Friday, March 20, 2020
Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy Essays
Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy Essays Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy Paper Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy Paper Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy: Abstract:            Assistive technology has continued to have positive impacts on individuals with cerebral palsy and other impairments. This paper examines the major impact of this kind of technology on cerebral palsy patients. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these positive impacts while describing how different assistive technology methods work. One of the assistive technology methods that are discussed in this paper is augmentative communication devices. In addition to giving a brief description of various augmentative communication devices, the paper analyzes the impact of these devices on students in the school setting.            Advances in gait restoration and rehabilitation technology are also discussed in this paper. As compared to previous years, the paper show how advances in gait restoration produces improved results for people with mobility impairments. Moreover, the paper also shows some of the proven examples of rehabilitation technology for people with cognitive disabilities. Introduction: Cerebral Palsy can be defined as the lack of control of the muscles or joints because of an injury that occurs during brain development. This injury usually results in disrupted coordinated movement and frequently affects young children. On the other hand, cerebral palsy can also be described as a group of disorders that usually affects motor function and varying in severity. This type of disease normally displays itself in various forms depending with the area in which it has affected and the extent it has covered. Moreover, cerebral palsy has adverse effects that may lead to mental disabilities, seizures, communication problems, auditory problems, visual problems as well as other possible impairments. While debilitating a child from infancy, cerebral palsy can sometimes be gentle depending on the location and level of the damage. Children who suffer from this disease sometimes need support in order to eat, talk or walk properly. On the other hand, some of the people suffering from this kind of disease may have slight or nearly invisible impairments while other patients have difficulty performing even the most common tasks. Assistive technology devices are equipments, paraphernalia or services that not only improve the function of mental or physical ability but are also designed for people with various impairments. Due to the fact that these devices improve the function of some mental or physical ability, they are used by both children and adults who may be suffering from diverse range of disabilities. Impact of Assistive Technology on Cerebral Palsy Patients: The major impact that assistive technology devices have on individuals with cerebral palsy is that it gives them more independence, range of movement as well as employment opportunities. In fact, different forms of assistive technology help in situations such as speech loss, balance and lack of motor function among others. Not only do assistive technology devices help cerebral palsy patients with these problems, but they also enable the patients to live to their fullest potentials. The major aim for the use of assistive technology devices in patients with cerebral palsy is to compensate for mental or physical impairments. Assistive technology devices can also permit increased mobility, communication and the integration of electronic equipments such as computers into daily life. While electronic wheelchairs are used to increase mobility, keypads and computers are used for communication purposes. Most importantly, there are various ways through which computers and the Internet can be accessed with assistive technology. This includes the use of complicated scanning equipments, voice detection software, on-screen keyboards and head controlled pointing devices. Nonetheless, these various ways allow a patient with cerebral palsy to use the technology accordingly (â€Å"Assistive Technology†n.d.). For patients with language or speech problems, portable or computer related machines that can speak for them may be utilized. There are other assistive technology devices that help in the day to day requirements like in using televisions, radios, showers and toilets among others. Given the fact that cerebral palsy patients do not frequently experience impaired mental ability, assistive technologies are therefore extremely important for them. In fact, through these assistive technologies, cerebral palsy patients can interact with the society, go to school or even get a career. Unfortunately, many cerebral palsy patients do not obtain these assistive technologies because of prohibitive costs. One of the key examples of the impact of assistive technology on individuals with cerebral palsy is in the school setting. Through assistive technology, students with walking and speech problems have their electronic wheelchairs fixed or attached with computer boards. In addition to enabling these students to engage in meaningful words and speech practices, the electronic wheelchairs allow them to move around freely. Therefore, assistive technology enables students with cerebral palsy to access quality education. Augmentative Communication Devices:            Augmentative communication devices are methods which are designed to help patients with speech problems to communicate more easily and effectively. These communication devices include a board with pictures that represents a student’s day to day life as well as electronic speech synthesizers. In addition to helping impaired children to engage in normal activities with other children, augmentative communication devices not only help them feel a sense of self-governing but also enables them to realize their dreams in life. However, poor families cannot afford augmentative communication devices because this kind of technology may be expensive for them. There are various augmentative communication devices such as Manual Communication Boards:            These are inexpensive and practical mode through which an individual or student with cerebral palsy can communicate easily and efficiently. Manual communication boards are systems with no mechanical parts and are personalized to reflect a child’s daily routine. The boards contain information which represents the user’s message. In most cases, a board maker is used in creating a communication board (Kahn n.d.). Dynavox: Dynavox is another form of device that has been specifically designed to assist the user in relaying output communication. In creating information the user is supposed to select a menu with a definite category by touching the screen of a computer. The categories then display folders that are similar to computer folders. The selected category gives the user a subcategory of information from which they use the needed information. For example, in a school setting, information relating to the number of subjects, school routine, or even the total number of students in at school is displayed. Dynavox communication device has helped children to modify categories that corresponded to their information. Dynavox has also made it possible for young children with cerebral palsy to access information that is appropriate to their learning. Children who can’t use their hands properly because of the damage of cerebral palsy are provided with a switch that is attached to the machine. This switch enables them to communicate easily through pushing it with their chin, legs or even their feet. For patients with visual disabilities, a switch is provided with which they activate the device when the appropriate words or phrases are heard. However, dyvanox is machine that is hard to be understood by slow learners and may be relatively expensive to some people. BIGmack:            This is a lightweight and easily portable augmentative device that enables messages or a series of messages to be pre-recorded. When a child touches the BIGmack, the pre-recorded message is played back and the child can participate in classroom activities if the pre-recorded information relates to these activities. This device is effective in a unique way considering that most of the children with cerebral palsy may from time to time suffer from memory loss. Delta Talker:            This is an augmentative communication device that resembles a computer keyboard and can be used by both initial and more advanced communicators. However, delta talker differs from the normal computer keyboard because various pictures and words are combined to make a sentence instead of the writing of words and sentences. Notably, delta talker can produce more than four thousand words, phrases and sounds because it comprises of pictures and word keys as well as letters of the alphabet. Impact of Augmentative Communication Devices: As computer technology continues to advance allowing for more powerful and easy to use designs, augmentative communication devices are making huge strides. The impact of augmentative communication devices on students in the school setting is that it enables students with cerebral palsy to access quality education regardless of their disabilities. These devices enable these students to receive quality education just like other students. Various augmentative devices provide effective methods of communication between the students with their teachers. For example, dyvanox has improved the way in which information is conveyed particularly to those that are adversely affected with cerebral palsy. On the other hand, board makers have so far been identified as one of the most efficient and cheap method of relaying information. Board makers allow students with cerebral palsy to easily understand information as well as being affordable to those who are not in a position of accessing expensive augmentative communication tools. Augmentative communication devices also enable students in the school setting to access quality education because some of these tools allow children to modify information into categories that are relevant to them. For instance, a dyvanox for a ten year old may contain information concerning home, school or sports. Gait Restoration: The recent advances in gait restoration have produced improved outcomes for people with mobility impairments. In fact, these recent advances in the science field have also helped research toward the re-establishment of biped gait in paraplegic patients. This increased mobility for paraplegic patients has been accomplished by the means of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) which re-strengthens the muscles of the patients. In order to attain improved mobility for the patients, functional electrical stimulation incorporates preserved reflex mechanisms of the transected spinal cord (Kralj A. et al n.d.). According to recent research, paraplegic patients can perform functions such as standing or rising from a sitting position through the use of functional electrical stimulation. Muscles that are re-strengthened by the use of functional electrical stimulation can later be used to perform tasks that need high muscle forces. The execution of these functions is dependant on the development and establishment of the functional electrical stimulation cycles which in turn results in necessary movements. However, gait restoration may lead to hazardous situation if improper FES sequences are used. This is due to the fact that these improper functional electrical stimulation cycles provoke movements that digress from the intended function. Even though the use of FES in gait restoration has disadvantages like difficulties with electrode placement, the need for expensive technology, insufficient selectivity as well as scarce knowledge of neurology and neuroanatomy, this method of gait restoration has increased patients’ mobility. On the other hand, FES as a means of gait restoration has produced improved outcomes for people with mobility impairments because of its numerous advantages. These advantages include the use of preserved reflexes, normal bone support of body weights and joints, lack of external braces and lack of force transfers with levers. These recent advances in gait restoration also increases mobility because external control for locomotion is no longer used as was the case in previous gait restoration methods such as exoskeleton. The current methods of gait restoration not only use electrical stimulation for triggering purposes but also provide a self-regenerating energy supply. Moreover, gait restoration increases mobility because patient suitability, testing of muscle suitability, muscle re-strengthening program and simple gait training are conducted. Rehabilitation Technology and Cognitive Disabilities:            Cognitive disabilities can be defined as substantial limitation of a person’s capacity to think, remember, interpret and understand number and symbols. People with cognitive disabilities have difficulties in planning, conceptualizing and organizing thoughts and actions. These cognitive disabilities can originate from brain injury and lead to intellectual disabilities, severe and chronic mental illnesses as well as stroke. Fortunately, most of the patients with cognitive disabilities use assistive technologies to improve functioning in their daily activities.            These assistive and rehabilitative technologies also increase a patient’s positioning, hearing, vision, mobility, learning and communication functions. However, the rehabilitative and assistive technologies range from low-tech devices to high-tech devices. Some of the proven examples of rehabilitation technology for people with cognitive disabilities include: Virtual Environment:            The use of virtual technology tends to create an experience which arouses an actual experience. Virtual technology enables persons with cognitive disabilities to engage in educational and community activities. One of the most widely used virtual technology intervention tool in rehabilitation is virtual reality. Virtual reality incorporates the use advanced technologies such as computers and different multimedia peripherals in producing simulated or virtual environment. These virtual environments are perceived by users as similar to real world objects and events. In the virtual environments, people with cognitive disabilities not only interact with display images but they also move and control virtual objects. As they perform these and other actions, these patients stimulate a feeling of actual presence and submerge their senses in the virtual environment. Virtual reality tools provide these patients with audio, visual, and hap tic (the sense of touch) response of their performance. As a rehabilitation technology tool, virtual reality has unique characteristics that are different from other engaging experiences like reading books, and watching television. Virtual reality is also different from playing traditional computer simulation games. When used as a novel modality, virtual reality is essential in rehabilitation assessment and intervention because of its unique attributes (Weiss Jessel n.d.). Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation:            This is the other example of rehabilitation technology on patients with cognitive disabilities and incorporates the use of Gesture Xtreme virtual reality system to achieve different levels of immersion. This technology helps the users to stand or sit in an isolated area while viewing a large monitor or projected image. The large monitor exhibits different series of simulated functional tasks like catching virtual balls. The Gesture Xtreme VR system helps in cognitive and motor rehabilitation through a process known as video gesture. This is an example of proven rehabilitation technology as digital video cameras translate video signals of the patient’s movements for processing by exceptional software. The patient’s image is therefore processed like the processing of screen animation, text, sound and graphics. Notably, the reaction of screen animation, text, sound and graphics processing is largely dependent on the patient’s movement. The commencement of changes in a virtual reality environment through video contact is a process known as video gesture. This rehabilitation technology helps people with cognitive disabilities as their on-screen video image reacts when they move. The process not only gives a deeper degree of realism to the virtual reality experience but also results in the patient’s complete engagement in the replicated task. Conclusion:            In conclusion, assistive technology has a major impact on individuals with cerebral palsy. The necessity and impact of assistive technology on these patients cannot be overemphasized. According to recent research, this technology enables patients to carry out tasks that could be otherwise impossible regardless of the person’s disabilities. Given the ongoing technological advancements, assistive technology will continue to develop and counter various disabilities that many people face. References: â€Å"Assistive Technology and Cerebral Palsy.†(n.d.). Cerebral Palsy Source. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from cerebralpalsysource.com/About_CP/assistive-technology/index.html Kahn A. B. (n.d.). Assistive Technology for Children who have Cerebral Palsy: Augmentative Communication Devices. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from newhorizons.org/spneeds/inclusion/teaching/kahn.htm Kralj A. et al. (n.d.). Gait Restoration in Paraplegic Patients. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from rehab.research.va.gov/jour/83/20/1/pdf/kralj.pdf Weiss P.L Jessel A. (n.d.). Virtual Reality. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from http://hw.haifa.ac.il/occupa/LIRT/vr.htm
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
PHP Web Page Redirect Script
PHP Web Page Redirect Script A PHP forwarding script is useful if you want to redirect one page to another so that your visitors can reach a different page than the one they land on. Fortunately, its really easy to forward with PHP. With this method, you seamlessly transfer visitors from the web page that no longer exists to the new page without requiring them to click a link to continue. How to Redirect With PHP On the page that you want to redirect elsewhere, change the PHP code to read like this: ?php header( Location: yoursite.com/new_page.html ) ; ? The header() function sends a raw HTTP header. It must be called before any output is sent, either by normal HTML tags, by PHP, or by blank lines. Replace the URL in this sample code with the URL of the page where you want to redirect visitors. Any page is supported, so you can transfer visitors to a different webpage on your own site or to a different website entirely. Because this includes the header() function, be sure that you do not have any text sent to the browser before this code, or it will not work. Your safest bet is to remove all the content from the page except for the redirect code. When to Use a PHP Redirect Script If you remove one of your web pages, its a good idea to set up a redirect so that anyone who bookmarked that page is transferred automatically to an active, updated page on your website. Without the PHP forward, visitors would remain on the dead, broken, or inactive page. The benefits of this PHP script are as follows: Users are redirected quickly and seamlessly.When the Back button is clicked, visitors are taken to the last viewed page, not the redirect page.The redirect works on all web browsers. Tips for Setting up a Redirect Remove all code but this redirect script.Mention on the new page that users should update their links and bookmarks.Use this code to create a drop-down menu that redirects users.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Introduction and Presenting Of the Research Problem Essay
Introduction and Presenting Of the Research Problem - Essay Example Research suggests that, little contact time is available between educator and students to address issues of concern. The curriculum is packed and is driven by and through assessment, but time constraint has an influence on teaching and learning. This study aims to establish how blogging as a collaborative learning tool can increase effective communication and increase student academic achievement in mathematics. This study will also establish whether the peer-to-peer interaction will increase when working through mathematics problems via blogs. (Phillips, Norris, & Macnab,2010). The use of blogs in learning has benefits to students, teachers and other individuals involved in the learning process. Research has illustrated that blogs enhance more active participation and questioning by students, and deeper understanding of topics as a result of sharing facts and dialogues. Blogging has also increased commitment to quality by students when material is likely to be exposed to a wider aud ience. This has led to an increase in independent learning and the amount of work completed out of school hours. It also gives opportunities to the teacher to extend collaboration beyond the classroom to the wider school community and into students’ homes, improvi8ng the regularity of communication with parents (Hyung, 2008). Through blogs, students learn how to be considered and constructive when providing feedback on each other’s work via blogs. Blogging has also increased commitment to quality by students.
Monday, February 3, 2020
What is job analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
What is job analysis - Essay Example Part of the reason for this is that managers feel that they have been familiar with the content of the social sciences, human nature, since their childhood as opposed to, say, the content of nuclear physics or microbiology. This leads managers to rely on what they perceive as their experience-based knowledge of human nature in personnel decision making. Job analysis is a systematic process for acquiring objective and detailed information about jobs. It is not a single methodology but a generic term representing a range of techniques. The data gathered may be in the form of information on job tasks, roles, and job holder attributes relevant to job performance (p. 9). In organization, the role of job analysis has encountered managers who do seem to have developed considerable insight into human behavior. As a result of long years of watching successful and unsuccessful performers in particular positions, they can now make well-informed guesses as to which employee will be successful in those positions. This discerning ability, however, is likely to be specific to the positions and could not be effectively applied to organizational development programs for employees in different occupational specialties and levels of organizational functioning. Job analysis is crucial for effective recruitment because it allows certain standardization of job description. To effect the standardization and control for which procedures are designed, they are presented in a specific format conveying information for a particular action to be taken. The achievement may be only one step in a series of steps or the entire series. Once formalized in this way, job analysis procedures need to be followed clearly to achieve their objectives. Sometimes exceptions in job analysis may be made to a formalized process, but in that case the manner of making an
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Ryanair Strategic Analysis And Recommendations For The Future
Ryanair Strategic Analysis And Recommendations For The Future Ryanair is the first budget airline in Europe. Based on the case study of Ryanair by Eleanor OHiggins, a role of a management consultant is assumed to conduct a strategic analysis on the company. The report consists of the initial Environment Analysis conducted on Ryanair prior to the detailed strategic analysis that will be conducted in the future in order to provide the company with strategic recommendations for the future. The Environmental Analysis conducted consists of both an extensive analysis on the external environment and the internal environment. The external environment analysis is conducted in order to identify the nature of the environment Ryanair operates in and its impact on the strategic situation of the company. Through PESTEL, External factor and Industry analysis conducted, rejection of Aerlingus offer and rules and regulations imposed by governments etc. are recognized as the critical external environmental factor affecting Ryanairs strategy. An analysis of the internal environment through Value Chain model and SWOT analysis reveals the key issues hindering the strategic success of the firm; poor customer service and human resource problems. While this initial environmental analysis is used to assist the strategic analysis that is to be conducted on Ryanair, the importance of taking necessary actions regarding the critical issues is highlighted, CONTENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 CONTENT 2 1INTRODUCTION 3 2 OVERVIEW OF RYANAIR 4 3 CRITICAL ISSUES 5 4 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS 6 4.1 MACRO ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS (Appendix 1) 6 4.2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS (Appendix 2) 8 4.3 EXTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS (Appendix 3) 8 5 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS 9 5.1 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS 9 5.2 SWOT ANALYSIS 11 Strengths 12 Weaknesses 12 Opportunities 12 Threats 13 6 CONCLUSION 14 7 RECOMENDATIONS 15 8 REFRENCE 15 INTRODUCTION Ryanair is the first budget Airline in Europe inspired by the U.S Budget Airline, Southwest Airlines. The report is based on the case study by Eleanor OHiggins, University College Dublin, and Republic of Ireland in 2007. The case by Eleanor OHiggins is based on the Strategy of Ryanair against the backdrop of the European airline industry and the burgeoning budget sector. The case discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the industry and the firm. Leadership of Ryanairs CEO, Michael OLeary is highlighted. I will be assuming the role of management consultant identifying strategic management issues of the company. According to the contract between my consultancy firm and Ryanair my role is to conduct a strategic analysis of the environment, the industry, company in order to recommend new strategic initiatives and areas of improvement for the senior management team of Ryanair. Therefore an environmental analysis consisting of a macro environment analysis, industry analysis and internal analysis is carried out initially, in order to conduct detailed strategic analysis and provide recommendations in the future. 2 OVERVIEW OF RYANAIR Ryanair was founded in 1985 by the Ryan family to provide scheduled passenger airline services between Ireland and the UK, as an alternative to the then state monopoly carrier, Aer Lingus. Initially, Ryanair was a full-service conventional airline, with two classes of seating, leasing three different types of aircraft. Ryanairs objective was to maintain its position as Europes leading low-fares airline, operating frequent point-to-point flights on short-haul flights, mainly out of regional and secondary airports. The heart of its strategy was based on providing a no-frills service with low fares designed to stimulate demand, particularly from budget-conscious leisure and business travelers, who might otherwise have used alternative forms of transportation, or who might not have travelled at all. Company Vision- To firmly establish itself as Europes low fare, schedule passenger airline through continued improvements and expanded offerings of its low fare service.(Ryanair, n.d) Company Mission- To become Europes most profitable low cost airline by rolling-out proven low fare, no-frills service in all markets in which we operate to the benefit of passengers, people and stake-holders. (Ryanair, n.d) 3 CRITICAL ISSUES The critical strategic issues faced by Ryanair can be identified as follows based on analysis; Poor Customer Service where the customers are unsatisfied and face episodes of dissatisfactions due to the poor services provided by the unfriendly staff of Ryanair has been identified as the critical issue that can be identified by reading the case. The high insurance charges and the lack of services regarding safety terms, lack of comfortable seating and other facilities has lead to this negative word of mouth spreading with regard to customer dissatisfaction which is clearly identified. The other main issues that can be recognized can be unwillingness and failure to recognize unions where Ryanair is also fired for providing poor working conditions for its workforce. In July 2006 the Irish high court found out that Ryanair had bullied pilots and forced them to agree to a new contract, pilots had to pay à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 15000 for retraining on a new aircraft if they left the airline. In 2006 pilots of Ryanair lodged a pay claim stating that there is significant difference in take home pay between Ryanair and Aer Lingus pilots it also claimed that training pilots were working for nothing. Understanding that employees and the customers are the factors that decide the success of the company Ryanair should solve these critical issues. 4 EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS External Environment analysis in conducted to analyze the nature of the environment the firm operates in. It identifies the forces in the environment affecting the firm and its degree of impact. It also identifies the opportunities, threats and challenges faced by the company. The external environment analysis for Ryanair consists of a macro-environment analysis, industry analysis and external factor analysis. The macro environment scans and indentifies the general environment factors that can have an impact on the organization whereas the industry analysis focuses on the competitive situation of the company. 4.1 MACRO ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS (Appendix 1) The macro-environment is composed of major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organizations decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal forces (PESTEL). These forces do not change frequently, but when it does, it has a major impact on the organization. The PESTEL analysis looks at the general environment in which the organization is operating in and helps to realize the risk associated with the market growth or decline. PESTEL is the abbreviated form of the following factors respectively Political factors that can be identified that will have a great impact on Ryanair are; Aer Lingus rejection to amalgamate with Ryan Air, security measures and restrictions, stable political situation and the new EU regulation compensation law. Economical factors include the depreciation of US Dollar, availability of efficient substitute transport methods and also reduction in distribution costs from customers adapting to online check-ins where identified as the factors that has high influence regarding the economical influence. Social factors are important to be identified as firms to be aware of these factors because they can directly affect the way the organizations manage the operations, more importantly human resources and marketing. Technological is also playing a vital role as many new advances in technologies can affect the way businesses are carried on. Technological developments represent a real opportunity for the skillful people who can understand and apply them appropriately and the key factors identified that would have a high influence are environmental- friendly aircrafts and availability of online transactions. Environmental factors for Ryanair include noise level controls, global warming, green house gas effects and corporate social responsibility policies and environmental protection laws. 4.2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS (Appendix 2) The second stage of the external environmental analysis is to assess the industry environment and the aim of this analysis is to identify those factors that could contribute to or affect the industry profitability. To aid in the industry analysis, Porters Five Forces Model will be used. Porter developed a technique analyzing five forces that affect industry profitability known as Five Forces Model. These forces shape the industry and increase the intensity of competitiveness, and therefore, the profitability and attractiveness of the industry. This model helps to indentify the dynamic factors of the industry and the market to compete effectively. 4.3 EXTERNAL FACTOR ANALYSIS (Appendix 3) The EFAS table is one way to organize the external factors into the generally accepted categories of opportunities and threats as well as to analyze how well a particular companys management responds to the specific factors in light of the perceived importance of these factors to the company. The factors which were identified as important were put in to this table to determine if they were opportunities or threats for Ryanair. According to EFAS, the key threat imposed on the company is the current political and legal factors and the increasing oil prices. The customer attitudes towards Ryanair is positive and the friendly environment of aircrafts which are seen to be key opportunities that can help lessen the effects of threats faced by the organization. 5 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS The internal analysis aids in discovering the strengths, resources, capabilities and activities that the organization possesses in order to perform better than their competitors and those that add value to customers. To indentify the key strengths, weaknesses resources and capabilities of Ryanair, the Resource-Based View and the Value Chain Analysis will be used. 5.1 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS The vale chain is a set of activities that the organization undertakes or organizes to deliver the product to the customer. A value chain has two broad categories: primary activities and support activities. Primary activities represent the sequence of activities inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing/sales and service through which raw materials are converted into benefits enjoyed by customers. Support activities are those tasks that contribute or assist the firms primary activities and include -procurement, technology development, human resource management and infrastructure. A value chain analysis performed for Ryanair is shown in appendix 04. Each activity executed is value-adding to the organization and its customers. 5.2 SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths Company reputation first cheapest budget airline in the European industry Innovative cost reductions Use of new environmental- friendly aircrafts Substantial market growth Largest web site in traveler industry 5thmost recognized brand. Labor force of diverse cultures to better serve customers No fuel charges imposed on customers Work-life-balance practiced to prevent overflying for pilots and unnecessary accidents. Establishment of a safety committee. Weaknesses Refusal to recognize unions Decreased customer satisfaction Poor customer services no refund for cancellations, no accommodation provided for flight delays, etc. Over dependency on Michael OLeary Opportunities By merging Ryanair with Aer Lingus it gives them better advantages such as being more efficiency in the industry, will be able pay to lower tax and operation cost as well as will be able fly to more destinations. By choosing Sub-Main Airports to reduce Airport Charges Rather than choosing main air port and paying more money to them. It facilitated the introduction of new consumer oriented innovative Service. Threats While new service was introduced it was rejected 72% by poll readers of the Financial Time. As well as passengers have resisted paying à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬8 to rent a games and entertainments console, probably because it was not worthwhile for short flights. Keeping the staff training and aircraft in a fleet commonality makes the Ryanair in a probable condition Due to noisy environment customers will avoid choosing Ryanair mean time it would be only a second choice for them. Gurdidian Newspaper say that insurance fee Ryanair charge from each passenger is very much high. Such shocking news avoids customers to book their own ticket. 6 CONCLUSION The external environment analysis is conducted for Ryanair in order to assist the future strategic analysis assuming the role of a management consultant. Both the external and the internal environments of the company is critically analyzed using tools such as PESTEL, Five forces model, Value Chain and SWOT analysis. The critical issues facing Ryanair can be identified as poor customer service and human resource management issues. With regard to Ryanairs external environment, the following forces can be identified as having a critical impact on the firm; rejection of Aerlingus offer and rules and regulations imposed by governments etc. According to the Value Chain Analysis, Ryanairs core competency and critical success factor is identifies as its low cost. SWOT Analysis further confirms that and also points out the weaknesses such as poor customer service and inefficient human resource practices which may eventually prove to be costly for Ryanair and hinder the effectiveness of its competitive advantage. 7 RECOMENDATIONS The environmental analysis is used as an initial analysis for the detailed strategic analysis which will provide recommendations to Ryanair. However based on the environmental analysis some initial recommendations can be made. The critical issues facing Ryanair is identified as poor customer service and human resource management issues. It is important that Ryanair attends to these critical issues immediately. Therefore Ryanair could Recognize labour unions; be more people oriented to improve employee relationships and encourage career development in order to efficiently manage their Human Resource in the future and there by achieve high employee commitment leading to a successful workforce. Improve the customer service they offer while minimizing cost. This could be achieved through improving the quality of training given to frontline employees and managing through a TQM (total quality management) 8 REFRENCE Beamish, H. R. (2008). Strategic Management. (3rd edition). New South Wales, Australia: Pearson Education Australia. BusinessDictionary.com (2009). Retrieved August 20, 2009 from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/macro-environment.html Hill, C. (2007). Strategic Management: An integrated Approach, (2nd edition.). Australia: John Willey Sons Australia, Ltd. Hubbard G. et al. (2008). Strategic Management. Pearson Education Australia. OHiggins, E. (2004). Ryanair Report. Wheelen T. L. Hunger J. D., (2000). Strategic Management and business policy. 7th edition.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Business Loan Procedure
Investigation On Business Loan Procedure: In activity 2, we have been asked to do investigating business loan procedure in three high street bank. We have been through some high street banks like HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, Santander, and Halifax. Among the five popular high street bank we have got three banks which are helping investor about business loan. They are- 1. HSBC 2. Lloyds TSB 3. Barclays Process Of Business Loan Application:In order to give a business loan every bank follows some specific criteria, which are given below. 1. Deciding on business finance 2. Contacting with bank 3. Building a finance application 4. Application’s assessment 5. Business manager makes initial decision 6. Business manager works with credit team 7. The credit manager role 8. Business manager explains the decision. Key Features and benefits of Three High Street Banks: Barclays: 1. Barclays bank offers ? 1,000 to ? 25,000. 2. Loan repayment term is 1- 10 years. . Interest rate is fixed. 4. 6 months repayment holiday available. 5. No early repayment fees. HSBC: 1. Business loan limit is ? 1,000 to ? 25,000. 2. Loan repayment term is 1to 10 years. 3. Fixed interest rate. 4. Funds can be credited on the same day when agreed. 5. Rebate facilities for the early repayment. 6. ?100 loan arrangement fee. Lloyds TSB: 1. ?1,000 to ? 1,00,000 business loan limit is available. 2. Loan repayment term is 12months to 10 years. 3. Fixed interest rate. 4. 1. 5% loan arrangement fee. . Fund availability is not guaranteed on the same when agreed. In conclusion, the basic process to get a business loan is almost similar for every bank. However in order to prefer a suitable business loan should be considered on maximum limit of the loan, interest rate of the loan and how flexible to repay the loan. After go through all of these criteria we think Barclays is the most suitable bank for our business to get the loan as they have repayment holiday facility, and good public support.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Collocation Examples For English Learners
A collocation is made up of two or more words that are commonly used together in English. Think of collocations as words that usually go together. There are different kinds of collocations in English. Strong collocations are word pairings that are expected to come together, such as combinations with make and do: You make a cup of tea, but you do your homework. Collocations are very common in business settings when certain nouns are routinely combined with certain verbs or adjectives. For example, draw up a contract, set a price, conduct negotiations, etc. Collocation Examples Here are a number of common collocations in English: to make the bed I need to make the bed every day. to do homework My son does his homework after dinner. to take a risk Some people don't take enough risks in life. to give someone advice The teacher gave us some advice on taking tests. Verb Collocations Some of the most common collocations involve verb noun collocations used in everyday situations. Here are some examples of the types of verb collocations you will need as you continue learning English. to feel free Please feel free to take a seat and enjoy the show. to come prepared Make sure to come prepared for the test tomorrow. to save time You'll save time if you turn off your smart phone and concentrate on the lesson. to find a replacement We need to find a replacement for Jim as soon as possible. to make progress We're making progress on the project at work. to do the washing up I'll do the washing up and you can put Johnny to bed. Business Collocations Collocations are often used in business and work settings. There are a number of forms including adjectives, nouns and other verbs that combine with keywords to form business expressions. Here are some business collocations for specific situations. to open an account Would you like to open an account at our bank? to forgive a debt Do you think the bank would forgive a debt? to land a deal We landed a deal worth $3 million. to key in a PIN Just key in your PIN at the ATM and you can make a deposit. to deposit a check I'd like to deposit this check for $100. hard-earned money Once you get a job, you'll know what hard-earned money really is. to close a deal I closed a deal on a new account last week. to write up a contract Let's write up your contract. counterfeit money Be on the lookout for counterfeit money in circulation. Common Expressions Collocations are often used as short expressions to describe how someone feels about a situation. In this case, collocations can be used in the adjective form, or also as emphatic expressions using an intensifier and a verb. Here are a few examples using some common collocations: positively encourage someone to do something We'd like to positively encourage you to buy this stock. deeply regret the loss of someone / something I deeply regret the loss of your loved one. to be in an utter fury over something Tom's in an utter fury over the misunderstanding with his wife. to go to great lengths to do something He went to a great length to explain the situation. Learn more of these common expressions. Common Adjective CollocationsEmphatic Expressions - Strong Collocations Get a Collocation Dictionary You can learn collocations from a number of resources. Academics and teachers like to use collocation databases to help study common collocation uses. However, for students one of the best tools is a collocation dictionary. A collocation dictionary is different from normal dictionaries in that it provides you with collocations commonly used with key words rather than a definition. Here is an example of a few of the collocations used with the verb progress: Progress Adverbs: nicely, satisfactory, smoothly, well - You are progressing smoothly in this course.| further - As you further progress, you will learn more. Verb Progress: fail to - Hes failing to progress at work.Prepositions: beyond - She failed to progress beyond high school. | from, through - Students should progress from this class with an improved knowledge of the subject. I highly recommend using the Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English published by Oxford University Press to begin using collocations as a means of improving your vocabulary skills in English.
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