Retaining and Attracting Staff in Organisation Research Proposal

Retaining and Attracting Staff in Organisation - Research Proposal Example Key lessons and findings would be summarised and compiled to provide a useful reference that would be of benefit for any company of any size and in any part of the world in the task of facing this global challenge. First, the characteristic of the workplace is constantly changing because of the increasing globalisation of firms, which has affected firms in several ways such as raising the level of competition, demanding better performance and productivity from employees, and requiring higher standards of innovativeness, work values, skills and attitudes. This increased competition amongst firms has been extended from the marketplace for products and services and into the market for talented employees who need to be attracted and retained with the use of increasingly innovative and effective strategies. Second, the characteristics of the workforce -current, long-term, and incoming - are changing due to several factors, such as demographics, academic and professional qualifications, and job-related expectations. As companies compete and grow, they are increasing the demand for workers in a world where the population of talented workers is not growing as fast as the rise in demand. To take an example, companies need to attract and retain the highly educated Generation Y and the highly mobile Generation X (post-baby boom) and aging baby boomers. The research study will consider these two issues using updated findings based on primary and secondary research data as explained in the next section. The basic foundational materials for the study will be four of the latest research sources on the topic of attraction and retention of staff in organisations. The first is the latest Human Resources Salary Survey 2006/2007 conducted by the Tokyo (Japan)-based global recruitment and consulting agency Michael Page International (Leithead 2007) based on their experiences in global hiring and retention with a

Risk Management Group Of Easyjet Tourism Essay

Risk Management Group Of Easyjet Tourism Essay The methodology implemented to identify the risks that face EasyJet was constructed through the use of a SWOT Analysis. Taking into consideration of all the conceivable risks would be an inefficient process, therefore only a few risks of significant nature have been recognised which may affect EasyJet in the foreseeable future. The launch of a new route from Manchester to Palma presents both opportunities and hazards. Conclusive data provided by CAA presents an outcome not anticipated a decline in passenger numbers at Manchester Airport, and a significant drop in the number of airlines flying to this destination. A recent unfolding of a crisis due to poor management at head office, indicates a growing concern in terms of crew shortages. This will have longer term repercussions if the issue is not resolved. The problem might suffice the migration of customer to rival airlines, due to the lack of customer services. A high risk factor for EasyJet lies with the unpredictable and worsening climate of the UK, possibly disrupting air-traffic particularly during the winter season. Given the complete closure of UK airspace during the volcanic eruption, EasyJets total size of the exposure, as a result of disruption is  £5 million. With no current Government plans to invest in new equipment to keep the transport infrastructure open, EasyJet face liability for the costs, given that no insurance policy is available for natural disasters and the Government reluctant to provide some levels of compensation. Contents Introduction  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ This report has been commissioned for the EasyJet risk management group to identify and critically analyse risks that may face the organisation in the future. It is of significant importance that identified risks may present opportunities for growth, in addition to threats. As per this report, only the most significant risks will be identified, through the use of appropriate models. A detailed analysis shall be provided to aid the management group to associate solutions to the problems. Implementing a formal procedure of risk management ensures the constant assessment of risks that EasyJet is exposed to. Where risks produce outcomes that adversely affect EasyJet, it is crucial that these risks are either eliminated (if possible) or minimised. On the other hand, risks which produce favourable outcomes should be exploited with the intention of adding value to the company and to maintain growth levels; pursuing a, truly European operation thats turning Europe orange (EasyJet, 2010). Modern organisations have recognised the need to adapt quickly to changing business environments and the pace in which change occurs. The purpose of enterprise governance therefore, is to strike a balance between conformance (controlling hazards and threats) and performance (maximising returns and opportunities). A key element of enterprise governance is to provide EasyJet the mechanisms to put into practice corporate decisions that will ensure the success of the company, (IFAC, 2004). Risk Identification  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ The identification of the appropriate risks that face EasyJet is a continual process. It would therefore be useful to draw up a SWOT analysis (see appendix 1 for definition) as a device which can be used to identify risks. It would be an inefficient and time-consuming process to identify all the conceivable risks facing EasyJet, as a result only the major risks will be analysed. SWOT Analysis Strengths:  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  A leading provider of air-travel for leisure and business customers, connecting convenient airports and destinations across Europe.  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Easily identifiable through a distinctive and leading brand name. Weaknesses:  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Market for domestic travel is highly competitive, with a host of many low-budget airlines operating on similar routes. Competitors include Monarch Airlines, BmiBaby, Ryanair and many other smaller airlines. Opportunities:  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The possibility of introducing new routes connecting travellers to a wider scope of destinations. Threats:  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  The possible occurrence of natural disasters and/or severe weather changes, which may lead to severe delays and cancelations.  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  A slowdown in economic growth or a period of recession which may lead to a sudden drop in demand for travel. To ensure the consideration of all aspects of risk, the process of identification should be carried out systematically. Therefore two elements of risk identification will be addressed;  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Earnings Growth These risks are addressed with respect to their effect on whether EasyJet is able to achieve its earnings growth targets. The basis for this approach is to analysis speculative risks, in particular business risks.  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Risk Insurance Management This involves the development of contingency plans, and possibly insurance cover for downside risks affecting EasyJet. (Coyle, 2010:29-30) Successful risk management establishes a process whereby, to classify risks into certain sub-categories, in order to identify particular risks which may be of concern to EasyJet. Business and non-business risks are the broad categories which shall be used; both further sub-divided into specific categories to identify specific risks. Business Risks  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Product Risk Launch of new route From the nature of EasyJets operations it is inevitable to witness a change in demand for travel, especially during this current tough economic climate. Product risk associates risks which may cause demand for travelling with EasyJet to increase or decline. EasyJet plans to launch a new route from Manchester Airport to Palma, Majorca with its inaugural flight commencing on 12th March 2011. (EasyJet, 2010). The planned launch presents both opportunities and threats in the form of speculative risk. A clear advantage of this particular route is that it provides travellers greater access and choice in terms of departure timing, pricing and location; allowing travellers to meet their particular needs, whether for leisure or business use. The new launch promotes growth within the company through increased ticket sales and hence overall profitability. It also allows the possible expansion of EasyJets fleet and in the long term a strong performance on the stock market. Analysing the situation from a different perspective, it is clear that there are few obstacles that face EasyJet. The planned route faces significant competitive pressures from incumbent airlines currently operating on this route. It has been recognised that the biggest threat challenging EasyJet arise from flights in operation by Monarch Airlines and BmiBaby. Rivalry from interdependent airlines may force prices to fall, benefiting travellers at the expense of damaged profit margins. Furthermore, services provided by incumbents may significantly improve, allowing rivals to monopolise their operations strengthening entry barriers. Further analysis of data provided by the Civil Aviation Authority concerning passenger usage of Manchester Airport (see appendix 2); indicate a decline in terminal passengers. The data illustrates that passenger numbers from years 2005 to 2010 has fallen by approximately 20.1% from 22,061,000 to 17,621,000. Suggestive arguments may indicate poor quality of services provided by MAG plc. Manchester Airports operator. Evidence reported by the Civil Aviation Authority (see appendix 3), provides some justification as to why passenger numbers are falling. The data recorded indicates that on average across the entire period, flights were delayed by 30 60 minutes. This may be of some inconvenience if time is a significant factor for passengers travelling, specifically for those on business use. Taking the analysis further, it is evident that in response to falling passenger numbers, the number of scheduled flights to Palma is also in decline, (see appendix 3). The period 2005 to 2010 saw a fall from 526 to 355 flights to this destination. The data might signify this destination to be non-profitable, or the simple case of survival of the fittest; incumbent airlines driving away new entrants away from this particular route. Such factors may present a high threat and risk for EasyJet. Operational Risk Crewing Issues Operational efficiency is a key aspect to determining the level of profitability for an organisation, especially for EasyJet, stricken by cost-cutting measures to maintain margins. Staff; whether they are crew on-board airlines or crew on the ground at airport terminals, are the key contributors to the successful operation of EasyJet. It has been a tough climate for the airline industry, in terms of operating in a period of economic decline which has led to some redundancies. Yet it is of utmost importance to preserve staff levels in order to maintain certain levels of services. Insight into the operations of EasyJet, indicates that former CEO, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (currently the largest shareholder), challenged the groups right to its name over concern of punctuality, (Jacobs, 2010). It is understood that, due to cost-cutting proposals, EasyJet has more flights scheduled than crews available, (Turner, 2010). With staff shortages becoming an imminent problem; easyJet risk facing further disruptions across some parts of their network. Evidence prescribed through the views of crew members; indicate that the issue lies predominantly with poor management. Conclusive evidence of the operating difficulty EasyJet are currently faced with is the direct result of a lack of processes from head office. In the wake of such problems; Many EasyJet Flight crew are already applying to rival airlinesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ to escape the problem situation with EasyJet, (Turner, 2010). An escalating problem with crews will soon be a key contributor to the lack of motivation and passion for crews towards their respected duties. In effect this may affect levels of customer services; with rival airlines gaining extra custom at the expense of EasyJets mistake. In response, this is in direct violation as per one of the values of the company;  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Passionate: Were ambitious to be the best we can be, (EasyJet, 2010). It is therefore critical to acknowledge the importance of proper management processes for the efficient running of the organisation. Whilst there may be opportunities for growth within the organisation, it is ever more important to manage internal processes efficiently, otherwise risk facing the migration of customers to rival airlines. Non-business Risks  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Disaster Risk Adverse weather may cause disruptions to air traffic It is predictable to come across negative events that are beyond the control of EasyJet, severely disrupting operations. This downside risk promotes many threats, in particular to EasyJet. Forecasts published by the Met Office, indicate severe weather warnings in the coming weeks of the month of December, with a high probability of snowfall in areas of the Midlands, South East, and Southern England. It is predicted that, Britain is likely to suffer from more transport delays and icy conditions as forecasters predict the cold snap will continue, (Alford, 2010). The possibility of grounding aircraft in the face of heavy snowfall poses a significant risk to EasyJet. Examination of last years wintery chaos and the financial losses that were sustained by EasyJet and other airlines provides insightful knowledge to draw up contingency plans for the near future to minimise these losses. Airlines were faced with many challenges in December of 2009; in particular, Most of the major UK airports reported delays and cancellations, with EasyJet grounding 7, 314 of its flights, (Siddique, 2009). The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland in April 2010 provided some answers to the likely cost of grounding aircraft. EasyJet reported  £5 million in lost profits each day its aircraft were grounded, resulting in a 5% fall in its share price. Further disruption caused by heavy snowfall in December 2009 and January 2010, wiped another  £25 million off profits, (Williams, 2010). The lack of investment by airport authorities and the Government present further risks in the foreseeable future for EasyJet and its passengers. Inappropriate and shortages of snow clearing equipment imply further disruptions if airport authorities are disinclined to invest. A critical study of this situation indicates, No insurance cover available to protect against this type of event, (Williams, 2010). Future disruptions will cause EasyJet to seek financial support from the Government if liable for compensation claims, or must ensure that liquid funds are available if the cost lies completely with EasyJet. As per the organisations value, it has been identified that there will be no compromises in terms of safety. Given this view, it is advisable that EasyJet take on a risk-averse approach for such events. It is therefore crucial to apply a methodology for assessing the implications of operating aircraft in the face of adverse weather conditions. Application of Scenario Planning ensures that decision-makers are aware of the challenges facing EasyJet and take into consideration of possible future eventualities. Scenario planning allows EasyJet to think through the consequences of unexpected developments in some detail. A more detailed understanding of the unexpected, means that decisions can be taken with a more informed judgement, (Coyle, 2005:68). Risk Map  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ In view of identifying the appropriate risks, a risk map has been drawn up as a method of risk measurement, to provide an initial judgement to aid management distinguish the more significant risks. Severity/Impact Low Medium Frequency/Probability Low Medium  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Crewing Issues High  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Launch of new route Source: (Coyle, 2005) Following on from the identification of risks, a rational has been proposed for the appropriate positioning of risks in the risk map;  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Adverse weather High Impact, Low frequency. The UK is not prone to catastrophic natural disasters due to its geographic location; therefore there is a low probability of such events occurring. However due to shifting climate patterns in the face of increasing CO2 levels, and the presence of global warming, it is evident that winter months are becoming ever more calamitous. Current indicators displaying the situation of the UK economy, with continuing proposals of further austerity packages from the coalition Government, promote further risks, in the face of delayed or postponed investments in improving the current transport infrastructure to be able to cope with severe weather conditions.  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Crewing Issues Medium impact, Medium probability. There will always come a time where firms face an imminent shortage of staff, whether on a particular day, or a longer period. Such problems will have to be dealt with, given the impact it will have on operations in the longer-term, in terms of efficiency.  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Launch of a new route Low impact, High frequency. EasyJet will always need to introduce new routes to further destinations in order to allow growth within the company. Particular routes which may not provide the anticipated profits, will impact the overall profitability of the company, however to a lesser extent. The EasyJet Group with a large diversified portfolio of subsidiaries are able to mitigate certain losses against certain profitable subsidiaries. Conclusion  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ The environment in which EasyJet operate in, is constantly faced with an increasing pace in which change occurs. The dynamic properties of risk imply that the process of risk management needs a continual application. The risk management group of EasyJet must accept the constant need to re-evaluate the significance of existing risks, and be prepared to look-out for new risks that may provide opportunities as well as threats in the near future. References  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Alford, S, (2010), Britain facing more freezing conditions. The Sunday Times, 5 December Civil Aviation Authority, (2010), UK Airport Statistics. Available: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80pagetype=88sglid=3. Accessed 17th December 2010. Civil Aviation Authority, (2010), UK Punctuality Statistics. Available: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80pagetype=88pageid=12sglid=12. Accessed 17th December 2010. Coyle, B (2005). Risk Awareness and Corporate Governance. 2nd ed. Kent: Institute of Financial Services. EasyJet plc. (2010), About EasyJet. Available: http://corporate.easyjet.com/about-easyjet.asp Accessed: 16th December 2010. EasyJet plc. (2010), EasyJet launches new route from Manchester. Available: http://corporate.easyjet.com/media/latest-news/news-year-2010/25-11-2010-en.aspx Accessed: 16th December 2010. International Federation of Accountants, (2004). Enterprise Governance: Getting the Balance Right. Available: http://web.ifac.org/publications/professional-accountants-in-business-committee/other-publications-1#enterprise-governance-gett. Accessed 19th December 2010. Jacobs, R, (2010). EasyJet faces Crewing Issues. The Financial Times. Available: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d82e4402-9a87-11df-87fd-00144feab49a.html#axzz19PCFejay. Accessed 1 December 2010. Siddique, H, (2009). Icy weather disrupts Christmas Eve getaway. Guardian.co.uk. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/dec/24/christmas-eve-travel-disruption?INTCMP=SRCH. Accessed 20th November 2010. Stevenson, W. (2005). Operations management (8th edition), New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin Turner, B, (2010). EasyJet flights delayed or cancelled as crew unavailable. Finance Markets. Available: http://www.financemarkets.co.uk/2010/07/21/easyjet-flights-delayed-or-cancelled-as-crews-unavailable/. Accessed 1 December 2010. Williams, H, (2010). EasyJet reveals cost of air travel ban. The Independent. Available: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/easyjet-reveals-cost-of-air-travel-ban-1948621.html. Accessed 20th November 2010. Appendices  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ Appendix 1 Defining SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis is a particularly useful model used to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that face EasyJet. Strengths and weaknesses have an internal focus and are typically evaluated by operations people. Threats and opportunities have an external focus and are typically evaluated by marketing people. SWOT is often regarded as the link between organisational strategy and operation strategy. (Stevenson, 2005:43) Appendix 2 2010 17621 8.3 2009 18937 8.6 2008 21317 9.0 2007 21886 9.1 2006 22047 9.4 2005 22061 9.7 Figure : Passenger numbers at Manchester Airport, source: (CAA, 2010) 2010 355 53 2009 449 23 2008 542 26 2007 550 26 2006 629 23 2005 526 43

Innocence in Daisy Miller, My Antonia, and the Great Gatsby Essay

Innocence in Daisy Miller by Henry James, My Antonia by Willa Cather and the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is not as easy as it seems to distinguish who is innocent and who is not. Innocence is a cultural concept which is usually confusing. An act that is naà ¯ve and normal in one society can be a public disgrace in another. Then a question comes to mind: What is innocence? Challenging the norms of a society makes a person totally wicked? What spoils or preserves innocence? The word innocence is ambiguous. It has double vision because people put different masks on their faces for different occasions. Innocence is also one of the themes that can be focused on three American novels: Daisy Miller by Henry James, My Antonia by Willa Cather and the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These three books help the reader to see the other side of the medallion and they suggest that it is our prejudices and cultural differences which shape our view of others. To start with James' novella Daisy Miller, the reliability of the narrator can be discussed. Winterbourne, an American but a Europeanised man is told to be an "extremely amiable fellow, universally liked." Everything looks alright with him. There seems to be no way to discuss his honesty, his innocence can be discussed because he does not really try to help Daisy. He is only affected by her in a physical way. If he had a chance of flirting with Daisy, he would not miss that chance also he would not marry her. He regards her as an innocent, fresh, and young lady but also he thinks that he is common and unsophisticated Winterbourne is not together with Daisy all the time. This is why his reliability as a source can be discussed. He is confused by her and t... ... illusions. They live in a broken paradise. Their life is full of corruption, moral decadence, hypocrisy, abusive power of money and shattered dream. Theirs is a demoralized civilization. But their honesty and innocence are not only corrupted by inner forces but also by the environmental factors. They live in a time of excess. They are a lost generation and they are afraid of poverty and worship to success as Fitzgerald says. To conclude James and Cather's novel characters have similar qualities. The females do not look moderate but they have a pure heart. Fitzgerald, who criticizes the corruption of American dream -not the dream itself- satirically presents seemingly respectable but actually spoiled and lost characters. These three novels tell the reader not to judge people just by appearance and they allow people to gain a new perspective on human behavior.

Biotech Ethics and Advancement Essay

Biotechnology: Of Ethics and Advancement Thousands of years ago, early man, like the rest of earth’s fauna and flora, was at the mercy of the elements; we relied on nature’s gratitude when it came to finding food and survival. As Charles Darwin would say, only the fittest could survive Mother Nature’s test. Eventually, however, a fully-evolved man turned the tide of the competition; we began to domesticate the once savage beasts we hunted and competed with like wolves and horses turning them into livestock and our own companions bred out of their natural ferocity, to grow our own food for our own and tart agriculture, and eventually we started to settle down into permanent communities. Man had transcended nature when the first steps of human civilization began to grow. Since then, man had crafted its own grand design for himself; the discovery of metals like Bronze and Iron, to the Pyramids of Egypt and Cities of Rome, and the rest, as they say, Is modern history. In the Modern world, we still have that said control, and with It we have now intrinsically used our knowledge to design nature herself In our Ideal Image. Technological Advancements have allowed us wield it as we pleasure. We can now edit Mother Nature’s work and remake It anew through our vast Interference with the body that is Science. The presence of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), Dolly and all her Cloned brethren, and Real life Cyborg-Animals are Just samples of what weVe done to her. Eventually, because of this, someone Just had to say It: â€Å"When will it be too much? When will we know when weVe gone too far? † That Is where Ethics falls in, our man-made balance of whether or not, In the most basic sense, what we do Is right or wrong. Ethics has long been a question of how much more we can do to these once â€Å"all natural† things and make them â€Å"artificially enhanced. When can we truly say that we, the â€Å"masters† have abused our power? One cannot mistake, however, that human alteration of natural things Is only a recent occurrence. Like I said, since the earliest ages of man we already tampered with nature as we sought. We turned once vlclous and wild wolves, through our process of selectively breeding the weaker ones, Into the loyal and lovable K9 friends we have today minus the genes of aggression. Pavlov strapped down dogs to make psychological breakthroughs In condltlonlng. World War 2 scientists strapped bombs to dogs, dolphins, and even bats to assist them In fighting the enemy. Indeed, this tinkering of human hands has always been there. It now falls onto us people of today to see If things can still be set as Is. How much more can we do for our species’ own satisfaction? The Ethical question must always be present whenever we trod upon something as sensltlve as the condltlon of llvlng things. Animals, Ilke any other llvlng being, have xtremes in straining those rights to our needs. The uncertainty of Science itself shows that we cannot always control what happens to them come experiment time. The fear of abusing these innocent creatures is always on the minds of the very ethical/moral such as Animal Rights groups and such. Modern Genetics and Technology have sometimes crossed lines for the sake of advancement, such as taking away a creature’s autonomy to turn them into â€Å"natural robots. † If this is truly how far Advancement has gone into sacrificing Life’s basic rules, then these righteous† people really do have a reason to riot and protest.

Inventory Accounting Essay

1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Inventory costs: The use of LIFO for determining inventory costs under International Accounting Standards is prohibited, while it is permitted under US GAAP. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reversal of inventory write downs: Under IAS, it is required if certain criteria are met whereas US GAAP strictly prohibits it. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Basis of Inventory valuation: Under IAS, the inventory is carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value (NRV). Under US GAAP, Carried at the lower of cost and market (market is the lower of replacement cost and NRV minus normal profit margin). 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Whether the costs of idle capacity and spoilage can be included in inventory Under IAS, it is prohibited. Under US GAAP, it is permitted. The change to IAS will avoid the biggest disadvantage of US GAAP that is; it permits LIFO to be used for inventory valuation where the oldest inventory costs are assigned to the inventory account which, when prices are changing can result in an inventory value that does not reflect the true current value. Also, in case of shift to IAS, US companies will not be able to show lower profits by using LIFO when prices are rising. US GAAP helped the companies to reduce their payment of taxes. Under US GAAP, extraordinary items are permitted but restricted to infrequent, unusual and rare items that affect profit and loss. However, it is prohibited under IAS. Thus, extraordinary items give companies somewhat of a â€Å"hall pass† with the markets, allowing them to sometimes report lower earnings but get credit for higher earnings. Obviously, it is tempting for companies to try to report every bad thing that happens as an extraordinary item. This can be avoided once IAS is in place. IAS is more comprehensive and clear. It would avoid misinterpretation by the companies.