Friday, January 3, 2020

Religion-Week 1 - 764 Words

Explain whether you agree or disagree with the notion that religion and science can coexist. Name at least two (2) key points from the podcast that substantiate your position. I do believe that religion and science can coexist. In the interview the commentator explains that one of professor Francisco Ayalas (Faith Matters. 2010, April 02) statements was that science and religion need not be in contradiction if they are properly understood..... religion explains why and science explains how..... but they are one in the same ( Lab activity: Chapter 1). They really complement each other and they dont have to be separate or contradictory to each other. When I think of religion I see it as a roadmap that leads to an expected end, and†¦show more content†¦In conclusion, I agree with the professor in believing that they can coexist because they are just two different components that attempt to explain the same subjects from different perspectives. With the right understanding of both ideas and how to apply them to each other one could develop an even richer understanding of religion as a whole. Reference  · Faith Matters. (2010, April 02). Scholar says that religion and Science can coexist. Lab Activity: Chapter1. Podcast retrieved fromShow MoreRelatedREL 133 week 1 Common Practices in Religion Essay794 Words   |  4 PagesPractices in Religion Carrie Shellie Cobbs University of Phoenix World Religious Traditions I REL 133 Robert Mossman June 29, 2014 Common Practices in Religion Religious belief and practices are deeply rooted in traditions and teachings from sacred scriptures and texts. Indigenous religions are specific to a tribe, region, and cultures that have had various influences in their core religion. Religion is a very personal issue for most people and therefore closely guarded. Studying religion is necessaryRead MoreEssay about Religion 111 Study Questions Week 1979 Words   |  4 Pagesgiven a more physical appearance and human like actions. This account is also not formally structured and somewhat spontaneous, but still gives the same idea of God being the creator of everything. Q4. Compare the two accounts of creation in Genesis 1-3. What are the differences in order, style, and vocabulary? In the first creation story there is a lot of repetition, and God is more of a voice than a physical person. The first story is also written in an order of events that took place over sixRead MoreGrand Canyon Int 244 Complete Course1616 Words   |  7 Pagescom/Grand-Canyon-INT-244-Full-Course-5454544.htm?categoryId=-1 If You Face Any Problem E- Mail Us At Contact.Hwnerd@Gmail.Com ALL DISCUSSIONS AND ALL ASSIGNMENTS WEEK 1 DQ 1 The author of the course textbook offered his definition of religion. Based on your own spiritual understandings and beliefs, do you agree with this definition? Explain your reasoning. Cite references where possible. 5 postsRe:Topic 1 DQ 1 Identify basic beliefs and practices of the various the formsRead MoreGrand Canyon Int 244 All Assignments1171 Words   |  5 Pagesdownload=grand-canyon-int-244-all-assignments-2 For Further Information And For A+ Work Contact US At SPINWOOP@GMAIL.COM GRAND CANYON INT 244 All Assignments Week 1 – 8 week 1 Details: In a personal reflection of 1,000 – 1,250 words, consider how a Christian might benefit from a study of other religions by addressing the following: 1. Can Christian dialogue with other religious traditions be a part of the calling to proclaim the Gospel? 2. What can Christians learn from other religious traditionsRead MoreScience Reflection Paper967 Words   |  4 Pagesexactly is science? How does science affect humanity? How does philosophy, science and religion relate to each other? What is the real problem with climate change? What is my opinion about diet, exercise and health? As we explore the comprehensible, explicit and coherent meaning of science and to answer these questions, here is my reflection of the ten topics discussed across twelve weeks of lectures. Week 1 (What would convince you?) The first week’s lecture presented the idea of epistemologyRead MoreImpressions of the Meaning and Significance of African Religion745 Words   |  3 PagesIn his book African Religions and Philosophy professor John Mbiti continually explains that all African cultures and societies, regardless of differences in national origin, language, or ethnicity are deeply religious. African traditional religion is so much a part of the African traditional heritage that it is found in every aspect of life. Traditional religion for the Africans is the normal way of looking at the world and experiencing life itself. Therefore, as Mbiti interprets, A study ofRead MoreModern-day Indian Breaking the Shackles of Caste and the Past by Aravind Adiga1057 Words   |  4 Pagessocial mobility in the new social hierarchy of India. He discusses how the social hierarchy has undergone massive changes since the colonial times. Like we learned in class, there is considerable social mobility among th e castes in India today (Week 5, Lecture 1). Adiga illustrates this transition and clash of ideologies in relation to caste beautifully through the various characters. On one hand is Mr. Ashok, who having being educated in America believes that the caste system is a thing of the pastRead MoreA Brief Look at Abortion823 Words   |  3 Pagesabortion really means. Abortion is when a woman purposely terminates, or kills, her pregnancy, most often during the first 28 weeks after conception (Google). While some some people know this, still others are not aware of why someone would choose to have an abortion. Many people may think rape is the highest cause women have abortions. But, what they do not know, is less than 1% of women have an abortion after being raped (Abortions in America). The two major reasons women have abortions are becauseRead MoreCompare And Contrast The Three Pillars Of Islam1157 Words   |  5 Pagesof the religion. Muslims go about their lives abiding by t hese pillars (â€Å"Islam†). In Christianity, there are not necessarily pillars, but there are commandments that one should live their life by (â€Å"Christianity†). The three pillars of Islam that will be identified resemble some of the beliefs in Christianity. The declaration of faith, prayer, and a period of sacrifice are pillars of the Islamic faith but also can be found in the practice of Christianity. A pillar in the Islamic religion is faithRead MoreThe Social Survey ( Gss )1135 Words   |  5 Pagescharity? †¦ Given money to a charity?† Applicable answers for both questions ranged from: more than once a week, once a week, once a month, at least 2 or 3 times in the past year, once in the past year to not at all in the past year; also included were â€Å"don’t know† and â€Å"no answer†. Independent and Control Variables The independent variables utilized included age, race, sex, years of education, religion, marital status, and general happiness. Most of those are considered core demographic factors for any

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf - 1696 Words

In the novel Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf, the author uses narrative techniques of stream of consciousness and interior monologue in order to depict the workings of an â€Å"ordinary† or normal mind in narrative form. She also rejects the conventional structure of ‘chapters’ in order to give an â€Å"ordinary† portrayal of the mind. This essay will firstly contextualise the extract for analysis, namely the opening scene in the novel. This will be followed by defining the narrative techniques that is depicted in the extract, focusing on stream of consciousness and interior monologue. The narrative techniques will then be used to explore the ways that Woolf depicts the workings of an â€Å"ordinary† mind in the extract. Lastly the reasons for Woolf’s interest on the â€Å"ordinary† mind in the context of modernism will be explored. Firstly the extract will be introduced and contextualised as a basis for the analysis. The novel, Mrs Dalloway takes place within one day, focusing on the inner thoughts of the characters and not on conventions pertaining to tragedy or love interest. On Wednesday morning at approximately 9:30, Clarissa Dalloway, a fifty-two year old upper class woman, is on her way to buy flowers for her society party that will be taking place that evening. As she exits her home, she is reminded of a series of events that transpired in earlier years due to the sound of the hinges, when opening the door. She recalls the time when she was eighteen years old and living in BourtonShow MoreRelatedMrs. Dalloway By Virginia Woolf1443 Words   |  6 PagesMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf examines the lives of a group of socialites in post World War I England. Clarissa Dalloway spent her life suffering from anxiety but was devoted to hiding it from the world. Septimus struggled with shell shock, or post-traum atic stress disorder, that no one could help him with. These people were not only characters in Virginia Woolf’s story, but also a representation of what had been going on in Woolf’s life. She used her own struggle with mental illness as inspirationRead MoreMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf 1495 Words   |  6 PagesThe psychological effect the city environment has on both, the characters and authors, can be seen in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway and T.S.Elliot’s the wasteland. The lack of unity of Elliot’s text has lead critics to feel the writing is far too fragmented: My nerves are bad to-night. Yes, bad. Stay with me. Speak to me. Why do you never speak? Speak. What are you thinking of? What thinking? What. I never know what you are thinking. Think. (TWL: 110) However, as Gareth Reeves suggests in theRead MoreMrs. Dalloway, By Virginia Woolf1498 Words   |  6 Pagestemporary. Both One of Ours, written by Willa Cather, and Mrs. Dalloway, written by Virginia Woolf, take place during this era. Despite being set during a time of supposed progress for women’s rights, the roles that women are expected to fulfill in these texts are still oppressive.Examining these novels, it becomes apparent that the roles of women did not change as a result of the war. In fact, Enid, in One of Ours, and Mrs. Dalloway, in Mrs. Dalloway, exist in an unchanged, oppressive society, despiteRead MoreMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf981 Words   |  4 Pagestimes are set in unison to each other, as time is always relative to an observer. But what happens when the times of the external and internal differ? In the novel Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, Woolf begins to explore this question through her unique writing style of free indirect discourse to travel forward and back in time, as Woolf narrates freely through the thoughts and memories of each character. With each half-hour and hourly strike of Big Ben in the heart of London, the clock serves asRead MoreMrs. Dalloway, By Virginia Woolf1507 Words   |  7 Pages Both One of Ours, written by Willa Cather, and Mrs. Dalloway, written by Virginia Woolf, take place around World War One. Despite taking place around World War One, a time associated with progress, there is not a stark contrast in the roles that women were expected to fulfill. Examining these novels, it becomes apparent that the roles of women did not change as a result of the war. In fact, Enid, in One of Ours, and Mrs. Dalloway, in Mrs. Dalloway, exist in an unchanged, oppressive society despiteRead MoreMrs. Dalloway By Virginia Woolf751 Words   |  4 PagesMrs.Dalloway, written by Virginia Woolf in 1925 is about a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she gets ready to host a party that evening. Mrs.Dalloway is a stream of consciousness story and the readers get a chance to know not only Clarissa’s though but also other character that have very different lifestyles and social/economic status from Clarissa. The story closely tracks Clarissa, Septimus Warren Smith, Peter Walsh, Miss Kilman and a few other characters. Throughout the day the differentRead MoreMrs. Dalloway By Virginia Woolf1322 Words   |  6 PagesIn the book Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf, it is evident that the main character, Clarissa Dalloway, double persona is Septimus Smith. While Clarissa proves to be more rational, Septimus is irrational. Clarissa shows optimism with her life and finding her true identity while Septimus is someone who experiencing insanity and madness. Although she never meets him and their lives are vastly different, the two characters actually mirror each other. Clarissa and Septimus share many characteristicsRead MoreVirginia Woolf s Mrs. Dalloway1234 Words   |  5 PagesVirginia Woolf ’s renowned novel, Mrs. Dalloway, published in 1925, is a major literary achievement because of the narrative style in which Woolf rejects the traditional structures of Victorian fiction for the more progressive Modernist era. The entire novel spans one day in a post-First World War England. In Mrs. Dalloway, the reality of the novel is constructed through the minds of the characters rather than the conventional patriarchal â€Å"I.† Woolf replaces the single master perspective with an inclusiveRead MoreDepression In Mrs. Dalloway, By Virginia Woolf1539 Words   |  7 PagesIn â€Å"Mrs. Dalloway,† Virginia Woolf highlights different experiences of everyday suffering after World War I. Septimus Smith, a veteran of World War I, loses his identity during his tour. Clarissa Dalloway and Lucrezia Warren Smith are both suffering as a result of society’s expectations; they both lose their individuality and succumb to their husbands. Many people did not know ho w to cope with the change of perspective after the war; some people tried different forms of treatment, while others choseRead MoreAnalysis Of Mrs. Dalloway By Virginia Woolf1279 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Beautiful, complex, incisive†¦. One of the most moving, revolutionary artworks of the twentieth century† (Michael Cunningham) Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf is not only a book that entertains millions, like Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, or E. L. James’s Fifty Shades of Grey, but it is a work of literature that revolutionized the art of writing, which continues to influence people’s philosophies, beliefs, and views on life— even roughly after

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

I Am A New Place - 941 Words

I awoke to the sound of the morning paper banging onto the door as the paper boy passed on bike. I got up, changed, and stepped outside to the world of light and bustling city streets. I greeted Ms. Janice across the street and she said something lost in the sound of horns honking as a sea of cars flowed along the street. â€Å"I need to get a new place,† I thought to myself. After I returned from my brother’s house, the construction of newfangled ‘Skyscrapers’ had begun. The country was deep into a depression, in fact, the worst one ever. People looking for jobs have been lucky enough to build the skyscrapers all over the country. I walked back into my house and sat down in my large leather chair I got from an older department store in†¦show more content†¦When we arrived in Poland, we were sent to the trenches right away. Life In trenches is hard. We rarely ate a hot meal, but ate mostly canned goods. It is very muddy and we are always soaked. Br ead comes once a week, but the white men take it all for themselves. I have not seen very much racial prejudice in my trench, but I cannot imagine what other blacks are living with in these trenches (Life on the Front Line). â€Å"Hurry!,† Big Joe yelled as we crosses the trench. â€Å"What is it?,† I yelled back, but I already knew what it was. I could hear the Nazis speaking rapid German to each other as they crossed over the trench. I turned to see that Big Joe was not there. â€Å"Must’ve ran away!,† I thought. The airfield was only a short walk from the trench. When I got there, only one plane was left, a Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet, a prototype plane (Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet). Luckily for me, I was the only one that knew how to fly it. I jumped in and gunned the plane to full throttle just as a bomb blew behind me. As I took off, I strayed a look at my 8 month home. As my eyes skimmed the narrow trench, my eyes caught Big Joe, standing in the trench looking up the heavens above, asking for mercy upon his soul. As the bomb dropped, he looked into my eyes, saying silently, â€Å"Win this war.† As I flew the plane, I thought about ejecting and cutting my parachute, but then I felt that was needed in this war. I flew across Poland and landed on a US Base in Sweden. I was

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Wireless Network Engineering Digital and Analog

Question: Describe about the Wireless Network Engineering for Digital and Analog. Answer: 1: Comparison Between analog signals and digital signals: Particulars Analog signals Digital signals Signal It is a continuous signal which represent physical measurement It is a discrete signals which represent digital modulation Waves Sine waves representation Square waves representation Representation Continuous range of values Discontinuous range of values Technology Record waveforms Limited number of records Transmission of data Noise can occur deterioration in the completion of read and write cycle Noise can occur without deterioration in the completion of read and write cycle Response given to noise Reduce the accuracy Analog response are generated Flexible Implementation of hardware is not flexible Implementation of hardware is flexible Uses It is best suitable for analog devices It is suitable for devices of digital electronics Bandwidth It consumes less bandwidth It consumes more bandwidth Transmission of radio waves using antenna: The radio waves are usually used for the transmission of sounds and pictures. The modulated carrier wave is generated by the oscillator circuit transformer which is then applied to the antenna for converting the electrical signals to electromagnetic waves. This transmission takes place at the speed of light (Dan, 2008). The receiving antennas at receiver site receive the modulated signals in the electromagnetic wave and then transform it into electrical waves. 2: The multiplexing methods are described below: FDMA: FDMA stands for frequency division multiplexing access which makes use of fundamental technique of dividing bandwidth or single channel into multiple channels. Each individual channels have single spectra for the transmission of data. In the transmission of the data, the linear mixing of the subcarrier takes place. TDMA: TDMA stands for time division multiplexing access which is used for dividing the single channel into number of time slots or bands. Every time slot is capable of transmitting of one byte of data (Shacklett, 2012). The transmission of digital segment takes place in sequential order. This is the best method used for signals having slow voice data, compressed video, and the data which requires high speed transmission. The global system of mobile communication technology is based on the time division multiplexing access. CDMA: CDMA stands for code division multiplexing. It is based on the technique of digitization. It make use of direct sequence spread spectrum which can be accomplished by digitizing the analog signal and transmit it by using wider bandwidth. The chipping codes of 5MHz allow the multiple users to share the data at the same time having common bandwidth. The technology uses XOR circuit for chipping the signal at higher frequency. The XOR circuit is also used for sending digitized and compressed signals in serial order. CDMA employed the technique of Spread spectrum. Future Technology: CDMA is the dominant technology in the future of wireless technology because it sends the compressed voice at 3.84 Mbit / sec. The chipping codes of 5MHz allow the multiple users to share the data at the same time having common bandwidth. 3: The sensitivity of receiver and sender predicts the quality of wireless transmission. The quality of the transmitted signal can be improved by improving the sensitivity of the receiver. By improving the characteristics of antenna like frequency, impedance, ability of transmitting and receiving signals, polarization of the antenna, pattern of the antenna radiation, short distance reception should be used, and installation of the antenna should be simplified by dividing the receiving end. For the installation of the antenna, it is required to use minimum cable length and the connection point used between two antennae (Mohammed, 2014). The size of the antenna can depends on the factors like distance between the sites, the Fresnel zone, and objects placed in the path. Distance of Wireless Link Approximate value of Fresnel zone Approximate value of earth curvature Size of the antenna 1 2 3 4 3 23 4 27 5 30 5 35 8 40 8 48 10 44 13 57 15 55 23 83 20 65 50 115 25 72 78 150 4: ZigBee makes use of IEEE standard of 802.15.4specification for the implementation of physical layer and MAC layer. Star Topology: It is the combination of coordinator and end devices. The communication between the end devices and coordinator takes place by doing exchange of the data packets. Advantage: The nodes can easily be connected to one another Disadvantage: The operation of the topology depends on the working structure of the coordinator. No availability of alternative path Tree topology: In this, the central node is called as root by which the coordination of other end devices takes place. The end nodes are called as children. In the complete formation of the structure only router and coordinator can have children. Advantages: It offers expandability of the network Disadvantages: The disabling of one parent results into breakage of communication with other devices (Thomsons, 2012). The two nodes which are in close relationship cannot communicate with one another. Mesh Topology: It is the combination of coordinator, many routers, and end devices. It is a multi-hop network which passes packet through multi-hop. Advantages: It helps in eliminating the dead zone (Vallabh, 2014). The communication can takes place with any destination node. Disadvantages: It results into greater overhead. It uses complex routing protocol. 5: Protocol Layer implementation for Wireless HD: The layering model for wireless HD is divided into four functional layer which are named as PHY layer, Mac sub-layer, Adaptation sub-layer, and station management entity. The AVC protocol and A/V packetizer are used in the adaptation sub-layer. The four function entities of the layered model provides services like transmission of high rate data, services related to low data rate, and lastly, the service of management (Marco, 2015). The HR protocol data unit consist of information like identification of beam tracking, use of UEP mode for coding, scrambler initialization, and spatial stream for transmission of packet. The LRP works in the same bandwidth of HRP. The WVAN is the super-frame which is used for Mac layer for the transmission of time slot. A random access time block is used for transmitting data packets. The layered model for wireless HD is shown below: References: Marco, P. (2015). Protocol design and implementation of wireless sensor network(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.divaportal.org/smash/get/diva2:572787/FULLTEXT01.pdf Mohammed, D. (2014).WiFi Antenna installation best practices design guide(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.lcom.com/content/WiFi%20Antenna%20Installation%20Best%20Practices.pdf Shacklett, M. (2012).Multiple Access Technique(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.iitg.ernet.in/scifac/qip/public_html/cd_cell/chapters/a_mitra_mobile_communication/chapter8.pdf Thomson, K. (2010).Zigbee wireless sensor network and their application(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://people.cs.nctu.edu.tw/~yctseng/papers.pub/book-zigbee.pdf Vallabh, V. (2014).IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee: A conceptual study(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www.ijarcce.com/upload/september/2_IEEE%20802.15,4%20AND%20ZIGBEE.pdf Dan, L. (2008). Cooperative Analog digital signal processing(1st ed.). Retrieved from https://www2.ece.gatech.edu/research/labs/cadsp/Publications/paper15.pdf

Monday, December 2, 2019

Wutherin Heights Essays - British Films, English-language Films

Wutherin Heights Through the duration of Heathcliff's life, he encounters many tumultuous events that affects him as a person and transforms his rage deeper into his soul, for which he is unable to escape his nature. From the beginning of the novel and most likely from the beginning of Heathcliff's life, he has suffered pain and rejection. When Mr. Earnshaw brings him to Wuthering Heights, he is viewed as a thing rather than a child. Mrs. Earnshaw was ready to fling it out the doors, while Nelly put it on the landing of the stairs hoping that it would be gone the next day. Without having done anything to deserve rejection, Heathcliff is made to feel like an outsider. Following the death of Mr. Earnshaw, Heathcliff suffers cruel mistreatment at the hands of Hindley. In these tender years, he is deprived of love, friendship, and education, while the treatment from jealous Hindley is barbaric and disrupts his mental balance. He is separated from the family, reduced to the status of a servant, undergoes regular beatings and forcibly separated from his soul mate, Catherine. The personality that Heathcliff develops in his adulthood has been formed in response to these hardships of his childhood. The final sense of alienation and the most implicating occurs with Catherine's marriage to Edgar, Heathcliff considers this a betrayal of his love for her, since she wants the social status and existence at the Grange. Heathcliff is however proud and determined and does not cower when opposed by those consider themselves to be superiors. Finally, when he realizes that Catherine has chosen status, wealth and position over him, he disappears for three years and returns in the manner of a gentleman. As he returns to Wuthering Heights, he is engulfed with this passion to revenge himself on all those who have abused him as a child. He ruins Hindley by encouraging his excessive drinking and gambling. His revenge is also directed towards Edgar Linton, whom he sees as having stolen Catherine from him. His sullen, vengeful, cruel and impatient characteristics still exist, which have been present since childhood, but have grown deeper. He is, in reality, a man torn between love and hate. Since his depths of his passions, he hates as deeply as he loves. As Heathcliff approaches death and a reunion of Catherine, he no longer has an interest for revenge. He falls deeply into a spiritual torment. Heathcliff is a many faced character, in his early years he is characterizes by his hot temper, his irritability, his fierce attachment to Catherine and his limit for hatred. The adult Heathcliff, who returns to Wuthering Heights after a three year absence, is a powerful villain driven by revenge, distorted by the sense of the wrongs done to him and made emotionally unstable by Catherine's marriage. This later Heathcliff is characterized by coldness by an incapacity to love and ultimately by consuming passion for revenge against those who have abused him and for connection with his beloved Catherine. Just as he begins life, he ends life as an unloved, lonely outsider.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

economy of jamaica essays

economy of jamaica essays The Jamaican economy is an ailing economy and a prime example of an impoverished nation with an inadequate manufacturing infrastructure, limited nation and agricultural assets and declining foreign investments. With a decline in foreign investments Lee Bailey, President of Cruise Shipping Association who was a guest on the television program, A Nation In Crisis on November 2nd, 2000 at 8:30 pm live on T.V. J stated that with no water, no roads no infrastructure why would foreigners want invest? Why would they want to build a home with these conditions? Mark Kerr Jarrett, President of Montego Bay Camber of Commerce, another guest on A Nation In Crisis stated that law and order must be returned to the streets in order to sell the nation to foreign and local investors. He also said people must reinvest to increase the income of the nation. Jamaica has experience a deteriorating economy along with falling living standards for over 15 years as a result of a heavy debt, a devalued currency and societal malaise. The government is still repaying monies they have borrowed from international leading agencies such as the international Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Payment of 3.6 billion in foreign debt alone consumes 49% of the total budget. A series of floods and hurricanes that ravaged the country exposed the governments poor emergency relief preparation forcing authorities to solicit extensive loans from abroad. These debt burdens are an amount of money borrowed together with repayments of interest. Listed below are reasons for an ailing economy: d.) Government measures, stop-go policies related to change in government ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Analysis of Pricing and Distribution Strategy at British Airways The WritePass Journal

Analysis of Pricing and Distribution Strategy at British Airways Introduction Analysis of Pricing and Distribution Strategy at British Airways Introduction Company’s outlookPricing Strategy Distribution Strategy Evaluation Conclusion and Recommendations  ReferencesRelated Introduction British Airways is the flagship airline carrier for United Kingdom, formed in 1974. With significant presence at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City with over 20 million people living within commuting distance. BA has a fleet of more than 238 aircrafts in service as of March 2010 and flies to 41 different destinations in America, 9 in the UK, 67 in Europe, 16 in the Middle-East and South-Asia and 7 in the Asia Pacific region, carrying around 32 million passengers between 2009 and 2010 as well as operating a large air cargo business alongside. BA, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas form the Oneworld airline alliance which is now the third largest airline alliance group. In 2011 BA merged with Iberia forming IAG with 408 aircrafts flying to 200 destinations and carrying 55 million passengers and allowing the two companies to enhance their presence in the market whilst retaining their own brands and allowing their customers to benefit from a larger network of travel (iairgroup.com/ 2011). Company’s outlook British Airways sees itself as a vital link for trade and investment, specialising in short to medium length international journeys which has seen revenue of  £8 billion in 2009/10. This figure is down 11% on the previous year due mainly to price of fuel and the recession. BA’s main activity revolves around passenger travel which accounts for 87% of 2009/10 revenue, supposed to 7% from cargo and 6% from other means. The acquisition of Iberia in 2011 has allowed BA to increase its capabilities in the cargo market and diversify their operations. Both companies float on the Spanish and UK stock markets as one under IAG, which floated in late January 2011 at 282p a share; this has dropped to a price of 224.3p per share as of 4th April 2011. The future for British Airways and IAG will be largely affected by its ability to weather the downturn, but with its promise of drastic expansion and a strong market share within the European market (3rd biggest by revenue) (www.bbc.co.uk/new s 2011) Pricing Strategy British Airways prices its products in a way that allows consumers to decide the level of services they want. For example return flight to New York, purchased online is  £376 in economy yet consumers pay a huge increase to  £2728 for the same flight, (www.britishairways.com 2011) but in first class. BA’s premium and medium strategies offers superior quality for greater price allowing the airline to compete with other quality airlines such as Virgin and American Airlines, and base price on customer valuations The price â€Å"is set higher than others to reflect better product quality and exclusivity.† (Brassington and Petitt, 2003: 1106). However in recent years the arrival of low cost carriers and economic turmoil forced BA into providing a low cost formula to remain competitive. The first step towards this was in generating ancillary revenues by introducing a fee per one way flight for passengers booking a seat in advance for all seats except first class. (GMID 2011) Even in the low cost formula, BA are still upholding their image of quality and good customer service as unlike the low cost carriers, where ancillary revenues are the money makers with food, drink and priority boarding all costing extra, BA still provide some level of on board service in the cost of their product. Despite the introduction of a low cost formula, British Airways generally bases prices on perceived value of its brand, and aims to deliver product quality leadership strategy. (www.britishairways.com 2011) The executive club encourages loyalty to the airline and rewards consumers with double airmiles, priority boarding, additional baggage allowance and access to the BA lounge as well as giving the appearance of high quality and good value. However BA recently lowered the price of their business class ticket due to the recession. It has been recognised the company has had to reduce the price of its business class tickets, to remain competitive alongside such competition as Virgin, who have helped battle down the price, along with it’s cliental that have become less willing to pay higher prices during economic hardship. This has help attract more customers, smaller businesses in particular, who are able to do deals and meet contacts around the world. (Times Online 2011). An excellent strategy that has allowed BA to get away from just large organisations and into the smaller/medium sized business market (GMID 2011) is their Face to Face campaign which, on submittance of a business plan, small/medium sized businesses can apply for free business travel. The marginal cost of one more passenger is relatively small, as the majority of costs are largely in fixed costs of running the flight (cost of aircraft, fuel, airport duties etc.). According to Chris Tarry, transport analyst for Commerzbank Securities, BA’s selling cost per passenger in March 2002 was just 10.9% of its average ticket price (insights.org.uk 2011). This allows BA to sell tickets at lower rates when demand is less and higher rates during peak season. For example an economy class ticket to New York would normally be  £376 return but almost doubles over the peak bank holiday period of the Royal Wedding at  £616 (www.britishairways.com 2011). The airline aims to get as many people on the plane as possible, even at a lower price, and make some profit, than the plane taking of near empty and making a loss. Distribution Strategy British Airways tickets are available to purchase from travel agents physical locations and online via their websites, and through BA’s dedicated website, travel shops and reservations staff. With e-commerce radically changing distribution strategies (Solomon et al, 2009), BA and various other airlines are trying to reduce costs to ensure they continue to effectively compete against other players within the airline industry and still provide each customer with their superior service by eliminating their use of various ‘traditional intermediaries’ (Solomon et al, 2009) within their distribution channels. Globally 20% of British Airways tickets are now sold via ba.com, with 54% of these online bookings accounting for their total short haul sales stated by docstoc (2010). It’s recognised from these statistics that the convenience of purchasing airline tickets online is attractive, due to the ability to securely acquire a flight ticket without leaving the comforts of your own home, as well as that purchasing tickets direct from BA.com is significantly cheaper than leading travel agents, for example an economy class ticket flying from London to New York can be purchased for  £368 straight from BA where as Expedia offer the same flight for a staggering  £432.10. However, there is still an area of the market who enjoy purchasing their airline tickets from travel agents physical locations, this is due to travel agencies providing the customer with the same options as to the airline website itself, in such areas as seat preferences, along with the additional personalised service w hich the customer is able to discuss the range of options available to them when booking all areas of their holiday, be their hotel or hire car. An attempt to create a more direct distribution channel process, BA also provides the recognised ‘travel agent’ service options to its customers, through offering a range of hotels, car rental and various other holiday package choices. The various options available to consumers when purchasing BA airline tickets are either through travel agents, or alternatively buy their ticket straight from the BA website, travel shops and reservations staff. It’s seen that prices do vary depending on where tickets are purchased, for instance if a consumer were to purchase their ticket directly from BA’s website, they would commonly pay a lower price, due to the direct business to customer distribution channel, eliminating the need for BA to pay commission to travel agents which is ‘traditionally between 8% and 10% of the ticket price’ (tourism insights, 2002) and for the use of Global Distribution Systems (GDS). GDS is used by airlines to sell flights, through connecting both the airline and the travel agents to sell the tickets. Airlines pay GDS to connect them to travel websites and travel agents to enable their flights to be sold via these organisations, GDS segment fees average at around ‘$10 to $12 per booking’ (tourism insights, 2002). With BA’s distribution costs accounting for 16%-17% of the cost of selling each ticket, no wonder they want to reduce distribution channels to help become more competitive in the growing low fare airline industry, especially due to the ‘travel and tourism industry fast becoming the biggest growth industry in e-commerce payments,’ (docstoc, 2010). Evaluation Overall it is clear that British Airways are aiming for a much more direct distribution channel. They are investing huge amounts of money in improving their online services to try to encourage people to buy online rather than at the extra cost of the middle man travel agent. This also allows the airline to gain vital information about their consumers and their wants and needs, allowing the company to differentiate and target their services appropriately. This will ensure they enhance their competitive market position, through enabling them to provide special offers to different customers, for example in the form of special discounts, special seats with more leg room and passes for their lounges, allowing them to build better relationships with their customers.   The high growth in e-commerce selling in the travel and tourism market is further proof of how important it is for BA to perfect this particular method of distribution. The lower costs from eliminating a middle man, includi ng both online and shop based agents will also allow the firm to appear more competitive in comparison to low cost carriers (LCCs). The introduction of ancillary products and reduction in price of business class tickets has been key in promoting the price competitiveness of the airline alongside the strong brand image of quality and reliability. The low marginal cost of an extra passenger also gives the airline the ability to lower costs depending on the demand for their product at the time of year; this means that BA can offer their business clients lower prices when it is not peak season such as school holidays. Conclusion and Recommendations By providing more ancillary goods and a reduced cost of the seat, BA will give consumers the options of what they want and become more competitive with the LCC’s, who are extremely popular for short haul flights. For example providing the option to charge extra for food and drink or extra baggage on short haul flights as well as an all inclusive option. Many of the LCC’s only distribute tickets online. To uphold BA’s strong brand image it’s important for them to stay accessible through other distribution systems as many of their more wealthier cliental who spend the most via business and first class tickets, may desire a travel agent. By marketing their online travel agent services they may be able to increase their current 20% online distribution. This will provide a more direct channel to their customers allowing them to market events such as the BA January sale, flights to cheaper destinations and cheaper times to fly that consumers may otherwise be unaware of. Marketing the executive club more effectively to new customers and ensuring that by being a member, consumers actually receive some benefits, they’re likely to remain loyal and recommend the airline. BA could also improve their services by providing questionnaires to passengers. For example, on long haul flights when consumers are more likely to fill them in, and providing a reward – such as a draw for a bottle of champagne. By doing this the company will be able to find out if consumers choose them for their prices, customer service, quality or the routes that they operate under and use this to market the company accordingly. It is clearly important for BA to remain competitive with the LCCs by providing an alternative to the high quality and high price product they currently provide but still keeping their high quality image and providing a service that current, loyal customers expect. Effective online distribution and optional ancillary products are key in achieving this alongside accurate customer research from current and potential consumers. The airline should continue to use their low marginal costs to their advantage when promoting the airline to businesses and off peak travellers.   References Balmer, J.M.T, Stuart, H Greyser, A.S (2009) Aligning Identity and Strategy: Corporate Branding at British Airways in the Late 20th Century, CALIFORNIA MANAGEMENT REVIEW VOL. 51, NO. 3 BBC News: bbc.co.uk/news/business-12265332 [Accessed 4th April 2011] Brassington, F, Pettitt, S (2000), (2nd Edition) Principles of Marketing Harlow, Prentice Hall British Airways (2011) www.britishairways.com [accessed 19th March 2011] British Airways (2011) Buy Travel [Online] britishairways.com/travel/fx/public/en_gb?eId=111011timestamp=0315023921 [Accessed 15th March 2011] Docstoc (2010) Visa Case study: British Airways come buy with me –worldwide airline offers worldwide online protection [Online] docstoc.com/docs/26949398/britishairways [Accessed: 6th March 2011] Expedia (2011) Flights [Online] expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.dll [Accessed 15th March 2011] GMID portal.euromonitor.com.chain.kent.ac.uk/Portal/ResultsList.aspx [Accessed 7th March 2011] Insights (2011) insights.org.uk/articleitem.aspx?title=The+Changing+Face+of+Airline+Distribution [Accessed 20th March 2011] International Airlines Group (2010) iairgroup.com/   [Accessed 4th April 2011] Solomon, Marshall, Stuart, Barnes Mitchell (2009) Marketing: Real People, Real Decisions. 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