An Analysis Of Global Alliances

An Analysis Of Global Alliances As a matter of survival, airlines within the current environment are constantly reviewing and altering their strategies. An important component of any airlines strategy to remain viable and maintain competitive advantage in todays setting is to pool resources and share risk, known as an alliance. A broad definition of an alliance that occurs in the aviation industry is the collaboration between two or more firms that retain their autonomy during the course of their relationship (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004). To that end, there are certain variations of airline alliance in vogue today, in particular the Global Airline Alliance. Starting with a synopsis and identification of these alliance groups, the discussion will move to a selection and analysis of benefits and shortcomings that can be associated with global alliances from a business and consumer perspective. From here, an appreciation will be gained of the major airline alliances and typical rationale of alliance strategies. Currently, the most popular forms of coalition in the airline business are the non-equity marketing alliances known as Airline Alliance Groups (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004) or Global Multicarrier Alliances (Cools Roos, 2005). At the present time, the main global multicarrier alliance networks are Star Alliance, One World, and Skyteam (UBM, 2010). These alliances are predominantly a massive global network of multilateral codesharing and joint resource Air Service Agreements (ASAs) between carriers. This allows a central point of contact for the passenger to ensure a convenient, smooth and efficient worldwide travel experience (Star Alliance, 1997). Although individual airlines are aligned under the umbrella of a single corporate entity, distinct airline brand identities and cultures are retained. These alliances have set out to revolutionise seamless air travel for the international passenger from hub to hub and beyond. Additionally, the synergies created were only possible due to ast ute governance of previously implausible collaboration. To that end, airline conglomerates now understand The best way to generate real business growth and expansion is by forging the appropriate strategic partnerships (Borovich Yeheskel, 2001). From an airline business perspective, membership in a global alliance has one distinct, instantaneous and strategic advantage. Almost overnight, all member airlines geographic route structures will have expanded without costly capital investment in infrastructure and assets. This allows airlines to service routes that were previously deemed non-profitable or inaccessible, albeit on other alliance members aircraft. This complementary alliance (Oum Park, 1997, as cited in Chen Ross, 2000, p. 328) has the flow on effect of generating untapped markets within the domestic environment and yielding higher load factors for all alliance members aircraft operations. Henceforth, this produces larger revenues which in turn diminishes overhead costs and maintains more efficient airlines by lowering unit cost base (Doganis 2001, p. 76). While this contributes to diversification and larger profit margins for collaborating airlines, the traveller can be confident airfare cost will remain relativel y reasonable assuming competition remains viable on any given route. This is a beneficial outcome for all involved, both airline businesses and the consumer. A comparable example where alliances between two airlines operating on the same route is however, considered anti-competitive (Chen Ross, 2000, p 328). Here the competing airlines could strike a codeshare accord, typically after a tenuously long and protracted battle attempting to gain market share. This is routinely known as a parallel alliance (Oum Park 1996, p. 190), however this is unfortunately likely to result in cartel type price fixing. This form of alliance generally benefits the airlines as it narrows competition and has a propensity to create a higher demand for a particular service, hence higher airfares (Chen Ross, 2000, p 328). Conversely, the pre-alliance scenario utilising capacity dumping (NZ Parliament, 2006), where supply exceeds demand, only profits the consumer with ridiculously low and unsustainable airfares. This invariably serves to strengthen the dominant market leaders position by financially eliminating the competition in the long term. These types of al liance are inherent of predatory behaviour with very little consumer benefit and require antitrust immunity (Bilotkach, 2005, p. 168). An example of this type of arrangement within the global alliance networks does exist, although on the exceedingly competitive North Atlantic route between Lufthansa and United Airlines (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 23). While codesharing is one weapon with which to condense costs, create better margins and maintain a reasonably priced service, it is not the only resource available to benefit allying partners and the consumer. One only needs to visit any of the global airline networks websites to see a large scale joint marketing experience. Consequently, Extensive market presence plays an essential role in major airlines plans for survival and prosperity (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 113), and this influence is an effective tool when multiple powerful brands are combined. For the smaller airlines within the alliance groups, association with some of the mega-carriers alone is a sufficient marketing device to increase recognition and augment passenger numbers. This is simply a case of if passengers do not find you, they will not fly you (Bammer, 2000, as cited in Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 121). For the bigger carriers in the group, enhanced economies of scale (Doganis, 2001, p. 76), scope and d ensity (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 39) beckon, to provide growth quickly while mitigating a host of regulatory and economic barriers. This coincides with the global alliance concept To contribute to the long-term profitability of its members beyond their individual capabilities (Star Alliance, 2010, p. 6). Another advantage of such extensive market sway is the collective consumable and asset purchasing power. Doganis states, the Star Alliance group is estimated to save between five to seven percent each year with this strategy (2001, p. 78). In contrast, these combined marketing regimens can be inflexible and force a loss of individual brand identity. As the global alliance brand builds its own characteristics, it will be perceived by the customer to deliver a certain expectation, and if not all of the alliance members fit the model, they may be forced to compromise their own identities to conform, or risk being extricated. This is known as the domino effect (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 17). The airlines are not the sole profiteer from this vast marketing onslaught. Customer satisfaction, retention and relationship quality is the target of any marketing strategy, and with immensely large global brands and reputations at risk, standards will always be under scrutiny. The consumer perception of these alliance groups is that of a seal of quality (Kleymann Seristà ¶, 2004, p. 39), and all members are logically required to exact some consistency over the service spectrum. To that end, the global alliance groups have combined value adding resources to meet or exceed the expectations of the high value international traveller (Star Alliance, 2010, p. 6). Some pertinent examples are: priority check-in, lounge access, additional baggage allowances, priority boarding, global ticketing, common terminals and priority baggage handling. As aforementioned, the consistency and variation with which these additional benefits are delivered can provide a potential drawback. Products vary f rom brand to brand, for example; Air New Zealand has a premium economy seat (Star Alliance, 1997), of which not all airlines utilise. A customer that purchases this seat flying from New Zealand to Germany with alliance codeshare partner Lufthansa (McCaw, 2010), would in all likelihood be downgraded to an economy seat from England or the United States. Furthermore, differing cultures can also play a role with service delivery. Once again, the customer flying from New Zealand to Germany may enjoy the relaxed Kiwi attitude, but may be overwhelmed by the clinical and formal German approach, or vice versa. Henceforth, Kleymann and Seristà ¶ suggest successful brand image and customer fulfilment is particularly relevant to quality and consistency of service (2004, p. 121). Global alliances offer many joint benefits to consumers from airlines prospering within their own niche, which could not be possible without reliance on international partners. While the phenomenon of globalisation is a reality and people seek to condense and simplify work, time and travel experiences, global airline alliances fit the mould as a reaction to seek balance. At present, the rules of international aviation preserve sovereignty and do not endorse a truly competitive environment. While grandfathering provisions of landing rights at major airports and governmental influence in survivability of flag carriers ensues, the only room for growth from independents is to collude. At this point in time, global alliances serve the needs of both consumers and airline businesses. As with every decision, there are good and bad consequences and not all choices will gratify everyone. Global alliances endeavour to satisfy the majority, while sustaining the future of the alliance members to provide a useful service. Until all nations relax rules around freedoms of the air and airline foreign ownership, so as to furnish a genuine open skies policy, these mega-conglomerates will flourish. Word Count: 1343

Mannerism Artist

Mannerism appeared in response to the Renaissance style from Florence, Rome and Venice in the 1520’s. Unlike Renaissance artists to strove to make their art look as realistic as possible, mannerism artists broke away from this convention. Some of these key characteristics include abnormally elongated limbs, contorted bodies impossible poses and most importantly, artifice. Renaissance artists tried to disguise artifice where mannerism artists reveal imbalanced compositions, ambiguous space, departures from expected conventions and unique presentations of traditional themes (Gardner 612).There are great examples in paintings, sculptures and architecture that utilize these characteristics and give us a better understanding of what mannerism truly is. There were many influential painters in the 1500’s that took advantage of the freeing style of mannerism. One artist who stands out is Jacopo Da Pontormo. His piece, Entombment of Christ, (Capponi Chaple, Santa Felicita, Flora nce Italy, 1494-1557) embodies almost all of the characteristics assigned to mannerism.Christ’s decent from the cross-had been frequently portrayed by many artists before him. However, Pontormo took a different approach from his processors. Pontormo changed his picture plane from the traditional perpendicular plane by rotating image along a vertical axis. Because of this, the Virgin Mary falls away from the viewer as she releases her son’s hand (Kleiner 613). Another striking difference is how he positions the characters so there is an intentional void in the middle of the painting.How the bodies and limbs moves around the center accentuate the void. Also, the elongated limbs and bodies positioned in a contorted fashion depict the key characteristics of the style. For example, the figure holding Christ on his back has an elongated torso that does not seem to be anatomically possible. This painting gives the viewer an excellent example for how Pontormo and other manneri sm artist’s have split ways with the natural, realistic, and balanced principles of the Renaissance artists.The mannerism style can be seen across other mediums as well. Other artists took these new principles and incorporated them into sculpture. Giovanni da Bologna’s (born, Jean de Boulogne) Abduction of the Sabine Women, (Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy, 1579-1583) epitomizes the principles of figure composition for Mannerists. As seen by Pontormo, this piece is also created on a vertical axis. The bodies create a vertical, almost flame-like spiral movement. This sculpture was the first large-scale group since classical antiquity designed to be seen from multiple viewpoints†¦ † (Kleiner 619). Because of this, the piece changes immensely depending on where the viewer is standing. The figures also display extreme emotion that was not common before this period. For example, you can almost feel the woman figure’s pain and angui sh by her face, and how she is trying to break away from the young male figure. Mannerism also translates into the medium of architecture.This style of architecture also challenged the classical elements of balance, order and stability that were prominent in the Renaissance. Giulio Romano ended up being the leading architect in Mannerism. An example of his work would be the Palazzo del Te, Mantua, Italy, 1525-1535. The viewer can see his Mannerist style in the facades that face the interior courtyard. The deviation from the conventional architecture of the time is pronounced by revealing the artifice of the palace design. The keystones for example, either have fully settled or seem to be slipping from the arches-and, more eccentric still, Giulio even placed voussoirs in the pediments over the niches, where no arches exist† (Kleiner 620). The building is full of structural oddities and contradictions. For example, the architraves holding the columns up don’t look strong enough to support the building, giving the viewer the illusion that the building may come crashing down at any time.In conclusion, the mannerism style broke away from the conventional Renaissance style of order, balance and realistic paintings. It focused more on the artifice, elegant style and showing emotion through the figures. Although Mannerism did not last long, I believe this style of art helped artists break away from the strict rules of its predecessors and let the artist be free to express more emotions and to retell stories in a different way. Sources: Kleiner, Fred S. , and Helen Gardner. Gardner's Art through the Ages: A Global History. Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2009. Print.

The Dome of the Rock

After the prophesier Muhammad fled to Medina, the great urban metropoliss of Jerusalem and Damascus were captured by the Islam. Between the old ages 687 B.C. and 691 B.C. , the Dome of the Rock was built by the Umayyad calif Abd al-Malik in the metropolis of Jerusalem, to hold the religious plane of the book stand out in the signifier of an Islamic temple. Muslim tradition recounts that it was erected in award of Ala, due to its location in one of the most sacred sites of the metropolis, where one time Salomon ‘s ain temple had been raised. Its architectural design is representative of the Islam ; a mixture of Byzantine and Persian art with breathtaking mosaics and colourss. Crowning its dramatic construction is the aureate dome that can be distinguished even at a far sight. But the Dome of the Rock is more than a sight to be seen ; the really construction and geographics narrate the narrative of two metropoliss in everlasting struggle. When Caliph Muawiya decided to reassign the Islam to Damascus, the Byzantine and Classical influence was noted, in peculiar with architectural construction. The building of the Dome of the Rock obeys the martyrium tardorromano expression of the ambulatory that allows those sing to execute the rite of circumvallation. The building has an octangular platform, and in its inside, over the stone, circles the dome, at about 36 metres. The dome was constructed between two wooden formations that are affixed one inside the other, in aureate bronze. In the Dome of the Rock, the Byzantine construct of volume can be perceived, every bit good as the signifier that allows the base on balls from the square to the circle, as if it were â€Å" a transition from Earth to Heaven † , as Henri Stierlin statements. This belief of the symbolism of the octagon leads to the strong belief that the Falco peregrinus can see the brotherhood of organic structure and psyche through the ceremonial circumvall ation. Today, after 13 centuries, the Dome of the Rock continues to stand still and brilliant, as one of the most valued architecture hoarded wealths in the universe, and has become an of import symbol of the metropolis of Jerusalem because of its architectural significance every bit good as the phenomenon that at that place occurred. Judaic tradition and faith shows that it was in the location where the Dome of the Rock was built that the Lord of Israel held Abraham back from giving his boy Isaac. They thought that the stone was the one Abraham had prepared for the forfeit. The Muslims, nevertheless, placed this site in the Mecca. They had built the shrine for pilgrims, to mark the belief that it was here where Muhammad ascended to Heaven. It is in the Islamic belief that Caliph Abd al-Malik erected the edifice, to vie with Christendom, being rather near to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, among other sanctum sites, exposing the difference between both peoples. In fact, harmonizing to historical records, it was on political motive that Caliph Abd al-Malik begun the building of the sanctuary. It was to be an of import centre for pilgrim's journey and cult that would deviate the people ‘s involvement in the Mecca and Medina. The Caliph was in struggle with the governments in both metropoliss, which put his n aming as calif into uncertainty. A great figure of Muslims did non accept that the Caliphate be rendered from his male parent, Muawiya, as the dynastic sequence Torahs determined. The Caliph even came to forbid pilgrim's journey to the Mecca to some of the people, even though it was understood that it was mandatory to all Muslims, with the alibi that they should non abandon the topographic points where the Islam should be defended. For this ground, the Dome of the Rock became the alternate topographic point for pilgrim's journey to the Syrians. It is dry that a topographic point that should reflect the shared belief between both faiths became such a figure of discord among them, sullying its inviolability. Comparative faith shows that the Islam and Judaism are really similar religions, with both of their sanctum texts holding set forth common Torahs with similar patterns of unity and kindness, and a intimacy in linguistic communications that is reasonably noted. Even so, more of the difference has been exhibited throughout the old ages, from the devastation of the Second Temple in the twelvemonth 70, the Crusades, and even today, with Camp David in current times. In the past one hundred old ages, the strife over the Holy Land has caused opposing nationalisms and the breach of human rights declared sacred by the Islam and Judaism, every bit good as Christianity today, depressing the brotherhood of these civilisations. This is the troublesome issue that has been brought about with fanatism in faith. Each faith understands that it entirely holds ultimate truth. The Islam ‘s philosophy, for illustration, sustains that leting other faiths opportunity of look at the al-Sharif, which is the country that surrounds the stone, is a evildoing. It is due to the secular attack of the Western civilisation that the struggle has been deemed more a spiritual than a politic 1. In general, neither people want the perceptual experience to be that they are in resistance of the other ‘s beliefs. That is the base of the job, and the motivation for such disinclination to face it. Furthermore, supplying that the Islam continues in a overzealous attitude, there will ne'er be Concord. The word Islam in itself is now known as the very definition of entry, so it is with minor control if any with the radical partisans of Islam about utilizing coercion, force, belligerencies and intriguing to accomplish this intent. Was there hope for the Jews one time the Islam had gained power over them? If the people of Judea had made war against the Muslims in an act of despair and fury, the Israelis would torture themselves for holding permitted such slaughter. However, there would be no car animadversion for slaughter such as this against the Jews, or any other people, from the Muslim. Alternatively, they will commend their terrorists as brave sick persons of their cause, who will be rewarded with liquors and sex in Eden. Therein lays the disparity that the Middle East is facing, and it will so prolong until the parts are willing to cover with the tyrant and ghastly world of the Islam. Harmonizing to the Qur'an, this will ne'er go on. In the book of Surah, Gabriel lets Muhammad cognize that â€Å" They will non contend you together, except in bastioned townships, or from behind walls † ( 2005 ) , giving prophetic sight that the Jewish would ne'er travel against the Muslim. The anticipation has been ascertained in the old ages â€Å" 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 † ( 2005 ) , and from the 90 ‘s to the current state of affairs in the Middle East. The combination of two people ‘s spiritual strong beliefs and xenophobia is a unsafe affair. Sanely talking, two states in wrangle over one land should be able to collaborate and apportion the part. But where faith is called upon to do one or the other claim absolute, grants become blasphemy and radicalism produces autocratic rules, which bring about loss and desolation, with no terminal in sight.BibliographyStierlin, H. ; Stierlin, A. ( December 15, 1997 ) .Lusters of an Islamic Universe: The Art and Architecture of the Mamluks. I. B. Tarius. London, UK.Zachary, J. ( February 22, 2005 ) .Gabriel ‘s Faces: Voice of the Archangel. Harvard House. England, UK.Muhajabah, A. ( N. d. ) .The History of the Jews Under Islamic Rule. Retrieved on January 17th 2009 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.muhajabah.com/jewsofislam.htmGascoigne, B. ( 2001 ) .History of Architecture, Dome of the Rock: AD 691. Retrieved from the History World web site on January 17, 2010 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp? gtrack=pthc & A ; ParagraphI=ebbHoppe, L. ( 1999 ) .The Dome of the Rock: Jerusalem ‘s Landmark. Retrieved from The Holy Land web site at hypertext transfer protocol: //198.62.75.1/www1/ofm/mag/MAen9910.htmlEisen, R. ( May 9, 2006 ) .Moslems and Hebrews: Common Ground. The Washington Post Company. Retrieved from the Washington Post web site at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/05/08/AR2006050801 88.html

Music And Its Effects On The Digital Age - 926 Words

Billy Joel, Nickelback, Fifty Shades of Grey and Other Causalities of Schlock Music Professor explores the social dynamic of taste-shaming in the digital age. In some form or another, we’ve all been exposed to musical taste shaming. If you’re a fan of the Eagles, Rush, Drake, or god help your soul, are passionate about the music of Nickelback, you’ve certainly received your share of barbs. As agents in what many have coined as â€Å"the age of hipsterism,† none of us are safe from the smug judgment of those who perceive their own musical tastes as a cut-above the rest of us rubes. Of course, hipsterism is just another term for yet another â€Å"age† that mimics the same social and cultural elitist behaviours that have been occurring for centuries. Pomposity has always existed and generally speaking, it is a personality trait of someone who is lacking a degree of authentic social awareness. I mean, surely we can agree that it’s myopic to judge someone’s character based on their musical preferences! Although taste shaming is nothing new, shaming in today’s digital world can have more profound consequences than ever before. Through social media accounts, we’re prompted to express ourselves through vapid â€Å"must-complete† field templates. For most of these platforms, they ask us to list our favourite shows, movies and of course, music. This exposed information provides cyber-bullies with a public venue to judge and lampoon us based on our cultural palates. This makes us moreShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Internet And Social Media On Copyright Laws1061 Words   |  5 Pages1709. At present only two acts are in effect today, the copyright Act of 1909 and 1976. (United States Copyright Laws) These works protect the individuals work but not the idea. With the digital age copyright laws are not adapt to protect these rights. With the vast amount of information that is available digital copyright infringement takes place almost on an hourly basis. According to Owen Gallagher, (Should Copyright Laws Changes in the Digital Age?) â€Å"Copyright are meant to create a balanceRead MoreThe Recording Of Sound Recorded By Edouard Leon Scott De Martinville1529 Words   |  7 Pagesfoundation of sound recording. Going forward, technologists in today s computer age are becoming more and more creative. There has even been proof that some researchers have had a hand in altering the course of history. With that in mind, the following questions need to be addressed: How was the recording of sound discovered? What technologies were implemented to improve the science? How has today s digital age affected sound recording? Was history really altered? Is there any debate? HowRead MoreShould Public Access For The Internet?1477 Words   |  6 Pagesabout any American teenager what their hobbies are, and chances are many will say, â€Å"listening to music†. Music is more accessible than ever in 2016, thanks to technology, computers, and the constantly growing use of the Internet. Just about every industry has been affected by these elements, and the music industry is no exception. Advances in technologies have had, without a doubt, a massive influence on music. However, whether this influence is good or bad is essentially subjective, as there are bothRead MoreThe Digital Age And The Digital Age1405 Words   |  6 PagesThe digital age has brought change in many areas of modern society, and has forced us to discuss the way it has affected our modern laws. The digital age has proven difficult when handling laws associated with the internet, privacy and copyright. Additionally, the entertainment industry has seen it’s own ups and downs in this ever evolving digital era. The question to focus on is whether or not the ease of digital copying and distribution online interferes with the revenue available to record labelsRead MoreDiscuss the Impact of Digital Technology on the Production and Distribution of Music.1547 Words   |  7 Pagescenturies past, music has seen leaps and bounds in the enhancement of theory, instruments, and recording arts. The first major leap was the invention of the piano in 1709 by Bartolomeo Cristofori. From that first major step came the introduction of electronic instruments short after the harnessing of electricity which came in the early 19th century. Soon after that came recording and then on to synthesizers and eventually digital recording. As computers were introduced to society, computer music was alsoRead MoreInternet Piracy : Frien d Or Foe?1327 Words   |  6 PagesCameron Crotts Gallos English 3 Honors 5 November 2015 Internet Piracy: Friend or Foe? Internet piracy has been debated about for almost two decades, and still its effects are not clear to the public. Piracy is the act of illegally copying files that have been copyrighted, usually things like music, movies, games, and even books. The music and film industry usually report about a sharp decline in sales because of piracy, but other experts disagree and some even claim that piracy is helping those industriesRead MoreMusic Purchasing Case Study806 Words   |  4 Pagespublics music purchasing habits to gain an understanding from a public point of view of the current trends in music purchasing. 83 people took part in this survey. Firstly, people were asked how often they buy music, as fig 5 shows, 26% of people who took the survey said they do not buy music at all. These people could be streaming or downloading music illegally. Following this, the survey asked how people would usually buy their music. 35% of people said they buy physical copies of music, plus 26%Read More Challenges of Digital Age Essays1246 Words   |  5 PagesChallenges of Digital Age Technology over the years has drastically changed. For many people things like the Internet, digital cameras, and cell phones with Internet capabilities are very foreign items. These changes in technology are improving the world that we live in by making many things in our lives much easier and more efficient. An example would be a student in search of materials for a school project. Instead of having to go to the library they are able to just get online and find everythingRead MoreThirty years ago, if somebody wanted to listen to music they would have to power up their record or1600 Words   |  7 Pages Thirty years ago, if somebody wanted to listen to music they would have to power up their record or cassette player. If they wanted to watch a movie they would either have to break out a VHS tape or go to a movie theater. Ten years ago, however, it became slightly easier: the listener could simply pull up a song on their personal computer saved from a CD or insert a DVD to watch a movie. Today, things are drastically different. Where buying or consuming media needed some tangible form in the pastRead MoreImpact On Music Streaming Services1633 Words   |  7 PagesMusic Streaming Services: The Biggest Disservice to Artists In the music industry, there are several methods of sharing content. Between playing live shows, producing physical records, and now, streaming over music streaming services, artists and musicians from around the world contribute to the entertainment industry each day; however, in light of today’s technological age, more and more content is being shared and consumed through the later. In 2015, music streaming services grew to 317 billion