Operating and Information System Case Study on Airasia Essay Example

Operating and Information System: Case Study on Airasia Essay WEEK 7 :Operating and Information System: Case Study on AirAsia AirAsia creates values through the following vision is to be the largest low cost airline in Asia and serving the 3 billion people who are currently underserved with poor connectivity and high fares. Beside that, the AirAsia also creates the mission is to be the best company to work for whereby employees are treated as part of a big family, create a globally recognized ASEAN brand, to attain the lowest cost so that everyone can fly with AirAsia and the last is maintain the highest quality product, embracing technology to reduce cost and enhance service levels. AirAsia makes the low fare model possible and create values through the implementation of the 6 key strategies. The first of the key strategies is Safety First, AirAsia wan to be partnering with the world’s most renowned maintenance providers and complying with the world airline operations. Beside that, the second key strategies is High Aircraft Utilization is mean implementing the regions fastest turnaround time at only 25 minutes, assuring lower costs and higher productivity. Low Fare and No Frills are also is AirAsia’s key strategies, Low Fare and No Frills is mean providing guests with the choice of customizing services without compromising on quality and services. Another key strategies is Streamline Operation, this key strategies is make sure that processes are as simple as possible. Beside that, Lean Distribution System is offering a wide and innovative range of distribution channels to make booking and traveling easier. The last of the AirAsia’s key strategies is Point to Point Network is to applying the point-to-point network keeps operation simple and lower costs. We will write a custom essay sample on Operating and Information System: Case Study on Airasia specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Operating and Information System: Case Study on Airasia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Operating and Information System: Case Study on Airasia specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Business process and operation in the AirAsia is has fostered a dependency on Internet technology for its operational and strategic management, and provides an online ticket booking services to traveler online. In todays globalize economy, information technology has driven fundamental changes in the nature and application of technology in business. The implementation of information technology in its value chain provides powerful strategic and tactical tools for AirAsia, which if properly applied and used, could bring great advantages in promoting and strengthening the competitive advantages. Moreover, AirAsia has currently adopted information technologies strategically to integrate the operations and coordinate all the business and management functions. The followings are few system implementations that AirAsia has done in its marketing and sales activities as well as operation activity in the value chain. The lowest airlines like Air Asia attending low cost require high efficiency in every part of the business and maintaining simplicity. Therefore every system process must incorporate the best industry practices. The key components of the LCC business model are High aircraft utilization, No frills, Streamline Operations, Basic Amenities,Point to point network, Lean Distribution System. Aircraft is kept flying as much as possible, the first flight starts as early in the morning commercially possible and the final flight typically ends at midnight. A fast turnaround is critical to ensure time spent of the ground is minimal – an airline makes money when the aircraft is flying, not when the aircraft is parked. AirAsia’s turnaround time is 25 minutes; compare that against 1 hour for a FSC. On average, AirAsia’s utilization per aircraft is 12 block hours per day, a FSC might do about 8 block hours per day. No frills such as no free food and beverages, free seating, no refund and no loyalty programme. Making the process as simple as possible is the key of a successful LCC. Single type of aircraft, single class seating, Standard Operating Procedures. Secondary airports. Low cost carriers mostly fly to and from airports that are not necessarily the busiest, for example, London Stanstead rather than London Heathrow. These are often referred to as secondary airports. Operating from so called secondary airports is cheaper than from the bigger major airports and they are also a lot less congested and â€Å"turnaround times† for aircraft are a lot shorter. Point to point network. LCC shuns the hub-and-spoke system and embraces the simple point-to-point network. Almost all AirAsia flights are short-haul (3 hour flight or less). No arrangements have been made with other airline companies on connecting flights, on possibilities of flight transfers, nor on having the luggage labeled and assed through from one flight to another. Distribution costs are something that FSC most often ignore. Very often, FSC relies on travel agents and from their posh sales office. Furthermore, FSC always blows the budget by complicating their distribution channels by integrating their systems with multiple Global Distribution Systems. LCC will keep their distribution channel as simple as possible and will cover the w hole spectrum of the clientele profile. For example, AirAsia can cater to the most sophisticated European traveler via internet and credit card sales. And at the same time, AirAsia has an established system to sell our tickets to the most remote and technology deprived locations, such as in Myanmar. When talking about LCC, some quarters will react with cynical and sometimes preposterous views. If a passenger must stand in a flight due to lack of seats or there will be chickens in the flight. Such misconceptions are not surprising, given the fact that scheduled, low-fare flights are a relatively new phenomenon in the world. The reason for the success of the new low cost carriers is very simple move the maximum number of passengers at the minimum of cost. The concept of LCC is based on the idea that people would fly a lot more often if it were more affordable. LCC airline’s main mission is to make air travel the most simple, convenient and inexpensive form of transportation in the world. The fare differential between the full service carriers (FSC) and LCC can be as high as 40%-60% cheaper. Air Asia SWOT such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths analysis have low cost operations, fewer management level, effective, focused and aggressive management, simple proven business model that consistently delivers that lowest fares, multi-skilled staffs means efficient and incentive workforce, penetrate and stimulate to potential markets. Weaknesses analysis have limited human resources could not handle irregular situation, government interference and regulation on airport deals and passenger compensation, brand is vital for market position and developing it is always a challenge, and new entrants to provide the price-sensitive services. Oppurtunities analysis also have long haul flight is an trial to get undeveloped market share, differentiation from traditional LCC model by adding customer services or operation as full service airline with low fare, and ongoing industry consolidation has opened up prospects for new routes and airport deals. And the last one Threats analysis have full service airlines start cut costs to compete, high fuel price decreases yield, accident, terrorist attack, and disaster and affect customer confidence, increase in operation cost in producing value-added services, and system disruption due to heavily reliance on online sales. In AirAsia have Yield Management System (YMS) . This system is to anticipates and reacts to the behavior of customers to maximize the revenue. For some example, for the seat are available at various prices in different points of time. A reservation done at a later date will be charged more than the one done earlier for the same seat. For the Route is adjusting prices for routes or destinations that have a higher demand when compared to others. During off-peak times while raising prices only marginally for peak times. For the AirAsia’s Computer Reservation is an integrated web-enabled reservation and inventory system suite powered by Navitaire’s Open Skies technology that includes Internet, call center, and airport departure control functionality. Computer Reservation System is also satisfy the unique needs of AirAsia implementing a low-cost business model to transform the business process to efficiently streamline operations. Enterprise Resource Planning System(ERP) in AirAsia is an integrated solution powered by Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) on Microsoft technology platform which is implemented by Avanade consultants in 2005. With the robust ERP technology platform, AirAsia is able to successfully maintain process integrity, reduce financial month-end closing processing time, speeds up reporting and data retrieval process. Customer Relationship Program (CRM) the information management process, the multichannel integration process, the value creation process, the strategy development process and the performance assessment process. The fundamental to a successful CRM strategy requires seamless customer-centric processes, supported by integrated technology across the enterprise and its supply chain which provide the right information at the right time. To ensure that technology solutions support CRM, CRM tools must be making trade offs in flexibility, customizability, cost, convenience and speed of deployment; certainly it must match to the needs of the business. However, CRM tool is just a supplement to CRM strategy, appropriate strategy and excellent implementation is essential for a successful CRM.

Substance Abuse Media Representation of Drug Abusers

Substance Abuse Media Representation of Drug Abusers The war on drugs is not over yet and it is unlikely to be finished in the recent future. Americans are bombarded by messages about negative effects of substance abuse. Media provide a variety of stories about violent crimes associated with drug abuse.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Officials keep talking about the necessity to launch programs aimed at promulgating healthy life styles. Admittedly, these strategies will help develop appropriate public opinion on the matter. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account various trends existing in the society. Thus, it is important to understand that the attitude towards substance abuse is not static as it is constantly changing. It is also crucial to make sure there is no bias in media representation of substance abusers as this negatively affects development of the Ame rican society. Finally, it is important to understand to what extent the image created by media does influence people and shapes their attitude towards substance abuse. Therefore, it is possible to state that appropriate media representation of substance abuse may help develop American society where drugs are seen as something harmful, unnecessary and needless. To develop appropriate strategies aimed at promulgating healthy life styles, it is necessary to make sure that they will be based on extensive data on substance abusers. According to Kugler and Darley (2012) the very image of drug abusers has changed throughout decades. In the twentieth century, â€Å"the media supported a punitive approach to drug policy† (Kugler Darley, 2012, p. 217). Drug abusers were depicted as people who were often engaged in violent crime activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn M ore Reportedly, Americans had concerns that their close ones might become victims of a variety of crimes associated with drugs (Kugler Darley, 2012). Nonetheless, the perception is changing as people start adopting less punitive approach in the twenty-first century. According to Kugler and Darley (2012, p. 217) â€Å"only 30 percent of the public now believes that the government should emphasize arresting drug users† and there is growing support of legalization of such substance as marijuana. In many states across the country, more and more people are changing their viewpoint on the matter. Marijuana is not seen as a harmful drug anymore as it is regarded as another medication. These trends signify the shift in public opinion. Now drugs are not regarded as primary concern in the American society. As has been mentioned above, media representation of drug abusers is subjected to a variety of prejudice. According to Cobbina (2008), racial and ethnic minority groups are often depicted as substance abusers. These groups of people are often associated with drug-related crimes. Cobbina (2008) implemented research based on analysis of more than 100 newspaper articles. The author found that African Americans had often been depicted as substance abusers and criminals who threatened order in the American society. Fig..1. Drug Use in 2002-2011 by Race. This figure illustrates the rates of drug abusers among different race groups (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At this point, it is necessary to point out that race is not the defining factor when it comes to substance abuse. According to US Department of Health and Human Services (2012) Asians turned out to be the ethnic group with lower rates of substance abusers compared to other ethnic groups (see Figure 1). In 2011, the rate of substance abusers were as follows, African Americans (10%), whites (8.7%), Hispanics (8.4%) (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Clearly, race is not the defining factor affecting people’s choice. At the same time, education and socioeconomic factors play primary roles (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Minorities often face a lot of discrimination and they often have fewer opportunities. This may lead to lack of self-esteem which, in its turn, may lead to drug abuse. Nonetheless, the data show that ethnic groups have quite similar rates of drug abusers. Irrespective, of these data media continue developing an image of a substance abuser as a person of color who is often engaged in unlawful activities. Beckett et al. (2005) provided illustration of the image that persisted in the society in the end of the twentieth century and in the beginning of the twenty-first century. According to Beckett et al. (2005), the image of a non-white drug abuser is still strong and still affects the way police treat criminals and suspects. Now many people tend to believe that black or Hispanic drug abusers must be punished severely as they may be engaged in a variety of violent crimes whereas white drug abusers should be let off with warnings and fines and some public works. The reasons why people of different racial groups become substance abusers are also seen differently. White substance abusers are often seen as victims of unemployment, lack of opportunities, bad environment, etc. When it comes to people of color, many consider substance abusers to be criminals, not victims.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is necessary to note that this image also persists in media which can have a variety of effects on the contemporary American society. According to Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) media representation shapes public opinion and especially young people’s attitudes towards substance abuse to a considerable extent. The research implemented by Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) illustrates this assumption. Thus, Amy Whitehouse is seen as a talented young female who became a victim of substance abuse. At that, she is seen as a victim of drug dealers. Though, the singer somewhat romanticized substance use in her works, people do not think that she stimulated young admirers to start taking drugs. On the contrary, her sudden death can be regarded as a precaution to all who might consider taking drugs. Amy Whitehouse is an illustration of an image of a white young female who is rather a victim of unfavorable environment. Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) analyzed a number of newspapers articles and it turned out that those sources created the image of a victim. It is possible to elicit another image. Cobbina (2008) provided an illustration of another image. When it came to white arrestees, they were regarded as those who bought the substance for personal use. Again, white abusers were represented as victims who tried to escape from reality as they did not find another way to address their problems associated with financial constraints. At the same time, people of color were depicted as criminals who sold and bought drugs and were drug abusers. It is possible to note that media have created an image of a black arrestee who is a criminal and a threat to the American society. Clearly, these two images have been created on the basis of a variety of biases. People tend to think that people of color often live in poor neighborhoods with few opportunities and this, as people think, inevitably leads to drug abuse. More so, many think that people of color choose criminal path and become a threat to the entire society. At the same time, white abusers are regarded as victims of criminal groups. It is also necessary to note that media representation of substance abusers affects public opinion. Notably, many people keep talking about romanticizing of drugs use as many films and songs create images of a drug abuser who is creative, strong and free. However, latest surveys show that this representation is not enough to make young people start taking drugs (Shaw, Whitehead and Giles, 2010). Though, socioeconomic factors play essential role. Obviously, better life conditions and ‘healthy’ environment will encourage people to live without drugs. Media should also show the other side of drugs without emphasizing such points as ethnicity or race. To sum up, it is clear that media representation of drug abusers is subjected to changes. It reflects trends existing in the society. However, it also influences the way people see substance abusers. Ther efore, it is possible to launch various programs and initiatives to make people understand that drugs are harmful and unnecessary. Media can provide numerous stories creating adequate image of a drug abuser. Of course, this representation should be free from any bias. People cannot continue thinking that white substance abusers are only victims that should be understood and forgiven while people of color should be severely punished if associated with substance abuse. This wrongful representation leads to the situation when some people enjoy impunity whereas others are pursued for slightest mischief. Reference List Beckett, K., Nyrop, K., Pfingst, L. Bowen, M. (2005). Drug use, drug possession arrests, and the question of race: Lessons from Seattle. Social Problems, 52(3), 419-441. Cobbina, J.E (2008). Race and class differences in print media portrayals of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Journal of Criminal and Popular Culture, 15(2), 145-167. Kugler, M.B. Darley, J.M. (2012). Punitiveness towards users of illicit drugs: A disparity between actual and perceived attitudes. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 24(3), 217-221. Shaw, R.L., Whitehead, C. Giles, D.C. (2010). â€Å"Crack down on the celebrity junkies†: Does media coverage of celebrity drug use pose a risk to young people? Health, Risk Society, 12(6), 575-589. US Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Results from the 2011 national survey on drug use and health: Summary of national findings. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/