Abstract This paper explains that United's mission and objectives are far too generic to service brands as a whole and, to that extent, need reviewing in order for United's mission to lead to the corporation developing a unique, relevant culture and business approach. The author believes that, judging from the airline's performance in the areas of on-time performance and its success in restructuring and adapting to the changing environment, it can be assumed that United's management is acting responsibly and ethically. The paper concludes that, for United to resolve its financial problems, it is critical that employees understand the importance of the current, imperative need to reduce costs aggressively across all of the airline functions. Table.
Table of Contents
Current Situation: Current Performance
Current Situation: Strategic Posture
Corporate Governance: Board of Directors
Top Management
Situational Analysis
Review of Mission & Objectives
Strategic Alternatives and Recommended Strategy
From the Paper "United's top management comprises of people with varying industry backgrounds and expertise, including obviously aviation. The Chairman, President & CEO, Glenn Tilton is a recent appointee having previously served as Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Chevron Texaco. He is supported by a group of Vice Presidents heading functions such as Finance, Strategy, Operations, Customer, Onboard Services, Worldwide Sales and Alliances, Airport Operations, Maintenance & Engineering, Corporate & Government Affairs etc. People with relevant background skills and experience who are closely involved in the business planning and strategic development process of the airline characterize the top management."
Abstract This report focuses on how newer, smaller, and more technologically advanced airlines, like JetBlue, are using different leadership and management styles to fulfill their mission for providing outstanding customer service. The paper shows that the weakness in the airline industry has become more than apparent. Moving into the 21st century, commercial aviation has been on a steady decline, and the major airlines must have felt as though the new, low-cost carriers were just a passing fad and that, by comparison, the majors would continue to offer a superior service. Smaller carriers like JetBlue have, however, demonstrated that they can operate more efficiently and be more cost effective by having the latest technology in their business model, information and infrastructure systems, airplanes and terminals, and leadership and management styles. The paper includes a literature review.
From the Paper "In April of 2003, Unisys announced that JetBlue Airways was going to completely overhaul its mission-critical infrastructure by combining the superior economics of a Windows-based computing option with a mainframe-class Unisys ES7000 server. ?By standardizing and consolidating its key business applications on the ES7000, JetBlue will leverage economies of scale in systems management and staffing, increase overall availability and significantly reduce costs.? (Unisis.com, 2003) The data warehouse gives JetBlue an opportunity to meet its goal of providing superior service and give the carrier real-time access to data about activities such as scheduling, booking and check-in. The new system also reduces operating and other infrastructure related costs."
Abstract This paper defines, discusses, and analyzes several different economic variables in order to determine the likelihood of obtaining employment within the aviation industry. The paper considers all aspects of the industry such as crop dusting, flight training, corporate aviation, air taxis, sightseeing, banner towing, flying for personal reasons, etc. The paper also considers all types of aircraft, ranging from a single-seat, single-engine aircraft to a corporate jet.
From the Paper "Many economic studies examine statistics like the numbers of people employed, value added, contribution to GDP, price growth as compared to the growth of goods and services nationwide, and industry growth or decline and the factors contributing to it. By definition, economy is "the structure of economic life in a country, area or period". Economics is defined as: of, relating to, or based on the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Costs and benefits are not always easily measured in tangible terms. For example, safety, while an important and significant benefit, can only be measured by the absence of occurrences. What are the driving factors in production and consumption? Generally, supply and demand, and the driving factors in supply and demand are often scarcity, volume and price."
Abstract Two airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, are in a fierce battle for domestic market share. By analyzing their strategies, this paper seeks to answer the question of whether middle positioning is really a hindrance to growth within the industry. To this end, an overview of each company is presented. In addition, SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter's Five Forces analyses are provided for each company to help determine their strategic advantages and the choices they have made.
From the Paper "Air Canada is known as the national airline of Canada. It is the dominant carrier in the country, serving approximately 150 destinations, primarily in Canada and the United States. Air Canada has a fleet of nearly 350 planes, which includes 130 regional aircraft ("Overview - ACE", 2005). The airline's expansion has come due to several strategies. Most importantly was its purchase of domestic rival, Canadian Airlines. In addition, it combined it numerous regional airlines: Air Nova, Air Ontario, AirBC, and Canadian Regional Airlines, to form one large regional carrier, Air Canada Jazz. In addition, Air Canada added two of its budget startups, Tango and ZIP, into its main operations. Lastly, in 2004, Air Canada emerged from bankruptcy protection, and created the new holding company structure, under ACE Aviation Holdings, Inc. ("Overview - ACE", 2005). Air Canada's direct competitors include: WestJet, AMR Corporation, British Airways, Air France, Alaska Air, Cathay Pacific, Continental Airlines, Delta Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Northwest Airlines, SkyWest, and US Airways ("Competitors - ACE", 2005)."
Abstract This paper outlines the developments in the psychology and behavioural sciences fields of aviation along with advances in technology and other improvements. Included are examples of how the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) can be interpreted in various aircraft accidents and how CRM is linked with other safety initiatives.
Outline
Introduction and Background
Crew Resource Management
Other Safety Initiatives
What Does Contribute More?
Conclusion and Implications
From the Paper "Ever since Orville Wright first flew in 1903, industry analysts have strived to devise ways to improve the safety of air transportation. The possibilities of air travel became apparent during World War I and the first professional aircraft designers concentrated on developing a safe design to transport people and cargo (Gibbs-Smith, 1967). These early years brought about innovations to basic aircraft design and propulsion systems. Frank Whittle's gas turbine engine idea was the single most momentous development in the 20th century, a development that not only improved the performance of aircraft, but also eventually improved the overall safety and reliability of aircraft transportation (Dempsey & Gesell, 1997)."
Abstract This paper discusses the airline industry, the hardest hit by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The paper presents the status of the industry and examines the marketing challenges facing commercial carriers. The paper briefly explores various marketing strategies and focuses on the high/low strategy as the most successful for this industry. Examples of this strategy are provided in the paper.
Contents
1) Status of the Industry
2) Marketing Problems Facing Carriers
3) Different Strategies
4) Description of High/Low Marketing Strategy
5) Why High/Low Strategy Is the Best Marketing Strategy
6) Examples of High/Low Marketing Strategy
7) Conclusion
8) Bibliography
From the Paper "These industry ailments have forced several new marketing problems and exacerbated the old ones. The critical problem facing the industry, though, is the new revelation - in the post 9/11 era - that price is the overwhelming determining factor in airline choice. If two airlines offer even remotely similar routes, the choice that a business or pleasure traveler will make is rarely based on the number of stops or even on the airport - travelers are more than willing to smaller to a smaller, more distant airport today to save money - and definitely not on the reputation or size of the airline; and certainly not on the frills or amenities offered on board the flight."
Abstract This paper presents a case analysis of American air company, Southwest Airlines. It includes a problem statement, an industry analysis, a situational or SWOT analysis, alternatives and recommendations.
Table of Contents:
I. Brief History
II. Problem Statement
III. Analysis
A. Industry Analysis
B. Current Position
C. Situational Analysis
IV. Alternatives
A. Possible Solutions
B. Recommendations
V. Implementation
VI. Works Cited
VII. Contact Sheet
From the Paper "Southwest is faced with many alternatives for expansion. However, the first alternative is to leave the business as it is. Southwest consistently posts profits despite hard times in the industry. The theme of this strategy is to remain committed to what Southwest does best by continually being the industry's low cost provider. While this might not seem like a viable course of action, consider that the top competitors have all posted losses in the past three years (Graph 1). It is sometimes a good strategy to wait until strong opponents are weak to take advantage of them. Case in point, Southwest has overtaken U.S. Airways in terms of sales as of 2003 without changing its strategy. However, it is unlikely at best that the remaining five top competitors will all file for bankruptcy twice in as many years as U.S. Airways did."
Abstract This paper examines the ethical and social responsibility issues that can be discovered related to airline frequent flier bonus mile programs. The paper discusses each issue and the stakeholders surrounding each issue are identified. The writer further attempts to explain all sides of each issue. The writer initially explains the history of the frequent flier mile programs and how they came into existence.
From the Paper "There are many different ethical and social issues surrounding these programs. Is it ethical to create brand loyalty in an individual that does not have to pay for the ticket? Do these programs cause people to take unnecessary trips to build points? Should the companies that buy the tickets be allowed to keep the points? The law allows consumers to give points away as gifts but not sell them, yet there are companies that broker these "gifts" for profit. How ethical is that? These points are granted tax free. Is the government losing tax revenue? Are the airlines cheating investors by giving away seat miles as points? Is it ethical to give reward points to charities?"
Abstract The paper examines the human resources recruitment, performance appraisal, pay and benefits at the JetBlue airline. The paper uses JetBlue as a example of human resources playing an integral role in the success of the company.
Outline:
Equal Employment Opportunity Laws Impacting Jet Blue's Hiring Practices
Internal Recruitment Methods
External Recruiting Methods
Effects of Recruitment Methods on JetBlue's Recruitment Efforts
Personnel Selection and Goals
Factors That Influence a Performance Appraisal System
360- Degree Feedback Evaluation Advantages
Why Should JetBlue Adopt a 360-Degree Feedback Evaluation?
Employee-Related Factors that are Essential in Determining Financial Compensation
Discretionary Benefits
How JetBlue Has Incorporated Discretionary Benefits
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Equal Employment Opportunity Laws gives a blueprint for the development of HR systems that are constant with legal requirements and make HR decisions that are legally defensible. JetBlue Airways has always been a company which implements equal race, gender and nationality policies. Various laws impacting the hiring practices of employers take place all over the country. Due to these laws which have been set in place to protect potential employees, and to protect their employers, such laws have been passed and amended to enhance the hiring of all organizations. Acts such as the Pregnancy Act of 1978, Americans with Disabilities act of 1990, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment act of 1994, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1996 are all laws that have been passed to protect the right of those who are seeking positions within an employer daily."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed look at the FAA and its role in the Sept 11th terrorist attack aftermath. It gives a history of the establishment of this institution and asks how it will have to change to cope with the post Sept 11th reality.
From the paper:
"According to James Q. Wilson, ?War is the greatest test of a bureaucratic organization.? (Wilson, 1989, p. 45). He was of course speaking of the difficulties of leading soldiers into battle, but on September 11, airline pilots, air traffic controllers and the Federal Aviation Administration were on the front lines of a new kind of war. This essay will consider the FAA under this time of stress and rapid change."
Abstract The author of this paper shows that despite the publicity surrounding accidents involving aircraft, air travel remains one of the safest modes of travel. The paper investigates all the issues involved in ensuring the safety of air travelers, including the FAA, aircraft technology and instrumentation. The author also mentions an adoption of more stringent in-flight security standards after September 11.
From the Paper "The companies that manufacture airplanes also carry on continuous and intensive R & D. Boeing has resumed "very in-depth" Sonic Cruiser experiments, which were put on hold due to the September 11th attack. The aircraft industry is involved in constant design changes and different material utilization to improve the performance of aircrafts (Broderick, 2002). While advantages introduced by the Sonic Cruiser's could be used in today's current air traffic environment, more advanced ATC procedures or special flight-path considerations will be needed to have the plane perform as advertised closer to the ground. The planes equipped with the sonic cruisers, fast cruise speeds would be realistic today, because it will cruise at 45,000 feet and above, higher than any subsonic airliner."
Abstract This paper analyzes the Connexion in-flight Internet service as an opportunity to use organizational behaviorism in real world situations. It uses The Boeing Company as a case study and analyzes the opportunity provided by this new technology.
From the Paper "The Boeing Company as well as many other companies has suffered greatly since the attacks of 9/11. This study will focus on the opportunity that the company has with the introduction of its? new Connexion in-flight Internet service. This Internet service will allow travelers access to the net, email and video services while flying to their destinations. American Aviation regulators certified the technology in May of this year. This would provide a huge opportunity for the company to increase profitability while providing a service to customers."
Abstract This paper presents a brief summary of the September 11th terrorist attack on America and the effects it had on the economy of the airline industry. The business strategies of the airline industry in order to improve business, such as price reductions and improved security measures, are outlined. The role of the government is also examined.
From the Paper "On September 11, 2001 Taliban terrorist attacked The World Trade Center and The Pentagon. The attack was carefully planned to use American symbols, such as the choice of the airline, which was ?American Airlines,? and it happened on September 11. The ninth month on the 11th day is Americas national symbol for life saving emergencies. This attack was clearly a hatred mark for America, but all nations were affected by the crisis. Although the event is named "The Attack On America," this event could easily be named "The Attack On The World." People from over ninety nations were in the World Trade Center, including some from the same country which instigated the attack. The attack was completely unexpected, and after the impact, everyone was wondering why did it happen and who could hate America so much?
"Bin Laden, a man with very little authority and power in his own country, is the source behind the disastrous attack that destroyed the airline industry and the economy of not only America, but also many other countries. In 1993, Bin Laden attempted to destroy the World Trade Center to express his hatred for America. His attempts to attack America in 1993 failed. According to BBCnews.com, Bin Laden hated America because of his history in his own country. Bin Laden rejected his heritage to become a freedom fighter in his own country against Russia. Bin Laden first bombed an U.S. embassy in Nairobi; minutes later he bombed another U.S. embassy in Tarzani"
Abstract This paper focuses on the airline transport and airport security anti-terrorist steps recently implemented. Three policies were introduced by President Bush - "Federal Grant Program to Strengthen Aircraft Security"; "Expanded Federal Air Marshal Program" and increased passenger security while in the airport. It looks at the advantages and disadvantages of these programs.
From the Paper "The aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing in New York City last September 11, 2001 made the US government formulate numerous precautions and measures that will prevent and eliminate the possibility of a terrorist attack to happen again. One of the preventive measures the US government has set up was to think of national policies in airline transportations and airports that will bring security and safety to the consumers and crew of the airline company. Three major steps were delivered by US President George W. Bush that will help attain the said objectives, that of the people and crew's safety and security."
A study of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with an emphasis on security issues.
Abstract This paper performs a SWOT analysis on Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and evaluates the results. The author finds that since the September 11 2001 attacks, airport security now costs four times what it did previously. With these rising costs, he finds that it is more important than ever for operations managers to stay abreast of their market positioning. They must constantly try to increase their revenues by attracting more passengers and increasing the number of flights. In order to do this, they must perform these SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats ) analyses to make better decisions based on solid facts.
From the Paper "Successful airport management depends on several factors to remain competitive. First, the cost of supplies is on a continuous rise, as well as items such as fuel, utilities, and the cost of maintaining the planes. Airports are subject to several market risks as well, such as general economic conditions, events, which drop the number of passengers, and environmental factors that may cancel or delay flights. Airports are subject to increasing risk from ever-tightening EPA regulations and stiffer FAA regulations. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, airports were under incredible strain due to shaken consumer confidence in flying."
