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British Airways Case Study Analysis

British Airways Case Study   Introduction British Airways is a full service global airline that offers low fares with an extensive global route network which also manages to book the flights through online access. This is another part of their major offers for their customers. The continuous development of the airlines rooted from their past of civil aviation. The world’s first schedule air service took flight on August 25, 1919 and sought different recognitions as the entire organization continue to cut the leading edge in developments and challenges.  SWOT Analysis Airlines are one of the largest service industries and operate in an interesting collaboration with the technological innovations. The increasing number of the customers who turn to this service gives an impact to the travel satisfaction promised by the airlines. This is for the reason that people are trying to find an ideal way to travel with safety and satisfaction (Chan, 2000). The British Airways, as one of the largest airways and close to its centennial year of service is still bothered with challenges in the nature of their business. Strengths The company endured many changes and the organization set the goal to continuously process in every change that may appear in the global economy. As an advantage, the business’s strategy to answer the changes enables the entire team to bring the competition in new economics, market structure, and marketing strategy. These changes affect the managerial aspect in different adjustments (Kumar and Subramanian 2000). Weakness Because of the answer the Airlines give to the demand of the customers, they offer low prices for the tickets, creating an integrated global airline that offers low-cost carriers (Berry, Carnall, and Spiller, 2006) At first, the company will realize a great advantage but later on if the company continuously process this kind of strategy, the loss will incur (Binggeli and Pompeo, 2002). Opportunity The convenience of the first class technology provides the entire airlines to serve better. It is an added benefit in every airline that manages the integrated information system in terms of pricing, seating capacity, scheduling, and ticketing or passenger booking (Newberg, 1989). In other forms, the better communication is also an added factor to the opportunity of the airlines to serve with ease such as the use of the Internet to sell, book and other marketing efficiency for the jetsetters (Oliviera, 2008). The proper utilization of technology is another strategy that facilitates the growth of the organization. Threats The worldwide growth of the airlines is the major contribution of the threat because of the increasing competition among the airlines. Because of the competition, customers tend to pick the most valuable service that fits into their budget. In more clear perspective, the consumer behavior is always the basis of the customers whenever there is a tight competition. Exploration on Solutions Many of the global airlines turn to the conventional merger and acquisition strategies (Culpan, 2002). The alliance of the airline enables the companies to expand and explore the other developments and services in the market economy without the difficulty in facing their rivals. Still the competition is intensified by the low-cost carriers and other entrants, such as the competitor’s rapid expansion. To avoid the drastic result of the proliferation of the low-cost carriers, the management should set the strategies in line of their corporate objectives as well as providing the needs of the customers. The advantage that the companies received from the technology should be assessed, develop and implement in alignment of their procedures and services. Problem Description and Identification According to many historians, the British Airways had been under the series of acquisitions and mergers (Mills, 2000). The company faced different set of problems in terms of the organizational structure, managerial strategies, and legal terms. The corporate value and culture tends to lose if the rapid organizational changes bounced to the world of British Airways. Recommendation and Conclusion Since the focus of the British Airways centers on the customer orientation and satisfaction, the company should get intense in delivering the quality of services. The differentiation strategy that is applied in the company is integrated on the set of actions on their products or services, in an acceptable cost (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 2003). Part of the successful differentiation involves the design, brand image, reputation, technology, product or service features, networks, and the ability to challenge the competitors from imitation. The organizational behavior of the British Airways should stay stable to avoid the decreasing interests of the workforce and of the customers in their service. References: Berry, S., Carnall, M., & Spiller, P., 2006. Airline Hubs: Costs, Mark-ups and the Implications of Customer Heterogeneity’ in Lee, D. (ed), Advances in Airline Economics, vol. 1, Competition Policy and Antitrust, Elsevier, Cambridge, USA, pp. 183–213 Binggeli, U., & Pompeo, L., 202. Hype Hopes for Europe’s Low-Cost Airlines: Europe’s Most Successful No-Frills Carrier Are Making a Lot of Money. But as They Mature, They Will Have Problems Expanding. The McKinsey Quarterly. [Online] Available at: www.questia.com. [Accessed 28 Dec 2009] Chan, D., 2000. The Development of the Airline Industry from 1978 to 1998: A Strategic Global Overview, Journal of Management Development, 19: 6, 489-514 Culpan, R., 2002.  Global business alliances: theory and practice, Quorum Books, Westport, CT Hitt, M., Ireland, R., and Hoskisson, R., 2003. Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization, 5th ed., South-Western, Singapore Kumar, K., & Subramanian, R., 2000. Navigating the External Environment through a Market Orientation, SAM Advanced Management Journal, 65: 1, 16-30 Mills, A., 2000. Cultural Traces and Traces of Culture: Problems of Studying Corporate Culture over Time. [Online] Available at: http://husky1.stmarys.ca/~amills/papers/asacbh.pdf. [Accessed 28 Dec 2009] Newberg, P., 1989. New directions in telecommunications, vol. 2, Duke University Press, Durham, NC Oliveira, A., 2008.  An empirical model of low-cost carrier entry, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 42: 4, 673-695 Other Sources: British Airways [Online] Available at: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_. [Accessed 28 Dec 2009]. British Airways, 2008. About British Airways. [Online] Available at: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/about-british-airways/public/en_gb. [Accessed 28 Dec 2009].       Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

British Airways Case Study Analysis

British Airways Case Study Introduction British Airways is a full service global airline that offers low fares with an extensive ...

Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture   Introduction             In the architectural notion, architect must consider to follow different rules, policies for designing and building any infrastructure, specifically residential houses. Accordingly, the practice of enhancing the effectiveness of the architectural designs has not been considered in the modern architecture. Based on the given reader, modern architecture should be able to follow the manual of dwelling which demands an efficient architecture. Primarily, the goal of this paper is to analyze the reader provided in the architectural history and consider the work of a famous architect, that is, Le Corbusier and his three major interior schemes. Modern Architecture Review Based on the reader provided it can be said that the author has been able to discuss the importance to consider different parts of the house as a dwelling place and how an architect should design a house based on what is inside and the people who will live in it. In the modern world, wherein, everything is changing, the view of dwelling and architecture design also changes. For instance, architectural design nowadays not only give consider to the furniture that will be put on the house to make it more presentable but how this dwelling architecture adhere to the needs of having green building which consider better sitting, designing, constructing, operation, maintenance and removal (Hopkins, 2002). This should adhere to what they call sustainable designs which bring together an immense array of practices and techniques to completely remove the negative effects of infrastructure on environment.  In the modern architecture, the architectural design can be defined as structures or buildings which have minimum or low adverse effects on both natural and build environment as well as the immediate surroundings and the wider regional and global setting.             In the architectural history, there are some authors who have become famous on their architectural works and ideas. Some of these have been able to make great contributions for the modern architecture. One of these architects is Le Corbusier who is a Swiss architect, painter in France, city planner and considered as one of the most influential architects of this century. Le Corbusier has made remarkable works in architectural designs and his first works include the small house which he builds in 1904 at La-Chaux-de-Fonds. This is a building which is considered as a picturesque which fitted well into the hamlet at Versailles styles in the 18th century. He also built some villas in his native town which is designed in line with the playful style of the 16th century like the mannerist structure made by Andrea Palladio or Sebastiano Serlio   Le Corbusier has been able to build and design structured based on the inspiration of some architect like the one mentioned above.  He is well known for his works which is parallel between the architectural designs of the 16th and 20th centuries. This author/architect is also being known to use a geometric proportion system which he first used in 1916 villa and expounded in his books Le Modulor I (1950) and Le Modulor II (1955), follows in the conventional practices of Leon Battista Alberti, Vitruvius, and Palladio, and Le Corbusier’s concept of "modulor man" is an extension of the Vitruvian man of Leonardo Da Vinci. The three major interior schemes of Le Corbusier follows those of the famous architect. One of which is the Purism interior scheme which has been influenced by Tony Garnier, Perret and other architects.  This style is mostly seen on the 1915 Dom-into project of Le Corbusier for the pre-fabricated houses which is considered as a solution to spatial constructions which consists of floor slabs, staircases for vertical circulation and columns. Accordingly, reducing a building into a simple aspect is considered as cubistic and also known to be a preview of things to come in Paris. Since Architectural commissions were very slow during that time, Le Corbusier turned to painting and he considered cubism which is mostly known as purism. Herein. He and his colleague (Ozenfant) tried to restore ordinary things their basic architectonic simplicity. HE also published the magazine along with Ozenfant from 1920 to 1925 entitled L'Esprit nouveau, which tackles different theories of the purist.             With the expression that Le Corbusier has been using in painting, his architectural interior design scheme was also influenced. For instance, the clean-cut planes and its relationships with the space volume of the Dom-into planes as well as the  Still Life bottle were integrated in his works like he Pavillon de l'Esprit Nouveau at the 1925 Paris International Exposition of Decorative Arts. In addition, the interior of the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut at Ronchamp (1950-1955) is also considered as a purist or cubist, since, just like the bottle, it shows and illustrates more than what the eye can actually see. Furthermore, the 6-inch slit between the top of the walls and the roof also considered a continuation of the billowing ceiling shape beyond the external walls, as well as the undulating shapes of the walls recommends spaces which exist but which are cut off from the viewer. Moreover, another major interior scheme of Le Corbusier is his idea of the machine for living. One of his most influential books entitled Towards a New Architecture (1923) ahs been shown with his sketches of the Acropolis in Athens as well as other sites, the Michelangelo’s’ architecture, Tony Garnier’s "industrial city",  American grain silos, and other objects were also included.  According to Le Corbusier a house should be a machine for living not decreasing man to the level of automation, but raising hum bys as specific as environment in totality as the automobile breaks precision.  His ideal about precision also includes sound insulation, ventilation, sun shields for summer, sun-traps in winter for environment.             It can be said that Le Corbusier perspective of architecture is considered as idealistic and also a metaphoric terms. Le Corbusier views architecture not as a building but as a representation.             Parisian houses of Le Corbusier were considered to be attributed to its idea of machine for living which is described as taut, fixed and precise placed on the ground. And lastly, Le Corbusier’s major interior scheme is his teachings about the manual of dwelling as he paves the way for urban schemes. For instance, Le Corbusier exhibited Plan Voisin. In this work, Le Corbusier proposed to bulldoze or renovate most of the central Paris, in the northern part of the Seine and replace this with his sixty-story cruciform towers from the Contemporary City.             In the 1930s, Le Corbusier has continuously expanded as well as changed his ideas and contexts on urbanism.  In this regard, he tried to consider his urban planning schemes on a small sale by constructing and building a series of unites which is the housing block unit of the Radiant city in France. The philosophy of Le Corbusier considers the social and cultural diversification of architects and their clients. Le Corbusier gives emphasis on planning with regards to architectural designs. This reader discusses the results and findings of a case work of Le corbusier regarding the values of house-building as well as dwelling . The work of Le Corbusier enables different architects of this generation s to comprehend the influence and effect of cultural dynamics in terms of the changes and transition in dwelling preferences and choices in a specific concept (Klaufus, 2000). The work of Le Corbusier also give emphasis on how the inhabitants have been able to express their socio-cultural identity as individuals and also a group in vernacular, modern and self-built houses. Accordingly, housing and dwelling are culturally identified contexts. As culture transform and change, dwelling preferences also change.  It is said that Latin American nations are confronted with rapid transformation in terms of globalisation; however, the cultural heritage of these nations still forms part of each nation. For this reader the argument of Le Corbusier or the major interior scheme of Le Corbusier is that in dwelling there are diverse aspects of dwelling which affects the process of communication, identification, and stratification through interior decorating and architecture.  For this reader, Le Corbusier believed that the characteristics and values of the housing construction as observed in the case work of Le Corbusier are said to be affected by the transition and preferences of the people. In addition, another interior scheme has been affected by the values and the significance that the residents themselves attach to different parts of their dwellings; and lastly, it also give emphasis on the manner in which the people evaluate each other’s dwelling which include consideration of the indicators and stratification.  Some architects have noted that changes in the preferences of the architectural housing and dwelling design can be attributed to the changes of society and cultural transitions. Le Corbusier is a well known for giving emphasis on the changes and transformation of dwelling. The philosophy of Le Corbusier’s highlights the changes of dwelling as he considered dwelling as an aspect of continuous evolving since the industrial revolution. The reader have discussed that radical transformations in society along with the accelerated urbanization approaches in different nations have stimulated a great demand for places to live in the cities.  The 20th century legacy has left the professionals with the challenge in the context of the urban growth. Accordingly, people should deepen their commitment in finding some approach which will help enhance the quality of housing and life for the poor majority.       In this reader, Le Corbusier’s interior scheme lies on the notion that the government should help the people on having a home that would enhance their situations in life.  .  Herein, the interior scheme of Le Corbusier speaks about various ways of comprehending and analyzing the context of dwelling. In which each of this were mainly from the perspective of the producers (Andrade, 2008). In this analysis, it has been found out that after more than 30 years of working and teaching in terms of the urban planning system, it can be said that supports concepts have been significant to be able to define the base building which is the fixed upper part of new housing complexes. Herein, transition happen in line with the people and the place. Nonetheless, it becomes the initial building factor to be considered transformed and adapted through time to be able to achieve different requirements and demands. It is said that the social organization as the main factor under housing complexes and dwelling process has a direct effect on cost reduction.  Le Corbusier believed that the utilization of an efficient and organized approach to design dwelling (patterns and supports) makes it easy to enhance technological solution as well as to have adaptable and also flexible dwelling designs to transform through time. Aside from this, it is also believed that such approach makes it plausible to start with minimal cost at urban as well as dwelling unit and permits for a step by step improvement in line with the social organization demands also known as the urban designs and the dwelling units catering to the individual needs. The philosophy of Le Corbusier aims on understanding the urban planning for modern architecture. Accordingly, the argument of this reader is that modern architecture has been considered in most remote regions but this is still not considered in the urban environment in which most energy is waste. The argument of this paper aims on identifying ways on the challenges for modern urban housing.  According to this reader, there has been a new typology (Tang, 2008) existed from modern architecture which has been discussed in the world of architecture. This reader have argued that a dwelling which considers the full potential of the living machine as a ventilator, beautiful courtyard, biological treatment centre, winter heat source whole combining different solar as well as environmental technologies in its architectural designs and language can become a successful typology for the entire city of Toronto and also other cities in the world. In addition, it can be considered that the argument of this reader is that in modern architecture, dwelling units should consider the environment and should be resource efficient which will not compromised the environment and the health of the people who will live in it. Conclusion             The reader that has been given regarding manual of dwelling provides information on what should be considered in modern architecture. It is not the furniture or the design that should matter but how the people who will be living in it will be comfortable with it. In the reader, the notion of the modern architecture through the historical and remarkable work of famous architect Le Corbusier is considered to be part of the architectural designs. Most have given emphasis on the importance of adherence to the needs of the people and how the government and the professionals and institutions adhere to these needs. Herein, there are contemporary aspect that should be given attention in building modern dwellings and that include the needs of the people, the adherence to the modern technology, globalisation, environmental protection and mostly the adherence to sustainable design. Dwelling has now been considered as a need for people especially for poor majority and also for those cities that needs more space.  Modern architecture nowadays has great influence on dwelling units and how it has been built. In addition, arguments of the articles also give emphasis on how societal and cultural changes affect the dwelling establishments. The idea of dwelling architecture enables the thinking on how architectural designs and methods will affect the occupants. In this regard, the quality and the conditions of the materials are considered and and anticipate its impacts on the health of the occupants. In addition, due to the aspect of sustainable building in modern architecture, designers can be able to be more resourceful as well as environmental friendly by fitting the construction and its architectural design procedures into the natural environment  (Jones, 1998) to be able to take advantage of existing free benefits which include heat and light from the sun, tree shading and also the insulation from hillside topography to be able to decrease the land impact and the need for non-renewable resources or wasteful use of resources. Lastly, dwelling designs can be affected by sustainable design in a way that it will enable the knowledge in identifying the most appropriate as well as environmental-friendly technological and technical equipments to be used. Some scholars have noted that even if technology can enable people to gain sustainability, it also have the potential to harm the environment if it will not be used cautiously.  By and large, the reader and articles considered have given emphasis on the importance of knowing the needs of the people to design a good dwelling unit for them.   Reference Andrade, J (2008). Progressive Dwelling. Online available http://www.irbdirekt.de/daten/iconda/CIB11048.pdf. retrieve August 25, 2009. Hopkins, R. 2002. A Natural Way of Building. Transition Culture. Jones, DL 1998. Architecture and the Environment, Woodstock and New York: The Overlook Press Klaufus, C. (2000), 'Dwelling as Representation: Values of Architecture in an Ecuadorian Squatter Settlement.' Journal of Housing and the Built Environment 15(1): 341-365. Tang, SF (2008). Sustainable urban dwelling – a new typology. Online available http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/competitions/comp_readers/tang_reader.pdf.Retrieve August 25, 2009             Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture Introduction In the architectural notion, architect must consider to follow different rules,...

BEIJING OLYMPICS: BRANDING AND SERVICE QUALITY

Introduction             The Olympics is one of the largest and most prestigious international sports events. Through the Olympic Games, nations and their cultures are brought together; with this effect, it is clear that this major sports event is not only done for the purpose of entertainment, but it also serves as a bridge among nations and an instrument for better international relations. As the Olympics is an event like no other, host countries see to it that early preparations are done. For 2008, China will be the Olympic host and the games will be held in Beijing. The Chinese communities are presently conducting various infrastructural enhancements for the upcoming Olympics.   BOBICO, the official Olympic Committee in the country also aims to promote the Chinese brand throughout the entire event. Among others, the provision of quality service during the games is also a priority. In this paper, the aim is to relate the role of creating the Chinese brand to the success of the event as well as in attracting targets for sponsorship. In addition, the concept of service quality will also be related to the conduction of the Olympic Games. Ways on how the Chinese organizing committee can integrate service quality in the prestigious event will be cited as well.   The Olympic Brand A brand is a named version of a given product or service. Findings from a survey of 101 companies revealed that brand names are crucial to the success of products (Kohli & McBahn 1997). Brand names help identify the product and brands take on their own meaning and presence as they embody a rich configuration of symbols and meaning. A good brand name should appeal to its customers, be memorable, as well as offer a distinctive image which separates it from competing products; building a brand allows a product to distinguish itself from its competition. In the same way, the Chinese Olympic brand is being developed not only to attract sponsors but also make the country stand out from all other nations.   As a product strategy for the Olympics, the branding principle plays various significant roles. For instance, a well-established brand provides instant name recognition and respect from customers. Consumers specifically identify with brands and use them for self-expression (Buzzard 2002). Brands make statements to other people. They are a short-hand communication of what the makers are. Certain brands create a link with other users: owners talk to one another, compliment one another on their good taste and feel validated in their choices. They create social acceptance and instant mutual recognition (Buzzard 2002). These make the creation and development of a brand important for successful product promotion and marketing.   The integration of the branding principle in Beijing Olympics could elicit a similar effect to the sponsors of the event. The organizers of the sports event is creating the Chinese Olympic brand with strong values like pride, progress and dignity; moreover, the Olympic Games itself symbolizes victory and excellence. Sponsors will easily associate themselves with these Olympic ideals. With a strong brand image, China will be able show the world what local Chinese brands are capable of; international brands on the other hand, provide their support by sponsoring the event and create an even stronger presence in China (Kronick & Dorne 2005).   Sponsors of the previous Olympic Games also revealed that sponsoring the Beijing Olympics is different from others like the ones in Athens. In the Athens Olympics, the sponsors were drawn from the global platform inherent in the Olympics itself but were not particularly interested in the city’s local market opportunities. On the contrary, sponsoring for the Beijing Olympics leads to two major effects. One is that the sponsor will be able to align its brand with the Chinese Olympic ideals; the other effect is that it will be able to strengthen its presence on the Chinese market (Kronick & Dorne 2005).   The role of branding to the Olympics and sponsorship can be explained further as to how China was able to use this marketing principle effectively. Rather than use business reasons to promote the brand, China used a concept known as the emotional brand in order to attract target sponsors. One of distinct characteristics of an emotional brand is that consumers care and trust these brands. As the Chinese Olympic brand signifies the country’s affiliation to sports, this then creates a certain appeal to sponsors. Emotional brand, such as in the case of the Beijing Olympics, is developed through a well-defined internal culture. Furthermore such brands reflect unique visions and are communicated clearly through verbal, visual and sensory means (Global Cosmetic Industry 2003).   Generally, the Chinese Olympic brand can be considered as emotional due to the ideals attached to it. Strong sports values and cultural influence make the brand powerful and appealing enough to attract sponsors, particularly major ones. Through this attraction, the intended amount to be gained from the sponsors will then be achieved. The objective of the committee for the sponsorship is not only to reach the fund for the event; it also aims to bring different nations together through open support and coordination. This objective is further supported by the effect of the Chinese Olympic brand to attract sponsors for business purposes. The give and take relationship between China and the international sponsors then facilitate international coordination. Moreover, as benefits of this coordination is achieved by both sides (a good business site for the sponsors and an improved economy for China), harmonious relations are also established.    Service Quality             The provision of quality service is an important aspect of any organization, be it in a small business or a major one like the Olympics. The concept basically revolves around the aim of giving good and efficient service to achieve the satisfaction of the customers. One of the distinct benefits of service quality is the enhancement of the performance or skills of the service providers, particularly in terms of creativity and productivity. So as to achieve quality in services, the creativity and knowledge of the entire workforce must be joined together and optimized. Aside from improving the performance of the service providers, service quality also involves the use of new and improved facilities that enables the provision of better services.   As the committee or organizations improve the quality of their services, their images to the customers are enhanced considerably. In addition, the changes help the organizations attend to the different demands and needs of their clients, thereby resulting to customer delight (Lakhe & Mohanty 1995). Service quality also serves as an important marketing tool for businesses as well as a way for establishing customer loyalty. Most importantly, the ability of the organizations to meet the needs of the customers allows the establishment of stronger customer relations.   In the Olympic Games, the quality of service is then an important principle due to the influx of visitors who will come to Beijing. With quality service, it is likely that more and more tourists will be interested in visiting the country and possibly remove some misconceptions regarding the Chinese community; this in turn will be of significant benefit to China’s tourism industry. In addition to individual spectators, sponsors may find the presence of service quality a convincing factor for establishing further business in the country. In general, the assurance of quality service delivery will help in developing an entertaining and relaxing Olympic event.   Due to the importance of achieving customer satisfaction during the Olympics, it is then imperative that improvements must be done before the major sports event. The Chinese Olympic committee has in fact conducted a number of activities in line with this objective. Specifically, Beijing has made a number of developmental efforts geared towards the improvement of its environment, tourism, telecommunication, transportation and sports facilities. An environmental protection program has already been carried out to reduce air pollution (Collins 2002).   The quality of the water systems will also be improved while the forest areas will receive enhanced protection. Major tree planting movements are to be done to control soil erosion as well as develop eco-shelters. In terms of media coverage, China will not find much difficulty in mobile and fixed telecommunications considering that the country is considered second best in this filed. Data transmission services, quality international IP telephone and 3G communications are some of the accessible technologies in the country that can facilitate quality telecommunication services. Cable TV is also available in the country; thus quality televised coverage of the games can be provided (Collins 2002).   Beijing also plans to improve its shopping facilities for the expected visitors who will come for the Olympics. For this purpose, Beijing aims to put up a thousand more convenient supermarket stores in the coming three years so as to improve the quality of its retail and catering services. Renovations to 55 medium and large shopping centers in the capital will also be done so as to accommodate event shoppers and tourists with disabilities. In addition, employees of these public facilities are encouraged to take English language classes so as to facilitate effective communications especially with foreigners and tourists (Xinhua News Agency 2006).   The visitor service expectations can be developed through other means as well. One of which is through the enhancement of the security systems within and outside the Olympic site. With the rising issues on terrorism, it is essential that visitors and tourists from abroad are given maximum protection from such untoward incidents. Efforts that will develop and maintain peace and order are also important in promoting the capital both as a safe business and tourist destination. Security personnel should then be distributed within the site. Individual stores and public facilities should also be equipped with security technologies and personnel to ensure safety. While the amount of security is essential, its quality in terms of services and accessibility should also be prioritized. In addition to security, free and highly accessible assistance to foreigners should also be provided. This can come in the form of mini-police stations or booths in busy areas of Beijing. This suggestion can be done for the purpose of helping tourists who may need directions, alternatives or suggestions. It is then important that personnel assigned to these stations are equipped with the appropriate communication capabilities. Ease in transportation should be ensured as well. Aside from increasing the number of available modes of transportation, streets and roads should be reconstructed as well. Traffic signs and street names should be clear enough for most tourists to read and understand. Travel brochures and city maps should also be made available to the visitors to facilitate ease of transportation.   Conclusion             The Olympics is an important event for any hosting country. China has just gone through major developments in its economic sector; with the conduction of the Olympic Games in Beijing, its organizers should then optimized this opportunity to promote China to the rest of the world and encourage other international operators to invest in the country. Developing the Chinese Olympic brand for instance, can allow sponsors to align their business and sports aims with the Chinese ideals. Utilizing the concepts of service quality on the other hand, can help the Chinese Olympic committee not only in achieving customer satisfaction but also in enhancing the image of the country. Through the effect of the branding principle as well as the enhancement of service quality, the 2008 Olympics might be more than just an international entertainment activity for China.   Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

BEIJING OLYMPICS: BRANDING AND SERVICE QUALITY

Introduction The Olympics is one of the largest and most prestigious international sports events. Through the Olympic Games...

Application of Technology

The incorporation of technology in classrooms will not only result in the larger use of shared learning strategies but also resolve, indicated, augment the utilization of strategies likes thematic teaching, guided inquiry apprenticeship, group problem solving, and critical thinking. These will assist to intensify and improve interpersonal associations in the classroom. The point of interaction between teacher and students increases as they work collaboratively to accomplish various learning objectives. Classroom activities will then be less centered on the teacher and can be more focused on the learners., that is why Henniger (2000) believed that the used of media (television, DVDs, CDs etc) and technology (Internet and Computers) is more effective in classroom teaching. The use of electronically mediated instruction (EMI) to reproduce the traditional face-to-face classroom gave way to the shift from teacher centered to learner-centered classes in the subjects of Science, Mathematics, English and Social Studies. In this case, the conscientiousness for learning is given to the student, and the teacher only guides the learning by playing as a coach, resource guide, and companion in learning. Instructional technology does not only encourage teachers and students to work collaboratively but also results in more cooperative learning activities among the students. (Lane: 2002) Students help each other to achieve more knowledge about the technology and how to use it to achieve set learning objectives, thus raising the level of interaction among them. Thus, facilitating an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition in the classroom (Slavin, 2003). The following are Internet sites related to language and literacy, fine arts, and physical education that young children may use http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr139.shtml http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/links/artgames.html http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/artforchildren.html http://www.artsology.com/home.php http://www.carolsutton.net/the5qarthistory.quiz.html Media and computer technology could be integrated across the curriculum if schools focus on a topic. Children need to learn to use technology as a learning tool. (Papert: 2001) Computer activities cannot replace concrete experiences in early childhood classrooms, such as art, blocks, and dramatic play. Instead, early childhood teachers must find ways to integrate technology into the existing curriculum to provide meaningful learning experiences for young children. Rapid advances in communication and information technology are changing the way people around the world work, play and learn. The educational paradigm in the next century is likely to be a combination of synchronous, interactive learning. The 21st century will be marked by a decreasing parochialism in both education and business, with a trend toward globalization. Effectively integrating technology and pedagogy for learning in a networked multimedia environment with keen global competition is likely to be a major challenge for educational institutions around the world in the coming years. Here are some lists of software that can help teachers in teaching their young learners. ·        Virtual Workshop: Curriculum Mapping ·        Virtual Workshop: The Four Blocks Literacy Model <ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Project-based learning</li> </ul> ·        Lesson Study: Practical Professional Development ·        Garfield’s Mad About Cat Children’s Learning Software ·        Children’s Educational Software ·        Dr Seuss Preschool Learning Software ·        Art Attack/Make It 2x CD-Roms Children's XP PC Software <ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.5pt"> Children's various computer learning software </li> </ul> ·        Clifford Phonics - NEW children's learning software                                                       Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Application of Technology

The incorporation of technology in classrooms will not only result in the larger use of shared learning strategies but also resolve, indi...

PNEUMONIA

Introduction Pneumonia is an acute infection of the alveolar spaces of the lungs. The term includes any inflammatory condition of the lung in which some or all of the alveoli are filled with fluid and blood cells.             The patient experienced bacterial pneumonia. This is a common type of pneumonia, caused most frequently by pneumococci. This disease begins with infection in the alveoli; the pulmonary membrane becomes inflamed and highly porous so that fluid and even red and white blood cells leak out of the blood into the alveoli. Thus, the infected alveoli become progressively filled with fluid and cells, and the infection spreads by extension of bacteria from alveolus to alveolus. Eventually, large areas of the lungs, sometimes whole lobes or even a whole lung, become “consolidated,” which means that they are filled with fluid and cellular debris (Guyton & Hall, 2000).             The patient had a history of acute febrile illness associated with chill, chest pain and cough, especially with expectoration of viscid, rusty sputum which is practically diagnostic of pneumonia itself. The diagnosis is confirmed after physical examination of the patient discloses tachycardia, tachypnea, cyanosis, and signs of consolidation.   Cellular Pathophysiology             Pneumococci reach the lungs via the respiratory passages. They lodge in the alveoli, proliferate, and initiate an inflammatory process that begins with an outpouring of protein-rich fluid into the alveolar spaces. This fluid acts as a culture medium for the pneumococci and as a vehicle for their spread to other alveoli, segments (lobules), and lobes (Robbins, 1998).             Pathologically, the early stage of pneumonia (the first 12 to 48 hours) is called red hepatization because of the liver-like, reddish appearance of the consolidated lung that results from the characteristic widespread dilation of pulmonary blood vessels and the extravasation of erythrocytes into the alveoli (Robbins, 1998).             A few hours after the pulmonary capillaries dilate and the edema fluid pours into the alveoli, polymorphonuclear leukocytes enter the alveolar spaces, rapidly fill the alveoli, and consolidate the lung (grey hepatization). Surface phagocytosis occurs, without antibodies, by leukocytic trapping of the bacteria against an alveolar wall or another leukocyte; the process is more active when large numbers of leukocytes are present (Robbins, 1998). Tissue sections show few pneumococi in the consolidated lung, but many in the advancing margin of the lesion where edema fluid is abundant and leukocytes are sparse (Bloom & Fawcett, 1994).             The macrophage reaction occurs next, as large mononuclear cells enter the alveoli, engulf any remaining pneumococci, and phagocytized the cellular debris of the exudate. This process continues until resolution is complete, which is indicated by physical examination and x-ray evidence that the lungs are clear (Bloom & Fawcett, 1994).             The pathogenesis of other bacterial pneumonias resembles that of pneumococcal infections, but abscess formation may occur when infection is caused by organisms that destroy pulmonary tissue.   Systemic Pathophysiology             The patient who has pneumonia would experience a sudden, with a shaking chill, sharp pain in the involved hemothorax on the onset. Along with this are the appearance of cough with early sputum production, fever, and headache. All these symptoms are usually present as an effect of the cellular events that took place: red hepatization, grey hepatization, surface phagocytosis, and macrophage reaction.             All these cellular events lead to changes in the gas exchange functions of the lungs. In pneumonia, the gas exchange functions of the lungs change in different stages of the disease. In the early stages, the pneumonia process might well be localized to only one lung, with alveolar ventilation reduced while blood flow through the lung continues normally (Ganong, 2001). This results in two major pulmonary abnormalities: (1) reduction in the total available surface area of the respiratory membrane and (2) decreased ventilation-perfusion ratio. Both these effects cause hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) and hypercapnia (high blood carbon dioxide).             Human Pathophysiology             The effect of the resulting decreased ventilation-perfusion ratio in the patient with pneumonia is that the blood passing through the aerated lung becomes 97 per cent saturated with oxygen, whereas that passing through the unaerated lung is about 60 per cent saturated, causing the mean saturation of the blood in the left heart and in the aorta to be about 78 per cent, which is far below normal (Guyton & Hall, 2000).             Oxygen is one of the most necessary nutrients in the body. Whenever the availability of oxygen to the tissues decreases, such as in pneumonia, the blood flow through the tissues increases markedly.             Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common bacterial pneumonia; many of its features are similar to those of pneumonia caused by other organisms. The disease is generally sporadic. Healthy carriers are usually responsible for the infection of others, but there is no practical way to identify carriers and eliminate the organisms (Robbins, 1998).   Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

PNEUMONIA

Introduction Pneumonia is an acute infection of the alveolar spaces of the lungs. The term includes any inflammatory condition of the lu...

Do budgets motivate the staff who work within an organisation?

Table of Contents                                                                          Page Introduction                                                                                           1                   Budget Level             Training Received                                                                    2             In the Public Sector                                                                 4 Budget Concentration Bottlenecks in Allocating Budgets                                         6 Budget Purpose Time Frame                                                                              9 Budget Planning The Level of Employee Involvement                                      11 Conclusion                                                                                           12 Appendices                                                                                         13   Introduction             Money is often referred as the lifeblood of the business since it is use to source out factors of production.  A budget, on the other hand, provides this business money certain path, guide and basis of spending, investing or saving.  Without a clear budget in mind, the business would not achieve optimize returns since it cannot anticipate the risks and costs involve in its future transactions.  It is also difficult to establish certain goal in mind because such firm tends to operate without performance control and measurement.  In this view, this paper deals with different aspects of a budget.  Specifically, it evaluates how budget affects employee motivation (see Appendix 1).  In doing this, budget is viewed in different directions not merely on money terms (budget level) but also budget concentration, budget purpose and budget planning.  This is done to show the broad implications of the budgeting to organization’s human resource motivation.   Budget Level   Training Received Cross-training can be done horizontally, upward and downward (2006).  It is against human nature to remain static making job enrichment like cross-training beneficial to the human resource aspect of the firm.  It is a form of motivation because it offers career development opportunity (personal) as well as promotes corporate loyalty (organizational).  However, the benefits of reducing the trade-offs between personal and organizational needs would be limited by the budget level since the cost of training has both its direct cost (honorarium to the speaker) and indirect cost (productivity loss in the short-run).               Without enough budget appropriated to lost opportunities especially on the financial aspect, the firm tend to implement cross-training programs infrequently.  However, the less frequent it is, the bigger the tendency for employees to see themselves as a mechanical robot within the waiting time.  This may lead to reduced motivation as their worth and consequently self-esteem are strictly bounded on a 3-year assembly line responsibility.  The firm, on the other hand, cannot develop a formal cross-training schedule like a monthly enrichment due to a specific performance target.  In the early years of Ford Corporation, Founder and CEO Henry Ford made an assembly line where employees would work for a single task for the rest of the day ( 2006).  Good thing that the firm had money to increase incentives for the employees.  At the end, budget for either cross-training or substitute for cross-training like cash incentives matters.                 Without training, the ability factor in job performance would be static at least for those contributions coming from the firm.  This is based on the formula: Job Performance = F (ability) (motivation) ( 2005).  The production manager will come and ask the assembly line how to minimize defects or conversely announce policies of doing so.  With insufficient and poorly identified training budget, imparting knowledge or following line procedures will be limited to intrinsic abilities of employees.  And since heuristic applications to difficult situations tend to be strong under time pressure or coercion (1994), subjective and individual approach to the problem at hand will be used as a main tool.  This in turn is likely to deviate from the corporate goals on the average which is not the best interest of the established corporate programs.                Applying the concept of hygiene and motivation theory (2005), the motivational side of performance requires relatively bigger attention from a training budget.  Even though there is supervision, managerial-employee relationship, working environment and salary (animal needs),referred to them to fall short of human needs.  The satisfaction and recognition (human needs) that staffs can receive is derivable in advancement mechanisms being provided by the firm.  In cross-training, people can receive supervision and inter-department relations as well as progress in their knowledge about the whole assembly line.  The sense of responsibility is important in this theory that cross-training can provide to an employee.  This is especially true when one is exposed in the whole assembly line process where he can develop concern for the next batch.  Thus, this can positively impact how fast and reliable he does his part for the line.    In the Public Sector             The budget serves as the major weapon of the public to instill responsibility and accountability among politicians (2001).  This somewhat drives public servants to avoid, if not hide, their deviations from such expectations as it could mean public speculation that if proven can result to ouster or election defeat.  On the other end, at times of perceived short budget, they could resort to receive “grease money” from sectors/ businesses/ entities where the purpose of doing so is primarily for the public welfare.  However, the latter statement is prone to public speculation and legal counteraction even under the shadow of good deed.  Nonetheless, the given public budget confronted by politicians suggests how they would handle the risk and returns of filling the gap of the budget against their tenure goals.  The motivation comes from personal interests initially, but ultimately, results to embody political aspirations for their constituents.                   Applying the four causes of Aristotle ( 2006), the final cause tends to be the ends in which politicians are measured.  Since it is unlikely on the average that they will resort to robbery to obtain the right budget, “grease” money especially from the business sector is a very lucrative source of financing.  The motivation to do so which substantially deviate from honesty virtues has been enforced by public expectation lingered when the candidate announced his formal cause.  To make him efficient and moving cause, he should accept trade-offs between doing the right and wrong or returns and risks.  He can obtain or at least confident to meet the end he designed in pre-election campaigns.                          Using budget outsourcing at times of recession makes politician trustworthy and dishonest as well as situational and relative heroes.  They become vigilant in the process in both environmental scanning for greener industries and internally generating strategies that will connect them to their budget needs.  Strategies include increasing registration and renewal fees, under-the-table settlements, front-up subsidy in favor of tax rate increase, among others.  It motivates his inner circle political organization to remain in continues communication and efficient transactions to avoid being caught by the media or public.  Also, his office would remain collaborative with all the sectors of community not only to scan public opinions and speculations but also to identify opportunities to increase the budget.                Thus, the rule-based category of trust in which promises should not deviated results is worked by corruption strategies (Trust, Honesty, and Corruption 2001).  Of course, societal concern should be bigger than personal motives.  Here, corruption’s wicked meaning is transformed into an acceptable one when translated as efficient corruption (2003).  This is so because the excess of one sector of the community can be diverted to the less fortunate through political intermediaries.  Resources that should be turned into investments by a private firm are delayed as to obtain sector balance, of say, farmers.  Thus, a minimal budget can be optimized in favor of community goals through political manipulation.  In effect, entrepreneurship and decision-making capabilities including values of political leaders are challenged.  Such motivation would likely not happen if budget is in appropriate level.    Budget Concentration Bottlenecks in Allocating Budgets             Applying managerial motives of the firm theory ( 2001), managers cannot obtain their self-vested interest as well as those of the firm without a hefty budget to implement acquisition and other diversification strategies.  Without minimization of agent risk to job loss or maximization of compensation, managerial motivation would collapse.  On the other hand, such mentioned strategies require physical, financial and organizational resources that may have complex consequences.  Expansion is a major corporate restructuring which entails strategic actions/ responses.  Being so, when implemented, reversing the strategy would be very costly and has long-term adverse effects.  Without budget to support managerial entrepreneurship and leadership including their market value, they would feel unchallenged and less well-off than peers in other companies.  Turn-over and internal corruption would tend to be seen as worthwhile options.                Departmental networks also often argue about appropriation of annual budgets for their specific causes.  When budgets fail to meet expectations of such units, it may result to reduced motivation and even firm rebellion particularly against the finance division.  For instance, a cut budget due to conservation endeavors by the firm may hurt the annual targets of the marketing and sales department to be able to get their productivity bonuses.  On the other hand, manufacturing department may develop envy from the same unit due to higher budget of the latter due to intensified customer focus for year.  The perceived excessive budget could have been used to buy new machineries or train new employees.  These intra- and inter-unit bottlenecks that stemmed in budget allocation have also their impact to unit, relational and overall performance.               Applying performance budgeting to these instances can mitigate the destructive speculation of excessive/ meager budget allocations.  Managers will be periodically audited in the post-expansion implementation to identify discrepancies from the original shareholder promises.  In the same manner, departments who feel aggrieved will be provided with performance targets within the capacity of their budget level.  Since this budgeting system is result-oriented, it should be coupled with ethical committee oversight to regulate unacceptable level of immorality to obtain intended results.  Allocation of the budget and selecting the appropriate model should be inferred in firm specific aspects in order to identify motivational points.               In this process, the level of budget is undermined in favor of value-creating results it can offer to the organization after implementation of the strategy.  The rules of the game are more important than the competencies of the team (firm) in this case.  Even though that the probability of losing is over 70%, the team manager only expects his players to do their best to beat an unbeatable opponent.  By doing so, employee motivation will meet its target no matter how much departmental budgets are.  Managers, on the other hand, will enhance their strategic decision-making motivation with increased accountability.  In effect, the whole organization will have a culture of meeting calculated expectations based on budget limits.  Incentives can increase the boundaries of such approach that will reward performance that exceed a certain level or performance that surpass an operational difficulty and still obtain its goal.     Budget Purpose Time Frame             A budget that is associated within a specific time frame also affects the level of motivation, if any, employees will receive after the budget post-implementation.  One that is intended for monthly payment on electric bills is a kind of budget that does not affect employee motivation.  Applying the Hygiene/ Motivational theory, this merely suffices the environmental side of animal needs.  This is a proof that operational budgets are the least kind of budget that can affect employee behavior since it only resolves the baseline environment for employees to work.    On the other hand, price changes or productivity level rationalization can have positive effect to employees in an intermittent basis.  Sales forecasts may anticipate high demand for the coming year and rising price can mitigate the intensity of production.  Such can imply recognition to employees (human needs) that is a factor of motivation.  However, after the lowering of production level to increase the leisure time of the staffs, corporate inertia evolves.  Management would feel that one-time big strategy is enough.  Unknown to their tactical approach, that non-managerial staffs are prone to see the small picture and derive conclusions for motivation.  In effect, the absence of reinforcing motivational strategies can mean as economizing employee welfare wherein money is valuable than people.   Coming-up with a specific part of the budget dedicated for employee motivation can prevent indirectly relating their welfare to other projects/ expenditures.  The focus is on people and not acting secondary or off-the-target priority.  In the contrary, weekly, monthly and even annual budgets do not have the necessary tools that can relate internal resources and external opportunities of motivation.  In the operational level, managers have the option to use theory X to discipline the non-conformant.  In the tactical level, managers have the option to use theory Y as suggested in the preceding paragraph but theory X could be resorted if the theorized attributes of people excessively reach the limit of a used-to-be democratic leader.    Due to these difficulties, longer time frame analysis should be introduced.  This can be in the form of training and development, productivity-based incentives, pension programs for loyal employees and educational scholarship.  These programs, however, requires internal and external audit under managerial commitment coupled with stable or growing profit.  Shareholders/ investors would not inject necessary funds if the plan is vague or non-measurable, some other business units are loosing and the firm is restrictive of change.  Due to this, strategic approach to relate budget to the level of motivation is complex and tiresome method.  Nonetheless, it successfully implemented, the firm will not only have a quantifiable annual motivational reports for evaluation but also managers are more confident and true in their relation with employees since they are aware that every task completed has its cumulative incentives afterwards.                           Budget Planning The Level of Employee Involvement             Budget is not necessarily meant above the tables of the finance and accounting departments.  When a firm is strict in implementing policy with the CEO as the approving officer, inter-organizational conflicts and reduced motivation would ensue.  This is why many of the firms have scheduled and even created management teams composed of different department and division heads.  Based on my own experience, management meetings are held without staff involvement.  The latter are only allowed observing management reports and operational outputs without the “right” environment to comment or suggest.                The absence of the “right” environment is the root cause of boredom, indifference and detachment with my company policies, standards and culture.  Unit managers are acting like Gods because what they say is what would employees are intended to do.  Even though at the end of every presentation the question “Is there any reactions?” would be invoked, such is only a dummy to imply everybody should affirm to make things simply and efficient.  Budget matters are worst.  Managers are only allowed to contribute even though employees are affected by its consequences.  As illustrated, the communication system of the organization directly affects the procedure of making the firm’s budget.  The problem of the model, however, is that the process becomes financially-centered without valuing (or respecting) its effects to employees especially for unit managers who have new or unattached subordinates.              Applying Chris Argyris theory, the absence of employee involvement undermines the psychological energy the firm can use to obtain annual targets or to implement a corporate change like downsizing.  Even staffs are not gifted with the ability to quantify their needs, their views are useful in managerial decision-making.  This is especially true when the management is planning to adopt programs that directly affect the extent and scope of their work.  The level of budget or nature of program can be rationalized by employee opinions and personal experiences.                In this view, management teams should include the officials of the labor union in preparing budgets particularly those areas that directly affect employee.  In that manner, a budget cut in training will not be viewed differently by concerned employees because they are represented in budget preparation.  In the contrary, a minimal increase in basic salary can be enforced by providing “in-kind basket” distributed monthly.  The mitigation of employee-management conflicts can be included in budget preparation.  Thus, employees welfare are protected as well as boosted that affects how will they view the company and its managers in relation to their future working with them.                                 Conclusion             It is found that different aspects of budget/ budgeting can affect motivation of employees.  Further, to be able to understand the level of such effect, it is necessary to include specific organizational or employee factors in the analysis as suggested in appendix 2.  For example, budget level for training is less important in hi-tech firms due to fast product life cycle of their produced.  Even though there is substantial training budget, staffs may not exemplify additional motivation level at work because technology will be replaced frequently.  Therefore, what is needed is entrepreneurial spirit which would not be found in technical training rather inspirational seminars.  The challenge therefore for the organization is not to resolved unfilled budget issues where it may end up creating problem (both business and financial) to itself.  Rather, the task is to be able to identify key areas or problems (actual and potential) in the organization or the person in which the above budget aspects can treat or prevent.      Appendices Appendix 1: Budget-Motivation Conceptual Framework                   Appendix 2: The Role of Organizational/ Human Resources Specific Factors in                    Budget Motivation Framework           Interesting News Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Do budgets motivate the staff who work within an organisation?

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