Geosynchronous Satellite Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geosynchronous Satellite - Assignment Example Through this, the nation can heighten the resistance itself against psychological oppression and different assaults. Meteorologists can likewise screen the climate conditions by utilizing these GEO satellites, and this data can help pilots to design their itinerary items such that the climate won't influence their excursions. Likewise, its encourages businesspersons to convey successfully consequently making them mindful of the market for their items. Moreover, the impacts of the ozone layer can be checked through the GEO satellites and satisfactory estimates taken to control the wellbeing impacts identified with the obliteration of the ozone layer. In GEO satellites, they are intended to remain there forever, and this will assist people in the future with masterful history from antiquated occasions, that will live longer than people will. This can be recovered from the capacity units of these satellites. Profoundly, the GEO satellites help religions to speak with individual admirers everywhere throughout the world and plan otherworldly gatherings. Consequently, this helps the world to be joined profoundly subsequently realizing harmony to its occupants (Breunig and Zlatanova, 2011). The need to react to these regular human factors in an extensive way influenced the created of a GEO satellite that could fill various needs going from checking the climate to guaranteeing the security of a country. GEO satellites were shaped to remain far over the ground so they can't be messed with and will a decent perspective on the globe from all edges of the world. They contain battery-powered batteries that are charged by the sun thus they will consistently be working the entire day and night. This will guarantee this human elements are checked the entire day and even around evening time when nobody is watching, these satellites will catch all happenings and the responsive activity taken at whatever point an issue emerges. a) The Geosynchronous satellite has extraordinarily affected the populace development, life expectancy/mortality and wellbeing in an extraordinary way. This has been accomplished by the

Macbeth Essays (904 words) - Characters In Macbeth,

Macbeth We find in the play Macbeth that when the inspiration to prevail in life gets overwhelming, others may effortlessly impact one and components and one may settle on illegitimate activities to accomplish an objective. A portion of the impacts on Macbeth incorporate the witches and the phantoms, Lady Macbeth, and ultimately Macbeth's own frailties and misinformed endeavors to control his future. The witches and their predictions are the primary significant impact on Macbeth's activities. Macbeth appears to be cheerful and content with himself until the witches disclose to him he will be best. He starts promptly to consider killing Duncan. Assuming great, for what reason do I respect that recommendation/Whose horrendous picture doth unfix my hair/And make my situated heart thump at my ribs,/Against the utilization of nature? (I, iii. 144-147). Macbeth quickly composes Lady Macbeth. 'They met me in the day of progress; and I/have learned by the perfectest report, they have more in/them than mortal information. (I, v. 1-3). He clearly has extraordinary confidence in the witches' words. Later on, the nebulous visions, called by the witches, impact Macbeth by causing him to accept he is powerful. Defiance's head, rise never, till the wood/Of Birnam rise, and our high-put Macbeth/Shall live the rent of nature, pay his breath/To time, and mortal custom. (IV, I. 106-109). Woman Macbeth is a subsequent significant impact on Macbeth. When Lady Macbeth takes in of the witches' words from Macbeth's letter, we learn Macbeth is viewed as kind and without remorselessness. She expects to impact him to execute Duncan. She says, Hie thee here,/That I may pour my spirits in thine ear,/And chasten with the valor of my tongue/All that blocks thee from the brilliant round,/Which destiny and mystical guide doth appear/To have thee crown'd withal. (I, v. 24-29). At the point when Macbeth chooses not to proceed with their arrangement to kill Duncan, his significant other urges him to follow up on his wants or he will consider himself a weakling. She says, Art thou afeard/To be the equivalent in thine own demonstration and valor/As thou craftsmanship in want? (I, vii. 42-44). She at that point ensures he will play out the deed by playing a functioning job in getting ready for the homicide. his two chamberlains/Will I with wine and wassel so persuade, (I, vii. 70-71) an d tidying up a short time later, Give me the blades: the resting, and the dead/Are however as pictures; 'tis the eye of adolescence/That apprehensions a painted fallen angel. On the off chance that he do drain,/I'll overlay the essences of the lucky men withal,/For it must appear their blame. (II, ii. 69-73). After he is named lord, Macbeth's hopelessness and inevitable defeat is brought about by his own instabilities and misinformed assurance to assume responsibility for his future. Right off the bat, the witches' prediction concerning Banquo's relatives and Macbeth's inclination of inadequacy to Banquo lead Macbeth to mastermind the homicide of Banquo and his child, Fleance. Having Banquo around him is a consistent suggestion to Macbeth of the abhorrent deed he himself has submitted and the information that Banquo's, not Macbeth's kids, will be lords. He hath a shrewdness that doth control his valor/To act in wellbeing. There is none yet he/Whose being I do fear; and under him/My virtuoso is reproached, as it is said/Mark Antony's was by Caesar. (III, I. 57-61) and Upon my head they put a vain crown,/And put an infertile staff in my problem,/Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,/No child of mine succeeding. (III, I. 65-68). Likewise, Macbeth's frailty about his help drives him to presume Macduff. At the point when he learns Macduff has fled to England before he could have him slaughtered Macbeth renders quick retribution by having Macduff's family killed. He says, from this second,/The very firstlings of my heart will be/The firstlings of my hand. (IV, I. 160-162). He is resolved from that second on to take control by acting promptly instead of talking and thinking. His uncertainties cause him to see the positive side

Modern American Government Example

Modern American Government Example Modern American Government â€" Essay Example > Question: What Factors Best Explain Why Americans Vote as They Do? ReplyJust like other democratic societies, election results in the United States often change dramatically. A landslide victory for one party may be followed by a lopsided victory for another party in the following election. Election changes in the United States can be categorized into two classes: short-term and long-term changes. Short-term election changes are related to fluctuations in factors that are related to an election such as the condition of the economy or the qualities of the candidates. Short-term factors can be strongly favorable to the Democrats in one election, moderately favorable to the Republicans in another election and evenly divided in the subsequent election. Long-term shifts in election results are related to shifts in basic loyalties which last beyond a particular election period. The most critical long-term election changes occur when there are realignments in party systems. Realignments of American party systems occur infrequently and are substantial enough to cause fundamental changes in voting patterns. For instance, the New Deal Realignment of the 1930s fundamentally reshaped the country’s political system and today, some of the ideological differences between parties can be traced to the New Deal Realignment. The most interesting issue in the United States elections is not who wins but how the people voted and what the implications of the election results are. Voters in the United States have developed a complex voting trend incorporating a number of social and attitudinal factors. The main attitudinal factors that have over the years influenced voting patterns include evaluation of government performance, personal characteristics of candidates, party identification, orientation of policy issues and ideologies. On the social perspective, religion, race, social class, gender and marital status are among the most important factors that have influenced voting patterns over the years. Ideally, evaluation of candidate characteristics and government policies are short-term forces capable of effecting substantial shifts from one election period to another. On the other hand, ideology and party identification are stable in the short terms. In fact, many American voters have shown the tendency to shift party identifications during elections. While some critical issues in presidential elections change over time, a number of important basic policy issues such as social welfare programs and defense spending remain pertinent and stretch over several election periods and have far reaching ramifications on voting patterns. The issue of race is an important social factor that has traditionally shaped voting patterns in the United States. The Democratic Party has historically been associated with efforts to advance the civil rights cause, especially under the leadership of Lyndon Johnson. Naturally, the Democrats have had a wide following among Afric an Americans and other minority groups in the United States. The presidency of Johnson is credited with successfully sponsoring three civil rights acts in the Congress. The bills granted various rights to the minority groups especially the Blacks which were hitherto prohibited. In 2008, Barrack Obama became the first Black American to win presidency in the history of the United States. Obama received a huge support from the Blacks partly because racial background. Although the number of Blacks who vote is small compared to the numerically larger white population, a large proportion of the Blacks live in regions that are election targets for both Republicans and Democrats such as California and Florida. Historical results show that majority of blacks vote for the Democrats regardless of the party’s success or candidate’s qualities. In contrast, the White voters in Southern states are historically more inclined to vote for the Republican Party because the party is not associated with the civil rights movement.

Epidemiology Of Type II Diabetes - 1083 Words

Epidemiology of Type II Diabetes Diabetes is a problem that is expanding across the nation due to various factors that may be avoided such as bad eating habits, lack of exercise and education. These components can all be reversed, which will result to a diabetic free life. According to Diabetes Research Institute, â€Å"the most common form of diabetes is called type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes†. People with type 2 are able to produce some of their own insulin, yet often, it’s not enough (Diabetes Research Institute, 2016). Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States and effects over 23.6 million people (Healthy People, 2014). Diabetes should be studied due to the increased trend affecting larger numbers of people. According to the American Diabetes Association, the annual incidence of diabetes was estimated at 18,436 with type 1 diabetes, 5,089 with type 2 diabetes. The severity of this condition can be life- threatening. If not taken care of, diabetes will end in extrem e illnesses, and potentially death. It is important to take care of your body and make sure you are getting the proper nutrition needed. As stated by the American Diabetes Association, long-term complications of diabetes include potential loss of vision, renal failure, foot ulcers, amputations, and Charcot joints; and autonomic neuropathy causing gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Patients with diabetes have an increased incidenceShow MoreRelatedDiabetes Mellitus And The Long Term Complications1385 Words   |  6 Pagesthis paper is to give a general idea of diabetes mellitus, epidemiology, role factors and complications that arise from it, comparing and exhibiting the distinctions between type I type II diabetes, the people who are in jeopardy of developing diabetic renal diseases and hypertension due to the complications identifying the general pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus the long term complications that may transpire. Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus is one of the very prevalentRead MoreEpidemiology and Primary Diabetes Prevention Essay1965 Words   |  8 PagesEpidemiology Paper Mazurah Smith University of Phoenix According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Health Statistics, [By 1993] death certificates listed diabetes as the fifth leading cause of death for Blacks aged 45 to 64, and the third leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older in 1990.† (Bailey, 2007). These statistics show how serious the problem of diabetes has become in the black community. Epidemiological studies can focus the effortsRead MoreChildhood Obesity Among Hispanic Children1729 Words   |  7 Pagescardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, serious conditions such as type II diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and psychosocial problems such as low self-esteem (Strauss, 2000). Early intervention is imperative to address the implications of childhood obesity in the United States. Epidemiology of Childhood Obesity Friis and Sellers (2004) defined Epidemiology as the science concerned with the distribution and determinants of health and diseases, morbidityRead MoreEpidemiology of Diabetes in Mexican Immigrants1960 Words   |  8 PagesEpidemiology of Diabetes in Mexican Immigrants This paper will center on the vulnerable population of Mexican-American immigrants with chronic type II adult-onset diabetes and how this affects this growing population. The definition, description, steps, and method of epidemiology will facilitate the discussion. Routine data such as demographics, census, birth, death, and surveillance records, and research data such as medical and health records, will bring pertinent information to the study. TheRead MoreA Short Note On Diabetes Mellitus Type II1041 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch paper is Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Diabetes is one of the major chronic diseases caused by the insulin resistance that body generates within. It is a serious public health issue currently. There are different types of diabetes we encounter nowadays, but the three main types are Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus,2005-2016). The type II diabetes is a non-controlled disease and it is the most common and also known as non-insulin de pendent diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus,2005-2016)Read MoreA Short Note On Diabetes Mellitus Type II1039 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch paper is Diabetes Mellitus Type II. Diabetes is one of the major chronic diseases caused by the insulin resistance that body generates within. It is a serious public health issue currently. There are different types of diabetes we encounter nowadays, but the three main types are Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus,2005-2016). The type II diabetes is a non-controlled disease and it is the most common and also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus,2005-2016)Read MoreType Ii Diabetes: Obesity1729 Words   |  7 PagesType II diabetes: obesity and overweight Monica Davila DeVry Type II diabetes: obesity and overweight Diabetes has become a widespread epidemic, primarily because of the increasing prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is an endocrine disease in which the body has either a shortage of insulin or a decrease ability to use insulin or both. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells and be converted into energy. Diabetes can be characterized as a prevailing, incapacitatingRead MoreDiabetes Mellitus1804 Words   |  8 PagesDisorder: The official name of the disorder is Diabetes Mellitus. Most people just know it as diabetes. There are two major classifications of diabetes mellitus; insulin-dependent (IDDM) and noninsulin-dependent (NIDDM). IDDM is more commonly known as Type 1 Diabetes, and NIDDM is known as Type 2 Diabetes (EkoeÃŒ , 2008). Type 1 diabetes is the juvenile-onset diabetes that deals with the complete destruction of ÃŽ ²-cells of the pancreas whereas type 2 diabetes is an adult-onset disorder in which individualsRead MoreEmergency Admission For Diabetes, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia1142 Words   |  5 PagesEmergency Admission for Diabetes in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Introduction Diabetes mellitus has been identified as a major health problem in Saudi Arabia due to adoption of modern lifestyle that promotes poor eating habits and sedentary (Elhadd et al., 2007). Moreover, indigenous Saudi Arabia population has a genetic predisposition to type II diabetes that is complicated by consanguinity. According to Khalid et al. (2011) the prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia increased from 4% in 1982Read MoreEpidemiology Paper Part Two : Analysis And Application Essay1245 Words   |  5 PagesEpidemiology Paper Part Two: Analysis and Application Populations â€Å"at risk† are defined as those with inequalities in access to care, quality of care and interventions to reduce disparities, and outcomes (Chin, 2005). It is important for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to understand identification of â€Å"at risk† populations when moving to develop a plan to intervene and improve statistical health outcomes. This paper will identify an â€Å"at risk† population, address how the health risk for this

World Families At Work Child Labor Or Child Care

hird-world families at work: Child labor or child care? Many of the contractors who employ workers that are underage do it to help out and attempt to improve to quality of life by bringing in work for the population. The contractors would fire the underage kids if they were told to do so, but doing so would affect the families of these kids who are so poor that they have to send their kids to work wage jobs in the first place. Firing the young girls would cause the families to lose a major source of income. Many of these underage kids lie in order to work there because they need it. Then, this will cost the price to go up for the businesses in the United States and the contractors will need assurance that they will still continue to do business with them even though complying with their company guidelines cost the company more. Imposing the American values on Third world countries is quite simple minded- and without taking into account the culture there, it would just be the cause for many other problems. In countries all over the world, kids who are considered underage can be found trying to make money, in some ways that are very detrimental to them. It is important that companies attempt to create guidelines that would involve multicultural values, rather than just the U.S. values. It is important, too, that you protect the pricelessness of your business. Hiring contractors that employ underage workers could cause new medias to expose this and damage the company’sShow MoreRelatedChild Labor Is A Violation Of Fundamental Human Rights1553 Words   |  7 Pages 405292 Child Labor Republic of France Position Paper Part 1 History and Background of Child Labor Child labor became most prevalent during the Industrial Revolution, which took place from 1760-1840, and has become prominent throughout our world since. Children would work around 19 hours a day, having approximately a one hour break, and work for almost no pay. In the 1900’s, statistics showed that over 200 million children were involved in the act of child labor worldwide, and 73 millionRead MoreCauses and Solutions to the Problem of Child Labor922 Words   |  4 PagesEvery year on 12 June, people around the world celebrate the World Day against Child Labour, a day dedicated to the goal of creating a world in which children everywhere can grow up without the threat of being forced into child labor. An estimated 246 million children are engaged in child labor, with nearly 70 percent of them (about 171 million) working in hazardous conditions, including work in mines and quarries, work with chemicals and pesticides or with dangerous machinery. â€Å"Children as youngRead MoreResearch Paper On Child Labor1354 Words   |  6 Pages Child Labor Introduction: For centuries and years child labor has become one of the biggest problem in the world. It’s a challenge and long-term work for many countries to put an end to child labor especially those developing countries it’s one of the issues that’s considered as serious issue these days. Child labor refers to children’s who lose their rights and do things that aren’t supposed to do, it refers to children who go to work at the age of schooling. The international labor organizationRead MoreChild Labour And Child Labor1600 Words   |  7 PagesChild Labor Issues There are children that suffer through child labor daily. Child labor is the use of children in a business or industry, usually illegal. â€Å"3 billion people around the world survive on $2.50 a day or less. And 2 billion people do not hold a bank account or have access to essential financial services† (â€Å"Living in Poverty†1). Children that are normally in labor come from a poor family that’s in need of money so badly that it comes down to selling their own children or puttingRead MoreShould Paternity Leave Be A Mandatory Employee Benefit?1645 Words   |  7 PagesIt Takes Two A brand-new family has just brought home a screaming and crying baby, the best part is that they both have a month off work to love, care, and nurture this newborn into the world while getting paid. Sweden was the first country to introduce paid paternity leave as a mandatory employee benefit, followed closely by the other Nordic countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. Since its introduction, paid paternity leave continues to make gains, making the Nordics the eye of focusRead MoreWomen s Care For Pregnancy1631 Words   |  7 PagesEvery seconds a baby is born somewhere in the world. In one day, birth rate can accumulate over three hundred thousand equaling to over 100 million births each year. Childbirth is an event that, despite its extraordinary nature, occurs daily throughout the world. But the circumstances under which this miracle occurs vary dramatically, even in places that don t seem that dramatically different. Today society, birth take place in the hospital are commonly occuring with close assistances of trainedRead Moreâ€Å"When People In The United States Think Of ChildrenS Rights1722 Words   |  7 Pagesrights they usually think of children in third world countries who are victims of abusive child labor practices or insurmountable poverty† (Wilson 1). However, in reality it is not just in third world countries, it is also in the United States. From the American colonial period till the mid nineteenth century, child labor has been an important issue. It has taken many years to come to an agreement of the definition of child labor. One way to define child labor is: â€Å"All forms of slavery or practices similarRead MoreThe Importance Of A Social Work Field1594 Words   |  7 PagesThe social work field is solely dedicated to the giving back of others. A person in the career must be willing to spend hours working to make differences in clients’ lives. Children and family social work can be a very rewarding profession bu t yet challenging at times. Employees help others in need, advocate for important causes, and all around make positive impacts in the world. Many people interested in social work have personal motivations from their own lives steering them towards the professionRead MoreThe Nature Of Child Labor1626 Words   |  7 Pagespotential to the future of any society. Many children around the world are denied the right of having a childhood. When children preform work tasks at a young age, children reduce their present welfare or future income earning capabilities (Singh, 2013). In 2014, the International Labour Organization reported that â€Å"Globally there are 168 million child laborers, over half of which, 85 million, are in hazardous work conditions† (ILO). Child labor is not a new phenomenon by any means; it has been going onRead MoreChildren And Family Social Worker1612 Words   |  7 Pages8 February 2016 Children and Family Social Worker The social work field is solely dedicated to the giving back of others. A person in the career must be willing to spend hours working to make differences in clients’ lives. Children and family social work can be a very rewarding profession but yet challenging at times. Employees help others in need, advocate for important causes, and all around make positive impacts in the world. Many people interested in social work have personal motivations from

The Difference Between Ancient China and Egypt Free Essays

Ancient China and Egypt By: Jessica Isham Ancient Egypt and Ancient China were 2 of the biggest civilizations thousands of years ago. Both left its impact on history, they had many similar beliefs, and different ways of life. They had different rulers, religions, languages and forms of money. We will write a custom essay sample on The Difference Between Ancient China and Egypt or any similar topic only for you Order Now Both civilizations have different rulers. China is ruled by emperors and empires, and Egypt their people by pharos. In Egypt their people didn’t live as long so they had a lot more pharos. China’s on the other hand, lived a lot longer. So, therefore Chinese emperors and empires were around longer. The religion of ancient Egypt was polytheistic and centered on the divinity of the ruler and the eternity of the soul. The Chinese were polytheistic with the addition of ancestor worship. Over time, these beliefs were sometimes blended with Taoism, Buddhism or Confucianism. They both also had different beliefs. Egypt believed when people passes, if they were preserved than they might have an afterlife. The Egyptians would put the dead mummified people in solid gold coffins and filled the burial room with bizarre treasures. China believed in the burial method as well. They would bury the Chinese people in the ground and pour water on them, then put them in a hanging coffin. The Chinese also believed in cremation, were they burn the body into ashes. The ancient Egyptians believed that most non-physical ailments were caused by spells and curses. Overall treatments included amulets, potions and surgery depending on what was wrong. Chinese medicine was based on the idea of the balance of the energies yin and yang. Illness was the result of an imbalance and was treated with herbs, acupuncture and exercises. The Chinese were mainly ahead of the rest of their time period. They used cowrie shells and metal beans for money. They also had paper money and coins. The Egyptians traded goods and services. The two civilizations created their own languages. Egypt had hieroglyphs that were dated from 3400 BC. Hieroglyphs are a formal writing system that contained a combination of logographic and a alphabetic elements. China had a language called Man’yogana. Man’yogana is an ancient writing system that employs Chinese characters to represent the Japanese language. How to cite The Difference Between Ancient China and Egypt, Papers

Hotel and Mobile Housekeeping App free essay sample

In the article â€Å"Quadriga Launches Mobile Housekeeping App†, the author shows us a new mobile application for housekeeping services. This App – Housekeeper – can largely improve the efficiency in checking and reporting room status through most web-enabled mobile devices. It as well enhances the communication among staff. The App has already been deployed in some hotels and may be applied in more countries and hotels in the near future. The article interests me because it is about technology innovation, which has obtained a lot of attention of hoteliers in the past five to ten years. According to Ian Millar, Deputy Director of INTEHL, hospitality industry is good with technology. It has always been a reactive rather than a proactive industry when it comes to technology. And this needs to change in order to improve internal efficiency and create unique and impressive customer experience. Consider the use of the new housekeeping App in hotels. We will write a custom essay sample on Hotel and Mobile Housekeeping App or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It will be much easier and faster for room division staff to carry out housekeeping tasks, and as a result, saving time and laborer to a large extent. In fact, the recent years have seen an unprecedented technology development, and such a development has brought both challenges and opportunities to hoteliers. On the one hand, customers have higher expectation and demand for hotels. But it is not easy to keep up with the all the cutting-edge technologies and major online trends. On the other hand, if hotels can follow the rapid pace of technology development and take reactions quickly, they will be more likely to meet or exceed customers’ expectation and earn reputation as well as profit. In terms of room division, one important aspect is in-room technology. Five years ago, I might feel it was just enough to have a TV in a guest room. But today I cannot imagine a room without Wi-Fi. The pervasive use of social media and mobile devices determines customers’ growing need for internet access and availability of internet bandwidth and online content. People expect to have the same work or entertaining experience as they at home. So it is important for hotels to adapt to in-room technologies and upgrade amenities of guestrooms in order to narrow the gap between guest’s experience at home and in the rooms. For example, as smartphones and laptops have gradually become the mainstream, guests get more accustomed to use their mobile devices. So hotels can offer radio players and televisions that can connect to smartphones and laptops, providing guests with better experience of entertainment since they can play music via a loudspeaker and watch movies on a larger screen. As the young generation has become more and more dependent on technology, it is important for hoteliers to prepare earlier and adapt to technology shifts. Quadriga Launches Mobile Housekeeping App UNITED KINGDOM—Quadriga has launched a new mobile application for housekeeping services via an exclusive global agreement with partner Hibox Systems Ltd, Finland. According to the company, the app is designed to reduce costs and deliver improved efficiencies for hoteliers with an average 50% reduction in the time required to carry out housekeeping and hotel support tasks, enhanced staff communication, as well as powerful reporting capabilities. Housekeeper provides an alternative to Quadriga’s established, fixed TV-based housekeeping solution, integrated into its Sensiq guest communications and entertainment platform. The Hibox Housekeeper application is a web-based service that can be hosted in the cloud and provides hotel staff with immediate reporting capabilities via most web-enabled mobile devices. Services include the reporting of room status to the hotel PMS, minibar usage and rooms fault reporting and management, as well as a staff-messaging tool. Housekeeper is already deployed in hotels across the Nordic region and is now available worldwide.

FedEx

Introduction All corporations aim at success. Some achieve it. Others fail. For those that achieve it, they may experience the challenge of sustainability and ultimately fade. Still, there are organisations that have been able to achieve success and maintain it over decades. Such organisations have achieved and sustained superior performance that meet or surpass both their internal and external relations’ expectations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on FedEx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay shall analyse how FedEx has created and maintained superior performance using five forces, value creation, and culture school at a micro-level focusing on Human Resources (HR) practices. FedEx aim has been able to create superior financial returns for its shareholders using its value-added services, business strategy, HR practices, supply chain management, and focused operation systems (FedEx, 2011). FedEx stri ve to meet all the needs of its diverse customers both in the national and international markets. In order to achieve and sustain superior performance, the company strives to establish mutually beneficial relationships with its shareholders, employees, business partners, and suppliers (Business Services Industry, 2002). The company observes safety of its employees and aims at conducting business to the highest professional levels. Concentration on human resources has made policies and functions of HR in FedEx important part of creating and sustaining superior performance. The company FedEx is a logistic company serving global markets. Fredrick Smith founded the company out of the need to serve a service-oriented economy of the US in the year 1973 that needed quick and reliable delivery services (San Jose Consulting Group, 2003). The company had suffered some losses during its entry into the international market. This was due to expensive expansion strategies. In addition, the compan y also used the US strategy in an international market like China. There were also cases of cultural differences, acquisition, organisational adjustments, structural policies, and adaptation of human resource issues so as to reflect and enhance FedEx culture. The company did not experience success in its attempts to conquer the Chinese market due policies that did not favour foreign operations. The company had challenges in embracing the regional culture. On the other hand, FedEx competitors such as UPS and DHL understood Chinese market and grew their strategies gradually.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More FedEx National Operation The logistic industry complements operation of other organisations and individuals. FedEx has competition too from other local firms that offer similar services. However, operation at the national level affects services that FedEx Ground offers. The main competitor in this area is UPS. The global strategy mainly relies on FedEx Express that also faces threats from other international logistic companies. Thus, FedEx Express should complement operation of FedEx Ground (San Jose Consulting Group, 2003). FedEx relies on several factors of production in order to realise superior performance. These are mainly managerial strategies, the company resources, and logistic technical know-how. The company has been able to develop reliable logistic systems that ensure successful operation of its complex systems. At the same time, the company has been able to exploit its resources and physical infrastructure such as ports and roads in order to deliver superior performance. The domestic demands and competition in the US make FedEx constantly keep pace with such needs through upgrading its service. Customers need fast and cost-effective delivery; thus, logistic firms must see the need of upgrading their services to satisfy customers’ dem ands. As many companies come up to offer such services at reduced costs, FedEx must improve its customers’ responsiveness and introduce innovative products and use of technology so as to avert challenges that may result from consumers’ activities and competition. Intensity of competition in the logistic industry is responsible for driving growth and sustainable performance. Thus, FedEx and its main competitors must continuously strive to enhance qualities of their products and services through innovation and technology. At the same time, such companies may also focus on lowering costs. However, cost reduction may affect business performance of logistic companies due to high costs of maintaining resources. Therefore, the only way is to improve services, create superior performance and sustain it. Analysis of the company’s superior performance Competitive analysis Five forces Threats of new entrants Logistic business relies on economies of scale. Thus, most firms aim at expanding their local operations and acquire small firms. Success and superior performance in the freight industry requires extensive networks and distribution centres (Porter, 1998). This implies that FedEx must possess highly reliable delivery facilities like vans, planes, trucks, and other means of delivering large cargo like trains and ships. FedEx has created superior performance in overnight delivery business. On the other hand, its competitor like UPS has conquered the ground delivery business. Rivalry in the field has created conditions that ensure that main players like FedEx, UPS, and DHL diversify their services in order to provide value for customers and create superior performance. Such companies strive to create a one-stop shop for their customers. FedEx and other players have reduced chances of new entrants. Any new entrant shall not pose serious threats as to FedEx as the company already has established competitive positions in all segments of the transportati on business. FedEx has created a strong brand in the last few decades characterised by performance and achievements. Thus, any new entrant must struggle to build a brand name and have a share of the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on FedEx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More FedEx took time to educate its customers about overnight delivery services and benefits of package deliveries. FedEx has established long-term business relationship with international companies such as McDonald’s, and Home Depot among others. FedEx also gets contracts from the government. The US government agencies have established confidence in FedEx to hand highly sensitive and hazardous deliveries. This can present challenges to new entrants who may have challenges establishing such high level of confidence. FedEx also uses its brand name to enhance both domestic and regional business. It has take advantages of trade agreements a nd favourable trade regulations so as to position itself as regional solution for packages delivery. This means any new entrant will face strong opposition from established giants. For instance, when DHL acquired Airborne in order to challenge express delivery companies of the US, it met strong oppositions from UPS and FedEx. Rivalry Rivalry among competitors tightens as a result of reducing demands of products, increasing numbers of competitors, decline of the industry growth, fixed cost, as well as increasing costs of exiting the industry. FedEx rivals, in the delivery industry, include DHL, UPS, and TNT. FedEx penetrated the market in the US and ruled the parcel delivery consequently leading in the international market. In 1984, FedEx extended its operations to Asia-Pacific after a successful acquisition of Gelco Express International. Afterwards, FedEx utilised the strategy of taking opportunities of the existing international transportation companies to outstretch its internati onal business as in the case of 1989 when it acquired Flying Tigers. This came with challenges as FedEx had to integrate local companies and strive to come with excellent international routes. In addition, FedEx had to develop trucking solutions in Europe and embrace changes of the international environment. In the quest of achieving profitable sale, FedEx applied the strategy of subsidizing its international business. As a result, its entry to international business resulted to massive losses in the early 1990s. DHL thrives in the international transportation business and supply chain management, a fact that makes it the key rival of FedEx. The time when FedEx concentrated on seizing domestic market, DHL took this opportunity to dominate the international market. Therefore, by 1980 it had the largest share of customer internationally. In 1983, DHL penetrated the Chinese market. Consequently, it became the first express transportation company in China. This prompted it to liaise wit h airlines and freight companies. It invested on air fleet and by 2003 acquired Airborne Express. The successful investments on different forms of transportation, and penetrating the international market, make rivalry between FedEx and DHL intense.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More UPS is another competitor of FedEx in the domestic market in the US. It is fast overtaking FedEx because of its aggressiveness in bracing itself for the challenges in the industry. In 1985, it successfully launched its air service operating between US and six European countries. The peak was in 1990 when the UPS managed deliveries of packages and documents to over 175 countries. TNT is also a possible competitor of FedEx. TNT offers similar services to those of FedEx, but the only hindrance is that the rivalry is not on a global scale as TNT operations are no longer in the US market (Charles and Gareth, 2004). Irrespective of this rivalry, FedEx has managed to achieve economies of scale before its competitors due to its pioneering strategies as e-transactions, logistics related solutions, and supply chain even though they do not match new developments, inexpensive and powerful technologies that their competitors utilise to match FedEx standards. Pressure from substitute products Sub stitutes penetrate the market with the sole intention of making the customer switch from the product that dominates the market. Major substitute threats for FedEx include the Internet. Internet providers enlighten people on the benefits associated with the use of emails, document digitization and online forms. Firms also embrace the idea of online digital signatures for the sake of time and money saving and institutions like banks check accounts online. These technological advancements prompt people to substitute their paperwork with digital advancements. Massive usages of email and facsimile resulted to a drastic reduction of the industry volume. However, the only issue that may favour these companies is security as not all information especially the sensitive type can be sent through email. However, threats reduce due to factors like slow speed, insecurity, and unreliability. In order to overcome challenges of substitutes, FedEx has embraced latest technology, for instance utilisi ng the Internet in provisions of some services. FedEx has aggressively improved aircraft and shipping facilities to international standards, a factor that makes it impossible for any threatening substitute to match FedEx’s standards (MacKerron, Cowe and Milliken, 2009). Bargaining power of buyers Buyers get power from their high levels of concentration, or when they are few or in cases where product differentiation among organisations is not clear (Gonrig, 2008). The three firms are in stiff competition in the transportation industry for provisions of excellent delivery services that call for attention from prominent companies, especially after business expansion into international markets. In addition, the e-commerce has thrived. Therefore, these logistic firms must show their potential in the delivery of products around the globe. At this stage, FedEx comes in handy in solving customers’ issues. FedEx’s competitors provide similar products at almost the same p rices. Therefore, it has adopted a strategy by creating value-added services for the sake of differentiating its services from those of the competitors. Potential customers worldwide have preference for their delivery providers. They do not rely on a single service provider and have the advantage of going for cheap providers. Therefore, FedEx considers this and puts efforts to achieve economic sales via penetrating the global market as well as decreasing the cost of operation so as to offer considerable prices. Therefore, FedEx has embraced medium bargaining power. Bargaining power of suppliers When there is an absence of substitutes in the market, or when there is a low concentration of suppliers, suppliers take advantages of increasing the prices of goods and services. In addition, suppliers have the ultimate say in their prices. FedEx relies heavily on different suppliers, ranging from companies supplying fuel, shipping materials producers, airport, airplane and vehicle manufactu rers. Less concentration of the fuel companies in the market and inadequate substitute for fuel give the fuel suppliers advantage of strong bargaining power. In addition, the FedEx’s profitability at times is unpredictable due to fluctuating fuel prices. However, suppliers of packaging materials such as plastics and boxes, have less bargaining power. This result from the availability of substitute products and shifting cost reflected is negligible to FedEx’s total expenses. In the vehicle industry, FedEx gets the advantage of strong bargaining power as vehicle manufacturers are many and it does not depend on one manufacturer. In the aircraft and train industries, oligopoly gives the suppliers strong bargaining power as there exists limited manufacturers (Porter, 1998). Value Chain For FedEx to add value to its services and goods, its activities ought to operate at the optimum level for the company to achieve real competitive benefits. FedEx value chain begins with pick ups of packages. The employers collect the packages at designated points such as residences and businesses. They create value through ensuring package pickups take place anytime and anywhere. These create value through assurance of timely delivery. After package collection, FedEx secures them in a hub. Here, sorting of packages according to their destination takes place. The packages pass through a chain of hand to their final destination. From the hub, the packages head to their destination through trucks or plane. FedEx ensures that deliveries of packages are at professional levels and in turn wins customers trusts and create great value. For achievements of perceived values, FedEx drivers carry out their duties efficiently. They strive to ensure that packages get to their destinations on time regardless of experienced hitches. This increases positive value for the company (Sand, 2010). The final activity of delivery is customer service. This service entails after sales support. F edEx role in this is to provide support to their customers in tracing their packages while still in route. Such support enables customers monitor the status of their packages in transit. Such activities of FedEx exhibit extreme value for their customers (Barney, 1997). Success in achievement of these values emanates from support activities of the company‘s infrastructure e.g. storage buildings, trucks, planes among others. Another support system that adds value to the services is the Internet services that FedEx offers to aid customer track their packages on transit online. Human resource and material management team as well support all the primary activities to function smoothly. FedEx has managed to conquer the industry because of utilisation of information system and its competitive infrastructure that many competitors lack. FedEx has technological capabilities to track its customers’ packages during transit. The service saves the company time and money. Its competit ors offer numbers that customers use to track their packages. This is an engagement that presents a challenge to customers. FedEx’s fleets of vehicles, aeroplanes and human resources contribute to its massive infrastructures. These infrastructures facilitate success in FedEx delivery of services. They also consider the importance of time in deliveries of packages. FedEx’s Business Level Strategy The company’s strengths, in terms of technical know-how in logistics, technology, and innovation, put it in a position to pursue differentiation strategy at the business level. Customers and competitors know FedEx for provisions of high levels of services that are almost impossible to imitate and match. Industry analysts know FedEx as an innovative company with a strong orientation towards high levels of service provisions. Consequently, such high levels of services translate to high charges. FedEx prices are usually higher than most of its competitors. Most customers co nsider such charges premium and believe that they will get the same value of services worth their payments. The company has been able to differentiate its standard of quality services from its competitors (Grant, 2005). The company aims at establishing strong customers’ base through differentiation and provisions of superior services than its competitors. We must recognise that all logistic firms have the capacity to deliver packages. However, FedEx has differentiated itself as customer-friendly. Thus, the company has extensive support system, home deliveries, and money back guarantee approaches. These are what distinguish FedEx from its rivals. Differentiation in the transport industry is not simple. Customers of today tend to be cost sensitive and would like to get value for less pay. Different in costs means customers may not have brand loyalty. Most customers do not know technical know-how of FedEx or how their technology is superior for managing the chain. A typical cust omer will only consider costs and safe deliver of his or her packages. This implies that typical consumers may not opt for quality services, but rather consider affordability of services. Therefore, FedEx must find ways of differentiating itself from its main rivals and offer superior services. This enhances superior performance of the company. Sustaining superior performance will enable many customers pay for premium services of FedEx. FedEx business level strategy for superior performance also targets customers’ needs. FedEx has understood the needs of its customers. Consequently, the company has established different branches of business, namely FedEx Ground, FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Express, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Supply Chain Services, and FedEx Freight. The company has created such segments in order to target certain customers depending on their diverse needs. This differentiation strategy enables FedEx to cater for all the needs of most customers. Targeting di fferent customers with different services enables FedEx to offer superior services and create superior performance. FedEx has segmented its market according to its customers’ needs. Segmentation strategy aims at creating superior services, products, and advanced provisions of services to customers. FedEx different segments operate independently but represent the company in terms of its values and efforts of creating superior services. Segmentation in different units provides each unit with a chance to concentrate on its own target market and offer superior services. This makes FedEx a specialised company. FedEx Express is the busiest as it offers speedy delivery of packages based on the money back guarantee strategy. This enables customers to have confidence in the company. On the other hand, FedEx Ground mainly concentrates on small packages delivered to small business. This segment derives its strength from satisfying the needs of customers who need quick deliver within a s hort distance. It almost works like FedEx Home Delivery services. FedEx Freight covers mainly heavy packages of over 150 pounds. The company restricts such services to regional deliveries within the US continent. This segment also delivers packages that have flexible delivery schedules. FedEx Custom caters for a small market segment due to the nature of packages it handles. These are mainly products and packages that require special care and attention during transportation. FedEx has specially equipped transportation resources to cater for such customers. FedEx Trade Networks offers services to international destinations. The company last segment is FedEx Supply Chain services that track movement of parcel so as to enhance safe delivery and ensure customers satisfaction. We can posit that FedEx uses the needs of its customers to segment its markets, and in turn, it offers superior services and products. FedEx Express and FedEx Ground are responsible for most operation of the company and its profits. The two segments generate nearly $ 14 billion annually in terms of revenues. It is FedEx Express that has been responsible for creating superior services and customers’ satisfaction. Customers view superior level of performance in terms of express delivery and money back guarantee. This means that FedEx Express must deliver such packages. FedEx has also adopted differentiation in quality in order to create a superior level of performance for its stakeholders. The company has invested enormous amounts of resources in order to keep its promise to its customers. This has enhanced its international operation among its rivals. The company has extensive organisation of units using its advanced logistic technology and know-how. This ensures that there is a smooth flow and delivery of packages. This enables the company to deliver high quality services that satisfy its customers. FedEx has been able to create such a level of superior performance based on its customer s’ responsiveness and innovation in terms of services and products. The company has package tracking systems, efficient support functions, special package handling systems, hub coordination, and logistic supports. Provisions of these services have enabled FedEx offer superior services relative to those of their competitors and in turn achieve a high level of superior performance. FedEx has competence in the transportation industry. Competence enables the company to offer competitive products and services to challenge those of its main rivals. The company derives its competence from its human resources and cutting edge technology. In addition, FedEx has facilities like fleets of aircraft that guarantee safe and timely delivery of cargos. The company’s commitment to customers is outstanding. FedEx aims at creating superior customer services using its innovation and technology. The company has been collaborating with the local universities so as to improve its technologic al capabilities. FedEx competence and technological position are the driving force behind claims of international market shares. Technological superiority for superior performance Most customers know that FedEx is a leader in using technology in logistic business. In fact, FedEx was the first company to use technology in the logistic market (Powership system). Poweship was not effective. It could only store addresses and airways bills, and track packages. The system relied on telephone lines for connectivity. However, this changed with the new era of technology. The company adopted many automated solutions to for its shipping business. The company combined such technology with its intranet and business solutions (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson, 2008). FedEx has been able to adapt its systems to serve the global market. The company has created superior performance through relying on the power of online opportunities (Gerstein and Reisman, 1982). In order to serve the international marke t well, the company website has multiple languages option to choose. FedEx customers can register online, estimate their shipping costs, prepare airways bills, and avail the necessary document needed. This system has capabilities of handling the entire supply chain of FedEx (Porter, 1998). The company uses the latest technology so as to enhance sorting and labelling of packages, label readers, and automated conveyor belt systems. Adoption of technology has enabled FedEx improve efficiency, lessen human errors, and enhance sorting of packages. Consequently, the company has been able to provide superior services and maintain superior performance in the industry (Charnovich, 2009). School Strategy FedEx Culture and HR Practices We look at culture and HR practices of FedEx at the micro level. This gives an insight into how the company has created superior performance using its human resources and cultivated organisational culture to support its operation (Bettinger, 1989). FedEx strives to create a high performance culture so as to offer superior customer services and values. The company has created a workplace condition based on loyalty of its employees. The company believes in value and diversity of its workforce. This enables employees to contribute and grow their careers. This is a significant step towards employees’ inclusion into organisational culture of FedEx (Olson, 2011). Consequently, FedEx workforce derives a sense of pride working for the organisation. In turn, they deliver superior services to their customers. HR Practices FedEx is a service company that depends on its human resources for delivering values to its customers. The company hires the right people, trains and leads them with required skills for the job. These practices aim at creating a workforce that is capable of responding to customers’ needs. FedEx believes that only a well trained workforce can deliver superior performance to customers. The company hopes for repeat busin esses from its satisfied customers (MacMillan, 2012). FedEx has reward programmes for its employees. The company recognise unique contribution of its employees and reward them accordingly. It has a reward system known as Bravo Zulu Voucher Program. In fact, nearly 50 percent of the company’s spending caters for workforce pay and benefits. FedEx has created a culture system that recognises individuals’ efforts, generation of fresh ideas, enhanced excellence performance, and teamwork. The reward and compensation system at FedEx recognises such factors (FedEx, 2012). FedEx also aims at creating a favourable environment for its employees’ individual growth and progress. The company has developed a human resource system (PRISM) that caters for all applicants and recruits. Thus, maintaining personal data of every staff is a central point for superior performance on FedEx. This is because the system has capabilities of posting, testing, and monitoring growth of every e mployee (Haid and Sims, 2009). FedEx has Survey Feedback Action (SFA). This is mainly for internal operation of the company that helps the management decide on promotion, evaluation of performance, and workforce’s attitude towards new policies. The company aims at enhancing communications between its management team and other employees. Employees have opportunities of expressing their opinions freely regarding the company’s policies. FedEx also has an open door policy that ensures that the company handles employees’ issues to acceptable standards (Thomas, Harburg and Dutra, 2007). FedEx also uses employment retention to enhance the company performance. Employee retention has become a core part of HR policies in FedEx. The company believes that it is less expensive to retain its existing staff than finding new workforce. FedEx employees’ turnover rate is relatively low at six percent compared to the industry rate of 20 percent. FedEx offers benefits under different programmes such as education, performance, healthcare, and insurance among others as ways of keeping employees satisfied and retain them (Gonrig, 2008). This promotes performance and reputation of the company (Harter, Schmidt and Hayes, 2002). Conclusion Since its inception, FedEx has transformed the industry of express delivery services. This has been possible due to sustained superior performance over the years. The company has relied on its human resources and policies so as to change and set the pace for other companies. FedEx has recognised its employees through its various ways of HR practices and employees benefits. Consequently, employees have been able to deliver superior services to customers. Thus, the company has recognised that creating, delivering, and sustaining superior performance starts with employees’ satisfaction. FedEx has also used its resources to create a strong brand in the US market. Customers know the company for overnight deliveries, effi ciency, and excellence customer responsiveness. Transportation industry is dynamic, and there also always five forces and technological innovations that threaten the existence of any company. This implies that FedEx must carry out extensive investments in order to enhance its services and sustain superior performance. Creating and maintain superior performance is not an easy task. Legendary company like FedEx has managed to do so. The company relies on its technical know-how, and technological innovations to create superior products and offer superior services to customers. FedEx systems track packages handling and in turn provide the needed value to customers. Technology has enabled the company offer additional value enhancing services. Market segmentation and differentiation are also factors that have enabled the company offer superior services. For instance, FedEx has created different units in order to offer superior products to different market segments depending on the urgency , location, and type of package. The company has specialised in different areas for excellence performance and satisfaction of its customers. This approach does not only ensure superior services delivery, but also ensure increased revenue for the company. Most customers consider FedEx services as premium due to high costs than its competitors. However, the company believes that it delivers value and superior customers services to match such costs. Reference List Barney, J 1997 Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage, University of Michigan Press, Michigan. Bettinger, C 1989, ‘Use Corporate Culture to Trigger High Performance’, Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 38-42. Business Services Industry 2002, ‘Shippers Honor FedEx for Superior Performance’, Business Services Industry, vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 1-2. Charles, H and Gareth, J 2004, Strategic Management Theory, 6th edn, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Charnovich, J 2009, ‘How to Maxi mize Technology ROI and Create and Lead Superior IT Performance’, TecExecs , pp. 1-2. FedEx 2012, Compensation and Rewards. Web. FedEx 2011, FedEx Annual Report 2011, FedEx, Memphis, TN. Gerstein, M and Reisman, H 1982, ‘Creating competitive advantage with computer technology’, The Journal of business strategy, vol. 3, no.1, pp. 53-60. Gonrig, M 2008, ‘Customer loyalty and Employee Engagement: An Alignment For Value’, Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 29, pp. 29-40. Grant, RM 2005, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, Blackwell Pub, Hoboken, New Jersey. Haid, M and Sims, J 2009, Employee Engagement: Maximizing Organizational Performance’, Leaders Insight, vol. 6100, no. 5, pp. 1-25. Harter, J, Schmidt, F and Hayes, T 2002, ‘Business-Unit-Level Relationship Between Employee Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, and Business Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis’, Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 87, pp. 268-279. Hitt, M, Ireland, D and Hoskisson, R 2008, Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization: Concepts Cases, Cengage Learning, New York. MacKerron, G, Cowe, A and Milliken, L 2009, ‘Creating Competitive Advantage’, Business Administration, vol. 1, pp. 1-21. MacMillan, A 2012, ‘Importance of Performance Management Process Best Practices To Optimize Monitoring Performance Work Reviews/Feedback and Goal Management’, Raising the Bar on Performance Management Process, vol. 1, pp. 1-6. Olson, M 2011, ‘I am FedEx: Contributing to the Continual Improvement/LEAN process’, I am FedEx, vol. 1, pp. 1-2. Porter, ME 1998, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance: New Introduction, Simon and Schuster, New York. San Jose Consulting Group 2003, FedEx Corporation: Strategic Management Project, San Jose Consulting Group, Memphis, TN. Sand, C 2010, The Packaging Value Chain, DEStech Publications, Lancaster, PA. Thomas, R, Harburg, F and Dutra, A 2007, How to crea te a culture of high performance’, Talent and Organization Performance, vol. 1, pp. 1-8. This essay on FedEx was written and submitted by user Demetrius Huff to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

FedEx

Introduction All corporations aim at success. Some achieve it. Others fail. For those that achieve it, they may experience the challenge of sustainability and ultimately fade. Still, there are organisations that have been able to achieve success and maintain it over decades. Such organisations have achieved and sustained superior performance that meet or surpass both their internal and external relations’ expectations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on FedEx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay shall analyse how FedEx has created and maintained superior performance using five forces, value creation, and culture school at a micro-level focusing on Human Resources (HR) practices. FedEx aim has been able to create superior financial returns for its shareholders using its value-added services, business strategy, HR practices, supply chain management, and focused operation systems (FedEx, 2011). FedEx stri ve to meet all the needs of its diverse customers both in the national and international markets. In order to achieve and sustain superior performance, the company strives to establish mutually beneficial relationships with its shareholders, employees, business partners, and suppliers (Business Services Industry, 2002). The company observes safety of its employees and aims at conducting business to the highest professional levels. Concentration on human resources has made policies and functions of HR in FedEx important part of creating and sustaining superior performance. The company FedEx is a logistic company serving global markets. Fredrick Smith founded the company out of the need to serve a service-oriented economy of the US in the year 1973 that needed quick and reliable delivery services (San Jose Consulting Group, 2003). The company had suffered some losses during its entry into the international market. This was due to expensive expansion strategies. In addition, the compan y also used the US strategy in an international market like China. There were also cases of cultural differences, acquisition, organisational adjustments, structural policies, and adaptation of human resource issues so as to reflect and enhance FedEx culture. The company did not experience success in its attempts to conquer the Chinese market due policies that did not favour foreign operations. The company had challenges in embracing the regional culture. On the other hand, FedEx competitors such as UPS and DHL understood Chinese market and grew their strategies gradually.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More FedEx National Operation The logistic industry complements operation of other organisations and individuals. FedEx has competition too from other local firms that offer similar services. However, operation at the national level affects services that FedEx Ground offers. The main competitor in this area is UPS. The global strategy mainly relies on FedEx Express that also faces threats from other international logistic companies. Thus, FedEx Express should complement operation of FedEx Ground (San Jose Consulting Group, 2003). FedEx relies on several factors of production in order to realise superior performance. These are mainly managerial strategies, the company resources, and logistic technical know-how. The company has been able to develop reliable logistic systems that ensure successful operation of its complex systems. At the same time, the company has been able to exploit its resources and physical infrastructure such as ports and roads in order to deliver superior performance. The domestic demands and competition in the US make FedEx constantly keep pace with such needs through upgrading its service. Customers need fast and cost-effective delivery; thus, logistic firms must see the need of upgrading their services to satisfy customers’ dem ands. As many companies come up to offer such services at reduced costs, FedEx must improve its customers’ responsiveness and introduce innovative products and use of technology so as to avert challenges that may result from consumers’ activities and competition. Intensity of competition in the logistic industry is responsible for driving growth and sustainable performance. Thus, FedEx and its main competitors must continuously strive to enhance qualities of their products and services through innovation and technology. At the same time, such companies may also focus on lowering costs. However, cost reduction may affect business performance of logistic companies due to high costs of maintaining resources. Therefore, the only way is to improve services, create superior performance and sustain it. Analysis of the company’s superior performance Competitive analysis Five forces Threats of new entrants Logistic business relies on economies of scale. Thus, most firms aim at expanding their local operations and acquire small firms. Success and superior performance in the freight industry requires extensive networks and distribution centres (Porter, 1998). This implies that FedEx must possess highly reliable delivery facilities like vans, planes, trucks, and other means of delivering large cargo like trains and ships. FedEx has created superior performance in overnight delivery business. On the other hand, its competitor like UPS has conquered the ground delivery business. Rivalry in the field has created conditions that ensure that main players like FedEx, UPS, and DHL diversify their services in order to provide value for customers and create superior performance. Such companies strive to create a one-stop shop for their customers. FedEx and other players have reduced chances of new entrants. Any new entrant shall not pose serious threats as to FedEx as the company already has established competitive positions in all segments of the transportati on business. FedEx has created a strong brand in the last few decades characterised by performance and achievements. Thus, any new entrant must struggle to build a brand name and have a share of the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on FedEx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More FedEx took time to educate its customers about overnight delivery services and benefits of package deliveries. FedEx has established long-term business relationship with international companies such as McDonald’s, and Home Depot among others. FedEx also gets contracts from the government. The US government agencies have established confidence in FedEx to hand highly sensitive and hazardous deliveries. This can present challenges to new entrants who may have challenges establishing such high level of confidence. FedEx also uses its brand name to enhance both domestic and regional business. It has take advantages of trade agreements a nd favourable trade regulations so as to position itself as regional solution for packages delivery. This means any new entrant will face strong opposition from established giants. For instance, when DHL acquired Airborne in order to challenge express delivery companies of the US, it met strong oppositions from UPS and FedEx. Rivalry Rivalry among competitors tightens as a result of reducing demands of products, increasing numbers of competitors, decline of the industry growth, fixed cost, as well as increasing costs of exiting the industry. FedEx rivals, in the delivery industry, include DHL, UPS, and TNT. FedEx penetrated the market in the US and ruled the parcel delivery consequently leading in the international market. In 1984, FedEx extended its operations to Asia-Pacific after a successful acquisition of Gelco Express International. Afterwards, FedEx utilised the strategy of taking opportunities of the existing international transportation companies to outstretch its internati onal business as in the case of 1989 when it acquired Flying Tigers. This came with challenges as FedEx had to integrate local companies and strive to come with excellent international routes. In addition, FedEx had to develop trucking solutions in Europe and embrace changes of the international environment. In the quest of achieving profitable sale, FedEx applied the strategy of subsidizing its international business. As a result, its entry to international business resulted to massive losses in the early 1990s. DHL thrives in the international transportation business and supply chain management, a fact that makes it the key rival of FedEx. The time when FedEx concentrated on seizing domestic market, DHL took this opportunity to dominate the international market. Therefore, by 1980 it had the largest share of customer internationally. In 1983, DHL penetrated the Chinese market. Consequently, it became the first express transportation company in China. This prompted it to liaise wit h airlines and freight companies. It invested on air fleet and by 2003 acquired Airborne Express. The successful investments on different forms of transportation, and penetrating the international market, make rivalry between FedEx and DHL intense.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More UPS is another competitor of FedEx in the domestic market in the US. It is fast overtaking FedEx because of its aggressiveness in bracing itself for the challenges in the industry. In 1985, it successfully launched its air service operating between US and six European countries. The peak was in 1990 when the UPS managed deliveries of packages and documents to over 175 countries. TNT is also a possible competitor of FedEx. TNT offers similar services to those of FedEx, but the only hindrance is that the rivalry is not on a global scale as TNT operations are no longer in the US market (Charles and Gareth, 2004). Irrespective of this rivalry, FedEx has managed to achieve economies of scale before its competitors due to its pioneering strategies as e-transactions, logistics related solutions, and supply chain even though they do not match new developments, inexpensive and powerful technologies that their competitors utilise to match FedEx standards. Pressure from substitute products Sub stitutes penetrate the market with the sole intention of making the customer switch from the product that dominates the market. Major substitute threats for FedEx include the Internet. Internet providers enlighten people on the benefits associated with the use of emails, document digitization and online forms. Firms also embrace the idea of online digital signatures for the sake of time and money saving and institutions like banks check accounts online. These technological advancements prompt people to substitute their paperwork with digital advancements. Massive usages of email and facsimile resulted to a drastic reduction of the industry volume. However, the only issue that may favour these companies is security as not all information especially the sensitive type can be sent through email. However, threats reduce due to factors like slow speed, insecurity, and unreliability. In order to overcome challenges of substitutes, FedEx has embraced latest technology, for instance utilisi ng the Internet in provisions of some services. FedEx has aggressively improved aircraft and shipping facilities to international standards, a factor that makes it impossible for any threatening substitute to match FedEx’s standards (MacKerron, Cowe and Milliken, 2009). Bargaining power of buyers Buyers get power from their high levels of concentration, or when they are few or in cases where product differentiation among organisations is not clear (Gonrig, 2008). The three firms are in stiff competition in the transportation industry for provisions of excellent delivery services that call for attention from prominent companies, especially after business expansion into international markets. In addition, the e-commerce has thrived. Therefore, these logistic firms must show their potential in the delivery of products around the globe. At this stage, FedEx comes in handy in solving customers’ issues. FedEx’s competitors provide similar products at almost the same p rices. Therefore, it has adopted a strategy by creating value-added services for the sake of differentiating its services from those of the competitors. Potential customers worldwide have preference for their delivery providers. They do not rely on a single service provider and have the advantage of going for cheap providers. Therefore, FedEx considers this and puts efforts to achieve economic sales via penetrating the global market as well as decreasing the cost of operation so as to offer considerable prices. Therefore, FedEx has embraced medium bargaining power. Bargaining power of suppliers When there is an absence of substitutes in the market, or when there is a low concentration of suppliers, suppliers take advantages of increasing the prices of goods and services. In addition, suppliers have the ultimate say in their prices. FedEx relies heavily on different suppliers, ranging from companies supplying fuel, shipping materials producers, airport, airplane and vehicle manufactu rers. Less concentration of the fuel companies in the market and inadequate substitute for fuel give the fuel suppliers advantage of strong bargaining power. In addition, the FedEx’s profitability at times is unpredictable due to fluctuating fuel prices. However, suppliers of packaging materials such as plastics and boxes, have less bargaining power. This result from the availability of substitute products and shifting cost reflected is negligible to FedEx’s total expenses. In the vehicle industry, FedEx gets the advantage of strong bargaining power as vehicle manufacturers are many and it does not depend on one manufacturer. In the aircraft and train industries, oligopoly gives the suppliers strong bargaining power as there exists limited manufacturers (Porter, 1998). Value Chain For FedEx to add value to its services and goods, its activities ought to operate at the optimum level for the company to achieve real competitive benefits. FedEx value chain begins with pick ups of packages. The employers collect the packages at designated points such as residences and businesses. They create value through ensuring package pickups take place anytime and anywhere. These create value through assurance of timely delivery. After package collection, FedEx secures them in a hub. Here, sorting of packages according to their destination takes place. The packages pass through a chain of hand to their final destination. From the hub, the packages head to their destination through trucks or plane. FedEx ensures that deliveries of packages are at professional levels and in turn wins customers trusts and create great value. For achievements of perceived values, FedEx drivers carry out their duties efficiently. They strive to ensure that packages get to their destinations on time regardless of experienced hitches. This increases positive value for the company (Sand, 2010). The final activity of delivery is customer service. This service entails after sales support. F edEx role in this is to provide support to their customers in tracing their packages while still in route. Such support enables customers monitor the status of their packages in transit. Such activities of FedEx exhibit extreme value for their customers (Barney, 1997). Success in achievement of these values emanates from support activities of the company‘s infrastructure e.g. storage buildings, trucks, planes among others. Another support system that adds value to the services is the Internet services that FedEx offers to aid customer track their packages on transit online. Human resource and material management team as well support all the primary activities to function smoothly. FedEx has managed to conquer the industry because of utilisation of information system and its competitive infrastructure that many competitors lack. FedEx has technological capabilities to track its customers’ packages during transit. The service saves the company time and money. Its competit ors offer numbers that customers use to track their packages. This is an engagement that presents a challenge to customers. FedEx’s fleets of vehicles, aeroplanes and human resources contribute to its massive infrastructures. These infrastructures facilitate success in FedEx delivery of services. They also consider the importance of time in deliveries of packages. FedEx’s Business Level Strategy The company’s strengths, in terms of technical know-how in logistics, technology, and innovation, put it in a position to pursue differentiation strategy at the business level. Customers and competitors know FedEx for provisions of high levels of services that are almost impossible to imitate and match. Industry analysts know FedEx as an innovative company with a strong orientation towards high levels of service provisions. Consequently, such high levels of services translate to high charges. FedEx prices are usually higher than most of its competitors. Most customers co nsider such charges premium and believe that they will get the same value of services worth their payments. The company has been able to differentiate its standard of quality services from its competitors (Grant, 2005). The company aims at establishing strong customers’ base through differentiation and provisions of superior services than its competitors. We must recognise that all logistic firms have the capacity to deliver packages. However, FedEx has differentiated itself as customer-friendly. Thus, the company has extensive support system, home deliveries, and money back guarantee approaches. These are what distinguish FedEx from its rivals. Differentiation in the transport industry is not simple. Customers of today tend to be cost sensitive and would like to get value for less pay. Different in costs means customers may not have brand loyalty. Most customers do not know technical know-how of FedEx or how their technology is superior for managing the chain. A typical cust omer will only consider costs and safe deliver of his or her packages. This implies that typical consumers may not opt for quality services, but rather consider affordability of services. Therefore, FedEx must find ways of differentiating itself from its main rivals and offer superior services. This enhances superior performance of the company. Sustaining superior performance will enable many customers pay for premium services of FedEx. FedEx business level strategy for superior performance also targets customers’ needs. FedEx has understood the needs of its customers. Consequently, the company has established different branches of business, namely FedEx Ground, FedEx Trade Networks, FedEx Express, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Supply Chain Services, and FedEx Freight. The company has created such segments in order to target certain customers depending on their diverse needs. This differentiation strategy enables FedEx to cater for all the needs of most customers. Targeting di fferent customers with different services enables FedEx to offer superior services and create superior performance. FedEx has segmented its market according to its customers’ needs. Segmentation strategy aims at creating superior services, products, and advanced provisions of services to customers. FedEx different segments operate independently but represent the company in terms of its values and efforts of creating superior services. Segmentation in different units provides each unit with a chance to concentrate on its own target market and offer superior services. This makes FedEx a specialised company. FedEx Express is the busiest as it offers speedy delivery of packages based on the money back guarantee strategy. This enables customers to have confidence in the company. On the other hand, FedEx Ground mainly concentrates on small packages delivered to small business. This segment derives its strength from satisfying the needs of customers who need quick deliver within a s hort distance. It almost works like FedEx Home Delivery services. FedEx Freight covers mainly heavy packages of over 150 pounds. The company restricts such services to regional deliveries within the US continent. This segment also delivers packages that have flexible delivery schedules. FedEx Custom caters for a small market segment due to the nature of packages it handles. These are mainly products and packages that require special care and attention during transportation. FedEx has specially equipped transportation resources to cater for such customers. FedEx Trade Networks offers services to international destinations. The company last segment is FedEx Supply Chain services that track movement of parcel so as to enhance safe delivery and ensure customers satisfaction. We can posit that FedEx uses the needs of its customers to segment its markets, and in turn, it offers superior services and products. FedEx Express and FedEx Ground are responsible for most operation of the company and its profits. The two segments generate nearly $ 14 billion annually in terms of revenues. It is FedEx Express that has been responsible for creating superior services and customers’ satisfaction. Customers view superior level of performance in terms of express delivery and money back guarantee. This means that FedEx Express must deliver such packages. FedEx has also adopted differentiation in quality in order to create a superior level of performance for its stakeholders. The company has invested enormous amounts of resources in order to keep its promise to its customers. This has enhanced its international operation among its rivals. The company has extensive organisation of units using its advanced logistic technology and know-how. This ensures that there is a smooth flow and delivery of packages. This enables the company to deliver high quality services that satisfy its customers. FedEx has been able to create such a level of superior performance based on its customer s’ responsiveness and innovation in terms of services and products. The company has package tracking systems, efficient support functions, special package handling systems, hub coordination, and logistic supports. Provisions of these services have enabled FedEx offer superior services relative to those of their competitors and in turn achieve a high level of superior performance. FedEx has competence in the transportation industry. Competence enables the company to offer competitive products and services to challenge those of its main rivals. The company derives its competence from its human resources and cutting edge technology. In addition, FedEx has facilities like fleets of aircraft that guarantee safe and timely delivery of cargos. The company’s commitment to customers is outstanding. FedEx aims at creating superior customer services using its innovation and technology. The company has been collaborating with the local universities so as to improve its technologic al capabilities. FedEx competence and technological position are the driving force behind claims of international market shares. Technological superiority for superior performance Most customers know that FedEx is a leader in using technology in logistic business. In fact, FedEx was the first company to use technology in the logistic market (Powership system). Poweship was not effective. It could only store addresses and airways bills, and track packages. The system relied on telephone lines for connectivity. However, this changed with the new era of technology. The company adopted many automated solutions to for its shipping business. The company combined such technology with its intranet and business solutions (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson, 2008). FedEx has been able to adapt its systems to serve the global market. The company has created superior performance through relying on the power of online opportunities (Gerstein and Reisman, 1982). In order to serve the international marke t well, the company website has multiple languages option to choose. FedEx customers can register online, estimate their shipping costs, prepare airways bills, and avail the necessary document needed. This system has capabilities of handling the entire supply chain of FedEx (Porter, 1998). The company uses the latest technology so as to enhance sorting and labelling of packages, label readers, and automated conveyor belt systems. Adoption of technology has enabled FedEx improve efficiency, lessen human errors, and enhance sorting of packages. Consequently, the company has been able to provide superior services and maintain superior performance in the industry (Charnovich, 2009). School Strategy FedEx Culture and HR Practices We look at culture and HR practices of FedEx at the micro level. This gives an insight into how the company has created superior performance using its human resources and cultivated organisational culture to support its operation (Bettinger, 1989). FedEx strives to create a high performance culture so as to offer superior customer services and values. The company has created a workplace condition based on loyalty of its employees. The company believes in value and diversity of its workforce. This enables employees to contribute and grow their careers. This is a significant step towards employees’ inclusion into organisational culture of FedEx (Olson, 2011). Consequently, FedEx workforce derives a sense of pride working for the organisation. In turn, they deliver superior services to their customers. HR Practices FedEx is a service company that depends on its human resources for delivering values to its customers. The company hires the right people, trains and leads them with required skills for the job. These practices aim at creating a workforce that is capable of responding to customers’ needs. FedEx believes that only a well trained workforce can deliver superior performance to customers. The company hopes for repeat busin esses from its satisfied customers (MacMillan, 2012). FedEx has reward programmes for its employees. The company recognise unique contribution of its employees and reward them accordingly. It has a reward system known as Bravo Zulu Voucher Program. In fact, nearly 50 percent of the company’s spending caters for workforce pay and benefits. FedEx has created a culture system that recognises individuals’ efforts, generation of fresh ideas, enhanced excellence performance, and teamwork. The reward and compensation system at FedEx recognises such factors (FedEx, 2012). FedEx also aims at creating a favourable environment for its employees’ individual growth and progress. The company has developed a human resource system (PRISM) that caters for all applicants and recruits. Thus, maintaining personal data of every staff is a central point for superior performance on FedEx. This is because the system has capabilities of posting, testing, and monitoring growth of every e mployee (Haid and Sims, 2009). FedEx has Survey Feedback Action (SFA). This is mainly for internal operation of the company that helps the management decide on promotion, evaluation of performance, and workforce’s attitude towards new policies. The company aims at enhancing communications between its management team and other employees. Employees have opportunities of expressing their opinions freely regarding the company’s policies. FedEx also has an open door policy that ensures that the company handles employees’ issues to acceptable standards (Thomas, Harburg and Dutra, 2007). FedEx also uses employment retention to enhance the company performance. Employee retention has become a core part of HR policies in FedEx. The company believes that it is less expensive to retain its existing staff than finding new workforce. FedEx employees’ turnover rate is relatively low at six percent compared to the industry rate of 20 percent. FedEx offers benefits under different programmes such as education, performance, healthcare, and insurance among others as ways of keeping employees satisfied and retain them (Gonrig, 2008). This promotes performance and reputation of the company (Harter, Schmidt and Hayes, 2002). Conclusion Since its inception, FedEx has transformed the industry of express delivery services. This has been possible due to sustained superior performance over the years. The company has relied on its human resources and policies so as to change and set the pace for other companies. FedEx has recognised its employees through its various ways of HR practices and employees benefits. Consequently, employees have been able to deliver superior services to customers. Thus, the company has recognised that creating, delivering, and sustaining superior performance starts with employees’ satisfaction. FedEx has also used its resources to create a strong brand in the US market. Customers know the company for overnight deliveries, effi ciency, and excellence customer responsiveness. Transportation industry is dynamic, and there also always five forces and technological innovations that threaten the existence of any company. This implies that FedEx must carry out extensive investments in order to enhance its services and sustain superior performance. Creating and maintain superior performance is not an easy task. Legendary company like FedEx has managed to do so. The company relies on its technical know-how, and technological innovations to create superior products and offer superior services to customers. FedEx systems track packages handling and in turn provide the needed value to customers. Technology has enabled the company offer additional value enhancing services. Market segmentation and differentiation are also factors that have enabled the company offer superior services. For instance, FedEx has created different units in order to offer superior products to different market segments depending on the urgency , location, and type of package. The company has specialised in different areas for excellence performance and satisfaction of its customers. This approach does not only ensure superior services delivery, but also ensure increased revenue for the company. Most customers consider FedEx services as premium due to high costs than its competitors. However, the company believes that it delivers value and superior customers services to match such costs. Reference List Barney, J 1997 Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage, University of Michigan Press, Michigan. Bettinger, C 1989, ‘Use Corporate Culture to Trigger High Performance’, Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 38-42. Business Services Industry 2002, ‘Shippers Honor FedEx for Superior Performance’, Business Services Industry, vol. 1 no. 1, pp. 1-2. Charles, H and Gareth, J 2004, Strategic Management Theory, 6th edn, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Charnovich, J 2009, ‘How to Maxi mize Technology ROI and Create and Lead Superior IT Performance’, TecExecs , pp. 1-2. FedEx 2012, Compensation and Rewards. Web. FedEx 2011, FedEx Annual Report 2011, FedEx, Memphis, TN. Gerstein, M and Reisman, H 1982, ‘Creating competitive advantage with computer technology’, The Journal of business strategy, vol. 3, no.1, pp. 53-60. Gonrig, M 2008, ‘Customer loyalty and Employee Engagement: An Alignment For Value’, Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 29, pp. 29-40. Grant, RM 2005, Contemporary Strategy Analysis, Blackwell Pub, Hoboken, New Jersey. Haid, M and Sims, J 2009, Employee Engagement: Maximizing Organizational Performance’, Leaders Insight, vol. 6100, no. 5, pp. 1-25. Harter, J, Schmidt, F and Hayes, T 2002, ‘Business-Unit-Level Relationship Between Employee Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, and Business Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis’, Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 87, pp. 268-279. Hitt, M, Ireland, D and Hoskisson, R 2008, Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization: Concepts Cases, Cengage Learning, New York. MacKerron, G, Cowe, A and Milliken, L 2009, ‘Creating Competitive Advantage’, Business Administration, vol. 1, pp. 1-21. MacMillan, A 2012, ‘Importance of Performance Management Process Best Practices To Optimize Monitoring Performance Work Reviews/Feedback and Goal Management’, Raising the Bar on Performance Management Process, vol. 1, pp. 1-6. Olson, M 2011, ‘I am FedEx: Contributing to the Continual Improvement/LEAN process’, I am FedEx, vol. 1, pp. 1-2. Porter, ME 1998, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance: New Introduction, Simon and Schuster, New York. San Jose Consulting Group 2003, FedEx Corporation: Strategic Management Project, San Jose Consulting Group, Memphis, TN. Sand, C 2010, The Packaging Value Chain, DEStech Publications, Lancaster, PA. Thomas, R, Harburg, F and Dutra, A 2007, How to crea te a culture of high performance’, Talent and Organization Performance, vol. 1, pp. 1-8. This essay on FedEx was written and submitted by user Demetrius Huff to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Inferno Essays - LZ 129 Hindenburg, Paul Von Hindenburg

The Inferno Essays - LZ 129 Hindenburg, Paul Von Hindenburg The Inferno Subject: History The Hindenburg The Inferno The arrival of the Hindenburg, thirteen hours behind schedule, at Lakehurst, New Jersey, on the evening of May 6, 1937, promised to be routine. The ship had an unblemished safety record on eighteen previous Atlantic crossings. In fact, no passenger had ever lost his life on any commercial airship. Still, because this was the beginning of the most ambitious season yet for airship voyages, reporters, photographers and news reel cameramen had their eyes and lenses focused on the great dirigible as it approached. When disaster struck it was sudden. Without warning flames gushed from within the Hindenburg's hull; thirty-two seconds later the airship lay on the ground, ravaged. Never had the sights and sounds of a disaster in progress been so graphically documented. Within a day, newspaper readers and theater audiences were confronted by fiery images of the Hindenburg. Radio listeners heard the emotional words of newsman Herb Morrison, sobbing into his recorder, "It's burning, bursting into flames, and it's falling on the mooring mast and all the folks. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the world. . . . Oh, the humanity and all the passengers!(Marben 58)" When this floating cathedral, called the Hindenburg, burst into a geyser of flaming hydrogen there was a tremendous impact on the public, although two thirds of the people on board survived. Two theories about why it happened surfaced and this tragedy put an end to the short age of these massive airships. The demise of the Hindenburg had a searing impact on public consciousness that far surpassed the bare statistics of the calamity. Men and women escaped, even from this inferno. One elderly lady walked out by the normal exit as though nothing had happened and was unscratched. A fourteen-year-old cabin boy jumped to the ground into flames and smoke. He was almost unconscious from the fumes when a water-ballast bag collapsed over his head. He got out. One passenger hacked his way through a jungle of hot metal using his bare hands. Another emerged safely, only to have another passenger land upon him and cripple him. One man, at an open window with every chance to jump to safety, went back into the flames to his wife, both died. The final count was 36 dead, including 13 passengers. Nearly two thirds, of the 97 persons on board survived, but that fact was forever obscured, and the name Hindenburg became comparable only to the name Titanic(Abbott 69). Of all airship crashes, Hindenburg's remains the most mysterious and the most contentious, partially because of its fame. Many theorists were attracted to the idea of sabotage. An incendiary device could have been positioned at the place the fire started. There was an access ladder from the keel as well as a ventilation shaft to fan the flames(124). The most attractive aspect of the sabotage theory is timing. Had the airship arrived on time at six o'clock in the morning a bomb timed for after seven p.m. would not have caused the horrifying casualties(125). In the absence of any real evidence to support the theory, some have been tempted to provide the villain instead. Max Pruss, captain at the time of the crash, eventually came to suspect a certain passenger(125). Others have chosen members of the crew. But not only did the American investigators fail to find any evidence of sabotage, the Gestapo investigation was equally negative. Unconvinced by this, some of the sabotage theorists have made the whole thing into a Nazi plot(Marben 87). Many explanations fit the circumstances without the "sensational" solutions. The presence of free hydrogen deep inside the ship can be attributed to various causes. The very slow approach-speed of the airship, after valving gas, might well have left some gas residue in the shafts. The tail heaviness, noticed by the elevator man, might have been the result of a gas leak(Abbott 251). The only other necessary ingredient is the spark. Both American and German investigators agreed that some form of static discharge was the source of the fire(250). The burning of the Hindenburg made it clear once and for all that dirigible travel was merely a blind alley in the evolution of flight. The giant airships' remaining loyalists were abandoned, along with Gill Robb Wilson, the landing supervisor at Lakehurst that fateful evening, "Those of us long in the air know what it is to reach out in salute to the embodiment of our hopes, and suddenly find our fingers filled with ashes(Marben 59)."