The Meaning of Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Meaning of Life - Essay Example In my understanding, an absurd man should live freely and not within the limits of any rules. The world is indescribable (due to its chaotic nature) hence everyone is free to describe absurd art in his/her own way. In order What is the meaning of life? This is the most fundamental question for everyone, from the complicated philosopher to a 5 year old child. All the other queries, whether the sun goes around the moon or not and if there is life on other celestial bodies come second to the purpose of existence. What some refer to as their reason for living also serves as their reason for death. For example, many there are many reports of people committing suicide from losing their loved ones. Others like Jesus’ disciples willingly chose death over giving up their Christianity. Suicide, on the other hand, results from the realization of the lack of purpose of one’s life. Everyone looks towards tomorrow with hope and death in the juxtaposition. As Bertrand Russell stated, â€Å"†¦all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and the whole temple of man's achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins†¦only on the firm foundation of this unyielding despair, can the soul?s habitation henceforth be safely built† (Bertrand Russell). In the pursuit of a purpose for existence, there are only two conclusions; there is no meaning in life and the purpose of life lies only in the hands of God who exists beyond physicality. Still, from the first conclusion arises another query; does the lack of meaning in life mean that it is not worth living? If ‘yes’ is the answer to this question, suicide is the next action logical to take. There, however, arises a third option; what if a person accepts to pursue a life with no purpose? A person who lacks faith in a supernatural deity can never find any reconciliation with the absurdity of life and those who claim to do so, only end up committing ‘philosophical suicide’. In philosophical suicide, a person acknowledges the lack of order and meaninglessness of the world yet at the same time, tries to assign himself or any other member of humanity a purpose in life. Living in absurdity (accepting the meaninglessness of life) is possible but requires constant awareness of its presence. Examples of abstract lives, those lived by seducers who engage in the short term passions of life and actors who impersonate numerous personalities. In an absurd life, one does not try to explain the purpose of his/her experiences, but simply enjoys life’s freeness like NikoKzantzakis when he said, -â€Å"As I watched the seagulls, I thought: â€Å"That?s the road to take; find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust† (Nikos Kzantzakis). Is there any importance in the question? Everyone, wheth er consciously or not, has an insatiable appetite to know the truth of this unfamiliar existence. As T.S. Eliot stated, "We shall not cease from our exploration and the end of all

Brand Management Assignment2 Managing Price Discounting and its Essay

Brand Management Assignment2 Managing Price Discounting and its possible impact on Brand Equity - Essay Example Price is the ingredient of the marketing mix that has been subjected to the most intensive analysis -- particularly by economists. But as an aspect of the mix, it cannot be divorced from other ingredients. It must incorporate and reflect them. Optimal prices cannot be established, and pricing remains an art with a host of factors to be evaluated for which there are no precise measures and weights. Price discounting is the main strategy used by managers to attract customers and popularize a product. Consumers do not respond to price discount alone; they respond to value. A lower price does not necessarily mean expanded sales. Moreover, marketing activities influence price. For example, governmental agencies have investigated advertising as a cause of higher prices. In microeconomic theory it has received great attention; in marketing, the significance of price varies among industries, competitive situations, and products (Baker, 2006). Pricing is significant where the market impact, profit results, or both, of price variations is great, and where firms have considerable discretion over the prices charged. In many instances pricing decisions are severely constrained and are sometimes relatively unimportant. Large purchasers of industrial goods, for instance, may specify prices at which they will buy, determine product specifications, and send specifications to suppliers for co mpetitive bids (Philips, 2005). For other products price may not be a relevant factor. In some technical areas where products require much research and development and involve much uncertainty, a cost-plus scheme may be used. In other situations, sellers may be almost completely free to set prices, while in still others, they may only be able to decide whether or not to sell at a price. In an economy of scarcity, price is accorded more attention than any other marketing factor. In an economy of abundance, non-price factors assume increasing marketing importance and products are differentiated on other bases than price (Marn et al 2004). Price Discounts and Marketing Objectives The main considerations for pricing discounts decisions involve market objectives and organizational considerations, costs and marketing mix strategies. Also, it is important to take into account market demands and psychographic characteristics of the target audience, competitors' prices and market position of the company. Pricing is a sensitive and complex decision area affecting sales, costs, and profits for both industrial and consumer goods. For consumers, price reductions and increases have symbolic meanings. A customer may associate a price reduction with a reduction in quality, the anticipation of new models, or even lower prices or poor market acceptance (Philips, 2005). Higher prices may indicate better quality, a good image, and good value. Customer perceptions of price are important. Whereas pricing is usually perceived as a short-run action, its implications can be long-run, even to the point of shaping industry structures. Markets that may be viewed as systems of informa tion on cost and demand determine the appropriateness of prices (Marn et al 2004). They contain signals that businessmen must decode. But market information is ambiguous, fragmentary, and imperfect; it contains much uncertainty and is interpreted differently by various executives. To those who can read the signals properly, increased

The Middle East Essay Example for Free

The Middle East Essay Petroleum being one of the most indispensable resources to man is a commodity that is produced in one of the regions in the world characterized by people who sport long beards, dresses for both men and women and a turban. This region is the Middle East which is responsible for producing most of the worlds supply of oil. Therefore, one must be aware of the history and current status of the Middle East because it produces one of the most important fuels that make our life convenient nowadays. The Middle East is a region that includes southwestern Asia and Egypt. Formerly known as the Near East, it is the origin of most of the major religions in the world such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. As of 2009, the Middle East has a total population of 202,687,005 comprising around 3% of the total worlds population. Saudi Arabias total of 27,019,731 includes 5,360,526 non-nationals and UAEs total population of 2,602,713 includes 1,576,472 non-nationals making them among those that are highly active in terms of commerce and industry. The population of the Middle East is still expected to grow rapidly because of the young age structure, having one third of its entire population under 15. The fertility of mothers rose from 4. 3 births per woman in 2000 to 7. 2 in 2010. Nearly 60% of the population live in urban areas therefore making the urbanization rate high. Population density varies among countries and Yemen for example has a population density of 34. 2 square meters per person, 10. 2 for Saudi Arabia, and 30. 9 for UAE. Ethnic groups that comprise the Middle East are Persians, Arabs, Turks, Armenians, Jews, and Greeks. Major religion is Islam but other religions are also present such as Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Major language being spoken is Arabic followed by Persian and Turkish. The history of the Middle East dates back to the empires of the Byzantines and the Sassanids. The Arabs who were before at competition with each other were bounded by one religion that is Islam. The Arab Islamic group spread to more countries but was eventually repaced by a Turkish Islamic group known as the Ottomans. The Ottoman empire lasted for decades but reached decline when the Europeans took control because of their interest in Middle East lands. To save the empire, the Ottomans collaborated with Germany during WWI but due to the loss they sustained, they were eventually a destroyed empire. The Middle East countries were granted freedom since the 1920s to the 1970s. Monarchs and dictators emerged and ruled the political system of the region. Internal forces affecting politics are instabilities caused by coups, revolutions and civil wars while the external force that affected the politics in the region is the importance placed on them by other super powers such as the United States and other Europen States. The main product that fuels the economy of the Middle East is the oil they produce. 1965-1985 was the period considered as the best in the economy of the region. This was due to a dramatic rise in the prices of oil. Due to this, literacy rates rose, job opportunities grew and the oil-producing countries gave constant aids to non-oil producing countries. Among those that experienced wealth are Saudi Arabia and UAE while Yemen stayed to be among the poorest. However, dramatic as the rise, the decline was equally dramatic because of the fluctuation in oil price from 28$ in 1985 to 10$ in 1986. Currently, the economic future of the Middle East is affected by two forces. Internally, it is the rapid population growth in the region. This will clearly affect the economy because this will cause stresses in resources of the region. Take for example water, since the Middle East is among the water-scarce region in the world. Other aspects to be taken into consideration that will be affected by population growth are food resources, medicine and education. Externally, the factor that would affect the economy of the Middle East is the price of oil in the world market. If there is a rise, then further economic growth will be attained. But if the direction would be a decrease, then it would not be good news for the region. Therefore, alternative sources of income should be exploited. In conclusion, as long as there is a need to fuel the modern technology that man has created, the Middle East will continue to thrive as a region that is rich in cultural heritage as well as a region that is the best resource for oil. Works Cited Shah, Anup. 29 December 2009. â€Å"Middle East†. Global Issues. 5 June 2010 http://www. globalissues. org/issue/103/middle-east

Financial Ratio Analysis And Industry Averages Finance Essay

Financial Ratio Analysis And Industry Averages Finance Essay The price earning P/E ratio shows how attractive a firms stock is for investment. The P/E of Etisalat has increased from previous year 2009 which shows that in 2010 Etisalat has become more attractive for investments. Profitability Ratios Return on Common Equity (ROCE or ROE) ROE = Earnings after Tax à · Equity Shareholders fund x 100 This ratio shows the rate of return of the risk takers also referred to as the stockholders (Sinha, 2009). The ratio shows the stockholders or investors the rate of return of their investments in stocks of Etisalat. The following table shows the ROE ratio for Etisalat: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Profitability ROE 20.41 22.17 The above table clearly shows that the rate of return for the shareholders of Etisalat has reduced from 22.17% in 2009 to 20.41% in 2010. Therefore the risk of investment in stocks of Etisalat has increased in 2010 comparing with the ratio of 2009. ROA (Return on Total Assets) Return on Total Assets (ROA) = (Net Income à · Total Assets) x 100 Higher ROA indicates the higher return on Assets, this ratio must be above the industry average to show greater returns on Assets (Brigham Houston, 2009). Note: another reason for a low ROA could also indicate the intentional use of debt for financing activities of a firm. The following table shows the ROA calculated for Etisalat. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Profitability ROA 9.74 12.40 The ROA for Etisalat has reduced in 2010 to 9.74% from 12.40% in 2009, which shows the reduced rate of return on assets, indicating the poor performance of Etisalat also showing the use of debt by the firm. Liquidity Ratios: Current ratio Current Ratio = Current Assets à · Current Liabilities The ratio shows the weak or stronger liquidity position of a firm, higher the current liabilities lower the current ratio and vice versa. The calculated ratios of Etisalat are shown in the following table: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Liquidity Current Ratio 0.79 0.83 The liquidity position of Etisalat has reduce negatively when comparing current ratio of 0.79x in 2010 with 0.83x in 2009, consequently the ability of Etisalat to convert its assets into cash has reduced. Quick Ratio Quick, or acid test, ratio = (Current assets Inventories) à · Current Liabilities Quick Ratio also depicts the liquidity position of the firm to pay off short-term liabilities without relying on sales (inventories). The following table shows the calculated Quick Ratio for Etisalat. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Liquidity Quick Ratio 0.78 0.82 Acid test of Etisalat revealed that the liquidity of the firm to pay shot-term liabilities has reduced from 0.82x in 2009 to 0.78x in 2010. Asset Management Ratios Inventory Turnover Ratio Inventory Turnover Ratio = Sales à · Inventories This ratio shows the number of times inventories are turned over into sales, and higher value shows that the inventories are being held for longer times. The Inventory turnover ratio of Etisalat is shown by the following table. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Asset Management Inventory Turnover Ratio 100.96 115.03 The ratios in the table clearly show the ability of Etisalat to convert inventories into sales has increased shown by declining Inventory Turnover Ratio of 100.96x in 2010 from 115.03x in 2009. Debt Management Ratios Total Debt to Total Assets Debt ratio = Total Debt à · Total Assets This ratio shows in percentage the risk level faced by the firm, the debt ratio of Etisalat is shown with the help of following table: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Debt Management Total Debt to Total Assets Ratio 6.34 4.52 The values in the table above show that the risk of investing in Etisalat has increased from 4.52% in 2009 to 6.34% in 2010. Financial Profile Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC and its Subsidiary The financial profile of Emirates Telecommunication is presented by the data retrieved from financial statements of the firm. Financial Ratio Analysis Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC and its Subsidiary 2010 and 2009 Data retrieved from the Financial Statements 2010 2009 AED000 AED000 Current Assets 4,671,779 2,224,887 Total Assets 12,519,678 9,531,905 Current Liabilities 6,441,462 3,676,842 Total Liabilities 7,423,911 6,740,365 Inventories 47,300 38,931 Sales Revenue 7,074,097 5,338,699 Interest 102,199 12,998 EPS AED 0.31 AED 0.06 N.I. 1,310,431 264,124 Market Value Per Share AED 2.72 AED 2.79 Total Shareholder Equity 5,095,767 2,791,540 Total Debt 904,735 3,000,000 The ratio analysis is conducted on the basis of data retrieved in the table bove. Ratio Analysis of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC and its Subsidiary: Market Value Ratios: P/E Ratio (P/E) Price/Earnings Ratio = Market Price Per Common Share à · Earnings Per Share The share price of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications for the year ended 31 December, 2009 was AED 2.786 and 31 December, 2010 AED 2.72 (Bloomberg, 2013). The following table shows the calculated P/E for Etisalat. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Market Value P/E 8.77 46.43 The price earning P/E ratio shows how attractive a firms stock is for investment. The P/E of Emirates Telecommunication has reduced drastically from previous year 46.43x in 2009 to 8.77x in 2010 which shows that in 2010 Emirates Telecommunication has become less attractive for investments. Profitability Ratios Return on Common Equity (ROCE or ROE) ROE = Earnings after Tax à · Equity Shareholders fund x 100 This ratio shows the stockholders or investors the rate of return of their investments in stocks of Emirates Telecommunication. The following table shows the ROE ratio for Emirates Telecommunication: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Profitability ROE 25.72 9.46 The above table clearly shows that the rate of return for the shareholders of Emirates Telecommunication has increased from 9.46% in 2009 to 25.72% in 2010. Therefore the risk of investment in stocks of Emirates has reduced in 2010 comparing with the ratio of 2009. ROA (Return on Total Assets) Return on Total Assets (ROA) = (Net Income à · Total Assets) x 100 The following table shows the ROA calculated for Emirates Telecommunication. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Profitability ROA 10.47 2.77 The ROA for Emirates Telecommunication has increased in 2010 to 10.47% from 2.77% in 2009, which shows the increased rate of return on assets. Liquidity Ratios: Current ratio Current Ratio = Current Assets à · Current Liabilities The calculated current ratio for Emirates Telecommunication are shown in the following table: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Liquidity Current Ratio 0.73 0.61 The liquidity position of Emirates Telecommunication has reduce negatively when comparing current ratio of 0.73x in 2010 with 0.61x in 2009, consequently the ability of Emirates Telecommunication to convert its assets into cash has reduced. Quick Ratio Quick, or acid test, ratio = (Current assets Inventories) à · Current Liabilities The following table shows the calculated Quick Ratio for Emirates Telecommunication. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Liquidity Quick Ratio 0.72 0.59 Acid test of Emirates Telecommunication revealed that the liquidity position of the firm to pay shot-term liabilities has increased from 0.59x in 2009 to 0.72x in 2010, which shows that Emirates Telecommunication is more liquid in 2010. Asset Management Ratios Inventory Turnover Ratio Inventory Turnover Ratio = Sales à · Inventories The Inventory turnover ratio of Emirates Telecommunication is shown by the following table. Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Asset Management Inventory Turnover Ratio 149.56 137.13 The ratios in the table clearly show the ability of Emirates Telecommunication to convert inventories into sales has decreased shown by increasing Inventory Turnover Ratio of 149.56x in 2010 from 137.13x in 2009. Debt Management Ratios Total Debt to Total Assets Debt ratio = Total Debt à · Total Assets The debt ratio of Emirates Telecommunication is shown with the help of following table: Financial Ratios 2010 2009 Debt Management Total Debt to Total Assets Ratio 0.07 0.31 The values in the table above show that the risk of investing in Emirates Telecommunication has reduced from 0.31% in 2009 to 0.07% in 2010. Industry Averages in Telecommunication Industry UAE The industry averages of the telecommunication for P/E, ROE, ROA, Debt Ratio and Current Ratio are: P/E P/E Industry Average Telecommunication Industry UAE 2009 2010 P/E Etisalat 9.69 10.31 P/E Emirates 46.43 8.77 2009 2010 P/E Industry Average 28.06 9.54 ROE ROE 2009 2010 Etisalat 22.17 20.41 Emirates 9.46 25.72 2009 2010 ROE Industry Average 15.815 23.065 ROA ROA 2009 2010 Etisalat 12.4 9.74 Emirates 2.77 10.47 2009 2010 ROA Industry Average 7.585 10.105 Debt Ratio Debt Ratio 2009 2010 Etisalat 4.52 6.34 Emirates 0.31 0.07 2009 2010 Industry Average 2.415 3.205 Current Ratio Current Ratio 2009 2010 Etisalat 0.83 0.79 Emirates 0.61 0.73 2009 2010 Industry Average 0.72 0.76

Development and History of AIRASIA

Development and History of AIRASIA AIRASIA is one among the top International brand in the low cost Airline Industry. Airasia brand came into existence in 1993, it was a joint public-private sector enterprise, however in 2001 current CEO Mr. Tony Fernandes purchased it and It was under him the Airasia brand got global recognition and unimaginable growth which started right from 2002 and continues till date, AirAsia started moving up the ladder under Tonys leadership from 2002 onwards by launching new routes from its main hub the capital of Malaysia till then the national carrier of Malaysia ruled the sky in and around Malaysia. In 2007, Airasia announced the birth of Airasia X the long haul budget flights, the first AirAsia X flight was from Kuala lumpur International airport to Gold coast in Australia thus began the journey from south east Asia to capturing routes in major cities around the world. In 2007, Virgin Airline chief had 20% stake in AirAsia X and had announced code sharing between Virgin Blue and AirAsia in and around Australian subcontinent. Profile of AirAsia: AIRASIA, is Asias largest and one among the top 10 international brand in the low cost segment having physical base in three countries; Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. AirAsia has four subsidiaries: AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, ThaiAirAsia and VeitJet Airasia. The company has a strength of around 3000 staffs and It flies to around 65 destinations worldwide using the 97 aircrafts and another 125 on order will be added to its fleet and it operates over 400 domestic and International flights, The total number of passengers that flew Airasia numbered 16,000,000 per year at a rate of 51000 per day for the year 2007. STRATEGIC CORPORATE PLANNING OF AIRASIA: By September 2008, Airasia had 60 routes and was voted as Worlds best New Airline for 2008 at World low cost Airline Congress in London inspire of tough competition it faced over Asian skies by brand which had committed fan following, global recession and increased air fuel prices. Airasia managed to survive and grow against the odd solely based on their distinctive model and new strategies. AIRASIA MODEL AND STRATEGIES: To position itself as the top airline brand in the low-cost, short haul based on no frills model. Opening of new hubs at airports and new routes outside their dominated Asian zone. Expanding into the Cargo transportation market. Marketing as a Go Green brand. User being able to access bookings and Online Information on Airasia through Blackberry. Fuel efficiency which helps in the overall reduction of travel cost. The slogan of Airasia is Now Everyone Can FLY, to attract customers both old and new ones with flying on time and having attractive and competitive price and tour packages as airasia management have their own hotel division having star hotels around many destinations plus having wide range of meal option on the In-fight purchase menu. The model which AirAsia under Mr. Tony Fernandes adopted for long haul flight was to choose airport where airport charges was low hence instead of Sydney airport Gold coast airport was considered for airasia link between Malaysia and Australia. To achieve Reduction in travel fuel cost Airasia concentrated on optimizing the air fuel consumption and with majority of the asset within the fleet being new Airbus planes, its more easier said than done. Airasia management based its model around latest technology including having access to its service [online booking, online checking and e-ticketing] through computers and blackberries. Successive growth of Airasia since its re-birth in 2001 can be put on following main strategies which they adopted: Cost reduction strategy of Airasia : Airasia vision is be a leader in the low cost airline segment by targeting the 3 billions people who are still under-served with the poor connectivity facing the high fares. AirAsia managements key strategies on cost reduction are:- High point concentration on Passenger Safety and maintenance of its fleet to be in best of the condition as per the set standards of regulators and its partners. To achieve High Aircraft Utilization by trying to get the quick turnaround by 25 minutes and by increasing staff productivity. Low fare, no Frills like added facilities of baggage transfer, preference on meals and seat arrangement etc. which adds to the customer satisfaction. Streamline Operations by working with single aircraft fleet to reduce manpower and stocking of maintenance parts. Using Latest Lean Distribution System to reduce labour and material utilization like usage of E-ticket. Point to point network. Summarised in a Table format below: Cost Category Cost Item Levers for reducing costs Costs -Aircraft Utilisation. -Reduce turnaround times. -Reduce maintenance downtime Fuel Costs Route Efficiency -Weight Reduction -Shorter en-route and approach times. -High standard of fleet maintenance. -Use of fuel hedging strategy. Handling Costs Service Level In sourcing. Reduce Handling Fees Pre-cleaning activities by cabin crew Loading/unloading support from crew Global contracts with key suppliers Off-peak pricing Catering Costs Reduce unit costs Reduce volumes Simplification of meal choice. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce logistics costs for delivery. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Monitor passengers vs. available meals. Lean Distribution management. Ticketing Sales Channels Sales Commissions Development of E-ticketing Self-service check-ins Divert customers to on-line channels. Maintenance -Fleet. -Service Costs -Fleet harmonisation. -Reduce average fleet age. -Joint purchasing of some work. optimise maintenance activities Porters Generic Strategies: AirAsia follows Porters strategies to focus on cost leadership to allign with its business strategy and mission statement by targeting specific segment of price sensitive customers and the first time fliers looking at value for price and short haul flights. Porters Generic strategies talks of three different generic strategies that any business can focus for a overall edge over competitors, sustainability and growth as shown in above figure, the three strategies include Cost leadership, Differentiation strategy and market segmentation (Focused differentiation) (Johnson Scholes 1997). Cost leadership strategy: This strategy allows a business to become the lowest cost producer of a product within an industry by organising and managing its value- adding activities. Cost advantage may be achieved in terms of how qualitatively a product or services is designed. Differentiation strategy: This strategy is adopted by persuading customers that a product is superior to that offered by competitors (Campbell, 2002). The value added by the uniqueness of the product or services may allow the company to charge a premium price for it. However, the threat to this differentiation may include copying of the product by competitors and changes in customer tastes. Focus-differentiation strategy: is aimed at a segment of the market from a product rather than at the whole market or many markets (Campbell, 2002). The successful way using focus strategy is to tailor a broad of product or service development strengths to a relatively narrow market segment that they know very well. This strategy may also face the threat of imitation and changes in the target segments. AirAsia business strategy is built around above defined three Porters generic strategies on two of the above strategies it follows Broader approach and on focus-differentiation strategy AirAsia follows narrow approach to sustains its competitive advantage. AirAsia mission statement was to be the leader in the low cost segment and it follows the porters strategy to the book on cost leadership by providing services at a price that is simply lower than competitors price and by effective and efficient operational management. Airasia uses Porters cost leadership strategies to be on path of its motto Now everyone can fly to achieve this it markets and manages itself as airline with hassle-free, no-frills, luxury at low fare travel by efficiently managing its policy of cost reduction to the micro level in the value chain so that the saving can be passed on to the price sensitive passengers so as to be the leader in the low cost segment. SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT analysis  is a  strategic planning  method used to evaluate the  Strengths,  Weaknesses,  Opportunities, and  Threats involved in a  business  venture.   SWOT analysis points to the Internal (strength and weakness) and External (opportunities and threats) factors that would affect in the growth and sustainability of a business venture in our case Airasia to sustain its top position in the low cost carrier segment. Strengths A Low cost operations which has made AirAsia brand a leader in the low cost carrier segment. Airasia management is made of fewer level which helps in faster and effective, focused and aggressive management and with management consisting of members having strong links with Government in south pacific Asia, it makes it easy for their business development with least government interference and more concessions. Airasia Staffs is made up of workforce which are Multi-skilled and efficient, Airasia follows the model of incentives for the hardworking and smart workforce, this model helps to return talent and to grow along with the company. Management strong focus on cost reduction to position AirAsia Groups as industrys lowest cost producer. Airasia group have strong balance sheet and cash flow this helps to weather short-terms unforeseen difficulties. Airasia management decision to move to a Single type fleet paid well it helps in minimising maintenance fees. IT Utilization to the maximum has enabled Airasia to increase efficiency helping it track its fleet, staffs and seat management in case of no-show customers on ASAP basis. IT also helps in promotional activities and in lean management based on e-ticketing model and online checking. Fuel Burn Emissions: Single type fleet of Airbus A320 helps Airasia stick to its efficient fuel usage police to go by their GO Green and cost reduction strategy. Airbus A320s low noise level improves operational flexibility and lowers surcharges for airports with noise constraints. Ancillary Services: In the current year from January to April, Airasia achieved ancillary income of RM45 per passenger. AirAsias ancillary service includes products and services such as baggage supersize, in-flight food and beverage, merchandising and duty-free, courier, airspace advertising and AirAsia RedTix. AirAsia RedTix is a unique Ancillary income system which is related with non-airline ticketing system focusing on tickets to events, sports and music. Ancillary income not only contributes to the airlines bottom line, but it also provides a buffer against rising fuel prices. Weakness Airasia do not have their own MRO (maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities. Being a young fleet with young staff at times makes it difficult to handle unforseen situation at both physical location and over the customer service management mainly related with change of flight and over refunds. AirAsia have faced difficulties with government interference mainly at level where Airasias main competition happens to be directly with the national carrier. Being a young brand makes it a challenge to catch the attention of frequent and first time fliers for Branding is vital for market position. Airasia depends on service based on outsourcing which at times can lead to delivery delays and hindrance of long duration on two segment IT and MRO. Young fleet at times shows lack of contingency plan on irregular situations. Opportunities AirAsis after making a mark for its brand in short haul low cost carrier sector is targeting the Long haul flight domain as an trial phase to tap share of that market as well. After having tasted success in Asia-Pacific region, AirAsia is targeting new routes and destinations on a global level. AirAsia by having tie up with other established low cost carriers on Existing, new routes and destinations untapped by AirAsia brand for example Airasia have tie up with Virgin Airline on landing rights and landing slots. AirAsia have tied with various new Airports outside of Malaysia for setting up for new AirAsia hub at these Airports. AirAsia management through its RedTix subsidiary can enhance its brand growth by having Service related Industry-wide mutual cooperation. AirAsia being in a Dominant/monopoly position in many routes in and around the Asia-Pacific zone will give them bargaining power on the pricing front. Threats Established carriers both private and national carriers if start bringing down their prices to attract the cost sensitive customers will directly affect AirAsia which is based on low cost, no frills, no hassle model. Global uncertainty on Business and Political front directly causes fuel prices to increase and High Fuel prices decreases revenue and hurts more for a low cost carrier. IT Utilization to maximum can also have a side effect on growth for heavy reliance on online sales is risky as system can breakdown anytime. New form of taxes for example Environmental taxes adds on to disruption on the cost equation. With terrorism being a global evil airline Industry is the always under threat, Accidents due to human and natural disaster is always a threat. Uncertainties on Aviation regulations and government policies. PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL: Political Uncertainties in Asia-pacific region be it Malaysia, Indonesia and the wide unrest in Thailand. Malaysian Government Regulation played a vital role at the initial stages. There existed a heavy restriction on competition in this industry imposed by the individual countries mainly Malaysia trying to protect their national airlines. The bilateral agreement between the countries led to the deregulation of the industry. Terrorism is one of the factor which plays behind the mind of the traveler wishing to take a vacation in the Asia-pacific zone specially after Bali bombing which is one of the dominating region for AirAsia brand. ECONOMIC: The terrorist attacks, wars, epidemics like SARS, played a very crucial role in the airline industries. Uncertainty in fuel and energy costs Uncertainties on the economical Recession front can highly affect the AirAsia growth. SOCIAL: The Growth in the Middle class population in Asia where AirAsia has a dominating presence. Attractive Travel and tourism package by government initiated tourism Ministry and private tour operators attracted large number of fliers. Exclusive prices provided by AirAsia helped in the growth of its brand among price conscious fliers. TECHNOLOGICAL: Being a Young fleet, AirAsia had the Advantage to invest and use latest technology and concepts as their business model. AirAsia along with using World Wide Web for online services are internally using -Yield Management system, computer reservation system and latest Microsofts Enterprise Resource Planning System. All these have helped AirAsia to reduce operating costs and provide fast, efficient service like checking of flight schedules, booking seats, online check-in, and pre-order meals, Supersize my baggage FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS upto 2nd Quarter of 2010. Table below shows the positive growth of AirAsia brand in last 3 years with strong profit after tax performance of RM 549 million

Iagos Character Exposed Through Language and Diction in Othello Essay

Iago's Character Exposed Through Language and Diction in Othello Everyone at some point in their lives attempts to convince someone to behave certain ways and to do specific things that ultimately will only benefit the person doing the convincing. Throughout the entire book, Othello, Iago attempts to convince numerous people in order to in the end only benefit and help himself. In this scene, Roderigo is explaining to Iago how he no longer wants to love because he is without Desdemona’s love. Iago then focuses on convincing Roderigo not only out of suicide, but also into getting Desdemona back. If Iago was unable to encourage Roderigo to go back after Desdemona, his plans would have been ruined. In lines 296-395, Iago uses many different uses of language in order to convince Roderigo to do what he wants him to do. One of the ways that Iago appeals to Roderigo through language is with the use of flattery. It is very apparent even from the beginning that Iago is trying to flatter Roderigo. A strong example of this flattery is seen in line 297, â€Å"What say’st thou, noble heart....

Struggle to Cope with Death in Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Es

Struggle to Cope with  Death in Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Poetry requires more than just a verse.   It must appeal to your mind and generate emotion.   It should be constructed in a way that appears so simple, yet is intricate in every detail.   Dylan Thomas's poem, Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night is a brilliant poem that appears so simple, yet upon looking closer it's complexity can be seen.   Dylan Thomas was born on October 27, 1914 in Swansea, Wales.   He was educated at Swansea Grammar School.   He was urged by his father to go farther in his education, however Thomas began to write.   He published his first book in 1934.   Thomas and his father had a very close relationship throughout his life.   This is important to know while reading the poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.   His father was very ill for many years, and Thomas had to watch his father's suffering.   Thomas has said, "Poetry comforts and heals".   Hopefully that is what Thomas was doing when he wrote this poem.   The structure of the poem is a villanelle.   The villanelle comes from the French middle ages and is composed of nineteen lines.   It has five tercets and a concluding quatrain:   ABA-ABA-ABA-ABA-ABA-ABAA.   Two different lines are repeated.   Lines one, six, twelve, and eighteen are all the same.   Line three reappears in line nine fifteen and nineteen.   Each tercet will conclude with an exact or very close duplication of line one or three.   The final quatrain repeats line one and three.   The villanelle is one of the most difficult forms of poetry to follow.   Perhaps Thomas wanted to use this form to show how special his father meant to him.   Dylan Thomas speaks of death throughout this poem.   Death is the major theme of the vil... ...ther should be traveling into the light, and not into the darkness.   Thomas should not be scared of death, yet he questions it in most of his poetry.   He is angry at death and believes that the only place with light is in this world.   He may be saying that light is life.   Life is happiness.   Is death then age and unhappiness?  Ã‚   The last quatrain of this Villanelle describes his father on top of the list of men facing death.   Thomas curses himself for wanting his father to fight even though he sees his suffering, yet he is not ready to let go of his father.   He begs his father to fight death.   This whole poem is Thomas's struggle to cope with his father's death.   He writes the poem while his father is still alive and never shows it to him.   This poem may have helped him to deal with his father's death, and it may have taught Thomas a little about death itself.