British Airways Performance Analysis Assignment - 1

British Airways Performance Analysis - Assignment Example The above ratios reveal the comparative performance of BA for the two years under consideration. Profitability- wise operating profit ratio has registered a commendable performance in 2008 as compared to 2007. In fact ‘the operating profit margin measures the percentage of each sales dollar remaining after all cost other than interest, taxes, and preferred stock dividend are deducted. It represents pure profits earned on each dollar.†(Lawrence J Gitman, page 67) The performance of BA has been excellent raising its operating profit ratio from 7.09% in 2007 to 10% in 2008 despite the fact that the rise in revenue is merely 3%. In the year 2007 total revenue was  £ 8492m and that has risen only to  £ 8753m. The extremely good profitability performance is again corroborated by the fact that return on equity has gone up from a mere 8.39% to 21.74%. Such a large increase in return on equity is remarkable when the total equity has risen from  £ 2411m in 2007 to  £ 3233m. Overall BA has performed extremely well on profitability front. Liquidity has been a problem for BA in both years. Liquidity reflects the short term solvency situation of a company. Liquidity position provides an idea about whether the company is in a position to meet its short term obligations when those become due. Liquidity of a company is aptly reflected by its current ratio. The current ratio of 2:1 is considered optimum for any industry, but this standard again differs from industry to industry. BA has a current ratio of 0.95: 1 in 2007 and 0.97:1 in 2008. By any standard, the current ratio is much lower than the required standard. BA is facing a liquidity crunch and if it continues like this BA might face difficulties in meeting its short term obligations. Current ratio change in 2008 when compared to 2007 is not even noticeable. The contributing major factors to the deteriorating the liquid position of BA are current interest-bearing deposits that have depleted from  £ 1642m in 2007 to  £ 1181m in 2008. Liquidity is certainly a cause of concern for BA.  

Task Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Task Management - Essay Example Fresh Snax needs to develop its information system. The possible required system is the one which can reduce inventory and improve service levels simultaneously and a proven management methodologies. It is not only the output that is important; you need to have a fast and accurate service, a consistent quality of the food and a good location. The management of information system includes the following functions: the core function and the support functions. The core function is the people that actually think of design, make and sell a product or a service. A support function helps them to achieve it. Choosing the proper computer system would help the Fresh Snax lessen its burden on the inventories, sales, and orders as well as increasing the profit of the company. Trained and well educated personnel should handle this new system. Like any other new system there will be some negative feedbacks, and from here the project manager will be able to develop it more. Soft System Methodology was developed by Peter Checkland in 1960 and was further developed in 1981. This methodology treats the problem as an opportunity for the company for improvement and enhancement of its system. It includes evaluation of the problem as to why it happens and how to handle it. It includes seven distinct stages: 1. Finding out the problem situation. 2. Expressing the problem situation through rich pictures 3. Selecting how to view the situation and producing root definitions. 4. Building conceptual models of what the system must do for each root definitions. 5. Comparison of the conceptual models with the real world. 6. Identify feasible and desirable changes. 7. Recommendations for taking action to improve the problem situation. Fresh Snax Transformation using the Soft System Methodology Fresh Snax Manager has identified the weaknesses in the current system, including insufficient stock to prepare the orders, poor scheduling of deliveries to customers, and casual staff unable to keep records of deliveries made. Fresh Snax is now aware that in order to keep the loyal customer they need to use the technology to a greater degree and meeting the customer needs. In line with this transformation a new system is being proposed. The new system will integrate a number of business functions, including stock control, recording and accepting customer orders, routing/scheduling of orders and recording of delivered orders. Stage 1 and 2 Fresh Snax is a growing company that supplies fresh quality of sandwiches, home baked snacks, the finest coffee and freshly squeezed fruit juices for sale at premium prices in petrol filling stations. Several problems were encountered specially on the inventories and services to their customer. Thus the problem situation for the company will be how good is the new system and how to evaluate the system performance Will the company benefit

Organisational behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Organisational behaviour - Essay Example For instance, a leader is a person with charismatic qualities, vision, critical thinking skills, encourager, team member, and ability to look into future. Indeed, the aforementioned attributes enable a person to lead his / her organisation and ensure a harmonised and shared value-based internal culture. Leadership refers to the capability of strategic planners, policy- and decision – makers to direct employees / organisation to accomplish business plans and mission. In addition, leadership is all about identifying potential in employees, to polish individual abilities and to train them in a way they could portray optimal performance and achieve defined targets. Idris & Ali (2008) had thrown light over the fact that leadership helps a business organisation in gaining competitive advantage by ‘out – performing’ rivals in the same business sector. For this purpose, the leaders keep themselves updated about general and task environment, which is then analysed a nd evaluated for new policy formulation, modifications and amendments in existing policies. The internal managerial structure could be adjusted to ensure greater flexibility, mutual accountability and adaptability, which later enhances internal efficiency and performance. Chan (2010) has argued that business success and sustainability of an enterprise is dependent on the strengths and leadership qualities of strategic planners and top management. He highlighted that there are various leadership styles such as â€Å"autocratic (which focuses on internal control and stability), bureaucratic (it is more democratic in nature but also pays special attention to task accomplishment and overall performances), laissez-faire (which focuses on extreme level of flexibility, tolerance and adaptability to changes), democratic (which focuses on employee empowerment, continuous learning and experimentation), participative (focuses on enhancing employee contribution and participation in business af fairs through mutual collaboration, interaction and communication), situational, transactional, and more recently transformational† styles. This paper will throw light in detail over Transformational Leadership and Path – Goal Leadership approaches. The researcher will critically evaluate and compare the strengths and limitations of two different approaches to theorising leadership as sources of prescription for good managerial practice in organisations. In other words, the researcher will assess how the concepts and understandings of two aforementioned leadership theoretical approaches will help strategic planners to formulate and implement good managerial practices that would benefit in conflict resolution, internal peace, socio – emotional and instrumental cohesion and harmony, low absenteeism and employee turnover rates, high motivational level, job commitment and timely achievement of goals. The researcher has chosen the Path – Goal Leadership approac h because it focuses on task / performance and relationship – orientation as both are quite necessary for overall organisational success. For instance, the approach was developed after contributions of many renowned theorists during 1970s and 1980s such as Robert House, Ralph Kartz, Yukl, Shamir, R. Mitchell and other authors (House, 1996). In addition, the researcher has also chosen Transformational Leadership theory, a relatively new approach, which focuses on to

The Vietnam War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Vietnam War - Essay Example The effects on the mental health of these soldiers has led to unemployment, drug addiction, divorce, suicide, and a range of mental illnesses. A key difference between the Vietnam War and previous wars was the intensity of the level of stress. War has always presented the combat veteran with a difficult situation in regards to stress. However, in World War II the soldier would engage in a battle that would last in terms of days. As the battle subsided, the front lines moved and combat ceased for a period of time. The battles lines were clearly marked and the enemy clearly defined. In Vietnam the soldiers faced a shadowy enemy with no front lines. They were in threat of losing their life 24 hours a day for every day they were in the country. There was no reprieve from the immediate threat of death. In past wars there were always cases of 'battle fatigue' or 'shell shock', but the Vietnam War redefined this as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and its associated symptoms. While PTSD affects approximately 1 percent of the general population, it is as high as 15 percent among Vietnam veterans 35 years after the end of the war (Mollica et al. 2058-2059). PTSD in Vietnam veterans manifests itself through a variety of symptoms. These include social maladjustment, social phobia, guilt, difficulty controlling anger, joblessness, homelessness, and family strife (Frueh et al. 26). The Vietnam veteran is often faced with a lifetime of substance abuse, acute anxiety, and an inability to fit into a normal social setting. A problem that faced the returning Vietnam veteran was the negative attitude that society held for a veteran returning from an unpopular war. Army Captain Max Cleland, a soldier who lost both legs and was later elected a US Senator from Georgia explains, "To the devastating psychological effect of getting maimed, paralyzed, or in some way unable to reenter American life as you left it, is the added psychological weight that it may not have been worth it; that the war may have been a cruel hoax" (qtd. in Nicosia 159-160). This effect was even more magnified for the minority veterans who served in disproportionate numbers and came home to face the additional burden of racism. Limited opportunities for blacks after the war resulted in conflicting feelings about the brutality waged against the Vietnamese and resulted in rates of PTSD among black veterans that were significantly higher than among whites (Allen 55). The Vietnam veteran faced the difficulty of PTSD in a world that was unsym pathetic and ill-equipped to diagnose and treat the illnesses that the war had inflicted. The Veteran's Administration (VA) has been traditionally reluctant to recognize and adequately treat PTSD. The VA currently publishes estimates that indicate that as many as 30 percent of the Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD, which is in excess of some other more conservative estimates ("How Common is PTSD"). However, the availability of resources has not been sufficient to meet the need. The American Psychiatric Association has reported that the reported cases of PTSD have risen by 42 percent in recent years, but funding has only been increased by 22 percent (Mulligan). The problem of under-treatment is also complicated by under self-reporting. Veterans may feel that if they

Political subdivisions of police governmental powers per federalism Essay

Political subdivisions of police governmental powers per federalism - Essay Example Several countries like the United States, Canada and Australis follow this system of governance. In effect there are two separate sovereignties both having their own powers and as remarked in the case of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824). While the federal government is very powerful, it can never be all-powerful because the states have continued to have their own judicial system which covers and controls every department which is not linked to the central government and operates within the state’s territory. In this essay I shall start by defining the term federalism and political subdivisions. Then I shall move on to explain the police governmental powers per federalism and explain the historical context of Constitutional clauses establishing such powers. In doing this I intend to aid my essay with examples of the case law before concluding it. Federalism refers to a government system where each province concerned is administered by two government levels. As a general rule the commanding central government takes care of the issues which affect the nation in general while the problems related to state territories are controlled by their respective governments. The federal governance system prevalent in the US is also based on the same concept. There is a central government and various subdivisions of state governments. The constant power struggle between the state and the central government lead to various legal conflicts affecting the smooth administration of key departments operating under both the government divisions. The British government's oppression and tyrannical political and economic road map for American colonies led to the American Revolution. It caused the Americans to greatly distrust the centralized governmental powers. As a result only very little authority was bestowed upon the central government when the C onstitution was initially formed in 1781. The Articles of Confederation created during this period assured unlimited power to each state government to the extent of each state having their own court system. This form of government became too complex to control and a ‘Great Compromise’ was established in 1787 to implement uniform administration throughout the US. This compromise was reached to make the governance process easier, ensure fast economic growth and maintain a standard judicial system throughout the country. Most of the policies drawn in the ‘Great Compromise’ were based on the federalist ideologies. This was condemned by several opponents who called federalism a ‘folly’ and accused the pact of reducing the state government’s power and failing to clarify its actual role in the governance of the country. They also added the Supremacy Clause weakened the power of the state governments. Changes made in the constitutional provision s ensured only the states having a close relationship to the government will be granted the prerequisites for their growth projects. It is a commonly accepted fact that practical conciliation was the only reason to encourage constitutional federalism, then. People speaking in defense of the ‘Great Compromise’ argue that state governments have the power to vote and elect the central government. Hence, their rights are guarded and they are the ones controlling the central government, not vice versa. Political subdivisions on the other hand indicate the states present in the

Health Program Evaluation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health Program Evaluation - Case Study Example The situation Alyssa is in is actually a situation many writers face especially when they are presenting papers for presentations in seminars or going for publications. This entire dilemma Alyssa is in is possibly because of improper communication between her and her professor regarding the nuances of article writing and publications. The problem rose primarily because of poor and insufficient information given to Alyssa by her professor regarding writing papers and the implications involved in writing. Initially when he prompted her to write a paper he has to tell her unless his name is included as a co author he cannot represent her in the seminar because being the author she alone reserves and since she is sponsored by an external agency in funding the project she has get their acceptance in including his name as a co author. Also after receiving the work drafts produced by Alyssa the professor has made no attempt to look into them and offer any suggestions for improvement. The problem as can be clearly seen from the case is his lack of involvement in guiding his ward carry out the task. Right from the identification of sponsor for funding to preparing the research paper she has carried out all the tasks by herself. The professor has shown the positive intention ... However it can never be understood is why he failed to communicate the fact that she needs to include him as a co author. Also he did not make any attempt to help her in conducting the research study or in arranging funding necessary for the study in way of arranging a sponsor. These actions are clearly indicating his lack of confidence in Alyssa and her research capabilities. Also he did not make any attempts in improving Alyssa's work through suggestions; another indication that he is not expecting Alyssa's work is going to be chosen for presentation. When Alyssa came to him stating that she has received an invitation for participation in the conference it must have surprised him as well. However he understood he cannot represent her because she never mentioned his name as a co author. All this has led to a situation where there is a limited scope or opportunity for both Ben and Alyssa to act the other way. Alyssa's possible actions: As discussed already the scope for Alyssa to act the other way were slim because of Ben's miscommunication. However the possible actions which can be taken by Alyssa in the present situation were discussed below. Scope for Ben attending the seminar as Alyssa's Co author: In case Alyssa wants Ben to attend the seminar on her behalf on the condition that she accepted him as her co author and intimate the program authorities regarding the change then she comes across a problem of copy right because inorder to conduct the research work an external agency has funded her and she has to obtain the agency's permission to include him as a co author. Scope for Alyssa in attending the seminar herself: It makes interesting reading to suggest the possibility of Alyssa attending the seminar all by herself.

God sees everything Discuss the importance of vision and blindness in Essay

God sees everything Discuss the importance of vision and blindness in 'The Great Gatsby' - Essay Example This paper will particularly discuss the importance of the concepts of vision and blindness in the novel. The Great Gatsby presents a complex vision of the interrelation between impulses, and its final meaning resides in an understanding of the nature of that relationship. This brings us to the fact that in the novel, women are portrayed as the object of such impulses and therefore, a key to understanding such thesis. According to Judith Fetterly (1978), the American literature in regard to the romantic nostalgia set store on the sense of wonder, which is intimately and expectedly paired with a sense of loss and that women are usually used as counters to these emotions. (p. 75) Fitzgerald’s vision of lost America is widely regarded as the same with Gatsby’s vision of Daisy. In the male mind, which is collectively those of Gatsby, Carraway and Fitzgerald’s, the impulse to wonder is instinctively associated with the image of woman, and the ensuing gambits of the romantic imagination are played out in female metaphors. What this means for us is that in the novel, Gatsby is the incarnation of the American visionary and his story is the chronicle of the quintessential â€Å"American dream† with Daisy herself as America, like the old island that flowered once for the Dutch sailor eyes - the freshest green breast of the new world. (Fitzgerald p. 140) She was the conscious and subconscious focus of Gatsby’s visions and actions. The â€Å"green light† in the novel further provided insight in this regard. At the end of Chapter I, Nick Carraway, lingered on the lawn for sometime, under the stars, and became aware that Gatsby was there, too: I decided to call on him†¦ But I didn’t†¦ for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone – he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, as far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a