Italian Renaissance Arts Affect On Essays - Western Art, Renaissance

Italian Renaissance Art's Affect On Italian Renaissance Art's Affect on Today's Culture World History David 1 Many of us today have things in our culture that we appreciate without thinking about where they have come from. The things we enjoy so much could be from another culture, and even another place in time. This document will explore the influence of Italian Renaissance art on today's civilization, which has greatly changed the art of today. The Renaissance was a time period that began in the early 1300's and lasted into the 1600's. It was a time when the philosophies of the ancient Greek and Romans were rediscovered, which took place after the Middle Ages. Many of the philosophies of the Middle Ages were no longer accepted, and the Renaissance brought about a revamped way of thinking and learning, based on the Greek and Roman culture. The thinkers and humanists had much to do with the direction of the Renaissance, but the artists also had significant importance. Artists are not philosophers, although in the Renaissance they come very close to sharing in the philosophical enterprise(Gardener 561). The Renaissance was about individualism. Renaissance painters were attempting to do the same as Renaissance writers, who wanted to interpret people and nature realistically (World Book) . Architects of the Middle Ages designed huge cathedrals to emphasize the majesty and grandeur of God. Renaissance architects designed building s on a smaller scale David2 to help make people aware of their own powers and dignity (World Book). The artists of the Middle Ages focused primarily on religious subjects, not focusing on making their art realistic. During the Renaissance, all that changed. Artists then included an emphasis on human beings and the environment, which shown that this is indication of changes in their culture at the time. Renaissance individualism and realism found their greatest and most lasting representation in the visual arts (Walker 77). There were many great artists spread across the time of the Renaissance. Some of them were leading the way in new artistic techniques created during the Renaissance, while others used inspiration from a past artisan to establish their own styles and methods. About a century before the art caught on, a Florentine painter by the name of Giotto was the first to break away from the Middle Age style of painting. Giotto was the towering artistic genius of the 14th century, so far ahead of his time that no other painter approached his level of work for almost a hundred years (Walker 78). Even though Giotto was ahead, he lacked the awareness of perspective, but he used space, light, and color to create a very strong sense of the human form, along with a storyteller's ability to capture the central moment in a particular scene (Walker 78). One of the important pieces of the revolution that David 3 Giotto started was that he established painting as a major art for the next six centuries, and he also founded the method of pictorial experiment through observation (Gardener 568). After Giotto there was a architect that came along in the early 1500's that rediscovered the classical Greco-Roman style and the rediscovery of artificial perspective, which allows a painter to paint something three-dimensional on a two-dimensional plane (Walker 78). Some of his most famous works are the Cathedral Dome in Florence, and the bronze Baptistery doors he won a contest with. It was said that no space so vast had ever been spanned since the Pantheon in ancient Rome, and no dome had ever been built at this height about the huge dome that was built (Silver 162). There was also Michelangelo, who it was said that through him, art in Italy attained the 'supreme perfection'(Silver 162). He produced a marble statue of David, which symbolized his own heroic personal striving to express spiritual beauty through art (Silver 162). The next vital artisan of the Renaissance was very diverse in what he specialized in. Today, we use the term Renaissance man to describe someone who can do many things well. Many of the Renaissance's prominent figures deserved this description, but there is one that fits this description the most, Leonardo da Vinci. He painted, worked as an architect, engineer, and a general designer, of pageant scenery and costumes

Study Guide Oncology Essay Example

Study Guide Oncology Essay Example Study Guide Oncology Essay Study Guide Oncology Essay Study Guide Oncology BY generated -IA patient who starts chemotherapy for a solid tumor may develop tumor lists syndrome (TLS) How is it treated? (838): Prevent it by recognizing the patient population who is at risk and initiating prophylactic measures before antiseptics therapy begins -Hydration: maintain urinary output of 150 murmur. Should begin 24 to 48 hours before treatment before and at lest 72 hours after treatment. Diuretics: may be used to promote the excretion of phosphate and uric acid. Allophonic: prevents uric acid formation. Begun a few days before. Continued 3-5 says after treatment to complete. -Sodium bicarbonate: is used to maintain an alkaline urine (pH>7) to prevent uric acid crystallization. -Calcium calculate :Given IV is used to correct hypoglycemia. If your platelets are low, should you use a blade razor? (838) No, use electric razor What is the difference between a benign tumor and malignant? Malignant tumor: growing worse, resisting treatment; said of cancerous growths. Also tending or treating to produce earth; harmful. -Benign: not recurrent or progressive; opposite of malignant. When would you place the Nitrogen patient in reverse isolation? 833) The nurse needs to protect the patient against pathogens, monitor the patient for signs of infection, and respond aggressively if infection occurs. Reverse isolation private room to prevent transmission. Your patient is post-pop coronation and has increased pulse and increasing blood pressure. The testis should feel smooth and egg-shaped and be firm to touch. The epidemics, found behind the testis , should feel like a soft tube When should you do self breast examination(SUB)? (606) Monthly starting at 20 years of age. Physical examinations of the breast by a trained health professional; every 3 years between 20 and 40 years of age and every year thereafter. Screening mammography annually beginning at 40 years of age.

Clam system Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Clam system - Term Paper Example A clan is an extensive type of lineage that is characterized by blood relations whereby all relatives from either the mother’s or father’s lineage, together with all the ancestors and their offspring in that lineage are considered as members. The main features of a clan include being an exogamous group, having a common ancestor and being unilateral. Being unilateral means that a clan was/is made up families from the father’s or the mother’s side (Middleton and David 38). Clans were and are not made up of a combination of lineages of both the mother and the father. Almost all communities had unilateral clan systems which was either patrilineal or matrilineal lineage. Clans were also exogamous groups because all members of a clan were believed to be descendants of a common ancestor, hence most communities discouraged intra-clan marriages. Some clans had ancestors that some scholars term as mythical, while others had real ancestors. They were also small and they were led by elders who were in charge of making all crucial decisions affecting their clans and that of the community at large, but in conjunction with other clan elders from a community. Unlike the modern type of state governance whereby government officials make decisions purported to be representing the will of the citizens, clans were based on the â€Å"we feeling,† an aspect that made decisions made to be more representative. Almost all clans across the globe had teams of elders or the so-called council of elders who were in charge of making decisions affecting the clan and the community (Hudson, Thomas and Robbie 42). Councils of elders from different clans, but who are from the same tribe or community could come together and make decisions affecting the community at large. In case two or more communities were involved in disputes, clan leaders would select the best representatives to negotiate with leaders from the other communities in order to come up

Impact of Information Systems on Aalsmeer Flower Auction Essay

Impact of Information Systems on Aalsmeer Flower Auction - Essay Example This paper illustrates that as the world moves one step forward each day, the advancements in information systems move a hundred step ahead, and has advanced to an extent that once considered as a support function, today information systems drive the business model for many organizations. An interactive information system of the base organization allows its stakeholders to interact with the system in various forms and modes, with differing rights and restrictions. The classical example of such a scenario is the Walmart-P&G strategic partnership whereby the IS is inter-linked allowing the supply chain to be automated for inventory replenishment as well as for ensuring that the right product is placed at the right place, in the right quantity. Auction websites follow a business model that is based in the whole sum on the fundamental of the information system. A classical example of such models has been applied at eBay, Souq, etc. Amazon is another classical application whereby online s elling is displayed to perfection by the business. The right level of application of an IS has also led firms into a competitive advantage over their competitors, since most of the developments in IS by a particular business are patent for their usage. The object of analysis for the purpose of this assignment is Aalsmeer Flower Auction, later referred to as ‘the business’ in this essay. The business is a mediator between the Dutch flower growers and buyers – it is a platform whereby they interact and enter into sale/purchase agreements. The business is often used as a price indicator since it presents the pricing where deals are made. Initially, the supply side ruled the markets; however, there are three trends that have changed the outlook of the respective industry, as stated by Bocij: development of e-markets, unsatisfied needs of retailers, and mergers and Acquisitions amongst retailers, and professional growth amongst sellers. With this, it seems visible tha t the business lacks an information system that can deal with these and the other growing trends in the industry – an IS that can swallow the current and the upcoming changes and trends in the flowers industry.

Importance of religion in Persepolis Research Paper

Importance of religion in Persepolis - Research Paper Example The book gives an account of the religious rule in Iran with great sensitivity. ‘Persepolis’ is an autobiographical account of the author, Marjane Satrapi who had witnessed the transition of Iran from the monarchy to the religiously fanatic state under Khomeini. The book is written in two sequels. While the first part gives detailed account of social and religious changes, the second part gives account of her disillusionment with her country in the post revolution time, when she comes back from Europe to pursue higher studies in Iran. The book is unique in its understanding of the Islamic religion as seen through the eyes of a child and succinctly conveys the horror and fears of common man. Persepolis is distinct in its pictorial depiction and textual content that accurately capture religious fanaticism and how it impacts common men and their dreams. The paper would discuss the role and importance of religion in Persepolis and defines various characters and how people in teract with each other under new regime, headed by the religious leaders, Khomeini. The author has sensitively portrayed the changing socio-religious paradigms of Islamic revolution in Iran through graphics which she had drawn herself. The early childhood of the author was spent in modern society which enjoyed the amenities and lived in a free society that was not constrained by religious dictums or fanatic religious guidelines that suppressed the voice of women.

Influences On Air Asia And Its Evolutio

Influences On Air Asia And Its Evolutio Air Asia, the market leader of low cost carriers in Asia, shown on the good record of bringing about innovative idea into the industry. The industry itself, especially in the Asian region, is observing a higher growth rate of passenger and profitability. The report examines the organizations key business structure and operation, products and provides summary analysis of its key revenue lines and strategy. The analysis looks at the impact of external and internal factors on the organization, and evaluate it responses. Essentially SWOT and PESTLE analysis provide a simple framework through which strategic options can be identified in which Air Asia operate. The SWOT process will start by examining the strengths of the Air Asia of today. One of the most dominant strengths possessed by Air Asia is the adding of new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet. Airbus A320 gives Air Asia the largest, youngest and most modern fleet in the region. Another strength of Air Asia is the upgrading of the o nline booking system, in which will offer the ability to passenger to check in online and printing out boarding passes. An opportunity available to Air Asia is fastest growing market in China and India. Both countries give a huge opportunity for Air Asia to expand its business in the region. In the threat part of the analysis is concerned with identifying parts of the Air Asia that might affect its business performance. In recent years a whole class of low cost carriers such as Singapores Tiger Airways and other airline carrier coming into the market. PESTLE analysis is to conduct an environment analysis in the context of Air Asia international business operations, describing the major variables involved and the impact of the specific threats and opportunities confronted by Air Asia. The second part of the report is trying to analyze the policies and decision making will be influenced by those human capital and information technology involved. Air Asia has locked a partnership with CAE for mutual benefit where CAE will provide pilot training for all of Air Asia current and future pilot in the region. Air Asia also has locked a partnership with its IT vendor which can constantly improve the system and offer a wide range of distribution channels to make booking and traveling easier for its guests. iv Air Asia has built the Air Asia Academy to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth. It operating results underscore two major highlights. The first is how effectively the employee worked to meet customer needs and the second is how well the team manages the robust capacity growth. A number of positions are normally improved to increase its competitive advantages and proficiency, which enables Air Asia to achieve and maintain the business growth. The area of improvement included service, strategic alliance and product improvement. v INTRODUCTION Air Asia is most popular and profitability organization since Air Asia introduced its low fare, no frills concept in December 2001. Dato Tony Fernandes, who introduced the first budget no frills airline, Air Asia, to Malaysian with tagline Now everyone can fly, Air Asias philosophy of low fares is aimed to make flying affordable for everyone (AirAsia.com 2008). It is also aims at making travel easy, convenient and fun for its guests. The airline now flies to over 48 destinations in Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, China and Philippines (AirAsia.com 2008). Air Asia formed two successful joint ventures in Thailand through Thai Air Asia, and Indonesia through Indonesia Air Asia in 2004. Where Air Asia holds 49% stake in both companies. Now, Air Asia expanded its fleet from the original two to twenty eight, and revolutionized air travel in this country by offering incredibly low airfares through its innovative sales channel (AirAsia.com 2008). To date the Air Asia group, has carried over million passengers per year. In the history of Air Asia, we can identified how diligent and smart of Dato Tony Fernandes to operate to be ultimately constructed by external and internal factors on strategic planning to ensuring alignment during implementation of organization success. We all know Air Asia, the heavily indebted subsidiary of the Malaysia government owned conglomerate, DRB-Hicom, was losing money big time. Instead of starting from scratch, Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad advised Fernandes to buy an existing airline instead (Wikipedia 2008). Fernandes mortgaged his own house and sank his savings to acquire the company, comprising two ageing Boeing 737-300 jets. Air Asia was acquired at RM 1.00 with liability of over RM 40 million worth of debts, and transformed it into an industry player (Wikipedia 2008). For what happened on this date in history, coming just after the September 2001, undoubtedly the worst day in the history of commercial aviation when nobody wanted to fly, everyone scoffed at his idea, predicting that the company would fail miserably. 1 Yet, just one year after his takeover, Air Asia had broken even and the debt was paid off. For the year to June 2002, a RM 30 million net profit was recorded on revenue of RM 310 million (Wikipedia 2008). Why it happened? What is well made decision to enables Air Asia to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage? The world has changed. Organization has had, and is having significant effects on the way how to make better decisions in organization. Policies and decision making are inherently concerned with the future. Because of this the organization is often concerned with assessing in the future as an input to developing organization strategic plans. This is particularly true in the area of environmental analysis in organization planning. The development of strategies inevitably involves choice between alternatives strategies and hence the need for analysis and decision making. 2 A. Task 1 INTERNAL INFLUENCES ON AIR ASIA 2.1 Organization Vision and Mission Organization vision commonly provides a clear indication of the overall purpose of the organization. It will describe the main activities of the organization and the position or standing that it wishes to achieve in the future. Organization vision of the Air Asia is to continue to be the lower cost short haul airline in every market its serve, delivering strong organic growth through offering the lowest airfares at a profit (AirAsia.com 2008). It is important that the vision stretches the organization but it must be realistic. 2.2 Organizational Structure The structure of an organization refers to the patterns of relationships among positions in the organization and between individual members of the organization. Its will help to define the tasks that people do, the allocation of the responsibility and authority, the roles that people play and the relationships between them. The organization structure and principal operating of Air Asia include three executive vice presidents, for operations, commercials and people, serve under the CEO and the deputy CEO. The senior manager of the network operations, who contributed most of the information in this article, reports to the executive vice president of operations (Idris, 2007). In general, the organization structure of Air Asia also included flight crews, which people responsible for the operation of the aircraft, such as pilot and flight attendants. Ground crew, people will responsible for operations at airports. They are include gate agents, ticket agents, flight dispatchers, baggage ha ndlers, electric system technicians, passengers service agents and airframe and power plant technicians. 3 2.3 Organization Policy The main organization policy of Air Asia is its will provide reliable airlines services to its customers through its various divisions, according to the requirement of customers and in compliance with statutory regulations and industry norms. Therefore, its emphasized in leanest cost structure; maximize shareholders value; safety; passion for guests satisfaction; transparency and human capital development (AirAsia.com 2008). The various divisions will formulate quality objectives for achievement of his policy and strive to continually improve the quality of service by periodically upgrading the knowledge and skills of its personnel. 2.4 Business Strengths One of the best known frameworks done by Air Asia is offering the low airfares in the region. This concept is main focus to lower cost perpetually. As business environments become more competitive and in some cases more volatile, business organization have become more concerned about the price. No matter how clearly history we know, there will be time again when we have to engage in a price war. Therefore, if the airlines get the passenger to their destination on time at low airfares, people will fly the airlines. That was why Air Asia introduced the first budget no frills airline, to Malaysians with the tagline Now everyone can fly (Wikipedia 2008). And that is why it is main focus to lower cost perpetually, so that it can evade and fend off any sort of irrational competition. 4 2.5 SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis can play a valuable part in any strategic planning, it provide a simple framework and common language through which strategic options can be identified. Strength Pioneer in no frills airline services in South East Asia. Cheap rate of flight. Convenience of passenger to purchase air ticket online. Recently purchased Airbus A320s making it largest customer of the type. World class airport facilitate travel. E.g. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Weaknesses Reliance so much on computer for booking and for the storing of information could be risky due to failures and viruses. Marketing primarily focused on ASEAN market. Underdeveloped distribution system. Ineffective use of horizontal distribution alliances. High fuel prices. Opportunities Able to penetrate many ASEAN market and Western market. Airbus A320s enable Air Asia to carry more passengers. The coming Beijing Olympic game 2008 Proximity to large and growing Asian markets, such as India and China. International campaign launch to promoting Malaysia. For example Visit Malaysia 2007. Threats Competition from Singapores Tiger Airways and other airlines carrier in South East Asia. Changing patterns of buying behavior. Deteriorating of Air Asia service base on many complaints. Terrorism threat. Legislation could impact. 5 The strong market share in South East Asia is one of the strategic advantages as it will be the springboard for Air Asia future expansion, growth and profitability. One of the most dominant strengths possessed by Air Asia is its ability to follow the changes in a market that is continually changing. For example, Air Asia seeks to purchase new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet. As the number of Airbus A320 aircraft increases, it will be able to cater the largest customer and providing bigger seating capacity, wider aisles, greater comfort and a quieter ride. An opportunity available to Air Asia is fastest growing market in China and India, and the coming Beijing Olympic game 2008. By having a large market it gives a huge opportunity for Air Asia to expand. However, even with the best strategies in place threats can occur from unexpected directions. For example, 9/11/2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Many people are still reluctant to fly and market swings away from airplanes. Ano ther threat to Air Asia is new competitor emergence in the airline market, such as Singapores Tiger Airways and other airlines carrier in South East Asia. This might affect the business outcome of Air Asia. Therefore, how the business is performing and copes with the issues is important to the organization move forward. 6 EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON AIR ASIA 3.1 PESTLE Analysis 3.1.1 Political PESTLE analysis assumes that the success of an organization is dependent on the way in which the organization manages its interaction with its external environment (University of Sunderland, 2005). The environment presents the organization with series of challenges, risks and opportunities. Such a business would clearly be affected by changes in the political environment. One of the most obvious aspects is some governments attempt to control the industry sector and may impose conditions to protect the local industry for barriers to new entrants. Therefore, in order to ensure smooth growing, Air Asia must analysis and aware the local political stability and governmental function. 3.1.2 Economic Economic trends such as changes in net disposable income levels could also influence the business performance. If disposable income declines the clearly the effective demand is likely to go down. Since the economic crisis in ASEAN on 1997, an individual cannot afford to pay a higher rate had ever traveled in a plane. However, Fernandes believe Malaysian travelers would embrace a low rate air service that will save them time and money, especially in a tight economy. That was why he copied one of the worlds most successful no frills carriers concepts, Ryan air out of Ireland (Wikipedia 2008). Finally his has to be recognized that one of these strategies will be success in the business as a whole. 7 3.1.3 Socio-Cultural Socio-Cultural changes are often long term in the impact but should be monitored all the same. Shift in values may for example affect general attitudes towards traveled in a plane, and changes in business environment with which people can find the best choose of employment in other countries. Attitude changes and demographic changes will change the market as well. Therefore, low airfares promote by Air Asia will delivering strong growth in airline market share. 3.1.4 Technological Technological change may affect the business outcomes in many ways. Simple issues such as the development of internet online booking system launch by Air Asia in recent year. This made Air Asia offer the ability to check in online and print out boarding passes online (Wikipedia 2008). There may influence the size of the potential market and the number of people able to travel to other countries. Increasing access to the internet may change the way in which the customers can booking the air ticket immediately, neither to wait long queue in the counter. Potential customers may also have changed expectations as a result of experiencing new technology. As a result, improved channel distribution has meant that, increasingly, customers are exposed to, and aware of the products in other parts of the world. 3.1.5 Legal The legal framework of a country influences organization strategy through its laws regarding such areas as industry regulation, employment conditions and so forth. However, in today business world, Air Asia needs to take into the consideration in an environment of complex law and regulation. Similarly any general legislation that affected taxation or employment would affect the business outcomes and could affect profitability. Moreover, government bailouts for competitors may lead to unfair competition. 8 3.1.6 Environment Changes in the physical environment, roughly viewed as comprising the natural and man- made environment, affect our daily lives and the functioning of the organizations. In western countries, pollution has become an important political issue and legislators are elected as member of green parties (Media 2008). Indeed, in many countries, the strength of the environmental movement has led to strong legislation affecting organizational production system and products (Media 2008). Air Asia needs to consider the environmental impacts of its strategies and take into account a broader range of interest group. For Example, reduce fuel consumption and energy. In addition, high utilization of resources is enforced to minimize wastages (AirAsia.com 2008). 9 B. Task 2 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION 4.1 Training and Development Training and development will concerned with the provision of learning, development and training opportunities which ensure that the employee has the skilled, motivated and committed it needs now and in the future. Air Asia stresses the training and development of the staff to keep abreast with changes. The normal one week on the job training is given to new employees. Training is ongoing for three months within the period of probation. Employee skills and knowledge will be upgraded with ongoing course using Air Asias academy (Idris, 2007). It ensures that the employee has the skilled to handle multiple jobs in the organization. For example, the cabin crews are not only serving passengers on board but do multiple tasks such as ensuring passengers safety, helping passengers, and ensuring cleanliness of aircraft interior. The training will help the employee to facilitate change in the external and internal environments, in which they are trained to learn new skills and develop new abil ities, to respond to these changes in the organization. 4.1.1 Decision Making Developing Human Capital Air Asia will partners with Canadian Aviation Electronic to build an aviation training centre of excellence and selected Kuala Lumpur as the location for its Southeast Asian training hub. Air Asia has locked a partnership with CAE for mutual benefits where CAE will provide pilot training for all of Air Asia current and future pilot in the region (Mywire.com 2008). These will demonstration of excellence in improving the training quality and human capital development within Air Asia. Partners with CAE will help the organization to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth. 10 4.2 Human Resource Management In order to remain high quality manpower in ensure seamless business growth. Air Asia needs to revamp and rethink conventional recruitment strategies to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. Attracting the right people has never been harder. Indeed recruiting and retaining talent is organizations biggest challenge. Its all well and good operating in a dynamic economic climate but with high attrition rates, inevitable in such competitive times, many are struggling to find the right people to keep up, let alone get ahead. People management is a strategic priority for Air Asia, especially at a time when the organization is rapidly evolving and expanding horizons. Air Asia needs to have the right people for the role, and then to build those into a strength and knowledge, in which to lead the organization becomes a major market player. 4.2.1 Decision Making Recruitment Air Asia believes that investing in people ultimately brings the greatest return. It continued to recruit the overwhelming majority of its talent internally. With over 5,000 employees across eleven countries, Air Asia is blessed with a multi-pool talent and dedicated to hiring and maintaining a workforce of well trained, reliable and safety focused employees at all level of the organization (AirAsia.com 2008). In addition to corporate programs for existing employees, an active recruitment program is in place to attract and retain qualified individuals from all trades and professions. The primary goal is to increase the number of young potentials in the organization and to develop the Air Asia employer brand (AirAsia.com 2008). 11 4.3 Information System The information system has had a greater impact to display the products that can be seen worldwide especially useful for linking Air Asia with customers or business partners. It provides a worldwide distribution channel for information and ability to link market demand to production planning, and helps the management to communicate quickly with those at lower level. Air Asia have became the first in the world to introduce SMS booking where customers could book their seats, checked flight schedules, and obtain the latest promotional announcements through their mobile phones (Idris, 2007). 4.3.1 Decision Making Technology Air Asia keeps introducing innovative ways for online booking and ticket sales. It has locked a partnership with its IT vendors for mutual benefits where Air Asia can constantly improve the system while IT vendor learns to create innovative products according to customer requirements. It offers a wide and innovative range of distribution channels to make booking and traveling easier for its guests. 4.4 Management Policies Policies are fundamentally statements of an organizations intentions relative to their strategic aims. Air Asia mission is to continue to be the lowest cost short-haul airline in every market its serve, delivering strong organic growth through offering the lowest airfares at a profit (AirAsia.com 2008). In order to strive to achievement of the mission and values, the following core value have been a guide for their action, extracted from (AirAsia.com 2008): i) Leanest Cost Structure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Efficient and simple point to point operations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Attracting and retaining hardworking and smart people à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Passion for continuous cost reduction 12 ii) Maximize Shareholders Value à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Resilient profit growth through our lower cost base à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expansion of the Air Asia network in a prudent and disciplined manner à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Invest and enhance the Air Asia brand to increase investors returns iii) Safety à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Comply with the highest International Aviation Safety Standards and practices à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Keep operations simple and transparent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Ensure the security of our People and Guests iv) Passion for Guests Satisfaction à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Maintain simplicity in every application à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Practice the unique and friendly Air Asia experience at every opportunity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recognize the linkage between guests satisfaction and long-term success v) Transparency à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Transparency in decision-making and information sharing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Optimum disclosure higher than industry norms à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Timeliness in disclosing information vi) Human Capital Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Invest in both hard and soft skills à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recognize all our People as contributors to our success à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reward excellence and individual contributions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Maintaining one brand across the Group 13 4.5 Effectiveness of Chosen Strategy According to Air Asia Annual Report (2007), Air Asia today has indeed highlighted by robust growth, record profits, industry leading performance and award winning standards. It humble beginning took flight six years ago, and after 24 consecutive profitable quarters later, Air Asia are now the highest profit margin airline in the world. This can be seen in Figure 4.1. In recent times, the sales of Air Asia excess of RM 1.6 billion, a presence in eleven countries and more than 5,000 employees. Earnings continued to improve thanks to robust passenger growth and improved margins in all business areas. Figure 4.1: The Most Profitable Airline in the World Air Asia Source: Air Asia Financial Report 2007 14 As shown in Figure 4.2, Air Asia recorded revenue of RM 633 million for the quarter ended 31 December 2007. These indicate that 43% higher than the revenue of RM 443 million recoded in the quarter ended 31 December 2006. Its net income improved by 73% to RM 246 million as compared to the net income of RM 142 million achieved in the previous quarter. Figure 4.2: The Superior Growth with Expanding Profits Source: Air Asia Financial Report 2007 15 In the past five year, Air Asia has maintained unwavering focus and discipline in the low cost model. In the process, it have invested significantly to build a solid foundation and to create a platform for sustainable growth. Air Asia has built the Air Asia Academy to develop high quality manpower in ensuring seamless business growth (AirAsia.com 2008). It operating results over the past year underscore two major highlights. The first is how effectively the employee worked to meet customer needs during the highest demand for air travel it has ever experienced. The second highlight was how well the team managed the robust capacity growth. Air Asia corporate strategy and strategic investments have yielded positive results. In year 2007, it unit cost is the lowest reported in the world and it profit margins are among the best (AirAsia.com 2008). Just imagine what Air Asia can achieve in the future. 16 4.6 Area of Improvement Policies and strategies effectiveness is a source of competitive advantage for Air Asia turn into their strength across a range of different product markets. A number of positions are normally can be improved to increase its competitive advantages and proficiency, in which enables Air Asia to achieve and maintain the business growth. 4.6.1 Service Organizations depend on their customers and therefore should understand current and future customer needs, should meet customer requirements and strive to exceed customer expectations. How customer expectations are the standard against which service is judge. Thats the mission. Therefore should understanding customer needs and expectations. In recent years, one of the most obvious aspects of Air Asia done is upgrade their online booking system and payment system to improve efficiency. This will enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve continual improvement of its performance in pursuit of organization objectives. But unfortunately, baggage does not always arrive at its intended destination. Or, if it does, it might turn up damaged or with something missing still always happened. So, how to trace the missing baggage in short period and minimize a similar case happened again. It can help Air Asia to improving the quality of products and services provided to the customer. 17 4.6.2 Strategic Alliance Air Asia introduced a first direct B2B engine to its agents in Asia, through one of its strategic partners, Citibank. The agents make immediate payment via a virtual Air Asia credit card through the internet based real inventory booking engine (AirAsia.com 2008). The question is why; its formed up the strategic alliance between the parties? The popularity is business growth and get in on opportunities. The strategies adopted in a specific market. A gap emerges between what organization goals would like to achieve and what it can do with available resources and capabilities when comparing the threats and opportunities in the environment with an organizations strengths and weaknesses. The gap can be bridged by the alliance. For example, in order to compete on a global scale and at the same time maintain its independence, Air Asia must make alliances in partnership together with others countries to use facilities, produce components and distribution channels to meet a critical business need. In year 2004, Air Asia formed two joint ventures in Thailand through Thai Air Asia, and Indonesia through Indonesia Air Asia (AirAsia.com 2008). Why? Because Air Asia able to extend its marketing reach and build credibility with a particular target market. Its also giving the opportunities to access needed information and greater resources including specialized staff and technology, increase sales in an existing market and enhance technological capabilities through research and development underwritten by more than one party. Another approach is once business is established it has provided the Air Asia with the opportunity to gain new capacity and expertise. 18 4.6.3 Product Improvement Product improvement is the result of consistent, deliberate effort to move the developing organization to a higher level of capability. Product improvement entails developing and launching new products for sale in existing markets (Condensed GSAM Handbook, 2003). It also requires a planned and guided path to excellence, reaching various levels of improvement as intermediate goals along the way such as products with additional features, different packaging, different quality levels etc. For example, Air Asia Go Holiday and Air Asia Tune Hotels which offer travelers a comprehensive package. Many budget travelers prefer to book their airline tickets and hotels together and Air Asia will offer its customers the facility of making room reservations online as they book their flights. In other words, the product will be improved as a natural consequence. So, eventually have hotels in all Air Asia destinations are part of the areas for improvement. This means understanding and responding to customer needs is the key to success in the increasingly competitive advantages. Making our customers happy is important because it translates to an ongoing relationship, whether travel is business or pleasure, which in turn is loyalty. 19 5.0 Conclusion Since Air Asia entry the market, it is rapidly becoming the most popular airline and profitability organization. Why? Because it focuses the strategic analysis on ways of promoting and developing the product ranges. But no business can consider always sustain a competitive advantage without carefully analyze the primary internal and external influences to which the business environment is subject. However, Air Asia will need to understand what is currently happening in the operating environment. What strategies are being adopted by competitors? Are new entrants coming into the sector? How are the markets moving? Therefore, PESTLE and SWOT analysis have been the most usefully tools for looking consideration of the business environment. Likewise Air Asia will need forecasts of what is expected to happen in the future and the business strengths that could be exploited. This will bring its the competitive advantage to the business environment. Therefore how the business is performing and copes with the issues is important to its move forward. 20

Welton College in Dead Poets Society Essay -- essays research papers

Dead Poets Society positions the audience to see Welton as a rigid, oppressive and destructive place. Throughout the unravelling of Peter Weir’s Dead Poets Society, the audience are often faced with the reality that attendance at Welton College would be undesirable. The physical and mental stresses endured by students due to the harshness and unforgiving nature of the school is underlining in many instances. Strict and unyielding authoritarian figures compel pupils to live in a damaging and caustic world, and to be placed under immense levels of anxiety and tension. The cruel world in which our impressionable young characters are forced to live in results directly in the tragic death of Neil Perry. During the screenplay, Welton is repeatedly shown to be a school where pupils are entrapped. Religious followers of the â€Å"Empty Vessel Theory†, Welton’s authority confine students to the four walls of their school building, and to the four wall of their mind. This theory reinforces the feeling of imprisonment Neil felt before his suicide. The boys are educated by books, and rely heavily on note-taking and on the blackboard. Classrooms, illuminated by single bulbs and devoid of natural light, give definite impressions as to the students’ state of mind. The lack of luminosity illustrates the deficiency in vigour, vitality and vividness of the boys, and similarly defines the students’ attitude to school life in general – gloomy, mournful and depressed. Similarly, the boys’ faces are usually shrouded in darkness, emphasising the deficiency in cheerfulness, and in the ending of their free spirit and will. Imprisoned physically, mentally and sp iritually, the boys are unable to wander on the path to self-discovery, and instead are forced to ... ...boys are forever compelled to do as adults say. The lack of trust and love for the boys is telling in many scenes and the constant disregard for their opinions and views brings about the untimely death of a youngster driven to the edge. Throughout the screenplay, Weir proves that it is the horrendous surroundings of the boys which cause the death of Neil Perry. Young students, especially in their adolescent years, need to be supported and encouraged and to feel value in society. Welton’s authority confirm on many an occasion their inability to cater to such demands. They succeed only in quashing mental, physical and spiritual sustenance of their students. Parents, who sent their children to such an austere academy, should have thought twice. The scars inflicted at Welton last a lifetime – and drastically reduce the length of Neil Perry’s young life.

Environmental acoustics Essay

The research from various part of the world has been able to reveal that approximately 80 million people are exposed to unacceptable high noise levels particularly, the noise emitted from road/tyre. Thus, noise sources that affect people is mostly from road traffic noise, which is by far the most pervasive. In UK for example, over 90% of the population hear traffic noise directly from home while 10% consider noise highly annoying. Thus to reduce the annoying traffic noise, it is mandatory to consider the method of reducing the sources of noise by improving the tyres and road surfaces. While various measures have been adopted in reducing the propagation of noise in the sensitive areas, all of these measures have been note to play a vital part in achieving an acceptable acoustical environment for people living near to roads. Although, in the attempt to control noise on the road surface, there is need to study the noise generated by the tyre/road interaction. Most researches conducted have been revealed that Tyre/road surface interaction noise tends to dominate at moderate and high road speeds. Thus, to control the vehicles noise, there have been various encouragements to encourage innovation and to reflect the improvements made in vehicle design. However, the progress has been quite slower concerning the tyre noise, thus it was only in recent time that there that control for tyre noise has been introduced in the EU Directive of 2001/43/EC. The directive has established a test method for the type approval of tyres with respect to noise emissions and limit values for different types of tyre. Thus, to measure the road/tyre noise emission, this paper will focus on the noise emitted from different types on different road surface. The first part of the paper will focus on the introduction. Moreover, the methodology used in carrying out the test of tyre/road noise emission will be extensively analysed in this paper. Furthermore, the result of the test will also be made available in the research paper. Finally, conclusion and recommendation for the effective methods of reducing the noise pollution from the tyre/road surface will be focused. ( Environmental Research 2004)

“A Secret Lost in the Water” by Roch Carrier Essay

The story â€Å"A Secret Lost in the Water† by Roch Carrier, is about the importance of valuing something before it is lost. I would recommend this story to others because it conveys a strong reverence for nature on a spiritual level, it teaches the reader to value their elders and appreciate the wisdom and knowledge they pass down, and it treasures the relationship between a father and his son. â€Å"A Secret Lost in the Water† should definitely be read by others because it conveys a strong spiritual veneration for nature. The words â€Å"Piety† and â€Å"Religious† are mentioned whenever the author talks about nature: â€Å"My father opened his pocket and cut the branch he selected with pious care.† This quote expresses the appreciation the father has for living things, and shows the spirituality in his gift by using the word â€Å"pious†. Later on in the story, the father says, â€Å"I’ve just taught you how to find a spring†¦It isn’t something you learn from school.† Through this, I can perceive that practicality is more important to the father than complexity. This story should be read and studied by others because it teaches the reader to value our elders and appreciate the wisdom and knowledge passed down. At the end of story, when the narrator is given a chance to recollect the talent passed down by his father in his early childhood, he struggles to perform the gift. As the narrator fails to hear the gushing water and feel the writhing branch, a fellow farmer says, â€Å"Nowadays fathers can’t pass on anything to the next generation.† This quote is very powerful, since it points directly to a message in the story, â€Å"Nowadays, children aren’t as willing to accept knowledge from their parents.† Also, in Roch’s childhood, the father says, â€Å"A man can get along without arithmetic, but he can never get along without water.† The water is a metaphor describing the skills and lessons his father taught him, and how the gift is vital to their relationship. Soon after, the father mentions that it was something that his father passed on to him, but now it is lost because the narrator claims that â€Å"Somewhere along the roads I had taken from my childhood, I had forgotten my father’s knowledge.† This citation represents the journey mankind is taking today, in the form of a metaphor. â€Å"A Secret Lost in the Water† illustrates and compares the relationship between a father and his child. Roch’s father taught him a gift â€Å"you can’t learn from school†; and something that his own father taught him. Roch inherited the gift from his father, but lost it as life went on, as mentioned earlier in the essay. In addition, the farmer too experiences this moral, for he has the â€Å"finest farm in the area†, and his children do not want to inherit the farm, in which their father spends his whole life preparing for them. This portrays the social issue in the story, inheritance, and exemplifies the importance of valuing something before it is lost. â€Å"A person without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots†. â€Å"A Secret Lost in the Water†, by Roch Carrier, is a deep and insightful story that should be used to educate mankind. It delivers a strong admiration for nature, it teaches the reader to respect our elders, appreciate the wisdom and knowledge that is passed down to us, and it illustrates the significance of a relationship between father and son.

Akhenaton Essays

Akhenaton Essays Akhenaton Essay Akhenaton Essay Akhenaton Akhenaton (Amenhotep IV) was an eighteenth dynasty pharaoh who is known for his attempt to change Egyptian culture and religion. As the younger son of Amenhotep III, he would have not been pharaoh but when his elder brother (crown prince Thutmose) died he had a claim for the thrown and became the Pharaoh of Egypt. Akhenaton had many wives and fathered many children. His wives (or consorts) include Nefertiti and Kiya; some Egyptologists suggest that (like his father) Akhenaton may have taken some daughters as wives or consorts. Akhenaton’s known children are: Tutankhaten (later known as Tuankhamun and King Tut), Smenkhkare, Meritaten, Meketaten, Ankhesenpaaten (later wife of Tuankhamun), Neferneferuaten Tasherit, Neferneferure and Setepenre. Akhenaton’s reign lasted from 1353 BC-1336 BC or 1351 BC–1334 BC (the dates are subject to debate). After 4 years of his reign he built a new capital of Egypt (Amarna) and dedicated the city to the supreme deity Aten. Akhenaton attempted to change the religion in Egypt and attempted to unite all of the traditional gods and goddesses of Egypt into one supreme deity (History records were careful not to mention Aten as a god but compared him to the sun and the stars to make him more important than a normal god. ) Aten was the deity Akhenaton tried to convert everyone to. At the time many nobles changed their names to names related to Aten instead of names based on the traditional Egyptian gods. Akhenaton means: the effective spirit of Aten. His son Tutankhaten’s name means living spirit of Aten. All of Akhenaton’s children’s names have meanings related to the deity Aten with the exception of Smenkhkare who was born before Akhenaton became the Pharaoh of Egypt. Akhenaton began his change of religion gradually he began in year 5 of his reign with disbanding the priesthood of all other gods and took all their income and spent the money to support Aten. Also during year 5 the pharaoh changed his name from Amenhotep IV to Akhenaton. During year 9 of his reign he declared Aten the supreme and only deity. Akhenaton not only tried to change the religion of ancient Egypt but also the traditional style of art (which makes people look much better than they really do) to a more realistic style of art one that takes all of the details of the body not just the good ones examples of this are paintings of Nefertiti fat and ugly during childbirth, paintings of his father (Amenhotep III) as obese and paintings of himself with fat legs, a large stomach and tall, thin chin. Many people consider Akhenaton to be the first independent thinker and first scientist. In 1899 English Egyptologist declared â€Å"If this were a new religion, invented to satisfy our modern scientific conceptions, we could not find a flaw in the correctness of this view of the energy of the solar system. How much Akhenaton understood, we cannot say, but he certainly bounded forward in his views and symbolism to a position which we cannot logically improve upon at the present day. Not a rag of superstition or of falsity can be found clinging to this new worship evolved out of the old Aton of Heliopolis, the sole Lord of the universe. † So overall I think that Akhenaton was a radical thinker and very interesting pharaoh.

Equality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Equality - Essay Example One account of egalitarian justice proponents argues that equality is concerned with ensuring that a society receives equal shares of resources (Kaufman, 1). Analyzing this argument provides a contra view. For example; a person with a large body is not treated equally when given the same amount of food with a person with a much smaller body. This is becauise persons will vary in transforming the foods into their well being. Equality cannot therefore mean giving the same portions of resources to two unequal people, because that would be discriminating against one of them depending on the ability to transform the resources. Felipe and Lustig (33) argue that there is a need to invest more in education of the unskilled laborers by giving the unskilled worker higher wages that would make them to invest in education thus reducing the un equality in education that results to inequality in income. This might not lead to equality in that those with skilled labor would be still earning the same or more as the unskilled people seek education to bridge the gap. At the end of the day, the skilled workers will have higher education and be more skilled, which will translate to more earnings. This can therefore not lead to equality, but the gap between the two still persists. Ruxton (163) explains that inequality in gender between men and women results to poverty in the society and other factors. Therefore, according to Ruxton, gender equality can be prevented through making rural women more financially independent. This would imply that two people of opposite genders having the same level of wealth are equal. The problem with this argument as Ruxton (164) further elaborates is that the difference between the genders is mostly cultivated at the cultural level and no amount of wealth can delete these gender stereotypes. Therefore, this would not result to equality, since it is a

Islam or Shariah Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Islam or Shariah Law - Essay Example Islam or ‘shariah’ law governs under the Islamic code mentioned in the Quran and Hadiths.   It is supposed to be the legal and moral code for every Muslim, comprising of religious matters financial positions and every day issues. Since the instigate of the 21stcentury many Muslim countries including Malaysia, Indonesia morocco and Pakistan, encouraged and responded to democracy and voiced their opinions of it being a much better system to govern countries. Whether the current sociopolitical and cultural settings are compatible with the ‘shariah’ law is the main point which plagues many Muslim men and women. The difficulties faced by Muslims all over are due to the confusion over the legal systems i.e. whether to follow the Islamic mode of punishment or to follow the state; whether the correct method of trade is the Islamic way (free of credit) or to follow the commercial and state policies. There have always been debates over the judicial system whether as to give harsh punishments or let the constitution decide? The debate goes on between political leader and scholars. Some Muslimscholarsbelieve that the amalgamation of ‘shariah’ laws in the legal system of a country is the best way to actually observe the Islamiclaws. One example of this is the fact that polygamy is punishable in several countries, but allowed by Islamic law. In India cows are considered sacred but they are part of the Islamic sacrificial ritual of Eid where they are slaughtered. These are situations where a Muslim cannot act based on his religion alone and has to consider the state laws first. The reaction of â€Å"secularizingIslam† has not always been a pretty sight. Just last year the Archbishop of Canterbury   was fiercely scrutinized by the Government and the political circle, his own Church and other religions after he supported the adoption of a few ‘shariah’ laws in the British system.While some British Muslim scholars ig nored it saying it will not and does not have enough votes by the community. The main point is that most nations support secular systems which are not compatible with Islamic law. The fact that the Archbishop was so heavily criticized shows that the majority in these nations do not support any such laws either. Muslims are therefore stuck in a situation where they must choose whether they wish to conform to the state law or follow their own.