...Over the decades the USA’S national debt has risen to over $17 trillion, very close to defaulting, yet many countries are still keen to lend. Why do you think this is? Do you think this level is sustainable? Since the time of the Founding Fathers US leaders have believed in the concept of American exceptionalism, that the US is a special country with a special mission. It is a notion that continues to this day and when it comes to the threat that it’s deteriorating national finances present to the world economy the US is truly exceptional. We have seen a debt crisis grip Europe and worries mount over the financial state of Japan. These problems are scary enough but when it comes to terrifying debt crisis scenarios, the US stands in a universe all of its own. It is not because the US debt burden is the biggest, but because of the exceptional role the US plays in the global economy. US debt runs the risk of crashing the entire operating systems of the global economy. Not only is the US the world’s largest economy but it also dominates the global monetary system. In many respects, the entire architecture of global finance is built upon the US economy. The US dollar is very dominant in global financial affairs, more than 61% of financial reserves are held in dollars, 85% of foreign exchange transactions are conducted in dollars and 45% of all debt securities are dollar denominated. To reduce the dollars use in international trade and business, something else would have...
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...Guns in US: Why it Matters Imagine a horror movie where you and your group of friends hung out together to celebrate the night of Halloween then eventually got trapped with a serial killer in a house without lights and communication devices. However, your group were still able to find some stuff for self-defense. Every single hour, there would be one person mysteriously disappeared and found dead in some eerie places. The number of people who survived was getting smaller and smaller. You had no idea who would be the next one and when would it happen. Your groups became more and more frightened and started to doubt each other. That was when you realized the fear of death perhaps was worse than the death itself. Apologies for such a long introduction,...
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...took over, largely unopposed by their Ukrainian counterparts. Perhaps in the confused aftermath of events in Kiev, the Ukrainians were still wondering whose orders they were supposed to follow. But today there are large groups of Ukrainian soldiers who resist the new authority in Crimea, who refuse to surrender their bases and their ships, and who are slowly starting to create problems for the Russians. Perhaps a decision has been taken to fight back? So far it has been done peacefully, but each time the troops are pushing the boundaries, hoping to show the world that Ukrainians are being bullied by their Russian masters. The international community may have given up on Crimea. It is clear the new government in Kiev has not. Which brings us to the events of today. 'Insults and obscenities' Russian troops fired into air as Ukrainians marched on a Crimean air base The Russian guard at the airfield in Sevastopol must have considered the prospect of a confrontation like this. Marching towards them was a column of 300 unarmed Ukrainian soldiers, with their flag proudly displayed. The Russians fired over their heads but on went the Ukrainians, marching in line, singing their anthem, in defiance. One volley after the other went over their head and, as they neared the barriers, the rifles of the Russian soldiers were lowered. This airfield at Sevastopol is home to the MiG fighters of the Ukrainian air force. For several days the troops loyal to Kiev had been confined to their...
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...Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen J. Paul Seiberlich Siena Heights University Prof. Anderson February 5, 2015 Kaizen and Six Sigma are associated with the Quality Model for achieving success in business. The term Kaizen has many different uses ranging from referring to a principle of personal conduct to a company wide strategy for achieving business success (Imai, 1986). In the United States, one of its most common uses is as the name of a lean enterprise tool for improving work processes. In this use, it refers to a systematic and specialized application of problem solving to uncover and extract waste from a work process. Kaizen as a company wide strategy for achieving business success is derived from the writings of W. Edwards Deming although the completeness of that connection seems to be unrecognized. It abstracts from Deming’s work the ideas that improvements must benefit customers; that they must occur every day, everywhere, and be implemented by everyone; that management must lead the implementation and that managers must be models and agents of its adoption; and that management and non-management employees must operate cooperatively. (Vitalo, R. 2013) The term “Kaizen” has two uses. One use refers to the principle of continuous improvement and describes a fundamental element in the Quality Model and in Lean thinking. The second use refers to methods that either suggest (e.g., Teian Kaizen) or generate and implement improvement ideas. Of the methods...
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...Flight to Pittsburgh In our society we have a lot of ideals of how you must be, how you should act and how you should look. These ideals often represent how we think a perfect man or perfect woman is. And it is difficult to live up to these ideals, often it is impossible but we are trying really hard anyway. In this story we see how it is to pursue such an ideal from a man, Hank’s point of view. We also see how destroying it can be when a person thinks the ideal is a reality and possible. Hank is a middle aged man, 52 years old, and married to Faye. He has a daughter, Julie with Faye. Julie is married with Russell, but she has just called and said that he has hit her. She specifically asks to see her father. This implies that Julie sees her father as the “Superman,” who will come and save her whenever she is in trouble. We also know that Julie and Russell lives in a house, there is a “replica of his own,” Hanks house. The fact that she is living in a house, which is an exact copy of her father’s supports this. Who builds a house there is an exact copy of one’s parents’? Most daughters and sons would build their own after what they find them most suitable. But she builds a house exactly like her father’s because she still looks up to him like a little girl would look up to her father. The house could also be a symbol of the father, in the way it surrounds her, like a hug, the comforting hug from a father you know always will be there for you. Another thing that supports this...
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...biggest slice in the budget pie , there has never been a more important time for airline carriers to explore the benefits of joining a global airline alliance such as Sky Team , Star Alliance or One World.(Bamberger , Carlton and Neumann, 2001) basically gave a breakthrough study on how alliances was formed. The foundation of an alliance started only on a code share basis and a share of marketing exercises. They focused more on the American market as opposed to other markets around the world as American carriers was the anchors of what we know now as a global airline alliance. Studies was done based on data from the mid 90's and gives us an idea on how and why it was formed. Their study focused more on the domestic market rather then international and it can't be proven on the global market. This research is essential for the topic as this gives us a brief of history on what was the foundation of a global airline alliance. They also emphasized only on the operators point of view which can perceived as opinion based information. No survey was done on population or sample to determine the benefits on the alliance from a consumer point of view to give an overview on the benefits of forming an alliance .In terms of air travel alliances is concern , a lot has changed since this research.(Goh and Uncles , 2001) focuses on benefits of global airline alliances from a consumer point of view. They did a study where they examined the perception that business travelers had of the benefits and...
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...Business Case Study: American Airlines 1. Perform a five-forces analysis of the US airline industry focusing on entry barriers and pricing rivalry Threat of new entrants: Though it might appear to be hard to get into, entry into the airline industry depends on whether there are substantial costs to access banks and credit. If borrowing rates are cheap, then there is more of a likelihood that new competitors will enter and the more saturated it will become for all competitors. However, an airline with a strong name brand like US Airways, combined with the offer of incentives, can lure customers away from new entrants, even in prices are higher. Power of Suppliers: In the airline supply industry, there is a duopoly between Boeing and Airbus. Because of this, there is not much cutthroat competition between the two. Moreover, suppliers will not likely vertically integrate in order to start offering flight service in addition to building planes. Power of Buyers: The bargaining power of buyers in the airline industry is very low. There are high costs for the buyer if he wishes to switch airplanes. Secondly, the service between airlines is practically identical. The seats won’t be any more comfortable nor will the food be any better. Threat of Substitutes: For those who need to travel internationally for business or leisure, the threat of substitution is low. For regional travel however, one might opt out to take a train or simply drive. For those that need to conduct business...
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...company. Speculate on two (2) reasons why the resulting decision to merge or to acquire / be acquired was made. The two airlines American Airlines and US Airways merged on December 9th, 2013 to form the American Airline Group that became the biggest airline in the world. This merger was formed by the increased competition that airlines are facing in the business today. The merger presented an opportunity for both airlines to exploit the benefits of an extended network that would result after merging as opposed to when each operates independently. One of the main circumstances that surrounded the merger was the impending bankruptcy of American Airlines. The company had filed for bankruptcy in 2011 although it reverted to profitability in July the same year. The merger would increase access to business opportunities for both airlines, especially American Airlines that would reduce its exposure to financial risks, which was the initial cause for the company filing for bankruptcy. The merger would create increased synergies that would be evident through increased financial strength and flexibility in the market (DePamphilis, 2008). Each of the merged entities would have access to more destinations and larger clientele. Each of them would access an increased network of destinations i.e. 330 destinations around the world. They also had a code share agreement where customers would seamlessly book their flights from either American Airlines or US Airways networks. Such leverages are...
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...Why Does God Test Us? - Scriptures on Testing, as well as 6 Reasons Why God Tests Us. According to God's Word, the Lord is Examining us, and Allowing True Believer's to be Tested, and or Tried. God uses Tests & Trials to (now or later) Reward the Believer for Obeying God's Word (James 1:12), and to Prove their Faith was Genuine (1 Peter 1:7) and more! He will also use Tests to someday PUNISH the Unsaved (Great White Throne Judgment)— those who Refuse to Obey Him (Rom 2:6-10, Eph 5:6). God Tests & Examines Us - Some Facts About Testings 1 - According to God's Word, the Lord is EXAMINING us, and Allowing Our Hearts & Minds to be TESTED, and/or Tried. - 1 Thess 2:4 "We speak as men Approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. We are Not trying to Please men but GOD, who TESTS our HEARTS." - Jer 17:10 "I, the Lord, search (EXAMINE) the HEART, I TEST the MIND" 2 - God is Examining & Allowing us to be TESTED ALL the Time - Job 7:18 "You EXAMINE us every Morning & TEST us every moment" 3 - God will use these Tests & Trials to REWARD Believers for Obeying God's Word - James 1:12 "God blesses those who Patiently Endure TESTING and TEMPTATION. Afterward they will receive the CROWN OF LIFE that God has promised to those who love Him." 4 - God will use Tests & Trials to Prove that our Faith was Genuine - 1 Pet 1:6-7 "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many TRIALS for a little while. These TRIALS will show that your Faith is Genuine...
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...“Creating Lean Suppliers” a Consider that the new corporate procurement strategy in support of your manufacturing business includes securing purchased critical parts and subassemblies from “lean” practicing suppliers. Your supply chain management in previous years has practiced the strategy of single sourcing as well as long-term partnering for critical purchased material. Prepare a list of bullets showing the advantages and disadvantages of staying with current suppliers (i.e. not switching) that currently do not have a “lean” in place and also define in the response your plan to achieve the new “lean” supplier requirement. I Advantage: * Better relationship – further involved in new production process * Better reputation (ethics) * Knowing the supplier better – its problems, cost-structure, and technology * Supplier may be more responsive * Creating “trust” II Disadvantage: * Cost of the BP team * Require extensive capital investment or extra personnel for suppliers * Time consuming (for the suppler to be lean) * Difficulty to change and sustain In order to achieve the new “lean” supplier requirement, I would want suppliers that have substantial responsibility during product development; the ability to accommodate and respond to the request of changes in product or manufacturing process; extensive capital investment or extra human resources. Also the suppliers that is reliable, and “self-reliant.” b Analyze Honda’s...
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...------------------------------------------------- American airlines leadership American Airlines Leadership American Airlines has a very unique history being the first “major airline” in the United States. The original name of the company was American Airways, which was conceived through the acquisition of 80 different airlines in 1930. The smaller airlines that were acquired included, Southern Air Transport in Texas, Southern Air Fast Express (SAFE) in the western United States, Universal Aviation in the Midwest, amongst a few others. With the airlines working under one name they were able to provide a much simpler way to travel and like many early carriers then, American earned it’s the most by carrying U.S. Mail. By 1933 American Airways operated a transcontinental route network serving 72 cities. In 1934 American Airlines was created by E.L. Cord who acquired American Airways and renamed it. The new owner, E.L Cord, hired C. R. Smith a Texas businessman. Smith began to work Donald Douglas in a project where they would pioneer a new phase of airline industry. Smith and Douglas worked and developed the DC-3, exclusively for American Airlines. This new plane was known as the flagships and the American Airlines’ DC-3 allowed for the company to be made the first airline to be able to operate a route that could earn a profit solely by transporting passengers, instead of relying solely in mail transportation. American Airlines was not only the first to profit from...
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...ABSTARCT: This report aims to give a brief understanding of strategic commitments, the rationality of predatory pricing and the extent to which predatory pricing strategies are used in the global airline industry. DATE: 5th March 2015 Introduction This report aims to give a brief understanding of strategic commitments and the rationality and extent to which predatory pricing strategies are used in the global airline industry. The Airline industry, being highly competitive, offers many examples of both Strategic Commitment making and Predatory Pricing strategies. What are Strategic Commitments... The commitments that firms make are two pronged, having direct and strategic effects. The direct effect is the clearly identifiable aspect of the commitment. The strategic effect of the commitment is more subtle, as it is the influence and response which the commitment generates from the competitors in the market in regards to their intended short/medium term tactical plans. Strategic commitments can be described as a form of strategy that firms have at their disposal, in which information on plans or intended actions by the business are publically released with the purpose of influencing the actions of other key market players. To be considered a strategic commitment the announced plan/action must have visibility so that those it is intended to influence can observe it, and it must be difficult to reverse, due to costs or other factors such as potential damage to a firm’s...
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...southwest part of the U.S. Target: people seeking public transportation that would otherwise use other means of transportation. What do they do: Southwest provides transport for small distance flights at a low cost with the most basic necessities for flight passengers in an enjoyable environment and good mood. Why? To provide customers with an alternative to road transports by reducing travel time and an alternative to other companies airlines by reducing costs. Vision: expand MS from 45% to 55% and expand to new markets. By the 3rd quarter in 1995 we expect to reduce the cost per available seat mile to 6.9 cents of dollars. We expect to increase our total revenues per 10% every year within the next 3 years. We shall get a return on average stockholders equity of 20% in 3 years. We shall increase the size of our fleet to 250 in 3 years and expand our traffic to the east cost. Strategic objectives: -Expand to……. -Maintain…… | Cost per Seat | Return For Shareholders | Total revenues | Fleet Size | 1995 | 7.01 | 17.5% | | 200 | 1996 | 6.95 | 18.5% | | 225 | 1997 | 6.90 | 20% | | 250 | Sector definition: Low cost airlines in the west of the US, competitors such as USair, continental, united, American airlines, Delta etc and road and rail transportation. External Analysis: PEST: Political/legal: Government laws regarding aviation safety or airport hubs, customer service. Safety requirements. Economic: The economic...
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...Why al Qaeda attacked us Steve Elsey March 9, 2011 POLS 3100 The attacks on September 11, 2001 were one of the most shocking things to happen on U.S. soil. The attacks are regarded as the most deadly terrorist attack to ever happen on American soil. It is one of the events that will happen in your life where you remember exactly where you were when you heard about it. I remember being in a high school photography class, where we didn’t even do anything to with photography that day, we just watched the news to see what was happening. Most of the American people wondered why we would be attacked in such a way, and what would possibly cause someone to hate us so badly. Osama bin Laden issued a letter to Americans explaining his reasoning behind the attacks, and their desire to continue attacking afterwards. The reasons he gives are that we attack them and continue to attack them; we have oppression and aggression towards them; and finally, they attack civilians because civilians chose our government, and are thereby responsible for the government actions. He also tells us what is required for them to stop attacking, which include: being called to Islam; stop our “oppression, lies, immortality and debauchery; to take an honest stance with ourselves to find that we are “a nation without principles or manners, and that the values and principles to you are something which you merely demand from others, not that which you yourself must adhere to”; stop supporting Israel; leave th...
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...Haji-Ioannou a Greek Cypriot as part of EasyGroup Holdings Ltd. He envisaged it as a low cost airline which could impact on the existing domestic market in the UK which was at the time dominated by large British companies such as British Airways and British Midland. The Company started with two leased airplanes and began operating from London Luton to Glasgow and Edinburgh In 1996 they began operating from Luton to Amsterdam and now in 2014, operate on 633 routes across more than 30 countries and own 217 Airbus aircraft. They employ over 8,000 people including 2,000 pilots and 4,500+ cabin crew and in 2013 they flew over 60 million passengers They now claim that “over 300 million people within a one hour drive of an EasyJet airport” (Easyjet About Us 2013) The obvious move for the airline for further growth may now be outside of Europe and India may be the best market to consider. PESTLE Analysis Political/Legal Up to April 1997 the European Airline Market was regulated strictly and each county controlled their own airline companies. After 1997 and deregulation the European market opened up for carriers and subsequently for example an Irish low cost carrier like Ryan Air was allowed to operate between two other European countries. Since then European routes have increased by140% ( Ingdahl W. “Flying has never been safer” Spiked 19 03 2014) This was followed by the EU/USA Open Skies Agreement allowing any airline of either the USA or a European Union country to fly freely between their...
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