Urban Economics Essay Example

Urban Economics Essay Consider a region with a workforce of 12 million. The urban utility curve reaches its maximum with 3 million workers and includes the following combinations: Workers (millions)1234689101112 Utility (pounds)32567065554540353025 Initially, there is a single city with 12 million workers. Suppose the government establishes a new city with 1 million workers, leaving 11 million workers in the old city. a)Assume that the number of cities remains at 2. What happens next? What is the new equilibrium city size? First, taking into account the information given in the table, it is necessary to construct the utility curve for each of the values given: (Graphic) It can be seen that in the initial situation (12 million workers in one city), the utility per worker is 25 ?. If the number of cities remains at 2 (A B), leaving in one of them 11 million workers and 1 million workers in the other one, it can be appreciated in the graphic that the utility per worker in the first city will be 30 ? er worker and 32 ? per worker in the second. The utility curve reaches its maximum with 3 million workers in a city (point M), at this point; the utility per worker maximizes welfare according to city size. Because in this case there is no equilibrium, people will want to move from there in order to get a better welfare level. There are 2 possibilities, to move to city A or to move to city B, as it is shown in the graphic. We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Economics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Economics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Urban Economics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer If workers decide to move to city B, city A would disappear and people would like to come back to the city A to have the anterior level of welfare, because the utility per worker in a city of 1 million workers (32 pounds per worker) is higher than the utility in a city of 12 million workers (25 ? per worker). On the other hand, if workers decide to move from city B to city A, they would not want to come back to the anterior level of welfare because in this case, the utility per worker in a city of 10 million people (35? er worker) is higher than the utility in a city of 11 million people (30? per worker). Moreover, city A will have 2 million workers and will reach a higher level of welfare than before (56 instead of 32? per worker), so workers will not want to come back to the previous level of welfare, as it can be observed in the graphic. As it can be seen in the graphic, after this reallocation of workers, we have a 2 million workers city (A) and 10 million workers city (B). (Grap hic) Workers in city B would want to have a higher level of welfare than their actual level. For this reason they would prefer to move to city A, in order to make it real. If doing so, city B would have 9 million workers and its level of utility would be higher than before (40 instead of 35 ? per worker) and city A would get 3 million workers, reaching the maximum point at the utility curve (70 ? instead of 56 ? per worker) as it can be seen in the graphic: (graphic) At this point, during this reallocation, city A has reached the maximum utility per worker (from 32 to 70? per worker) and workers in city B have a better level of welfare than before (from 30 to 40? er worker). It is considered as the new equilibrium city size, because workers from city A wouldn’t want to change and workers from city B despite they could have a better level of output, are facing a stable situation because the utility curve is negatively sloped. If workers from city B continue moving to city A in order to get a higher level of welfare, they will get it, but workers that actually live in c ity A will see how their level of welfare will decrease because they will not be anymore at the maximum point of the utility curve. The final equilibrium in this situation would be a region with 2 cities of 6 million workers each one, where the utility level would be 55? per worker, as we can see in the graphic. (graphic) b)Suppose that the government establishes 3 new cities, each with 1 million workers (leaving 9 million in the old city). What happens next? Will the region reach the optimum configuration of 4 cities, each with 3 million workers? c)Suppose your objective is to reach the optimum configuration and you establish 3 new cities. What is the minimum number of workers to be placed initially in each of the new cities?

A cost benefit analysis of the environmental and economic effects of Nuclear Energy in the United States

A cost benefit analysis of the environmental and economic effects of Nuclear Energy in the United States Overview There are myriad environmental benefits presented by the production and use of nuclear energy. Studies on this fuel have indicated that it has a negligible contribution to global warming since there are no emissions of greenhouse gases.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on A cost benefit analysis of the environmental and economic effects of Nuclear Energy in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, other toxic gaseous compounds such as oxides of sulfur and nitrogen are not emitted in nuclear reactor plants or in points of consumption. In any case, the process entailed in the conversion of nuclear energy to electric energy does not involve any combustion of solid or liquid substances that may be injurious to the environment. Hence, in a conventional sense, no single substance undergoes the process of incineration as it is common with other types of fuels. Besides, the production of heat in nuclear plants is due to fission of radioactive substances but not through the process of oxidation. The quantity of fuels spent in nuclear reactors is almost the same amount of end products (energy) produced by the reactor. This implies that there is minimal loss of energy to the environment in form of waste products. The fuels that have been spent are not let free to the environment but are stored in the assembly points within the reactor. Contrary to the production of energy using fossil fuels, all the solid wastes and particulate matter in nuclear reactors are not disposed to the ambient environment.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Although wastes generated from nuclear plants are not emitted freely to the surrounding environment, the impact of releasing such wastes would be disastrous if it were permitted. The reason behind, is the fact that n uclear plants produce an assortment of waste products that are more risky to the environment than fossil fuels. For instance, solid wastes generated from the reactor system may be highly toxic when exposed to living environment. Moreover, there are quite a number of process chemicals that would pose serious threat to fauna and flora if it were emitted to the environment. There is also excessive steam emanating from heated water that as well as spent fuel that contain traces of radioactive substances harmful to life. Nonetheless, there is a distinction between the amount of electric energy produced and the mass of waste products, which is rather small. Therefore, the impact to the environment may not be similar in magnitude to the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, the plant operators have the full control of the harmful wastes being generated. The waste control measure involves variety of individuals and agencies such as plant managers, owners of the nuclear reactors as well as the Depa rtment of Energy. There are stringent measures taken to ascertain that no waste materials fins their way to the environment until the last stage of disposal.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on A cost benefit analysis of the environmental and economic effects of Nuclear Energy in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is also imperative to note that spent fuel from nuclear waste is primarily radioactive in nature. On the other hand, a very small fraction of waste materials from fossil fuels contain radioactive substances. In both cases though, solid wastes can substantially spoil the environment. The nature of damage posed to the environment depends on the nature of the nuclear plant being used and also the extraction process of fossil fuel themselves. Quite often, the management of wastes from nuclear reactors is undertaken up to the disposal phase. However, it is not quite easy to manage partic ulate matter and stack gases from fossil fuels before they are released from the fuel production system. The fact the gaseous waste products are dealt with well after they have been released increases the risk of exposure of these toxic substances to human, animal and plant life. Although it is possible to manage fossil fuel wastes either partially or fully, the process may prove to be costly both in terms of setting up waste management systems within fossil fuel pant establishments in addition to emanating the systems to remain effective and efficient in disposing wastes. On the same note, operators who run nuclear plants have the responsibility of ensuring that appropriate systems are installed within the nuclear reactors to eliminate or control wastes generated during the radioactive processes and reactions. Hence, the cost of controlling wastes through building of structures cannot be evaded by either fossil fuel or nuclear plant operators. Furthermore, it is also pertinent to m ake controversial decisions regarding the most applicable waste control measures to adopt.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To this end, the cost-benefit analysis on environmental impact of nuclear energy compared to other forms of energy relies heavily on the waste value attached on each type of pant used to generate energy resources. For example, airborne wastes originating from nuclear power are largely eliminated before being exposed to the environment. The minimal volume of radioactive wastes generated from nuclear reactors is indeed advantageous in terms of cost since managing such small quantities of wastes is both cost effective and beneficial to the owners of the company due to reduced overheads. Similarly, fossil fuels equally generate harmful solid and gaseous wastes but the environmental impact of the latter may be hefty compared to spent fuel from nuclear reactors. Nonetheless, none of the waste stream can be embraced in the environment. Both wastes are disastrous regardless of the point of source. The wastes produced by nuclear power have been found to bear the highest environmental costs i n comparison to other types of fuels. As already mentioned, the quantity of waste produced from nuclear plants may be quite small when a comparison is drawn with other type of fuels such as fossil fuels. However, if these wastes from spent fuels are not nipped at the bud, the impacts can be extreme. In fact, wastes generation during the production of nuclear energy should never be permitted into the environment at all costs. The waste streams can be handled from the point of production using two key options. To begin with, clean sources of energy, also known as renewable energy are usually in place just in case surplus power needs to be generated. In spite of these alternatives, each of the method of producing energy has its own environmental impact that cannot be avoided in the process of production and consumption of the resource. It is also vital to note that the environmental impacts of these alternative fuels may be positive or negative. The availability of these power generati on sources does not, however, solve the challenge of the ever-increasing power demands in United States. For a considerable length of time now, fossil fuels imported from foreign destination have been instrumental as the chief source of energy. At a time when there seems to be strain and over-reliance on fossil fuels, nuclear power seems to come in handy. Thus, the cost benefit analysis on the use of nuclear power and the projected environmental concerns are crucial in the evaluation of potentiality of nuclear power. Secondly, managing demand for power is critical in a bid to alleviate the environmental impacts of wastes generated from spent fuels in nuclear plants (Morris, 2007). It is definite that power generation is usually accompanied by wastes and the two components can be separate or discussed in isolation. In order to reduce nuclear power wastes, the demand for power should go down. Hence, reducing the demand for power will have a ripple effect on the quantity of wastes prod uced. One likely proposal would be to consume less energy so that the demand for the same is lowered. Consequently, wastes associated with power production will equally be lowered. Nonetheless, this will not address the challenge of economic development since myriad of outlets such as industrials plants and domestic settings will continue to demand for more energy as time progresses. When managing demand for energy, it is pertinent to acknowledge cycles for need ranges from the daily to seasonal basis. The pattern of fuel choice and use will be affected significantly if such consumption cycles are treated on a common platform or flattened altogether. The choice of fuel cannot be merged with managing demand for energy. However, the duo processes may as well complement each other. Indeed, the case of nuclear power being compared with fossil fuel is a critical example of this nature (Ramana, 2009). The base load, for instance, works well with nuclear power source. This base load refers to a state of stable demand for energy over a considerable length of time. Similarly, the cyclical demands for energy can be met using other source of energy like fossil fuels and hydropower. In line with this, it goes without saying that when nuclear power is put into perspective of cost benefit, it remains to be most reliable during both the peak and off-peak loads. Hence, when demand level s are leveled, the production of nuclear power may be favored. This can also be a viable way of regulating environment pollution arising from other sources. On the overall, nuclear energy is a growing contributor of US energy needs, contributing about 20% of the total energy requirement in this vast country. On a global scale, this form of energy accounts close to 14% of energy production. Although the United States and the world at large is still relying heavily on fossil fuel, the need to devise other alternative and clean sources of energy is ever beckoning. Is this agreement is implemented , then depending on unstable nations for crude oil resources will be reduced substantially. Besides, the cost of energy production will also go down. Hence, the additional spending on oil imports can be channeled to other areas of development agenda for the country. Although an alternative power generation is needed to supplement fossil fuel use, the undesirable impacts associated with other sources ought to be addressed beforehand so that the environmental impacts are brought to a level low. Situational analysis In 2005 alone, 86 quadrillion of crude oil was imported and consumed by the United States. The quantity of crude oil consumption has continued to grow exponentially even as demand skyrockets. The rate at which energy is being consumed does not match the production rate thereby leading to deficit. The last fifty years or so witnessed a near balance between the two parameters, namely energy consumption and production. In order to meet this difference, the Federal government h a to import crude oil resources. Sincerely speaking, energy exploration should be given a restart in the US. The reliability of nuclear energy is one the reasons why the United States should be boasting of rich uranium deposits. Generating power from radioactive elements such as uranium and polonium assures an uninterrupted supply of electric energy and hence, it is highly predictable both in terms of timing in availability and quantity demanded. The disposal of wastes generated from radioactive substances remains to be the strongest point in the use nuclear energy. United States has the best potential for producing nuclear power since it is well endowed with deposits of uranium. Premise One outstanding feature of nuclear power is that it can be accessed readily and easily. However, the United States government has not taken the full advantage of this resource as an option that can be employed in harnessing supplementary power. Several research studies have already concluded that nu clear energy is effective in terms of cost management. Moreover, this form of energy is quite worthwhile to invest in owing to well refined process of controlling environmental pollution of nuclear generated wastes. In addition, its sustainability is far beyond par since it can be relied on for a considerably long period of time. If adopted, it can generate adequate power alongside lowering cost of producing energy. Moreover, waste disposal procedures in nuclear plants are indeed phenomenon when addressing the cost benefit analysis of this form of energy. The key problem statement to be addressed in this paper is the identification of impacts of nuclear power as far as cost and benefit are concerned. The effect of this energy resource both economically and environmentally is vital in this discussion. When comparing nuclear energy with other sources of energy, the cost benefit analysis cannot be ignored since it gives the clearest picture. Wastes from nuclear plants Disposing of wast es from nuclear plants face various restrictions from the local, state and federal government. In order to impose these restrictions, myriad of elements are used. For instance, government regulation, enactment and enforcement of by-laws or legislations as well as owner commitment to dispose radioactive wastes are all channels through which waste disposal controls can be put into force. Hence, restrictions of this nature that govern waste disposal from nuclear plants reflects the public opinion on the best measure that can be employed in managing wastes based on their value as well as cost. It is highly likely that there will be opinion differences among different players or concerned members of the public on the best method to use to control wastes from nuclear reactors. In other words, the emission policies may not address the views of all those who are concerned with safe disposal of wastes and the environmental impacts of the same. The type and nature of wastes disposed from an e nergy production process often depicts the type of restriction imposed. Thus, environmental controls on waste disposal will largely depend on the type of power plant being used to produce energy. Besides, variations also exist in terms of level needed to regulate the emission of certain environmental pollutants. A crucial example is the effect of steam discharge from hot water, since it may significantly affect the normal temperature of the surrounding water bodies. In retrospect, it is paramount to note that nay slight change or variation of normal temperature of the nearby water bodies may adversely affect certain plant and animal species which are not accustomed to a warmer environment. Furthermore, the ecology of the affected water masses is altered. Consequently, policy issues emerge to debate on the impact of such discharges and whether corrective actions should be taken or not. When concerns of this nature are addressed in operating nuclear power plants, the nature of control s as well as costs required will be established. For instance, a cooling system that lowers the temperature of hot water can be put in place. Better still, the quantity of waste discharge to the environment can be stipulated in order to monitor how much in terms of pollution is let free in the environment and the degree of impact on plant and animal species. The spent fuel disposal is still the worst environmental fear for all nuclear plants used to generate power. Usually, the fission of process that involves splitting of radioactive nuclides does not pass through any heating stage. In practice, no single matter undergoes combustion since the entire process is oxidation-the loss of electrons by the atomic species in the radioactive nuclides. As a result, the process of nuclear fission is accompanied by minimal conversion of mass of the raw material to energy. From the point of insertion up to the eventual removal from the system, there are myriad of control measures that are put in place. The process of disposing solid and gaseous wastes is so strongest that the immediate environment is not affected negatively at all. The point at which the solid and gaseous toxic products are deposited is keenly monitored, making it cost effective to the environment in terms of pollution control. The adoption of strict disposal measures of nuclear wastes is indeed one of the reasons why the use of nuclear power to generate energy is an excellent option when seeking alternative sources of ‘clean’ energy (Suppes Storvick, 2007). The processes of generating power incorporate two main reactions namely nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. The two processes take place between the materials and the fuel units and are both accompanied by notable loss of heat energy with the emission of certain radioactive particles harmful to skin and the rest of the animal body (Hantula Voege, 2009). The accumulation of products obtained from fission (splitting) and fusion (joining) r esults into the spending of nuclear fuel. At this point, the nuclear fuel cannot generate any surplus power. There is a large amount of energy fuel which is not consumed in this process. However, there is need to investigate whether surplus fuel can be produced from the residues. The chemical and physical characteristics of the spent fuel are not similar I nay way. This difference is indeed necessary in the process of handling waste materials and disposing them before they exit the reactor. Nonetheless, the stages involved in the handling of these wastes do not come without a cost. There are expenses which are incurred and are part and parcel of the nuclear production overhead (Department of Energy, DOE., 1988). Spent fuel can be handled in different applying unique procedures. Hence, potential techniques are varied. For instance, recycling is one of the procedures used to eliminate or alleviate the toxicity of spent fuels which are already in form of wastes. The main advantage of r ecycling is that the process undertakes some form of reprocessing of raw materials that were not completely used up. Hence, recycling is an economically beneficial process that improves the viability of setting up a nuclear plant. When some the spent fuel is recycled, the environmental risk of the crude waste product is reduced significantly. The end product after reprocessing is less harmful and can be safely released into the environment. Another benefit of recycling is the increased output of the total energy production. There is minimal wastage of the raw materials that have been categorized as waste products. The approach being taken in the United States is that which entails burying down all the waste products collectively known as spent fuel. All waste products from radioactive reactors are perceived to be highly toxic and the best alternative of managing such wastes is to burry then deep underground. Although this procedure of disposing wastes seem to be viable, it may equal ly lack sustainability especially in situations whereby landfills are to be acquired separately for burying wastes. This will imply that the operators of nuclear plants will have to undergo additional expenses as part of the production costs. Both transmutation and recycling have not been adopted in totality since they are still under policy considerations. In addition, the two aforementioned processes will interfere with the timing, quantity, period and the nature of the very burials (Nunn Ebel, 2000). The operating costs of the nuclear plants will definitely be increased perhaps by substantial amount. Currently, the overall duty of disposing spent fuels from nuclear plants lies with the US Department of Energy. Well, this has been quite reliable source of funding although sustainability remains to be subject of concern owing to the on-going dispute over the legality and constitutionality of such charges. The burden of funding waste disposal program has been left to the public and the very funds have been considered to be a form of subsidy to the waste disposal initiative. It is important to note that the federal government involves itself directly in the nuclear waste disposal program than any other type of energy production program (OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, 2003). There are also concerns over the sufficiency of funds being raised by the public. The costs involved in the reprocessing of wastes may indeed go up with time. Worse still, if the nuclear energy production program is expanded by any means, the volume of nuclear wastes generated will equally increase (Findlay, 2010). This will be the case especially in a few years time since the demand for energy is continually increasing. Hence, nuclear energy generation may face lack of adequate funds in the foreseeable future. Should this happen, then the disposal of toxic nuclear wastes may be a gigantic challenge to the Department of Energy. Furthermore, as the cost of producing nuclear power may also be un predictable owing to factors such as inflation and economic recession. The Department for Energy in liaison with the federal government is currently a burial site for nuclear wastes in Nevada. Although much hope has been vested in acquiring this site, the court dispute is still raging and therefore the time when this site will be acquired is indefinite. Such controversies especially those regarding waste disposal mechanisms has remained to be a major challenge in the adoption of nuclear energy production as an alternative source of energy. Even as environmental concerns continue to bother the Department of Energy, the US energy demand is still an economic quagmire. As it is the case now, the status of nuclear waste disposal is pathetic. The use of temporary sites for disposing spent fuels from nuclear reactors is the order of the day. Hence, most of the wastes emitted from nuclear plants have not been disposed appropriately. The reprocessing of these wastes within the plant system s eems o be the most viable and readily used method as per now. Sooner or later, the alternate or temporary sites will be overwhelmed by the continual disposal unless lasting solution is sought in due time. Comparison The main forms of energy production are quite flexible and resilient in generating electricity. Although oil can be used to generate electricity, its high market cost as an imported product prohibits its use in the generation of electricity (Molak, 1997). As it is well known, the use of natural gas and coal poses gross environmental risks in spite of the fact each of these energy component has its own emission criteria. For instance, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the combustion of coal may not necessarily be the same although both of them are pollutants in the environment. When nuclear power is used to generate electricity, a clear distinction can be drawn right from the outset. There are vivid environmental pollution levels when all of these energy compo nents are used to reduce power. When coal is used, there is a possibility of choosing between cal that contains high and low contents of sulfur alongside other emissions. Similarly, the use of fossil fuels also allows differences in emission levels. These variations may be tagged on the type of burners used, the level of technology employed as well as the apparatus used to monitor and control emission levels. The application of emission allowances as enshrined in the Clean Air Act adopted in 1990 can be a real booster in nuclear waste management. Since 2002, there have been plans to include nuclear power plants in the emission allowances that are applicable with plants that emit oxides of nitrogen. In spite of the low volume of these allowances, it may indeed save a lot in terms of emissions that are usually avoided in totality (Eisenbud Gessell, 1997) Emission levels have been set up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to act as a guide to nuclear and other power generati ng plants. For example, for each 1 MWh of electricity produced, coal plants should not exceed the cap of 2249 of carbon dioxide while for oil plants; the maximum allowable emission is 1135 by volume. The remaining pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and the oxides of nitrogen also have their emission levels which cannot be exceed by operators. However, nuclear plant reactors are not emitted to emit any waste products to the environment, whether the pollutant is considered to be mild or less severe. The reason given behind this prohibition is that any allowable emission to the environment emanating from nuclear wastes may contain traces of radioactive substances known to be highly devastating even after being deposited for a long period of time. The radioactive wastes can still initiate chain reactions millions of years after emission to the ambient environment (Eisenbud Paschoa, 1989). This also explains the reason why the residues emanating from nuclear wastes are buried deep underg round so that the elements do not move to the surface and cause health havoc such as gene mutation in animals. Hence, nuclear power plants should be operated in a very sensitive manner right from the time raw materials are fed into the reactor up to the time period when waste products are being disposed. The quantity of spent fuel produced by nuclear power on an annual basis is estimate at 2,000 metric tons. This quantity is far much less than the stipulated allowable emission levels per every Megawatt hour of electricity produced. This implies that even though the environmental effects of spent fuel can be devastating, nuclear plants emit quite a marginal amount of these wastes to the environment. From this perspective, it is likely that a nuclear plant which operates in more than 90% of the total duration and has a capacity of one thousand MWe, waste generation from this plant will be approximately 46,000 lbs per year translating close to 23 tones. From this evidence, it implies t hat the amount of wastes generated from a nuclear plant per annum is relatively small compared to other forms of energy production. However, the challenge remains how adequately and satisfactorily these wastes can be disposed to avoid pollution of the immediate environment. When the same quantity of electricity is generated from coal, over three hundred thousand tons of waste products in form of ashy residues will be formed. This will translate to about ten prevent of coal burnt. the process of srubbing is used to remove ash impurities. This marks the main difference between the volume of waste products generated in nuclear plants and other forms of energy generation (Simon, 2007). It is possible to make resolutions and change to nuclear fuel from fossil fuel. However, this will rely on the type of fuel being substituted and the emission which is of great significance. Airborne emissions emanating from nuclear power plants and other sources of energy such as coal have common signifi cance throughout. There has been a gradual decline in the building of new nuclear plants since the past three decades or so. By 1996, one nuclear power plant was completed in United States in spite of the fact that there are pending building licenses of nuclear plants (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, NCRP, 2004). There is much hope that yet another nuclear plant will be constructed soon to supplement energy production in meeting high demand. The decline has not been without a cause. For instance, the associated expenses and overheads required to erect new power plants is quite high. The capital required for this investment is huge and as a result, it has prohibited the development of new nuclear sites. In addition to the element of cost, the risks involved in the constructing and running of nuclear power plants are overwhelming. As much as there is increasing demand for energy resources, the returns on nuclear power plants may not be significant especially at the initial stages of production due to the fact that management of wastes from spend fuel is a costly affair. Besides, waste disposal is a mandatory requirement in nuclear plants and as such, the operating costs may remain all time high, thereby jeopardizing operations. Building fossil fuel plants as well as coal plants has been quite easy in terms of cost compared to the construction of nuclear plants (Diesendorf, 2007). There are highly charged views over the possibility of alleviating greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of nuclear power generation. Acidic gases, solid wastes and metallic particles have been a concern for a lengthy period of time. There seems to be concurrence that greenhouse gas emissions can indeed be reduced when nuclear power generation is given a serious thought instead of over-relying on fossil fuels (Sovacool, 2010). Furthermore, the emission of acidic gases like the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen will significantly go down if fossil fuels suc h as coal and oil are sufficiently replaced with energy production using nuclear power. Although the cost benefit analysis of setting up a nuclear plant reveals hefty financial risk, the overall result is definitively impressive. The other side of the coin must also be analyzed. When fossil fuel is replaced with nuclear power, the quantity of nuclear spent will be higher, necessitating the need for further disposal. The control technologies for regulating emissions from nuclear power plants is yet another option that can reduce or completely eliminate the release of harmful waste products to the environment. Environmental effects Right from the initial stage of construction, a nuclear power plant is a real source of noise disturbance to the neighboring community. However, this kind of disturbance is quite common in most industrial establishments (Leeuwen Smith, 2003). For instance, the increase in traffic flow, digging of natural sites trough excavations by heavy machinery, destroy ing of the natural ecosystem by interfering of plant and animal habitats are likely to be experienced whenever a nuclear power plant is being constructed. There are instances when the natural environment is completely defaced, leaving bare ground, deep valleys and rugged surfaces. Nonetheless, it is vital for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out before such construction works begin. This type of assessment will ascertain any mitigation measures that need to be taken or put in place in order to reduce damage to the terrestrial and aquatic environment. An impact assessment to the environment is carried out by environmental experts and a report outlining some of the measures to be taken as the construction goes on is released to the contractor (Diesendorf, 2008). To begin with, the selection of a nuclear power plant site is an important step to take. A carefully selected site will by far and large, minimize the effects of these negative impacts to the environment. For i nstance, it is highly recommended that a nuclear power plant be located away from human settlement. Residential places should not be positioned within the vicinity of nuclear plants. Another environmental impact of nuclear power plants is the thermal discharges that emanates from heat that has not been used in the process of driving the turbines. Both the fossil fuel and heat generated from fission and fusion in the reactor are not conducive to the environment. Complications arising from reproduction, growth and development of initial stages of tiny animal species like insects as well as children and adults. In order to address this environmental problem, there are regulatory agencies whose main role is to set up standards regarding water temperature and the associated discharges being released into the environment (New Nuclear Energy Agency, 2008). The aquatic populations may also undergo demise due to exposure to extremely hot discharges. The transmission lines that are highly vis ible is a common sight in locations where nuclear power plants have been located. These lines serve the purpose of transmitting electricity at very high voltage. Although underground cable can be used t transmit electricity from the source of production to various destinations, such an undertaking is not economically feasible and may as well translate into a financial risk. Hence, the net returns on nuclear power projects may be hampered by not only the cost of transmitting electric power from one location to another, but also the impact posed to the environment by the transmission lines such as accidents, requirement of additional space to erect power lines and so on (Benduhn, 2009). The ionizing radiation emanating from nuclear reactors is indeed the man cause of worry when generating power using nuclear power. Strict monitoring of the power generating plant is necessary at all times. Any slight leakage from the system may lead to hum exposure to high power penetrating radiation s uch as gamma rays and beta particles. In particular, the former has a very high penetrating power and can render the victim dead or with complications after a short period of exposure. In summing up, it is vital to reiterate that the cost-benefit analysis of the environmental impacts of nuclear power generation reveals that in spite the high cost of establishing a nuclear plant in addition to the exaggerated costs of managing wastes in from of spent fuel, this form of energy production is a potential alternative to fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. The total volume of waste products generated by a nuclear plant per annum has also been found to be significantly low compared to other forms of energy production. Nonetheless, the most satisfying way of managing these wastes is still a challenge up to date. The high cost of installing subsidiary systems within the nuclear plant to eliminate toxic wastes requires and additional capital investment (Sovacool, 2008). Furthermore, nucle ar power generating plants are by far and large considered most convenient in the production of energy compared to coal or oil resources. The major disadvantage in terms of cost benefit analysis remains to be the relatively high cost required to set up the plant as well as maintenance costs. Of great importance in any nuclear plant is the ability to isolate waste without releasing any amount into the ambient environment. Finally, if waste disposal methods such as burial and reprocessing can be applied to the latter, the negative environmental impacts of this form of energy production can be feasible and highly reliable when demand is low or high. References Benduhn, T. (2009). Nuclear Power, New York: Gareth Stevens Inc. Department of Energy, DOE. (1988). Data Base for 1988: Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Inventories, Projections and Characteristics. DOE/RW-0006, Rev. 4. Washington, D. C. Diesendorf, M. (2007). Greenhouse Solutions with Sustainable Energy, Sydney: University of Ne w South Wales Press. Diesendorf, M. (2008). Is nuclear energy a possible solution to global warming? Web. Eisenbud, E. Gessell, T. (1997). Environmental Radioactivity from Natural, Industrial, and Military Sources, Fourth edition, Academic Press, San Diego. Eisenbud, E. Paschoa, A. S. (1989 ). Environmental radioactivity, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A280, 470-482. Findlay, T. (2010). The Future of Nuclear Energy to 2030 and its Implications for Safety, Security and Nonproliferation: Overview, The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Ontario: Waterloo. Hantula, R. Voege, D. (2009). Nuclear Power, New York: Infobase Publishing. Leeuwen, V.S. Smith, P. (2003). Nuclear Power - The Energy Balance. Web. Molak, V. (1997). Fundamentals of Risk Analysis and Risk Management, New York: CRC Press Inc. Morris, N. (2007). Nuclear Power, MN: smart Apple Media. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, NCRP. (2004). Radiological asse ssment: predicting the transport, bioaccumulation, and uptake by man of radionuclides released to the environment, NCRP, Bethesda. New Nuclear Energy Agency. (2008). Nuclear Energy Outlook 2008, New York: AEN NEA. Nunn, S. Ebel, E.R. (2000). Managing the global nuclear materials threat: a report of the CSIS Nuclear materials management,Washington D.C.: CSIS Press. OECD Nuclear Energy Agenc. (2003). Nuclear energy today, Issue 964, New York: AEN NEA. Ramana, M.V. (2009). Nuclear Power: Economic, Safety, Health, and Environmental Issues of Near-Term Technologies, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 34: 127 -152. Simon, A.C. (2007). Alternative energy: political, economic, and social feasibility Plymouth: Rowman LittleField. Sovacool, B. K. (2010). A Critical Evaluation of Nuclear Power and Renewable Electricity in Asia. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 40(3), 369-400. Sovacool, B.K. (2008). The costs of failure: A preliminary assessment of major energy accidents, 1907–20 07, Energy Policy, 36 (5): 1802-1820. Suppes, J.G. Storvick, S.T. (2007). Sustainable nuclear power, Burlington: Elsevier.

American History Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American History - Article Example His influence in the American society, therefore, lies in his activism against Communism and his effort to protect the State against disloyalty, security risks, and Communist infiltrations (â€Å"Senator Joseph McCarthy,† n.d.). During the term of Senator McCarthy, he tried to put into trial those who are Communists and their supporters. The goal of his administration is to prevent the Communists from infiltrating the State and risk military and civilian security, as well as the government’s information and technical system (â€Å"Senator Joe McCarthy,† n.d.). In addition, his committee gathered information on, mostly, government officials, which was later proven to be faulty and had no substantial evidence. As a result, Senator McCarthy faced issues related to civil liberties as he, seemingly, deprived the people of their freedom of belief and expression. However, in the brighter side, his aims are for the good of the government as those develop loyalty and security, as well as ensure that the Democratic stand of the nation is still solid. Therefore, his life and works had made him a prominent figure in American

Non-Profit Agency World Vision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Non-Profit Agency World Vision - Essay Example The story behind its establishment is very touching.In 1947, the Reverend was on a trip to China and during that time he met Tena Hoelkedoer, a teacher. She was being accompanied by a child named White Jade, who was battered and deserted. Having no means to take care of the child on her own, the Reverend decided to give her the only money he had, which was five dollars and made an agreement with the teacher that he would be sending five dollars every month to help her in taking care of the child. This simple act of charity by Rev. Pierce is what led to the establishment of World Vision. Today World Vision is headed by Richard Stearns, who is the president of the organization. Richard Stearns and his wife have been great supports of the organization since 1984 (Stearns, 2013). Over the years the service provided by World Vision has extended to Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. World Vision is today a global partnership working and providing its service to over 95 countries with more than 50 autonomous yet interdependent members and staff of 44,000 people. The main role of World Vision is providing a better and comfortable life for children and dealing with issues that concern child survival. The organization helps children to have good health, educate children, ensure children experience the great love of God and also the love offered by the rest of humanity and that children are taken well care of and are protected. It also focuses on providing community needs as a way of combating poverty.

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY-CASE STUDIES IN POLICY PowerPoint Presentation - 1

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY-CASE STUDIES IN POLICY DECISION - PowerPoint Presentation Example However, an analysis of the economic and implications to the industry indicate that the project was a worthy venture. In addition, international pressure, technological and issues pertaining to foreign policy indicated that the project was worthwhile. In looking at the procedures followed in estimating the cost of producing the TSR-2 planes there is the realization that budgeting was a major problem. The budgeting process might have been a bad note to begin a project of this caliber, but one still needs to understand that the project was fairly new and the details were still hazy. The BAC Company gave the government a fairly good deal of  £ 625 million but the government’s final offer stood at  £ 620 million. The general realization is that there were many problems that had already been associated with the project other than the cost that influenced its final cancellation. The over-politicization and concentration on the problems overshadowed the long term economic benefits of the project. For instance, the fact that the Australians opted for the America F111 did not imply that they were not ready to buy the TSR-2. TSR-2 was superior technologically and maybe the Australians wanted a better deal with better terms. For instance, the Australians could have been allowed to test the TSR-2 using their own pilots in British Soil. The TSR-2 project also happened at a time when the government had placed strict regulations governing military expenditure. In addition, the bureaucracy created by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Supplies presented numerous challenges for the project at different stages; these factors only magnified the already evident skeptism surrounding the project. The government was looking at the amount of revenue that would be immediately saved and perhaps channeled in other areas instead of concentrating on the long term benefits of the project. However, the number of jobs

Economic Analysis Of The Us Airline Industry Economics Essay

Economic Analysis Of The Us Airline Industry Economics Essay An economic analysis on the nature of competition, collusion and pricing in the US domestic airline industry was conducted primarily on the nature of the oligopoly market structure of the airline industry. The impact of deregulation was performed and analysed including mergers and acquisitions. An analysis on the prospect for low-cost carriers (LCCs) was also conducted including measures to ensure their long term survival when competing with full fledged carriers. Finally, an impact analysis of the global recession on the airline industry was conducted. Measurements that could lead to a sustainable recovery for the airline industry was reviewed and highlighted. INTRODUCTION The airline has experienced phenomenal growth since the first US airline began operating between Tampa and St Petersburg, Florida on January 1st 1914. Today, supersonic aircraft fly routinely across the oceans, providing travel and employment to many travellers. The airline industry has global operations and the competition between them is extremely high. During the early days, strategic interest in aviation outpaced the financial viability of fledging airlines. Government support intensified worldwide as financial instability deepened due to the Great Depression of 1930s. During this period, military interest in aviation received further boost from rising geopolitical tensions. International service was governed by tightly controlled bilateral agreements, restricting the number of cities that could be served typically by a single carrier from each country. In many cases, these agreements negotiated market allocations across carriers that were enforced through capacity restrictions or revenue division agreements. Prices generally were established jointly by the airlines themselves in consultation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the industrys largest trade group, subject to approval by each carriers government. Nevertheless, government intervention failed to achieve satisfactory results in terms of overall economic performance. With deregulation in 1978, it has helped to stimulate more competition in the US airline industry with the influx of small, low-cost carriers. A recent National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) working paper analysed the changes that have occurred in pricing, service and competition in the airline industry since the industry was deregulated in 1978. The study found that fares have declined since deregulation and efficiency has improved, but the volatility in industry earnings has continued and average earnings have declined. The average returns that the airlines have earned since deregulation are almost certainly insufficient to sustain the industry in its current state. The profitability of the airline industry is quite cyclical because travellers demand is sensitive to the overall performance of the economy. Yet, airlines must predict this demand accurately because of the lead time required to acquire aircraft. When airlines over predict demand, they would suffer losses. The IATA has recently doubled its forecast for losses in 2009 to US$9 billion and warned that the economic problems would continue for some time. The forecast was slightly better than the loss last year. But it was significantly worse than the associations projections in March this year that estimated a loss of US$4.7billion for 2009. Coupled with competition from low-costs carriers (LCCs) could further undermine the profitability of full-service carriers (FSCs). However, some industry experts believe that both will survive in parallel without losing many customers to each other. It is argued that LCCs induced either an additional demand or won clients for the air traffic, which would have gone otherwise by train or car. There is however, a concern that LCCs have turned the luxury service of fast travel with its implicit environmental damages into a day to day service for more and more people. The airline industry is in the midst of a dramatic restructuring. Many reasons have contributed to its fall in revenue. Some key success factors determine the success of the airline industry. Analysts say that the airline industry is likely to remain unstable and price increases are inevitable due to increasing costs. Furthermore, the rising concern for global warming and IATAs recent decision to cut emissions by 50% by 2050 is also likely to have some implications for cost of flying and profitability of the airline industry. The report has reviewed the structure of the airline industry and the nature of its competitions with specified focused on the airline domestic market including emerging competition from LCCs and the impact of globalised recession on the airline industry. NATURE OF COMPETITION, COLLUSION AND PRICING The enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 eliminated price and entry regulation of the US domestic airline industry. [1] Since then it has grown tremendously. The US domestic market basically competed in an oligopoly landscapes. Hence there is certain level of barriers to competition like control over the computerised reservation systems used by travel agents have provided main carriers with a powerful weapon for disadvantaging smaller competitors. For example, American Airlines Sabre system and Uniteds Apollo system together accounted for three quarters of all national computer reservation systems in the late 1980s. Control of this important avenue for travel agents to make reservations enabled the majors to discriminate against smaller firms in a variety of ways from instituting screen bias favouring the on-screen presentation of the controlling firms flights, to charging exorbitant fees to other carriers for displaying their flights on these computer systems (transferr ing upwards of a half-billion dollars annually from the smallest to the largest carriers). [2] More recently, the Big Five carriers have joined together to collectively market their tickets online through their Orbitz Travel Web site [6], an alliance that may enable them to better coordinate their non-competitive oligopoly pricing and to circumvent rules put into place to prevent them from anti-competitive using their computer reservation systems while, at the same time, disadvantaging competing distributors of air tickets. [3] Predatory Pricing Dominant carriers were suppressing competition through predatory pricing. For example, when Spirit Airlines attempted to penetrate Northwests Detroit hub with a one-way Detroit-Philadelphia fare of $49, Northwest Airline responded by slashing its average fare on the route by 71% (from $170 to $49) and scheduling 30% more seats. Once Spirit abandoned the route, Northwest raised its fare to $230 and cut its seat capacity.[4] Similarly, when Frontier Airlines initiated service from Denver (United-dominated hub) to Billings, Montana, it offered an average fare of $100 which was half the prevailing fare charged by United. United, in turn slashed its fare to match Frontier. When Frontier exited the route, United raised its fare above its original level. [5] Collusion Collusion is a difficult game to play when the number of conspiring rivals is large. It is hard to keep a hundred firms in line when their cost structures differ, when their production facilities vary, and when some have an incentive to cheat on a price agreement or to violate output restrictions. Numbers make a difference. When numbers are large, conspiracies are difficult to organize, difficult to conceal, and difficult to enforce. However, public policy faces a serious challenge in oligopolistic industries like the case of the Airline industry where major carriers eschew outright collusion and rely instead on a course of conduct characterised as tacit collusion, or recognition of mutual interdependence to resemble the effects of outright conspiracy. The mechanics of tacit collusion is apparent particularly in an oligopoly market dominated by a few major players. Each carrier naturally recognises the mutual interdependence between it and its rivals. For example, Carrier X knows that it if were to cut price in order to increase its market share, its aggression would immediately be detected by carriers Y and Z, which would respond with retaliatory price cuts of their own. Market shares would be unaffected, but all carriers would now operate at lower prices and profits. Henceforth, Carrier X cannot expect to increase its market share or revenue at the expense of its rivals. It cannot afford to calculate in terms o f maximising its own profits in isolation but instead must constantly ask whether a particular decision on price or output will be not only in its own self-interest, but also in the best interests of its rivals. By recognising mutual oligopolistic interdependence, it must be concerned with group profits and group welfare. In other word, under oligopoly landscape, independent, aggressive, genuinely competitive behaviour is perceived as counterproductive-an irrational strategy for the individual carrier. In an oligopoly, groupthink will influence a carriers strategy when it is contemplating price increases as it cannot act alone. Hence, groupthink replaces the calculus of individual advantage, and each carrier must behave as a responsible member of the oligopoly group rather than as a reckless, self-seeking competitor. In oligopolies, this recognition of mutual interdependence may extend to non-price competition. For instance, if carrier X refrains from aggressive price competition but seeks to increase its market share through aggressive innovation program, it cannot expect its rivals to sit idly by. It must expect them to increase their research efforts as a simple matter of self-defence, th ereby nullifying its expected gains. Anticipating such retaliation which could erode oligopoly profits- carrier X might refrain from innovation for the same reasons it would avoid price-cutting. Rationality again commands responsible nonaggressive behaviours; the most effective profit-maximisation rule under oligopoly is to get ahead by getting along. Nevertheless, the level of oligopolistic interdependence and collusion varies from situation to situation.[8] It depends on such factors as whether the oligopoly is tightly knit (small number of firms) or loosely knit (a larger number);whether it is homogeneous or heterogeneous; whether it is symmetrical (having firms of roughly equal size) or asymmetrical (with one firm disproportionately larger); whether or not the industry is mature (having had time to develop its internal arrangements and institutions to promote cooperation); whether the industry is populated by reasonable managers or by a few mavericks. [9] In the US domestic market, the advent of the Internet has increased the efficient of signalling or collusion. Carriers can see what the competition is doing immediately by going to the Internet that allows them to react quickly to adjust their own prices. This is a far cry from the days when price books were set in type and could not be changed for months. Now most prices can be adjusted several times a day, if needed. Apparently, this is a game that the airlines are particularly adept at. As consumers have more transparent access to real-time flight pricing through online services like Orbitz Travel [6], the airlines are almost obligated to adjust to each other. This is particularly apparent on routes where there is no rogue player, like Southwest Airlines or JetBlue as they are (within limits) free to adjust prices upward. As long as the members of the oligopoly with real selling power tacitly agree that a major price war is not in their interest, chances are that prices can quickl y readjust themselves, keeping in mind the balance of costs and optimal prices for maintaining profitable sales levels. Fortunately, the combined market share of the Big Five network airlines (Delta, United, American, US Airways, and Northwest) that peaked in 1992 has been declining since deregulation. [7] Furthermore, with the influx of several low-cost carriers, tacit collusion is becoming difficult to organise, conceal and enforce even though oligopolistic rationality and its collusive consequences are inevitable concomitants of oligopoly industry structure. Pricing Pricing is important for the carriers. If prices are too low or too high, it can drag down profits. Thus, it is important for the carriers to derive profitable airfares and discourages unprofitable one. To maximise profits, the carriers should set prices so that marginal revenue just equals marginal cost. In other words, it should use profit-maximising prices as the starting point based on the economic model of pricing as shown in Diagram 1.0 which is called marginal cost pricing that clearly identifies a pricing strategy that will maximise profits. This pricing strategy also identifies the information needed to set prices, thus simplifying the process. In other words, the profit-maximising price is where the incremental margin percentage equals the reciprocal of the absolute value of the price elasticity demand. [8] Based on pricing rule, the carriers should adjust its price where there are changes in the price elasticity of demand or marginal cost since the carriers compete under oligopoly landscapes with homogeneous services. Airfares have dropped significantly over the years [10] since deregulation which helped to simulate competition resulting in the entrance of several low-cost carriers. This could partially be due to regulator and oligopolies increase efficiencies, putting direct or indirect price pressure on their suppliers as well as putting pressure on the wages and benefits of their employees. Hence, there is growing belief that oligopolies can be price-neutral as opposed to manipulating prices. The strategic variable for airline carrier is pricing in the short run. Generally without product and service differentiation, the basic service offered by the carriers would be rather homogeneous. Under the Bertrand model, the carriers which produce at constant marginal cost and compete aggressively on price in order to gain a bigger share of the market. Under such condition, the market equilibrium is perfectly competitive pricing. However, in a loosely knit oligopoly structure as in the case here, the individual carrier has incentive to offer heterogeneous services. Through heterogeneous services, it can charge personalised pricing or group pricing [9] based on passenger willing-to-pay to achieve higher profits. For example, if carrier X sells its airfares at a uniform price, it loses in two ways. Firstly, some passenger would be willing to pay more than $80 for a ticket during the last hour of the flight. Secondly the carrier does not sell to passengers who are willing to pay more than $50 but less than $60. This is illustrated in Diagram 2 below. By charging passengers at different price, the carrier could profitably sell to a much larger passenger base. Furthermore, with differentiated services, should one carrier cut its price below other carriers price; it would take away only part of the other carriers entire demand. Thus, carriers should have strong incentive to differentiate its offering in order to raise their equilibrium prices. However, there is a risk of loosing the market if the services are not on par with its pricing and demand. The carriers must balance their desire for market share at the same time avoid head-to-head price competition since the less differentiation in their services, the more direct will be in price competition among them and the lower would be incremental margins. IMPACT OF DEREGULATION ON THE US AIRLINE INDUSTRY The 1978 deregulation has path the way that allowed competition to begin to function as the prime regulator of decision making in the airline industry. Competition would allow the airline industry to develop and maintain an air transportation system that rely on actual and potential competition to provide efficiency, innovation, low prices, variety, quality air transportation services at the same time, emphasising safety as the highest priority in air travel.[11] In addition, carriers are free to determine their prices in response to particular competitive market conditions on the basis of such air carriers individual costs.[12] With deregulation, the number of certificated carriers offering passenger service in US has grown rapidly; in real terms after accounting for inflation, airfares averaged 13% lower by 1982; the proportion of air travellers flying on discount fares grew from 48% in 1978 to 80% by 1982. [13] The airline industry expanded at rates significantly greater than before. In fact, its load factors rose to the highest levels in fifteen years while industrys productivity increased with an estimated cumulative savings of some $10 billion. SUBVERSION OF COMPETITION Due to the lack of regulation or antitrust laws to regulate the newly deregulated airline industry, it has allowed large carriers to systematically acquired smaller, regional carriers that were rapidly expanding their routes and competitiveness in the newly deregulated environment. For example, Northwest acquired Republic Airlines, one of its major competitors in the upper Midwest; as a result of the merger, Northwest controlled more than 80 percent of the Minneapolis market and in excess of 50 percent of air travel in and out of Detroit [14]. Texas Air, which earlier had acquired Continental and New York Air, purchased Eastern Airlines and Peoples Express. In all, the Transportation Department approved every airline merger proposed to it once it had been assigned antitrust oversight of the field.[15] This has resulted in large carriers erecting additional barriers.[16]][17][18], obstacles[19][20] and predatory pricing[21][22][23][24] thus crushing what competition might appear. Subj ected to such predation, only thirteen new start-up airlines have emerged in the industry since 1989 and that only eight of these have managed to survive as independent entities. [25] By 1988, the major carriers had reportedly gained control over 48% of the nations fifty largest commuter lines, either through outright ownership or through operating and marketing links. [26] Table 1 show the downward trend of concentration in the immediate aftermath of deregulation was reversed after 1985 and trend upward. At the same time, a powerful system of fortress hub monopolies was erected across the United States as shown in Table 2. Table 1: Airline Concentration, 1978-2001 Combined Share of U.S. Market (%) 1978 1983 1992 2001 Four Largest Carriers 57.7 54.7 69.9 63.1 Eight Largest Carriers 80.4 74.1 95.7 90.3 Source: U.S. Congressional Budget Office, Policies for the Deregulated Airline Industry, Washington, DC, July 1988; Aviation and Aerospace Almanac (Washington, DC: Aviation Week, various years). Table 2: Airline Hub Monopolies, 1980 and 2001 Airport Leading Carrier Market Share (%) 1980 2001 Atlanta 52.5 79.2 Chicago OHare 31.6 45.9 Cincinnati 38.1 92.2 Dallas/Ft. Worth 36.0 61.6 Denver 27.3 65.1 Detroit 20.9 77.1 Memphis 41.6 62.1 Minneapolis 41.7 80.4 Pittsburgh 53.4 75.9 St. Louis 43.3 73.0 Salt Lake City 28.4 61.8 Source: Julius Maldutis, Airline Competition at the 50 Largest U.S. Airports-Update, Salomon Brothers, Inc., May 6, 1993, and Aviation and Aerospace Almanac (Washington, DC: Aviation Week, 2003), pp. 373-80. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the fault is not with deregulation. Instead, the main issues have been the failure of US government to enforce antitrust laws to enable competition to effectively regulate the field. It failed to recognise that deregulation is not synonymous with laissez-faire and that antitrust enforcement is vital if competition is to perform its function in a newly deregulated industry. Effective competition would prevent carriers from charging high and highly discriminating airfares. This is simply because passengers have the option of patronising competing air carriers. Effective competition would prevent carriers from offering deteriorating service at higher fares, which again, because passengers could choose to fly on alternative carriers. An effective competition would surely prevent an industry from being dominated by carriers with the highest costs rather than the lowest. [27] Therefore, a new regulation regime like antitrust law from the Justice Department is necessary to promote and protect competition. [28] With Antitrust law, mergers and alliances by the carriers could have been blocked to prevent any artificial barriers to competition and prosecuting any predatory practices or actions by carriers to ensure competition function effectively. PROSPECTS FOR LOW-COST CARRIERS AND PRICE-CUTTING WARS Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have experienced phenomenal growth in recent years in term of load factors, airlines launched, aircraft order and worldwide distribution. Its growth has come to a momentous point where LCCs is posing exciting challenges and opportunities to the airline industry. According to IATA and ICAD projections, LCCs will outpace their full service rivals in terms of traffic growth and earnings in 2009. With tougher economic conditions and lower fuel prices, LCCs will have a major advantage Ten years ago, LCCs did not have access to as many cities. Now, their reaches are broader thus making it easier for passengers to turn to them as choice selection. Moreover, the amenities cut by larger airlines mean that their offerings are not all that different from their low cost competitors. [29] Cost-conscious mainstream airlines are cutting cost in order to provide the lowest fares. As mainstream airlines slim down, it has given passengers more option to fly both comfortably and affordably. LCCs are able to keep their prices down by flying out of low cost terminals. In other words, it is very much dependent on the airport that can lower its charges [30]. It also relied on the Internet for online booking and providing very basic onboard services. Furthermore, LLCs usually stock their fleets with one type of aircraft to minimise the amount of training for crews. [31] With fluctuating fuel prices, economic downturn and continuing environmental pressures, LCCs need to be able to continue to create value to their target customers in order to gain the market trust. It must continuously evaluate its models carefully in order to identify new revenue streams, attract profitable customers to ensure its long term survival in a highly challenging and competitively industry. The bigger challenge will come from mainstream airlines as they embark on low fares flights. As more and more countries are adopting an open sky policy, this has opened up new routes for LCCs amid tough competition and new entrants. [32] As low cost carriers, it has to constantly keeps it cost down. One of the fundamental issues with LCCs is economies of scale. By exploring new routes, it can enjoy increasing returns to scale; the marginal costs will be lower than the average costs. Since the marginal units of production or service costs less than the average, any increase in production will reduce the average cost. Therefore, the average cost cure slopes downward as shown in diagram 3. This will be more apparent if the aircrafts, maintenance and crews have minimum fixed costs including a fixed quota on the airports charges. Apart from economies of scale, LCCs like JetBlue offers a relatively simple product, with little meal service, at relatively low fares. This helps JetBlue distinguishes itself from other carriers like Southwest by offering reserved seating, leather seats, and LCD TV at every seat. [31] Furthermore, it has offered a more traditional hub-and-spoke route structure and a more traditional mix of long and short-haul flights. Coupled with its friendly service and hassle-free technology (ticketless travel), no discount seats, all fares would be one-way with a Saturday night stay over never required. It strive to be truly customer-friendly with computer terminals that could be rotated to show the customer what the agent was looking at, giving a $159 voucher whenever a flight was delayed for more than 4 hours for reasons other than weather or air traffic, and giving a $25 voucher for misplaced bags. Its attempts to bring humanity back to air travel. JetBlues target market was people who are no t going to travel, people who are disgusted with their current choices, people who would drive, or people who would not go at all. Another differentiation was that JetBlue used new airplanes as opposed to other LCCs that used second-hand planes. In another words, it provided passenger another layer of comfort and safety factors. IMPACT OF GLOBAL RECESSION ON THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY Global recession and rising oil prices have major impact on the airline industry. Industry passenger revenues have declined nearly 15% which is equivalent to $80 billion. The impact was far greater than September 11 disaster. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), the forecasted revenue loss has gone up by 50% from $4.7 to $9 billion. [33] Generally, first class and business class fliers have switched to economy class. Many businesses have freeze travelling and instead used video conferencing for meetings etc On top of this, cost pressures from rising jet fuel prices in 2008 forced up the industrys fuel bills to $165 billion and precipitated losses  of about $10.4 billion. Coupled with softer travel demand due to the spread of the H1N1 virus, have created a difficult business environment. [34] These forces that are affecting the industry are creating significant headwinds for the industry. SUGGESTED MEASURES Several carriers have taken the following measures: Reduce capacity on domestic and international routes. Aircrafts were grounded as a result including crews taking no-pay leave or shorter working week. Suspending non-stop services to certain routes. For example, Delta airline suspended its flight between Atlanta to Seoul and Shanghai. Reduce weekly frequencies of flights to certain destination while extending more flights to profitable routes Move quickly to rebrand and consolidate facilities, repaint aircraft and ramp-up our frontline training activities. accelerate integration like mergers and acquisitions MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS In time of tough operating environment, merger makes more sense than ever particularly for air carriers. This would provide competitive advantage and strengthens its financial foundation. It also will maintain tight controls on its costs and capital spending. [8] Mergers acquisitions (MAs) is the easiest way to add to gross income is through mergers. By buying an established business with developed services and markets is a lot easier than focusing on internal innovation or better business processes. Many companies add 30 percent, 50 percent, even 100 percent to the gross income line simply by making a strategic purchase. Furthermore, there is synergies like greater economic efficiency, economies of scale, critical mass or greater customer base. At the same time, with lesser competition, it helped to stabilise airfares. CONCLUSION The airline industry operates in an oligopoly structure. By recognising mutual oligopolistic interdependence, it must be concerned and be aware of the group profits and group welfare. Under oligopoly landscape, independent, aggressive, genuinely competitive behaviour is perceived as counterproductive-an irrational strategy for the individual carrier. With declining market share by the Big Five network airlines and influx of several low-cost carriers, tacit collusion is becoming more difficult to organise, conceal and enforce. Through innovative and differentiated services, airline carrier could increase its equilibrium prices and avoid head-to-head price competition. New regulatory regimes like Antitrust laws is necessary to promote and protect competition. With Antitrust law, mergers and alliances by large carriers could have been blocked to prevent any artificial barriers to competition and prosecuting any predatory practices or actions to ensure competition function effectively. The prospect of LCCS can be sustained if can offer differentiated services like JetBlue which differentiated itself from the suite of no-frill services to its passenger that is niche and unique. LCCS should focus on cost efficiency and economies of scale by exploring new routes so that marginal costs will be lower than the average costs. The global recession has severely reduced the revenue of the airline industry. Several measures have been taken and adopted by many carriers in order to pull through the bad times. However, to ensure long term survival and competitive edge, carriers need to consolidate through merger and acquisition in order to enjoy greater synergies like greater scale, economic efficiency, economies of scale, critical mass or greater customer base and keeping airfares stable.

Computer Crime :: essays research papers

Computer technology has brought us into an era that is no longer run by man but instead is dependent on computers due to their incredible capabilities. Mankind has progressed further in the last fifty years than any other period of history. This reason is due to the introduction of computers. Everyone’s daily activities are affected, in some way or the other by computers. With the computer things that were impossible have now been easily accomplished. The computer allows us to store large volumes of data into a much more reduced high-density form. This allows a lot less space to be used than the classic way of paper files. It has allowed an increase in speed which improves the production of business or any other activity you may be doing. Calculations can be done in milliseconds and even worldwide connectivity and communication. With the introduction of the computer a new form of crime was born. These crimes referred to as computer crimes are varied and some are a lot more serious than others. Computer crime can involve criminal activities such as theft, fraud, forgery and mischief, all which are easily defined and subject to criminal sanctions. The computer has also brought along with it a host of potentially new misuses or abuses that may, or should be criminal as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The problem with today’s computer crimes are that the criminal justice systems have not been able to keep up with the technological change. Only a few countries have adequate laws to address the problem, and of these, not one has addressed all the legal, enforcement and prevention problems. The problem with the legal system is that it has always been a system with limits. The system mainly deals with physical items as its central core. But with the new understanding of the value of data, the system came up with “intellectual property'; as a means to cover these intangibles. Some people want to use this information in ways which would horrify us. We have called don the legal system to settle the matter but no one really knows what the rules are. Technology is growing much to fast for the legal system to keep pace with. In an effort to manage these crimes federal and state governments have passed laws criminalizing “unauthorized access'; and data transmission. Many groups have called for laws, regulations, and constitutions to regulate the electronic field. These efforts are ineffective.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a huge confusion on the value of data and information.

Environmental Protection UK Essay

Two lower primary boys died and their father and his girlfriend were equally hospitalized in coma after a terrible encounter with odorless, colorless and toxic fumes that leaked into their bungalow residence from a nearby hotel old and deteriorated boiler (Haines 2010). Carbon monoxide is a toxic and deadly gas that besides being odorless and invincible is quite light than air therefore rendering the gas more terrible in case of leakage. Mild exposure to the gas makes one get disoriented with dizziness and nauseating effect that render someone fatigued and sick. Continuous exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) leads to death within a short time for children while adults can pass out into a coma and if medical care is not guaranteed death is inevitable. Organically the gas contains oxygen molecule triple bonded with carbon and usually reacts with the body depriving the red blood cells ability from picking oxygen in presence of the lighter gas leading to cell suffocation due to lack of oxygen. Therefore the general public should be well familiar with the grave danger of CO that is usually liberated in partial combustion of petroleum products, gas, wood and coal that are used in boilers, engines, heaters and burners. Consequently it is important that the domestic home environment is sealed from dangers associated with CO gas leakages that are common due to presence of combustible materials in kitchen, garages and power generating equipment. Carbon monoxide in homes is as a result of partial combustion of fuels like gas, oil, coal or wood in various home appliances. This gas then leaks out into the atmosphere and inhaled by its victims unknowingly since it is odorless, colorless and very toxic to the thus calling for availability of first aid kits in all homes. Human efforts of preventing air leakage into the house especially during the cold season reduces the availability of fresh air into the house thus posing a threat of carbon monoxide congesting in the house especially when combustion activities are going on such as cooking or heating up the room. Use of unvented gas heaters and kerosene stoves can become a good source of carbon monoxide in homes since the fresh oxygen is inhibited from getting into the house or cooking room thus combustion is not fully achieved resulting into production of carbon monoxide. Worn out and poorly maintained devises that use combustion can lead to leakage of carbon monoxide saturation in homes due to untimely disconnections, blockage, wrong size of equipment that result from making use of unqualified personnel to install the house hold appliances or delay in replacing worn out ones . Such equipment includes boilers, heaters, generators and furnaces (EPA 2010). Blocked chimneys and poorly vented ventilations encourage accumulation of carbon monoxide in homes. Animal nests or thrown materials in chimneys always results into the carbon monoxide spilling back into the house thus leading to inhalation by any life animal and people found in the house or room. Further, blockages inhibit oxygen entry during combustion thus very little oxygen is made available for combustion which results into carbon monoxide production in the house thus posing a threat to lives. Storage of vehicles in attached garage leads to Carbon monoxide emission through the exhaust pipe especially during the warming up of the engine. Warming up of automobiles and other machines powered by gasoline like generators ,lawn mowers and grills in enclosed areas pose carbon monoxide poisoning hazard Use of charcoal burners, driers or ovens to heat up a poorly ventilated house leads to carbon monoxide build up and saturation in homes (NMGCO 1). Carbon monoxide is known to inhibit the capability of the blood carrying blood to major body most essential organs such as the heart, brain and liver. Upon inhalation, Carbon monoxide being a lighter gas than oxygen dissolves faster through the alveoli wall unto the red blood cells’ hemoglobin. The oxygen carrying protein has cooperatively ability such than it easily combines with large portions of available and lighter gas carbon monoxide thus forming a compound known as carboxyhemoglobin instead of oxyhemoglobin that is readily spent by the body cells (Robert 2010). Since carboxyhemoglobin is never used in the body, the blood is soon saturated with a foreign gas that cannot be easily removed thus depriving oxygen the hemoglobin transporting protein leading to oxygen deprivation that leads to headache, dizziness, fatigue, and chest pain to individuals with heart problems at lower concentration (NMGCO 2010). When the carbon monoxide concentration gets higher than the body immunity can handle it leads to poor vision and sensitization of the body cells in the victims leading to nausea, brain malfunction and mind confusion. At extreme concentration, carboxyhemoglobin is formed in the blood thus inhibiting the intake of oxygen in the body thus resulting into death of the victims (Bailey 2010). There are different measures that can be applied in order to reduce carbon monoxide poisoning accidents whose incidents are quite expensive to mitigate. Since the gas is tasteless, odorless and colorless, therefore carbon monoxide detectors can be installed in homes and domestic environments. Usually the accumulation of carbon monoxide can take place without notice in homes that use boiler, gas, kerosene and oil if the equipment is faulty. Regular checks should be organized by home-keepers by inviting qualified and focused technicians who can do professional repairs. Old burners, boilers, generators and CO producing equipment can be done away with in order to prevent unfortunate mistakes (CO 2000). According to US Environmental Protection Agency gas stoves can be done away with if the home environment is to be kept safe since though the equipment is cheap it pumps 5 to 15 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide with the deteriorated ones scoring 30 ppm while the U. S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards advocates for outdoor air to contain 9 ppm and indoor a maximum of 35ppm of CO-thus the stove and coal appliances need to be used in open ground (Pollutte 2008). Meticulousness approach to usage of boilers and stoves can be achieved by usage of clear and dry fuel of the highest possible approved standards (Environment 2010). Other measures include having a Gas Safe Registered engineer to install gas appliances with annual checks. Bedroom heating material should avoid usage of gas and cabinet heaters. All homes that operate CO emitting appliances have to install chimneys and heat ventilations tat have to be checked frequently to clear blockage by cleaning (NHS 2009). In case of an emergence one should cut off the gas supply in the appropriate valve with immediate ventilation and urgent call to a medical facility and a qualified and certified technician to check on the leakage and report appropriately the cause with effective repairs to protect life and environment. Information dissemination to the community is quite vital if the health of the society is to be-held as a top priority. Carbon monoxide incidents can be compiled together to arouse the mind of the ignorant public about the ill effects of CO leakage and prove that all homes are at risk since gas and coal heaters are common cooking apparatus. Also the history brings in news about the colossal effects of accumulated amounts of carbon monoxide that affected legendaries as Allan Poe though during that time their generation attributed their deaths to sensitivity of the mind. Therefore if leaflets, magazines and other printed media forms of communication in conjunction with the internet, TV and other digital and analogue mass media the community can be reached and change can be effected bringing about both awareness and a social order that is organized to mitigating risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Conclusively, carbon monoxide poisoning affects the body’s concentration of oxygen thus attacking the general health of the suffocated body parts. Since the gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless makes it such a dreadful chemical gas that further enhances the fumes’ ability to sneak in and kill within a relative small span of time in high concentrations while causing detrimental body health deterioration that retards immunity leading to poor health and life. References: Haines, S 2010, Corfu â€Å"carbon monoxide death family’s fight for justice†, BBC News Channel, accessed 5 May 2010 NHS, 2009, â€Å"What preventative measures can I take against carbon monoxide exposure? Gas safety – Carbon monoxide awareness†. Health and safety Executive, accessed 5 May 2010 < http://www. hse. gov. uk/gas/domestic/co. htm> Pollette, C 2008, â€Å"Why is carbon monoxide poisonous? † Science, accessed 5 May Environment, 2010, â€Å"Using wood and coal for Home heating. Environmental Protection UK , accessed 5 May Robert, R 2009, â€Å"Is This Common Poison Carbon Monoxide Causing Chronic Illness? † Articles Directory< http://www. articlesbase. com/alternative-medicine-articles/is-this-common- poison-carbon-monoxide-causing-chronic-illness-1433959. html > CO, 2009, â€Å"A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning†, Carbon Monoxide, accessed 5 May EPA 2010,An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality, Carbon Monoxide (CO), US Environmental protection Agency, Accessed 05 May 2010 NMGCO 2010, Sources of Carbon Monoxide, New Mexico gas company, Accessed 05 May 2010 < http://www. nmgco. com/Sources_Carbon_Monoxide. aspx > Bailey, R 2010 Carbon monoxide,About. com Accessed 05 May 2010

Effectiveness Of Leadership At Mcdonalds Management Essay Essay Essays

Effectiveness Of Leadership At Mcdonalds Management Essay Essay Essays Effectiveness Of Leadership At Mcdonalds Management Essay Essay Essay Effectiveness Of Leadership At Mcdonalds Management Essay Essay Essay I had the chance of working at a McDonald’s concatenation of eating houses after completion of my undergraduate surveies. I was able to detect the function played by members of a squad. their squad work and leading of the Manager of the eating house. I would wish to analyze the leading manners practiced. measure the effectivity of leading at McDonald’s eating house and do recommendations bespeaking how leading and squad work can travel manus in manus to better the public presentation of the administration. The first McDonald’s opened its doors to clients in the UK in 1974. Presently. over 2. 5 million people in the UK place their trust in McDonald. anticipating that the multinational would supply them with nutrient of a high criterion. speedy service and value for money. Models and theories that will be discussed in the ulterior parts of this essay are Adair’s Leadership Model and Maslow’s theory of hierarchy which will be applied to McDonald’s. Leadership manners such as bossy. democratic and persuasive are besides discussed to happen out which of the three is the ideal theoretical account for McDonald’s. A squad is a aggregation of persons who are mutualist in their undertakings. who portion duty for results. who see themselves and who are seen by others as an integral societal entity embedded in one or more larger societal systems ( for illustration. concern unit or the corporation ) . and who manage their relationships across organizational boundaries ( Susan Cohen and Diane Bailey. 1997 ) . A squad is defined as a little figure of people. with a set of public presentation ends. who have a committedness to a common intent and an attack for which they hold themselves reciprocally accountable ( Katzenbach A ; Smith 1993 ) . There are several factors that influence the success of a squad. Team members must hold the needed accomplishments and attitudes and must make an atmosphere in which everyone can work with devotedness. There should be transparence within the squad which is possible if there is effectual system of communicating between all members. All members of the squad must hold set duties and must be cognizant of what is expected from them. In this manner all members of the squad will be accountable. All members must hold harmonizing accomplishments and must organize among themselves to extinguish any uncertainnesss or reserves. Members of a squad must truly appreciate the attempts of fellow members. An effectual leader is one who does the right things. Leaderships can efficaciously develop and take squads if they have the ability to make and pass on a vision what the organisation should be. They should hold the ability to pass on with and derive the support of all squad members. They should hold the doggedness to caput in the coveted way under bad conditions and make the suited civilization to obtain the needful consequences. Levine. R. ( 2000 ) is of the sentiment that leaders need to concentrate on traveling people and administrations frontward by increasing the competence of staff and the co-operation of squads in order to better the administration. Leadership is related to motive. interpersonal behavior and the procedure of communicating. Leadership is of import in trying to cut down employee dissatisfaction ( Crow M. 995 ) . The duties of the Restaurant Manager or the squad leader at McDonald’s are to put marks. program budgets. maintain and control stock. recruit. train and actuate a squad. create and drive selling runs and physique and surrogate client dealingss. Leaderships ate McDonald’s eating houses do non put down any fixed regulations on how rapidly persons of a squad can come on. Opportunities are given to team members to go directors if they perform good. For this to go on. the crew member must lend to the success of the squad. The direction manner adopted by squad leaders at McDonald’s is to make mercantile establishments which are fun topographic points to work. This is called â€Å"team-building† . Leaderships at McDonald’s Foster answerability and understand the societal duty civilization and integrate these activities into their concerns. In fact the squad leaders have all the features that were used by Stogdill ( 1950 ) to specify leading. The characteristic include: traits. behavior. influence. interaction forms. function relationships and business of an administrative place ; jointing visions ( e. g. Bill Gates ) . incarnating values and making environment for the things that can be accomplished ; entities that perform one or more Acts of the Apostless of taking ; the ability to impact human behaviors so as to carry through a mission and Influencing a group of people to travel towards its end scene or end accomplishment. ( Stogdill. 1950 ) The McDonalds Model is that of Adair’s Model which is called action-centred leading. This is a constructive theoretical account harmonizing to which the leader inspires others by their ain enthusiasm. committedness and the ability to pass on enthusiasm to people ( Adair. 1993 ) . Teams were developed by squad leaders so that a common undertaking could be accomplished. Adair ( 1993 ) identifies three different attacks to leading which can be called leading maps ( 1 ) carry throughing the undertaking. ( 2 ) keeping the squad and ( 3 ) meeting the person demands of the squad members. Adair believes that leaders are non born but emerge from state of affairss. The leader who emerges can follow any ‘style of leadership’ that warrants the state of affairs. Harmonizing to Adair a leader is one who has certain innate features which are required to execute his/her function. A leader harmonizing to him must hold personality and character. Adair quotes Harold Macmillian. â€Å"that a adult male who trusts cipher is disposed to be the sort of adult male that cipher trusts† . His leader must hold unity. a integrity and a moral sense. Harmonizing to Adair. the three maps of run intoing the demands of the undertaking. keeping the squad and run intoing the demands of single squad members must be kept in balance and none of them should be neglected. The squad leader countries of duty must include qualities and competences such as ( a ) to act with the highest degree of genuineness and unity by constructing a trusting relationship with all squad members ; ( B ) to be committed to the full to the development of the squad ; ( degree Celsius ) to be unfastened and communicate. but must pattern good hearing accomplishments ; ( vitamin D ) be willing to portion perceptual experiences. premises and positions openly with squad members ; and ( vitamin E ) to let squad members to work independently but in a self-organised mode. Team leaders must take clip required to make the work and support team’s attempts and besides reflect on its actions. They must keep and pattern answerability and at the same clip hold a good working relationship with the squad members. They should ever be ready to supervise and measure how the squad maps. They should clearly province the intent of work without being equivocal or complex. They must seek to experiment and portion experiences without incrimination. They should besides supply coaching and mentoring support to the squad ( Barry Stevenson. 2004 ) . The organisational construction of McDonald’s Corporation is centralised but that of its retail mercantile establishments is different. In McDonald’s outlets the employees work as a squad to guarantee that customers’ demands are taken attention of in a short period of clip. Besides the director the remainder are all attenders who take orders and deliver every bit fast as they can. There is division of labor among members of the administration. and the co-ordination of their activities are directed towards the ends and aims of the administration. Structure is the form of relationships among places in the administration and among members of the administration. Structure makes possible the application of the procedure of direction and creates a model of order and bid through which the activities of the administration can be planned. organised. directed and controlled. Structure defines undertakings and duties. work functions and relationships. and channels of communicating ( Mullins and Laurie. J. 2008 ) . At McDonald’s the span of control of the director is narrow. The span of control refers to the figure of subsidiaries working under the supervisor. So if there are five subsidiaries working under the supervisor or director. the span of control is five. If the span of control is narrow there are certain advantages ( Jenkins and Tessa. 2000 ) . One of the virtues is that there is tight control over subsidiaries and the director is able to closely oversee the day-to-day operations ensuing in better co-ordination. Directors have clip to believe and program and they are non burdened with excessively many jobs. A narrow span of control reduces deputation and directors are able to make more work. On the contrary. a level administration implies a broad span of control. Theorists are of the sentiment that tall administration constructions are inefficient. despite the advantage of a narrow span of control ( Robbins. Stephen P. 2007 ) . One can larn to utilize leading attacks to develop high-performing squads and persons at McDonalds. Team leaders were cognizant of the importance of squad edifice and used suited tools and techniques to assist squads make their full potency. McDonalds Crew Members are responsible for client service. nutrient readying and cleanliness and hygiene. Crew members will be asked to work in any of these countries depending on the individual’s penchants. I worked as a Customer Service Crew member and my occupation entailed taking orders and presenting repasts to clients at the counter. I learnt to be gracious and polite as I was responsible for keeping high degrees of client satisfaction. The duty of the Food Preparation Crew Members was to fix and cook McDonald’s bill of fare. The squads are self managed and all squad or crew member works with squad spirit. There is a sense of regard for each other. However it can be said that most crew members do non understand the administration scheme as they do non hold entree to this information. The communicating between crew members is informal which enables every person to keep good harmoniousness within retail mercantile establishments. The crew members at McDonald’s are committed because their demands are met by the squad leading. The leading has developed an ideal and committed squad which can be easy motivated. A committed and motivated squad is ever successful. Larson and LaFasto ( 1989 ) studied to understand the features of successful squads and found that all the extremely effectual squads ever had the features such as a clear. promoting end. a result-driven construction. competent squad members. incorporate committedness. a collaborative clime. criterions of excellence external support and acknowledgment every bit good as principled leading ( Larson and LaFasto. 1989 ) . From this happening it is apparent that effectual teamwork has a strong relationship with motive. Harmonizing to Maslow’s theory the hierarchy of human demands are classified into five degrees. This theory advocates that the higher degree demands of an person will go motivative factors merely when the lower degree 1s are satisfied. The five degrees get downing from the lowest hierarchy to the highest degree. are: Physiological – At McDonald’s the actuating factors of the crew members are salary. over clip. day-to-day lunch/meal and transit installations. Safety – The following of import factor is safety which includes elements such as occupation security. medical insurance and ill leave. Social – There is really good interaction among crew members and clients. This has resulted in first-class teamwork. Self-esteem – Crew members are motivated as the squad leader/manager has full assurance in their abilities. They have repute because of the McDonald’s trade name equity. They are recognised and appreciated by fellow co-workers. subsidiaries. and supervisors. Self-actualization – The crew member reach their full potency when all his demands are taken attention off ( Maslow. 1987 ) . The disadvantage that I observed was that subsidiaries are unable to do any determination. They have to ever obey and listen to the orders of the director. However the crew members ( team members ) had flexible agendas. There were team members from assorted parts of the universe working together. They had different backgrounds and different involvements and all worked together to do an ideal work force. In fact there was diverseness. I would wish to now give a elaborate history of my observations on leading manners and its impact on teamwork in McDonald’s eating houses. The leading manner practised in McDonald’s eating houses is bossy and hence crew members are non involved in any determination devising. It is besides a fact that suggestions from crew members are non welcomed as most of them are new. Crew members are immature and work in these eating houses during summer holidaies and hence can non offer thoughts to the leader. Crew members are immature and hence motivated if they are paid rewards on clip and given excess benefits such as tiffin and transit. This motivates the crew to work in malice of the bossy leading. Autocratic manner of leading doesn’t fulfil the ego regard demands reflected in Maslow’s hierarchy. However at McDonald’s crew members get self regard and besides respect each other. McDonald’s will non follow another manner of leading as the direction fears that a persuasive or democratic manner will non present the goods. viz. . presenting quality nutrient on clip to its clients. I would wish to compare persuasive and democratic manners of leading with that of bossy leading before geting at a decision: which one of the three manners will ideally accommodate McDonald’s and at the same clip hold an impact on squad work. Persuasion is one of the necessities of all leaders by which act they can travel people toward a new state of affairs. Persuasion does non include rational statements. A leader can utilize persuasion as a tactic to derive the support of diverse groups of people utilizing basic human emotions. It is normal that persuasive schemes may arouse squad members and some of them may oppose thoughts or suggestions. The democratic leading manner or participative manner encourages employees to be a portion of the determination doing leting more engagement of squads in the determination devising procedure.