Monday, December 30, 2019

The History and Business of Making Lump Charcoal

Charcoal is a formless mass of carbon and can be made from most carbonaceous materials. It is one of the oldest of man-made fuels and has been prepared under the ground for a thousand years. Charcoal in lump form is still a major source of energy throughout the world and unfortunately, is one of the main causes of deforestation in the World. Historical Charcoal Production Wood charcoal production dates back to ancient human prehistory when  stacks of wood logs on their ends were formed into a pyramidal pile. Openings were created at the bottom of the pile and attached to a central flue for circulating air. The whole woodpile was either constructed in an earth covered pit or covered with clay above ground. A wood fire was started at the flue base and gradually smoldered and spread up and out. Ancient charcoal pits, under average conditions, yielded about 60 percent of the total wood by volume, but only 25% by weight, of charcoal product. Even by the seventeenth century, advances in technology yielded nearly 90 percent efficiency and was a skill that took years to learn and a major investment in kilns and retorts which had long replaced the pit method. Current Charcoal Production Much like the old process, the modern commercial charcoal process is to heat wood with little or no air present which takes special but simple equipment. In the United States, wood is the primary material used for charcoal and is generally procured in the form of residue from sawmills - slabs and edgings. Sawmills love to find users of this material because of environmental problems with burning and disposal of mill wastes. Where there are sawmills, there is an available raw product. The United States Forest Service has estimated that there are nearly 2,000 charcoal-producing units in the United States, including brick kilns, concrete and masonry block kilns, sheet steel kilns, and retorts (a steel metal building). The state of Missouri produces a significant portion of this national charcoal product (they have until recently had less stringent environmental regulations) and 98 percent of all charcoal is produced in the eastern United States. While charcoal can be made from any number of natural materials, hardwoods such as hickory, oak, maple, and fruit-woods are favored. They have unique aromas and tend to produce a better grade of charcoal. Better grades of charcoal come from raw materials with low sulfur content. The uses of charcoal may surprise you. Besides being the fuel that cooks steaks, hot dogs, and hamburgers on a Sunday picnic, charcoal is used in many other processes. It is used in certain metallurgical purifying treatments and as a filter to remove organic compounds such as chlorine, gasoline, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals from water and air. Activated charcoal, which has a super absorptive surface, is growing in use as a purifier. It is used in purifying and refining metals and in the gas masks that were used during the Gulf War. NutraSweet  uses activated charcoal to transform their product into a powder. Activated charcoal is used as an antidote for many types of poisons and is touted as an effective anti-flatulent. Lump Charcoal as a Business Most charcoal manufacturers sell their product as a briquette. This market has been dominated by several companies to include Kingsford, Royal Oak, and major grocery market brands. These companies may or may not make lump charcoal which is an alternate product that has some advantages and has potential as a small start-up business. Some new and exciting grill technologies actually require charcoal in lump form. An entrepreneur hoping to survive in the charcoal industry will require originality and very good and aggressive marketing. Many small companies have survived but most have not made it big. Theyve found that their potential in the niche charcoal market is by making natural hardwood lump charcoal. Innovative ideas like developing a product in a bag that has a fuse, which when lit will ignite the charcoal. This quick light product combined with an easy-to-use paraffin coated container filled with natural charcoal has been a modest success in some local markets. A major hurdle is creating an appealing package. Technical problems with storage make for unappealing packages and can affect sales. You may find your bag on the bottom shelf in the back of the store because of a plain package. You may also have a problem finding distributors that handle small volumes. There is also the potential for other products. Wood charcoal has a low sulfur content, unlike coal or petroleum products. This wood charcoal can be used where other forms of carbon cannot. Developing a specialty activated charcoal for filtration of consumables like air and water is possible. This low sulfur charcoal product would be sold to a large manufacturer of activated carbon like Calgon Carbon of Pittsburgh, PA. Starting a Charcoal Business In addition to the raw material, you will have to have an area suitable for heating the material while allowing only a minimal amount of air circulation. This may be a brick kiln or you may opt for a type of metal building called a retort. You can expect to pay up to several hundred thousand dollars for one of these. You also must develop a sorting and crushing operation. The wood that has been cooked is smaller than its original size by about one-third. It must be broken down into marketable pieces. This would have to be done by a customized piece of equipment made by a made-to-order machine shop. There is no reasonable cost estimate here - youve got to do a lot of leg work. Then you have to bag or package the carbon. Bagging machines are readily available from bagging equipment supply companies. Charcoal presents somewhat of a bagging problem due to a large variance in the sizes of the piece. These problems are not impossible to correct and a bagging line could cost you as much as $100 thousand. You can get less expensive ones. The best strategy for making a business success in lump charcoal is to keep the market local or regional. You might link up with a grill or outdoor oven company and combine your marketing efforts. Advertise the product as superior, natural charcoal that has advantages over briquettes. Many people are not aware that charcoal is available in this all-natural form. Advantages of Lump Charcoal Lump charcoal is an all-natural, 100 percent hardwood product with no additives.Natural charcoal heats faster than briquettes, so food can be cooked over natural charcoal within 5 to 7 minutes after lighting.Lump charcoal can be lit without lighter fluid and with just a match and some newspaper - this means no off-flavors.One pound of hardwood charcoal produces the equivalent heat of two pounds of briquette charcoal. Disadvantages of Lump Charcoal Although lump charcoal is growing in popularity, consumer demand still lags behind formed charcoal briquettes.Even though lump charcoal is a more efficient heat producer, its current price is nearly twice that of briquettes.Lump charcoal is bulkier, has odd shapes, and crushes more easily. It tends to become dusty and flakes off.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Analysis on A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare

Like any religious society of the past, life in Elizabethan England was ordered based on the Great Chain of Being. This hierarchy, with God and royalty at the top, man in the middle above women, and animals near the bottom, was the basis of status. Deviation from the established order was considered absurd and created chaos. In A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Shakespeare uses the juxtaposition of contrasting people and settings to explore the effects of disorder in Elizabethan society while revealing character flaws for comic effect. The antagonistic setting of Theseus’ Athens and the surrounding woods drive much of the chaotic action in the play and set the stage for the comical attitude of the production. Athens, representing an ordered†¦show more content†¦The most egregious deviation from the Great Chain of Being in A Midsummer’s Night Dream is Titania’s magically-coerced courtship of Bottom. Titania, Queen of the fairies and analogous to Mother Nature, sits near the top of the hierarchy of life. Bottom, a weaver, resides much lower on the spectrum within the lowest class of men. The schemes of Oberon and Puck lead to a comical and wholly unnatural relationship between the fairy queen and the fool with an ass’ head: â€Å"TITANIA [Awaking] What angel wakes me from my flowery bed? BOTTOM [Sings] The finch, the sparrow and the lark, The plain-song cuckoo gray, Whose note full many a man doth mark, And dares not answer nay;-- for, indeed, who would set his wit to so foolish a bird? who would give a bird the lie, though he cry cuckoo never so? TITANIA I pray thee, gentle mortal, sing again: Mine ear is much enamourd of thy note; So is mine eye enthralled to thy shape; And thy fair virtues force perforce doth move me On the first view to say, to swear, I love thee. BOTTOM Methinks, mistress, you should have little reason for that: and yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together now-a-days; the more the pity that some honest neighbours will not make them friends. Nay, I can gleek upon occasion. TITANIA Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful. BOTTOM Not so, neither: but if I hadShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet1279 Words   |  6 PagesMonumental Texts (An Analysis of the Three Most Important Texts Studied This Semester) Literature affects every aspect of our lives. The great, classic writers teach timeless, valuable life skills. Shakespeare was the greatest writer of all time. His writings mainly consisted of dramas and sonnets. Romeo and Juliet, as well as, A MIdsummer Night’s Dream were written about the same time period. He was able to inter relate everything that wrote. For example, the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe couldRead MoreA Midsummer Nights Dream Research Paper (with Cited)1161 Words   |  5 PagesThe play, A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare, is about four lovers and their dreamlike adventure through a fairy ruled forest. There are many different characters in this play and they each play their own individual role in how the play is performed and read. Three main characters that showed great characteristics are: Puck, Tom Bottom, and Helena. The play, A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare, uses characters and their conflicts to give meaning to this piece of literatureRead MoreWillima Shakespeares, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Unbalanced Love835 Words   |  3 PagesThe course of love never did run smooth (Shakespeare I.i.134). William Shakespeare’s captivating, profound play illustrates the complications of four Athenians’ love lives. Two lovers yearn to run away together to get married, but trouble sets in and their lives become more complex when magical fairies and a love potion get involved. The four Athenians have to battle their way through love’s complications. The perplexing â€Å"love square,† mythical interference, and the endeavor to find equanimity areRead MoreEssay The Comedies of Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare1018 Words   |  5 Pagesassignment will critically analyse the comedies of William Shakespeare and Bernard Shaw and consider what characteristics they share and how they differ. It is also important to fully understand the genre of comedy, exploring its origins, definitions and sub-divisions. Literary comedy can be sub-divided into ‘Burlesque’ (associated with the ridiculous), ‘Comedy of Manners’, ‘Satirical’ and ‘Farce’, amongst others (Stott, 2005). The comedies of Shakespeare and Shaw take the form of dramatic comedy andRead MoreShakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream Character Analysis of Bottom the Weaver680 Words   |  3 PagesShakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream Character Analysis of Bottom the Weaver â€Å"A Midsummer Night’s Dream† Character Analysis of Bottom the Weaver The play â€Å"A Midsummer Night’s Dream† by William Shakespeare offers a wonderful contrast in human mentality. Shakespeare provides insight into man’s conflict with the rational versus emotional characteristics of human behavior. Athens represents the logical side, with its flourishing government and society. The fairy woods represents the wilder, irrationalRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream852 Words   |  4 PagesIntro Paragraph:In the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.Shakespeare portrays four different kinds of love,parental love,romantic love and complicated love.The way I see what he shows us readers is that love is in a way connected to life because life is very unpredictable since no one’s what will happen tomorrow in a way love is the same way it is very unpredictable because you never know where is might end up. Just like in the pl ay who knew if Hermia and Lysander will end upRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of A Midsummer Nights Dream1644 Words   |  7 PagesA Midsummer Night’s Dream Literary Analysis In the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream the writer William Shakespeare uses many types of figurative language and literary devices to reinforce the major themes of the play. Throughout the play the major theme is love. Readers know this due to how in the play the main conflict is love. The types of figurative language and or literary devices that William Shakespeare uses in the play to reinforce the themes are personification, symbolism, and clichà ©s. A goodRead MoreEssay on A Midsummer Nights Dream: Critical Analysis3103 Words   |  13 PagesCritical Analysis of quot;A Midsummer Nights Dreamquot; William Shakespeare, born in 1594, is one of the greatest writers in literature. He dies in 1616 after completing many sonnets and plays. One of which is quot;A Midsummer Nights Dream.quot; They say that this play is the most purely romantic of Shakespeares comedies. The themes of the play are dreams and reality, love and magic. This extraordinary play is a play-with-in-a-play, whi ch master writers only write successfully. Shakespeare provesRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream And Fool1401 Words   |  6 Pagesworks of William Shakespeare. While their individual personalities and functions differ from play to play, the reoccurrence of the Shakespearean fool suggests that fools serve as an important institution of the Shakespearean stage. But what is the role of the Shakespeare’s fools in his works? And how do particular characteristics about these fools help them achieve this purpose? Through an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare’s arguably two most famous fools, Puck (Robin Goodfellow) from A Midsummer Night’sRead MoreAn Analysis of the ‘Happy Ending’ of Shakespeare’s a Midsummer Night’s Dream.1930 Words   |  8 PagesAll’s Well That Ends Well†¦ Or Is It? An analysis of the ‘Happy Ending’ of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is commonly said that â€Å"all’s well that ends well.† In the case of the comedies of William Shakespeare, this is almost universally true. With specific regard to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the machinations of Oberon are able to bring together Lysander and Hermia, as well as Helena and Demetrius, in a way that provides for the happiest of conclusions. As readers of the play,

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Internship on Hotel Industry Free Essays

string(76) " tourism sector is expected to be the second largest employer in the world\." INTERNSHIP REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DONE BY HARIPRASATH M 11BBA0071 IN HOTEL SHEVAROYS PRIVATE LIMITED. UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF PROF. C. We will write a custom essay sample on Internship on Hotel Industry or any similar topic only for you Order Now M. MARAN Professor, VIT Business School SEPTEMBER 2012 CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the Internship report submitted by Hariprasath, Reg. No 11BBA0071 to VIT Business School, VIT University Vellore in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration is a bonafide record of work carried out by him under my supervision. The contents of this thesis, in full or in parts have not been submitted in any form to any other institute or university for the award of any degree or diploma. Faculty Guide Programme Manager Internal Examiner External Examiner DECLARATION I, Hariprasath M, Reg. No 11BBA0071, a Bonafide student of the VIT Business School, VIT University, Vellore, hereby declare that the Internship Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration of the VIT University, is my original work. Date: Place: VELLORE Hariprasath. M ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Prof. J. Naga Venkata Raguram (Programme Manager), VIT Business School, VIT University, Vellore. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my company guide, Mr. Umar sheriff, General. Manager, Hotel Shevaroys. , Yercaud for guiding me throughout my summer internship work. His encouragement, time and effort are greatly appreciated. I would like to thank my faculty guide, Prof. C. M. Maran , Professor, VIT Business School for all his valuable inputs and constant support towards me throughout my internship and providing me an opportunity to learn outside the class room and constantly motivating me to give my best. It was a truly wonderful learning experience. I would also like to thank my parents for supporting and encouraging me to complete the project. I would also like to thank all the respondents who offered their opinions and suggestions and sometimes critical views throughout the internship tenure which made me constantly update and made myself to undergo a successful training. Date: Place: Vellore Hariprasath. M CONTENTS 1. Introduction| 06| 2. Industry profile| 07| 3. Company Profile| 08| 4. Major players in hotel industry of Yercaud| 11| 5. Organizational structure of Hotel Shevaroys. | 12| 6. Several Departments of Shevaroys| 13| 7. Finance and Human Resources Department| 14| 8. Food and beverages department| 15| 9. Housekeeping department| 18| 10. Marketing department| 20| 11. Front office department| 24| 12. SWOT Analysis| 26| 13. Recommendations | 27| 14. Conclusions| 28| 1. INTRODUCTION Hotel Shevaroys is one of the finest restaurants in the hill station of Yercaud. It scores seventh rank in performance in compared with other the hotels in Yercaud surveyed by a traveler website. Since in the year 1971 in earns good name in the society by providing quality food as well as taste. This report provides you the story Indian hotel industry and a detailed view of hotel Shevaroys. The study report makes a way to comprehend the structure and functions of the organization in a restaurant. The internship report pacts with the organizational functions and performance of hotel Shevaroys In this report, I have studied the performance process that is being carried out in the company. The first part of my report shrinks with a detailed organization study. It includes the industry profile, company’s profile, company’s activities and operations, organizational structure, etc. This section gives a exhaustive information about the company and the nature of its functioning. The second part deals with performance and functioning of various departments such as finance, human resources, food and beverages, front desk, resident departments sections. In this section, I have given a brief description towards the sections of functioning. In the third part of my report contains my findings, suggestions and conclusion. 2. INDUSTRY PROFILE The size of Indian hotel industry is $20 billion. Thirty percent of the sector is organized. An additional 20 international brands are expected to come to India in the next two years. Within the sector that is organized, the 5-star hotel segment contributes 58 per cent. After witnessing exceptionally bad years in FY09 and FY10 due to the global economic slowdown and terror attacks, the Indian hotel industry appears to be now on a path of slow recovery. Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) to India surged from 5. 11 m in 2009 to 5. 58 m in 2010, thereby resulting in an increase of 9. 3% Yo-yo. India occupies the sixty-eighth position among the top tourist destinations in the world, according to the travel and tourism competitiveness report 2011. To encourages the tourism sector, the government in recent times, has taken some measures which will benefit the sector. In the general budget for 2011-12, Rs 11. 7 bn for development of tourism infrastructure and promotion of tourism was allocated. This figure is higher by Rs 1. 0 bn compared what was allocated in the previous year. The Centre and states are also working out a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) model to increase hotel capacity. Government of India increased spend on advertising campaigns (including for the campaigns ‘Incredible India’ and ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ – Visitors are like God) to reinforce the rich variety of tourism in India. The ministry granted tourist visa on arrival (T-VoA) for the citizens of tourist destination and undertook various measures, such as stepping up vigilance in key cities and at historically important tourist sites. The tourism ministry has envisaged a budgetary allocation of Rs 200 billion in the Twelfth Five Year Plan. According to the latest Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) research, released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the demand for travel and tourism in India is expected to grow by 8. 2% between 2010 and 2019. This will place India at the third position in the world. India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to be the second largest employer in the world. You read "Internship on Hotel Industry" in category "Essay examples" Capital investment in India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at 8. 8% between 2010 and 2019. The report forecasts India to get more capital investment in the travel and tourism sector and is projected to become the fifth fastest growing business travel estination from 2010 through 2020. 3. COMPANY PROFILE The beginning: In the year 1971, Mr. N. Ramasamy Udayar, a freedom fighter and industrial list of Salem bought a British Bungalow situated amidst 14 acres of lush green coffee plantations and converted it into a guest ho use with just 4 rooms and a small kitchen to cater to the then rare visitor of Yercaud. Being a strong visionary, he sensed the potential for growth of the tourism industry in Yercaud which inspired him to set path in the expansion of the property. Consequently, in the year 1972-73, the small guest house blossomed into a hotel with the addition of 8 more rooms and a restaurant making Hotel Shevaroys the first fully operational hotel on the hills. At the advent of 1979, Mr. Udayar introduced the concept of individual cottages to accommodate the elite and wealthy who sought luxurious accommodation. With the commencement of 11 uniquely designed and well-appointed cottages, Hotel Shevaroys set the trend of offering villa style accommodation which became the most sought after and favorable type of stay in Yercaud. By this time, Hotel Shevaroys was the first to have its own licensed permit room and added more food beverage outlets to its portfolio. The journey: The year 1991 witnessed the succession of the management by Mr. R. Devadass, the third son of Mr. Ramasamy Udayar. Being a young and energetic graduate in Arts as well as Law, Mr. Devadass spruced up the operation of the entire hotel. This paved way for Hotel Shevaroys to grow leaps and bounds to be the premier hotel of Yercaud today standing with 80 rooms, 11 cottages, 4 food beverage outlets, the majestic Lantana convention hall and an in-house supermarket. Stepping Ahead: The gradual transition of the management from Mrs. Mr. Devadass to Mr. Prabhu Ram and Ms. Swathi Virutha is paving way for yet another era of enviable growth for this wonderful haven of hospitality. As an initial step, the hotel is undergoing a major up gradation of its appeal to meet out the demands of the modern traveler and provide the ultimate hill resort experience. Super Market: The Shevaroys Super Market, located within the hotel premises, is the ideal place to shop for your daily requirements and also grab souvenirs for your family and friends back home. Items native to Yercaud such as coffee, pepper, medicinal herbal oils and homemade chocolates are some of our best sellers. Internet Browsing: Broad band connectivity is available at the browsing centre here and enables you to stay connected even while on vacation! The browsing center is also equipped with photo-copying and printing facilities. In addition, an exclusive train ticket booking system is available for your convenience. Bonfire Sitting around a warm fire outdoors is a greater way to socialize and cozy up on a cool night. For those guests who’d like to enjoy this experience, we can arrange for a bonfire on the lawn (charges apply). An outdoor buffet dinner can also be organized for a group of guests. Plantation Walk Coffee is grown extensively in the Shevaroyan Hills and walking through the plantations is a great way to experience the freshness of the coffee bloom. The plantation Walk, located within the hotel, is a trail that leads its way into the vast coffee plantations and provides a close look at the coffee shrubs, the tall Silver Oak trees with Pepper vines climbing around their trunks, various ornamental and medicinal plants. The tall trees and shrubs are home to many birds like the bul-bul, myna and sparrows. The squirrels found here are high on caffeine-just saying†¦ Children’s Play Park An open children’s play area complete with swings, slide and see-saw et al lets your wee ones have their share of holiday fun! Recreation Room An indoor games facility located at the basement of the Lantana Hall will interest those who would like to engage themselves in a game of table-tennis, carom, chess or a host of other board games Beauty Parlor and Massage Room Holidaying in a hill station does not have to mean forgoing the regular facial, hair cut or trim. Separate beauticians for gents and ladies are available throughout the day at your service. The masseurs are experts in massaging your body to rejuvenate and tone up your tried muscles with a wide assortment of Ayurveda and Swedish massages OBJECTIVES OF HOTEL SHEVAROYS: Hotel Shevaroys’s objective is to provide the best, comfortable . memorable and luxurious trip to Yercaud. Hotel provides easy access to an excellent variety of facilities. MISSION STATEMENT: To be recognized as one of the best first-class hotels in Yercaud and to constantly strive to improve, allowing us to prosper as a business for the benefit of our guests, our employees and our owner. VISION: The success of any business is contingent on the ability to meet and exceed customer expectations. At the Hotel Shevaroys, we are proud of our strong commitment to both our guests and our team members. We recognize that the delivery of exemplary guest services dependent on a group of caring team members who share common goals and a true spirit to serve. Those goals and service spirit are expressed in Our Big Three, which lies at the heart of our hotel mission statement our hotel is a place where every guest receives100% satisfaction in the service, products and environment we proudly provide. VALUES: It is one of our main values that our guest should enjoy luxurious time in our hotel. SUBSIDARIES: The subsidiaries of Hotel Shevaroys are * Malar Mess Pure vegetarian hotel located in Yercaud. * Karupaiah hotel. Spicy non vegetarian hotel in Yercaud. * Shevaroys institute of hotel management, Yercaud. * Hotel Salem Shevaroys. 4. MAJOR PLAYERS OF HOTEL INDUSTRY IN YERCAUD 1. The Regent Hill Side Resort. 2. Grand Palace Spa. 3. GRT Nature Trails Hotel. 4. The Lake Forest Hostel Yercaud. 5. Grange Resort 6. Sterling Resort 7. Classic Cottage 8. Wellington Hill Resort 9. Hills Resort 10. Yercaud International 11. Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation. 12. Silver Holiday Cottages 13. Ponkailash Holiday Home 14. Star Holiday Inn 5. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF HOTEL SHAVEROYS 6. FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT The major departments of the restaurant are: * Food and beverages department * Service department House keeping * Accounts department * Marketing department * Front desk (reception) department. The five departments are actively working with the co-ordination. These five departments come under general manager Mr. Umar Sheriff. The operational departments of the hotel are * Housekeeping department * Food and beverages department * Front office department The strategic departments of the hotel are * Marketing d epartment * Finance department 7. FINANCE DEPARTMENT: * The H. R united finance and human resources departments are managed by Mr. Kailasm with two assistant’s graduates. The finance department inclined purchases, sales, and salaries of the employees. * A key area in accounting, accounts payable ensures that all bills are paid on time and all discounts are taken minimizing the costs of the hotel. * Accountants work closely with the purchasing department to verify that all invoices to be paid are indeed invoices of the hotel. * The assistant accountant divides the various functions to be performed so that the workload will be even. * Assistant might be responsible for daily transactions while another works on special projects, budgets, analyses. Shevaroys keeps two ledgers: the guest ledger is associated with the guests staying at the hotel while the city ledger contains all other billings. * The accounting department has a person in accounts receivable working with the city l edger so the hotel is able to bill and collect revenues due. Human Resource * The company recruits the employees directly from their own hotel institute and other institutes. * The employees are trained as per the performance appraisal. * The work securities provided to employees specially women. * The company provides monthly groceries to the employees from their supermarket. Free medical checkups facilities are provided to the employee 8. FOOD AND BEVERAGES DEPARTMENT * Food and Beverage Department (FB) is responsible for maintaining high quality of food and service, food costing, managing restaurants, bars, etc. * Food and Beverage Service is the service of Food made in the Kitchen and Drinks prepared in the Bar to the Customers (Guest) at the Food Beverage premises, which can be: Restaurants, Bars, Hotels, Airlines, Cruise Ships, Trains, Companies, Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Prisons, Takeaway, etc * Mr. Raja prakash is the manager of the department. Food and beverages depart ment includes: * Bar * Kitchen * Red dragon Resto-bar Duties of Food and Beverages Department: * The Food Beverage department is the largest department on board comprising of various areas working together to cater to our guest’s food and beverage needs. * From mouth-watering meals to deliciously refreshing cocktails. * Entry level positions within this department include waiters, cooks, bar servers, hotel stewards. * Prepare tables or counters for meals. * Stock the service area with supplies (for example,  coffee, glassware). * Greet customers; present menus and help customers select menu items. Inform customers about daily specials. * Record orders and place them with the kitchen and bar. * Pick up and serve orders. * Check that customers are enjoying their meals and correct any problems. * Suggest and serve desserts and beverages. * Clean and reset tables. Bar: * Mr. Neelakandan manages the bar. * Mr. Shakhi is the assistant manager of the bar. * The bar timings from 1 1am to 10 pm. * Local liquors are supplied. * Chicken and veg items are provided as side dish. * Liquors include 14. 5% taxes extra and service charges. Kitchen: * Here kitchen is maintained in good hygienic conditions. Mr. Rajaappa is the chief chef of the hotel. * The kitchen of Shveroys divided into Chinese and Chettinadu styles. * Kitchen consists of dish wash as sub department. * Over 20 chefs are working in a team in the kitchen. * Chefs in the hotel are well trained as well as experienced. * Shevaroys has repeated customer for its tasty food. * The kitchen is vast spacious with modern cooking articles. Resto-bar: A restobar is a pub, bar, and mini club all combined into one building. Including the huge couches and a small dancing floor. * In Shveroys resto-bar is named as Red Dragon. In this bar foreign liquors are served. * Price of the liquors includes all the taxes. * The bar fully air conditioned. * It opens at 10. 30 in the morning and at 12. 30 at night. * The bar has m ore local customers than tourists. * The bar is decorated with mirrors, wooden handicrafts. * The bar is also maintained in hygienic conditions. * Waiters are well trained to serve the custom. ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES DEPARTMENT 9. HOUSE KEEPING DEPARTMENT * Housekeeping is the department that deals essentially with cleanliness and all ancillary service attached to that. The customer feels comfortable only in the environment which is clean and well ordered, so cleanliness is important for health foremost also for well-being. * Accommodation in hotels tend to be the largest part of the hotel, it is the most revenue generating department, the housekeeping department takes care of all rooms is often largest department in Shevaroys. * The rooms in hotels are offered as accommodation to travelers/ guest as individual units of bedroom. * Hotel offer laundry, dry leaning facilities for guest clothes, shoe polishing facilities also. Hotel aims to make environment comfortable and offer specialized service to the guest. * Shevaroys make the ambiance as pleasant as possible by nice colour scheme, attractive furnishing and a well-kept efficient staff. * The fine accommodation and service are provided to the guest so they are pleased with the hotel. * The guest satisfaction is its primary object and the hygiene factor is always being present in the hotel. * The manager of housekeeping department is Mr. Raman a postgraduate is hotel management. * The department includes linen department, Mr. Govindarajan manages the linen department * The linen department is the Centre stage for the supporting role that the Housekeeping Department plays in the hotel. Most linen rooms are centralized and act as a storage point and distribution center for clean linen. * Over 25 employees are working in housekeeping department of Shevaroys. ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF HOUSEKEEPING DEPRARTMENT KEY: *1 – Standard, Bougain, Old archit villas *2 – Cottage, Dalia, New archit, rooms 10. Marketing department Marketing mix: The hotel Shevaroys’s is integrating all elements of marketing mix successfully. Promotion: The basic way of promoting the hotel is by phone calls and then the personal meeting by the marketing staff, added to that they value customer’s comments too and it’s very important for promoting hotel. * Marketing staff’s public relation is very strong they meet the corporate people on a very friendly way. * Public relation in local market will remai n an important element in them marketing mix presenting the hotel as a supportive member of the communicating and participating in significant local events. * For advertisement they publish broachers, and if there any new packages comes then they make it in broacher, Buffet packages etc. Words of mouth are very important for promoting any hotel but for this the hotel staff needs to be very punctual and good, added to that their services need to be very quick. * Primary focus will remain on mass communication with via print ads in trade publications and on the internet. * Direct mails campaigns to existing prospective client will increase as a cost effective meaning of target campaigning Product: * Hotel’s products are its rooms and services and better the room and services will behigher the reputation of the hotel and the quality of product. High quality services accompanied by exemplary personal service, differentiated from competition quality with an overall brand strategy, has proven to be the successful approach, generating high level of repeat business. Rooms: There 73 rooms available for cutomers with 6 types namely * Luxury Villa * Deluxe Villa * Orchid room * Dahlia room * Rose room(deluxe double bedded) * Bougainvilla room (standard four bedded) * Standard double bedded room All of the rooms are calm best place to spend the time. Conference hall: * There is a conference hall called Lantana with a capacity of three undred members. * Vast spacious with wooden flooring. * Food and beverages are supplied as per the request of the customer. Price: As Shveroys is a three star hotel price of the rooms are moderate and comfortable to the travelers. * Luxury VillaRs. 5200 * Deluxe VillaRs. 4200 * Orchid roomRs. 2800 * Dahlia roomRs. 2300 * Rose roomRs. 2011 * Bougainvilla room Rs. 1700 * Standard double bedded roomRs. 1100 * The above quoted tariff is on double occupancy basis and exclusive of taxes. * Luxury service tax 17. 65% on the published tariff . * Extra person charges Rs. 650 + taxes. Rates are inclusive of complimentary buffet breakfast served at the Silver Oak restaurant. Features: * Comprehensive variety of rooms and luxury cottages available at wider range of prices. * Luxury and deluxe villas have individual car parking facilities. * Active room service. * 24 hour travel desk ( including air and trail travel). * Doctor on call. Marketing plan: The marketing plan of Shevaroys’s is structured to enable them to achieve the strategic goals we have set for them, in terms of increasing overall revenue as a result of differentiating their  products and services from the competition. Our marketing team of Shevaroys will ensure that the plan is implemented to the best of their ability and with the highest levels of efficiency and accuracy. Website Plan: Website plan of Shevaroys is already up and running but needs to be redesigned to give it an updated look and feel, as well as to secure interactively. The content is good but just need a refresher. Website goals of Shevaroys: The website needs to be able to do the following: * Convey our messaging of high quality, luxury business accommodation. Being able to make reservation online able to make changes online. Sales plan: * The sales plan hinges upon our sales strategy, sales process and, prospecting plan. * As long as we follow the plans laid below we should be in good shape. 11. FRONT OFFICE DEPARTMENT The Front Office is the nerve center of a hotel. Members of the front-office staff welcome the guests, carry their luggage, and help them register, give them their room keys and mail, answer questions about the activities in the hotel and surrounding area, and finally check them out. In fact, the only direct contact most guests have with hotel employees, other than in the restaurants, is with members of the front-office staff. . The front office functions can be divided into five general areas: 1. Reception 2. Bell service 3. Mail and information 4. Concierge 5. Cashiers and night auditors Duties of front office department: * The Front Office function of a Hotel is to act as the public face of the hotel, primarily by greeting hotel patrons and checking in guests. * It also provides assistance to guests during their stay, completes their ccommodation, food and beverage, accounts and receives payment from guests. * Sell guestrooms; register guests and design guestrooms * Coordinate guest services * Maintain guest account statements and complete proper financial settlements. * Receive and process reservation requests for future overnight accommodations. * It also provides assistance to guests during their stay completes their accommodation, food and beverage account s and receives payment from guests. ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF FRONT OFFICE KEY: H. K-House Keeping 12. SWOT ANALYSIS Strength: * Unique taste. * Financial strength. * Talented employees. * Brand name. * Repeated customers. * Centre of the hill station. * Good leadership with the locals travelers. * Sundry types of rooms. Opportunities: * Can become no. 1 restaurant in yercaud * Can expand branches all over Tamilnadu. * Can improve the hotel facilities into five star range Weakness * Old infrastructure * More competitors * No air condition rooms * No Wi-Fi facilities * No swimming pool * Very few indoor game facilities * Diversity among the workers Threats Lack of picking up of new technology new hotels will occupy the market. * Fewer travelers during winter season. * Few rooms are filled during week days. * Travelling facility is very poor during rainy season * No other entertainment except site seeing RECOMMENDATIONS: * The quality of food must be improved in hotels. * Prices of food must be reason able according to their food standard and services. * The hotels should follow new technological tr ends. * There must be proper marketing and sales promotion for hotel industry. * Hotel should be constructed at beautiful locations. They must raise their voice and negotiate with government for chalking out sound policies for the improvement in hotel and tourism industry. * Parking facilities must have ample space. * Room services should be according to needs of customers. * Attendants must be adequately trained, educated, well behaved and efficient. KEYS TO SUCCESS: * Continue to develop ongoing relationships with frequent and new guests. * Continue to develop and implement a strong communications plan in both national and international markets. * Leverage our strength in the local market as a member of the community by supporting local events. Identify new markets for our services such as University-based target groups. * Continue ongoing staff training and skill development to ensure the highest standards of  service. CONCLUSION This is sure that positive learning’s are more than negative learning because internship is an important part of the BBA, it has includes many learning’s including these. Confidence of the important learning of the internship because in class room we didn’t learn how to talk and conversation with the customers especially in English language so, the internship has given us the chance to do that. Because is something that I learned with the meeting with different types of peoples exclusively for marketing peoples. Through this Internship Training, I have secured a deep practical theoretical knowledge about the functions of various departments of Shevaroys and I am able to gain various managerial functions and how the employees are trained and how they are benefited in the company learned after this training experience. How to cite Internship on Hotel Industry, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Strategic Alliances and Competitive Advantage †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Strategic Alliances and Competitive Advantage. Answer: Introduction The insurance broker negotiates, solicits or sells the insurance for the purpose of compensation. Generally the broker operates independently, that means they may offer the client with a host of products and services related to insurance for considering. They have higher level of responsibility regarding assisting their clients to select the best financial product as per their requirements[1]. The insurance broker is specialist in risk management and insurance. Brokers act on behalf of their clients and sometimes the insurance broker act as the agent of insurer. However, where this circumstance arises, the situations are fully stated to the client[2]. The broker assists in identifying the business risk of the client and helps him to take decisions regarding what is to be insured and how to mitigate the associated risks. Further, the insurance broker can provide technical advises that can be crucial for raising a claim. Generally, the brokers are conscious of the conditions and terms, exclusions, benefits and cost of various competitive policies of insurance. This report will focus on a particular insurance broking organization that is Henderson Insurance Broking Group (HIBL), their activities and how they use the customer data to winning new clients, retaining the existing clients and managing the complaints of the client. This report will further analyse the effectiveness of the usage of customer data to win new clients, retain the existing clients and manage the complaints of the client. Based on the analysis, this report will suggest some recommendation to HBIL for improving the way to use the customer data to win new clients, retain the existing clients and manage the complaints of the client. WhenHenderson Insurance Broking Group(HIBL) was established about 30 years ago, their simple philosophy was to be the best, getting it right in the 1st attempt and looking forward to their staff and clients or somebody else. In UK they are among the top most important independent brokers for insurance and they are operating all over UK through their 15 offices. They create the bridge for the gap among the big multinational corporations and small local brokers and their success is mainly based on their professionalism, commitment and independence to put their client and their interest at the place of topmost priority. They have various specialist divisions and employ the experienced staff and expertise for supporting the offerings with regard to genera insurance at all the offices of Henderson Insurance Broking Group[3]. The account handlers from Henderson work hard for understanding the business of the client so that they can generate personalized packages for the individual clients based on the nature of their business and preferences. They provide their services to various sectors like contracts and constructions, manufacturing, public sector, wholesale and retail, SME, fire protection, drinks and foods, marines, agriculture and technology are few to be named.By selecting HIBL, the client is being assured regarding the expertise and commitment of their divisional teams and specialists operating over all the sectors and areas like construction bonds, risk management, healthcare, professional risks. The experience and knowledge assists in generating the customized services with regard to the challenges and changing requirements of the clients. The strong relationship among the leading companies providing insurance services and the team members of HIBL in association with the direct access they offer s is the confirmation regarding how they secure the best available deals for their clients[4]. Using customer data to win clients and retain clients and managing the complaints of the clients Most of the insurance brokers have the data of the customer preference, their behaviour and their trends that they initially collect before making any strategies to win customers. The most effective way to use the customers data is to recognize the sales opportunities through looking into the data in different ways[5]. The customer data assists to win new customers in the following ways Understand the customer decision more than 35% of the researches are carried out through online survey. The company can monitor the social media to understand the trend of customers purchase. Moreover, the customer data can be used to set-up the strong customized service packages that can be offered to the clients in personalized way. Refining the pricing and marketing approach the analysis of customers data can help in monitoring the customers approach towards the competitors and to set up the pricing and marketing approach in better way[6]. Further, they can look into the fact regarding the preference of the potential customers[7]. Moreover, they can observe the level of claims on different types of policies and can adjust the premiums on the basis of the real-time data regarding risks. To identify the opportunities most of the broking groups have the required data that they internally generate. Through analysis of the report, they know the key products and key markets. The fact they need to find out more is to the gap[8]. The most efficient way to use the customers data is to identify the sales opportunities. Understanding the clients is more complex compared to what someone can think and it requires thoughtful analysis of how and where the data regarding the customers can be collected in a meaningful way. Through better definition of the customer behaviour approach are the most considerable thing of insurance broking business and the analysis can be started from measuring and analyzing the better way to engage them which in turn will assist in winning more customers. The following approaches are used to retain the existing customers Key factors that set the customers apart The customers from each service sector are different with their unique requirement and preference. The facts those make the customers under the insurance broking industry different from other sectors must be identified[9]. The fact may be geography, specific needs, business sector of the customers or the demographic details. Once the company understands these facts, they will be in the better position to set the target strategy. Realtime behaviour of the customers - for retaining the customers in better way, the insight to the customers must be obtained through the analysis of their actual behaviour[10]. Clients can be surveyed and generalizations can be drawn from the survey results[11]. However, in todays competitive competitive world, businesses are required to collect as much data as possible for the clients with regard to their real-time behaviour. Survey questions may include what are their expectation from the company, whether they have any previous positive or negative experience with the company, whether they are happy or unhappy with the service package and whether they are happy or not with the communication system of the company with the clients. Build trust through relationship it is said that you carry on business with the people you trust. For insurance broking business building of trust through maintaining proper relationship plays an important role in retaining the exiting customers. Where trust increases, it increases the commitments also grow. Implement the anticipatory service - the anticipatory services are the proactive approaches to the customer services. It is suggested that instead of waiting for the problems to take place, the company that applies the anticipatory approach can minimize the issues before it takes place. Building online relationship as the people now a days are very active in social medias, the company can create the social profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. The customers will be able to state their views, lodge complaints regarding their services in the social Medias which in turn will assist the company to take better approaches for solving the problems. Management of clients complain The benchmark for the successful broker is the ability of the company to respond and administrate the claims irrespective of the size of the claim that is small or large. Their main objective is to deliver their clients with complete support throughout the total life of the claim. The mission statement of HIBL is o offer a proactive and professional claims service to their clients and deliver accurate and relevant advice[12]. Further, they handle the claims in the following ways All the claims of the clients are handled from the original office. They offer total services started from the initial notification to the final settlement. They provide full analytical assistance for identifying the trends of clams They are always prepared to accepts the challenges related to insurer thinking They offer technical guidance and assistance for the major losses Informative reports are directly provided personally or through e-mail. As the business is completely focussed on delivery of services, they understand the fact that the the emergencies can happen anytime and the time may not be the regular office timing. Therefore, they ensure that somebody is available round the clock to provide assistance to the clients[13]. For the emergencies that arise during out of hours, various account executives and telephone numbers are available in the companys official website. Their claim team includes various experts, for instance, Laura Brelsford in Hull office, Francisco Sandoal in Harrogate office, Tom England in Leeds1 office, Paul Taylor in Kirmington office and Sharon Bulpitt in Newcastle office are few to be named. Effectiveness of customer data Risk management The Company assures their client that they have the best cover for their business at the times of external pressures and crisis. As the independent broker, the group takes time out to get the details of the processes of companies. HIBL is equipped with the expertise and knowledge for reviewing and improving the risk position of their clients business. Further they protect the assets of the clients business and manage the exposure level to the risk areas like Business continuity Fleet management Safety and health Disaster recovery The highly experienced team recommends the client various ways to minimize the risk with best cost-effective prices while ensures the due diligence. Through minimization of risk, HIBL also ensures the retention of the customers. Health and safety As per the governmental regulation, safety and health maintenance is compulsory for all business sectors. HIBL is the major insurance broking service provider with regard to all sectors for health and safety related solutions that ensures the healthy and safe working environment Training of the team HBIL provides regular training to their management team for providing efficient services with regard to risk assessment of the business, environmental safety, fire risk and various other risks. Retaining the customers Experience of the customers with the company plays an important role in making their decision regarding whether to stick with the present company or to switch on to any other company. Therefore, the customer data can be used to make new strategies to retain the existing customers and build-up a long term relationship with the clients. Customers data helps in retaining the existing customers in the following ways Customers experience the experience of the customers are defined through the three sectors of the lifecycle of the customer. These are The marketing and sales efforts of the company that is followed by a support function of HBIL The level of contact a client has with the company and its staffs regarding his service package and other required things. Usage of the companys service by the client itself Management process of customers experience in order to efficiently manage the experience of the customer by HBIL, they required understand the underlying process of the management. it is as follows Able to identify the customers path through the lifecycle of the customer experience Optimizing the internal procedures to focus on the preference of the customer and not on the preference of the HBILs business model[14]. Integrate the data properly from the external sources with the data generated from the own department of the insurance broker. Bring the data from all channels and the touch point together to influence the lifecycle of the customers experience Focussing on the improvement of overall quality of the revenue streams obtained from the customers within the experience lifecycle of client.[15] HBIL carries on all the possible activities to ensure the best possible services to their clients. However, if the client is not satisfied with the service provided to them, he can make an attempt solve the issue as soon as possible through lodging a compliant. If the client thinks that he has a reason to complaint, he can do so by going through the procedure to lodge the complaint. He can lodge the complaint through contacting E-Mail: businessrisk@hendersongroup.com Telephoning 0113 393 6300 Fax - 0113 393 6300 The complaint handling procedures of the company are as follows Their main objective is to resolve the concerns of the clients, as early as possible by closing the business on the very next working day. If this cannot be done, den the client will be acknowledged immediately in writing within five working days of receiving the complaint. If the complaint involves the provision of service by the third party authorised by Financial Conduct authority, like an insurer, HBIL will immediately refer the complaint to the third party in writing. In such circumstances, the client will be provided with the contact details of the third party, any other associated company and the final response of HBI regarding the matter. In case of any complaint, the company always tries to investigate the subject matter thoroughly and send the final response to client in writing before the expiry of eight weeks after the receipt of the complaint[16]. However, if before the expiry of eight weeks, the is not communicated, the company is liable to state the reason in writing form and will also state to the clients about what are the options available for them [17] If the client is not convinced about the handling of the complaint, they can always complaint to the complaint team at HBIL. Details regarding the complaint procedure is given in leaflet - Your complaint How we can help In the event that the client is either a private individual or the enterprise associated with monetary movement that utilizes less than 10 people and has a turnover or yearly asset report that does not surpass 2 million, you may allude your protest to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), if we have had a satisfactory chance to determine your protestation first. We will instruct you concerning as far as possible for making a referral to the FOS and supply a duplicate of the FOS logical booklet with our last reaction. Recommendations To increase the list of clients and retaining the existing customers, HBIL are recommended the following Loyalty of the customers - In the competitive market, customers pays special attention to organizations giving better services with minimization of cost. Client Loyalty includes perceiving and compensating the existing clients who have been with the organization for quite a while. This would attract new clients so that they can adhere to their current organization with a specific end goal to get such acknowledgment and prizes. Forecasting the sales HBIL shall conduct a complete analysis of its sales regularly and make their future plans accordingly. It shall takes into account the facts like-number of contenders and the services provided by them, consumer loyalty and their satisfaction level. This would enable them to use the information all together to get new customers and furthermore guaranteeing that their existing customers remain with them. Basket analysis this analysis is also known as the similarity analysis. This investigation includes assessing the purchase trends of the customers or the potential customersbased on their past purchases.This analysis will enable HBIL in understanding the strategies that they may require soon so they can be drawn closer for the same. For instance if the customer has a skill of changing mobile phones or autos, at that point the insurance agency may utilize this information to offer their approaches for the same. Implementation of the feedback received from customer survey Clients complaints can be kept away from by just hearing them and helping them to solve the issues. With the execution of this sort of study the organization can accomplish its target of lesser shakes and also pull in new clients. The information gave by the overviews ought to be used in solving the grievances and improving the approaches. Market segregation the market shall be segregated on the basis of income, type of business, age, requirements, preference and gender of the people. This data can be utilized to prepare the future strategies and approaches. This will enable the company to attract new customers and retain the existing customers. Conclusion It is concluded from the above discussion that the insurance broker is specialist in risk management and insurance. Brokers act on behalf of their clients and sometimes the insurance broker act as the agent of insurer. Generally, the brokers are conscious of the conditions and terms, exclusions, benefits and cost of various competitive policies of insurance. The most effective way to use the customers data is to recognize the sales opportunities through looking into the data in different ways. The analysis of customers data can help in monitoring the customers approach towards the competitors and to set up the pricing and marketing approach in better way. Through analysis of the report, they know the key products and key markets. Reference and bibliography Appleman, John Alan, Jean Appleman, and Eric Mills Holmes.Contract Concerns: Reinsurance Contract Formation, Validity, And Judicial Construction. Vol. 14. Appleman on Insurance Law and Practice, 2016. Burton, Maureen, and Bruce Brown.The financial system and the economy: Principles of money and banking. Routledge, 2014. Corlette, Sabrina, Linda J. Blumberg, and Erik Wengle. "Insurance Brokers and the ACA: Early Barriers and Options for Expanding Their Role."Washington, DC: Urban Institute. https://www. urban. org/health_policy/url. Cfm(2015). Edelman, Benjamin, and Julian Wright.Markets with price coherence. Harvard Business School, 2015. Kiragu, S. M. "Assessment of challenges facing insurance companies in building competitive advantage in Kenya: A survey of insurance firms."International journal of social sciences and entrepreneurship1.11 (2014): 467-490. Kirkbe?o?lu, Erdem, and John Hood. "An analysis of the carrying capacity and life process risks of UK and Turkish insurance intermediaries."Journal of Risk Research(2016): 1-29. Latorre, Miguel. "Shedding the Light on Insurance Brokers Remuneration: the Role of the Fees." (2015). Ostrager, Barry R., and Thomas R. Newman.Handbook on Insurance Coverage Disputes. Aspen Publishers Online, 2012. Otieno, Linda Faith, and Martin Ogutu. "Perceptions of co-operative insurance group managers towards strategic alliances and competitive advantage."Journal of Business and Strategic Management2.3 (2017): 29-49. Sharma, Pushpa Raj. "Mainstreaming Micro-Insurance Schemes: Role of Insurance Companies in Nepal."Economic Literature11 (2016): 40-46. Starita, M., and Irma Malafronte.Capital requirements, disclosure, and supervision in the European insurance industry: new challenges towards Solvency II. Springer, 2014. Tai, Yi-Ming, and Yi-cheng Ku. "Will Insurance Brokers Use Mobile Insurance Service Platform: An Integration of UTAUT and TTF." (2014). Tseng, Lu-Ming, and Yue-Min Kang. "The influences of sales compensations, management stringency and ethical evaluations on product recommendations made by insurance brokers."Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance22.1 (2014): 26-42. Vanderhoof, Irwin T., and Edward I. Altman, eds.The fair value of Insurance Business. Vol. 5. Springer Science Business Media, 2012. 'Welcome To Henderson Insurance Broking Group' (Henderson Insurance Broking Group, 2017) https://www.hibl.co.uk/ accessed 1 August 2017

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Anne Hutchinson essays

Anne Hutchinson essays Was Anne Hutchinson such a threat to the Massachusetts Bay Colony? Anne Hutchinson was a middle aged house wife who in 1638 was forced to leave her town and her life behind her, as she was excommunicated and banished from the puritan community. Like many religious zealots Anne and her family had fled from the unjust rule of the English church and boldly set forth to the new world. Anne and her family where prominent members of the puritan church and where widely respected in Boston Massachusetts. Anne was an educated, enlightened and an opinionated woman. Because of this free-thinking nature Anne was open to sharing her knowledge and did so by inviting people to here home on a set day every week. (page20) Here guests would be introduced to a variety of liberal and reformist views regarding many facets of the Puritan Church. At these meetings Anne was very informal and spread Antinomian beliefs that imbued a radical philosophy that Christians are not bound by established laws, especially moral laws, but should rely on faith and divine grace for sa lvation. (Confession page 26-27) Anne Hutchinson posed no physical danger to the citizens of the Massachusetts Bay area. However in a time when religious extremism was the backbone of society, Anne Hutchinsons extremist views threatened the puritan lifestyle by disregarding the foundations of the conservative puritan church. This kind of activity was considered unlawful in that the New World puritan settlement was though of as a grand holy mission (page 13) the success of which would provide a template for reforming religious world order. The Clerical as well as judicial bodies of Massachusetts recognized Anne as an antagonist to the Puritan mission. They quickly formulated a case to condemn Anne Hutchinson, thus making a statement to all other Antinomians that liberal ideology was not to be condoned. The case against Anne was loosely constructed and relied upon...

Monday, November 25, 2019

How to Land an Executive Position With Expert Wendy Enelow

How to Land an Executive Position With Expert Wendy Enelow Wendy Enelow is an expert on finding, and keeping, a job. Whether shes showing us how to get the perfect resume at Resume Writing Academy or leading thinkers on the cutting edge of recruiting and hiring at Career Thought Leaders, you wont find anyone whos more focused on careers. Wendy talked with us about finding an executive role in the modern day.When someone is looking to step into an executive role, whats the first thing they should do?Determine whether or not they have the requisite skills, qualifications and credentials for the positions they are targeting. If not, they should determine the best place to acquire those skills either through employment or an educational program. No need to apply if youre not yet qualified. Equally important is finding an executive mentor or sponsor who can work with you to promote your candidacy to the company and/or position that youre targeting.How does finding an executive role differ from finding another job?Savvy executives who are seeking new opportunities should engage in high-level job search activities, including online networking, in-person networking, blogging, target company outreach, recruiter outreach and direct mail/email. They might also respond to specific online job postings, although that should not be the crux of their search campaign, as its the least effective way to find a new position. Most other job seekers should engage in as many of these activities as are relevant to their career objectives. Perhaps the most significant difference is that executive job searches generally take longer since there are less positions available, the competition can be fierce and the hiring process itself takes a great deal of time.If an employer needs to fill an executive position, where should they start looking?Some employers will reach out to executive recruiters to handle the task of recruiting new management and leadership. Although the price tag is high, recruiters will find the candidates of choice and presen t them to the company. Alternative strategies, which can be just as effective and much less costly, include using LinkedIn to identify and connect with qualified candidates, searching groups of interest to the companys industry or profession to find group members with the qualifications the hiring company is seeking, creating a Facebook page and Twitter account to attract quality candidates to the company, and networking with company personnel, suppliers, business partners and others who know the people that they may want to hire.How important is the resume to finding an executive position, and why?The resume is any professionals calling card, giving enough important information and sharing the right achievements and success stories to entice the hiring company to invite the candidate for an interview. Just as important in todays world of online job search is the LinkedIn profile. In fact, LinkedIn can be more important when a company is doing their initial sourcing; then, the resum e comes into play after the candidate has been identified on LinkedIn, which is the primary social media platform for executives.What do you wish everyone knew about writing a resume?The most important thing to know about resume writing is that youre writing to the futureto the position and industry that youre targeting. Resumes are NOT autobiographical essays of everything youve done throughout your entire career. Rather, theyre career marketing communications designed to sell your distinctive qualifications, experiences, achievements, educational credentials and more. Resumes are the appetizers; candidates are the main course (once they get an interview)!What trends in executive hiring should we be watching for in the future?Perhaps the greatest trend will be in the specificity of expertise. Companies want to hire executives with very specific expertise in their industry, product or technology executives who can solve problems and overcome challenges, executives who can optimize opportunities and deliver results by leveraging what theyve already accomplished and who they know. And companies want virtually immediate results. They dont want the plan that will turnaround the business in two years; they want the turnaround now.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Program study and Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Program study and Development Plan - Essay Example I started working as a petitioned registry nurse for Westways Staffing where I worked for four years. After that, I found a full time job in Mission Community Hospital’s emergency department. Being a novice in emergency nursing, I put a lot of effort in refining my emergency nursing skills in order to prepare myself for a successful transition. After working in the emergency department as a staff nurse for four months, I was offered the job of a full time charge nurse. At that time, my eagerness to get the job was attenuated with cynicism. I underestimated myself and feared that I might not be able to live up to my director’s expectations and hence end up failing him. However, the love and support shown by my extremely supportive friends changed my mind for the better and I accepted the job offer. Having worked as part of the management team and added stake in the organization for some time, I felt the need to increase my nursing knowledge in order to better lead a robust department. Therefore, I studied and successfully acquired certification for emergency nurse (CEN) and critical care (CCRN). Getting these certificates instilled the much needed confidence in me to effectively lead the department and deal with the interdepartmental issues along with other charge nurses and nurse managers. Another break in my career arrived when Sherman Oaks Hospital offered me the full time position of a charge nurse. With a view to broadening my nursing experience and successfully dealing with the challenges in a new setting, I left the mission and took the job offer. Nursing has always provided me with endless opportunities to grow. For example, the basic management training I received during my position as a charge nurse ultimately opened the prospect of working in the director’s position in the department. This time I accepted the director’s post and viewed it as a challenge. So far, my department has managed to successfully

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Write a response to the article Modern Stone Age Humans incorporating Essay - 1

Write a response to the article Modern Stone Age Humans incorporating one quotation from artcile - Essay Example Of all the different sorts of theories that I have read explaining the possible reasons or meanings of these paintings, one that I find the most interesting and believable is â€Å"boot-camp training prior to full-fledged military service and training camp prior to sports season†. I think that these paintings might be used by trained and experienced hunters to train the children and young and inexperienced hunters. Many of these paintings show the different sorts of livestock and cattle with spears. I particularly think so because there is a painting of a black deer that is being targeted and shot at by three hunters from different positions. Another significance of these paintings could be material for teaching. It is mentioned in the reading that â€Å"some of the animals in the cave murals are pregnant, and some are copulating† As some of these paintings also show the animals procreating, the paintings might be used as images for teaching how different species

Monday, November 18, 2019

Describe the methods used to calculate value added. How does value Essay - 5

Describe the methods used to calculate value added. How does value added contribute towards understanding the connections betwee - Essay Example This paper will describe the methods used by Ford at Highland Park and Toyota during 1980s and 1990s to improve productivity. Methods used by Henry Ford at Highland Park to improve productivity The Ford plant at Highland Park is thought to have been the main automaker that transformed the lives of a majority of American people in the 20th century. It is at the Highland Park that Henry Ford with the assistance of his designers formulated the current principle of bulk assembly; an example being the endlessly moving assembly line, introduced in 1913 thereby reducing the assembling duration of the Model T to 93 minutes down from 728 minutes. It is noted that the companies continued to grow very fast to the extent that the plant was able to produce a vehicle every minute. The high production led to a scenario in which one in every two cars in the streets all over the world was a Model T (Batchelor 1994, P.22-24). The increase in the production of the Model T by Henry Ford was attributed t o two main principles, namely division of labor and specialization on the assembly line, and the company’s investment in capital. ... With regard to investment in capital as a way of improving productivity, Ford Motor Company built one of Michigan’s largest buildings under one roof known as the Highland Park Plant in 1903. The building was spacious and large thereby allowing for effective arrangement of machineries. The building also had massive windows to enhance natural lights and ventilation. It is also reported that the walls of the building were 75% made of glass with skylights also made available. The nature of the building allows for efficiency in the operation of machines and other tasks thereby leading to improved productivity (Batchelor 1994, P.22-24). Ford Motors also used vertical integration strategy to improve the production of Model T. To ensure that this became a reality, Ford acquired a Brazilian rubber plantation, large chunks of timberland and iron-ores in Minnesota and Michigan, coalmines, ships, and railroads. The acquisitions ensured that Ford do not fall short of materials and parts du ring the manufacturing and assembling thereby guaranteeing the continuity of the operation. Since materials and parts were readily available at any time they were needed, this improved the production of cars manufactured by the company (Brooke 2008, p.68-70). To improve productivity, Henry Ford also created a single-purpose tools and machines at different steps in the manufacturing processes. This was done by using electricity to run the machines used for manufacturing his Model T. The use of electricity did improve the efficiency compared to other methods such as the human operations, which had proved less efficient. In addition, Ford Motors ensured that

Friday, November 15, 2019

Helicopter Operations and Night Capability

Helicopter Operations and Night Capability IN INDIAN CONTEXT The helicopter is probably the most versatile instrument ever invented by man. It approaches closer than any other to fulfilment of mankinds ancient dreams of the flying horse and the magic carpet. Igor Ivanovitch Sikorsky CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background 1. After having flown the fixed wing aircraft successfully in 1903, man turned his attention towards the more complex and challenging problems of flying a rotary wing. The visionaries had long since prophesied the possibility of a vehicle that would takeoff vertically before moving forwards. The recorded evidence of this idea was found in the Chinese books as early as 400 BC, but it was probably only around 1490, when Leonardo da Vinci came up with his sketches of a similar vehicle, that the concept of helicopters actually advanced. Despite this, the first free flight was performed only in November 1907. Unlike the airplane, a helicopter is an aircraft with rotary wings. The capability to hover for long durations allows the helicopter to accomplish tasks unachievable by other means. In addition, the versatility and ease of operation, compared to a fixed wing aircraft make helicopters an excellent choice for all kinds of operations, by day and especially by night. Evolution of Helicopter 2. The earliest mentions of a vertical flight have been in a Chinese book written in 4th century BC, referred to as Pao Phu Tau[1]. Someone asked the master about the principles of mounting to dangerous heights and travelling into the vast inane. The Master said, Some have made flying cars with wood from the inner part of the jujube tree, using ox-leather [straps] fastened to returning blades so as to set the machine in motion[2]. However, it was in 1490, when Leonardo da Vinci had the imagination to design a machine made of wood and starched linen, called the ‘helical screw. This machine, operated by a spring mechanism, was supposed to literally screw itself vertically into the air. This machine, shown in Fig. 1, was the origin of the word helicopter. The word is a combination of the Greek words, ‘Helix meaning spiral and ‘Pteron meaning wing[3]. Thereafter, in July 1754, Mikhail Lomonosov demonstrated a small coaxial rotor for lifting meteorological instruments. C hristian de Launoy, and his mechanic, Bienvenu, made a model with a pair of counter-rotating rotors, using turkeys flight feathers as rotor blades, in 1784. 3. Between the Fifteenth and Twentieth Centuries, adequate machinery needed to produce helicopters, like turbine engines and rotors, was not yet made possible by assembly lines, but as the Industrial Revolution prompted factories and technology accelerated, the helicopter evolved. One of the first breakthroughs in helicopter advancement was by George Cayley who produced a converti-plane in 1843. A man named Bourne flew the helicopter-like aircraft a year later. Spring-like contraptions inside, apparently powered this model. All helicopter models at this time lacked suitable power to achieve flight and were both bulky and heavy[4]. In 1877, Enrico Forlaninis unmanned helicopter, powered by a steam engine stayed at a height of 13 m for 20 secs after a vertical takeoff. However, Breguet-Richet‘s Gyroplane No. 1 achieved the first successful vertical flight, in September 1907. Since this machine did not have any control or steering devices of its own, this could not take the credit for the first helicopter to make a truly free flight. Paul Cornu claimed this recognition in November 1907, when he flew his ‘Flying Bicycle at a height of 0.3 m for 20 secs. 4. During the World War I in 1917, the engineers of Hungarian Ganz Company designed a radical motorized flying machine to replace the dangerous hydrogen-filled balloons, then being used to observe enemy positions. This aircraft flew to a height of over 50 m. 120 hp engines and two massive wooden propellers turning in opposite directions supported it. It was intended to lift a pilot, an observer, a machine gun and fuel for an hours flight. Because of great success and curious design, many specialists consider it as the worlds first real helicopter[5]. The quality and quantity of production materials increased, and great improvements were made in the field of engine technology in many parts of the world including Europe and the United States. An aircraft model for military advancement was needed for more versatile and precise war tactics. With better technology and more need, the next step in helicopter advancement would soon come. 5. Meanwhile, Juan de la Cierva was developing the first practical rotorcraft in Spain. In 1923, the aircraft that would become the basis for the modern helicopter rotor began to take shape in the form of an autogyro. Cierva had discovered aerodynamic and structural deficiencies in his early designs that could cause his autogyros to flip over after takeoff. The flapping hinges that Cierva designed for the C.4 allowed the rotor to develop lift equally on the left and right halves of the rotor disk. A crash in 1927, led to the development of a drag hinge to relieve further stress on the rotor from its flapping motion. These two developments allowed for a stable rotor system, not only in a hover, but in forward flight. Albert Gillis von Baumhauer, a Dutch aeronautical engineer, began studying rotorcraft design in 1923. His first prototype flew (hopped and hovered in reality) on 24 September 1925, with Dutch Army-Air arm Captain Floris Albert van Heijst at the controls. The controls that Captain Heijst used were Von Baumhauers inventions, the cyclic and collective. Patents were granted to Baumhauer for his cyclic and collective controls by the British ministry of aviation on 31 January 1927. At the same time, Boris N. Yuriev and Alexei M. Cheremukhin constructed and flew a single rotor helicopter that had an open tubing framework and utilized two anti-torque rotors, one each at tail and nose. Another Russian, Nicolas Florine, built the first twin tandem rotor machine to perform a free flight, in 1933. The Brà ©guet-Dorand Gyroplane Laboratoire was built in 1933. After many ground tests and an accident, it first took flight on 26 June 1935. Within a short time, the aircraft was setting records with pilot Maurice Claisse at the controls. On 14 December 1935, he set a record for closed-circuit flight with a 500-meter (1,600 ft) diameter. The next year, on 26 September 1936, Claisse set a height record of 158 meters (520 ft). And, finally, on 24 November 1936, he set a flight duration record of one hour, two minutes and 5 seconds over a 44 kilometre (27 mi) closed circuit at 44.7 kilometres per hour (27.8 mph). The aircraft was destroyed in 1943 by an Allied airstrike at Villacoublay airport. Despite the success of the Gyroplane Laboratoire, the German Focke-Wulf Fw 61, first flown in 1936, would eclipse its accomplishments. The Fw 61 broke all of the helicopter world records in 1937, demonstrating a flight envelope that had only previously been achieved by the autogyro. Nazi Germany would use helicopters in small numbers during World War II for observation, transport, and medical evacuation. The Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri synchropter was used in the Mediterranean Sea, while the Focke Achgelis Fa 223 Drache was used in Europe. Extensive bombing by the Allied forces prevented Germany from producing any helicopters in large quantities during the war. 6. In the United States, Igor Sikorsky built the VS-300, a single rotor design with a smaller rotor mounted vertically on the tail boom to counter the torque produced by the main rotor. Developed from this design, the R-4 became the first mass produced helicopter. This was also the only allied helicopter to see service in the World War II. Sikorsky produced over 400 helicopters of R-4, R-5 and R-6 types before the end of the war. Meanwhile, Bell Aircraft built the Model 30, which later developed into Bell 47, which became the first certified helicopter for civilian use and remained the most popular model for nearly three decades. 7. In 1951, Charles Kaman modified his K-225 helicopter with the turbo-shaft engine. This was a major development in terms of reducing weight penalty. On 11 December 1951, this became the first turbine powered helicopter, followed by Navy HTK-1 to be the first twin-turbine helicopter, in 1954. However, Alouette II was the first helicopter produced with a turbine engine[6]. More development were seen during the 1960s and 70s due to the Vietnam War. These advancements were fuelled by the militarys requirement for advanced helicopters for use as gunships, missile-launching platforms and for the rescue of the wounded troops. The Bell 209 Cobra was one of the helicopters produced at that time. Thereafter, with further advancement in technology, came the era of ‘Tiltrotors. McDonnell produced their Tiltrotor UAV and Bell/Boeing produced the model 609, the worlds first commercial Tiltrotor[7]. Helicopters have continued to develop with the advancing technology and concepts like Ã¢â‚¬Ë œNOTAR, contra-rotating rotors, etc., have come into being. The helicopters have also found employment in nearly all walks of life and will continue to develop and find more areas of usability in the future. Nevertheless, for India the helicopter age started in the mid 1950s when a couple of Sikorsky helicopters flew in the Indian skies for the first time. The initial build-up was slow. The war with China in 1962 gave the necessary impetus to the chopper fleet in the armed forces. Since then there is no looking back[8]. CHAPTER II METHODOLOGY ‘When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return†. Leonardo da Vinci Statement of the Problem 1. To identify and study the roles and challenges for night operations by helicopters and to suggest measures to overcome these, in Indian context. Hypothesis 2. Helicopters are going to be employed in greater numbers all over the world and India is no exception. Night helicopter operations will become a necessity due to the utilization of these machines in greater numbers as well as the future trends. Thus, India needs to improve the infrastructure and the support services to optimally utilise these flying machines by ensuring their unhindered operations by night. Justification for the Study 3. The year 2008 had been declared as the year of the Helicopter, in India. The incredibly complex flying machine has come a long way and is now whirring at Indias doorstep like never before, both in the civil and military sectors. That is why the third International Seminar Heli Power India 2008 turned into a resounding success after Heli Power India 2006[9]. In addition, in August 2009, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a grant to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in India, to help update regulations and practices governing helicopter operations. The USTDA grant, to be carried out under the auspices of the U.S.-India Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP), will aid in the growth and development of Indias civil aviation sector by fostering increases in the volume of helicopter operations in the expanding Indian market[10]. Even though the growth of civil helicopter industry has stalled a bit in the world scenario, there is optimism in its growth in India. In a presentation at HELI-EXPO 2006, Air Vice Marshal Sridharan said, â€Å"India is truly a helicopter country on account of its diverse topography†[11]. This was because of the interlacing rivers and numerous hill ranges that impede the development of rail/road network. Helicopters are routinely employed by civil administration to support Government operations to connect to population centres in most of north India. Also since India is prone to natural disasters, wherein helicopters are utilised in a big way for relief operations, the need for, and thus the numbers of helicopters in operations is going to steadily increase. 4. The helicopter strength has not increased greatly in the defence services, though there are plans to upgrade the existing fleet as well as procure new helicopters in the near future. This will be mandatory keeping the internal security scenario in mind post 26/11 incident at Mumbai. Along with the increase in the number of helicopters, the changing scenario is laying more emphasis on night operations, throughout the world. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate our capabilities to be able to undertake unhindered helicopter operations by night. Scope 5. This study concentrates on bringing out the present and future roles envisaged for helicopter night operations, both civil and military, in Indian context. The paper is also intended to analyse the challenges to these operations, not considering the financial implications, and make some recommendations to enhance helicopter operations in India. Method of Data Collection 6. The data/information for preparing this dissertation has been collected through books, periodicals, aviation magazines, journals and articles available at the Defence Services Staff College Library, Wellington. Handouts issued by the College and various papers presented on helicopters have been referred to. Due to the paucity of literature in the library, articles, publications, papers by professionals available on internet have been extensively used. Many aspects have been discussed with officers from the helicopter stream of all three services. Bibliography of the various sources has been appended to this paper. Organisation of the Dissertation 7. The paper has been organised into chapters. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner:- (a) Chapter I. Introduction (b) Chapter II. Methodology (c) Chapter III. Characteristics of a Helicopter (d) Chapter IV. Helicopter Operations in India (e) Chapter V. Helicopter Night Operations: Civil (f) Chapter VI. Helicopter Night Operations: Military (g) Chapter VII. Requirements for Night Operations (h) Chapter VIII. Challenges in Night Operations (i) Chapter IX. Recommendations (j) Chapter X. Conclusion CHAPTER III CHARACTERISTICS OF A HELICOPTER â€Å"Helicopters are really a bunch of parts flying in relatively close formation; all rotating around a different axis. Things work well until one of the parts breaks formation†. Anonymous 1. Unlike an airplane which uses the engine thrust for forward propulsion and the fixed aerofoil sections (wings) for the lift, a helicopter uses a set of rotating aerofoil sections (rotors) for both the lift as well as the directional motion. The engine power is primarily used for rotating the main rotor. It also has an anti-torque system in the form of a vertical tail rotor/contra-rotating coaxial main rotor or in some types; called the ‘NOTAR, the jet efflux from the main engine is used for this purpose. This method of lift generations bestows the helicopter with the ability:- (a) To takeoff and land vertically (b) To hover over any given point (c) To move in any direction, i.e. forward, backward and sideways (d) Turn through 360 ° over a given point. 2. At times the helicopter require a short air strip to be able to carry out Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) instead of the Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) due to the power requirement for VTOL not being available. This would depend on the:- (a) All Up Weight (AUW). More the AUW more will be the power required for VTOL. (b) Winds. Like conventional aircraft, helicopters takeoff/land most efficiently, when pointed into wind. Stronger the head winds the more efficiently the machine behaves. (c) Density Altitude (DA). This is a function of the prevailing temperature and the density at the operating altitude and this determines the performance of the helicopter. Lower the DA better is the performance and load carrying capacity of a helicopter. Types of Helicopters 3. The helicopters are classified into various types based on their Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), their role and their design[12]. Based on the MTOW they are classified as:- (a) Type-I (Heavy) Skycrane S-61, Chinook, Mi-26 (b) Type-II (Medium) Bell 205 (c) Type-III (Light) Jetranger / Md-500 4. Based on the role they are classified as:- (a) Utility helicopter Mi-8, Mi-17, UH-1 Huey (b) Armed helicopter/Gunship A utility helicopter with limited firepower (c) Attack helicopter Mi-25/35, AH-64 Apache (d) Airborne Early Warning (AEW) helicopter Kamov Ka-32 (e) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter Seaking (f) Multi-mission and Rescue helicopters Chetak, Cheetal (g) Observation helicopters OH-58 Kiowa, Gazelle (h) Training helicopters Robinson R22, Cheetah (j) Skycrane helicopters Sikorsky S-64 (k) Helitack helicopters Bell 205 (l) MEDEVAC helicopters Sikorsky S76-C+ (m) Unmanned helicopters Sikorsky Cypher II, Bombardier CL-327 Guardian 5. Based on their construction, they are classified as:- (a) Conventional (Single rotor and tail rotor combination) Alouette III, HAL Dhruv (b) NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) MD Helicopters 520N, Aerotà ©cnica AC-14 (c) Tandem rotor CH-47 Chinook, Boeing Vertol 107-II (d) Fenestron Eurocopter EC120B, Aà ©rospatiale Gazelle (e) Tip jet rotor McDonnell XV-1, Hughes XH-17 (f) Coaxial rotors Kamov-32, Sikorsky S-69 (g) Synchropter Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri, HH-43 Huskie (h) Compound helicopter/Gyrodyne McDonnell XV-1, Kamov Ka-22 (j) Tilt rotor Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey, Bell/Agusta BA 609 (k) X-wing Sikorsky S-72 (only experimental) Advantages over Fixed Wing 6. The major advantages of a helicopter over a conventional fixed wing aircraft are as follows:- (a) Ubiquity. The ability of a helicopter to operate from any/every place, without the requirement of a prepared surface, is its biggest advantage. This is also the major factor which favours extensive night operations by a helicopter, as it does not require elaborate infrastructure for night operations. (b) Flexibility. The helicopter is very flexible in terms of task performance. It can be converted from one role to another with minimal time, resources and effort. This characteristic aids in ease of operations by night wherein there would be constraints in terms of lighted space, etc. (c) Vertical Envelopment. Helicopters can achieve and maintain vertical envelopment without the need for a linkup. (d) Versatility. The helicopters ability to fly at all speed regimes (i.e. 0 to maximum) and at very low heights, permits the use of terrain masking to improve its survivability and thus its utilization in combat scenario. This property also propels the use of helicopter in various civilian applications like survey, meteorological observation, etc. (e) Logistic Support. Due to the above-mentioned attributes, the helicopter is the ideal platform for speedy logistic support in confined/inaccessible areas both for military as well as civilian needs. (f) Under Slung Load. Helicopters also have the advantage of carrying the cargo/payload either inside their fuselage or, if the size/shape of the cargo/payload so demands then, outside as an under slung load, with minimal penalty. (g) Weather. Helicopters can be flown in weather conditions like poor visibility and precipitation which would not permit flight of an airplane, owing to their versatility. Availability of better onboard avionics has improved its all weather capability manifolds. (h) Night Operations. Owing to its ubiquity, versatility and the capability to operate in marginal weather conditions, helicopters make an ideal choice for night operations. Limitations 7. Helicopters do have certain disadvantages as well, in comparison to a fixed wing aircraft. Some of these are:- (a) Limited Speed. Due to the characteristics of rotating rotor blades (tip speeds approaching 1 Mach) helicopters cannot travel faster than about 350 kmph[13]. These speeds are very low and unsafe in a combat area. (b) Fuel Consumption. Helicopter consumes more fuel than a conventional aircraft in performing the same task. (c) Limited Range. Helicopters being smaller, carry lesser fuel. This coupled with the higher fuel consumption have a severe limitation on the range of operations of helicopters. (d) Payload. Helicopters have to strike a balance between the size and weight of the intended payload viz. their own design and manoeuvrability. The bigger the intended payload the bigger the helicopter and lesser is the manoeuvrability (applicable for both internal and under slung loads). Also, the payload capacity of the helicopter reduces more rapidly with increase in altitude, compared to an airplane. (e) Maintenance. Maintenance is difficult due to large number of moving part[14]. (f) High Cost. Rotorcraft being complex cost many times more than conventional airplane of similar performance, both in procurement as well as in operations. (g) Noise Vibrations. Helicopters are inherently noisy and prone to vibrations due to the rotor dynamics. This is problem area for both civil as well as military employment of these machines. (h) Limited Service Ceiling. In general, helicopters have a much lower service ceiling compared to an airplane. Additionally, most of the helicopters have an unpressurised cabin/passenger area, thereby forcing them to operate at much lower altitudes, due oxygen considerations. (i) Vulnerability. Noise, low speed and limitations due load are the major contributors to military helicopters being vulnerable to enemy fire. Thus, the armour requirement for the helicopter depends on these factors. CHAPTER IV HELICOPTER OPERATIONS IN INDIA â€Å"Any Air Force that welcomes the onset of darknessis well on its way to victory† Mark Hewish Civil Helicopters 1. Though the history of helicopter dates back to 400 BC, for India the helicopter age started in the mid 1950s when a couple of Sikorsky helicopters flew in the Indian skies for the first time[15]. These helicopters were for the Indian Air Force. The first commercial helicopter flight was undertaken by Capt. R Captain in a Hiller UH 12B in Nov 53. Helicopters in both civil military have been in service of the nation for over 59 years. From 1953 to 1986, the commercial use of helicopters in India was limited to small Aviation companies who were involved in communication and crop spraying roles. The formation of Helicopter Corporation of India by the Govt in 1986 (later named Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited) with a fleet of 42 helicopters provided the first boost to the Industry in the country. The growth rate has registered double digit only since 2004. Since then, until 2007, the growth of civil registered helicopters has been very modest, as shown in Fig 2[16]. 2. Against a global average of one helicopter per half million people, in India the ratio is one helicopter for five million. The Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), the only society of its kind came into existence in 1998 and that too due single handed efforts of Air Vice Marshal (Retd) K Sridharan. Despite the late start, the prospects for growth in civil helicopter fleet are bright. The rapidly growing economy with activities spreading to remote, inaccessible areas, increased dependence on air travel and the ever widening search for energy reserves could propel growth in the next few years[17]. Realising the potential shown by civilian helicopter operations across the country, the civil aviation ministry is reportedly setting up a ‘Helicopter Mission to coordinate helicopter operations and deliberate on relevant issues[18]. Military Helicopters 3. The build up of military helicopters was slow and the impetus to the fleet actually came only after the 1962 war with China, although some helicopters did see action in that war itself, primarily in the casualty evacuation role. The earliest helicopter pilots in India were former Fighter and Transport pilots who for medical reasons or ‘service exigencies were moved to helicopter units. They were joined by some pilots of the Auxiliary Air Force. The first ‘true blood chopper pilots were commissioned with the 83rd Pilots Course in 1963. As no helicopter training facility existed in India, those flight cadets who were selected to fly choppers were sent to the UK or USSR for their initial conversion before returning home to join Mi-4 or Chetak units. Subsequently a Logistic Support Training Unit was set up in Allahabad for training helicopter pilots, and this was later converted to the Helicopter Training School, which is currently located at Fighter Training Wing in Hyder abad[19]. From this modest beginning the IAF has grown in strength and capability to now participate in international exercises as well as in UN peace keeping missions all over the world. Helicopter Industry 4. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) came into existence on 01 October 1964. The Company was formed by the merger of Hindustan Aircraft Limited with Aeronautics India Limited and Aircraft Manufacturing Depot, Kanpur. The Company traces its roots to the pioneering efforts of an industrialist with extraordinary vision, the late Seth Walchand Hirachand, who set up Hindustan Aircraft Limited at Bangalore in association with the erstwhile princely State of Mysore in December 1940. The Government of India became a shareholder in March 1941 and took over the Management in 1942. HALS involvement with rotary-winged aircraft dates back to June 1962 when, to meet the Indian Air Forces requirement for light helicopters, the Government of India signed a licence agreement with M/s SUD-AVIATION (Presently M/s EUROCOPTER, France)[20]. 5. The first helicopter type to be built at HAL Bangalore was the Alouette Ill, later named Chetak, with firm orders having been placed in January 1965, the raw material production phase beginning in 1969-70. The Alouette II, with the dynamics including power plant of the Alouette Ill was specifically developed to meet the Indian Armys stringent requirement and was christened Lama by the French (and Cheetah by the Indians). First Cheetah manufactured from raw materials was delivered in 1976-77[21]. 6. Over the next twenty years, HALs Helicopter Division produced hundreds of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters for the Indian Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard as also for a number of civilian customers, including State Governments while a score or more were exported. This division has also produced the Dhruv helicopter (Advanced Light Helicopter-ALH) and its variants for the three services as well as for certain friendly foreign nations. It is currently pursuing the series production of the same and also developing the Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)[22]. 7. Indias attraction for helicopter makers is reaffirmed by strategic deals struck in the past year by key rotorcraft players. Sikorsky Aircraft has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a unit of Tata Group on the production of cabins for the S-92 helicopter and Eurocopter has expanded its manufacturing capability in India in collaboration with Mach Aero[23]. CHAPTER V HELICOPTER NIGHT OPERATIONS: CIVIL Any idiot can get an airplane off the ground, but an aviator earns his keep by bringing it back anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances that man and God can dream up. Walter Cunningham 1. Helicopter is a unique and very versatile machine and can be deployed in variety of roles by modifying them even at a very short notice. The various civil operations that can be undertaken by helicopters in the night are discussed in the following paragraphs. The many other roles undertaken by helicopters like, the use of Sky crane, maintenance and repair of overhead high tension cables, etc. are not discussed here as these operations are likely to be undertaken in day only. 2. Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). Helicopters are used as air ambulances for emergency medical assistance in situations when an ambulance cannot easily or quickly reach the scene. Helicopters are also used when a patient needs to be transported between medical facilities and air transportation is the most practical method for the safety of the patient. Air ambulance helicopters are equipped to provide medical treatment to a patient while in flight. The use of helicopters as an air ambulance is often referred to as MEDEVAC, and the service is known as Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)[24], [25]. 3. Disaster Management. Disaster relief and humanitarian operations have become an increasingly important part of missions undertaken by many air forces around the world. The very magnitude of natural disasters like the massive tsunami, earthquake in 2001 and the seasonal floods in country warrant concerted efforts by various agencies to cope with the widespread destruction caused. Inevitably the helicopter had yet again featured as the primary air asset in bringing relief to the victims in these areas, be it food supplies, medical evacuation or movement of rescue parties to the hard to reach stricken areas. Tactical transport helicopters were used in a variety of multi-tasked missions from various air force bases around the region. They provided a vital link in creating the bridge for movement of personnel and materials in areas with little or no accessibility. At times, these operations had to be delayed due to the inclement weather or the absence of night capability with the helic opter in use. These occurrences reiterate the need for the nations armed forces as well as civil agencies to maintain a modern and effective rotary winged element that is capable of responding to these situations, irrespective of day or night[26]. 4. Airborne Law Enforcement. Police departments and other law enforcement agencies, in other nations, use helicopters to pursue suspects. Since helicopters can achieve a unique aerial view, they are often used in conjunction with police on the ground to report on suspects locations and movements. They are often mounted with lighting and heat-sensing equipment for night pursuits[27]. The same is likely to be inducted into our Police and other security agencies, in the future. 5. Electronic News Gathering. Helicopters, due to their versatility ubiquity, have become a popular means of electronic news gathering. The helicopters come equipped with gyro stabilised zoom cameras mounted under the fuselage and all other associated electronic equipment onboard for a direct transmission on satellite television. They are also equipped with cameras and lights for night time operations. Though this is not yet proliferated to India, the time is not very far when well see couple of these helicopters operating overhead, on a 24 x 7 basis. 6. Aerial Survey. Government and industries require various surveys like damp surveys, heat loss surveys, insulation integrity, water ingress, electrical distribution inspections, aerial mapping GIS of cities, pipeline aerial surveys, landfill site surveys for detection of methane gas and leachate flows, animal censusing surveys, sub-surface heating pipe/wiring detection and mapping etc. For their planning and development processes. These can be easily carried out by suitable equipment mounted on a helicopter. The advantage being that since the helicopter travels at a much slower speed and at a lower height compared to an airplane; the sampling rate for each parameter would be that much higher