Abstract
This paper examines Southwest Airlines' many identified weaknesses, such as poor short-term liquidity, lack of strategic alliances, and declining revenue yields. The paper asserts that it is imperative that the firm forms more strategic alliances, especially in the airline industries. The paper contends that the advantage of this is that the Southwest Airlines will then have a larger market share and, when collusion takes place, it is tantamount to acting like a monopoly, resulting in more profits in both the long and short run for the airline. The paper also suggests that the firm incorporate technology in its operations. To summarize, the paper suggests that both strategic alliances and the implementation of recommended technology will improve the business.

Outline:
Introduction
Incorporating Technology in its Operations: Increasing Strategic Alliances for Southwest
Benefits from Technology for Southwest Airlines
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Southwest Airlines can incorporate this aspect of operations by using its exceptional profit margin to gain acquire more cost efficient and technologically advanced assets. The Airbus 380 landed in Los Angeles International Airport which is one of the biggest and cost efficient jets, Southwest Airlines should be at the forefront in debuting improvements in technology like this one to leverage alliances and increase the choices for consumers. Southwest currently uses Boeing 737s because it does smaller frequent flights from city to city. However increased technology can be achieved with upgrades to the current fleet or an introduction of fixed assets."

Tags:airplane, flight, industry, technology, strategic, alliance

Abstract
Today, Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an air carrier that provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States and around the world. To identify Delta's overall domestic and global strategies to maintain and increase its market share, this paper provides a brief company profile for Delta and a current problem that has adversely affected the company's performance, followed by an assessment of a potential solution for the company's predicament today and in the future. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"As early as mid-1999, though, Delta was already targeting foreign airlines for strategic alliances. For instance, in an article entitled, "Air France to Set up Alliance with U.S. Delta Airlines," it was reported that France's national carrier Air France announced intentions to establish a strategic partnership with the U.S. Delta Airlines pursuant to both airlines' intentions to expand into a global marketplace by establishing alliances with other air companies. This move also involved Delta disengaging itself from its relationship with Swissair, Sabena and Austrian Airlines -- a move that was not without controversy."

Tags:airtran, aviation, jetblue, lufthansa, southwest, united

Abstract
The paper looks at the organizational struture of Southwest Airlines and provides a cultural assessment of the organization. The paper then provides an external and internal analysis of the company as well as an assessment of its management and leadership. The paper demonstrates how Southwest Airlines utilizes decision-making, exceptional internal communications, and an effective use of unique and highly differentiated leadership styles to attain profitable performance in one of the world's most competitive industries.

Outline:
Organizational Structure
Cultural Assessment of Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines External Analysis
Southwest Airlines Internal Analysis
Southwest Airlines Strategic Issues Impacting Morale
Assessment of Southwest Airlines Management and Leadership
Conclusion

From the Paper
"First, the culture has become ingrained with the values of being one based on a high-trust, high knowledge and this continues today with a culture committee that rotates employees from each business unit and department to keep it relevant and updated to the needs of the company (Laszlo, 1999). Second, the company's approach to managing for exceptional service continues with more awards and recognition being given to employees who deliver exceptional service to customers. In an industry where customer expectations have risen while quality of service has degraded over recent years, Southwest's approach on giving employees the freedom to serve customers is revolutionary (Kochan, 2006)."

Tags:leadership, decision-making, trust, values, employees, credibility, revenue

Abstract
This paper examines Southwest Airlines and its problems with trying to stay competitive in its industry and proposes two alternatives, then selects the best one, explaining why.

From the Paper
"Southwest Airlines is a highly successful company that has gained an enthusiastic customer and employee base by following a four-pronged formula; keep costs low, fly only one model of airplane to minimize repair and maintenance costs, treat customers like royalty and treat employees even better. By negotiating excellent fuel hedging contracts, CEO Gary Kelly has enabled Southwest to pay less for jet fuel than its competitors, but a potentially contentious negotiation with Southwest pilots is on the horizon..."

Tags:Southwest Airlines, Gary Kelly, problem, solution, alternatives

Abstract
Specifically, the paper examines Southwest Airlines' historical ability to control labor costs. The paper also examines the effectiveness of its fuel price hedging strategies and the internal controls intended to ensure that the financial reporting of this publicly traded company is fair and accurate.

From the Paper
"Southwest Airlines maintains disclosure controls and procedures intended to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. According to Southwest Airlines annual K report, these include controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to Southwest Airlines management. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of these controls and procedures..."

Tags:Southwest Airlines, effectiveness, control mechanisms, pricing, fuel costs, airline pilots, union, negotiations, risksharing, profit sharing, stock options, fuel hedging strategies, internal controls

Abstract
This paper provides a SWOT analysis of Southwest Airlines, as well as external factors that impact it and possible future scenarios it should be aware of. It concludes with recommendations to the organization.

From the Paper
"A SWOT analysis of Southwest Airlines shows that it has strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that need to be managed properly in order to maintain its success in the industry. Among its considerable strengths is its outstanding ability to cut costs without compromising service. Thanks to a fuel hedge contract, for example, of Southwest's fuel costs in ... were locked in at ultra-low rates although the percentage went down to ... in ... and kept declining. (Gilbertson) The fuel hedge deal exemplified Southwest's propensity for finding ways..."

Tags:Southwest Airlines, SWOT, external factors, recommendations

Abstract
This paper addresses the company of Southwest Airlines in terms of the effectiveness of the company's various strengths and weaknesses. A series of matrixes are used.

Tags:BUSINESS / CASE STUDIES, southwest airlines matrix

Abstract
This paper discusses the intersection between entrepreneurship and strategic alliances and explores research opportunities related to this particular relationship. The paper contains four sections including background information relevant to entrepreneurship, research objectives, research methodology, and a conclusion with recommendations.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this report is to examine the nexus between the entrepreneurship and strategic alliance literature and to explore research opportunities related to this ..."

Tags:entrepreneurship, strategic alliances

Abstract
The paper reveals that Southwest Airlines was so out in front of its competition that the operating structure was nicknamed the "Southwest Effect". The paper reveals that Southwest was created to meet the needs of interstate service between Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas, where each flight was roughly an hour long. The paper explains that the Southwest strategy was to create low cost flights in fifteen minute intervals from obscure fields that the more commercial airlines could not land. The paper shows how from the overstock purchase of the first three Boeing 737s, Southwest was founded in visionary thinking and good business sense.

From the Paper
"Southwest Airlines was so out in front of its competition that the operating structure was nicknamed the "Southwest Effect". Southwest was created to meet the needs of interstate service between Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas. Each flight was roughly an hour long. The Southwest strategy was to create low cost flights in fifteen minute intervals from obscure fields that the more commercial airlines could not land. Love Field in Dallas, TX is an example of such an air field. From the overstock purchase of the first three Boeing 737s, Southwest was..."

Tags:southwest, case, study