Ghetto cityscap by Camilo Jose Vergara Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ghetto cityscap by Camilo Jose Vergara - Essay Example As such, the dilemma on this situation has not been resolved. â€Å"Dismissing the value of information received through sight, taste, and smell, or through the emotional overtones in an informant’s voice, or from the sensation of moving through the spaces studied, has led to the creation of constructs without character, individuality, or a sense of place (Vergara 715).† Together with the transformation of the society, ghettos have also gone through changes in order to cope with the environment. Their adaptation and change come in diverse characteristics for which are significant in understanding their need in order to solve this social problem. â€Å"Yet today’s ghettos are diverse, rich in public and private responses to the environment, in expressions of cultural identity, and in reminders of history. These communities are uncharted territory; to be understood, their forms need to be identified, described, inventoried, and mapped (Vergara 715).† With this, Vergara identified three types of ghettos of the American cities – the green ghettos, institutional ghettos and the new immigrant ghettos. Green ghettos are those who live at the ‘leftovers’ part of the society. They live in the suburbs where there are only abandoned establishments for which wild animals and humans have learned to co-exist. What is left in thes e suburbs are non-valuable land filled no other than grasses and ruined and abandoned buildings, ignored by the government. On the other hand, the large and expensive regions of the city are also occupied by ghettos. They who live in this side of the city are identified by Vergara as the institutional ghettos. Financed by the government, they are but the weakest and the most vulnerable members of the society. Identified through their lack of money and home, this group in the society is at the same time those who are being treated for addiction, diseases and

Smoking in ads Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Smoking in ads - Essay Example THESIS STATEMENT The thesis intends to argue on the fact that most advertising is made towards raising the usage of various products and on the same time, warning the viewers regarding the destructive behavior of smoking that can have unfavorable impacts upon the societal well-being at large. DISADVANTAGES OF SMOKING One of the common themes that many anti-smoking advertisements are based on intends to showcase the disadvantages of smoking on the health of the consumer. As depicted in these advertisements, the possibility of the smokers to suffer from several diseases, which can even cause significant threat to their lives. It is quite obvious that smoking affects both the physical along with the mental state of the regular consumers causing threat to various diseases. Theoretically, smoking is regarded as the habit or the action of inhaling the smoke of a tobacco or a particular drug. It is worth mentioning that smoking affects the physical state of an individual through the formati on of numerous diseases like emphysema, lung cancer and respiratory or heart diseases. At certain times, most of these diseases result in causing death of the individuals due to excessive smoking. Based on the above discussion, it can be affirmed from a broader understanding that negative consequences are observed from excessive smoking. Apart from affecting the physical state of an individual, smoking also affects the mental state of the regular abusers as well. This can be justified with reference to the fact that the biological factors engaged in smoking eventually affect an individual’s mental state by a considerable extent. It can be affirmed in this regard that the regular doses of a substance i.e. nicotine present in cigarettes eventually leads toward extensive changes in the individual’ brain, resulting in affecting their mental state at large (Mental Health Foundation, â€Å"Smoking and Mental Health†). Thus, showcasing these disadvantages of smoking, a ffecting the physical along with the mental state of regular abusers, anti-smoking advertisements tend to generate significant impacts on societal awareness against such destructive behaviors. SECOND HAND SMOKERS Another theme addressed in anti-smoking advertisements emphasizes the negative consequences faced by second hand smokers. In general, it can be affirmed that unavoidable smoking effects pertain not only on the abusers but also upon the second hand smokers breathing in the same air and therefore, reside within the periphery to be directing affected by the tobacco smoke. With this similar concern, secondhand smoking affects the lives of the individuals in the form of deteriorating their mental along with physical health. Conceptually, the notion of secondhand smoke is typically observed as the mixture of smoke that results from the burning end of a particular cigarette and also the smoke, which is exhaled by the smokers. It is quite evident that secondhand smoking distresses the people around the abusers in the form of causing several health related problems, even lung cancer. These problems may be related to respiratory along with ear infections, severe attacks of asthma and lung cancer among others. It can be apparently observed in this similar concern that the inhalation of secondhand

A Case Analysis On Arik Air Nigeria Commerce Essay

A Case Analysis On Arik Air Nigeria Commerce Essay This essay is a case analysis on Arik air Nigeria and will therefore seek to identify the major threats and opportunity in the environment, analyse the strength and weakness of the company, identify the strategic position of Arik air, and suggest a strategy to be adopted by the airline in an effort to sustain its competitive advantage. BACKGROUND Arik Air is Nigerias biggest indigenous commercial airline offering domestic flights to major cities in Nigeria and with an expanding network of regional and international flight operations to major cities in the world (Eze, 2010). Presently, Arik Air flies to 17 Domestic destinations in Nigeria and 8 International destinations (Arik air, 2010: Online). Arik Air Nigeria The companys corporate mission is: To be a safe and reliable airline by selecting and operating new, modern aircraft and by employing the most experienced and efficient staff. (Airkair, 2010: Online) Vision: To make Nigeria proud of its aviation industry (Arikair, 2010: Online) Strategic Intent: Ariks strategic intent is to be the preferred airline carrier of choice in West Africa. (Airk Air, 2010: Online) EXTERNAL ANALYSIS: The external analysis was conducted using PESTEL Framework and Porters five forces as the basic tools (Thompson, 1997; Luffman et al, 1996; Welsh, 2005; Johnson et al, 2009) in an effort to understand the effect of changing environment on Arik Airs operation. The findings based on pestel framework (See Appendix 1) and Posters five forces (See Appendix 2) are as follows: An analysis of the political environment revealed that governments around the world are tightening immigration regulations due to the surge in terrorism the implication of which is a reduction in the number of global traveller thus posing a threat to airline including Arik Air. (Stevermen, 2009; Cartar, 2010). However liberalization and Deregulation efforts are being made in several regions of the world with Asia setting a target for the full liberalization of its skies by the year 2015. This is projected to boost aviation industry performance by creating avenue for fair competition platform between more established airlines and the growing competitors like Arik Air(Bailey, 1986; Smith Cox, 2007; Ting, 2008). The rising fuel price is a matter of economic concern in the world, with Aviation fuel price estimated at $85 per barrel (IATA, 2010: online) the implication of which is an increase in running cost for airlines and this poses a high threat to Airlines. However, there is optimism that a global economic recovery is on the way with the world economy expected to grow 2.7% in 2010 (World Bank, 2010: Online) and the aviation industry is forecasted to reduce its loss from $5.8 Billion in 2009 to $2.8 Billion in 2010. (Financial Times, 2010). The World travel tourism council (2010) projects an increase in the number of holiday travellers in 2010 with further growth expected in 2011. The 2010 world cup is expected to boost travel to Africa in 2010 (Eberl, 2010). Percentage change vs. 05-Mar-10 Index* $/b cts/gal $/mt 1 week ago 1 month ago 1 year ago Jet Fuel Price 243.3 89.0 211.9 701.4 3.4% 4.1% 80.3% Source: IATA (2010: Online) source from Platts * 100 in 2000 (87 cts/gal) Impact on this years fuel bill of the global airline industry: New fuel price average for 2010 Impact on 2010 fuel bill $85.5/b +$13 billion Estimated by IATA Source: IATA (2010: Online) With heightened security checks and the introduction of the full body scan at airport, there are concerns over the privacy infringement due to the utilisation of the full body scan. (McDonough, 2010). Arik air is in the traditional full service airline industry offering pre-flight, in-flight, and post flight services to customers and its competitors in the industry include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirate, Qatar Airline and South African Airways all of which are established airlines with good brand image. An industry analysis revealed as follows (See Appendix 2): there is high competitive rivalry within the industry; barrier to new entrant is high due to the enormous capital required to start an airline; buyers have a high bargaining power due to the various options of airlines available to them and suppliers have a medium bargaining power. INTERNAL ANALYSIS: The internal analysis was conducted through an evaluation of the resource based view of strategy (resources and competencies) (Mahoney Pandian, 1992; Johnson et al, 2009); as well as competitive advantage; value chain and VRIO (Johnson et al, 2009; Thompson, 1997; Luffman et al, 1996) to identify the strengths and weakness of the company. (See Appendix) UNIQUE RESOURCE(S) AND CORE COMPETENCIES (See appendix 3 for the list of tangible and intangible resources of the company) Arik Airs unique resource is its chairman who is an elder statesman in Nigeria with an easy access to finance while its core competencies are its excellent customer relations skill and reliability COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Arik air derives its competitive advantage from a unique merge of low price and quality service. This is based on its vast research and unique understanding of the West African market need for quality service at affordable prices and the support it receives from the Nigerian government and some other West African countries through concession and subsidies which thus reduces its operational cost and affords it a lower price than competitors (William, 2010; Russell, 2008; Abioye Ezeobi, 2008). THE VALUE CHAIN (See appendix 4) An evaluation of Arik Airs value chain activity revels as follows: The Inbound logistics which involve the delivery of fuel for the aircraft, in-flight meals, cleaning of the aircraft in preparation for a flight is outsourced (procurement) through an effective human resource management practice in an effort to reduce amount of people employed by the airline and reduce fixed operational costs. Arik with its strong finance base utilises an integrated ICT technology (Infrastructure/technology) to manage and support its operation by enabling online bookings, ticket purchase and flight check-in in an effort to reduce operational cost of employment. To ensure safety/reliability, a strict maintenance of its fleets is outsourced and an effective human resource management policy is put in place (training and reward) to promote employee commitment and performance (Arik, 2010: Online; Banfield Kay, 2008). Outbound logistics with regard to customers luggage is coordinated and monitored with a technological coding and is outsourced to Sachol to ensure the safety of customers property and to sustain Arik Airs reliability (Airkair, 2010: Online, Sachol, 2010: Online) while an extensive marketing is implemented through the media to promote sales. This enables Arik air to achieve its competitive advantage through a systemic integration of technology (speedy services and reduced operational cost), human resource management (ensures quality delivery of services by employees) and a firm infrastructure to support its primary activities thus enabling the airline to deliver quality services at reduced prices in comparison to competitors. VRIO: The VRIO examines the sustainability of a firms competitive advantage (Johnson et al, 2008); Arik Air offers its low priced fares with excellent in-flight services unparallel to none offered by any Nigerian airline (Eze, 2010) which implies that its services are valuable and rear. However this can be imitated by other airline thus Arik air enjoys a Temporary competitive advantage (Khanna, 2010) In the airline industry the critical success factors are: a good brand image; good quality service; good customer relations; cost effectiveness; Reliability; safety. (Svein Vidar, 2004; Bijan Kenneth, 2005). Judging by the critical success factors in the airline industry, Arik Airs performance is standard in the industry since the airlines services are affordable, safety is given high priority, it offers good customer service, and is reliable. However, theres need to develop the Arik brand beyond West Africa. SWOT ANALYSIS (Kotler et al, 2009) See Appendix 4 Arik airs strengths are its highly skilled workforce with excellent ethical conduct and customer relations (Some of the Best in the industry), the easy access to finance or funding, the airlines fleets of aircraft (mostly new), speed in service delivery and low operational cost while the weaknesses are the brand image (still unrecognised outside west Africa), flights offering to only 8 international destination (Williams, 2010). In consideration of Ariks strengths and weaknesses, the external environment provides opportunities as well as threats for Arik air. The identified opportunities are an increase in earnings due to a projected increase in the numbers of global travellers (World travel tourism council, 2010); expanding the network of flight destination due to the expected liberalisation of skies in Asia and the African continent (Bailey, 1986; Smith Cox, 2007; Ting, 2008) However, the threats in the environment include the unstable global fuel price, increased terrorism scare s, continued government subsidy for competitors airlines which reduces the open market competition and the expected mergers in the airline industry which might result in the dominance of a few big airline. Arik Airs plans to increase its market share in Nigeria and West Africa and equally targets an expansion its operation across Europe, North America and Asia but Arik Air is faced with immense industry competition on international destinations from the established airline (Virgin, Bristish Airways, Emirate) and The threats global economic recession which has slowed the expected growth of the airline. The competitive strategy adopted by Arik is the Hybrid strategy (see appendix 4). This strategy allows the airline to maintain its low cost base thus enabling it to compete on low price relative to competitors with sustainable differentiation. However, the low price might impede the airline ability to obtain the maximum returns possible. (Johnson et al, 2009) STRATEGIC OPTIONS: Arik air is experiencing a decline in its projected market growth caused by the increase competition in airline industries; the various strategic options available to Arik Air are evaluated simultaneously below with the aid of TOWS and Ansoff Matrix (Khanna, 2010; Johnson et al, 2009). (See Appendix 5: Tables 3 4): Strategy 1 Strength-Opportunity/Market Development Arik Airs key strengths of easy access to finance and excellent customer service practices can be explored based on the identified opportunity in the macro environment (politics) stemming from the planned liberalisation of skies in Asia and Africa (Bailey, 1986; Smith Cox, 2007; Ting, 2008). The strategy option this provides Arik Air is Market Development. The Airline can increase its fleets of aircraft by purchasing additional aircrafts, employing and training additional workforce, and increasing the route options of the airlines to more destinations in Asia and Africa Strategy 2 Strength-Weakness/ Market Penetration Market penetration is another strategic option available to Arik air. By utilising this strategy, Arik air can utilise its strong financial capability to bankroll an extensive marketing exploit to improve the brand image of the airline. This will create awareness for the Arik brand thus, enabling the airline to gain a greater market share in its present markets. However, the heightened competition in the industry poses a genuine threat to this strategy. Strategy 3 Strength-Threat/Diversification The on-going merger in the industry which may result in a few dominant airlines is a threat to Arik air. Arik with its easy access to finance can adopt a related diversification into the budget airline industry (horizontal integration) with the option of acquiring Virgin Nigeria (low cost low frills airline) (Attitude travel, 2010: Online) This will enable Arik air to optimally minimize the threat posed by merger of the more established operators by spreading its risk and making it a formidable competitor. Strategy 4 Weakness -Opportunity/Product Development The weak brand identity of Arik Air outside West Africa is one of the airlines weaknesses. Arik can overcome this weakness by ensuring that the flight experience of its customers remains memorable with an excellence in customer service at all time. The company can equally offer new products such as travel miles accumulation/flyers club membership for its customers as a Product Development Strategy. Strategy 5 Weakness -threat/Consolidation The proposed merger in the airline industry which might result in a few dominant airlines is a major threat to a growing airline like Arik airs weak brand identity; Arik can adopt any option of consolidation (Johnson et a, 2009) to defend its market share by merging with some established airline like Qatar Air or Emirate in order to ensure the sustainability of the business. The problem however is the possible loss of Ariks brand identity sue to such consolidation (Johnson et al, 2009) SELECTED STRATEGY After a thorough evaluation of the strategic options available to Arik air, the most viable option for the airline to adopt is a related diversification of the companys operations into the no-frills airline industry (a form of concentric diversification) (Mintzberg et al, 2003; Johnson et al, 2009). As suggested by Johnson et al (2009), related diversification allows a company to expand by utilising its existing infrastructure, resources, competencies and strengths in a new trade of similar capacity or intricacies. Therefore by this strategy, Arik air can capitalise on its strong financial strength in acquiring Virgin Nigeria (a no frill airline in Nigeria) (Attitude travel, 2010) or may purchase additional aircrafts to its fleets to cater exclusively for the no frills service operations while still utilising some of the companys existing technological infrastructure to cater for online bookings and check-ins (without incurring additional cost of employment). This is because there is evident potential synergy between the new business (a no-frills flight operation) and the core one, based on a common facility, asset, channel, skill, even opportunity. (Mintzberg et al, 2003:124) CONCLUSION To conclude, the introduction/inclusion of the no-frills airline options will afford Arik air no increased workforce requirement (due to the low service requirement of no-frill operations thus resulting in reduced operational cost); spread its market risk; enable greater efficiency, and will give commuters a greater variety to choose from among the Arik brand thus increasing the potential customer base of the airline. The adoption of diversification strategy by Arik air is a sustainable option for the airline due to the fact that there is presently only one no-frills airline in West Africa (Virgin Nigeria) (Attitude travel, 2010) which Arik air has the option of acquiring in order to build its business and booster its market share. However should the option of acquiring Virgin Nigeria not be chosen, Ariks reliability and brand identity in West Africa is sufficient to sustain the success of the diversification exercise thus ensuring Arik airs market growth. APPENDIXES (Appendix 1) PESTEL Analysis Political: Government subsidies for flag carriers: Flag carriers benefit from subsidies and cash injection from the government, relaxed accessed to loans, reduction in airport service and landing fees, subsidies on fuel and fiscal privileges. (The international chambers of commerce, 1995) Employment regulations: Countries differing employment regulations and trade union laws which Scholars have identified to a considerable affect the operational activities of organisations. (Harris et al, 2003; Deirdre, 2005) Immigration: The increasing global terrorism threats is resulting in governments around the world tightening immigration regulations which in turn might result in a reduction in the number of traveller around the world (Stevermen, 2009; Cartar, 2010) Deregulation: The deregulation of the aviation industry will provide an avenue for improved market conditions that will promote growth in the industry and remove the barriers to entry for new airlines thus allowing for effective market competition. (Bailey, 1986; Smith Cox, 2007) Liberalization of skies: Asia hopes to achieve a full liberalization of its airspace by 2015 and has put up a round map to achieve that. (Ting, 2008) Economic: Unstable Fuel price: The rising fuel price is estimated to result in a $13billion increase in 2010 oil bill with fuel prices put at $85/barrel. See appendix 1 (IATA, 2010: Online) Global economy recovery: The World Bank projects that a global economy recovery is on the way with a 2.7% growth expected in 2010 (World Bank, 2010: online) the aviation industry is projected to make a loss of $2.8billion in 2010 down from $5.8 billion made in 2009 (Financial Times, 2010) Mergers in the industry: The airline industry is undergoing transformation as airlines are announcing merger plans (Leung, 2010; Clark, 2010) Social: The World travel tourism council (2010) projects an increase in the number of holiday travellers in 2010 with further growth expected in 2011. Furthermore the 2010 world cup is expected to boost travel to Africa in 2010 (Eberl, 2010). There are concerns over the introduction of the full body scan at airport over the privacy infringement (McDonough, 2010). Technology: Terrorism threats, has prompted an increase in security screening in many airports with the introduction of the Full body scan (McDonough, 2010). New Air Traffic Control (ATC) technologies have been developed for commercial airlines one of which is ADS-B. (Karp, 2010) Environmental: In an effort for airlines to go green the International Air Transport Association (IATA) plans to cut CO2 emission by 1.5Million tonnes in 2010. (IATA, 2010: Online) Legal: The international air transport association (IATA) is to sign a data sharing agreement with the EU, US and ICAO (IATA, 2010: online). Furthermore, there are restrictions on mergers and acquisitions in the airline industry. (Appendix 2) Porters 5 Forces Threat of Entry: There is relatively low threat of entry to the industry based on the high capital requirement of starting an airline. Furthermore the airline industry is presently making a loss (IATA, 2010) which makes it unattractive to many investors thus reducing the numbers of possible entrant. Threat of substitute: Substitutes to airline are Trains, Automobiles and Ship. The threat posed by these is relative to the intended destination, time and cost analysis by the customers (Givoni, 2009). For National and Regional travels, these substitutes pose an increased threat to the airline industry due to the cheaper prices they offer with particular reference to travel by automobiles and/or trains. However, this threat is low on transatlantic travels. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Scholars have argued that the present global market condition is tending towards buyers market (Kotler et al, 2009). This is also made evident by aircraft manufacturers seeking the greater participation of airlines in the design of their aircrafts customising. However due to high switching cost in the airline industry, the bargaining power of the supplier is medium. (Kotler et al, 2009) Bargaining Power of Buyer: Consumers have a high degree of options to choose from and this allows them a great bargaining power. (Kotler et al, 2010) Competitive Rivalry: The airline industry is highly competitive and there is prevalent merger going on in the industry in an effort to cut cost and improve efficiency. (Leung, 2010; Clark, 2010) and there is a high exist barrier Fig 3 Porters five forces: Source: Johnson et al (2009: 31) adapted from Porter (1984) (Appendix 3) Table 1 Arik Airs Resources Tangible Resources Intangible Resources Fleets of Aircraft (Physical resources) Buildings (Physical resources) Capital, Shareholders, Bankers (Financial resources) Highly skilled Employees (Human resource) Brand Customer database Business system Source: adapted from Slack et al, 2009 The aircraft fleets are as follows (Arik Air, 2010: Online) Two (2) Airbus A340-542, manufacture date: 2008-2009 with a Seat capacity of 237; Three (3) Boeing 737-800NG, Manufacture date: 2009 has a seat capacity of 148; Six (6) Boeing 737-700NG, Manufacture date: 2007-2008, has a seat capacity of 131-149; Three (3) Boeing 737-700, Manufacture date: 2001, has seat capacity of 124; Two (2) Boeing 737-300, Manufacture date: 1989, has seat capacity of 126; Four (4) Bombardier CRJ-900, Manufacture date: 2005-2007, seat capacity of 74; Two (2) Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, Manufacture date: 2009, has seat capacity of 72; Three (3) Bombardier Dash 8 Q300, Manufacture: 2001-2002, with seat capacity of 50; Four (4) Fokker 50, Manufacture date: 1990, seat capacity of 51; Two (2) Hawker HS 125-800XP, Manufacture date: 2004, seat capacity of 8. (Appendix 4) Table 2 SWOT Internal Origin Strengths highly skilled workforce with excellent ethical conduct and customer relations the easy access to finance or funding, the airlines fleets of aircraft (mostly new), -speed in service delivery and -low operational cost Weakness the brand image (still widely unrecognised outside west Africa) -Limited flight offering to 17 local and only 8 international destination External Origin Opportunities -increase in the numbers of global travellers expanding the network of flight destination due to the expected liberalisation of skies in Asia and the African continent Threats -unstable global fuel price, -increased terrorism scares, government subsidy for competitors -dominance of a few big players due to merger. Source: Adapted from Kotler et al (2009:101) Fig 4 Source: Marketing teacher (2010: Online) adapted from Bowman (1995) (Appendix 5) Table 3 TOWS analysis of Arik Air Nigeria. SW Strategy that use strength to overcome weakness Strategy 2- Market Penetration Opportunity -Increase in the numbers of global travellers expanding the network of flight destination due to the expected liberalisation of skies in Asia and the African continent Threats unstable global fuel price, -increased terrorism scares, government subsidy for competitors -dominance of a few big players due to merger. Strengths -Easy access to finance -excellent customer services -low operational cost Highly skilled workforce SO Strategy that use strength to maximize opportunity: Strategy 1 Market Development ST Strategy that use strength to minimize threats. Strategy 3- Related Diversification (Horizontal Integration) Weakness -weak brand identity -Few flight destination offering WO Strategy that minimize weakness by taking advantage of opportunity Strategy 4- Product Development WT Strategy that minimize and avoid threat Strategy 5 Consolidation Table 4 Ansoff Matrix Existing Product New Product Existing Market -Market Penetration -Consolidation -Product Development New Market -Market Development -Diversification Source: Johnson et al (2009:174) REFERENCES Abioye, O. Ezeobi, O (2008) YarAdua, governors pledge support for Arik [Online] Available from: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2008120422503246 [Accessed; 2nd April, 2010] Attitude travel (2010) African low cost no frills airlines [Online] Available from: http://www.attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines/africa/ [Accessed: 23rd March, 2010] Bailey, E. (1986) Price and Productivity Change following Deregulation: the US experience. 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Journal of Air Transportation. 10(1), 3-19 Carter, N (2010) United Kingdom: Immigration Law Update [Online] Available from: http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=92474 [Accessed: 12th March, 2010] Clark, P (2010) Investors in BA focus on open skies talks [Online] Available from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/883d3e28-19ac-11df-af3e-00144feab49a,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F883d3e28-19ac-11df-af3e-00144feab49a.html_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ft.com%2Fsearch%3FqueryText%3Dlibralisation%2Bof%2Bskies%26ftsearchType%3Dtype_news [Accessed: 13th March 2010] Deirdre, M (2005) Working Time Laws : a Global Perspective : Findings from the ILOs Conditions of Work and Employment Database. Geneva, International Labour Office Bureau International du Travail. Eberl , N. (2010) world travel trends spell opportunity for 2010. [Online] Available from: http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/147/42144.html [Accessed: 14th March, 2010] Eze, C (2010) Arik air announces management team restructuring [online] Available from: http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=168400 [Accessed: 12th March, 2010] Financial times (2010) Global airline losses [online] Available from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/118a1a5e-2d1f-11df-8025-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F3%2F118a1a5e-2d1f-11df-8025-00144feabdc0.html_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ft.com%2Fsearch%3FqueryText%3Dlibralisation%2Bof%2Bskies%26ftsearchType%3Dtype_news [Accessed: 13th March, 2010] Givoni, M. (2009) Book review: Mobility by John Urry. Transport Reviews, 29(1), 143-144 Harris, H.; Brewster, C.; Sparrow, P. (2003) International Human Resource Management, London, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. IATA (2010) Jet price Monitor [Online] Available from: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/economics/fuel_monitor/index.htm [Accessed: 13th March 2010] Johnson, G; Scholes, K; Whittington, R (2009) Fundamentals of Strategy. Essex, Pearson Education Limited. Karp, A (2010) LaHood: White House has an interest in funding NextGen aircraft equipment, [Online] Available from: http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=19647 [Accessed 14th March 2010] Khanna, T (2010a) Internal Analysis: the VRIO framework. [Lecture] University of Greenwich, 15th February. Khanna, T (2010b) Managing Strategy. [lecture] University of Greenwich, 8th March. Khanna, T (2010c) Corporate level stra

Surviving Technology Essay -- Technological Internet Computers Essays

Surviving Technology Computers, Internet, electronics are all apart of technology. Businesses are being buffeted by an increasingly rapid rate of change. There are new products, new regulations new customers and new technology in almost every industry. Part of that new technology is distance learning. More and more of adults are taken advantage of it. It is very convient for that working adult with spouse and kids or the adult going back to school. However some adults are not as savvy with the Internet or computer. Both items are essential in order to become a distance-learning student. Therefore I have created a student survival guide that would be useful for a new online student. Conducting Successful Library and Internet Searches The Internet provides access to a wealth of information on countless topics contributed by people throughout the world. A user has access to a wide variety of services and access protocols. These protocols such as http and e-mail allow users to search and retrieve material. The Internet is not a library in which items can be retrieved by a single catalog. No one knows how many files reside on the internet. The number runs into a few billion and is growing at a rapid pace. When As if you were traveling from place to place in the real world; you have to in a virtual environment. Look for every entrance to a topic and every potential door that may lay hidden behind that room with no apparent end. Therefore, it may seem daunting, but it is nothing more than changing the way you view your particular topic from a different perspective, or angle. It may be as simple as looking for the opposite or slightly off the topic in order to find the major you are looking for. Another good reference for researching the Internet is http://www.aresearchguide.com/ or A Research Guide for Students by I. Lee, he gives a lot of good information and places to start. There are many different ways to search for information on the internet. Ultimately looking at a topic from many different points of view, can help you find the information you are looking for. The Internet is a very large set of computers. In a matter of moments, you can gather information that is been posted from around the world. As you view this information, everything you see becomes obsolete because the Internet is growing as fast as our humanity can create new ways to... ... be. I am determined to obtain my degree so that I will not have to be on my feet for my entire shift. I want more, for me and for my family. The only way to accomplish these goals is to do the best I can and complete school. Works Cited: Ackermann, E. (2005). Directories and virtual libraries. Retrieved May. 24, 2005, from Webliminal Web site: http://www.webliminal.com/search/search-web04.html. Ackermann, E. (2005). Evaluating information found on the world wide web. Retrieved May. 24, 2005, from Webliminal Web site: http://www.webliminal.com/search/search-web12.html. Ackermann, E. (2005). Search strategies for search engines. Retrieved May. 24, 2005, from Webliminal Web site: http://www.webliminal.com/search/search-web05.html. Getting started with research in the university library. (2005). Retrieved May. 24, 2005, from Western International University Library Web site: http://www.apollolibrary.com/Library/library.aspx?bc=1. Kennedy, X., Kennedy, D., Muth, M., & Holladay, S. (2005). The bedford guide for college writers. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Kravits, S. (2002). Keys to college studying. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall.

The Place of Mental Preparation of Athletes

The sports community now recognizes that mental factors such as confidence, composure, focus, and motivation are highly significant to athletic performance. As a result, over the year’s performance enhancement has become an emerging career track within the field sport psychology. Sport psychology (or sports psychology) is the study of the psychological factors that affect participation and performance in sports.Sport psychology professionals who focus on performance enhancement aim to increase athletic performance by minimizing the psychological effects of poor performance and instilling the mental skill needed to attain peak performance. In order for the field of sport psychology to advance professionals must educate the sports community on the value and benefits of mental training. Psychology principles such as positive thinking, imagery, and goal setting can be applied in sports to help athletes perform and prepare for competition.At the elite levels all athletes have the t alent and the physical tools to compete. In an interview hall of quarterback and sports analysis, Troy Aikman stated, â€Å"When you get to the elite level in sports, athletically, what separates the really great performers are the ones who are mentally tough and see things a little bit quicker than their competitors. † These athletes have the ability to move on after mistakes, maintain confidence and composure in the face of adversity, and focus on what is need to execute each task successfully.The best practice to enhance athletic performance in the field sport psychology is through mental training. Mental training is the segment of sports psychology that concentrates specifically on helping athletes break through the mental barriers that are keeping them from performing up to their peak potential. Many athletes and coaches resist mental training because they do not understand how it can help them. In order for athletes to get the most out of their sport, it is critical for them to understand the value of improving their mental game.Athletes are more likely to embrace mental training when they understand it and its benefits. However, the best way for athletes to embrace into mental training is when they actually experience its power firsthand. Mental training is about improving one’s attitude and mental skills to help them perform their best by identifying limiting beliefs and embracing a healthier philosophy about their sport. Mental skills, just like physical skills, take repetition, practice, and game-time application to develop.Helping athletes and coaches understanding the mental barriers that limit performance and the benefits of sports psychology intervention is a critical step in the mental training process. Mental barriers include high expectations, perfectionism, fear of failure, lack of emotional control and attentional focus. Athletes can overcome these barriers through sport psychology intervention that aim to enhance confidence, f ocus, composure, trust and mental preparation. Most athletes are highly committed to excellence and seeing how far they can go in sports.They love competition and testing themselves against the best in their sport. They understand the importance of a positive attitude and mental toughness. These athletes want every possible advantage they can get including the mental edge over the competition. Sports Psychology is about improving your attitude and mental toughness to help you perform your best by identifying limiting beliefs and embracing a healthier philosophy about your sport. Mental training is used by elite athletes to help improve focus, confidence and deal with distractions.Many athletes have the ability to concentrate, but often their focus is displaced on the wrong areas such as when a batter thinks â€Å"I need to get a hit† while in the batter’s box, which is a result-oriented focus. Sport Psychology Today is a sports mental training resource for athletes, sp orts parents, coaches, sport psychology scholars, and professionals provided by Mental Edge Athletics. Please sign up for our Discussion Forum   to share your experiences, ask questions, and gain access to advice from our readers and team of experts around the world.Topic and information requests can be sent by using our Contact Page. Sport Psychology and Mental Training Products are Coming Soon, so   stay tuned to Sports Psychology Today for more information. In the meantime, please search for your topics of interest on Sports Psychology Today and continue to improve your sports performance, mental toughness, and mental game. Also please share our website with your friends and family and   â€Å"Like† us on facebook   (facebook. com/mentaledgeathletics or search Sport Psychology Today) to gain access to discounts and special offers.Mental training is important for athletes, whether striving to do their personal best or competing against others. Mental imagery, what B ruce D. Hale of Penn State calls   â€Å"No Sweat Practice,† is very effective. The mind cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is imagined. Practice is practice, regardless of whether it is mental or physical. Ask the athlete to sit in a relaxed position in a quiet place with few distractions. Tell the athlete to close their eyes and picture performing a particular skill. Each is seeing him/herself on a large movie screen on a football pitch.Walk them through the skill step by step. Use as much detail as possible, using words to elicit all the senses  Ã¢â‚¬â€ sight, hearing, touch and smell-soft foot, cushion, deep it close, toe down, light touches. Ask the athlete to repeat the image. Picture rehearsing the skill successfully, even to the point of seeing the ball going in the goal. Some athletes need help to start the process. Others will learn to practice this way on their own. The link between performing the skills in the mind and performing the ski lls on the football pitch may be hard to explain.However, the athletes who repeatedly imagine themselves correctly completing a skill and believing it to be true are more likely to make it happen. Whatever goes into one's mind and one's heart comes out in their actions. â€Å"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way; if you don't, you'll find an excuse. † –Author Unknown â€Å"Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. † –Colin Powell Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"Winners are those people who make a habit of doing the things losers are uncomfortable doing. † –Ed Foreman â€Å"Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willi ng to cut all sources of retreat. Only by doing so can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win–essential to success. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. † –Albert Einstein â€Å"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. –Napoleon Hill â€Å"Only a strong tree can stand alone. † –Arnold Glasow â€Å"Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. † –Dr. Wayne W. Dyer â€Å"It's a sure thing that you'll not finish if you don't start. † –Napoleon Hill â€Å"The individual with a negative mental at titude attracts troubles as a magnet attracts steel fittings. –Napoleon Hill â€Å"Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail. † –Dr. John C. Maxwell â€Å"The key to having a good attitude is the willingness to change. We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change. † –Dr. John C. Maxwell â€Å"The ladder of success is never crowded at the top. † –Napoleon Hill Photo Credit the athlete image by csaba fikker from Fotolia. om Physical training is only one facet of the training that successful athletes undergo. While the body is pushed to its limits and trained to perform under pressure for as long as necessary, the mind also must be prepared for competition. The world's best athletes all have techniques they use to win and achieve their goals. Function Sound mental training prepares athletes for competition by eliminating the anxiety that often surrounds performance. One of the main functions of mental athletic training is to help athletes concentrate on the moment.Trainers at Mental Goaltending report that athletes must learn to concentrate on the positive and refuse to entertain negative thoughts. Types One type of mental training that many athletes use is called visualization. Athletes are urged to see themselves performing at their peak and crossing the finish line or making a goal or basket. Visualization is designed to infuse the subconscious mind with a reality developed by the athlete so that the conscious mind follows through and makes it happen. Benefits In addition to providing competitive athletes with an edge, mental training can help relieve some of the stress involved in competition.Sports psychologists at Protex Sports report that in addition to the pressure of the competit ion, athletes face stress and pressure from managers, coaches, teammates and fans. They often face rigorous schedules and family demands that create additional stress that could affect their performance. Mental training is meant to alleviate some of the stress. Features A thorough mental training program features work in a range of areas that affect performance. Athletes look to psychological trainers to help them improve their mental toughness to withstand the demands of the competition as well as help them focus on their priorities.They work to uncover any fears that might be standing in the way of success and find ways to address those fears. Through mental training, athletes can gain confidence and composure. Considerations After an injury, many athletes have a difficult time adjusting to not playing their sport and facing a possible end to their athletic careers. Mental training for athletic success includes considerations for those times. During rehabilitation or preparing to retire, athletes have special needs that can be addressed through specially trained therapists.

A fashionista

I think the most important lesson is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect because you went through traumatic events in your childhood, it doesn't matter. You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own.Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to wait for you to get better. Everyone else has tough times coming their way or things they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Have empathy and help others, but understand that pretty much nobody will cut you much of a break?and a small one if they do?if you have a hardship. You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on th e rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere.As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all- around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. I think the most important lesson is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect cause you went through traumatic events in your childhood, it doesn't matter.You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own. Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to wait for you to get better. Everyone else has tough ti mes coming their way or things they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Have empathy and help others, but understand that pretty much nobody will cut you much of a break?and a small one if they do?if you have a hardship.You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on the rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere. As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all-around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. I think the most important Essen is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack.If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect because you went through traumatic event s in your childhood, it doesn't matter. You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own. Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to wait for you to get better. Everyone else has tough times coming their way or things they've had to deal with before.Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Have empathy and help others, but understand that pretty much nobody will cut you much of a break?and a small one if they do?if you have a hardship. You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on the rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere. As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all-around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others.Some parts of life are alway s going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. I think the most important lesson is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than others, but you're parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. A fashionista I think the most important lesson is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect because you went through traumatic events In your childhood, It doesn't matter. You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even If things were tough for you. On one hand, this Is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own.Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to wait for you to get better. Everyone else has tough times coming their way or things they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Have empathy and help others, but understand that pretty much nobody will cut you much of a break?and a small one if they do?if you have a hardship. You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on th e rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere.As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all- around. I'm still damaged In some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so Intimidated by a challenge. I think the most Important lesson Is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect cause you went through traumatic events in your childhood, it doesn't matter.You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own. Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to wait for you to get better. Everyone else has tough ti mes coming their way or things they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Have empathy and help others, but understand that pretty much nobody will cut you much of a break?and a small one If they do?elf you have a hardship.You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on the rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere. As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all-around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. I think the most important Essen is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack.If you have to grieve, you need repair your torn up life, or you're not perfect because you went through traumatic even ts in your childhood, it doesn't matter. You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this Is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own. Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to Walt for you to get better. Everyone else has tough times coming their way or things they've had to deal with before.Some have it much worse than others, but you're dealt the hand you're dealt. Much of a break?and a small one if they do?if you have a hardship. You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean on the rest of the world. You have to show strength and persevere. As someone who has gone through a lot of tough stuff, I'm not going to pretend it makes you better all-around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going o be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge.I think the most important lesson is this: no matter how hard things get or what horrible stuff happens to you, nobody's going to cut you any slack. If you have to through traumatic events in your childhood, it doesn't matter. You're held to the same standards as everyone else, even if things were tough for you. On one hand, this is kind of horrible. Grief and hardship shouldn't be the sort of thing you have to handle on your own. Everyone needs help. But really, you can't expect the world to eave a hardship.You can learn on your friends and family for help, but you can't lean around. I'm still damaged in some ways, but I'm a lot stronger than others. Some parts of life are always going to be a struggle, but when you've struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge. I think the most important lesson is this: no matter their way or things they've had to deal with before. Some have it much worse than if they do?if you have a hardship. You can learn on your frien ds and family for help, struggled you don't get so intimidated by a challenge.