The Blue Booby James Tate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Blue Booby James Tate - Essay Example The blue of its feet is the blue of the sky and the sea where it lives. It is a blue that holds a fascination for the bird: this blue is the best collectible(they gather the blue /objects of the world ) as well as a cherished gift (the blue satisfies her/ completely, has /a magical effect/on her). On the surface, the poem is about these birds and these birds only. No mention is made of men or women throughout, only an adroit suggestion in the line: "from her day of/ gossip and shopping", which hints at a woman, and turns the entire poem into a masterly metaphor. The initial lines , with their alliteration of "The blue booby ... bare rocks", paints a picture of utter simplicity, of a bird living on unclad rocks, who "fears nothing": "It is a simple life:/ they live on fish,/ and there are few predators". A life without hunger or fear takes away most of the predicament that plagues the human situation, and the male bird is not particularly occupied with the many quandarys of attracting a mate: "the males do not/make fools of themselves/ chasing after the young/ladies". The simple, prose-like sentences convey just the right nuance of expression, and the use of the word "ladies", emphasizes the human comparison. The simple expedient for the blue booby is to build a bower of love w... ly empty package of harsh but very popular French cigarettes, probably left by an irresponsible male tourist, or blue-beaded jewelery lost by a woman exploring the island, or even pieces of blue serge, all valuable to the booby for its blueness, but all images evocative of human presence, each with a story of its own. For instance, the term Gaulois brings to mind the French "esprit gaulois"--the Gallic spirit, a lighthearted approach to life which does not believe in taking life too seriously, much like the blue booby. Tate stays focused on the theme, and does not let the language carry him away, as happens with most lists of articles in poems. The prose poem style with each line of the list beginning with "a" helps keep a sense of cadence, while narrating the objects. The list is a characteristic part of the blue booby mating ritual, a simple offering whose only value lies in the color, in a stark contrast with the often expensive gifts given by men in order to please a existing or potential partner. The poet's tone here is remote, detached, yet amused, especially with the mention of the beaded string and empty cigarette packet. In the next few lines, Tate talks about how the blue booby has become unconcerned with external demonstrations of virility down the millenniums: "replaces the need for/dazzling plumage; in fact, in the past/ fifty million years / the male has grown/ considerably duller,/nor can he sing well". There is no striking plumage in order to gain female attention like in other male birds. This is totally unlike his human counterparts, who, as men of the world, sometimes go to great lengths to gain visual appeal in the eyes of a woman or demonstrate entertainment skills in order to attract a mate. In the next paragraph, Tate goes on to

Astronomy assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Astronomy assignment - Essay Example It is a fact that moon does not produce its own light but only acts as a reflector of the sun’s lights. One can observe different parts of illuminated moon by the sun as it moves around the sun. This is the reason why the moon changes its shape in time and regularly. This observations where moon changes its shape in time is called the phases of the moon. As the moon moves around the earth, its one side is illuminated and changes in time from dark to fully lit and henceforth. When the moon is fully lit, it’s said to be in lunar phase (Pamela, 1996, Web) where one observes a full moon on the side facing the earth. This phase only appears when the earth positions itself between the sun and the moon where the moon reflects the lights of the sun directly to the earth. The moon the enters the quarter moon phase in about a week later and is seen as half since the visible lit portion is half by somebody on earth. When the moon moves between the earth and sun, one observing it from the earth sees a complete dark surface since at this time it’s reflecting the lights back to the sun. The complete darkness is seen at different parts since the moon itself is not transparent and blocks the lights from the sun. Although some of the lights surpasses it and directly hit the earth as the moon is smaller than the size in terms of size. This occurrences is called the new moon phase. Before and after the quarter phases of the moon, there are crescent and gibbous phases. In crescent phase, the moon surface as reflected on earth is less than half lit. Whilst in gibbous phase, the moon surface viewed on earth is more that half, but not full lit. The moon’s revolution around the earth makes it to appear like it is changing its shape. But the fact is that, it is caused by the different angles by which, it is observed on its lit-surfaced side. As

Doing Business Across Culture and Boundaries

Doing Business Across Culture and Boundaries 1.0. INTRODUCTION Almost every country in the world, among other things governments are the centre of taking in to accounts macroeconomic conditions. By doing so the country will in turn into economic wellbeing and giving more opportunities to the citizens. As far as daily money-making activities are concerned, laws, rules and institutional measures are given attention. These measures can be applied through the small as well medium sized companies in the course of their life circle. Until very recently, however, there were no globally available indicator sets for monitoring these microeconomic factors and analyzing their relevance (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank, 2008). As also acknowledged in The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank, 2008, doing businessand the standard cost model initially developed and applied in the Netherlands are, for the present, the only standard tools used across a broad range of jurisdictions to me asure the impact of government rule-making on business activity. Therefore the government can be benefited on business but the most important thing taking into account in achieving specified target, its environment must be improved. 1.1. FEATURES OF DOING BUSINESS As far as small as well as medium size enterprises are concerned, in doing business either domestic or abroad, some features are appropriate in both. These features which grant a quantitative measures of regulations including for starting a business, dealing with construction permits, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and closing a business. In addition to that a fundamental premise of Doing Business is that economic activity requires good rules. These include rules that establish and clarify property rights and reduce the costs of resolving disputes, rules that increase the predictability of economic interactions and rules that provide contractual partners with core protections against abuse. While these regulations always intended to be efficient in such a way that, it will be very easy in the implementation as well accessible for those who need to use them. However rules and regulations are differing from one country to another. Such that for those countries having burdensome regulation resulted to have large number of informal sectors and unemployment, as well as economic slowdown. From this stand many countries recently have smooth business start-up. Taking the example from Azerbaijan from the graph below, in 2004 introduce the maximum time for the registration procedure and it took 122 days for starting business. As far as time goes on, in 2007 and 2008 government set up a one-stop shop. This resulted to reduce the time by 87% for registration up to 16 days. In addition to that easier set up business mostly can encourage not only higher output among the existing firms in the market but also increase the per capital income. Alternatively as of the case in the figure below the by reducing entry cost will lower the output production of the firm. This may due to the fact that many firms are encouraged to enter in to that particular market. Thus it seems that the prices of goods reduced, and finally per capita were goes down from 14.4% in 2004 and 3.2% in 2008. In view of that, doing business does not measure all aspects of the business environment that matter to firms or investors—or all factors that affect competitiveness. It does not, for example, measure security, macroeconomic stability, and corruption, labor skills of the population, the underlying strength of institutions or the quality of infrastructure. Nor does it focus on regulations specific to foreign investment. Doing Business does not cover all regulations, or all regulatory goals, in any economy. As economies and technology advance, more areas of economic activity are being regulated (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank, 2008). 2.0. REASONS FOR ENTERPRISES GOING GLOBAL The majority of enterprises try to move and doing their businesses to outside countries by going global for the different reasons. At the same time in order to remain to the lead in the competitions, mass of the enterprises usually implement both reactive and defensive approach so as to increase their competitions strength. While others few take either reactive or defensive in achieve the same functions. From these reasons the enterprises usually move faster as possible to safe and sound a tough position in either developed or rising markets with their goods adapted specifically for the customer demand of those particular markets. However nearly all global markets are drawing enterprises together with new assets or resource investments with good encouragements. Among of the reactive or defensive reasons for doing business globally first trade barriers; because of the burden for the restrictions such as tariffs, quotas, policy of by-local and others that create manufacturing and exporting of goods too expensive, encourage many enterprises move from exporting their goods in a foreign country so as to avoid such troubles. Second, customer demands; based on customers demand, enterprises follow this opportunity for effective operations, product assurance and reliability, as well as logistical problem solutions. This will in turn to the most of the customers ask for foreign suppliers to stay and supply in a local market in order to enhance the flow of the production. On the other side enterprises follow that request to both catch-up and avoid losing the business. Third, globalization of the competitors; in this aspects companies are aware that if they leave companies overseas too long without challenge or competition, their investments or foreign operations in the world market may be so solid that competition will be difficult. Therefore, they try to act quickly. Lastly, regulations and restrictions; most companies home government may have regulations and restrictions that are so inconvenient and expensive, thus limiting the expansion, encroaching in the companies profits, and making their costs uncontrollable. Hence the reason for the companies moving to different market environment with few foreign restrictive operations. Apart from above reactive or defensive reasons, other proactive or aggressive reasons including growth opportunities, economies of scale, incentives and resource assess and cost savings. 3.0. CHALLENGES IN DOING BUSINESS Because of the globalization nowadays many things become easier and the world is so much busy. Such that, it takes a few hours travel away by plane and for example the factories shipping materials from one place to another around the globe. Which promote the production and the relationship also is increased more widely. So far the business is developing so fast, while the market is growing internationally and it reached the point where all businesses are as a global business, particularly if we consider the amount of goods coming from different corners of the world. Among other things in generally, the complex and difficult thing in dealing and manage the business globally is that, looking for the right person who fit with the right skills. This is because, things like strategic orientation, customer focus and market knowledge is very hard task in dealing with business. Situation like this for instance Mr Rick Wang, the managing director of Retail Co Inc., the master franchisee for the Athletes Foot in China, faced when he was the first move in opening the first store on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai during the year of 1998. While team leadership, change the leadership and staff development are the simplest issues. Therefore experience, IQ and EQ are three element capabilities in business; low EQ is the most impact determiner of collapse. But many people are hired according to their IQ and simply excited as the case of EQ (emotional intelligence). Here again, doing business as well as dealing with people and even market outside your border which almost in connect with risks, is something very complicated and it needs to learn some lessons to avoid them. According to http://smallbusiness.dnb.com/sales/international-trade/740-1.html, there are various techniques that can help business persons in reducing certain number of risks in doing business globally which include: Do plenty of homework. You should learn your target country ´s credit and accounting practices, cultural nuances and export restrictions. Treat all suppliers the same. Take the same disciplined approach to bargaining with foreign merchants as you do with domestic suppliers. Resist goods you don ´t want and keep from being overcharged for items you like. Deal in goods within your own specialty and know your bottom line — the highest amount you can afford to pay and the lowest price you can reasonably accept. Hire a freight forwarder. Using a freight forwarder to handle packing and customs-clearing paperwork will reduce shipping costs. Purchase insurance. Generally speaking, the importer and purchaser take legal possession of the goods when they leave the factory, whether or not they actually arrive. Most small importers or exporters buy all risk insurance, and many smaller dealers buy insurance from the freight forwarders or shippers. Indeed, there are not only motives to get into and benefits from global markets, but also risks drown in locating companies in certain countries. Each country may have its potentials and woes that are associated with doing business. Where also in acknowledge to http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_Okolo some of the risks in international business are: Strategic Risk: The ability of a firm to make a strategic decision in order to respond to the forces that are a source of risk which impact the competiveness of a firm like bargaining power of suppliers and consumers. Operational Risk: This is caused by the assets and financial capital that aid in the day-to-day business operations. Such as breakdown of machineries, shortfall of the goods and services, lack of perfect logistic and inventory will lead to inefficiency of production. Political Risk: The political actions and instability as well things like governments policies, economic conditions, security factors, may make it difficult for companies to operate efficiently and cannot effectively operate to its full capacity in order to maximize profit. Technological Risk: Lack of security in electronic transactions, the cost of developing new technology, and the fact that these new technology may fail, and when all of these are coupled with the outdated existing technology, the result may create a dangerous effect in doing business in the international arena. Environmental Risk: Air, water, and environmental pollution may affect the health of the citizens, and lead to public outcry of the citizens. These problems may also lead to damaging the reputation of the companies that do business in that area. Economic Risk: This comes from the inability of a country to meet its financial obligations. The changing of foreign-investment or/and domestic fiscal or monetary policies. The effect of exchange-rate and interest rate make it difficult to conduct international business. Financial Risk: This area is affected by the currency exchange rate, government flexibility in allowing the firms to repatriate profits or funds outside the country. The devaluation and inflation will also impact the firms ability to operate at an efficient capacity and still be stable. 4.0. MINIMIZING CHALLENGES IN DOING BUSINESS ACROSS CUTURE AND BOUNDARIES What manager should do? Good management skills and negotiating capabilities are the most important things when dealing with business across culture and boundaries. Countries are differing in cultures, beliefs and rituals which can create difficulties. Therefore managers need to learn those differences one by one in order to conduct a successful negotiation efficiently and effectively for the sake of profit making among them are: Cross-cultural negotiations require careful preparation in order to stay ahead and take advantage of the other party. To avoid problems, managers need to be aware of the issues like cultural differences, language, beliefs, behaviors, family environment, differences in time, work habits, and religion. Different regions have different negotiating styles. So, when managers familiarize themselves with these important negotiating tactics, they may understand the negotiating styles of their counterparts. Also building relationships; managers should look for strategic partners not only are familiar with cultures, behaviors, and languages but also can trust, respect, and be comfortable working with. Shared information; a focus group of businessmen and women is recommended in order to discuss the issues that matter to each party. In this capacity, playing role reversal prior to attending the session is recommended. Usually, questions are asked by both parties to address their concerns, the issues that matter to them, and answers are provided by both parties in response to those issues and concerns. In capitalist countries, such as the United States of America, companies use direct approach in negotiations, while in other countries, an indirect approach is used (http://ezinearticles.com/?Doing-Business-Across-Cultures-and-Bordersid=1148192). Therefore in order to be successful Companies should learn how to adapt to each environment. 5.0. CONCLUSION Part of the business growth is exporting goods to abroad, even if it can create a number of challenges. Indeed the company should first find the help from expert who understand the set of laws of export and import as well as shipping methods and regulations in foreign countries. On the other hand means for goods transportation, best shipping rates, examine the necessary documents from foreign destinations are necessary. However on a certain situation, the benefits can exceed the risks. Therefore, companies should take an assessment for that risk in each country together with intellectual property, human resource and ownership restrictions before undertaking in to any of the countries. References http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/articlepdf/1067.pdf?CFID=12268397CFTOKEN=33278808jsessionid=a8308ad6936126c2ccc6777c1f285d5a7a41 http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_Okolo http://smallbusiness.dnb.com/sales/international-trade/740-1.html http://ezinearticles.com/?Doing-Business-Across-Cultures-and-Bordersid=1148192

Essay --

EKG Class When expecting a baby, parents hope their child is born with ten tiny toes, ten little fingers, the perfect little button nose, and a smile made out of gold. Most may not think about the vital development and intricacies of their baby's heart. Once the baby is born, parent’s uncertainties may be laid to rest as technology has provided the world with multiple means of being able to detect the most miniscule of abnormalities. One of which includes the electrocardiogram as this device is able to monitor and record the electrical impulses the heart is generating. With the addition of this device, a doctor can detect abnormal rhythms in the heart. By using machines such as the electrocardiogram, examining heart murmurs, and aortic stenosis, the parent will be able to be informed and prepared for any ailments of the heart a child may develop. A heart murmur is when the valves of the heart do not close all the way; allowing some blood to flow through the valves when the valves should stop the flow. Doctors are able to hear a swooshing sound with the aid of a stethoscope. (Valvular Heart Disease website) indicates, "the S1 is usually normal or soft. The S2 may be single because the aortic and pulmonic valve components are superimposed or the aortic valve component is absent or soft and the S4 may be audible because of a vigorous atrial contraction." Heart murmurs can be detected in an individual as early as at the time of birth or during early childhood. There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent and abnormal. Innocent murmurs are not caused by an actual problem with the heart or by any other condition, nor does this type require any medication. Sometimes pregnant women will have an innocent heart murmur due to the increas... ... such as the EKG. Not only can the parent be informed of any ailments, but the doctor can better prepare, and inform the parent of ways to possibly fix the underlying ailment. EKG machines are an excellent advancement of our time and will aid to countless discoveries in the medical field. References Maganti, K., Rigolin, V. H., Sarano, M. E., & Bonow, R. O. (2010, May). Valvular Heart Disease: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved February 25, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861980/ Staff, H. (2012, July 6). Heart Murmur - Good Health by Seton. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from http://www.goodhealth.com/health_a_to_z/health_library/health_topics/heart_problems/heart_murmur/ Tidy, C. (2012, June 11). Aortic Stenosis - what are the causes? | Patient.co.uk. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/aortic-stenosis-leaflet Essay -- EKG Class When expecting a baby, parents hope their child is born with ten tiny toes, ten little fingers, the perfect little button nose, and a smile made out of gold. Most may not think about the vital development and intricacies of their baby's heart. Once the baby is born, parent’s uncertainties may be laid to rest as technology has provided the world with multiple means of being able to detect the most miniscule of abnormalities. One of which includes the electrocardiogram as this device is able to monitor and record the electrical impulses the heart is generating. With the addition of this device, a doctor can detect abnormal rhythms in the heart. By using machines such as the electrocardiogram, examining heart murmurs, and aortic stenosis, the parent will be able to be informed and prepared for any ailments of the heart a child may develop. A heart murmur is when the valves of the heart do not close all the way; allowing some blood to flow through the valves when the valves should stop the flow. Doctors are able to hear a swooshing sound with the aid of a stethoscope. (Valvular Heart Disease website) indicates, "the S1 is usually normal or soft. The S2 may be single because the aortic and pulmonic valve components are superimposed or the aortic valve component is absent or soft and the S4 may be audible because of a vigorous atrial contraction." Heart murmurs can be detected in an individual as early as at the time of birth or during early childhood. There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent and abnormal. Innocent murmurs are not caused by an actual problem with the heart or by any other condition, nor does this type require any medication. Sometimes pregnant women will have an innocent heart murmur due to the increas... ... such as the EKG. Not only can the parent be informed of any ailments, but the doctor can better prepare, and inform the parent of ways to possibly fix the underlying ailment. EKG machines are an excellent advancement of our time and will aid to countless discoveries in the medical field. References Maganti, K., Rigolin, V. H., Sarano, M. E., & Bonow, R. O. (2010, May). Valvular Heart Disease: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved February 25, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861980/ Staff, H. (2012, July 6). Heart Murmur - Good Health by Seton. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from http://www.goodhealth.com/health_a_to_z/health_library/health_topics/heart_problems/heart_murmur/ Tidy, C. (2012, June 11). Aortic Stenosis - what are the causes? | Patient.co.uk. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/aortic-stenosis-leaflet

A study on service quality of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon Essay

G-six Hair and Beauty Salon prides on providing a high standard of customer service. In addition to the quality hair and beauty services, the customer service has been found to be one of the main reasons of clients keep coming back to the salon. Today, beauty care becomes a big business, which can contribute to an economy significantly (Peiss 2000). Large scale production, global distribution networks, extensive advertisement efforts, scientific marketing and sales at a large scale, all these have contributed to the emergence of beauty as an industry (Peiss 2000). Beauty is always considered as an important attribute for female. From the ancient time till now, we can trace many descriptions of beauty and beauty care practices in the poetry, literature and arts (Peiss 2000). As globalization intensifies, the concept of beauty and the necessity of being beautiful have gone through an evolutionary change. Now women tend to spend more time, energy and money on beautification by visiting beauty parlors or salons (Schwer & Daneshvary 2000; Joy, Sherry, Troilo & Deschenes 2010). Physically attractive people usually income more compared to the less attractive people (Hamermesh & Biddle 1994; Frieze, Ohlson & Russell 1991). Moreover the organizations tend to earn more revenue if they hire physically attractive employees (Bosman, Pfann, Biddle &Hamermesh (1997). Besides, being attractive can increase the possibility of getting married (Young 2011). The growing importance and demand of beauty care vigorously raised the question on quality service issues for beauty parlors. As beauty care is a kind of personal service, ensuring service quality is challenging yet unavoidable need for the customers. It has been evident that, when customers’ perceptions of service quality are positive, the behavioral intentions are favorable, which strengthens their relationship with the organization (Zeithaml & Bitner 2003). On the other hand, when service-quality assessments are negative, the customers’ behavioral intentions are unfavorable (Kouthouris & Alexandris 2005). For the success of any service organization, quality is imperative and of paramount importance to the service providers (Bebko 2000). As services are becoming  commodity-like it can offer a source of competitive advantage for the service providers (Chowdhury, Iqbal&Miah 2010). A great haircut just isn’t enough to keep a client any more. The country is saturated with salons and, for most, there’s a competitor only yards away who is also well equipped to offer a technically accurate and fashionable haircut (Sophieh 2008). Having regular customers is one of the most important aspects of running a successful hair salon with consistent customer numbers and satisfied customers always proving to provide strong financial returns and reviews. In today’s era of fast-changing global marketplace, customer satisfaction has been an important aspect. With the increase of the importance of service sector in the economy of Myanmar, the measurement of service quality became important. Moreover, customers’ satisfaction may help the service providers to spread positive word-of-mouth and maintaining current customers can help the firms to be more profitable. Service quality is an approach to manage business processes in order to ensure full satisfaction of the customers which will help to increase competitiveness and effectiveness of the industry. Quality in service is very important especially for the growth and development of service sector business enterprises (Powell, 1995). We know that customers’ satisfaction with individual service encounters affect the customers’ satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the overall service experience (Johnston 1995). So, it is important to know whether the client’s expectation regarding the service really matches the perceived service in all dimensions of service quality. 1.1Rationale of the Study The beauty care service industry in Myanmar is growing day by day and it is contributing in the economy both in terms of revenue and employment generation. Along with the local firms, many foreign firms and franchise companies are trying to enter in the industry with professional set up and huge investment. Therefore this is the high time to explore and understand the service gap scenario of the beauty care industry. Previously, researchers had conducted several studies on service quality in different service sectors like hospitality, educational institute, financial institute, airlines, advertising agency and tourism. In today competitive  environment, majority of the businesses face with intense competition. They need not only to retain their existing customers but also to attract new customers. Among the businesses, services sector becomes important because it can create job opportunity and provide customer satisfaction. At present, in service sector, beauty care services are growing faster and booming because it can provide self-confidence, personal grooming and anti-aging in society. In the highly competitive beauty-care service industry, service quality becomes one of the most important elements for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. To satisfy and retain customers of beauty-care service industry faces challenges. Important benefits of visiting beauty shops that people get ensure of their best looks at all the times. After a stressful day, people wish to relax and to take action, so they visit a spa and salon, where they like complete relaxation with a pampering touch. It is obvious that everyone wants to look beautiful and healthy as well as this is the requirement of today’s busy lives. Among various categories of beauty-care service businesses, G-six Hair and Beauty Salon, a well-established beauty-care service salon since 2002, is serving with a wide menu of beauty service which includes Make-up and Hair dos’, Hair Braiding, Hair Extension and Weaving, Hair Perm, Hair Color and Hair Straighten with various techniques and Facial treatment to its customers in the competitive market of Myanmar. Therefore, there is a requirement to analyze the service quality leading to customer satisfaction and loyalty of G-six Hair and Beauty salon. Many of these studies have shown different patterns of service gap on the five dimensions of service quality. But being a personalized service, beauty care contains different intrinsic and extrinsic cues of quality which are different from the other industries. And so far, no significant research was done on service quality of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon in Myanmar. So, it is expected that the current study would help the industry experts and management of beauty care service providers to improvise their services. And understanding the significance and the implications of each service criteria would help them to prioritize their area of improvement, which would be especially helpful for a growing industry like this. Thus the main objective of this study is to find out the service gap, i.e. the gap between the expectations and perceptions of the customers about the service of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon. 1.2Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study are: To explore the services provided by G-six Hair and Beauty Salon To measure service quality of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon To examine the customer satisfaction on services provided by G-six Hair and Beauty Salon 1.3 Methods of the Study This study is descriptive research type. To implement these three major objectives, both primary and secondary data have been used. Primary data acquired from G-six Beauty Salon and 60 regular customers 30% of total 200 regular customers who visited to G-six Hair and Beauty Salon will be selected by using random sampling method with structured questionnaires of SERVQUAL Model GAP 5. The secondary data are obtained from profile and record of G-six events, previous research papers, relevant text books and internet websites. 1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study The study will emphasis on services quality of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon which is located at No.6, G-floor, Pearl Condo, corner of Kabaraye Pagoda road and Sayarsan road, Bahan Township, Yangon. The study will focus on customer satisfaction towards services provided by G-six Hair and Beauty Salon. 1.5 Literature Review In the field of services marketing, service quality grabbed the most attention from the researchers (Wang, Lo & Hui 2003). To define service quality Zeithaml and Bitner (2003) emphasized on the superiority of a service. According to these scholars, perception of service quality arises from the judgment of customers, who define the service as superior. The  classic researchers has defined the term ‘service quality’ as the difference between customer expectations of the service to be received and perceptions of the service actually received (Grà ¶nroos 1984; Parasuraman, Zeithaml& Berry 1988). Perception was defined as consumer’s beliefs relating to the received service (Parasuraman, Zeithaml & Berry 1985). Brown and Swartz (1989) defined perceived service as â€Å"experienced service†. On the other hand, expectation was defined as the desire or want of the consumer about the service (Parasuraman, Zeithaml & Berry 1985). In most of the cases, service quality expectations involve norms and these norms are developed on the basis of previous experiences of the consumers (Carman 1990). Parasuraman and colleagues’ (1985) definition was based on the concept of â€Å"disconfirmation†, which was defined as the difference between perception and expectation. This disconfirmation in terms of service quality leaded to a service gap. Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1988) considered that a customer’s assessment of overall service quality depends on this service gap. Khin Kay Khine, A study on Service quality of Able Winners Catering Company, January 2013 found that how customers perceive the service quality and being able to measure service quality can benefit as professional. Wutt Yi Soe, Customer Satisfaction on Service provided by Pin Lon Hospital, January 2013 found out that strongly positive relationship between patient satisfaction and service quality. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer_service http://www.managementstudyguide.com/customer-satisfaction.htm 1.6 Organization of the Paper This Thesis paper is organized into five chapters. In the first chapter, it contains Introduction, Rationale of the study, Objectives of the study, Method of the study, Scope and limitation of the study, Literature review and organization of the research paper. In chapter 2, theoractical background of service quality and competitiveness are discussed. Chapter 3 presents the background of business and profile of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon. In Chapter 4, dimensions of service quality of G-six Hair and Beauty Salon are analyzed by using SERVQUAL Model. Conclusion and recommandations for findings in the study and the requirements of future research on the topic are suggested in Chapter 5. Chapter 2 Theoretical Background 2.1The Nature and Role of Services Service industries are playing an increasingly important role in the overall economies of the countries of developed and developing countries. The 21st century is considered to be as the service industry. Researchers have tried to define service and to explain what service constitutes. There are many definitions regarding the concepts of service. Services are deeds, processes, and performances (Parasuraman et al. 1985). Gronroos (1983) defined service as: â€Å"An activity or series of activities of more or less intangibles nature that normally, but not necessarily, take place in interactions between the customer and service employees and/or physical resources or goods and I or systems of service provider, which are provided as solutions to customer problems†. Sasser et. al.,(1978) defined another meaning for service: â€Å"A service is a package of explicit and implicit benefits performed with a supporting facility and using facilitating goods†. Service is: â€Å"Any primary or complementary activity that does not directly. Produce a physical product – that is, the non-goods part of the transaction between customer and provider† (Payne, 1993). Whereas Kotler et. al.(1999) defined service as any activity or benefit that one party offers to another which is essentially intangible and does not result in the ownership of anything, and it may or may not be tied to a physical product. Services include all economic activities which are intangible, not physically apparent like products, which provide value to the customer. Service has become very crucial in all business industries due to globalization and the IT developments. Services are now seen almost to every part of our life, starting from the most essential demands, like eating to other entertainment activities, such as: sport, travelling, etc. Service is not bound to only service based businesses, like: banks, telecommunications, hotels, restaurants, and beauty salons, but it is found on all companies strategic tools for gaining a competitive advantage. Nowadays products heavily rely on   its services to acquire competitive advantage, and to satisfy customers’ needs. 2.2Nature of Service Quality

Operating and Information System: Case Study on Airasia

WEEK 7 :Operating and Information System: Case Study on AirAsiaAirAsia 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. 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.