management applications while at the same time reduce information technology related complexities. Integrat ion of PMSs with customer touch-points and operational modules is essential to operational and customer success in the industry. The major applications that hotels should integrate with the PMSs include revenue management systems, central reservation systems, customer relationship systems and inventory management systems among others. The integration of PMSs with these management applications indicate that focus in the hospitality industry shifts towards customer satisfaction (O’Connor, 2004). This further shows that PMSs are vital in attainment of customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Revenue Management Revenue Management Applications enable hotels to determine the suitable rates after the hotels have managed numerous occupancy scenarios. Integration of revenue management applications in the PMS enables hotels to increase gross margins. In addition, integration of revenue management applications in PMSs enables hotels to determine the proper pricing strategies. PMSs must enable formulation of pricing strategies that are based on customer trends, demand and competitive tactics (Cunnane, 2010). This is only possible if revenue management applications are integrated in the PMSs. Inventory Management Resorts and hotels must combine demand sensitivity analysis and inventory visibility. This assists them to maintain a balance in diversely priced inventory. Balance in diversely priced inventory enables hotels to offer discounts in overstock circumstances or charge higher prices when demand increases. Therefore, it is essential to integrate inventory management applications in PMSs. Through integration of an inventory management application into a PMS, a hotel can monitor and manage inventory levels effectively. The management can then use the PMS to forecast demand and make replenishments. Inventory management in hotels through PMS enables management of room availability. Moreover, a PMS that incorporates inventory management application optimize s other activities done in the hotel like food and beverage activities and tidiness (Cunnane, 2010). Customer Loyalty Hotels and resorts must integrate customer fidelity applications into PMSs. Loyalty applications allow hotels to utilize customer information to cross-sell services and goods based on the behavior of customers. Integration of loyalty applications in PMSs enables hotel employees to determine the expectations of customers since they access information on customers. This assists hotels to reduce costs associated with implementation of customer acquisition strategies (Cunnane, 2010). Customer Relationship Management Integration of customer relationship applications into PMSs is highly essential. The integration of customer fidelity applications into PMSs enables hotels to use PMSs to develop personalized direct promotions strategies (Cunnane, 2010). Thus, hotels are able to use PMSs to send emails and make SMS offers to customers. The integration of customer relationship applications into the PMSs enables a hotel to use one record of a customer across the entire hotel. Furthermore, it allows the hotel to update a customer’s profile based on behavior patterns. SWOT Analysis of Property Management Systems in Hospitality Industry A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is a framework with which an organization can use to formulate a promotion strategy. It entails the establishment of strengths and weaknesses that an organization has. Additionally, in entails establishment of opportunities and threats that the same organization faces. Therefore, SWOT analysis reveals opportunities for development and vulnerabilities. It considers both internal and external changes in the environment of an organization. Strength is an organization’s resource or capacity that can be used to enable the organization to attain its objectives. Strength denotes the capacities that an organization has over its competitors. The use of pr operty management systems in a hotel provides the hotel with added advantages over competitors. Hotels that use property management systems are more efficient in their operational and management activities (Ljubica, 2012). Property management systems enable hotels to manage efficiently activities such as reservations, check-ins and checkouts, online orders and maintenance. Moreover, the use of PMS in a hotel improves collection of data on customers. The information can then be used to develop promotional strategies. The integration of management applications such as revenue, inventory and customer fidelity applications into the PMSs improves operational and management efficiency in hotels. Therefore, an organization that uses PMS in management of the entire establishment has competitive advantages over an organization that does not use a PMS (Bilgihan, Okumus, Khaldoon David, 2011). Weaknesses refer to limitations, faults or defects that an organization has, and that limit an organ ization’s ability to attain set objectives. They are the factors that the organization must overcome to be ahead of competitors. The organization must hide these defects and limitations from competitors. The use of PMS in hotels has certain limitations. Virus attack on computers can adversely affect the performance of property management systems. A virus attack on a hotel’s property management system can lead to loss of vital data. This can lead to rise of inefficiency in management of the hotel. Additionally, power failure may make staff to retype information previously typed. The same can affect a customer who was in the process of making an online reservation. This can demoralize the staff and irritate the customer. Finally, the other weakness is that some hotel employees do not know how to use the systems. The hotel also has to spend so much money to train staff on how to use the PMS. An opportunity in SWOT analysis is a favorable condition in an organizationâ€⠄¢s environment. An opportunity is normally a change or trend that can result into increased demand of an organization’s services or products. Opportunities enhance an organization’s position in the market or industry. The use of PMS enhances the position of hotels in the hospitality industry. Technological improvements like mobile technology can improve the position that a hotel holds in the hospitality industry. Such technological improvements can enhance the functionality of PMS. Hotels that use PMSs can take advantage of technological improvements to increase competitiveness (Bhattacharya, 2009). Moreover, technologically improved PMS assists hotels to reduce operational costs, increase revenue collection, monitor customer loyalty and devise promotion strategies. Cloud computing also presents an opportunity to hotels that use PMS. In SWOT analysis, threats are unfavorable conditions in an organization’s environment. Threats are conditions that can damage the strategies that the organization had adopted. They are constraints, barriers or external conditions that have the capacity to hamper an organization’s business activity. The use of PMS in management of hotels faces some threats. The competitors of a hotel can present stiff competition through implementation of hi-tech PMS. This can result into a reduction in the number of customers of a hotel. The hotel may not be able to acquire such hi-tech PMS hence the competitor’s PMS is a threat. Another threat can be the high cost required to train staff on how to use PMS system. A hotel can install a PMS to enhance the management of the hotel. However, it can be extremely costly to train the entire staff on usage of the system. Therefore, it brings about financial threat to the hotel. Considerations to Make In Installation of PMS Backup Power Sources Considerations Blackouts and loss of electricity supply are occurrences that can adversely affect operations of hotels and PMS. The management of a hotel that uses PMS must ensure that backup power supply is available. This can assist to minimize the possibility of data loss in case of sudden loss of electric power supply. Maintenance Agreement Considerations The management of a hotel must ensure that there exists a maintenance agreement before adoption of a PMS system. The agreement must inform the management of the hotel the costs associated with maintenance and repair of the acquired PMS. Financial Considerations The management of a hotel must consider the financial requirements associated with the use of a PMS. The decision to use a PMS in a hotel is an expensive investment decision (Deakin, 2004). The management must carry out a cost and benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of use of the system. The management must first determine the need for a PMS in the hotel. Secondly, the management must determine whether the applications in the PMS match the needs of the hotel. The management must then pr epare a budget that concentrates on the administration of all the units of the hotel. In this way, it is feasible to establish the costs associated with management of each department. Hence, it is possible to establish how much capital can be saved through the introduction of a PMS. The amount that can be saved must equal or be greater than the acquisition costs (Deakin, 2004). Additionally, depreciation rates and maintenance costs must be considered. Finally, a hotel must consider the payback period of the amount spent in the acquisition and installation of PMS. Conclusions Hospitality industry places much focus of daily operational activities on customers. The expectations of guests and their preferences evolve and this presents challenge to hotels and resorts. Therefore, it is critical to include technology in management of hotels and resorts. PMSs enable efficiency in management of hotels and resorts. Hotels and resorts have complex structures and uses of PMSs are essential. A s uperior PMS must include management applications like revenue management applications. The inclusion of these applications in PMSs improves guest experience, revenue collection and operation efficiency. Additionally, a hotel that seeks to install a PMS must conduct a SWOT analysis. The hotel must also consider other factors such as maintenance costs of the system and the financial implications that the system has on the hotel’s finances. Finally, a PMS that a hotel acquires should be a system that is strategic, adaptable and intelligible. References Abhishek, K. D. (2008). Internet service marketing in the hospitality sector – A case study of Vizergy Hotels. Management Science and Engineering, 2(2), 27-30. Amizawati, M., Nik Nazli, A. Muslim Har, M. (2010). An investigation on PMS attributes in service organisations in Malaysia. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 59(8), 734-756. Bardi, A. (2011). Hotel front office management. New Jersey : Wiley. Berezina, K. (2010). Top issues in PCI DSS compliance in hotels: An exploratory study. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 1(3), 218-233. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17579881011078359 Bhattacharya, A. (2009). What are the advantages of Hotel Property Management Software? Retrieved from http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/what-are-the-advantages-of-hotel-property-management-software-1061994.html Bilgihan, A, Okumus, F, Khaldoon, N. David, K. (2011). Information technology applications and competitive advantage in hotel companies. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 2(2), 139-153. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17579881111154245 Brooks, R. (1999). From the Hotel Property’s Perspective: The Network Computing Alternative. Retrieved from http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PressReleases1999_2nd/Apr99_PropertyPerspective.html Cunnane, Chris. (2010). Property Management Integration: Redefining the Role of PMS in Hospitality. Retrieved from h ttp://www.tblat.com/facebook/pdf/aberdeenpms.pdf Deakin, M. (2004). Property management: Corporate strategies, financial instruments and the urban environment. Aldershot: Ashgate. Hart, A, Barinedum, N. Benjamin, I. (2010). The uptake of electronic commerce by SMEs: A Meta theoretical framework expanding the determining constructs of tam and toe frameworks. Journal of Global Business and Technology, 6(1), 1-27. Ismail, A. (2002). Front office operations and management. Albany: Delmar. Karadag, E. Dumanoglu, S. (2009). The productivity and competency of information technology in upscale hotels. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 21(4), 479-490. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09596110910955712 Karolin, P. Hilary, M. (2011). An investigation of data management and property management systems in hotels. Tourism and Hospitality Management, 17(1), 101-114. Ljubica, G. (2012). Performance measurement system for process-oriented companies. The Business Review, Cambridge, 19(2), 136-143. O’Connor, P. (2004). Using computers in hospitality. London: Thomson. WebRezPro. (2012). Today’s Hotel PMS: Changing the way hotels do business. Retrieved from http://www.webrezpro.com/whitepaper/2012_02_16-PMS.pdf This research paper on Property Management Systems (Hospitality Industry) was written and submitted by user Raymond T. 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.

Next Plc Competitive Analysis Essays

Next Plc Competitive Analysis Essays Next Plc Competitive Analysis Essay Next Plc Competitive Analysis Essay The objective of such an analysis is to investigate how the organisation needs too form its strategy in order to develop opportunities in its environment and protect itself against competition and other threats (Lynch, R 1997). The report will use the Porter Model to give an idea what kind of influences exists and how a company can deal with it. Fig. 3 Porter? s Five Forces Model Bargaining power of suppliers Source: see Chapter 7 To what extend have the suppliers of NEXT power over the company? In the case of NEXT the influence is limited because there are a lot of providers in this sector. If a supplier were to ask for an increase in his price, or for other better conditions, his customer could easily replace him in a short period of time. Therefore mutual dependence is rated low. Bargaining power of customers So far as the customer is concerned he has probably the most power because it is he who buys the product and spends his money. The impact of an individual buyer who goes shopping at a branch and seeks price cuts is likely to be negligible. However speaking more generally, if the phenomenon was multiplied by many thousands of price conscious customers who are not willing to pay the ticket price, management will need to cut prices to avoid losing sales. Because clothing is not very item specific a pullover is a pullover whether you buy it from NEXT or Marks and Spencer. The only way to attract consumers to buy a company? s products instead of the competition? s, is to add value, such as label, style, price or quality. But still there is no guarantee that NEXT will perform better than other clothing companies. The customer decides which product he likes not the company. Threat of new entrants to the industry A threat to NEXT are the new competitors entering the market. Maybe not the small ones because there is a lot of capital needed to go head to head with NEXT the threat comes more from the big labels, department stores or chain companies outside the UK. Companies such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, for example, have money, knowledge and the power to enter the clothing market in a short period of time. Both which opened their 8,000 to 10,000 square feet stores on New Bond Street or Ralph Lauren which opened his 45,000 square feet store in central London demonstrate how to infiltrate a rather conservative domestic market. Additionally, US catalogue retailers are venturing into the UK market. Lands? End, the ninth biggest mail order company in the US, had opened a subsidiary in the UK but also struggle from the strong rivalry, sales are down by 1. 9% to USD 143m (2000). Threat of substitute products or services Another threat in the eyes of Michael Porter is the issue of substitution. Speaking of the clothing retail market this problem is not a big issue. A pullover can be a substitute for a jacket, or trousers for skirts, but since NEXT is provider of all these items anyway so the impact of a substitute is limited. However the threat in this market is that NEXT fails to note these trends. The Customers would substitute NEXT with a trendier company if their products are not stylish, interesting or mainstream enough to attract customers or the timing is wrong. Rivalry among current competitors There exist a huge number of clothes retailer in the UK approximately over 25,000 combined with other outlets make them more than 45,000. This indicates a high rivalry between competitors. In this phase of the market cycle where there is more or less no growth, competition is often price-based and therefore very aggressive. To build customer loyalty with price cutting strategies is very difficult if not impossible. That means consumers are looking for the best offer with regard to price, service and quality. If NEXT wants to increase market share it must take sales from its competitors and that increases rivalry. So it is a kind of price spiral where companies have to cut prices to sell their products. This leads to decreasing margins and probably to less competitors. This can be seen in the grocery shopping sector where competition was such though that only a few big companies survived. Another issue are the high export exit tariffs. If a company like NEXT, Marks Spencer or CA want to leave the UK market it means they have to sell all their branches and get rid of most of their employees. This causes a lot of problems in terms of the relevant trade unions, bad publicity or cost for developing a social viability plan. These are some reasons why companies mostly stay in their known marketplace instead of leaving them for new opportunities

Analysis of Human Resources (HR) Department

Analysis of Human Resources (HR) Department We have chosen Al Futtaim group as the subject of our research. The aim of our research is to review the HR department and point out the weaknesses. To achieve this goal we will review the background and history will give us an idea about the achievements and/or obstacles that faces the company. Also, we will look at the organizational structure of the group and the key people who are managing it. It is important for our research to have a complete idea about the managerial practices and the HRM role in accordance with the other departments. We will evaluate the strength and weaknesses of the HRM and we will end our research with recommendations with for possible improvements. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Al Futtaim group is a family business which was established in the 1930’s as a trading company. The owners of the group hold the upper management positions headed by Majid Al Futtaim as the chairman of the board of directors. The companies working within the group have developed q uickly and became a regional integrated commercial, industrial and services business located in the Gulf Area. Currently, the group consists of more than 40 companies dominating many market segments in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt and Pakistan. The group has four subsidiaries which are Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Trust, Retail, and Ventures. The group was created with a purpose of managing its subsidiaries and supervising the work in order to develop the business and achieve unified goals. The management’s promise is to respond quickly to the customers’ need and satisfy the group’s shareholders. Moreover the management gives its word to provide challenging opportunities for the employees in order to enhance their performance. Another promise is to serve the community, protect the environment and achieve a notable corporate social responsibility. (company’s official website) MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The Group consists of several core businesse s that complement each other, however they are separately managed. This strategy provides higher flexibility and better potentials because the separate operating divisions can grasp different opportunities. At the same time, different divisions work together on key projects and contribute, as a group, to the achievements and the profit. There are business agreements of cooperation and management within the group. The management relies on the differentiation of the retail brands in order to gain customer loyalty which in turn will enhance the sales growth and business development. (company’s official website) To face the market challenges, and because the group has large companies and diverse employees which serves diverse customer segments, the management has continually brought innovations and change to a conventional industry. The group declares that they are both; socially and environmentally responsible which has positive consequences such as increasing employee’s loyalty, ensuring growth and increasing profit. Moreover, the group’s strategy is built on creating a win-win situation for the organization, main stakeholders (such as employees and customers), and the communities where they are functioning. To achieve this strategy, the group has a well established HR department responsible for a large number of employees and workers.

Relationship Marketing in Top UK Airlines Essay

Relationship Marketing in Top UK Airlines - Essay Example All three have a website on the Internet and accept booking online. EasyJet and Ryanair have put low prices over customer convenience, while British Airways continues to put service above price. In 2001, the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon reverberated throughout the world, especially with airlines because commercial aircraft were used in the attack. British Airways and other major airlines announced massive job cuts while the low-cost airlines surprisingly reported increased profits. Why would a company like easyJet outperform the giant British Airways Two possible reasons were development of deregulation and an open skies policy put into place which allowed low-cost airlines the freedom to compete with low 'no frills' prices (Discount airlines 2006). The idea was to eliminate unnecessary costs with customers paying much lower prices for tickets while giving up certain creature comforts (Welcome to Companion Website, 2001). The major reason for the success of low-cost airlines, however, was instituting marketing through the Internet, offering online booking for the first time. By 2002 Ryanair and easyJet had operating margins far above traditional airlines, including 45% more than British Airways. In the United States 270m people were utilizing 1000 low-fare jets with another couple of hundred on order. In Europe 410m shared 400 low-fare jets (Binggeli & Pompeo). While other low-fare airlines came and went, Ryanair and easyJet continued their popularity. By 2004, however, traditional carriers such as BA began to catch up to budget airlines. Intense competition and rising fuel prices caused plummeting share price at easyJet in May, and in an online analysis of the airline industry, it was found there was an increase in visitors to online sites for budget airlines, but traditional airlines showed a higher visitor rate (Cahill 2004), perhaps an indication of the growing connection between customers and business. In 2006, BA not only continues to be the leading international airline in the traditional market, it is surpassing the no-frills market with discoun ted prices and special deals through its web site. Customer satisfaction is a factor that leads to success in the current marketplace, and the airline that understands this will grow in popularity. Pros and Cons of Budget Airlines In the low-cost budget airline business, easyJet and Ryanair continue to be the largest companies in the European low-cost market. These pioneers were the first to utilise the Internet for online booking. They maximized assets by decreasing turn-around time at airports and ending free on-board catering. Ticketless travel and intensive use of information technology (IT) increased visibility (easyJet Case Study 2006). However, the major hubs that serve these airlines are Stanstet, Luton and Gatwick, not the most convenient airports. Wizzair and SkyEurope are new airlines in Central Europe flying into these hubs and are in competition with the low-cost British airlines. One

Rhetorically (Crazy Stupid Love) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetorically (Crazy Stupid Love) - Essay Example One would notice in the movie how infidelity affects one’s way of life and leads characters into discovering its drastic effects and the host of alternatives people do to cope with the situation. In this regard, the objective of the essay is to present a rhetorical analysis of the movie by expounding on the message of the movie and its effectiveness in establishing audience appeal through logos, pathos and ethos. The conflict in the movie stemmed from Emily’s acknowledgement of cheating on Cal, devastating his perfect perception of his life and facing him in an ambivalent situation. While Cal and Emily had a romantic dinner she asked Cal for a divorce; stunning him and leading him into a situation where ethos is applied. He tried to convince Emily to think of their family and their love. On the other hand, Emily was actually also applying the ethical appeal to present to Cal that her infidelity justifies the divorce and therefore, despite her uncertainty for her true fe elings for the man she slept with, she was convinced that there was no other option but to part ways. In her argumentation, Emily actually used logos by rationalizing and justifying that by committing an unfaithful act through sleeping with a man, other than her husband, the most logical and rational recourse is to file the divorce. The audience’s emotions could actually side on Cal or Emily, depending on the personal perspectives, value system and cultural orientation. For people from the eastern culture who still do not accept divorce as acceptable in their society, the argument of Emily is unacceptable and therefore do not appeal to their emotions (pathos). On the other hand, for people from the western culture, who have learned to accept divorce as a way of life, like the office mates of Cal who even made fun of him when he cried his heart out, the contention that divorce is the only option available after an unfair relationship, is indeed the most appealing recommendatio n (pathos). Another situation worth examining is why, despite Jacob Palmer’s advice to Cal to get over Emily, to move on and start living his life, still is convinced that Emily is the only person for him. It was actually an understandable action at the onset that Cal would listen to Jacob by succumbing to his suggestions of changing his lifestyle by making him look younger, donning new and attractive clothes, and start dating other women to seek fulfilling relationships that would help him forget about Emily. Through the use of logos, Jacob, was actually successful in convincing Cal that if Emily could find somebody to replace him; then by all means, he should likewise find ways and means to forget and replace her. The audience could actually empathize with Cal at this point and through Jacob’s innuendos, he was also effective in manifesting the presence of using pathos to appeal to the emotions of the viewers and share in the journey of transformation for Cal’ s new life. Further, the move was likewise effective as Jacob was able to manifest ethos, or an ethical appeal as he convinced even Emily that she actually made a mistake of suggesting the divorce. By showing personality and traits that exemplify expertise in treating women and being highly competent in dealing with relationships, Jacob assumed a

Atomic Isotopes Essay Example for Free

Atomic Isotopes Essay Answer the following questions about the results of this activity. Record your answers in the boxes. Send your completed lab report to your instructor. Dont forget to save your lab report to your computer Reference Isotope Half-Life Chart Isotope ProductHalf LifeCarbon-14Nitrogen-145730 years Potassium 40Argon 401,280 million yearsRubidium 87Strontium -8 748,800 million yearsThorium 232 Lead 20814,010 million yearsUranium 235 Lead 297704 million yearsUranium 238 Lead 2064,470 million years Activity 1 Calibration Place your data from Activity 1 in the appropriate boxes below. Calculate the age of the calibration standards using the following information. Fraction of sample remaining remaining ppm of sample/initial ppm of sample Age of sample half-life value of isotope X number of half-lives elapsed Calibration Standard Initial ppm Remaining ppm Age of Standard Low Carbon-14 High Uranium-235 Explain if the instrument appears to be calibrated based on the data you obtained for the Low Calibration Standard. Explain if the instrument appears to be calibrated based on the data you obtained for the High Calibration Standard. Explain which would be the best isotope from the Isotope Half-Life Chart to measure a 3 billion year old specimen. Activity 2 Place your data from Activity 1 in the appropriate boxes below. Calculate the age of the calibration standards using the following information. The initial carbon-14 content of the tree specimen is 6 of the carbon-12 content of the specimen. The initial carbon-14 content of the insect specimen is 8 of the carbon-12 content of the specimen. The initial carbon-14 content of the bat specimen is 8 of the carbon-12 content of the specimen. Formulas Estimated initial carbon-14 content of carbon-12 ppm value (from above) X carbon-12 in specimen/100 Fraction of carbon- 14 remaining in sample remaining ppm of sample/initial ppm of sample Age of sample half-life value of carbon-14 X number of half-lives elapsed Sample Carbon-14 ppm Carbon-12 ppm Estimated Initial Carbon-14 Estimated Age of Specimen Tree Fossil Specimen Insect Fossil Specimen Bat Fossil Specimen Explain how you obtained the estimated initial value of the carbon-14 content. Describe if the age of the each specimen is likely a realistic value. You will need to use the web to evaluate the approximate age of the oldest specimen that is possible for trees, insects, and bats.

The Horses :: Literary Analysis, Muir

Read the following poem by Edwin Muir from The Faber Book of Beasts (pp.119–20). Then write a short essay of no more than 600 words explaining what the poem is about and consider whether you think the poem is more traditional or dissenting. The first part of this essay will analyse the meaning of the poem called The Horses, written be Edwin Muir. Initially it would be useful to understand what is meant by traditional and dissenting. Traditional: of, relating, or being tradition,(E. Dictionary, 2006). Dissenting: to have a disagreement or withhold assent, (E. Dictionary, 2006). Muir, came from an isolated place and lived around two world wars, (b. May 15, 1887, Deerness, Orkney, Scot.—.d Jan. 3, 1959, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Eng), (Encyclopedia, Britannica, 2010). It is a tempting thought that living on a lonely island and through two world wars, heavily influenced him for the poem. Edwin Muir's poem 'The Horses' tells the story of a devastating war on mankind, perhaps that of a nuclear war, that has left the world on the brink of extinction, 'Barely a twelve month after The seven days’ war that put the world to sleep,' (Assignment, Book, 2008). Muir's poem could be seen to parallel Genesis(Old Testament),(Encyclopedia, Britannica, 2010). A good example of religious connotation of words, the seven days war, covenant, Eden and servitude, in the beginning and our father,' (Assignment, Book, 2008). When, Muir uses the word 'piled' in the sentence 'Dead bodies piled on the deck,' (Assignment, Book, 2008), One has the sensation that the poet wants to show the reader of the depth of disregard for the dead in the poem. It also clearly emphasises the chaos and destruction that the war has brought upon man and that there was no time for the simplest of burials. Muir, in being rhetorical, is showing that the survivors' need for a simpler life a purer life away from the existence of a technology driven society that caused the seven days war. The poem shows a strong sense of irony with, 'Our life is changed; their coming our beginning.' (Assignment Book, 2008). Muir, has used alliteration and this can be seen in the repeated f in, 'far past our fathers' land,' reinforces how much man has changed and returned to a past way of life and possibly a rhyme for forefathers when reduced to 'far...fathers,' (Assignment, Book, 2008).

Moving to a New Country

Moving to a foreign country might sound like a big adventure. One of the things that will happen when you go to a new place (even on vacation) is that you compare everything to how it’s back home. This means that you will compare food, quality of life, weather, people’s habits, beliefs, and ever thing between. Subsequently, moving to a foreign country is big terrible for some people, and it could be normal for others. Through my experience, when you decide to move to a new country or new place. you have to start with first step. Do not spend too much time thinking. For example; if you decides to move to Canada to complete your studies, get your first step by doing the Canadian visa. In addition, keep your personal and your family life separate. For example, do not stay in your back home because your personal’s life or your family. The goal of this point is don’t spend much time thinking, and that will help you to achieve your goal. Secondly, moving to a new country might be difficult especially when they don’t speak your native language, then you be stressed out. In addition to that, learning a new language could takes a long time so that you can understand their culture. For instance, when you move from Korea to Canada you will see new language and new culture. So, try to make your life there funny by going with your friends and that will make your time run quickly. Next, adapting with a new country or a new culture might takes a long time. Moreover, you need to learn every day about this new culture by talking and making friends. Also, try to going walk in your new city, and see their people, or try to have fun with your new friends. As an example, do not move to a new city to staying in your house that will make you feel boring. By following these steps you will feel you are in your back home and not expatriate. In conclusion, Moving to a new country could be difficult for some people and easy for some. You can find that easy by following some steps that will help you such as, speaking their language, adapting with their culture, and try making friends. I hope everyone adapts with his/her new life.

The Odyssey – the Role of the Gods

The Role of the Gods The role of the Gods is very significant in the Odyssey. The ancient Greeks believed that the Gods were the source of all ideas, and everything that happened, good or bad, happened because of the Gods. However after the Trojan War, Odysseus claimed to the Gods that he did not need them, and he came up with the idea of the wooden horse on his own. This is the sin of hubris and arrogance, one of the sins that angers Gods the most. It is because of this that Poseidon vows to show Odysseus that he is nothing more than a mortal man, and men need the power of the Gods to survive.However according to Zeus, Poseidon cannot kill Odysseus, he can only hinder his journey. It is because of the Gods that Odysseus’ journey home was, in fact, an odyssey. The main Gods that play a part in Odysseus’ journey home are Zeus, Poseidon, Athena and Hermes, however there are also some minor Gods and Goddesses including Circe and Aeolus. Each of these plays their own crucia l part in the journey of Odysseus. The role of Athena is to be a guardian to Odysseus, and to guide Telemachus.There are many ways in which Athena helps Odysseus: She is the one that persuades Zeus to free Odysseus from the island of Calypso, she also calms the stormy winds sent by Poseidon. Also, Athena appears to the daughter of King Alcinous in a dream, convincing her to wash her clothes so that she will discover Odysseus washed up on the shore. Finally, when Odysseus arrives home to Ithaca, she disguises him as an old beggar, so he can roam his kingdom unnoticed, and spy on the suitors of his wife. Athena also plays a crucial role in the life of Telemachus.When Telemachus wants to find more information on his father, Athena appears to him as a family friend Mentor, encouraging him to seek the wisdom of Nestor and Menelaus. She also sends favourable winds to help him on his way. The role of Poseidon is equally as important. It is his job to set obstacles and tasks to prevent Odys seus from returning home to Ithaca. When Odysseus blinds the Cyclops Polyphemus, Poseidon’s son, he swears vengeance on him. Poseidon destroys his raft, and one of his monsters, Scylla, eats six of Odysseus’ crew members.The rest of his crew are swallowed by Charybdis, Poseidon’s whirlpool. Finally, the roles of Circe and Calypso are to tempt Odysseus to forget about his kingdom, and more importantly, his wife Penelope. Calypso holds Odysseus prisoner on her island for seven years against his will. She encourages him to stay on her island forever and to forget about his kingdom of Ithaca. However she eventually lets him go on the orders of Zeus. The reason why the Gods put Odysseus through so much in the first place was because he was arrogant after the victory in Troy.The role of the Gods (particularly Poseidon) was to show Odysseus that all men need the Gods to survive. There was a point in his journey where Odysseus was reduced to nothing. He had no crew, no ship and he was in the power of the Gods. This is where he realised that men are at the disposal of the Gods, and he is no better than anyone else. As a result of his experience with the Gods, and his journey home, Odysseus learns to respect the Gods, he learns the true importance of his family and he learns to always be humble, and never become too arrogant.

Suicide Recognizing Symptoms and Helping

Suicide Recognizing Symptoms and Helping Mental Health Issues. Suicide Suicide is the act of intentionally killing yourself. Today, it is the second leading death cause among college students. According to statistics, 10% of college students have had suicidal thoughts or even have been making plans to take away their own lives. Most students, who manifest such thoughts and intentions, suffer from mental illnesses (most often depression), experience frustrations, worries, fears, and doubts. Even though many students can experience these symptoms without thoughts of death, its necessary to prevent or timely notice the frightening moment, when they decide to end their lives. Recognizing The Signs Even though suicide often seems to be a sudden act, its possible to notice the warning signals beforehand and timely help the person. These symptoms arent always clear, but they may include:Extreme level of hopelessness Depression and persistent negative mood Sudden change in behavior and character Avoidance of social activities Abrupt calmness after a long-term depression Talks of death and suicideMost college students who commit suicide suffer from a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder, such as severe depression, anxiety, or negative thoughts after a loss of a loved one. How to Notice Suicidal Behavior in Your Friend? Suicidal students often talk to their peers and express their thoughts. Therefore, you need to be attentive to those you communicate with. See if they manifest such signs as:Talks about their death suicide Threats of hurting oneself Frequent risky behaviors Withdrawal from friends, school, and social activities Depressive behavior and hopelessness Unwillingness to move on after a break-up Talks about the desire to relieve their pain forever Seeing any of these signs, be very careful. Patiently talk with this person and encourage him to get professional help. In case you suspect that your friend, peer, or roommate is suicidal but doesnt want to communicate, consult your campus healthcare providers right away. In emergency cases, call 911 or urgent care facilities. By expressing your concern in time, you might save this persons life. How Do You Know If You Are Suicidal? Be attentive not only to those around you but also to yourself. See if you manifest any of the following behaviors:Withdrawal from your friends and activities you enjoyed before Thoughts or talks about death and suicide Persistent feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness Depressive thoughts Relentless feelings of guilt Strong anger or anxiety Drug or alcohol abuseIf you have any of these signs, seek professional help. Share your thoughts with your friend or family member and ask them to accompany you to the specialist. Suicide Prevention Resources If you want to know how to deal with suicidal thoughts in yourself or your friend, you can ask help from your campus health center or any of these organizations:Active Minds contributes to the effective communication about mental wellness on college campuses, teaches how to prevent mental issues in students, and provides multiple services for those in crisis National Alliance on Mental Illness aims to enhance the lives of individuals who suffer from mental ailments, provides information on suicide prevention, and offers social support groups, 24-hour lifeline crisis chat, and text support line American Foundation for Suicide Prevention aims to provide education, support, and innovative research findings to prevent suicide National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is reachable through a toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (8255); provides emotional support and assist family members and friends in risk prevention (all talks are confidential) The Trevor Project provides LGBTQ individuals with required emotional support and secure space to have a conversation, offers several channels for help and communication (their toll-free lifeline number 1-866-488-7386 works 24/7)Suicide is a serious issue. Nevertheless, you can prevent this tragedy if you dont nurture your negative thoughts and rather seek ways to deal with them. Remember that your life is the most precious thing you have. Value it.

Case study effective leaders Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Effective leaders - Case Study Example Often, the variation is attributed to the leadership as well as the type of people these two types of leaders govern. Extraverted leadership often involves commanding the center of attention by not only being outgoing and assertive, but also bold, talkative as well as dominant. Introverted leadership, on the other hand, involves listening to other people’s opinion before making any decision in an organization. In relation to this, the paper expounds on extraverts are not the best bosses. In relation to this description, it is apparent that pairing extraverted leaders with employees who speak out often result in a conflict. On the other hand, it is evidenced that paring introverted leaders with employees who speak out result to high productivity. In regard to this claim, one can affirm that introverted managers have the potential of maximizing the productivity of proactive employees. In other words, extraverted managers can only work best with passive employees. Unfortunately, passive behaviors are not important in a dynamic as well as uncertain economy (Analyzing Effective Leaders, 2010). Extraverted leaders are the main contributors of low innovativeness and activeness of employees. Such leaders often feel threatened by the activeness of employees; they fear employee proactivity. In tandem with this claim, it is evident that pairing of such leaders with proactive employees hampers with the success of an organization. In most occasions, proactive employees lose the morale of working hard when responded to in a less receptive way by an extraverted leader. Additionally, the poor relationship between extraverted leader and employees make employees mean in that they avoid sharing ideas that could enhance creativity and innovation. Personality conflicts in most organizations are also as a result of the practice of extraverted leadership. These conflicts frequently result to a power struggle within organization

Ehnancing level of engagement with performance with data in the Dissertation

Ehnancing level of engagement with performance with data in the allocation and use of Seychelles - would an integrated VFM code - Dissertation Example This culminated to extremely high debt ratios for this nation. Nonetheless, the government needs reforms in the public sector to curb the current problems it is facing. Reforms have been adopted in the various sectors and progress being followed by major bodies like the World Bank and UN Human Development. The allocation and use of resources in this nation shows a huge gap as compared to large nations. Russian being one of them has had adoption of better allocation of resources and aiding institutions develop performance indicators and institutionalize these in budget formulation (Diamond & IMF, 2005, 22). This exacerbates the dire need for evaluating value for money in government spending and finding insights in to areas that the VFM code is lacking and should be integrated. Analysis of the interview 1. VFM processes that are in use and how can they be enhanced through the adoption of a more integrated VFM based approach 67% of the respondents have outlined VFM practices in Educatio n sector. However, there is need to have monitoring unit and review process. 33% of the respondent stated that VFM and performance budgeting will be introduced in 2015. 33% of the interviewee have expressed that VFM is in use in the Auditor’s general office in Seychelles. The reduced number of staff however, is hindering the optimal function of this department. 2. VFM be integration into decision making and resource allocation cycles A SMART analysis is recommended by 33% of the respondent to be used in introducing performance budgets in the budget process. 100% of the respondents state that there is need to have a public monitoring unit or a reviewing body to review budget spending. 33% state that a specific department should be set aside for this purpose only. 3. Feasibility and desirability of the VFM model adaptation in Seychelles 100% response indicate that the integration of this model is a costly agenda but with time it will be fully inducted i.e. 2015. The need for a VFM code is highly vital as expressed by 100% of the respondents. 4. Challenges likely to be encountered and the scope for changes in this direction Ineffective monitoring and implementation unit Lack of good administration in analysis projects Cultural impact – acceptance and gradual change Funding for Research and implementation of the Model in full Bulk budget allocation 100% indicate that there is need to do thorough research in countries that have integrated VFM successfully. There will be gradual implementation of the model by 2015. 5. Form of an integrated VFM code for Seychelles The modest methods recommended are Cost benefit analysis; the 3e’s analysis and the trend analysis deferred form the confidence levels. However, the respondents do not have a clear method to be used. However, there are insights into doing research work in countries that have implemented VFM models successfully. Enhancing levels of engagement with performance data policy Definition of Va lue for Money Code Value for money’ is a term that is used to show an explicit commitment to enabling the best results possible are achieved from the money spent. In the UK Government, VFM has been used to depict a concern for more transparency and accountability in spending