The prevalence of substance use on children Research Paper

The pervasiveness of substance use on youngsters - Research Paper Example In a 2003 national review, half of all seniors’ in secondary school revealed they had a go at ingesting illegal medications in any event once. It was additionally uncovered that 41% of understudies in tenth grade and 23% of those in eighth grade had attempted medications that were illicit (U.S. Division of Health and Human Services, 2007). Such discoveries are stressing on the grounds that substance use is related with a few negative outcomes, for example, scholastic issues, physical hostility, formative issues, reprobate and criminal conduct and medical issues in the long haul (Buu et. al, 2009). Moreover, youngsters who form into constant substance clients will undoubtedly encounter social or mental issues. The study likewise indicated that 41 to 65% of people with consistent lifetime substance misuse are inclined to having at any rate one psychological well-being issue. Roughly 51% of those people with at least one lifetime psychological wellness issue likewise had a consistent lifetime history of substance use issue (Doweiko, 2009). It was discovered that the 15 to multi year mature age section had the most noteworthy rates (U.S. Division of Health and Human Services, 2007). Substance use is ordered as being not quite the same as substance misuse. The American Psychiatric Association characterizes substance maltrea tment as an example of substance utilize that shows itself through huge and intermittent unfriendly results that are identified with dreary substance use. There are different components that expansion the hazard for substance use among the young. A portion of the reasons for substance use incorporate wrongdoing, saw substance use by peers, low family pride and family substance use issues. An investigation done in 2009 found that substance use by guardians, financial status of the family, family versatility, shakiness in neighborhood living arrangement and successive change in neighborhood put kids at the hazard for creating substance use issue. Youth with emotional well-being issue too

International trade Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Universal exchange - Term Paper Example Would you be able to clarify why? Exchange limitations are put by government including duties, import standards and exchange obstructions. This is done to build net fares by constraining imports. At the point when net fares increment it makes an increasingly good parity of exchange, the residential creation of the nation support up, which brings about expanded local salary and business. In any case, Most financial specialists understand this contention isn't right since exchange limitations can end up being destructive too, if there will be exchange limitations the residential costs of the merchandise will increment, and individuals will be compelled to address greater expenses for the household items, likewise the nations won’t have the option to profit by â€Å"Comparative Advantage†. Putting exchange limitations won’t just be unsafe for the clients however it will likewise be destructive for the organizations on the grounds that normally they exploit Comparati ve Advantage and import crude material that are not accessible in their nation, yet by putting exchange limitations they should locate that specific crude material in their own nation which will in the long run cost them more and it will at last impact the cost of the last merchandise, making it progressively costly. In since quite a while ago run Trade limitations can likewise gives less decisions to the clients and no assortment since they will just have the alternative to purchase the residential items. Additionally putting exchange limitations would bring about wastefulness from the residential makers in light of the fact that there won’t be an opposition on a worldwide scale and their efficiency will diminish. Likewise International exchange is the essential wellspring of bringing â€Å"FOREX† in the nation. By putting exchange limitations the nation won’t be accessible to profit from every one of these focal points. 2) Suppose that without exchange, the Ca nadian cost for bikes was higher than the world cost for bikes. Would permit global exchange imply that Canada would import or fare bikes? Who in Canada would profit and who might lose with an organized commerce approach, and would the increases be more prominent than the losses?â Free exchange strategy is likewise called â€Å"laissez-faire† which implies there won’t be any obstruction from the administration side, and makers are allowed to import and fare and assembling as indicated by their own will. In the event that Canadian cost for bikes is higher than the world cost for bikes then Canada would advantage from â€Å"Comparative Advantage† and import bikes instead of trading it. Permitting exchange would profit Canada in since quite a while ago run since residential costs for bikes are higher than the world cost and the residents of Canada are following through on greater expenses superfluously, Trade will build rivalry in Canadian bike market and it will help in lessening monopolistic valuing and the cons that produce from that. It will likewise energize neighborhood financial specialists and makes to perform better and keep stable bike evaluating in the market. It will likewise expand the assortment in Canadian bike market and residents will have more choices. Additionally this will profit the neighborhood makers as they can import crude material for bikes from different nations who are selling it for less expensive rate and this will help lower negligible expense and diminishing the costs of bike in Canada. 3) What advantages are to be picked up from nations creating as indicated by the law of near bit of leeway? Imagine a scenario in which a nation is totally progressively profitable in all products.

SIPA Graduation Speaker Kofi Annan COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

SIPA Graduation Speaker Kofi Annan COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog The last month of weather we have had makes our graduation in the spring seem far away, but in reality its a mere 15 weeks until the class of 2011 walks across stage to pick up their diplomas.   It should be an especially exciting graduation ceremony this year as it was recently announced that Kofi Annan will be the speaker.   The following is the announcement sent out by our Dean, John Coatsworth. ______________________ Columbia University tradition holds that all degrees are conferred at the University Commencement ceremony while each school honors its graduates with a separate and unique event. The University Commencement ceremony of the 257th Academic Year will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The School of International and Public Affairs Graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 2 P.M. We are pleased to announce that former U.N. Secretary-General and SIPA Global Fellow Kofi A. Annan will be SIPAs 2011 Graduation speaker. Mr. Annan was the seventh secretary-general of the United Nations, serving two terms from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2006, and was the first to emerge from the ranks of United Nations staff. In 2001, Kofi Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace with the citation praising his leadership for bringing new life to the organization. We are also pleased to announce the new tradition of holding SIPAs Graduation ceremony on Columbias South Lawn. Planned in consultation with the SIPA Student Association Board, this years ceremony will provide for more than twice as much guest seating as last year. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. More information will be coming as the events approach. We look forward to congratulating you this May.

First Amendment Rights and Access to Opinions - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 2905 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/04/26 Category Law Essay Level High school Tags: First Amendment Essay Did you like this example? In 1972, five burglars were arrested following the break-in of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. Uncovered, was a plan concocted by members of the official organization of President Nixons campaign to photograph campaign documents and install listening devices in telephones. Taped recordings of President Nixons conversations revealed the President had clearly obstructed justice by directing members of the CIA to halt the FBI investigation into the DNC break-in. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "First Amendment Rights and Access to Opinions" essay for you Create order Facing certain impeachment and conviction, President Nixon resigned the Presidency and subsequently pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford. The Watergate scandal created a growing concern in the American public and Congress about the ability of the government to spy on its own citizens. During the course of the Senate Watergate Committee investigation, past executive branch direction of national intelligence agencies to carry out constitutionally questionable domestic security operations came to light. Additionally, a New York Times article published by Seymour Hersh claimed that the CIA had been spying on anti-war activists for more than a decade, violating the agencies charter. In response to these revelations, Congress launched the Church Committee in the Senate and the Pike Committee in the House to conduct an investigation into the nations secret agencies and programs. The Church Committee investigated and identified a wide range of intelligence abuses by federal agencies, including the CIA, FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and National Security Agency. In the course of their work, investigators identified programs that had never before been known to the American public, including NSAs Projects SHAMROCK and MINARET, programs which monitored wire communications to and from the United States and shared some of that data with other intelligence agencies. Committee staff researched the FBIs long-running program of covert action designed to disrupt and discredit the activities of groups and individuals deemed a threat to the social order, known as COINTELPRO. The FBI included among the programs many targets organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the anti-Vietnam War movement, and individuals such as Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as local, state, and federal elected officials. Investigators determined that, beginning with P resident Franklin Roosevelts administration and continuing through the early 1970s, intelligence excesses, at home and abroad, were not the product of any single party, administration, or man, but had developed as America rose to a become a superpower during a global Cold War. The committee observed that there is no inherent constitutional authority for the President or any intelligence agency to violate the law, and recommended strengthening oversight of intelligence activities. The Church Committees investigative work led to reform efforts throughout the intelligence community. Congress approved legislation to provide for greater checks and balances of the intelligence community. In 1976 the Senate approvedSenate Resolution 400, establishing theSenate Select Committee on Intelligence, to provide vigilant legislative oversight over the intelligence activities of the United States to assure that such activities are in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the United States. I n 1978 Congress approved and President Jimmy Carter signed into law the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), requiring the executive branch to request warrants for wiretapping and surveillance purposes from a newly formed FISA Court. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorizes electronic and physical surveillance of foreign powers and agents of foreign powers for the purpose of collecting foreign intelligence information. FISA was originally enacted to regulate the collection of foreign intelligence information within the United States. The USA Patriot Act was passed by Congress as a response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and allowed federal officials greater authority in tracking and intercepting communications, both for purposes of law enforcement and foreign intelligence gathering. Until 2001, FISA permitted electronic and physical surveillance of foreign powers and agents of foreign powers if foreign intelligence collection was the primary purpose of the activity. In 2001, the USA PATRIOT Act amended FISA to allow searches if foreign intelligence collection was a significant purpose. In 2005 the New York Times published an article revealing the Bush administrations warrantless domestic wiretapping surveillance program dating back to 2002. President Bush secretly authorized the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans and others inside the United States to search for evidence of terrorist activity without the court-approved warrants ordinarily required for domestic spying . . . . Under a presidential order . . . the intelligence agency has monitored the international telephone calls and international e-mail messages of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people inside the United States without warrants . . . . The agency . . . still seeks warrants to monitor entirely domestic communications. The President relied on his Article II authority to claim a basis for not following the FISA warrant requirements but following the Supreme Court Decision in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld the argument became shaky. In response to this, the Bush Administration introduced the Protect America Act of 2007 to amend the FISA. The act was passed in August 2007 with a 6-month sunset provision and a number of significant changes to the original law including warrant requirements for foreign communications. Shortly after the expiration of the Protect America Act, Congress passed the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 which was similar to but not the same as the Protect America Act of 2007. In 2013, NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked an estimated 1.7 million classified intelligence files which revealed bulk data collection programs by the government. In response to the leaks, the government introduced the USA Freedom Act which restored in modified form several provisions of the Patriot Act and also imposed restrictions on bulk data collection under section 215 of the Patriot Act. Additionally, act mandates that theFISA courtrelease novel interpretations of the law, which thereby setsprecedentand thereby makes up the body of FISA courtcommon law, as both legal authority for deciding subsequent cases, and for guidance parameters for allowing or restricting surveillance conduct. However, the Act is not clear as to whether or not it mandates retroactive disclosure of decisions prior to passage of the Act in 2015. In January of 2018, President Trumped signed the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017. The act extended FISA section 702 authorities until 2023 with some significant changes. The act includes a number of reporting requirements, the publication of minimization procedures that apply to the handling of U.S. person information collected under Section 702, and it addresses issues concerning upstream about collection†information gathered from Internet communications infrastructure based on the mention of a certain selector, such as an email address, within the communication itself (as distinguished from communications collected because they are to or from a selector). Finally, in the most recent development with respect to the FISA court is the widely discussed FISA warrant targeting former foreign-policy adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign, Carter Page. In February 2018, House intelligence committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes released a memo claiming that the FBI m isled the FISA Court about Christopher Steele, the former British secret agent who compiled the dossier on Trump-Russia ties and who was a source of information in the FISA applications on Page. The main complaint in the Nunes memo was that the FISA applications did not disclose or reference the role of the DNC, Clinton campaign, or any party/campaign in funding Steeles efforts, even though the political origins of the Steele dossier were then known to senior and FBI officials. In response to the Nunes memo, the Democrats on the committee released their own memo. That memo quoted from parts of the FISA applications, including a footnote in which the FBI explained that Steele was hired to conduct research regarding Candidate #1, Donald Trump, and Trumps ties to Russia, and that the man who hired him was likely looking for information that could be used to discredit [Trumps] campaign. On July 21, 2018 the FBI released a heavily redacted copy of the 412 page FISA application seeking a warrant against Carter Page. Regardless of whether the allegations of impropriety by the FBI are determined to be true, these documents raise serious concerns about the level of oversight the FISA courts work under. Structure of the Act and Court The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court sits in Washington D.C., and is composed of eleven federal district court judges who are designated by the Chief Justice of the United States. Each judge serves for a maximum of seven years and their terms are staggered to ensure continuity on the Court. By statute, the judges must be drawn from at least seven of the United States judicial circuits, and three of the judges must reside within 20 miles of the District of Columbia. Judges typically sit for one week at a time, on a rotating basis. Pursuant to FISA, the Court entertains applications submitted by the United States Government for approval of electronic surveillance, physical search, and other investigative actions for foreign intelligence purposes. Most of the Courts work is conducted ex parte as required by statute, and due to the need to protect classified national security information. The USA Freedom Act requires designation of at least five people who may serve asamicus curiae: individuals are appointed to inform the court about specific legal or technical issues in certain cases.In cases involving a novel or significant interpretation of the law, one of the designated amicus curiae shall be appointed to assist the court unless the court gives a reason that it would not be appropriate. In other cases, the court may appoint an individual or organization to serve as amicus curiae or file an amicus brief. Since the passage of USA Freedom Act,amicushave counseled the Court on questions such as the governments ability toretain call metadataafter the effective date of the Act and the governments authority touse pen registerswhen communications content may be collected. The FISC operations are classified by default due to the sensitive nature of the issues addressed, but the court has become increasingly visible to the public as the Director of National Intelligence has begun publicly releasing FISC opinions and Congress has issued transparency mandates in the USA FREEDOM Act. However, records from FISC hearings are still not typically made available, even to petitioners challenging surveillance orders under the court rules. FISC historically had discretion to publish its opinions, and in some cases it did so. However, Congress imposed new transparency requirements in the USA Freedom Act, seeking to make the court more publicly accountable. The Director of National Intelligence now must review each FISC order or opinion to determine whether it includes a significant construction or interpretation of any provision of law. Any orders that do must be made public to greatest extent practicable, although when necessary to protect national security it may be permissible for the ODNI to release a summary of the decision. Congress created the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review (FISCR) in 1978 to hear appeals from applications denied by FISC. This court is made up of three judges, appointed by the Chief Justice, from U.S. district or appellate courts and serving for seven years. The FISCR has jurisdiction to review the denial of any application under FISA by the FISC. The FISCRs review of the FISCs denial of an application for surveillance is limited. After a motion of the United States to transmit the FISCs record, the FISCR may either affirm or reverse the FISC judges decision. If the FISCR determines that the application was properly denied, it must provide for the record a written statement of each reason for its decision. Under the USA Freedom Act, the FISC is required to certify for review by the FISCR questions of law in the orders it has issued that affect the need for uniformity or where consideration would serve the interests of justice. In response, the FISCR may give binding instructions to the FISC or require the FISC send the complete record to the FISCR for it to decide the entire matter itself. Finally, the FISCR can also review the FISCs decisions on third party challenges to orders under FISA (e.g. an order for an individual to produce tangible things or a connected gag order, and electronic service providers directed to assist the government). The Supreme Court has statutory jurisdiction to review FISC opinions under certain circumstances. The Court may review on a Writ of Certiorari filed by the United States any decision of the FISCR affirming the denial of a government application to the FISC. Additionally, the FISCR certify any question of law . . . as to which instructions are desired, and the Supreme Court may then give binding instructions to the FISCR or require the FISCR send the complete record up and decide the entire matter itself. The Court may also review FISCR decisions on a third party challenges. Foreign Intelligence Information (FII) is information that relates to U.S. ability to protect against possible hostile acts of a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power, sabotage or terrorism by a foreign power or agent, and clandestine intelligence activities by a foreign power or agent. FII includes information with respect to a foreign power or foreign territory that relates to the national defense, national security, or conduct of foreign affairs of the United States. If the intended surveillance target is a U.S. person, the information must instead be necessary to protect against hostile acts, sabotage, or terrorism, or U.S. national defense, national security, or foreign affairs. Under FISA, the Justice Department reviews applications for counterintelligence warrants by agencies before submitting them to the FISC. The Attorney General must personally approve each final FISA application. The application must contain, among other things: a statement of reasons to believe that the target of the surveillance is a foreign power or agent of a foreign power; a certification from a high-ranking executive branch official stating that the information sought is deemed to beforeign intelligence information, and that the information sought cannot reasonably be obtained by normal investigative techniques; statements regarding all previous applications involving the target; detailed description of the nature of the information sought and of the type of communication or activities to be subject to the surveillance; the length of time surveillance is required; whether physical entry into a premises is necessary, and proposed procedures tominimizethe acquisition, use, and rete ntion of information concerning nonconsenting U.S. persons. For U.S. persons, the FISC judge must find probable cause that one of four conditions has been met: (1) the target knowingly engages in clandestine intelligence activities on behalf of a foreign power which may involve a criminal law violation; (2) the target knowingly engages in other secret intelligence activities on behalf of a foreign power under the direction of an intelligence network and his activities involve or are about to involve criminal violations; (3) the target knowingly engages in sabotage or international terrorism or is preparing for such activities; or (4) the target knowingly aids or abets another who acts in one of the above ways. When the FISC grants applications for surveillance it issues a primary order finding that all the FISA requirements were met. The FISC also issues a secondary order providing that upon request of the applicant, a specified third party must furnish the applicant forthwith with all information, facilities, or technical assistance necessar y to accomplish the search in such a manner as will protect its secrecy and produce a minimum of interference. Assisting third parties, such as telephone and Internet service providers, are compensated for any assistance rendered, and can keep certain records under security procedures adopted by the government. Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was added as an amendment in 2008. It authorizesthe collection, use, and dissemination of electronic communications contentstored by U.S. internet service providers (such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft) or traveling across the internets backbone (with the compelled assistance of U.S. telecom providers such as ATT and Verizon). It allows intelligence agencies to collect foreign intelligence from non-Americans located outside the United States. But under the surveillance authority set up under this section, many Americans also have their communications swept up by surveillance programs operated by the FBI and NSA. Unlike the four traditional FISA surveillance activities, the surveillance programs authorized under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 do not involve FISC oversight of individual surveillance orders. The Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence are allowed to jointly authorize the targetin g of persons reasonably believed to be located outside the United States to acquire foreign intelligence information without adhering to traditional FISA rules. Instead, the FISC reviews the targeting and minimization procedures adopted by the government and determines whether they comport with the statutory restrictions and the Fourth Amendment. The FISC also reviews the certification submitted by the government attesting that a significant purpose of the acquisition is to obtain foreign intelligence information, providing copies of the targeting and minimization procedures, and attesting that acquisition will comply with certain statutory limitations.The statutory limitations on acquisition are that it: (1) may not intentionally target any person known at the time of acquisition to be located in the United States; (2) may not intentionally target a person reasonably believed to be located outside the United States if the purpose of such acquisition is to target a particular, known person reasonably believed to be in the United States; (3) may not intentionally target a United States person reasonably believed to be located outside the Unit ed States; (4) may not intentionally acquire any communication as to which the sender and all intended recipients are known at the time of the acquisition to be located in the United States; and (5) shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of

European Brutal Treatment Of Caucasian Europeans - 725 Words

Scientific study was a crucial contributor leading to violence towards other races of Caucasian Europeans. Author Linqvist illustrated European brutal treatment towards people of colour in the historical analysis Exterminate all the brutes. Europeans claimed that as they reached industrialization, African were at the primitive stage of society, therefore it was the European mission to help â€Å"civilize† them. They considered Africans more animal than human. Europeans, during the Imperialism period, were determined to claim that the white was the most superior race of the human species. At the beginning, Lindqvist illustrated the use of the whip and its detrimental, even lethal, effects. â€Å"Only the whip can civilize the black.† (pp. 20). The quote indicated that through European view, the black race was not considered as the same species as the white. In addition, black people were not able to learn the same way as the white, and only through the violent act of whipping could they be educated. Scientific research contributed largely to this belief. During the Imperialism period, there were numerous academic article with the aim to persuade that the white was the most advanced human race. Georges Cuvier was a renowned naturalist of the 19th century. Despite his disbelief in hierarchy, the idea greatly hovered him on the subject of human races. In the book The Animal Kingdom (1827 – 1835), Cuvier conducted a research to study the features of the â€Å"negroid races†. He pointed outShow MoreRelated`` Beloved `` By Toni Morrison Essay1726 Words   |  7 Pagescase of human trauma incomparable in scope, duration and consequence to any other incidence of human enslavement† (DeGruy). Chattel Slavery is undoubtedly the worst form of slavery in the history of mankind. â€Å"What happens when stressed people lack treatment for generations? How have Black people coped? What adaptive behaviors have we invented—now misinterpreted as â€Å"cultural†Ã¢â‚¬â€to survive in a toxic environment? â€Å"How do w e tease out, as a people, that which is harmful and adaptive, that which builds resilienceRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book White And Anglo Saxon Essay1830 Words   |  8 Pagesand white when there is so much more to it. Terms such as â€Å"Caucasian† and â€Å"Anglo-Saxon† are used often today to refer to white looking people. This book really traces the changing idea of who is considered white and why they are placed in that specific category. The idea tends to change over time depending on the where in the world you are located. The book is also focused on reviewing how whiteness has been defined by Europeans and European-Americans, mostly geared towards other groups of people whoRead MoreSlavery During The American Colonies Essay1537 Words   |  7 Pageslabor. 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Singapore International Airlines Free Essays

string(74) " TBWA replaced Batey agency which popularised the iconic Singapore Girl \." Contents COVER LETTER4 1PROSPECTS OF ECONOMY5 1. 1Global Financial Crisis5 1. 2Oil Prices5 2PROSPECT OF AIRLINE INDUSTRY5 2. We will write a custom essay sample on Singapore International Airlines or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1General Trend of the Airline Industry5 2. 2Analysis of competitiveness of industry6 3VALUE CHAIN7 3. 1Training of Pilots/ Cabin crew/ Ground handling staff7 3. 2Branding and publicity7 3. 3Reservations and Ticketing7 3. 4Ground Operations7 3. 5In-flight Services8 3. 6Aircraft Operations8 3. 7Fleet Management and maintenance8 3. 8Customers8 4SINGAPORE AIRLINE’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE8 4. 1The 4 components of SIA’s competitive strategy8 5FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS9 5. Operating Performance Analysis9 5. 2Liquidity Analysis10 5. 3Solvency Analysis10 5. 4Profitability Analysis10 5. 5Stock Prices Analysis11 5. 6Comparison with Industry Average11 6SINGAPORE AIRLINES’ NON-FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE11 6. 1Learning and Growth11 6. 3 Internal Processes12 7RECOMMENDATIONS12 8APPENDIX13 9REFERENCES32 Cover Letter To: Ms Leo, CEO From: Investment Team Subject: Investment Report – Singapore Airlines Ltd This report contains an analysis of Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) with response to your query on desirability of making a fairly large medium-to-long term investment in the shares of SIA. Firstly, an analysis of the prospects of the airline industry which SIA operates in would be given to develop a better understanding of the business environment. The current state of economy will also be one of the highlights as it is perhaps one of the biggest concerns amongst investors. Next, the company’s value chain and competitive strategies would also be presented and analyzed to justify if SIA have the ability to sustain its growth despite numerous world-wide challenges such as the financial crisis and high oil prices. On top of that, an analysis of the company’s past financial statements and especially for the year 2007/08 would be presented to analyze the profitability and quality of earnings. For a more holistic approach, analysis of the company and industry using non-financial performance measures would also be used to address issues where financial measures are insufficiently informative. Comparisons with the industry and main competitors will also be made along the way to show how they fare and if the stock price has the potential to grow amongst stiff competition in the airline industry. Lastly, recommendations on the desirability of the investment would be given on our stand based on our analysis. 1Prospects of Economy 1. 1Global Financial Crisis The world’s economy is currently facing one of the worst financial threats ever since the Great Depression in 1929. Demise of US banks such as Lehman Brothers were due to huge corporate debt default which caused them to incur a large impairment loss. This tight credit crunch caused the downfall of the global stock market with fearful investors withdrawing their investments. In response to the gloomy outlook of the worldwide economy, assurance was given by the G7 as they announce to unveil a 5-point plan to counter the crisis and to stabilize the financial market. 1. 2Oil Prices The airline industry was drastically hit by the rocketing of aviation fuel prices for the past one year , forcing many companies to increase air ticket prices to cover the increased expenditure. Expenditure is accelerating at a faster rate than revenue; hence this has caused many airline companies to suffer a loss in operating profit. However, basket average crude oil prices has been on a declining trend. â€Å"Prices fell $18. 1/b or more than 14% in August, declining sharply from the record levels reached in July,† according to OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report September 2008. 2Prospect of Airline Industry 2. 1General Trend of the Airline Industry The current situation in the airline industry remains bleak. It is caused by a mix of weakening passenger demand, particularly i n the First and Business Classes, and the existing uncertain global economic outlook. Cargo demand has also plummeted, with a 6. 5% drop in demand for Asia-Pacific carriers in July 2008. However, SIA has been able to anticipate changes and continue to break new grounds. The procurement of A380 Airbus has helped SIA achieve substantial cost savings. In addition, conversion of five Airbus A340-500 aircraft into an All-Business Class set-up, and constantly ensuring that capacity best matches SIA’s demand , have proved to be profitable for SIA alone despite the overall weakening passenger demand. 2. 2Analysis of competitiveness of industry Since SIA’s overall profitability is largely influenced by the presence of competition, we have used Porter’s Model of Five Forces to analyze the competitiveness of the industry. Threats of substitutes Over the years, the airline industry has become increasingly competitive with entry of new competitors such as budget airlines. As such, some passengers are choosing to fly budget airlines for short travelling distances. Hence, demand from customers are becoming relatively price elastic, forcing some firms to lower their prices in order to stay competitive. Buyer Bargaining Power Buyer bargaining power is increasing due to the price transparency concerns of customers, as they can choose which airline to take. However, on the industry level, bargaining power is low. Supplier Bargaining Power Supplier bargaining power in the airline industry is high as the input required (aircraft, aviation fuel) is unique and there are no similar substitutes available. Rivalry among existing players The intensity of competition among airlines has increased substantially over the years as firms are narrowing the gap of the service quality and on board amenities. This has led to increasing emphasis in effective cost management for firms. Threat of Entry There are substantial barriers to entry for the industry due to the high initial fixed outlay and proprietary know-how. However, the entry of budget airlines poses potential threats to the existing players. Many firms have responded by buying shares in firms of budget airlines. 3Value Chain 3. 1Training of Pilots/ Cabin crew/ Ground handling staff SIA’s places great emphasis in training by continuously sending its employees for comprehensive and rigorous training. To present only the best service, SIA also imposes stringent selection tests of employees at the recruitment stage. 3. 2Branding and publicity SIA’s spending on advertising has been static over the recent years. Recently, TBWA replaced Batey agency which popularised the iconic Singapore Girl . You read "Singapore International Airlines" in category "Papers" SIA adopts a global approach to advertising in the international media, keeping the Singapore Girl icon as its representation of high quality service. 3. 3Reservations and Ticketing SIA’s website allows flight timetable downloads for gadgets such as pocket PCs and palm tops and synchronizes the data when it is amended. SIA’s ticketing offices are located in over 70 countries and it operates 24 hour telephone reservations and service call centres to help its customers. The use of interline e-ticketing allows ticket information to be stored in SIA’s secured database and shared among airlines on the customer’s itinerary. 3. 4Ground Operations SATS handles all ground operations which includes baggage/ airfreight handling and apron services. Technology such as Internet check-in, biometric checks and downtown check-in services are ingrained to speed up processing time. The application of Fully Automated Seamless Travel (FAST) integrates three processes comprising airline check-in, pre-immigration security checks and immigration clearance. SIA’s loyalty customers also have the privilege of priority check-in and enjoying exclusive facilities at its lounges. 3. 5In-flight Services Its in-flight on-demand entertainment system has over a thousand demand options and office software for passengers. Also, SIA also integrated the full size ‘space-bed’, on-board email and internet services in its First and Business classes. 3. 6Aircraft Operations SIA flies directly to 66 destinations and has recently increased flights to more popular destinations. SIA has transformed its cabins to full business class seating for its SG-NY flights and will be doing the same for its SG-LA Flights. . 7Fleet Management and maintenance SIA maintains young fleets of passenger and cargo planes. These fuel efficient planes are on the average age of 6-7yrs. It leases 34 out of its 126 aircraft on an agreement of range 4. 7-10. 5 years with options to sub-lease. SIAEC has also joined Airbus’ Maintenance Training Network, givin g it access to Airbus’ latest training methodologies. 3. 8Customers SIA’s KrisFlyer customer retention scheme has been effective to date and it now focuses on services for wealthy and business travellers, in conjunction with the PPS club . Singapore Airline’s Competitive Advantage Through the value chain comparison with competitors, SIA has achieved both differentiation and low cost strategies in its operations and stands out as a leader in the industry. 4. 1The 4 components of SIA’s competitive strategy 4. 1. 1Rigorous service design, development and continuous innovation SIA’s service development department constantly researches for and tests out new innovations. It uses the centralized innovation approach which involves three-step processes. The effective feedback channel helps to ensure that any useful suggestions are adopted. Employees are also sent on ‘spy flights’ on competitor’s planes to report their findings . SIA’s continuous innovation supports cost effectiveness and it transfers this margin to its customers. Some examples are improvements in seat and screen size, as well as in-flight services, which compares favourably to its competitors . 4. 1. 2Profit and cost-cutting mentality of employees SIA’s employees are well aware of the implications of high costs and they always strive to achieve customer satisfaction in a cost effective manner. Compared to the industry, SIA maintains a relatively young yet fuel efficient fleet. 4. 1. 3Holistic Staff Development All employees have a training and development plan which includes both functional and interpersonal skills. SIA’s aircrew is organized in teams of 13 and flies together for at least 2 years . Hence, these have helped to develop team bonding for delivering excellent service. 4. 1. 4Strategic synergies through diversification and world-class infrastructure SIA has reaped strategic synergies through diversification of its subsidiaries: SIA Engineering Company, SATS, SATS In-flight catering and Tiger airways. Diversifying has helped to avoid tough competition and to capture a larger market share by offering more types of services. Hence, SIA still gains the general market share through its 49% stake in the low-cost carrier Tiger Airways while focusing on wealthy and business travellers, 5Financial Statement Analysis 5. 1Operating Performance Analysis Revenue from the company’s operating activities increased by 12. 5% and expenditure increased by 7. 7%, causing the operating profit to increase by 60. 1% from 2007. Also, net cash provided by operation activities was has been positive and on an increasing trend. This tremendous improvement in operating profit is due the increased demand for SIA’s flights. 5. 2Liquidity Analysis 5. 2. 1Quick Ratio The ratio dropped from 1. 4 in 2007 to 1. 29 in 2008. This is largely due to the company recognizing more sales in advance of carriage under current liabilities. However, the overall quick ratio trend has been greater than 1. This indicates the relatively stronger liquidity position to meet current debts, especially compared with its competitors . 5. 3Solve ncy Analysis 5. 3. 1Debt-to-Equity Ratio The ratio dropped from 0. 12 in 2007 to 0. 11 in 2008. The result projects an optimistic outlook because the company was able to complete their purchase of new A380 planes without relying on outside funds and the value of the ratio is lower than its competitors. This indicates SIA’s strong ability to generate cash from operating activities for future growth. 5. 4Profitability Analysis 5. 4. 1Return on Average Equity Holders’ Funds The return on average equity holders’ funds dropped from 14. 9% in 2007 to 13. 56% in 2008. The major reason behind the decrease was due to sale of SIA building and investment in Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise Pte Ltd in 2007. The extraordinary events led to a significantly large amount of profit in 2007. Hence, the drop in return on average equity holders’ funds is not a big concern. Compared to the 2006 figure of 9. 61% and 2005 figure of 11. 01%, the company has been more successful in generating returns for its equity holders. 5. 4. 2Earnings after Tax per Share (diluted) This is a conservative measure that takes into account of the employees exercising their share options. The diluted earnings after tax per share dropped from $1. 71 in 2007 to $1. 66 in 2008, largely due to the one time sale of assets in 2007 mentioned above. The drop is not a concern because it still shows an increasing trend. 5. 4. 3Dividends per Share The overall trend of the dividend payout is positive and investors are expected to receive a fair share of dividends annually . 5. 5Stock Prices Analysis The general price trend of SIA stocks shows an upwards inclination. It reached a peak at around November 07 and prices have been decreasing since. One of the reasons why stock prices started to decrease is due to rising fuel prices. In view of the recent financial turmoil, the unstable economy is expected to have a significant impact on stock price. As compared to its major competitors, the stock price decrease was fortunately not as drastic. Also, we should note that this is a temporary mark to market loss suffered and not a permanent impairment loss incurred by SIA. 5. 6Comparison with Industry Average Overall, SIA’s financial performance is above industry average in comparison. 6Singapore Airlines’ Non-Financial Performance Non-financial performances are an integral part of a company which is bound to affect a company’s financial position in the long run and will determine its sustainability amidst stiff competition. A comparison with their closer competitors is also being considered . 6. 1Learning and Growth SIA places large emphasis on its employees. One of its strategies to train its employees includes company-wide Core Developmental Competency Framework, which seeks to help staff identify their strengths and opportunities for improvements. SIA Group also has seven training schools to deliver training in each core functional areas. This includes the Transforming Customer Service (TCS) initiative and general management training. Furthermore, SIA has in place share-based remuneration programmes which aim to more directly align the interests of senior management with the interests of shareholders. . 2Customer perspective One of SIA’s strengths lies in its superior customer service and excellent facilities on board. On top of that, SIA also places large emphasis on the safety of its customers on air and have introduced various new methods and equipment on board with the customers’ welfare and convenience in mind. SIA’s efforts in providing excellent customer service ar e evident by the many awards and accolades they garnered over the past years. These awards have enhanced their reputation and enabled them to dominate in the Airline industry. 6. 3 Internal Processes SIA’s Value Chain was analyzed to gain better understanding of its internal process. 7Recommendations From the above analysis, we understand that the airline industry that SIA operates in is extremely volatile and competitive. Coupled with the problem of rising fuel prices, the future do poses many challenges for SIA. However, having analyzed SIA’s strategies and operation style, we can see that SIA has been effective in managing the challenges faced to date, despite it being a relatively small and young airline compared to the other players in the industry. This is evident from the good financial performance of SIA. Thus, our team is optimistic about SIA’s growth prospects for the next 5 to 10 years and we predict that an attractive return can be guaranteed if the shares were bought. However, in view of the financial turmoil, we suggest putting the investment plan on hold first and wait for share prices to plummet to a sufficiently low point before buying the shares. Ultimately, this will help our company to take advantage of the low share price and maximize returns in the future. 8Appendix Appendix 1 Article 1 From The Times October 9, 2008 Interest rate cuts overshadowed by spectre of recession IMF says world is heading for major downturn Patrick Hosking, Banking and Finance Editor Interest rates across the world were slashed yesterday as central banks took unprecedented emergency action in an effort to contain the worst economic threat since the Great Depression. Hours after the Government unveiled a ? 500 billion rescue package for the British banking system, the Bank of England joined forces with its counterparts across the Western world to cut rates by half a percentage point. The extraordinary level of coordination was designed to demonstrate resolve in the face of financial panic but failed to restore confidence in the stock market. Share prices rallied briefly in London but the FTSE 100 index closed down 239 points at 4,367, its lowest point for four years. In its bleakest forecast for years, the International Monetary Fund said that the world was entering a major downturn in the face of â€Å"the most dangerous shock . . . since the 1930s†. The US and Europe were either on the brink of or already in recession. Appendix 2 Article 2 Home Breaking News Money Story Oct 11, 2008 G7 vows to fight crisis WASHINGTON – GROUP of Seven finance chiefs on Friday unveiled a five-point plan to fight the global economic firestorm and restore confidence in the financial system by shoring up struggling banks. ‘The G7 agrees today that the current situation calls for urgent and exceptional action,’ the US Treasury said in a statement on behalf of the G7 nations. We commit to continue working together to stabilise financial markets and restore the flow of credit, to support global economic growth,’ it added after the finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the G7 nations – the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Britain, Italy and Canada – met in Washington. Appendix 3 Graph 1 Appendix 4 Newspaper Extract 1 The Straits Times, October 19 2008 Money Section Appendix 5 Exhibit 1 Airline In dustry’s Value Chain and competitive advantage The diagram below describes the Primary activities that is included in SIA’s Value Chain Appendix 6 Article 3 SIA stays the course with its branding strategy American advertising agency TBWA took over the coveted account from Singapore- based agency Batey – the name behind SIA’s ad campaigns for the past 35 years.. †¦ Many marketing experts, who were looking for a significant change in SIA’s branding strategy, were surprised by the lack of it, while others felt the ads weren’t much of a head turner†¦ SIA spokesman Stephen Forshaw says critics have got it all wrong. Branding is not only about advertising. More importantly, it is about the substance behind the brand. ‘It perplexes me that people think the key to branding is advertising. It’s not,’ he says. ‘The key to branding is getting the fundamentals of the business right first. ‘Advertising is merely a way of communicating between the organisation and its customer base. ‘ †¦ †¦ But there remains a key constant – the Singapore Girl icon. ‘The representation of the Singapore Girl is what the brand delivers to customers – that is very high quality service,’ Mr Forshaw says†¦. †¦ A significant application of biometric technologies currently being developed at SIA’s hub at Changi Airport in Singapore is the FAST (Fully Automated Seamless Travel) process. In November 2004, a six-month pilot test of FAST has been initiated based on a biometrics technology that integrates three processes: airline check-in, pre-immigration security checks, and immigration clearance†¦ †¦ This initiative at Changi Airport is a world’s first of integrating these processes with the clear objective of driving service excellence at airport operations and SIA’s ground services, while at the same time driving efficiency and improving security.. Appendix 7 Table 1 Kris Flyer Programs The table below describes the KrisFlyer programs of SIA. Level Benefits Young Explorer Club†¢Earn and redeem miles for free travel just like other KrisFlyer members †¢Miles earned go towards qualification for higher tiers of membership Kris Flyer Elite Silver†¢25% bonus on actual miles flown whenever you fly Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or Virgin Atlantic. †¢Priority Reservation Waitlist and Priority Airport Standby Kris Flyer Elite Gold†¢25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic. †¢Increased Check-in Baggage Allowance (20kg, or one extra piece of baggage). Priority Airport Check-in and boarding and baggage handling †¢ Access to Star Alliance Gold Lounges. PPS Club†¢Exclusive Gift Vouchers to purchase items from our inflight shopping service, KrisShop. †¢Enjoy reduced or waived fees for various KrisFlyer services. †¢Travel Assistance and Insurance. †¢25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic. †¢If your reservation for a seat in First or Raffles/Business Class cannot be confirmed immediately, you will be offered the option of a guaranteed seat in Economy Class on the same flight. 100% increased check-in baggage allowance on all Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights †¢ Extended Use of Silver Kris Lounges. †¢Access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. Solitaire PPS Club †¢25% tier bonus on actual miles flown each time you credit the miles you earn on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Virgin Atlantic to your KrisFlyer account. †¢Supplementary Card for your spouse, who will be accorded the same level of service as you whenever they travel. Appendix 9 Article 5 Cost-effective service excellence: lessons from Singapore Airlines An additional source of intelligence is SIA’s â€Å"spy flights†, where advisors travel with competitors and report on their offerings†¦ †¦ SIA builds team spirit within its 6,600 crew members through its â€Å"team concept†, where small teams of 13 crew members are formed and then fly together as far as possible for at least two years. This leads to the development of team spirit and social bonds within the team that reinforces the culture of cost-effective service excellence and the peer pressure to deliver SIA’s promise to customers†¦. Appendix 10 Table 2 The tables below show the comparison between the in-flight facilities provided by SIA and their competitors. Airline comparison in terms of screen size AirlineEconomy ClassBusiness ClassFirst ClassOthers Singapore Airlines10. 6’15. 4’ LCD23’ LCD (1280Ãâ€"768 Pixels)100 movies, 180 TV shows, 20 radio stations, 65games, 700music CDs, office software, noise cancelling headsets Cathay9’ widescreen15’ widescreen17’ widescreen100 movies, 350 TV shows, 22 radio stations, 888 CDs, 70 interactive games, noise cancelling headsets Qantas6. 3’10. 2’8. 3’60 movies, 200 TV shows, 20 radio stations, 10 games, 150 music CDs, noise cancelling headsets Airlines comparison in terms of in-flight services AirlineSingapore AirlinesQantasCathay 1st Class- 88. 9cm wide, fine grain leather seats – Flat bed – Adjustable table height – Dressing table with mirror – Plush duvet, fluffy pillows – Ferragamo Toiletries – Givenchy Sleeper Suite and suede slippers – Power outlet – Noise cancelling headsets- 198cm long flat bed – Light meals/ snacks available anytime – Built in massage capability in each chair – Payot paris toiletries – Akira Isogawa pyjamas, eyeshades – Power outlet – Noise cancelling headsets- 205. 7cm long, 63. 5cm wide flat bed – Personal Closet for clothes, hoes, mattress, pillows – Extra large tray table – Mood Lighting – Adjustable reading light – Built in massage capability in each chair – Acca Kappa Amenities set – Power outlet – Noise cancelling headsets Business Class- 1-2-1 layout with 76cm width seats – Flat bed – Light duvet, large pillows – Computer usage with USB ports and keyboard – Business lounge – Snack corner – Eau de toiletries – Power Outlet – Noise cancelling headsets- 2-2-2 layout – Shoe compartment – Coat Hook – Built in massage capability in each chair – Meal and cocktail table – Adjustable reading light – Inflight bar – Marc Newson amenities kit with Korner skincare product – Power Outlet – Noise cancelling headsets- 2-3-2 layout with 198cm long, 52 cm wide seats – Flat bed – Built in massage capability in each chair – Extra large tray table – Mood Lighting – Adjustable reading light – Extra large tray table – Agnes B Amenities kit with Murad/Dermalogica skincare products – Power Outlet – Noise cancelling headsets Appendix 11 Table 3 Average Age of Aircraft Average Age of Aircraft, 31March 20082007-20082006-20072005 – 20062004 – 2005 SIA Passenger Fleet (Months)77757664 SIA Freighters (Months)88766865 Industry Wide (Months)162160159157 Appendix 12 Table 4 Operating Performance of Company The CompanyCathay Qantas in S$ million 200820072006200520082008 Revenue12,759. 6011,343. 9010,302. 809,260. 109753. 27715051. 7 Expenditure-11,115. 60-10,316. 90-9,651. 80-8,562. 20-8751. 65-13774. 2 Operating Profit1,644. 001,027. 00651697. 91001. 6271277. 527 Percentage Change60. 10%57. 80%-6. 70% 33. 40% (compared to previous year) Cash Flow from Operating Activities4269. 43163. 52309. 62786. 62,540. 032,101. 91 Appendix 13 Table 5 Quick Ratio Calculation Quick Ratio = Quick Assets/ Current Liabilities (Quick Assets exclude inventories prepaid assets) The GroupCathayQantas n S$ million 200820072006200820082008 Current Assets8,313. 308,248. 805,938. 304,943. 90339075616. 2 Inventories507. 7534. 1517. 5442. 5882215. 7 Section 44 tax prepayments-46. 7166. 2221. 4– Prepayments104. 986. 1—- Quick Assets7,700. 707,581. 905,254. 604,280. 00330255400. 5 Current Liabilities5,957. 705,258. 404,842. 503,901. 60273947603. 9 Quick Ratio1. 291. 44 1. 091. 101. 210. 71 Appendix 14 Table 6 Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculation Debt-to-Equity ratio shows the composition of debt and equity in the capital structure and measures the degree to which the company relies on outsider for funds. Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total long-term liabilities/ Total stockholders’ equity The GroupCathayQantas in S$ million 200820072006200520082008 Long-term Liabilities1,599. 201,805. 801,824. 402,333. 304860. 20913. 5022 StockholderEquity15,125. 2015,100. 0013,470. 6012,342. 3016759. 325753. 29 Debt-to-Equity Ratio0. 110. 120. 140. 190. 290. 16 Appendix 15 Table 7 Return on Equity Holder’s Fund Calculation Return on equity holders’ funds = Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company / Average equity holders’ funds (Percentage) The GroupCathayQantas 200820072006200520082008 in S$ million Profit attributable to equity holders2049. 2128. 81,240. 701,309. 507023969 Equity Holder’s funds15,125. 2015,100. 0013,470. 6012,342. 30505495731. 2 Average equity holders’ funds15112. 614285. 312906. 4511898. 747967. 55683. 05 Return on equity holders’ funds13. 56%14. 90%9. 61%11. 01%14. 64%17. 05% Appendix 16 Table 8 Earnings after Tax per Share ( diluted) Calculations Earnings after tax per share (diluted) is computed by dividing profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue excluding treasury shares, adjusted for the dilutive effect on the exercise of all outstanding share options. The Group 2008200720062005 Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company(S$ millions)2,049. 402,128. 801,240. 701,352. 40 Adjustment for dilutive potential ordinary shares (S$ millions) (5. 10) (4. 80) (3. 60)- Adjusted net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (S$ millions)2,044. 302,124. 001,237. 10- Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (million)1,216. 001,233. 601,219. 501,218. 20 Adjustment for dilutive potential ordinary shares (million)14. 910. 02. 1- Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares (million)1,230. 901,243. 601,221. 601,218. 0 Diluted earnings per share (cents)166. 1170. 8101. 3111. 0 Appendix 17 Table 9 Dividend Schedule The Group 2008200720062005 Interim dividend (cents per share)20. 015. 010. 010. 0 Proposed final dividend (cents per share)80. 035. 035. 030. 0 Dividend cover (times)1. 71. 72. 32. 8 Appendix 18 Exhibit 3 SIACathay PacificQantas Airways SIACathay PacificQantas Airways 52 Weeks Range Volatility47%63%59% H ighest Price in 52 Weeks$19. 90$24. 00$6. 06 Lowest Price in 52 Weeks$10. 52$8. 77$2. 50 Appendix 19 Table 10 Figures for Industry Averages are taken from Reuters (www. reuters. com) Industry AverageGroup’s Average Quick Ratio0. 921. 29 Interest Coverage0. 0426. 42 Return on Assets0. 19%8. 10% Return on Equity-0. 04%13. 60% Appendix 20 Table 11 Non Financial Evaluation in the form of a BSC Learning and Growth Aspects of MeasurementMeasuresEvaluation Employee DevelopmentEmployee training programmes implemented †¢Implementation of a company-wide Core Developmental Competency Framework. Consisting of eight core competencies, it allows staff to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. †¢Three areas have been prioritised for follow-up action: Pay and Benefits, Career Development, and Working Relationships. This shows that they are concerned about its employees’ welfare, not just giving them financial satisfaction. †¢Introduced a web-based self-learning security program for cabin and technical aircrew. †¢Seven training schools Employee satisfactionEmployee benefits schemes †¢Short-Term Incentives Short-term incentives generally take the form of an annual profit-sharing bonus. Payment of the variable bonus is based on employees achieving the target levels in the following: (i) SIA Group’s Return on Shareholders’ Fund; (ii) SIA Company’s Operating Profit Margin; and iii) SIA Company’s Passenger Load Factor †¢Long-Term Incentives The Company has put in place share-based remuneration programmes allowing employees to share in its growth and success. These plans comprise the Performance Share Plan (PSP), Restricted Share Plan (RSP) and Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). InnovationNew technology and innovations†¢KrisWorld, Singapore A irlines’ award-winning and ever-expanding inflight entertainment system, offers customers a wide range of entertainment options. Customers can choose from a variety of movies, TV programmes, music CDs and channels. There is also an extensive selection of video games and interactive applications including Berlitz Word Traveler, a fully interactive learning programme. These techonology implemented allowed them to be one of the best airlines in the industry to offer such entertainment system. †¢Uses Three-step centralized innovation process. Examples are the recently launched design of the Airbus A380 cabin. Customer Overseas presenceNetwork Development†¢As of 31 March 2008, Singapore Airlines operated 726 weekly flights to 66 destinations in 36 countries. Including codeshare services with Star Alliance and partner airlines, the Airline’s global route network grew to 149 destinations in 46 countries. †¢In August 2007, SIAEC acquired 100% of Aircraft Maintenance Services Australia to offer line maintenance services at international airports in Australia. The acquisition is part of the Company’s continuing effort to capture a larger slice of the global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market by extending its reach o new growth markets and to broaden the span of its services to offer total maintenance solutions to airlines. SafetySafety measures introduced†¢Introduced a web-based self-learning security program for cabin and technical aircrew. It also successfully completed its second renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. The audit covered key operational areas across the Airline, including flight safety, emergency management, engineering maintenance and ground handling. The Airline is also working closely with other safety organisations, such as IATA and AAPA, to promote and enhance flight safety. Service rangeNew services improvements to current flights†¢KrisShop launches new online sales portal krisshop. om, featuring an online catalogue and selections exclusive to Singapore †¢ECONOMY CLASS Improved design and use of light, thinner materials which provide more personal space and legroom. Other features include a non-intrusive reading light installed underneath the seatback screen, personal storage space for spectacles and smaller items, and adjustable footrest. †¢BUSINESS C LASS The A380 is configured with 60 Business Class seats. All seats offer direct access to the aisle, with a 1-2-1 forward-facing configuration. The new Business Class seats onboard the A380 are the widest in its class for any airline. At 85-cm wide, the seat is similar but slightly bigger, than the Business Class seats fitted on the Airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Business Class on the A380 also features a Passenger Corner, specially created for these customers to pick up snacks and socialise during long flights. †¢AIRLINES KRISWORLD Customers can choose from more than 1000 entertainment options featured on the new KrisWorld, including movies, television programmes, music, learning applications and 3D games. Screens across all classes are bigger: 58cm in Suites, 39cm in Business and 30cm in Economy. Singapore Airlines customers flying on the A380 and B777-300ER, are also able to work. Inflight through a comprehensive suite of office applications which can be accessed via the handset and without a laptop. All seats come with their very own USB port and in-seat power supply. †¢INTERLINE E-TICKETING Singapore Airlines ranks as the first non-US carrier, and third in the airline industry, in implementing interline e-ticketing. As of March 2008, 97% of all tickets issued from the Airline’s sales channels were e-tickets. All Singapore Airlines’ stations in the network are e-ticket enabled. According to IATA ranking in March 2008, Singapore Airlines has 120 Interline e-ticketing partners, among the highest in the industry. Corporate Social ResponsibilityRaising money for charities †¢Over $1. 9 million was raised and distributed to charities in Sydney, Singapore and the global humanitarian organisation, Medecins Sans Frontieres. Singapore Airlines announces it will auction seats in the world’s first A380 flight on the global online marketplace, eBay. All money raised from the auction is to be donated to four charities. The auction starts on 27 August 2007 and runs for two weeks. Environment†¢The A380 is a cleaner, greener, new generation aircraft – fuel burn, compared to a Boeing 747, on a per-seat basis is 20% less, and its noise footprint at take-off and landing is about 95% lower than any aircraft introduced 40 years ago. It is the cleanest, most environmentally friendly large passenger plane to take to the skies. Importantly, it will also help to deal with congestion at busy airports by offering more seats without the need for more frequencies. And it is delivering a substantially lower fuel burn per seat mile than the older generation large passenger jets. Image and reputationAwards and Accolades September 2008 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific â€Å"Best Airline† for the 17th consecutive time in its 2008 Readers’ Poll. †¢Best Asia-Pacific Airline, Best First Class Best Business Class and Best Economy Class. With ten editions worldwide, Business Traveller is the world’s leading publication geared towards frequent busi ness travellers. †¢World’s Best Awards 2008 survey â€Å"Best International Airline† for the 13th consecutive time in its. The magazine has a readership of almost five million. February 2008 †¢Air Transport World (Global) Airline of the Year March 2008 †¢Frost Sullivan Asia Pacific Aerospace Defence Awards (Asia) Airline of the Year Business Process Process efficiency Solutions to improve business efficiency †¢Introduction of A380 to cater to high demand from customers and also attempted to cut costs that was passed on from high oil prices since the use of bigger airplanes will be more cost efficient as opposed to flying smaller airplanes with more frequency. In addition, five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft were delivered. These raised the number of Boeing 777 aircraft in the operating fleet to 72, reaffirming Singapore Airlines’ position as the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777 family. The four-time weekly service via Moscow started in March 2008, boosting the number of weekly passenger flights between Singapore and the USA to more than 50. Frequency was increased between Singapore and cities in Asia and Europe to meet growing demand for air travel. This shows that they continually increase their frequency to meet demands and improve services towards customers. Employee EfficiencyValu e added per employee†¢There is an improvement from $497,662 to $530,859 which is an increment of 6. 7% over the last financial year. Appendix 21 Table 12 Comparison with Close Competitors SIACathay PacificQantas Learning GrowthAir Crew training -4 month long training for stewardesses which includes both functional and interpersonal skills -Promote team dynamics by organizing aircrews in teams of 13 and flies together for at least 2 years Self Learning – Web-based self-learning security program for its cabin and technical crew to increase efficiency in learning Air Crew training – Staff alignment survey to ensure better employees’ expectations. – Leading-edge training and development programmes to enhance the skills of our workforce. -Business-driven learning Confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. Air Crew training – Comprehensive training program that covers topics including customer service, medical aviation, aircraft and personal safety, emergency procedures. – QGFT provides high level practical and theoretical training in dedicated facilities. Internal Business Processes-Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency through introduction of Airbus 380 which offers the state of the art aircraft and that it also cuts back on fuel costs. – Diversity of businesses by tapping into budget airline Tiger Airways. Average fleet age of 6. 41 years-Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency by publicly announcing plans to replace a few older aircraft with new fuel-efficient plans and retrenching employees. -Average fleet age of 11 years. -Cost cutting solutions to improve business efficiency through introduction of Airbus 380 which offers the state of the art aircraft and that it cuts back on fuel costs. -Overly focused on cost cutting such that safety is being compromised, and they are currently under supervision by CASA -Average flight age of 9. 3 years Diversity of businesses by tapping into budget airline and currently holds stakes in Jetstar. Customer Perspective- Close relationship and builds loyalty through branding. – Excellent in flight enter tainment on board that is crucial for longer flights. – Low safety concern: Introduced a web-based self-learning security program for cabin and technical aircrew and has completed its second renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. The Airline is also working closely with other safety organisations, such as IATA and AAPA, to promote and enhance flight safety. Build and maintain a good social image and reputation- Excellent in flight services on board with brand new state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system with audio and video on demand for the business class. – Low safety concerns and they emphasized that safety is of utmost importance: established the Board Safety Review Committee and Airline Safety Review Committee – Safety problems have been an issue recently with numerous cases of technical problems and causing flight delays. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) told Qantas to improve the maintenance of its planes, after several flights had been cancelled or delayed due to engine problems. † – Social image declining due to adverse news reports about concerns over safety levels. Appendix 22 Article 6 Singapore world’s best airline STUART INNES 20 September 2008 SINGAPORE Airlines, the first to have daily international flights through Adelaide Airport, has been named best airline by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine The readers’ votes also gave the airline wins in categories for best first class, best business class and best economy class. The gongs come on top of other awards to Singapore Airlines such as the annual Skytrax survey, which voted it airline of the year. US-based magazine Travel + Leisure readers voted Singapore Airlines as best international airline in its 2008 World’s Best Awards. 9References Books Loizos Heracleous, Jochen Wirtz Nitin Pangarkar (2006) Flying High in a competitive industry: Cost-effective service excellence at Singapore Airlines McGraw-Hill Educatiion (Asia) Databases Factiva http://global. factiva. com. ezlibproxy1. ntu. edu. sg/sb/default. aspx? NAPC=Sfcpil=en Journal Articles Shank, K. J. and Govindarajan, V. (1992). Strategic Cost Management and the Value Chain. Journal of Cost Management, Winter 1992, 5(4):5-21 Chivaka, R. (2007). Strategic Cost Management: Value Chain Analysis Approach. Accounting SA, August 2007, 25-27. Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. The Free Press, New York, Ch. 1, pp 11-15. Newspaper Reports The Straits Times, October 19 2008, Money Section, SIA sees 1. 6% drop in flier numbers Other Reports Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2007-08 Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2006-07 Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2005-06 Singapore Airlines Ltd Financial Report 2004-05 Cathay Pacific Financial Report 2007-2008 Qantas Airways Financial Report 2007-2008 Websites www. cathaypacific. com www. qantas. com. au www. reuters. com www. singaporeair. com http://business. timesonline. co. uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article4909976. ece http://www. straitstimes. com/Breaking%2BNews/Money/Story/STIStory_288507. html www. venturerepublic. com/resources/Singapore_Airlines_ ¬_An_Excellent_Asian_Brand. asp www. singaporeairfreight. com/ttd_bizenterprise/Singlenews. aspx? DirID=64re How to cite Singapore International Airlines, Papers

PTSD and Treatment free essay sample

According to the National Association of Social Workers they exemplify evidence-based treatment as a process involving reating an answerable question based on a client or organizational need, finding the best available evidence to answer the question, evaluating the quality of the evidence and efficiency of the solution. Before we get into the evidence-based techniques, I am going to delve into more information on PTSD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are three types of PTSD symptoms. The first type of symptoms is relieving the event, which disturbs day to day activity. The clients suffering from PTSD can have reoccurring flashback episodes in which their terrifying event seems to happen over and over again. Also they will have constant upsetting memories of the event. Thirdly, people suffering from PTSD will have reoccurring nightmares, and as well as uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind them of the event. The second type of PTSD symptom is avoidance. We will write a custom essay sample on PTSD and Treatment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page During the stage of avoidance there is an emotional numbing or sensation as though you do not Harris 3 care about anything going on around you. The person can feel detached, and avoid places, people, or thoughts. The third type of PTSD symptom is hyper arousal. During the hyper arousal phase, the person is always examining their urroundings for signs of danger. Also they arent able to concentrate, and can easily be startled. Additionally, the person suffering from this disorder will feel irritable and can have outburst of anger, and can have difficulty falling or staying asleep. The feelings of stress, tension, agitation, and anxiety are also symptoms of PTSD. Children and teens can have severe responses to an ordeal, but their symptoms may not be the same as adults. In very young children, these symptoms can include bedwetting, even though theyd learned how to use the toilet before. Secondly, orgetting how to speak, or being unable to speak. Thirdly they could act out the scary event during playtime. Lastly the children can become extremely clingy with a parent or other adult. There are many circumstances which can play a part in whether a person will get PTSD. There are a variety of risk factors for PTSD which includes living through dangerous events and ordeals, having a history of mental illness, and getting hurts. Also seeing people hurt or killed, feeling horror, helplessness, or intense fear are other risk factors. Having little or no social support fter the event and dealing with more stress after the event, such as loss of a loved one, or losing a Job or home are other risk factors for PTSD. The symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder usually commence within 3 months of the traumatic event but periodically develop years afterward. A few people can recover within a 6 month period; however for other people the condition can become more chronic.