History For Aircraft Investigation Aviation

History For Aircraft Investigation Aviation Flying is generally a safe and fast method of transportation, but accidents always happen whether through human error, mechanical failure, or criminal activity. Over the last two decades, there have been many fatal aircraft accidents per year worldwide. These, and lesser accidents, have to be investigated scientifically in order to gain important lessons about aircraft performance and safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires that a civil aircraft accident be investigated by an independent body belonging to the country where the accident took place. Each country has its own organization taking responsibility for this: in the United States, it is theNational Transportation Safety Board(NTSB); in the United Kingdom, it is the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and in Malaysia it is the Department of Civil Aviation. The purpose of the investigation is to find out why the accident happened and how similar events might be avoided in the future, rather than to apportion blame. The police will be involved in the investigation if sabotage or some other form of criminal activity is suspected, and the military generally looks into accidents involving service aircraft. My research is about the air disaster investigation procedure for Malaysia on the matter of the procedure step, incident statistic, comparison between the Malaysian investigation procedures with other region. History for aircraft investigation The procedures for air accident investigations were first laid down in 1928 by the US National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. They required air accident investigators to consider the immediate and underlying factors of an accident in order to establish and apportion blame for its occurrence. A credit system was put in place that weighted causal factors according to their overall culpability for example, an accident could be regarded 70% the result of pilot error and 30% the result of environmental factors.( New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association, 2009) In 1944 the Chicago Convention drafted a set of procedures and processes to govern the burgeoning international civil aviation industry. Included in these procedures were rules concerning the responsibilities of contracting states in the event of an aviation accident on their soil. These standards and recommended practices were developed by the Accident Investigation Division between February 1946 and February 1947, and were later designated as Annex 13 of the convention. The convention allowed states to generate their own rules for accident investigation, so as long as the core practices of Annex 13 were incorporated and investigative practices aligned with ICAO Doc 9620, the Manual of Aircraft Accident Investigation.( New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association, 2009) The primary focus of Annex 13 differed from that of the US National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1928: it was no longer to find fault and apportion blame for an aircraft accident, but to provide a mechanism by which participants in the industry pilots, aircraft manufacturers and regulatory agencies could learn from their mistakes.( New Zealand Air Line Pilots Association, 2009) Accident Trend In recent years, progress and development in science and technology have made dramatic contributions to human society. However, these same development have given rise to many new type of dangers, and a massive increase in loses that would have been in conceivable in the past. (Masako Miyagi, 2005) This trend is by no means an indication of carelessness on the part of the individuals involved: rather, it could be considered an indication that the methods used to implement traditional safety measures in the past have reached a limit of effectiveness. This is because the most basic safety measures taken in the past were limited to reprimands and punishments targeting the person responsible for the accidents, and improvements to mechanical aspects stemming from the result of accident investigations. Such accident investigations placed an emphasis on technical analysis of events in accidents that had already occurred, and for this reason there is no question that they contributed to a sharing of important information regarding the mechanical aspects of these accidents, that this information was put to use in making improvements, and that significant results were archived through this process. (Masako Miyagi, 2005) Human beings are able to develop and increase their abilities to some extent through education and training. The fact remain, however, that it is extremely difficult to obtain the information on human aspects of accidents that would be required to implement such training, because the people most directly involved may have been killed in the accident, or may be reluctant to come forward for fear of being held responsible. There are definitive limitations to approach described above even if all the relevant information in obtained; namely that when studied are made into accident prevention measures based on accident investigations, the investigations can only begin after the accident has occurred. Furthermore, the improvement measure based on accident investigations will only be of value in preventing the re-occurrence of accidents that are identical to those on which the measures were originally based. (Masako Miyagi, 2005) Graf below showed that, by years to years, more accident happen because of human carelessness rather than mechanical failure. By times go by the percentage being increasing. Graft 1.1(Masako Miyagi) Boeing`s statistical summary There are several reliable sources of accident data. One of the most easily accessible accident databases is maintained by Boeing, which publishes an annual Statistical Summary of commercial Jet Airplane Accident. Another good sources document is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Board Record(Jet), also published annually.( Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues, 2004) Hull losses were also analyzed according to the phase of flight in which they occurred (Graft 1.2). After the combined approach and lading phases, the next greatest numbers hull-loss accident occurred in the combined phases from landing through initial climb. Cruise, which accounts for about__ of flight time in a 1.5 hour flight, occasioned only 6% of hull-loss accidents.( Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues, 2005) The summary also considered primary cause factor for commercial operations hull-loss accidents for the period 1990-1999(Graft1.3). For accidents with known causes, flight crew were considered the primary cause in most 67% over the 10 years periods.( Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues, 2005) Graft 1.2 Phase of flight in hull-loss accident, all aircraft, worldwide commercial jet fleet (1990-1999) (Boieng commercial airplanes Group) Graft 1.3 Primary causes factors (as determined by the investigating authority) in hull-loss accidents, all aircraft, worldwide commercial Jet fleet(1990-1999)(Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group) Chart below showed about accident categorizes by airplane generation for the period 1990-1999 (Table 1.1). Most accidents occurred on landing, with 157 out of 385 for the 10-years period. Interestingly, most landing accident involved current generation aircraft. (Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues, 2005) Type of incidentGeneration First Second Early Widebody Current total Controlled flight into terrain 5 17 3 11 36 Loss of control 8 7 2 12 30 Midair Collision 1 1 2 In-Flight fire 1 2 1 1 5 Fuel tank explosion 1 1 2 off end on landing 7 17 3 22 49 Off side on Landing 3 20 3 11 37 hard landing 3 15 5 32 55 Landed short 4 9 1 2 16 Gear collapse/fail/up 8 8 2 13 31 Ice/snow 3 3 6 Fuel management/exhaustion 2 4 1 7 Windshear 1 1 1 3 Takeoff configuration 1 1 1 3 Off side on takeoff 1 1 3 3 8 Runway Incursion vehicle/people 5 1 10 16 Wing strike 2 2 Engine Failure/Separation 3 2 4 1 10 Ground collision 2 2 6 10 Ground Crew injury 3 2 2 7 Boarding/deboarding 2 2 4 Turbulance fatality 1 1 1 3 Miscellaneous 1 2 2 3 8 Fire on ground 1 2 3 2 8 aircraft structure 2 2 2 6 Unknown 1 3 3 7 Refused take-off end 3 6 3 2 14 Total 54 134 49 148 385 Table 1.1 Accident categorizes by airplane generation for the period 1990-1999 (Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues,2005) *Miscellaneous Accidents -Coffee Maker Explosion -Fuel spill -Instrument error -Hypoxia -Jet blast -Pilot incapacitated -Taxied across ditch -Window fail -Tailstrike/RTO -other (Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues) Graft 1.4 Accident categorizes by airplane generation for the period 1990-1999 (Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues) Generation Aircraft Type First Comet 4, 707/720,DC-8,CV-880/-990,Caravelle Second 727,trident VC-10,BAC 1-11,DC-9,737-100/200,F-28 Early widebody -100/-200/-300/SP, DC-10,L-1011,A300 Current MD-80,767,757,A310,Bae 146, A300-600, 737-300/-400/-500,F-100,A320/310/321, 747-400,MD-11,A340,MD-90,777,737NG,717 Table 1.2 Aircraft by generation (Alexander T.Wells and Clarence C.Rodrigues) Graft 1.5 Accident Categories by airplane generation, all accidents, worldwide commercial jet operations. (1990-1999).(Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group) 1.2 Problem definition The problem with the current situation is, even thought so many precaution have been make, but air disaster still happen. Is there any way to prevent this disaster to happen? Each country had theirs own investigation team. But after the investigation, still have some aircraft that crash and involve a mass casualty. This research will study about the limitation of the investigation body if there is an air crash or air disasters occur in or outside of the investigation body region. 1.3 Objectives of research The main objectives of this thesis are to make a research upon the investigation procedure and type of accident happen in Malaysia and throughout the world. These are several more objectives of the project: Compare the investigation procedure between America and Malaysia. To understand the concept of how the air disaster investigation procedure. To prove that aircraft investigation can reduce air disaster. Making a survey about the awareness of the investigation procedures. To know the party that involved in board of investigation rules and regulation in Malaysia 1.4 Research scope This thesis will go through the ICAO annex 13, Aircraft Investigation Procedure Manual and MCAR Part 12 to study the exact procedure of the Aircraft Investigation Procedures. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction The Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a specialized aviation department within the United Nations. ICAO Annex 13 defines and directs requirements forAircraft Accident and Incident Investigationprocedures. As a result most nations or consortium of nations have some form of air regulating body which subsequently contains an investigation division. Unfortunately not all agencies are created equally and national differences exist which influencefactual results in accident investigation. Six areas have been presented as a hindrance to proper investigative techniques in a paper by Dr. Horacio A. Larrosa of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)Accident and Incident procedures in Argentina MO4131. Expertise and Experience Investigative Budgets Political and Religious Influence and Beliefs Nepotism and Cronyism Dedication and Desire National Pride or Prejudice 2.2 Internationally Respected Players 2.2.1 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged with determining the probable cause of transportation accidents and promoting transportation safety, and assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families. The NTSB investigates accidents, conducts safety studies, evaluates the effectiveness of other government agencies programs for preventing transportation accidents, and reviews the appeals of enforcement actions involving aviation and mariner certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), as well as the appeals of civil penalty actions taken by the FAA.(NTSB,2002) To help prevent accidents, the NTSB develops safety recommendations based on our investigations and studies. These are issued to federal, state, and local government agencies and to industry and other organizations in a position to improve transportation safety. Recommendations are the focal point of the NTSBs efforts to improve the safety of the nations transportation system. (NTSB,2002) NTSB Mission: To promote transportation safety by maintaining our congressionally mandated independence and objectivity; conducting objective, precise accident investigations and safety studies; performing fair and objective airman and mariner certification appeals; and advocating and promoting safety recommendation. And to assist victims of transportation accidents and their families. 2.2.2 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) European Aviation Safety Agency has been the cornerstone of the European Unions aviation safety programs for years; however, accident investigation has been the jurisdiction of each individual member state. In 2009 the EU outlinedthe requirementsto establish a â€Å"better and more uniform quality of accident investigations across the EU.† It will establish the rules for accident investigation for all states controlled by a central EU body in the near future. (EASA,2011) The EASA has become the competent Community Aviation Authority for the safety of aviation underBasic Regulation 1592/2002; thus, it may be the recipient of safety recommendations related to the areas of its responsibilities. Furthermore, ICAO Annex 13 provides that the State of Design and the State of Manufacture shall each be entitled to appoint an accredited representative because of the function that have been attributed to each of those States with respect to the airworthiness of aircraft under Annex 8. Therefore, as the EASA is now in charge of the airworthiness, is shall be represented in Safety investigation in order to fulfil its obligation.(EASA,2011) Under both, international and community law, all safety recommendations must be taken into full consideration by the entity to which they are addressed. In addition, in the preamble of theBasic Regulation 1592/2002it is stated that the results of the accident investigations should be acted upon by the EASA, as a matter of urgency in particular when, they relate to defective aircraft design or operational matters. ( EASA,2011) To successfully discharge its responsibilities in this area, the EASA has included in its organ gram an Accident Investigation Section. It is responsible for the follow-up of occurrences where the Safety has been endangered. (EASA,2011) Its main devoted tasks are: To follow the progress of aircraft accidents and incidents investigations, To be represented in investigations and collect information related to occurrences, To achieve the processing of Safety Recommendations addressed to the Agency, To provide progress reports and statistics on the Safety Recommendations processing, To maintain a good coordination with European Accident Investigation Bodies, To identify safety deficiencies and disseminate related information. 2.2.3 The European Three (E3) The European Three are combination of the safety bureau in Europe, there are the Air Accidents Investigation Branch ( AAIB) of England, French Air Accident Investigation Bureau ( BEA France) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB Switzerland) are recognized as world leaders in several accident investigation areas. Not only do they aid nations of the EU in investigations but also non EU nations that have accidents involving aircraft manufactured in Europe, European registered aircraft, accidents occurring in any nation that was a colony of one of the EU member states and any nations requesting help. 2.2.4 Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Australian Transport Safety Bureau has gained a reputation as Oceana and Asias air accident investigating body. They are investigators in most of the small island nations of the South and Central Pacific or whenever requested by other nations. Australias development as a nation through the twentieth century was closely linked to the development of the aviation industry. This industry has helped us overcome vast internal distances and geographical isolation from the rest of the world.(ATSB, 2011) The ATSB is responsible for the independent investigation of accidents and incidents involving civil aircraft in Australia. The ATSBs primary focus for its investigations is fare-paying passenger operations. However, all accidents and incidents related to flight safety in Australia or involving Australian registered aircraft overseas must be reported to the ATSB. While the ATSB does not investigate all of these, it still needs to be notified so that the data can be recorded for possible future safety research and analysis. (ATSB,2011) 2.2.5 Transportation Safety Board of Canada The Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board (TSB) has emerged as the leader in South and Central America. Similar to Australia the small population nation that is home to ICAO, works in close coordination with the larger NTSB in the USA. However, viewed as an alternative to Washington many Latin American nations work directly with Canada out of desire, security or necessity.(TSB, 2010) Summaries Most nations have the required ICAO investigative agencies but the variations between countries are still very strong. The positive factor for international accident investigation is that many investigators within these nations are willing to call upon each other and aid their work. Working together in the vast majority of air accidents, the public has a good chance of obtaining the truth about accidents within their borders. 2.3 Definition: Before going through a little further, these are some definition that being use in the investigation for any accident or incident that happen. All definition are taken from ICAO , 2001, Annex 13, MCAR part 12 and NTSB 2002, Aircraft accident Investigation Manual. 2.3.1 Aircraft Accident An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, in which a person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of being in the aircraft or direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts which have become detached from the aircraft, or direct exposure to jet blast. The aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which is adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, or the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible. 2.3.2 Aircraft Incident An occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft which affects or could affect the safety of operation. Serious incident An incident involving circumstances indicating that an accident nearly occurred. 2.3.3 Investigation A process conducted for the purpose of accident prevention which includes the gathering and analysis of information, the drawing of conclusions, including the determination of causes and, when appropriate, the making of safety recommendations. 2.3.4 Investigator in charge A person charged, on the basis of his or her qualifications, with the responsibility for the organization, conduct and control of an investigation. 2.3.5 Chief Inspector The Chief inspector of Air Accidents and includes any deputy chief inspector; 2.3.6 Inspector Aperson appointed as an Inspector of Air Accidents 2.3.7 Field Investigation An investigation which is not intended to be the subject of a report by an Inspector to the Minister. 2.3.8 Formal Investigation An investigation which is intended tobe the subject of a report by an Inspector to the Minister. 2.3.9 Serious Injury An injury which is sustained by a person in a reportable accident and which: Requires his stay in hospital for more than forty-eight hours commencing within seven days from the date on which the injury is received results in a fracture of any bone except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose. involves lacerations which cause severe nerve, muscle or tendon damage involves injury to any internal organ; or involves second or third degree burns or any burns affecting more than five per centum of the surface of the body. 2.3.10 Aircraft. Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earths surface. 2.3.11 Causes. Actions, omissions, events, conditions, or a combination thereof, which led to the accident or incident. 2.3.12 Flight recorder. Any type of recorder installed in the aircraft for the purpose of complementing accident/incident investigation. 2.3.13 Maximum mass. Maximum certificated take-off mass. 2.3.14 Operator. A person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation 2.3.15 Preliminary Report. The communication used for the prompt dissemination of data obtained during the early stages of the investigation. 2.3.16 Safety recommendation. A proposal of the accident investigation authority of the State conducting the investigation, based on information derived from the investigation, made with the intention of preventing accidents or incidents. 2.3.17 State of Design. The State having jurisdiction over the organization responsible for the type design 2.3.18 State of Manufacture. The State having jurisdiction over the organization responsible for the final assembly of the aircraft 2.3.19 State of Occurrence. The State in the territory of which an accident or incident occurs. 2.3.20 State of the Operator. The State in which the operators principal place of business is located or, if there is no such place of business, the operators permanent residence. 2.3.21 State of Registry. The State on whose register the aircraft is entered. 2.4 Investigation Responsibility for Instituting and Conducting the investigation.( ICAO , 2001) 2.4.1 Accidents or incidents in the territory of a contracting state. State of Occurrence The State of Occurrence shall institute an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and be responsible for the conduct of the investigation, but it may delegate the whole or any part of the conducting of such investigation to another State by mutual arrangement and

Paris Peace Conference

The 1900’s were a very eventful era with many new innovations and inventions, some deadly and some beneficial. A crucial event during this time period was the Paris Peace conference in 1919. The need for this conference was caused by World War I and the big three (Woodrow Wilson, David Lloyd-George and Georges Clemencueau). The Paris Peace Conference had many outcomes such as the Treaty of Versailles, the formation of the League of Nations, L’ Organisation de la Paix (1921-27) and the Dawes plan. World War I commenced after the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne, Franz Ferdinand in Serbia.The Black Hand Gang were Bosnian terrorists who were behind the assassination. Their motive was to protest again the seizure of their own country by Austria-Hungary. After Franz Ferdinand and his wife had been killed Austria-Hungary announced war. The alliance system at the time was intricate between all of the European Nations. Russia was allies with Serbia and France an d Britain were allies with Russia so they declared war on Austria-Hungary and Germany who were allies. The empires overseas colonies then joined in the war. The technology in World War I was highly advanced during this time period.Many inventions such as the Fokker, U boat, tanks, personal weapons, grenades, gas and trenches created horrific violence and death for both sides. Trenches destroyed French land. Germany created the Fokker, an aircraft that was priceless and The U boat, which was a submarine, a very clever and sneaky innovation. Tanks provided more force on the ground. The effects of ‘modern war’ were physically and emotionally damaging to the men fighting for their country and their families at home. Since personal weapons and gas had been created there was no need to fight face to face with the opposite side.Men were made to feel like hardware, and small mechanism on the big scale of war, as though they were disposable. This was also mentally damaging. Arti st Otto Dix shows this, portraying men as half robot half men as though war had changed them forever, physically and emotionally. People wanted peace and serenity in their lives. After Germany surrender in November on the 11th, 1918 the Paris Peace Conference materialized. During the war the German government was running on the emperor system however they changed their government structure to a democracy system.Germany thought that this would minimise their punishment after signing the peace treaty however, they were very wrong. Twenty-one countries attended the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919. Germany was not invited to attend. The big Three, USA (President Woodrow Wilson), Britain (Prime Minister David Lloyd-George) and France (Premier Georges â€Å"Tiger† Clemenceau) were all major influences. They all wanted to protect and look out for their own countries and all wanted different outcomes of the Paris Peace Conference.Woodrow Wilson was the President of the USA dur ing the time of the Treaty Versailles. He thought that the punishments being laid upon Germany were too harsh and opted for a softer punishment. He incorporated his 14 point plan into the treaty and believed there should be â€Å"peace without victors or vanquished†. He wanted the end of old empires and arranged for new countries to be formed such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and Finland. He thought that if the treaty was not so harsh Germany would not start another war again in order for revenge.David Lloyd George was the Prime Minister of Britain during this time. Britain was never invaded by Germany but many British soldiers fought and died on the front line. Many British people wanted revenge so David supported harsh penalties but not to the same extent as France. He wanted to â€Å"squeeze Germany until their pips squeak† but privately wanted to be soft; he didn’t think harsh measures were fair. He wanted to ensure that France did not become too powerful in Eu rope and wanted the German economy to remain strong to balance the power of Europe.He was worried about Wilson’s 14 point plan for â€Å"self determination†, offering colonies the right to their own say in their future, he wanted to preserve their Empire. Georges Clemenceau or â€Å"tiger† as he was otherwise known, had been defeated by Germany in both WW1 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. He wanted to ensure security from another invasion and partly wanted revenge for being humiliated and defeated. Much of WW1 had been fought on French soil, which led to huge damage to historic and important buildings and resources. France shared a Border with Germany so Georges wanted punishment to be harsh and make Germany weak.He wanted Germany to pay for all the destruction they had caused. He demanded harsh penalties for Germany so France would be protected. The consequences of the Paris Peace Conference were extensive and vast. It created treaties, alliances, groups and rules that otherwise would not of been formed if the Paris Peace Conference had not existed. The Treaty of Versailles was the first outcome of the Conference. This treaty affected Germany mainly however they were not allowed to negotiate the treaty with the big three, they we arguably forced into it.If Germany did not sign then war would resume. The treaty aimed to weaken Germany by reducing their Territory, reducing their military, weakening their economy and shaming them through a war guilt clause (article 231). Their military was reduced to 100 000 soldiers in the army and the navy and air force were terminated. Germany caused a lot of damage to France during war and was set to pay reparations. This also weakened their economy so that they could not afford to start another war. Their territory was reduced by 13. % and they lost all their overseas colonies Germany was furious at this treaty but they had no choice but to sign. The next day the newspaper headlines read; â€Å" vengeance German Nation! † The next consequence of the Paris Peace Conference was the Dawes plan. Germany was struggling to pay France and Britain the war reparations and without the money France and Britain could not pay the USA their war debts. So Dawes and politician created the Dawes plan, which, was a money go round plan. The USA would lend money to Germany to pay France and Britain reparations and then France and Britain could pay the USA.This was called ‘artificial prosperity’, because the peace or the prosperity relied on the US economy and when the stock market crashed in 1929 it sent the countries relying on the USA into deep economic depression. After the Paris Peace Conference the League of Nations was formed. This was a part of Wilson’s 14-point plan for peace. It was the creation of an international body that looked after itself and international issues. The proposal was a ‘league of nations’ that would reject war as a means of so lving disputes, instead relying on diplomacy and negotiation. The U. S government did not support their president and refused to join the league even though it was his idea. They believed in ‘isolationism’ and wanted nothing to do with the European issues. This caused problems because the USA was superpower. Germany and Russia were also not invited to join and they were communist. L’ organisation de la Paix was the French security measure. The French were not prepared to rest on ideals for their defence. They refused to disarm (an idea for the league of nations for peace) and set about building up a set of military alliances to surround Germany.The French were worried that if Germany became strong again that they would attack. They also built a physical barrier between themselves and Germany called the Maginot line, in 1927. By 1926 Germany was invited to join the League of Nations. The conference created at decade of peace through Europe. However, after the stoc k market had crashed (which resulted in the world entering depression) the political party the Nazis overtook Germany and showed their hatred toward the treaty of Versailles and The League of Nations which resulted in world war II.

Italian Vowels - Pronunciation Examples

Italian vowels ( le vocali a i u e o The approximate English equivalents are as follows: a is like a in the English word ah! Italian / Englishcasa  Ã‚  houseantipasto  Ã‚  appetizerama  Ã‚  lovesbanana  Ã‚  bananasala  Ã‚  hallPapa  Ã‚  Popefama  Ã‚  famepasta  Ã‚  pasta; dough; pastry e is sometimes like e in the English word they (without the final i glide). Italian / Englishe  Ã‚  andbeve  Ã‚  drinksme  Ã‚  mefede  Ã‚  faithvede  Ã‚  seesmele  Ã‚  applessete  Ã‚  thirstpepe  Ã‚  pepper e is sometimes like e in the word met. This is the open e. Italian / Englishà ¨Ã‚  Ã‚  islento  Ã‚  slowbene  Ã‚  wellfesta  Ã‚  party; holidaysedia  Ã‚  chairpresto  Ã‚  soonvento  Ã‚  windtà ¨Ã‚  Ã‚  tea i is like i in machine. Italian / Englishlibri  Ã‚  booksbimbi  Ã‚  childrenvini  Ã‚  winesviolini  Ã‚  violinstini  Ã‚  vatspini  Ã‚  pines o is sometimes like o in the English word oh!. Italian / Englisho  Ã‚  ordono  Ã‚  giftnome  Ã‚  namesolo  Ã‚  aloneposto  Ã‚  placetondo  Ã‚  roundvolo  Ã‚  flightmondo  Ã‚  world o is sometimes like o in or. This is the open o. Italian / Englishmoda  Ã‚  fashiontoga  Ã‚  togano  Ã‚  nooro  Ã‚  goldposta  Ã‚  mailbrodo  Ã‚  brothcosa  Ã‚  thingtrono  Ã‚  thronerosa  Ã‚  roseolio  Ã‚  oil u is like u in rule. Italian / Englishluna  Ã‚  moonfungo  Ã‚  mushroomuno  Ã‚  onelungo  Ã‚  longfuga  Ã‚  fuguemulo  Ã‚  muleuso  Ã‚  usetubo  Ã‚  tube

GAP Inc. Analysis - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1572 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Marketing Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? GAP INC. ANALYSIS GAP, Inc. is a worldwide retail company that operates as apparel in providing accessories, personal care products for men, women and children under its brands; Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta and Intermix brands. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "GAP Inc. Analysis" essay for you Create order The company also provides maternity apparel, sports and fitness accessories as well as casual wear and luxury products(Businessweek.com, 2014). It was founded in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher. This was because; Donald could not find a fitting pair of jeans. Therefore, Fisher decided that she rather sell jeans instead of buying them. From then on, the GAP retail saw its growth, expansion as well as global dominance(Farfan, 2013). From this, it is evident that the main goal and purpose of the company is to provide products that are in line with the tastes and preferences of its customers. In between the years 2004 and 2011, the company lost focus of its main goal and focused more on its financial goals which led to the down fall of the company. This was characterized by the decline in stock prices, negative profit margins and fall in its popularity. After identification of how it had lost focus from its goals, the company has since made a tremendous improvement by shifting its focus from financial to customer based satisfaction, which has seen it come back to the top again. Currently, the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s net sales have increased by 10% to $1.33 billion against $1.21 billion last year. The company whose headquarters is in San Francisco, California, has also seen the introduction of a new member to its management team. Marissa Webb has been announced by the Banana Republic, as the Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design which was effective from April 28, 2014(Businessweek.com, 2014).The company operates 3,100 stores as well as 350 franchise stores in 90 countries. Through company-operated stores, franchise stores, e-commerce sites and catalogs, the company is able to provide its products to millions of people worldwide. Swot Analysis Goals and objectives- this companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s main goal is to satisfy the customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tastes and preferences. Therefore, this forces the company to keep up with current trends in the society making this its main objective. For instance, since the company retails clothes as one of its products, the company has to provide clothes that are in line with the current fashion trend. Strengths- global brand recognition due to its worldwide based company-operated stores as well as franchise stores. Also provision of its multiple brands such as Gap, old navy, banana republic, piperlime and athleta have seen the popularity of the company grow and expanded the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s customer and vendor base. Weaknesses- for a large company as GAP, the main weakness that it faces would have to be control of the company since its vast expansion has led to the emergence of various branches across the world. Therefore, it becomes difficult for management to manage the branches. Opportunities- the company has different individuals working for it who can help the company keep in line with the current emerging trends. Also the introduction of e-commerce services in the company helps boost total sales of the company due to the introduction of web based stores. Threats- a big company such as GAP faces many threats in its day to day operations. Some of these challenges include; Keeping up with current emerging trends is difficult due to changes in customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tastes and preferences as well as emerging trends in fashion. The company has grown to a level where it is difficult for top managers to control the various branches as well as departments of the company which are based worldwide. Implementation of new and creative ideas is slow due to the huge size of the company. Emergence of highly competitive apparel retail industries such as Abercrombie and Fitch. Gap analysis of Gap Inc. Measure of potential and actual performance of a company or the measure of optimum allocation of inputs compared to the current allocation is what is referred to as gap analysis (Jennings, 2000). Gap Inc. is one of the major international retail companies that face many challenges in order to remain at the top in the retail industry. In spite of efforts put in by management as well as staff members to achieve this objective, the company has gaps within its system that slow down implementation of measures to realize this objective. Some of these gaps include; Opening of new stores in Europe and China. The company has plans in opening outlet stores in Asia and Europe. Plans are underway to open its first store in Italy and China. This is an opportunity for the expansion of its huge customer and vendor base but it is as well a gap since Asia and Europe are regions with different cultures and beliefs from those of America. Therefore, in order for employees to come into terms with the conditions for working within the Gap Inc. rules and regulations, they will require training (Marston Modarres, 2002). Communication between the employees and management as well as between the company and its customers. The employees require communication training to improve their communication skills. This will help them to have better relations with senior most managers as well as amongst themselves such that in case of emergency or new lucrative ideas, immediate action is taken. This will also improve and make delivery of customer care services more efficient. Over reliance on third party vendors. Most of the merchandise is dependent on third parties outside the US. This causes delay in supplies, shortage of products as well as increase in costs such as production costs, storage costs and supply costs. These third party vendors require training to enable them have the ability to forecast the amount of merchandise they require for a certain period to avoid miscellaneous cost associated with shipment and storage. Keeping up with trends in the market is difficult and this is seen during the downfall of the company between the years 2004 and 2011. At the time it was declared that the companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s merchandise was not appealing to ladies. In order to keep up with emerging trends, the company can go into partnership with an art school and promote some of the products from the school under its brands. This encourages emergence of new products and the company could get new talented designers. Training Needs Assessment Due to the huge size of the company, for the needs assessment the best methods to use would be the use of interviews and questionnaires. This is because, not all employees or managers can be interviewed hence holding interviews with different branch managers would be appropriate. The interviews would be effective through the use of video calling via the internet to be able to interview branch managers from the different branches worldwide. The use of the questionnaire would be most appropriate to send to customers especially those using the online based stores. For those going to the actual stores could be provided with the questionnaire during purchase of the merchandise or alternatively they could be given a website link where they could rate the performance and services offered by the company (Royse, 2009). For the interview, questions asked are about; What they think about how competitors run their companies Their current sales strategies Their management practices in terms of communication with the employees, retailers as well as customers What are the challenges they are facing What ought to be done for the company to keep in line with emerging trends. For the questionnaire, the customers are required to rate the company on the following; The efficiency of the customer care services provided Response of the company to issues that arise in case a customer has an issue with the product purchased For those using online based stores, how efficient are the delivery services of the company after making of an order. Is the customer satisfied with the quality of the products offered by the various brands of the company Comments on what needs to be implemented or avoided by the company. The efficiency of this needs assessment would be realized if the results are taken into consideration and the changes and implementations made with immediate effect. This will help the company increase efficiency of the services they offer as well as help them keep in line with the emerging trends. Conclusion The training program that would be recommended for this company would be team building. This is because, team building brings together employees to work as a unit and also enhances communication amongst the employees. It also helps employees as well as management settle feuds among them. Also a customer service training would be required to improve efficiency of customer care service delivery. References Businessweek.com,. (2014). GAP INC/THE (GAP:German Stock Exchange): Stock Quote Company Profile Businessweek. Retrieved 14 May 2014, from https://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?ticker=GAP:GR Farfan, B. (2013). Behind Gap Inc. Earnings Report and Performance Success How Glenn Murphy Led The Gap From Big Store Closings Back to Retail Relevance In Two Years (GPS, JCP, SHLD, RSH).About.com Retail Industry. Retrieved 14 May 2014, from https://retailindustry.about.com/b/2013/08/22/behind-gap-inc-earnings-report-and-performance-success-how-glenn-murphy-led-the-gap-from-big-store-closings-back-to-retail-relevance-in-two-years-gps-jcp-shld-rsh.htm Jennings, M. (2000). Gap analysis: concepts, methods, and recent results*.Landscape Ecology,15(1), 520. Marston, S., Modarres, A. (2002). Flexible retailing: Gap Inc. and the multiple spaces of shopping in the United States.Tijdschrift Voor Economische En Sociale Geografie,93(1), 8399. Royse, D. (2009).Needs assessment(1st ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.