More Money & Less Features, Does Not Make Sense!

More Money & Less Features, Does Not Make Sense!

 

Any flight feels long because time wasted in traveling is just time wasted. Airlines are trying to figure out how to cut time and provide the best service. According to American Airlines and cutting time in placing the carry on baggage is too much trouble. They believe that due to the small compartments over the seat, there is typically not enough space and trying to accommodate carry on space has created many delays. The article says that the carry on spaces are always over booked due to people bringing a lot of access luggage. American Airline thinks by allowing only a small baggage like a purse that can be places under the seat is the way to do and people can check in everything else.

 

They are trying to do quality control for the time of luggage delays. Even though it only eliminates 2 minutes of the delay time, they think it will add up in the long run. In addition, there are cost savings because the luggage industry has created revenue in billions. I do not think this is a good strategy. The airline prices are continuously increasing due to the gas price and they are taking out amenities. I know when I travel I like doing it on Southwest because it’s cheap and allows luggage, other airlines  are more expensive and we have to pay additional for baggage. Even though it will eliminate some time in the flight, but that can be made up in other ways, such as boarding early. I think many people only carry a small luggage for a small distance and retrieving it in the luggage area would increase the traveler’s time. Also the issue to luggage getting lost is a big deal people have their carry on as their safety net and taking that away is a big deal.

 

Before American Airline makes this huge transition and purchasing, new aircraft they should construct many surveys to determine is this is worth it. Travelers want to get from point A to point B in as little hassle as possible and I believe this is just creating an unnecessary hassle. The airline will need to employ more people to put the baggage away and there is a change of loss baggage just to eliminate a 2 minute deplays. They should invest in creating a flow chart and figuring out where the problem is and eliminating or supplementing that feature. Quality control is improving quality overall not just making one area better and adding on problems in other areas.

 

What do you think are eliminating carry on luggage a good thing for American Airline to have? What would you prefer as a traveler?

 

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-17/american-airlines-doesnt-want-your-bags-in-the-cabin#r=hpt-lst

 

I’m Tired of Being In Charge

Many times we, as business students, have thought about the related stress and demands that we could face if we ever had to lead our own organization. Managing the various divisions across the organization to make sure we are reaching the expected results, that the company culture is positive and that employees are actually performing what we want from them.  Let’s face it, the very thought of it may be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting and may give us an unexpected set of grey hairs.

The article entitled, “When the CEO Burns Out” from the Wall Street Journal discusses the particular case of James Green, CEO of Giant Realm, an online advertising network.  While the article not only makes mention of the high amounts of stress and mounted expectations that this CEO faces, it goes further by stating how this trend is on the rise in the US corporate environment in general.

The article mentions a study carried out by the Harvard Medical School, which clearly illustrates the new trend among CEOs, the study showed that 96% of senior leaders reported feeling burnt out. This new trend is something that needs to be addressed and solved as soon as possible. It will not only damage the long-term goals of the company but will also decrease the CEO’s management quality, as they strive to reach the numerous objectives set for them.

This article does a good job of describing this recent trend, as well as the medical reasons and preventions that executives can take, yet it fails to mention non-health related actions that companies should inspire their CEOs to do. These actions include an effective and fair delegation system, which many times is a hard decision for executives to make, since they feel they will not be needed in the future, or because they are decreasing their workload. Executives should also be compensated and treated fairly even if they sometimes do not achieve the desired results. As long as these CEOs have the input of the shareholders and receive positive criticism, their performance can still improve in the future and without taking a toll on their mental and physical health.

Companies need to realize of this new and more recurring trend and take preemptive measures to help CEOs not only perform their job successfully but also keep them motivated and enthusiastic about their job and the company itself. Often, when CEOs experience burnout they are later instructed to take a leave of absence to recover from stress. During these absences companies have seen not only their operations lag and/or become less effective, but also a decrease in stock value. This last issue may sometimes make the pressures that were put on the CEO previously inconsequential since the company’s value took a step back during the CEO’s absence. In conclusion, companies should look for results but they should do so responsibly while also making sure that their leader is healthy and motivated to improve on previous performances and improve their managing quality.

What do you think companies should do to avoid these burnouts?

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323687604578469124008524696.html

Can the Cruise Industry Stay Afloat?

It’s been a nightmare at sea for this seasons start to the 2013 Cruise Season. From passengers going overboard, crew members dying and of course the horrific Carnival cruise ship that suffered a mass power outage that left over 4200 passengers stranded in the Mexican Gulf, the industry has been hit with new challenges.

Although, Carnival Cruise line has been getting the blunt of the bad media coverage for several equipment failures, the whole industry of cruise ships still have been affected. The Cruise Industry is now facing challenges of attracting new passengers due to recent events coupled with the old challenge of increasing operational costs and competition.

With high fuel costs, expensive airfare, and a rougher economy, almost every cruise line has been forced to cut costs while still trying to attract consumers. The Carnival Cruise ships have been proof that cutting costs in procedures, maintenance and quality crew members in order to provide over the top amenities and attractive destinations at reasonable costs to passengers have major consequences.

The challenge is not just picking attractive destinations and providing better service and perks then the next cruise ship.

All cruise lines have been optimistic in light of the horrific at-sea events, through the release of big upgrades, innovations and reengineered cruise ships in attempt to save the industry and their images. Cruise lines are taking on the challenge by restructuring ships to be the destination. An editor of cruisecritic.com , Caroyln Spencer Brown believes that “When you start focusing on shiny new ships with funky, fun, new amenities and features, the market comes back.” Or at least that is their hope.

The Royal Caribbean will release more thrill seeking attractions like bumper cars and simulated skydiving, while the Disney Cruise line will be redesigning their old ship to mimic the Marvel Comic Superhero theme. Several other major attractions like water parks, state of the art dining , world class exercise classes are all features that are changing the cruise line industry; it’s no longer just about the port destinations, its the ship itself that delivers the true experience.

While other cruise lines are adding over-the-top products and services to their ships, Carnival Cruise is sticking to product improvement. They have cancelled several cruises and spent over $300 million on safety upgrades and emergency generators to enhance their dependability and prevent anymore-technical nightmares.

Although, the thrill of walking on a plank, ice bars, eccentric food from Food Network Chefs, themes and celebrity shows sound enticing…I think there is a point where safety should not be forfeited. Also, is it really right for Cruise Lines to believe the ship “experience” outshines the actual destinations?

 

Ice Bar in Norwegian Cruise Ship

Observatory 300 feet above Sea Level

Would you pick a cruise based on it’s innovative amenities or on the basis of the trips destinations?

What dimension of quality do you think is most important for Cruise Lines to focus on?  Aesthetics? Service? Reliability etc..?

 

http://www.newsday.com/travel/cruises-get-good-buzz-from-new-ships-overhauls-1.5279922

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/carnival-cruise-lines-cancels-dozen-trips/story?id=18771670#.UZf8Eyv5l9k