Presence of Erf in Arabian Sea free essay sample

â€Å"Whoever controls the Indian Ocean, dominates Asia. This Ocean is the key to seven seas. In the 21st century, the destiny of the world would be decided on its waters†[1]. Mahan Indian Ocean has played a very important role in the history as well as the fate of its littorals. Due to non-seafaring traditions of these littorals states, the Indian Ocean has always witnessed foreign invaders[2]. While in the past abundance of food along the rivers and minerals were a motivation, present day energy hungry nations has also found the region irresistible but perhaps in a different way than ancient invaders[3]. Lord George Nathaniel Curzon, viceroy of India in 1898 predicted that future great game would be played in Middle East (ME) and Central Asian Region (CAR)[4]. Countries having abundance of oil, more popularly known as black gold, exists in Arabian Sea, an indentation of Indian Ocean[5]. Many littorals are notorious for political instability and various other issues of great concern to major world powers[6]. We will write a custom essay sample on Presence of Erf in Arabian Sea or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Persian Gulf has been so dear to US that President Nixon often described it as an American lake[7]. When British forces left Gulf in 1968, a vacuum was created in understanding the political system of Gulf countries and to utilise the historical knowledge efficiently[8]. Concerned that Soviet, who already had some influence in the region, would expand their circle of influence to warm waters ports and huge oil reserves of Gulf, US accepted the fact that Gulf region must be kept friendly to west[9]. Initially even US maintained a naval presence for the purpose of flag showing only but latter unpredictable events has compelled the US to review its foreign policy in Persian Gulf. This change in policy brought about a change in US naval strategy. The implementation of Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force brought a larger naval presence into the Gulf[10]. In 1980? s, during Iran – Iraq war, US further increased its naval presence in the area to provide protection to shipping emanating from Gulf. Initially the presence only was considered enough; however, latter the US navy resorted to escorting the ships from ports all the way till out of the Strait of Hormuz. US even reflagged Kuwaiti tankers for providing them naval escorts[11]. US is very well aware of the effects any disturbance in smooth flow of oil can cause for its economy. The fact that it was oil embargo of 1940 and concern for energy security that compelled Japan to attack on pearl harbour is fresh in the memories of US[12]. The world has already witnessed three famous oil shocks, during 1970 Afghanistan invasion by USSR, 1973 Arab oil embargo and 1979/80 Iran revolution[13]. Due to convergence of interests in ensuring security of cheap and affordable oil supply from Gulf, several countries have joined hands with US. It resulted in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP), led by US, consisting of more than 15 countries[14]. As a result, usually more then 50 foreign naval ships are always present in the region at any given time[15]. Such overwhelming presence of US forces is seen in different perspective by regional states. The paper discusses all the facts assuming that US will maintain its presence at least in near future and will devise a mechanism for ensuring energy security for all concerned through involving regional powers. This move by US may have certain very obvious implications for other regional states as no worth while military cooperation other than GCC exists in the region. CHAPTER II STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF ARABIAN SEA Atlantic and Pacific Oceans has witnessed several very formidable military coalitions in recent past. On the other hand, Indian Ocean has not so far developed an overreaching security system that could meet the challenges of maritime security[16]. Indian Ocean is situated between Atlantic and Pacific, thus serving as a natural transit lounge for most of the traffic from and to both these Oceans. Only one fifth of the total trade is conducted among the countries of the region and while 80% of the trade is extra regional (mainly crude oil to USA, Europe, China and Japan)[17]. Arabian Sea is a northern indentation of Indian Ocean, containing few of the world? s busiest waterways for commercial exchange of capital, commodities, goods and most importantly energy resources[18]. Littorals of Arabian Sea in the Persian Gulf region are blessed with huge quantities of critical energy supplies[19]. Fig 1: Proven Crude Oil Reserves[20] Developed world economies are most vulnerable to any shortage or disruption in the smooth flow of cheap oil esulting in price fluctuation, which could have devastating effects on their economies[21]. The Persian Gulf contains more than 700 billion barrels of the proven oil reserves, which are almost over half of the proven reserves whole world. Europe imports average of 2. 6 million barrels per day while US imports another 2. 5 million barrels per day fro m the Gulf region[22]. Fig 2: Net Oil Imports From Persian Gulf as a Percentage of Total Net Oil Imports[23] Several littoral states of Arabian Sea are unstable due to religious, political and ethnic divide. Most of these are Muslim states, which are also controlling extremely sensitive choke points transited regularly by tankers carrying oil supplies. Thus adding to worries of western states regarding security of energy supplies[24]. Similarly, as demands for raw materials are growing and resources shortages are expected, the growing economies are more concerned for security of supplies through any means[25]. The Arabian Sea is also unique in another respect where it holds two neighboring nuclear states, Pakistan and India, with host of unresolved disputes between them, which has often led to wars in the past as well. On the other hand, Iran, a major regional country designated as so-called evil state by US and is in pursuit of nuclear technology with other Gulf countries having ambitions to acquire the same[26]. The region also contains elements of political, ideological, economic, religious and military based insecurity[27]. The region has in its close proximity, Afghanistan, a breeding ground for terrorist and hub of Al-Quaida activities, Central Asian Region (CAR) the future hope of energy for the world[28]. Choke Points Arabian Sea The Arabian Sea waterways are most vulnerable at three very important choke points, Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and Suez Canal, from which almost all the oil exports passes[29]. Being sensitive to source of oil from the region, major powers in the world has to be concerned with developments taking place in the Arabian Sea[30]. About 40 percent of the worlds oil supply is transported through Hormuz alone, the only shipping channel in and out of the Persian Gulf. The strait is 17 miles wide at its most narrow point and 120 miles long. Its inbound and outbound channels are each 2 miles across. The U-shaped strait is bordered to the south by Oman, an ally of the United States, and to the north by Iran, which President Bush has included in the â€Å"axis of evil†. Fig 3: Choke Points – Arabian Sea[31] The threat from submarines and mines has long been a concern to the American Navy in this choke point. On the other hand, the Suez Canal being controlled by a single, stable nation, Egypt, whose economy depends heavily on tolls collected through canal, have strong ties to the West and is considered more secure than other choke points. By contrast, Yemen, near Bab al Mandab, has been a refuge for Al-Quaida terrorist cells and is seen as poorly equipped to guard its waterways[32]. Pakistan’s Geo-Strategic Location and SLOCs of Arabian Sea Pakistan is situated at a geographic location that can play a very important role in Arabian Sea. With Pakistan? s western sea boundaries very close to Strait of Hormuz, and SLOCs for India, Far East Asia, China and Japan passing through her EEZ, it can have considerable influence in the security of smooth flow of oil supplies from Gulf and commercial commodities to Gulf. Similarly, Pakistan is also ideally located to provide warm water access to CAR for exploiting their mineral potentials by exporting it to markets all over the world[33]. Thus can act a bridge between CAR and rest of the world[34]. Fig 4: Oil Trade Routes[35] China is also looking for exploiting the access to Gulf through Pakistan using Silk Road. Pakistan with its recent status of Major Non NATO Ally to US is also ideally situated for providing access to US in approaching CAR oil reserves through proposed oil pipe line from CAR till Arabian Sea in order to diversify sources for US oil imports and GWOT[36]. CHAPTER III INTERESTS OF LITTORAL STATES Countries with several unique problems of their own surround Arabian Sea. It is a fact that although western countries have overwhelming interest in the energy resources of the region, consisting of majority of Muslim states that don not like them[37]. Ensuring a smooth oil supply has become a matter of â€Å"national security† for western world, particularly the US[38]. In the recent past, due to US led GWOT, issues of nuclear proliferation, anti-Israel sentiments and political instability the region has gained considerable importance. Along with the interests of external stakeholders, the littoral states have interests of their own, which are quite unique in nature. The paper will only discuss the interest of major internal stakeholders. Pakistan Pakistan is major Muslim State in the region, enjoying respects of other Muslim States, as it is considered as bulwark of Islam against its worldwide enemies[39]. Pakistan also regards the Arabian Sea as increasingly central to its security, a vulnerability exposed during US Tomahawk strike on Afghanistan[40]. Oil and its by-products is perhaps the most critical strategic commodity for Pakistan? survival[41]. Thus, Pakistan? s principle interest in the region is to ensure that its trade flows uninterrupted and is free of all kind of threats. At present, a US led coalition is vigorously pursuing GWOT with a real focus on this region. Pakistan being aware of the far-reaching changes taking place in the region in its area of interest joined GWOT. Thus, in the wake of 9/11 an d given the political environment in Balouchistan, Pakistan earnestly desires to keep Makran Coast free of activities that may support terrorism[42]. Active participation by PN in CMCP is a step in that direction[43]. US led war on terrorism in Afghanistan, heavily dependent on support from Pakistan, is also causing troubles for internal stability of the country. Due to US involvement, Northern Alliance has come to power in Afghanistan, a hostile government for Pakistan[44]. India has already opened six consulates in Afghanistan. Presence of NATO on doorstep also has long-term strategic effects on Pakistan. Consequently, for the first time in history, Pakistan deployed its troops in FATA and along the border of Afghanistan[45]. A hostile government in Afghanistan expose the vulnerability of Pakistan that it has due to absence of strategic depth[46]. US have always viewed possession of nuclear weapons by Pakistan with concern. As US struggle against WMD provides a justification to US for preemptive strike, therefore, US presence in the region, so close to Pakistani borders is of considerable concern[47]. A major strength possessed by Pakistan vis-a-vis India is its geographic location in Southeast Asia, near the Persian Gulf and CAR and astride the Indian Ocean sea-lanes[48]. With the development of Gwadar port, right at the mouth of Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan is also a leading option for CAR to have access to Arabian Sea for export of their raw materials to western markets at much cheaper rates as compared to other alternatives, a key impediment to India ever attaining clear regional dominance in South Asia[49]. Fig 5: Potential Cross-Border Gas Pipelines[50] India India considers area between Malacca and Hormuz Straits as its legitimate area of interest and have ambitious plans to dominate the region[51]. Indian goal of having a three fleet blue water navy to guard its vast sea frontiers is closely matched by an ambition of having a sea based second-strike capability[52]. Most recent important steps taken by New Delhi are its increasing interest in acquiring forward bases for its navy in Indian Ocean[53]. In 1954, India transferred control of Coco Island to Burma, while recently India has not only developed Andaman and Nicobar Island but is actively collaborating with Iran to establish a port at Chahbahar[54]. India? s growing interest in the region is also security of its oil supplies. With its rapid economic boom, India is dependent on cheap oil supplies from Gulf like never before. At present India is 7th largest consumer of primary energy in the world. However, its crude production share was 60% in 1988/89, 34% in 1998/99 and will be 10% in 2030. Therefore, country? s import dependence will increase to 94% in 2030[55]. India does not consider presence of US in the region as a threat but rather a source of comfort. Especially after developing strategic ties with US, India feels that their interests in the region are common as that of US[56]. Therefore, security issues for both are also interlinked. Also, after acquiring of reckonable sea power by India, other powers now understands that trade will not cross IO against a hostile Indian Navy[57]. Iran Iran seemingly aims to contest US presence in the region. Tehran? s effort to develop nuclear deterrence points in this direction. While being the third largest oil producing country, preserving its trade security is of paramount interest to Iran. Similarly, Iran also has the desire to influence Gulf region and is developing its navy to thwart any attempts by any aggression against its interests[58]. Iran has so far witnessed strained relations with other Gulf States but is on a path of improvement[59]. Iran also ahs the desire to provide a cheap route to CAR for their exports through Arabian Sea but its attempts has so not been successful owing to US in Afghanistan[60]. By virtue of being the guardian of Strait of Hormuz, controversial presence of Iran in Abu Musa Island is of extreme strategic importance[61]. With its significant arsenal of shore launched anti ship missiles, Iran can disrupt the smooth flow of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz during a conflict with an external power, an ability amply highlighted during Iran-Iraq war[62]. However, recently, Iran has been strongly advocating regional cooperation and can act as a bridge between Gulf – Indian Ocean region and CAR[63]. Gulf States Gulf counties are of great significance in the region due to large energy reserves they possess to feed developed economies[64]. Frightened by the challenge posed by the Iranian Revolution, the six Gulf States Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE decided to form Gulf Cooperation Council in May 1981, which was viewed by Iran as an antiIranian Arab club, as it was an Arab and not a cross-cultural regional entity. However, Iran avoided dealing with the GCC as an entity, preferring to ignore its existence and to treat each country separately. While Kuwait openly embraces US security assistance and presence in the region, the UAE is the most cautious in its policies towards the US and the presence of US forces in the Gulf. A major reason for this cautionary position is that the UAE is Irancentric as much as Kuwait is Iraq centric. A complicating factor is that while federal leadership of UAE view Iran as a major threat to UAE, Dubai looks at it as a major commercial customer[65]. Between 1991 and 1994, all GCC States, with the sole exception of Saudi Arabia, signed security agreements with the US. These included joint exercises, access to ports and facilities, and pre-positioning of equipment[66]. Almost entire economy of Gulf States is related to energy reserves, security of which they cannot ensure[67]. The Gulf states are primarily concerned about the security of their oil fields as they know that SLOCs will be kept open by western powers, more dominatingly US, in order to safeguard their own interest[68]. However, with changing geopolitical situation, US is no longer comfortable with its relations with Gulf States. Differences are growing between US and Saudi Arabia, a linchpin of GCC, over several issues[69]. The situation has deteriorated to a level where a top Pentagon advisory board has declared Saudi Arabia as an enemy of US[70]. Fig 6: CHAPTER IV States – Part of GCC[71] INTERESTS OF EXTRA REGIONAL STATES Extra Regional States are mainly concerned with Arabian Sea for ensuring security of their energy supplies, which in turn means, the availability of energy at all times in various forms, in sufficient quantity and at affordable process. A policy discontinuity by OPEC and long-term failure to invest in production, transportation or processing capacity may have devastating effects on energy security from the region[72]. To secure oil from Gulf, US President Regan once said, â€Å"US must maintain maritime supremacy in area†[73]. It was threat to oil supplies that resulted in creation of Rapid Development Force by US President Carter. The same was major motivation for military action against Iraq in 1991[74] The region is infested with multiple problems ranging from sectarian violence, human smuggling, terrorism and political instability. US also view the leadership of the region as â€Å"politically immature, diplomatically inexperienced and ideologically unreliable†[80]. Saudi and Gulf citizens are also very sceptical that Gulf security depends on an alliance with west that will contain Iraq and Iran as well[81]. At present Gulf region provides 1/5th of the 11 million barrels of oil to US per day. Due to depletion of oil sources outside Gulf, by 2020 OPEC share is expected to reach 60% of world share[82]. Thus increasing the dependence of US on the region even further. Therefore, US always fear that radical Muslims may stop oil supplies to â€Å"western infidels† as and when required[83]. No country can have military presence, power projection capabilities or technology as US to protect resources of energy not only from Saudi Arabia but the ME as a whole and deny hostile states the ability to attack or blackmail exporting states[84]. The importance of oil for survival of US can be gauged with the simple fact that a US 10$ rise in the prices per barrel will cause a damage amounting to US 50$ billions to its economy[85]. The US, in control of the crucial oil resources in Iraq can easily use oil as a strategic lever vis-a-vis other countries such as China, as a continuation of its â€Å"Containment Policy† of China[86]. To achieve this crucial objective, US has spent a considerable amount of money and will therefore, utilise all means to gain profits from the region. Political Interests The US is focusing on two vital interests in the Middle East; first, the security of Israel, second protection of oil supplies to western allies and US. The security of Israel is clearly demonstrated during Arab-Israel wars, where US has provided unconditional, unlimited and unjustified support for Israel, using double standards[87]. The US western allies see US with drawl, being guarantor of the safety of oil transport shipping routes, as a major risk to security of their oil supplies[88]. US military presence in the Arabian Sea in general and specifically in the Gulf also serves a number of other US strategic national security goals, which are[89]: a. The security of oil supplies and reserves that exist within the territories controlled by Arab countries in the Gulf and the transit security of these supplies through the Gulf and other sea routes that are considered to be strategic choke points, e. g. the Suez Canal. b. The post-war shaping of a US-friendly Iraq. c. The containment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, China and potential future â€Å"regime change† actions in the region of ME. d. Support to the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign in and Afghanistan including stability of regime. e. Mutual support to the expanding US strategic presence in the oil rich region of the Caspian Sea and in CAR. f. g. h. Security of Israel against any type of threat. Nuclear proliferation in the region including elimination of WMD. Human smuggling and drug trafficking. Military Interests To support the security strategy for the Gulf, configured on â€Å"forward military presence†, to deter aggression and â€Å"crises response† in case deterrence fails, the US has deployed military assets off shore and on shore in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE[90]. In contrast to the pre-Gulf war period when forward presence was kept at low key in the form of â€Å"over the horizon† military presence in deference to the political and cultural sensitivities of the conservative Gulf States, US military presence today is far more visible, substantial and controversial[91]. A high visibility posture of US military personnel in the region is a sensitive matter to the majority conservative Muslim population. The public in Gulf, as in the rest of region, is fundamentally opposed to US policies in the region and regards them as antiMuslim[92]. US unwanted presence is also view with hostility by Afghans[93]. The present government formed under the umbrella of US is not consisting of justified representation according to population due to US interest. Now, if US leave, Afghanistan will surely face another civil war[94]. CHINA â€Å"Let china sleep, for when the dragon awakes, the world will tremble†[95]. Napoleon Bonaparte Economic Interests China? s economic development has been the top priority on Beijing? s national agenda since the late 1970s and will be the driving force behind its strategy toward the Arabian Sea in general and Persian Gulf region in particular, in the years ahead. The economic growth of the past two decades has spurred China? s growing demand for energy resources and China has emerged as a competitor to US in race for energy[96]. In 1990, China exported oil worth $2. 8 Billions to Japan and now half of China? s own oil need is met by imports from Gulf[97]. In response to dwindling domestic supply, China has turned to the Persian Gulf to satisfy the nation? s economic needs. As a result, energy security has become a central component of its national security[98]. At the same time, China? economic success has augmented its â€Å"comprehensive national power,† which in Chinese strategic thinking encompasses a broad range of economic, political, diplomatic, and military capabilities. Beijing has slowly maximized these hard-earned assets to exert its influence in the Gulf region. By 2020, China will be importing 60% oil and 30% gas from external sources making her economy severely dependant on energy supply region? s security[99]. Given Chin a? s longstanding insistence on self-reliance, the growing proportion of foreign-supplied oil, particularly from the Persian Gulf, triggers acute anxieties. China feels uncomfortable as tankers bringing oil for her travel through SLOCs dominated by external forces, especially US[100]. Political Interests Following the footsteps of USA, China is also expanding its base for imports of crucial oil supplies. To counter US containment policy, China is also looking forward to diversifying its energy sources all over the world. Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC) was ordered by government to buy 60% shares of Kazakhstan? s 3rd largest oil field and China also wishes to have 1250 miles long pipeline for oil and gas supplies till province of Xinjiang[101]. CNCP has also spent $8 Billions in 1998/99 for having concessions in Sudan, Venezuela, Iraq and Kazakhstan[102]. Presently, China is in process of striking important deals with Middle East countries. It has already signed a â€Å"Strategic Oil Partnership† with Saudi Arabia[103]. America? s unrivalled influence and substantial military presence in the Middle East represent a two-edged sword for China? s energy security. On the one hand, China benefits from the stability that U. S. military forces bring to the region without incurring any costs. On the other hand, Beijing fears that it could be held hostage to American threats to deny China? s access to oil during confrontations with the United States over other disputes[104]. With the rise of Chinese nationalism, the notion that the supply of oil could be subject to Washington? s goodwill irritate Beijing and adds to its insecurity. However, the practicality of an oil embargo is highly questionable. Cutting off oil supplies to a major power would be politically difficult to justify to the international community[105]. China is also devising a plan to ensure its energy security for the future and reduce dependence on this volatile region. Salient of plane are[106]: a. b. c. d. Maximising the domestic output of oil and gas. Diversity of sources. Invest in overseas oil and gas companies of Asia and ME. Construct infrastructure to bring oil and gas to own markets safely. Military Interests Despite all these measures, presently China could only continue to adjust to US power projection till the time it has developed a reasonable retaliatory capability[107]. The Chinese interest in the region is also because of ever increasing influence of India in the regional affairs. The newly struck deals between US and India for future strategic partnership in the region also concerns China, having stakes in the region. The Chinese attempts to acquire bases in Indian Ocean is an indicator of the same. Pakistan is a trusted ally of China and with Gwadar port becoming a reality, China will a much direct access to Arabian Sea instead of a long sea route passing from the regions dominated by US and Indian naval presence. China is also attempting to have some share for selling its military hardware to oil rich gulf states, presently dominated by western powers. Although at present the ingress of Chinese military hardware is negligible except for Iran, the same may change in future with Chinese technology advancing at a rapid pace. EUROPE UNION Economic Interests Europe depends heavily on oil imports from the Gulf, notwithstanding its efforts to diversify sources of energy supplies from North Africa, Russia, and the Atlantic Basin[108]. Indeed, the European market consumes most of Iran? oil and gas exports, and the same will be true for Iraqi energy exports once it is able to shed sanctions that have prevented the reconstruction of its heavily damaged oil infrastructure. Moreover, European dependence on Gulf energy supplies is likely to grow substantially over the next 10 to 15 years; particularly as North Sea oil and gas resources are depleted[109]. Fig 7: Gap Between Supply and Demand of Oil[110] Clo sely related to European energy imports from the Gulf is two-way trade between Europe and the region. Presently, neither Iraq nor Iran is a lucrative market for European goods, services and capital. Also, the European Union (EU) initiative to cultivate stronger economic relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states has yet to yield substantial dividends. Nonetheless, several European countries, notably the United Kingdom, France and Germany, are captivated by the long-term market potential this region[111]. In 2004 the EU exports to the GCC were around 40 billion pounds whereas its imports from the region were 25 billions pounds, thus providing a direct benefit of 15 billions pound in a single year[112]. Political Interests The United States and Europe share a number of common goals and interests in the region[113]. These include securing access to Persian Gulf oil supplies at reasonable prices; preventing the spread of terrorism and WMD; and fostering peace, stability and prosperity. Nonetheless, over the years some of the most acute tensions in the transatlantic relationship have stemmed from US and European disagreements in the Persian Gulf, especially over the most effective policies to achieve these goals[114]. The most contentious disputes have revolved around the American use of military force and the imposition of sanctions to moderate the behaviour of Iraq and Iran[115]. These differences are likely to persist, given the high stakes involved and the political, diplomatic and economic investments of both the US and Europe in the region. Military Interests European military interests in the region are mainly restricted to arms supplies. Huge European arms industry is in dire need of a lucrative market which can absorb relatively expansive European arms and that too in huge quantities. Although China is also trying to capture this market with its cheap weaponry but despite financial appeal, they do not provide level of sophistication that many Gulf States have come to expect. Pakistan has also been interested in western weapon systems since long and possesses quite a large number of sophisticated systems. Pakistan Navy in particular has been dependent upon western countries for smooth functioning of its fleet. However, due to a bitter experience after US sponsored sanctions, Pakistan Navy has also struck deals with China for surface ships and helos. More recently, India has also shifted its long-standing loyalty with Russian weapon systems and is now in active collaboration with western arms industry for several of its future projects[128]. PN and Presence of ERF in the Region Pakistan cannot afford to neglect its maritime effectiveness. For sustainable maritime growth, there is a need to address military and non-military threats to Pakistans maritime security. Present trends, changes and geopolitical situation imply that all challenges to Pakistans maritime interests should be dealt accordingly. Defending Pakistans maritime interests and safeguarding its ports and harbours have placed an enormous burden on the PN[129]. In order to meet future maritime security challenges of Pakistan the role of the PN needed to be enhanced in a way that it should be able to serve the strategy of defensive offence. Pakistan should modernise its Navy and be forward-looking in its vision. Pakistan should have a naval power commensurate with its role not only to defend its coast, but also act as a deterrent to any power intending to interfere and obstruct the flow of oil or gas or obstruct movement in the region[130]. PN will, therefore, be required to provide escorts to friendly shipping carrying strategic commodities. This primarily is defensive role but nonetheless of a strategic value for the country[131]. Compulsion of maintaining continuous presence in CMCP, essential in order to avoid over anxiety regarding ERF operations in Pakistani waters, is also taking a heavy toll on an already averaged PN fleet[132]. Therefore, Pakistan must immediately enhance PN surface fleet capabilities in order to meet the future challenges efficiently and effectively[133]. Failing to participate in CMCP and meeting the goals set by ERF in Arabian Sea in general and along the coastal belt of Pakistan in particular may compel US in inviting India for CMCP or worst case to ensure continuation of ERF agenda through its naval presence in the region. Indian Navy operating off Pakistani coast has self-evident implications for PN resulting again in maintaining a very comprehensive presence in the area in order to check Indian Naval activities[134]. Being part of an international collation and having chance to operate with modern navies is also benefiting PN in several ways. Few of the important aspects in this regard are as follows[135]: a. Intelligence sharing with US network. b. Sharing of recce/surveillance information. c. Maritime Interdiction Operations. d. Leadership Interdiction Operations against terrorist organisations. e. Doctrinal revision. f. Enhanced operational availability of PN units. g. Increased interaction with modern navies. h. Confidence to own mariners in international and Pakistani waters. j. Acknowledgement of PN professionalism. k. Material gains in the form of military support. l. Improving the image of PN w. r. its capability to ensure security in the region. CHAPTER VI CONCLUSION The concept of maritime security broadly revolves around political, economic, technological, environmental and military and non-military elements. Any threat to these elements poses a threat to the maritime interests of a particular nation. This growing economic dependence on sea and benefits of EEZ requires construction of a whole new set of modern infrastructure of ports, harbours, shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and advanced naval strength, which may not be possible for a smaller nation despite having adequate finances. Security of trade is of immense value for survival of all countries in Arabian Sea region. While major countries may see presence of ERF as a hindrance to freedom of operation by their navies in their legitimate area of interest, the freedom of navigation provided by ERF presence to all friendly shipping is viewed as a very positive step by smaller regional states. While several countries in the region are opposed to US policies, it is a fact that the overwhelming majority of them also oppose terrorism and the kind of political vision and government style as proposed and practised by Bin Laden and the Taliban. For as long as Gulf oil remains vital to the interests of the US and its allies, heavy presence of ERF in the region is to be expected. Sharing major maritime oil and gas fields with littoral Gulf States means that Iran and the Arab world have potential friction points. US military presence, especially naval and air force capabilities, in several of the Gulf countries is a critical check to Iranian ambitions and possible adventurism. In other words, there is no realistic end in the foreseeable future to US military engagement in the region. The vital interest the US has in the region, the desire of Gulf States to retain US military presence and the inability of Japan and European powers that depend on ME oil to project power for a long haul means that US will be the main player providing protection to all allies in future. Dream of having a NATO type organisation to ensure security interests of member countries in the region is still a long haul dream. Awareness is growing among the regional countries regarding the importance of an organisation like an Indian Ocean Regional Forum or a „Security Alliance for the Indian Ocean?. Headway is only possible through gradual evolution of trust and confidence among the stakeholders after the internal disputes are settled. (Word Count: 6210) BIBLIOGRAPHY PRIMARY SOURCES Books Commander Manoj Gupta, Maritime Affairs: Integrated Management for India, Manas Publications, New Delhi, 2005. Dana Priest, The Mission: Waging War and Keeping the Peace With America? s Military, W. W. Norton Co, New York, NY 2004. Ian Rutladge, Addicted to Oil, I. B Tauris Co Ltd, London, 2005. References: http://www.frontline.in/ http://www.persiangulfonline.org/

How to Deal with Bad Lab Partners

How to Deal with Bad Lab Partners Have you ever taken a lab class and had lab partners that didnt do their share of the work, broke equipment, or wouldnt work together with you? This situation can be really hard, but there are steps you can take to make things better. Talk to Your Lab Partners This may be harder than it sounds, if your problem is that you and your lab partners dont speak the same language (which is relatively common in science and engineering), but you can improve your working relationship with your lab partners if you can explain to them whats bothering you. Also, you need to explain what you would like them to do that you feel would make things better. Be prepared to compromise, since your lab partner may want you to make some changes, too. Keep in mind, you and your partner may come from very different cultures, even if youre from the same country. Avoid sarcasm or being too nice because theres a good chance you wont get your message across. If language is a problem, seek an interpreter or draw pictures, if necessary. If One or Both of You Dont Want to Be There The work still has to get done. If you know your partner wont do it, yet your grade or your career is on the line, you need to accept that youre going to do all of the work. Now, you can still make sure it is evident your partner was slacking. On the other hand, if you both resent doing the work, its reasonable to work out an arrangement. You might find you work better together once you acknowledge you hate the task. Willing But Unable If you have a lab partner who is willing to help, yet incompetent or klutzy, try to find harmless tasks that allow the partner to participate without damaging your data or your health. Ask for input, let the partner record data and try to avoid stepping on toes. If the clueless partner is a permanent fixture in your environment, its in your best interest to train them. Start with simple tasks, clearly explaining the steps, reasons for specific actions, and desired results. Be friendly and helpful, not condescending. If you are successful in your task, youll gain a valuable ally in the lab and possibly even a friend. Theres Bad Blood Between You Maybe you and your lab partner had an argument or theres past history. Perhaps you simply dont like each other. Unfortunately, its not always possible to escape from such a situation. You can ask your supervisor to reassign one or both of you, but youll run the risk of getting a reputation of being hard to work with. If you decide to ask for a change, its probably better to cite a different reason for the request. If you absolutely must work together, try setting boundaries that limit how much you actually have to interact. Make your expectations clear so both of you can do the work and retreat. Take it to the Next Level Its better to try to work out problems with your lab partners than to seek intervention from a teacher or supervisor. However, you might need help or advice from someone higher up. This might be the case when you realize you cant meet a deadline or complete an assignment without more time or changing the work dynamic. If you decide to talk to someone about your problems, present the situation calmly and without bias. You have a problem; you need help finding a solution. This may be difficult, but its a valuable skill to master. Practice Makes Perfect Having trouble with lab partners comes with the territory. The social skills you can master dealing with lab partners will help you, whether youre only taking one lab class or are making a career out of lab work. No matter what you do, youll have to learn to work well with others, including people who are incompetent, lazy or just dont want to work with you. If you are making a career of science, you need to recognize and accept youll be a member of a team.

Economics 1- General Motors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economics 1- General Motors - Essay Example he question directly, the cost structure of the combined entities, as General Motors, improved after the mergers, with the trimming of costs and improving profit margins even when the level of revenues remains constant. Economies of scale is possible only with a certain minimum critical size of firms in an industry such as the automobile industry. The company continued its acquisition binge in the ensuing years. Management decisions that improved operations included reduction of costly factory errors with the establishment of a testing laboratory, and setting up of facilities for research and development, which turned out to be the most complex in the industry at the time. These contributed to improved efficiency and productivity. During the 1920s the big car manufacturers were GM and Ford, followed by Chrysler in 1925 (American Motors was formed only in 1954). At that time only Ford posed a semblance of competition to GM. GM proceeded with some major innovations in management systems using policy coordination from the top, policy direction through top-level committees, and delegation of responsibilities - practices that were to become standard in business management theory and practice. In the late 1920s, GM introduced the synchromesh gears by Cadillac, the shatter-proof safety glass, and the V-16, the first car type with a 16-cylinder engine, setting standards in power and performance. Then it pioneered in innovations in styling and engineering, capped by the discovery of the automatic gear. GM also developed the independ4ent front wheel suspension and the automatic transmission under Sloans leadership before the WWII. In the 1950s GM introduced the V-8 engine with a higher compression ratio, power steering , air-conditioning systems, safety belts, among others. In short, the company outdistanced its competition through design and engineering as demonstrated in the functional quality of cars it produced. In the area of marketing strategy, GM boss Sloans

Reflection paper Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection - Term Paper Example In the second section, the professor taught us how to write. We were given different kinds of assignments. Doing those assignments was a means of learning to write academically and professionally. Now that I reflect on my writing skills, I find noticeable improvement in the content, structure, organization, and quality of writing I produce. The most interesting thing about this course was the syllabus. The topics we discussed and wrote about were primarily oriented around freedom and independence. We learnt different ways in which advanced technology promoted personal freedom as well as intervened in people’s personal rights and space. For example, while we can explore the world and capture precious moments using the cameras of our smartphones, we can also freely take anybody’s pictures without having them even realize that they are being photographed. This is an intervention in an individual’s personal space and freedom but technology has equipped us to do this. We have to resort to our moral values to behave ethically in such scenarios and make only positive use of the technology in our hands. Similarly, we did an assignment where we discussed how cameras can be used to record people cheating on their spouses or how lie-detection machines can be used to learn the secret. All these practices come with certain advantages and disadvantages, with the disadvantage being primarily intervention in others’ personal freedom. We should use our moral judgment and conscience to make optimal use of such technology and avoid its secret use unless the benefits of the same outweigh the demerits. To discourage the inappropriate use of technology, the government should formulate laws and regulations to guide people’s behavior. People intervening in others’ personal space without consent and for unjustifiable reasons should be held accountable for their secret endeavors. Personal freedom is the fundamental right of every human being and must be granted. The

Secrets of the FBI (Ronald Kessler) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Secrets of the FBI (Ronald Kessler) - Assignment Example It shows they are not able to effectively get the information they need so they resort to blackmail. This will increase accountability to the service. The second issue of agreement is the exposure about their training. 20 weeks training, shooting accuracy of 80% and above, firing 3900 rounds of ammunition in 20 weeks and training in surveillance, undercover tactics is a show of good training and even the enemy would be scared of this. There are also some things mentioned that are not agreeable. First, the very exposure of the internal operations of the service is totally unacceptable. This was also expressed by two callers who expressed much pessimism about the revelation. It aids the enemy and causes violent aggression to any American in any building across the world. Secondly, the financial exposure would send the economists back to their drawing board about the amount of funds spend on this training. It implores a waste of hard earned cash from the consolidated fund. Given that it is being aired live, it may send the wrong picture to the public about government expenditure and priorities. Someone in Criminal Justice requires knowing this because the revelation would create caution to him/her. The way any American is viewed globally totally changes and there is also need to invent new methods of operation to increase their

Business analysis of British Airways

Business analysis of British Airways British Airways is the airline company of the United Kingdom. It has its headquarter in Waterside which is nearby its main hub at London Heathrow Airport and as set up it is the biggest airline of UK on the basis of number of international flights and international destinations it has. It has its second hub which is London Gatwick Airport. As per the research it was found that The British Airways Group was shaped on 1 September 1974. British Airways was formed by the fusion of two large London-based airlines, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways Corporation (BEA), and two smaller airlines, Cambrian Airways Cardiff and Northeast Airlines Newcastle upon Tyne. BA according to the study was found as the only two airlines to operate the supersonic Aerospatiale-BAC Concorde inaugurating the worlds first supersonic passenger service in January 1976. BA became the worlds most commercial airline following its strategies under the slogan The Worlds Favorite Airline. The main activities of British Airways Plc and its subsidiary undertakings are the method of international and domestic planned air services for the deportment of passengers, freight and mail and the facility of ancillary amenities. (uk.reuters.com 2011) Franchisees  · Comair: based in South Africa, franchisee since 1996.  · Sun Air: based in Denmark, franchisee since 1 August 1996. (uk.reuters.com 2011) Virgin Atlantic Airways- Competitor Company Profile Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited is a British airline owned by Sir Richard Bransons Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%). It is has its headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, England, near London Gatwick Airport. It runs between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia from main bases at Gatwick and London Heathrow Airport, using a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft (innovationaleaders, 2011). Lufthanza Germanys air ambassador, Deutsche Lufthansa competitors the worlds largest airline companies. It functions more than 530 aircraft from centres in Frankfurt, Zurich and Munich. It soars passengers to about 250 destinations global, not including those attended by code-sharing partner. Lufthansas partners comprise of associated followers of the Star Alliance, like United Continentals United Airlines and Mainland. The companys Lufthansa Cargo component is a main global airfreight transporter; Lufthansa also has benefits in aircraft preservation, cuisine, and information technology productions. ( Biz, 2011) Factors Affecting Airline Industry: Emerging concerns As the carriers have strained to keep up with fast growing  oil  prices .The airlines have also raised some of their fees, executed summer peak-time surcharges and added hefty fuel surcharges on international flights. While as a result of the improbability in the oil markets, airline stocks protracted their losses the increasing ticket prices have matched the steady increase in fuel costs in contemporary time period. The rise in the fuel price has affected the smooth functioning of British Airways and its major competitors like virgin airlines and Lufthansa in several ways. Impact of Rise in Fuel Prices and Strike From the research it was founded that British Airways has a loss before tax of  £410m for the year to 31 march, after finding out its results which were hit by higher fuel costs .In the previous year, British Airways has made a revised profit of  £922m.Due to the rise in prices of fuel British Airways offered its staff members with the option of taking unpaid leave or ask them to work with part time. Even the finance director of British Airways had also forgo his pay for a month. As the impact was very much on British Airways it had to cut more than 2500 jobs since last summer. British Airways has been trailing  £7 every second since last year, which is pretty unattractive and affecting the company a lot. The Shares in the airline were down from 4.5% to 155 pence. However, British Airways believed that it had seen a significantly better effective performance, and that it had recognised customer fulfilment ratings. The total number of passengers conceded demolish from 4.3% to 33.1m.( BA, 2011) The impact of recession has been drastic on British Airways, it got revenue decreased by 11.1% to  £7994 million. As reported there was a loss in operating, which was of 3231 million including  £ 85 million for the business reconstruction. There was a decline in the revenue of passengers by  £856 million, which means a decline of 10.9% as compared to last year. British Airways added that it had to take substantial pricing actions to encourage non-premium sales, which were mostly unchanged on the previous year. British Airways stated that the point of outlook for the airline business was hard-hitting and it would not be recompensing a dividend this year as there has been a lot loss has faced by the industry. So British Airways strategic to decrease the capacity by 4% around winter by not flying up to 16 aircraft. British Airways was not the only airline distress in the global recession, as greater fuel prices and a fall in request for air travel have posh the whole airline industry .BAs upsurge means that economy passengers on long-haul flights of less than nine hours will see their surcharge going up from  £75 to  £85.The surcharge on economy flights of more than nine hours will rise from  £88 to  £98. The number of passengers carried by British Airways in May were demolish by 14.2% from a year ago, as the impact of strike caused by the cabin crew members which effect the airline drastic way.( BBC, 2011) External Analysis of British Airways Political and Legal Factors Air Passenger Tax Recent rise in air passenger tax by the government in November 2010 has led to hike in prices of air travel. This substantial rise in prices may discourage passengers opting for air travel, directly affecting the airline industry. ( Fulton.J, 2010) Fuel Policies As the sole most important cost, policies affecting both fuel supply and price greatly affect airline sustainability. These include supply decisions by oil suppliers, refinery expansion by oil companies and government, which leads in rise of fuel prices affecting the airline sector. .( Fulton.J, 2010) Global Aspects Some governments provide subsidies that provide an unfair advantage and prices lower than market conditions which affects the functioning of airline industries directly and Global  environmental  policies regarding emissions and international route deregulation may affect airline operations in present as well as in future.( Fulton.J, 2010) Economical Factors Airline Revenue Sources Airlines  make  money  by transporting people and goods from one place to another. All of the revenue generated by airlines is caused for transportation purposes. Airlines sell their services rather than a physical product.( Davis.J, 2011) Airline Expenses All airlines have expenditures that are associated with the industry. Expenses include the cost of airplanes and related equipment, member of staff salaries, hiring of business locations inside airports and insurance for both the passengers and goods that are conveyed. ( Davis.J, 2011) Internal Economic Factors Economic factors that affect airline profits comprises of internal features such as whether or not each flight is filled to size, how much passengers pay for their tickets and what services they are demanding such as complimentary food and  drinks, are provided.( Davis.J, 2011) External Economic Factors Economic events that occur outside the airline industry can affect airline profits. Rising fuel costs due to political or economic events reduce airline profit. Weather conditions, such as snowstorms, can negatively affect air  travel. Events such as airplane crashes can affect peoples willingness to travel by air. All these may cause a temporary loss of profits. ( Davis.J, 2011) Forecasting Airlines have to be able to accurately predict travel demand several years into the future in order to be able to provide enough routes and airplanes to handle the needs of passengers. The economic success of an airline will in part depend on its ability to accurately make such predictions and plan accordingly.( Davis.J, 2011) Social factors Obesity One controversy ambiances the issue of airline companies shrinking their seat restrictions for passengers who are overweight . Some firms have gone far-off to charge a passenger with overweight will cost of two seats because of their mass. This has formed a disturbance, as it raises the question of discernment .The airline businesses face that it basically costs more to fly those more overweight passengers.( Reilly.N.J, 2010) Security Airline industries have suffered an intense shift in the security measures. The increase in safety may, on some level, comfort the mind of the pilots, travellers and their families. As of the few successful obstacles in security that have happened over the past decade,  airlines  will certainly not have the frill of being so sloppy in terms of their security.( Reilly.N.J, 2010) Ethnicity Perception is a foremost factor in how we outlook the domain. It is also one of the eldest studies in psychology. How we observe society, as it transmits to  air  travel, has abundant to do with September 11, 2001. Subsequently then the judgments of the world have full-grown increasingly profound to the background of passengers traveling on planes. It has shaped something of a undesirable perception for particular competitions and beliefs which discourages people to travel with other passengers or airline which directly affects the airline industry.( Reilly.N.J, 2010) Technological factors A recent survey exposed that 34% of online customers plan to use price-comparison sites more in 2009 (NMA, 2009). Online booking services and check-in is becoming increasingly used by the airline industry. Technology is vital for modest advantage and is a main driver of globalisation. A key issue will be technological advancements which can offset upward stresses on prices and costs. Online sales are highly important to BA and they are placing substantial trust in its website occurrence to boost online-sales which will decrease customer traffic through BAs call centres but as there is rise in the fuel price now the Ba has increased the prices of online sales too. E-Tickets are now the standard ticket layout used by BA, building flight ticketing more, elastic and up-front. BA emphasis on refining its customer service online with new technology and has released its major drive-through which deals in Wireless LAN systems and communicate over modern SMS messaging. A considerable long-term risk is the outcome of video-conferencing on the demand for air transport.(OUP, 2007) Environmental Factors Sir Rod Eddington , previous Chief Executive of BA specified The whole aviation manufacturing must admit global warming as a truth, and electrify its efforts to maximum cohort of greenhouse gases. Global Warming also interrupts the request for airline tourism as stove UK summers may attract individuals spending their breaks in the UK. There is also a risk of a contamination tax being forced on airlines from the administration. This environment disturbs the organization directly. It includes of suppliers that deal straight or incidentally, clients and businesses and other native investors. (OUP, 2007)   Industry Analysis Michael Porters (1998) five forces analysis will permit an examination of the amount of power BA has in its immediate environment. Competitive Rivalry This not only discusses the degree of competition, but also the kind of competition occurring. BA runs in two diverse markets which are long-haul and short-haul flights and thus experiences in both oppositions. The race in long-haul marketplace comes from other huge airlines such as Lufthansa, who endeavour on routes, facility, comfort and overall quality that are required. In short-haul, competition is determined by low-prices from airlines comprising Virgin. An growing number of tour operatives (like Thomas Cook and TUI) are also now advertising air only used seats to compact prices.(Mindtools, 2011) Bargaining Power of Suppliers This states the degree to which firms who supply a trade can command prices, agreement terms or transfer times. For BA this condition can be difficult. As acknowledged from the macro study BAs prices depend on variations in oil prices that cannot governor. Deprived of flight fuel, planes do not soar and BA will not be able to make a profit. Although one may claim that BA has a high-quality as to which fuel dealer it uses, the petrol market is similar in terms of prices. In context of suppliers of the actual planes, the condition is different again. Airlines such as Airbus and Boeing with its Dream liner, are worried to safe long-term orders to improve expansion costs. (Mindtools, 2011) Bargaining Power of Customers As there is high grade of buyer control for BA. Consumers having capability to vote with their bases if they are not pleased with the product. Measures such as the check-in and luggage managers strike at Heathrow seriously affected BAs revenue as consumers had to find substitute airlines to use. Buyer power plays crucial role particularly in the low-cost segment, as there has been little diversity between market offers and hence consumers look about for the cheapest price, reinforced by the accessibility of online-sales. These low switching costs reflects that customer loyalty is crucial. Customers are also been provided with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on their side.(Mindtools, 2011) Threat of new entrants As British Airways being on prevailing place means that it would be hard for a firm to contest with the company on a comprehensive level. Nevertheless as obstacles of entry are flattering non-existent and new entrants are entering in the short-haul commerce and these low-cost operatives, such as virgin having steadily cut away at BA European supremacy. However, due to non-availability of tracks for take-off and landing makes it difficult for new airline to find suitable airports. Many investors have recommended that it is only a problem of time till a low-cost operator efforts a more severe move into long-haul market. Lufthansa has responded early to this conjecture by offering a high-cost high-quality service, comprising private limousine transfers to and from the airport, massages and champagne.(Mindtools, 2011) Threat of substitutes The threat of substitutes states the ability of buyers to switch to a substitute product, hence alternatives to air travel. However it is fair to recommend that there is no actual alternative to long haul air travel in terms of time and cost, but there is alternatives for short-haul destinations vary from coach to car to rail. The real threat of such substitutes mainly depends upon factors such as the efficiency and the price of the rail or coach service.(Mindtools, 2011) Benchmarking Virgin and British Airways British Airways carries a strong brand name and image. It is the biggest airline and flag carrier of the United Kingdom and for sure the extent and scale of British Airways sets it in a competitive gain over its competitors such as Virgin Atlantic Airlines which is the second leading long haul airline in the United Kingdom. Virgin Atlantic is a successful challenger and it also holds a well-known and highly-recognisable brand image and brand reputation. Still, BA is an older and a superior organisation than Virgin Atlantic and it is still leading ahead of Virgin Atlantic in the airline industry. The strong key messages which British Airways delivers are steadiness, quality and reliability. British Airways enjoys a good reputation and is prominent for the very high standards of customer facility and effectiveness.  Virgin Atlantic distinction is based on three strong features: service, value and price, and recently Virgin Atlantics was voted No 1 for having the best online reputation (Creative Match, Undated).  Even it was also nominated as the most child-friendly airline, where,as BA ranking in the 2nd place . British Airways  hosted its first fuel  price  in  May 2004 by adding £2.50  to the value of long haul and short haul fares. The charge sustained to rise as BA and other airlines battled to protect profit margins. BA raised its surcharges  twice in 2004,  three times in 2005  and  once last year for long haul. Airlines such as BA and  Virgin Atlantic  have disputed over the surcharges issue which show the passengers that how much  fuel  affects an airlines costs as well as the industry.  Low-cost airlines  reject to impose surcharges.( Milmo,D, 2007) With the new tiered scheme for calculating charges that imposed on those travelling in the carriers First Class, World Traveller Plus and Club World will be compensating up to  £24 more than people travelling in economy class. This is not an astonishing move as almost all the airlines of the world are growing fuel surcharge due to increased costs of fuel and it is also anticipated that further increase is also possible due to the fact that oil prices are projected to grow further in future.( ebookers, 2011) Financial Indicators Comparing British Airways with virgin, BA has faced a dark phase of recession for a long time which was followed by the rising fuel prices, which led BA to face a loss per share of 38.5 pence, whereas it was 32.6 pence per share in 2009. However, the pre-tax profit of virgin, which was  £68.4 million in last 12months and the revenues grew by 8.4 % to 2.5 billion and profit of 10% shared among 8500 company staff. The Total Capital Expenditure of BA was  £567m, which declined to  £145m in comparison of previous year. Followed over a total of 5.7 m passengers flew with virgin last year. This shows the development in the business of Virgin. There was a loss in operating of BA which was  £231 m whereas, Virgin operating profit fell from  £44.4 m to 25.9 m. This shows that Virgin holds a strong position in the market as compared to BA.( sundaytimes , 2009) Lufthansa and British airways Worldwide events such as the Gulf war, recession now followed by the rise in the fuel prices has put a burden on the airline industry such as British Airways and Lufthansa as a company. These type of events has caused major loss to British Airways as well as Lufthansa and lead a decrease in the amount of seats to be filled in the airline industry. As due to the fact of rise in oil prices, people start avoiding travelling in such situation, as of the fear of rise in prices of travelling fares too .British Airways had an decrease of passengers number by 11% where, as Lufthansa did not have suffered that much like BA , it had a decrease of only 5.4% .( Centreforaviation , 2011). Lufthansa also reported an increase in traffic in 2010 focused around key growth markets with growth of 17.9% year on year to 91.2 m passengers. The carrier added that it shows that Lufthansa holds strong position on long haul routes pay off in 2010 due to the increase in demand and yields for first and business class fares where, as British Airways was still in the dark phase of fare prices. BA was still facing the losses as it holds the strongest position on long haul routes but due the rise in the prices of fuel it has to increase its fares more as compared to Lufthansa , which affected BA directly and encourage passengers to travel through other airlines other than British Airways .( Centreforaviation , 2011). Financial indicators Both British Airways and Lufthansa faced lots of loss due the recession. The total revenue of BA was reduced by 11.1% to  £7994 million whereas, compared to Lufthansa group generated total revenue of 27.3 billion euros with an increase of 22.6%. This shows that British Airways is lacking behind Lufthansa in terms of revenue. BA should try to focus on its fare prices and more and more services should be provided to the passengers in order to remain in the competition.(Cision , 2011) The Total Capital Expenditure of BA was  £567m, which was declined to  £145m whereas, in case of Lufthansa its Total Capital Expenditure for the year was 2.3 billion euros. This reflects that the utilisation of capital in BA is more than its production. BA should use estimated capital in working in order for better production and gaining profits.(Cision , 2011) There is loss in BA operating income of  £231 million whereas, compared with Lufthansa its operating increased by 20.4% to 30.1% billion euros. This shows that there is positive development in the business of Lufthansa as compared to BA. British Airways should adopt such policies which are helpful in developing of its business.(Cision , 2011) Strategies Adopted British Airways raise its fuel price on long haul flights as the high price of oil crushes European consumers stressed with growing rise and wage restrictions .This brought financial development to British airways whereas compared to Virgin Atlantic was competent to reduce the effects of the continuous rising oil prices because of the hedging strategy which it adopted, which means buying the oil when it is cheap. Whereas, Lufthansa adopted the strategy of low cost all costs of flights and services are very carefully observed and condensed to its minimum value, this include such as single fleet type, better-quality flight crew productivity, basic network aiding secondary cities, and the outsourcing of others activities such as maintenance, catering, etc.(BBC , 2011). BA formed its new International Airlines Group (IAG) and it merged with Spains Iberia last year, which would add 10 pounds ($16.12) to the cost of an economy flight and 20 pounds to a first-class ticket. Whereas, To overcome the crunch Virgin Atlantic began with Group sales, which comprise of sales from tour worker Virgin Holidays, which was enlarged by 8.4% to  £2.579bn from  £2.38bn . Whereas, Lufthansa adopted policy of No Frills focused on the inflight service which is virtually non-existent, therefore, the number of flight entourages on board agrees to the minimum regulatory obligation.(BBC , 2011). British Airways executive had a personal talk with its cabin crew members and try to rebuild their trust and made them work together and avoid the strikes as soon as possible. British Airways solved this issue within the time period of a week. Whereas, to avoid the strike Virgin Atlantic agreed to the demands of the pilots and fulfilled them. In case of Lufthansa adopted this policy of low costs which enable the carrier to compromise with very low fares with a very simplified pricing arrangement.( reuters , 2011). British airways, IAG have enlarged the number of seats presented to passengers by 2.7% , which added lot of profit to accounts of British Airways. Revenues rose to 13.4% to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬3.8bn. Within the period of that fares appear to have risen intensely, with profits from sales of ticket which is increased by more than 15%. (guardian, 2011). British Airways to overcome the losses due the rise in fuel prices, launched its Open skies subsidiary flying direct from Paris to New York ,anticipated that it will cut capacity of the passengers, taking the opportunity to ground some of its old aeroplane which are least fuel efficient. First-class traffic is where BA makes most of its profits. In the phase of oil prices many specialists have said that the record profits of  £883 million in 2007-08 could be wiped out but after launching this subsidiary there is improvement in the economy of British airways.( Jamseon,A, 2008). Recommendations It is essential for British Airways to have a good employee relations as to avoid industrial disputes and interrupted actions. BA need to develop upon its interaction with its passengers across all classes in order to perform better than its competitors. BA should have lower cost competition. BA as an employer should increase its barging power. There should be an opportunity for BA and its competitors to transport aircraft freely between the EU and USA. BA needs to improve its online services by providing extra services. BA should emphasis on the quality of its customer service delivery at all stages, which it has lacked in the past. Conclusion Airline industry in U.K is overwhelmed with several problems. This includes recession, high rise in fuel prices, rising labour cost, disputes between the employees of the industry. British Airways remains cautiously confident about its future visions. However, it is convinced that considerably more work lies ahead if British airways has to succeed. However, there were three most important external factor that has effected BA a lot that are recession, rise in price of fuel and disputes within the industry causing strike . Fuel prices are enduring to grow and this is likely to reduce profits and raise prices for BA. Rising prices and disputes within BA placed it in a disadvantageous position. To overcome these situations BA has adopted several strategies. Such as opening new subsidiaries to gain new position in market. BA also concentrate on business class passenger, offering them the best customer package and maintain good customer relations leading them to gain huge profit in return. BA always watch out for ways to minimize their expenditures and get a value for their money and stockholder money. This leads BA to cost savings, and in conclusion making them to stay on top in an increasingly competitive airline environment.

The Fenian Movement :: Essays Papers

The Fenian Movement In 1884 a movement started that changed Ireland forever. The Fenian Movement evolved because of the horrible deeds of King Henry VIII and his durable militia. Britain was trying to govern Ireland, and the people of Ireland fought for the freedom of there country. They didn’t have much money or much military action, on the other hand Britain did. This wasn’t the only reason the Fenian movement occurred though the great potato famine 1845 forced people from there homeland. The Fenian movement was when the people of Ireland were forced from there homeland because of the lack of natural resources and military action by the British. Another aspect to the Fenian movement was that Irish citizens didn’t have much money because they are not industrialized and they have an agricultural economy, which led up to the potato famine. Irish farmers didn’t have enough money to produce potatoes efficiently; this is when the blight occurred. Another branch that led from living in poverty was lack of military supplies. This was a huge problem because they couldn’t protect there country or even there freedom. Due to lack of funds many people migrated over seas to America where they could make money and live a successful life. In Ireland potatoes were the most popular product. â€Å"The potato grew well in Irish soil, producing the high yields that small-pot tenant farmers needed to feed their families and pay their rent†(Michael 1). During the potato famine the farmlands in Ireland were rotting away due to the blight. â€Å"Beginning with 1847, the potato blight left famine and death on every hand; emigration was excessive, and disaffection widespread, yet the British government did little to relieve the deplorable conditions. Goaded by almost unbearable economic distress, the young Irelanders decided to act†(Walker, 2) This led to poverty, migration and even death( how many people). People in Ireland were forced out of there homes to other countries because of the horrible natural resources. Many people starved, and these unfortunate citizens migrated to the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia. Ship-owners packed hundreds of boats to flee from Ireland to English speaki ng countries. Many of the Irish people didn’t even make it to these countries because of the horrible disease typhoid. Another one of the major causes of this horrific problem in Ireland was that British military decided they wanted to take over the Irish government and control the land.

Bhutan Clean and Green

We are North Texas' Eco-friendly cleaning service. Keep Green and Clean is family owned and operated business that offers the highest quality, professional home and commercial cleaning service available in North Texas. We individualize our cleaning services for you and your home. Your unique needs are important to us, and we will take the time to listen to your specific requests. From the moment you walk into your home, you will know that we have been there. We offer one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, occasionally, and move-in/move-out cleaning. Keep Green and Clean provides free in-house quotes, call or email today to get yours!! Whatever Matters!! Green and Clean Bhutan – A possibility ‘Keep Thimphu clean and green'- This is a message that many Thimphu residents read again and again. But, are we anywhere close to it? Thimphu is definitely not clean. Litters everywhere. Overflowing drains. 40 tonnes of waste a day is a lot – 85% of the waste being recyclable. Overflowing Memelakha. And no proper waste management system in place. A few ideas flung here and there – whether to employ a private firm to manage the wastes dig another landfill or buy an incinerator (which I don't really agree with). Make a decision and at least do something. Thimphu is not green either. May be a few roofs (I still remember the TCC's absurd regulation to paint the roofs green). Too few green spaces for people to enjoy. Neither a single energy efficient building (the BTF building in Taba may qualify as one) nor any efforts in this direction. The intra-city transportation system is still unattractive to many people. Too many gas-guzzlers. Proposal for electric trains and trams – I think we need more immediate, effective and simpler solutions. If Thimphu is any indicator, a green and clean Bhutan is definitely a distant, difficult dream. But we can achieve the dream if we tackle the problems head on. It is time for more action and less rhetoric. There are a few things that can be immediately done – 1. Make Civil Servants the ambassadors of a clean and green Bhutan – Everybody looks up to the civil servants in Bhutan. The Government should initiate the changes from within. Educate the civil servants on waste management and effective use of energy. Let them practice these things at home and in offices. The 17000 strong smart individuals can spread the messages more effectively to the general public. . Green Projects – The Government owns a large number of properties and vehicles. Evaluate if we are making efficient use of our office spaces? Are they energy efficient? Need we build more offices? And do we need many office vehicles? Make new infrastructures more environmentally friendly and energy efficient by using alternative building technologies and designs. The Environmentally Friendly Road Cons truction projects are some examples. We are building new towns – why cannot new towns like Denchi in Pema-Gatshel be designed as a green town? 3. Encourage the public – During the recent NA session, an MP said ‘attitude of people should change first, before leaving it to the concerned agencies to solve the problem'. This is indefensible. The government is the most able of all organizations and should take on the role of educating the public. If one channel of education doesn't work, try another. Encourage people to make/build their homes and offices environmentally friendly and energy efficient. There are many technologies available now. Provide financial incentives and technological assistance to procure them. The National Environment Protection Act 2007 provides for it. Allocate budget to make the provision 78 in the Act effective so that there is an uptake. We must not fall into the false sense of security that we live harmoniously with our environment and that we are doing enough because we have committed to maintain 60% of forest cover. The problems illustrated above are real and we risk being caught out sooner than later. Greener Way12 April, 2010 – A private firm has beaten the government to initiating a program to collect paper waste. The month-old firm called Greener Way has already collected seven tones of paper waste from various government agencies and schools. Its main objective is to save the environment, provide employment and keep Bhutan clean and green,† the owner of the firm, Kinga Om, said. The waste they collect will be sent to New Delhi, India. â€Å"It takes about 15 to 20 days to reach New Delhi through Jaigaon,† she said. Greener Way has sought all the 10 ministries’ help to collect paper waste. Kinga Om, a fresh graduate, said that, so far, most agencies Greener Way has approached have been cooperative and willing to bear the cost of the dustbins each of them would be using. Like any other private firm, Greener way also works seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. So far, they have collected paper waste from the ministry of agriculture and forestry services. Rinchen high school, Rinchen Kuenphen primary school and the UNESCO (expand) office. Officiating chief forestry officer (CFO) at the nature conservation division said that they would also follow Greener Way and initiate the same by their ministry. â€Å"We’ll continue to support them and encourage such initiatives,† the officiating CFO said. Recycling is done to conserve on consumption of resources, energy and space used in landfills. Reports reveal that 90 percent of paper pulp is made from wood. Paper production accounts for about 35 percent of felled trees, and represents 1. 2 percent of world’s total economic output. It has been estimated that recycling half the world’s paper would avoid the harvesting of twenty million acres of forestland. The idea struck Kinga Om after four visits for research at Memelakha and finding out that 24 percent of waste is paper. It took about a month to set up their office near the automobile repair centre in Olakha, with help from Thimphu city cooperation (TCC), said Kinga Om. Before, the firm had a temporary junkyard at lower Motithang. Greener Way plans to set up branch offices in Gelephu, Samdrup jongkhar, Samtse, Thimphu and Chhukha. With the help of the education ministry, schools have been helping too. Rinchen high school was the first school to support in collecting paper waste. Greener Way will also be distributing its dustbins in Thimphu schools and later to rest of the schools in Bhutan within 10 days. Kinga Om has employed four university graduates and seven class XII graduates. â€Å"The toughest work is to collect waste from different places,† she said. â€Å"We request everyone in and around Bhutan not to throw paper waste but to collect it for us. †

Power Transmission Essays - Electric Power, Electrical Engineering

Power Transmission Essays - Electric Power, Electrical Engineering Power Transmission CHAPTER 1. GRID SYSTEM Power Transmission in a country is usually done through what is known as a Grid System. The Grid System consists of extensive interconnected transmission network supplying the whole country. Its supply from a small no. of very large and highly effective power stations. The basic network is usually 132kHZ. For a very high industrialised nation they use 275,475,800,1250 kV. Most consumers receive supplies from medium voltage distribution system of 3.3kV, 415V, 240V. For heavy industry consumer they may be supplied with 11 or 33kV. The generators produce electrical power at 11kV / 25kV and it is stepped up by using a step- up Transformer (X?mer) to a value of 132kV before it is transmitted. The receiver station will step - down the voltage to a value of 33kV at various distributions centres. Generating station 11kV / 25kV Step up X?mer 25kV / 32kV Sending station. Step down X?mer 132kV / 33kV Receiving station. Step down X?mer 33kV Heavy Industry. Step down X?mer 11kV Light Industry Step down X?mer 3.3kV Substations Step down X?mer 415V/ 240V Consumer fig. 1, Single Line Diagram . THE PURPOSE OF THE GRID SYSTEM. The purpose of the grid system is to maintain a secure supply of electricity at a standard voltage and frequency to consumers throughout the country. Having stated its purpose, we can now list several advantages that have resulted from its introduction: 1. security of supplies; 2. standardisation of frequency and voltages; 3. economy; 4. the ability to transmit very large loads for considerable distance without loss; and 5. the ability to transfer electricity to and from different parts of the country and to step up / down the voltages using X?mers (Transformers). 6. Easy way to convert A.C to D.C but the reverce is expensive FUNCTION OF THE GRID SYSTEM. In order to fill its purpose, The grid system must function in the following way. The National Grid Control Centre in association with the various grid control centres around the country, estimates the load required in different areas each day. This information is then used to arrange to purchase the countries power depending on the demand. In this way stations are used to their maximum efficiency, which in turn reduces the cost of generation. Due to the fact that the system is interconnected, bulk supply points can be fed from other areas, should a failure of the usual supply occur. DISADVANTAGES OF A.C TRANSMISSION:- 1. Skin effect - cable losses. 2. Heavy losses hence efficiency is reduced. 3. For high voltage higher harmonics are produced, hence it interferes with communication lines. SYSTEM LAYOUT OF A GRID. 3- f (PHASE), 4 WIRE SYSTEM . Vph = phase voltage VL = Line Voltage IL = Line Current Iph = Phase Current FOR STAR CONFIGURATION ( Y). VL= 3 Vph IL = Iph OB = 3 . OA 2 OB = OA 3 2 ? OC ? should be twice the value of ? OB ? , Hence OC = 2 x OA 3 2 OC = OA 3 VRY = OA 3 VL = 3 Vph FOR DELTA CONFIGURATION ( ) IL = 3 Iph VL = Vph If 3 loads are identical in every way i.e impedance and phase angle. Then the current in the 3 lines would be identical the resultant current returning down the neutral would therefore be zero. The load in this case is know as a balanced load. In actual practice its hard to find it exactly balanced. Hence the neutral wire is left to carry the leftover current. The advantages of this system compared with both a single phase and 3 phase 6 wire system is like this. Suppose 3 identical loads are to be supplied with 200A each. The 2 lines for a single phase would carry a total of 600A.. This conductor (C.S.A) would only need to be 1/3 that of single phase system but being 6 lines it would still be the 50mA current of conductor material. Hence the conductor saves an increase in the 2nd case where in the 1st case if the proper cable selection is not used overheating of the cable occurs, this will later result in a short circuit. POWER DISSIPATION IN STAR AND DELTA 3 - PHASE CONNECTION. P = VI Pph = Vph.Iph Pph = Vph . Iph [ Cos q] P3 - f = 3 Vph Iph Cosq

Introducing Shakespeares Dark Lady Sonnets

Introducing Shakespeares Dark Lady Sonnets The Dark Lady Sonnets (sonnets 127 – 152) follow the fair youth sequence. In sonnet 127, the dark lady enters the narrative and instantly becomes the object of the poet’s desire. The speaker introduces the woman by explaining that her beauty is unconventional: In the old age black was not counted fair,Or if it were, it bore not beauty’s name;†¦ Therefore my mistress’ eyes are raven black †¦ not born fair, no beauty lack. From the poet’s perspective, he is treated badly by the dark lady. She is a temptress described in sonnet 114 as â€Å"my female evil† and â€Å"my bad angel† which ultimately causes anguish for the poet. She seems to be linked to the young man in some way and some sonnets suggest that she is having a passionate affair with him. As the poet’s frustrations build, he begins to use the word â€Å"black† to describe her evil rather than her beauty. For example, the poet sees the dark lady with another man later on in the sequence and his jealousy boils to the surface. Notice how the word â€Å"black† is used with negative connotations in sonnet 131: One on another’s neck do witness bearThy black is fairest in my judgement’s place.In nothing art thou black save in thy deeds,And thence this slander, as I think, proceeds. Top 5 Most Popular Dark Lady Sonnets Sonnet 127: In The Old Age Black Was Not Counted Fair Sonnet 130: My Mistress Eyes Are Nothing Like The Sun Sonnet 131: Thou Art As Tyrannous, So As Thou Art Sonnet 142: Love Is My Sin, And Thy Dear Virtue Hate Sonnet 148: O Me! What Eyes Hath Love Put In My Head A full list of the Dark Lady Sonnets (Sonnets 1 – 126) is also available.

Criminal justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 16

Criminal justice - Essay Example The judge was hearing two criminal cases when he was accused of bias or prejudice. The functionality of the criminal justice system is subject to the direction of legal provisions and codes of conduct. During the hearing of two criminal cases, the judge made a personal move to investigate some facts in relation to the cases (Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission 1-4). However, both the state and the defense did not ask the judge to do so. As a result, the judge was accused of violating the code of judicial conduct. One of the attorneys in the cases, Beau Allen, also had a complaint against the judge. The complaint was filed before the Judicial Commission in Arkansas. In response, the judge engaged in a retaliatory behavior following the attorney’s complaint. Both the bias/prejudice and retaliation against the attorney warranted disciplinary actions against the judge. The Circuit Court Judge was reprimanded censured (Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission 8). Judges, attorneys, and prosecutors play an important role in the administration of justice. When such people engage in unethical practices or behavior, they jeopardize the essence of a functional, effective, and efficient judicial system. Subsequently, the public is highly likely to lose confidence and trust for the justice framework. In response to unethical behavior in the courtroom, it is important to punish court officers for the violation of judicial codes of conduct. In the context of Judge Gerald Kent Crow, being reprimanded and censured was a good start. However, harsher penalties or punishments need to be instituted because these people understand the law and legal frameworks more than the ordinary civilian does. Whenever a court officer perpetrates unethical behavior, it appears as if the system is failing from within. In this respect, such officers should be relieved off their duties. Performance evaluation is also necessary. It is

Haifa Almansour (director) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Haifa Almansour (director) - Essay Example However, Haifaa is determined to succeed in adopting creative ideas to help in sailing through the challenges (IMDB). Haifaa directs movies that fall into the genres of comedy and drama. Though the movies seek to address some of the issues facing her contemporary society, they portray a feature of romance and drama. The film Wadja that was the first film entirely shot in Saudi Arabia and directed by Haifaa is an example of a drama movie. The drama is expressed in a little girl’s endeavors to overcome taboo in the country in trying to own a bicycle. Her other film Who is also a drama and a comedy. Who entails a woman who dreams of her sister being strangled by a man only to be strangled the following day by a man dressed in a woman’s veil (Abu-Nasr, 2003). Haifaa focuses on addressing issues that face the women in Saudi Arabia and most Islamic States. In her movies, she addresses issues that not many women would dare speak about in real life. In Saudi Arabia, women are oppressed by their customs and tradition. For example, in the movie Wadja, a young girl has the desire to own and ride a green bicycle. However, she cannot buy and ride a bicycle as the actions are considered a taboo in the community. In most countries in the contemporary society, traditions have been abandoned and people are adopting new ones. In Saudi Arabia, however, the traditions hold firm, and these are some of the issues being addressed by Haifaa in her movies (S, 2013). Though not openly, Haifaa’s movies have a trace of feminism. In all her major works, Haifaa addresses the issues of women and the oppressions by the men. In her movies like the Women Without Shadows, Who, Wadja, and The only way out, the main characters are female. However, Haifaa be justified as she might be said to be creating a career and inspiration for women into achieving success like their colleagues in