How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Essay Example

How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice Paper Shakespeare influences audience opinion in many different ways in The Merchant Of Venice. However, some of the devices he uses may have differing effects on Elizabethan and modern audiences. Elizabethans had many prejudiced stereotypes that Shakespeare includes in his play. There was less diversity of cultures when Shakespeare wrote the play, and therefore there was a lot more bad feeling towards different races and religions. Elizabethans were also more religious than people are nowadays, so there feelings towards religion and religious beliefs were much stronger than they would be today. The Elizabethans did not like the Jews, mainly because of the stereotypes that were portrayed of them. Jews were seen to be money grabbing and the Elizabethans disagreed with their ideas and values about life. The play was set in Venice, Italy where there was a law of equality which allowed trade to run smoothly as much of the Venetian way of life was based on trading. This would have an effect on the Elizabethan audience because Elizabethans believed that generosity was a great virtue to have, and they believed that Jews were not at all generous, something which is definite of Shylocks character. We will write a custom essay sample on How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on How Does Shakespeare Influence Audience Opinion Of Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer They also disliked usurers and merchants because they went against the Christian values. The play is a comedy and a lot of the humour was based on the Elizabethan reaction to Shylocks character and onstage appearance. However, in modern times society is a lot less prejudiced, thus creating more sympathy for Shylock. The Elizabethan audience would also be much more religious than a modern audience, and Shylock was a character that went against everything they believed in as Christians. Most of the Christian values are opposed to the stereotypical portrayal of Jews, especially as they are portrayed in Merchant Of Venice. Therefore, especially with an Elizabethan audience, the main feeling towards Shylock would not be sympathy, but hostility and loathing. The Elizabethan audience would immediately recognise Shylock as Jewish because he would we be dressed in stereotypical Jewish clothes and he would be wearing a red wig which was another stereotypical image of Jews. Everything about him would be stereotypical of a Jewish person, most of it in a degrading way as Shakespeare himself would have been a Christian. A lot of Shylocks speech reflects his character, for instance, he is a miser with words, similar to the way he is a miser with his money. He does not live in the world of aristocrats, but instead the world of merchants, which is why his money is so important to him. In Act One, Scene Three Shylock speaks first and his words are Three thousand ducats; well. This gives us an immediate first impression that his main concern in life is his money and wealth. He also repeats a lot of his words and phrases which shows he has a materialistic mind and a lack of imagination. He is very narrow and literal minded as we see in the way that he speaks. Ho, no, no, no, no and there be land-rats and water-rats, land-thieves and water-thieves It is significant that he used the term rats, because the Elizabethans had strong views on the sense of order of being. They thought that the order of society reflected the universe. Animals were at the bottom of this chain and therefore the least important. Elizabethan philosophers thought that man would lapse into beastliness if he allowed himself to become selfish. Therefore, the fact that Shylock uses animals as metaphors shows that he is preoccupied with the animal world. This tells us that Shylock is at about the same level as animals in the order of being, giving the audience little respect for him. However, a modern audience may not see this link as they do not have the same ideas as the Elizabethans on the order of being. Other characters in the play also refer to Shylock as a bird of prey which shows us that they perceive him as being the least important person around, and that he is selfish. The audience may react to this differently because it might, for some people, increase their sympathies towards Shylock as he is being mistreated and mocked by the other characters, but other people may see it as a reinforcement to the idea that Shylock is a selfish, unlikeable character. However, I dont think it would influence a modern audiences opinion towards Shylock because they would not associate the animal references with the chain of being. Therefore, it would only affect the Elizabethan audiences who would understand the references. He also repeats short, blunt phrases, showing his stubborn personality and his repetition of the adjectives rats and thieves show, again, that he lacks imagination and it is a great contrast to the metaphorical way of speaking of Antonio and the other Christians. [Antonio]The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul, producing holy witness, is like a villain with a smiling cheek, A goodly rotten apple at the heart. This is an example of the poetic speech of Antonio and his fellow Christians. This gives the audience a negative opinion about Shylock compared to Antonio already, as Shakespeare wanted his audience to think that Christians were much more sensitive and open hearted then the Jews. It also means that the a udience will subconsciously prefer Antonio to Shylock as his words are much more poetical and less blunt. It also gives us a bad impression of Shylock because we see that Antonio is speaking harsh words about him and we know that there must be a reason for this because Antonio is Christian and is therefore good and speaks the truth. The contrasts between Shylock and Antonio influence audience opinion greatly. The main reason for disliking Shylock is the fact that he is a Jew and most of the Elizabethan audience, as well as the majority of the characters in the play, are Christians. Therefore, a lot of the influences on the audience for disliking Shylock, come from the constant comparisons to Antonio who is seen to be automatically a good character, simply because he is a Christian. This is hypocritical because, although Antonio is not an obvious merchant like Shylock, he still makes money in the same way that Shylock does, but through his ships. However, there are some similarities between the two characters. Although it is more obvious with Shylock, both of the characters are outsiders. Shylock, because he is a Jew and Antonio because he is unmarried. Also, neither of them accept the others religion and they both hate each other because of it. Both of them are lonely, isolated figures amongst the happy youth of Venice. They also both equate their property with their life and they both have a power over the others life at some time in the play. This means that although the audience may dislike Shylock and like Antonio, there are still similarities between them, which might make their opinions change or differ throughout the play. There is a irony in the way that one of the reasons the Christians (and Antonio) despise Shylock is because of what he does with his money (lend it out for profit) but Antonio does the same thing with his trading, but in a different way. This irony is highlighted in Act Four, Scene One, by Portia [Portia]Which is the merchant here? And which is the Jew? This would show the audience that some of the reasons for disliking Shylock are unfair, as they apply to themselves and the other Christian characters in the play. There are, however, a lot of differences and contrasts between Antonio and Shylock apart from the obvious different religions. Shylock lends his money to his enemies for a profit, whereas Antonio lends his money to his friends for free. Antonio risks his life for Bassanio because he is his friend, but Shylock tries to take the life of Antonio because he is his enemy. They also have very different characters. Antonio is mainly optimistic and merciful, whereas Shylock is pessimistic and vengeful. This influences the audience opinion because they think of Antonio as a good character because he shows better characteristics. The audience will also have a negative opinion of Shylock because he is surrounded by enemies while Antonio is surrounded by friends. This is part of the way the scene is structured which affects the audience opinion of Shylock. The way the scenes are structured has a lot to do with our opinion of Shylock. For example, in most of the scenes we either see Shylock in the middle of a conversation, or entering in the middle of a scene with other characters. This means that we never see whether Shylock stops talking about money when he is not talking about the deal, because we never see him start a conversation. This means that we have a negative view of him, because we always see the same business side of him. We also never see Shylock on his own, he always enters the stage to join a social grouping, which automatically makes him seem like an outsider. This also means that we rarely see Shylock as he sees himself, just as other people see him. Because most of the other characters in the play are Christians, and therefore dislike Shylock, we see their image of him, which is obviously going to be negative. However, through the use of asides, Shylock reveals some of his inner thoughts to the audience, which is the only time we get to see what Shylock is really feeling. [Shylock talking about Antonio]How like a fawning publican he is: I hate him for he is Christian This shows us that Shylock is capable of human emotion and he does have feelings, which is a contrast to the narrow minded image we have of him, due to his cold, monosyllabic talk. However, these emotions are negative so they do not necessarily create a good image of his personality, but they still show that he has emotions. This creates a better image for Shylock and we feel more sympathy towards him because as we realise that he does have feelings, we realise that he does get hurt by the way he is treated and we see that it is unfair. However, Shylock is being hypocritical because he is being prejudiced against Antonio which is one of the reasons that he (Shylock) is treated unfairly himself. In a modern audience, however, where religion is less important they may see that Shylocks prejudices are justified because of the way that he is treated. In Act three, Scene one the language that Shylock uses influences our opinion a lot. Shylock learns of the disappearance of his daughter, Jessica and he does not seem to be very concerned. She is damned for it This suggests that Shylock does not care about what has happened to her and he blames her, saying she is damned. A lot of the reactions he has towards his daughter would influence audience opinion greatly. A lot of Act Three, Scene One is about the disappearance of Shylocks daughter Jessica. Shylock fears that she has run away with a Christian, his greatest enemies. At first we think that he is genuinely interested in his daughters well-being. [Shylock]Hast thou found my daughter? The first thing he thinks about is his daughter, which shows us that he does have some good sides to him and he wants to know what has happened to his daughter. This will make the audience see him in a good light as he has shown us that he cares about someone. However, Shylock then proves that he is a slave to his money [Shylock]a diamond gone! Cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfurt I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear Shylock has openly admitted that he would rather have his jewels and his daughter dead, than the other way around. This is a shocking thing to admit and it will influence the audience greatly into having a negative opinion about him, because the fact that he cares more about his money than his daughter gives the impression that he is extremely cold hearted and money is his life. Although Shylock repeatedly talks about his loyalty to the Jewish faith, it is shown to be less important to him than his wealth [Shylock]a diamond gone, cost me two thousand ducats in Frankfurt! The curse never fell upon our nation until now; I never felt it till now This shows that his priorities lie not with his faith which he talks about so much, but with his money because he admits that the supposed curse on his race has not affected him until now, when his money has been taken away. By saying this the audience gets an impression of him that until things affect him personally they do not bother him, which emphasises his selfish personality. It also shows that he is feeling bitter about being a Jew. He then calls his daughter a thief, which shows that he doesnt seem to have any compassion towards her because she has taken the most important thing in his life from him: money. This reinforces our opinions and ideas about his character, and the audience will continue to see him in a bad light. We then see more of Shylocks bad side when he learns about Antonios ships. [Shylock]What, what, what? ill luck? ill luck? From this we see that he is keen for someone else to suffer bad luck as well as him. It also shows us that he is happy again now he knows that he will get his money. Again we see that money is extremely important to him because he has become happier when he realises that he Antonio will not be able to pay him back and therefore broken the bond. This shows us again the bitterness and selfishness of his character. However, he does show us that he has some feelings because he mentions his ex-wife Leah. I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor: I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys. This shows us that he does in fact care for some people, and he does have feelings and emotions as he would not have given the ring away because of its sentimental value. This shows the audience that he cared for his wife and it creates audience sympathy towards him because he obviously cares/cared for her, proving he does have emotions and he is not completely bitter. Another of the main devices in the play which influence our opinion of Shylock occurs with the main twist in the plot: the ending where the tables are turned on Shylock. In the court he is insisting on carrying out the bond he had with Antonio, even though both the judge and Portia are against him and have offered him three times the money Antonio owed him instead of the pound of flesh. However, Portia points out that Shylock cannot have his pound of flesh because the bond would not allow him to spill any of Antonios blood, and Shylock would not be able to take a pound of flesh from Antonio without taking any of his blood. [Portia]Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh; But, in cutting it, if thou dost shed One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods Are, by the laws of Venice, confiscate Unto the state of Venice This comes as a shock to both the audience and Shylock because neither of them would foresee this. It is also an example of irony because Portia is being as p edantic about the law as Shylock was earlier in the scene. There is even more dramatic irony when Shylock is forced to be a Christian. [Antonio] He presently become a Christian This is ironic because Christians are supposed to believe in mercy and forgiveness, so this is going against their religious beliefs. It also makes the audience feel sympathy towards Shylock because he is facing having to lose everything or to change his beliefs. It is also ironic that Antonio and the other Christians despise Shylock because he lends money for profit, because they do exactly the same thing, just in a different way. Antonio sends his ships out to buy goods cheaply from other places, and then he will sell them on for more money, which is effectively the same as what Shylock is doing. Christians also believe that everyone is equal but they do not show these qualities in their inhuman treatment of their slaves. This hypocrisy increases audience sympathy for Shylock because we see, again, that he is being mistreated, even more clearly than before. Because Shylocks religion was one of the main reasons that he was mistreated, the audience will see it as unfair that it is now being taken away from him, when it has been the reason for years of suffering on his part. The trial scene in the play is very important because it is where the two main plots come together. The scene starts without Shylock (which is the case for much of the play) and when he enters he knows that everyone in the court is Christian so he does not expect much sympathy from them. At the beginning Shylock tells the Court that he wants Antonios flesh because it is his whim although he does not give reasons for this, except that he is only insisting on the bond because he bears a grudge. He points out that other men would do the same thing, only in different situations. This influences the audience opinion as they think he is just being stubborn and difficult, an unlikeable trait. Shylock also refuses to listen to the Dukes pleas of humanity, but the Dukes views are from a Christian point of view so Shylock may not agree with them. We can also see the extremity of Shylocks hatred towards Antonio when Bassanio asks a reasonable question [Bassanio]Do all men kill the things they do not love? Shylock response has extreme implications [Shylock]Hates any man the thing he would not kill? Shylock is saying that Antonio symbolises everything he hates, and that is why he is so insistent on the bond being carried out. The characters in this scene are all human, but they also stand for concepts. Shylock is inflexible and inhuman and he stands for law, an end in itself. Portia represents law in the service of man and we can see this when Bassanio tries to convince Portia to stop Shylock taking his pound of flesh by telling her that to do a great right, do a little wrong. However, she refuses, saying that it must not be. By refusing to stop Shylock she is proving that she represents law in the service of man because she is carrying out the law completely. She is also, by contrast to Shylock, flexible and merciful. However, this emphasises the hypocrisy that Portia shows when she does not show any mercy to Shylock in the end. Portia continuously offers Shylock three times the money that Antonio owed him to let the bond drop, but Shylock refuses. In doing this we see his stubborn nature and his strict adherence to the law. It also shows us that he is hard-hearted and sadistic, certainly not merciful. We see more of a reason to dislike Shylock when he refuses to let a doctor stand by while he takes his pound of flesh because it is not in the bond. This reinforces our opinion that Shylock is dark, sinister and dislikable. Portias pleas for Shylock to accept the money are impassioned and lyrical, but Shylock is unmoved. His lack of emotion makes the audience automatically opposed to him, in that they do not want him to be successful in his fight to take his pound of flesh. Then Antonio makes a speech which greatly influences the audience opinion for both himself and Shylock. He talks about his loyalty to Bassanio and says that he is prepared to die for him, making us see him as a brave, loyal friend. He does not appear to be scared of death and says he will be at least remembered as old and strong rather than old and feeble. He is also keen for Bassanio to tell Portia how he (Antonio) cared for him (Bassanio). This is because he feels an outcast because of the lack of love in his life (another similarity between him and Shylock) and he wants to prove that he does have the capability of loving someone so much he would die for them. This is also ironic because Portia is there and she hears what he says without him realising. When he makes this speech the contrast between him and Shylock is huge because they both have such different values and views on life. The audience will think that Antonio is brave and loyal, and that will lower their opinion of Shylock because Shylock still wants to take his pound of flesh. We see how un-noble Shylock is when he is compared to Antonios loyal outlook. One of the main differences in the two characters opinions of what should happen is caused by their religion. Shylock thinks that he has done nothing wrong and that he is only following the law, therefore he seeks only justice. On the other hand, the Christian outlook is that all men are sinful and depend on Gods mercy. Shylock justifies his opinion by quoting from the bible (3:1). In doing this he is pointing out that the law of the Jews is that of an eye for an eye and the law of Christ is mercy and forgiveness. He is showing how different the two religions views are, and therefore allowing him to contravene the spirit of the law. However the trial scene highlights the fact that Shylocks mind is so twisted that he cannot even admit the bitterness and evil in his own soul. However, in the end, Portia points out that Shylock is unable to get his pound of flesh without letting any blood be shed, which is not allowed in the bond. This is ironic because Portia is being as pedantic about the law as Shylock was being earlier. Then Shylock decides that he would like to just take the money but Portia says that he has already turned them down so he should have nothing but a penalty. Compared to his behaviour and attitude at the beginning of the scene Shylock now becomes more apologetic and begging. Then we see how the way the other characters treat and refer to Shylock will affect the audience opinion. Shylock is treated very badly in this scene. He is not referred to by his name, but by Jew which is made to sound like an insult and it takes away his equality and individuality. They also suggest that Shylock is an outsider of Venice and therefore does not have equal rights. It is enacted in the laws of Venice If it be provd against an alien This is not fair to Shylock as he is as much as a part of Venice as Antonio, Portia and all the other Christians. Here we see a lot of hypocrisy as one of the reasons that they condone Shylock is that he makes money for nothing. However they either dont realise or choose to ignore the fact that they all do the same thing to make a living: buy things and sell them off at a higher price. The audience may be slightly more sympathetic towards Shylock because of the lack of respect and hypocrisy shown to him. It also shows that all the people in the court view Shylock as an outside, although he is as much of a citizen of Venice as they are. The only reason that they dont accept him is that he is a Jew whilst they are Christians. To a modern audience this would seem like a minor difference because there is a much larger diversity amongst the people in Britain then there would have been in Elizabethan times. Therefore, modern audience would not totally understand the seemingly irrational hatred of Shylock, simply for the fact that he is a Jew. Then the Duke decides that Shylock must become Christian and he must leave his money to Jessica and Lorenzo when he dies. This is another example of hypocrisy because Christians should so mercy and forgiveness and they are not showing that at all in the way that they are treating Shylock because they presume that they have the right to change his faith when it is nothing to do with them and it just highlights their prejudices. Shylock is often judged externally which means that the audience do not get to see him as he sees himself. It also means that we only get to see other peoples views on Shylock so the audience only ever gets a secondary view of Shylocks character, which will obviously affect their own opinion of him. For example, a lot of the adjectives used to describe Shylock in Act Four, Scene One vary greatly from those used to describe Antonio. Shylock is described by adjectives such as an inhuman wretch, unfeeling man, harsh, inexecrable dog and the offender. None of these are very complimentary and they would influence the audience opinion. However, Antonio is described as a poor merchant, touchd with human gentleness and love and royal merchant. These words are very complimentary and they would affect the audience view of Shylock because they would compare the adjectives used to describe both characters. Another example of external judging of Shylock comes after his reaction to the abduction of his daughter. Salerio mocks Shylock because of the reaction that he was more concerned about the loss of his money than the loss of his daughter. This, again, will influence audience opinion. Also, the audience would judge Shylock as a Jew through the references of others and through the costume he wears. All of this external judging will influence audience opinion because much of it is negative and if the other characters are constantly mocking or saying negative things about Shylock then the audience will be affected by these views, especially if they do not get to see how Shylock views himself. There would also be differing opinions between modern and Elizabethan audiences because nowadays different cultures, races and religions are much more common around Britain and so any prejudices against someone because of their religion would be seen as racist, and an undesirable characteristic. Elizabethan audiences, however, would see Shylock as inferior to Antonio simply because he is a Jew and Jews were disliked in their times. Therefore, a modern audience may feel sympathy towards Shylock in a lot of the situations, whereas an Elizabethan audience would feel that Shylock deserved what he got.

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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) SWOT and PESTLE INTRODUCTION The main theme of this assignment is to critically analyse Pakistan International Airline and to appraise the level of effectiveness of the organisation. It includes strategic, financial and resource management analysis. This is carried out in three parts. Overall strategic position is scrutinized and external and internal environment is evaluated through different models such as  SWOT  and PESTLE STEEP analysis in the first part of an assignment. The second part is an overall review of human resource management in PIA and different approaches for their employees retention and performance are thoroughly assessed as to point out their weaknesses and reasons for those flaws in overall system. The final part is the ratio analysis which helps in analysing the financial position of the business and impact of resource management decisions on organisations growth and stability. INTRODUCTION OF PIA: Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) is the premium airline of Pakistan with its head office on the grounds of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. PIA is one of the largest airlines in Asia, operating scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 39 international destinations in 25 countries across Asia, Europe and North America. Its main bases are at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. (Khan A., 2008). ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP OF STRATEGIC LEVEL PLANNING AND LOWER LEVEL Relationship between higher and lower levels of management is that Planning is done at higher level and execution is done by the lower level but the lower management is not involved in any decision making and planning in PIA. In fact its Lower management just plays role in gathering information for each step of strategic planning. Mission Statement: PIA Corporation has stated its mission statement as a symbol of national pride, aspired to be an airline of choice, operating profitably on modern commercial concepts and capable of competing with the best in the International as well as Domestic markets (www.piac.com.pk, accessed date: 08/10/2010) Mission statement of PIA is mentioned in a way that: Employee team will contribute towards making PIA a global airline of choice through: Offering quality customer services and innovative products. Using state of art technologies. Ensuring cost effective measures in procurement and operations. Developing safety cultures. On Jan 15, 2010 strategic objectives of PIA were given in 33rd BOD meeting i.e. Introduction of new additional flights, real time tax revenue management system Introduction and success of Pakistan remittance initiative Increasing market share by 5 % Successful monitoring of routes In PIA Mission and objectives are set by the higher management for the overall organization that provides track to middle and lower level employees so that they can bring the company at an established position because Higher management can not directly take part in improving customer satisfaction so team work is required from ticket reservation to landing of plane. Employees work in different teams such as office staff, ground staff, cabin crew and flight attendants as to perform day to day operations and to achieve overall objectives and mission. 2.2 Environmental Scanning: Goal achievement of any company is greatly influenced by the overall environment, so in PIA before doing strategic planning higher management also scans over all environment that involve internal and external environment both along with the analysis of firms industry. 2.3 Strategy Formulation: Management at the top level of PIA utilizes all the information gathered by the lower management and formulate its strategies by using its strengths and availing its opportunities to overcome its weaknesses and threats so as to create competitive edge in the airline industry. 2.4 Strategy Implementation: Implementation in any organization involves restructuring of firms resources and high level of motivation for lower and middle management. But in PIA strategy implementation becomes really complicated as they do not change their structures according to their new and modified strategies, and their employees are highly demotivated as their suggestions are not welcomed in formulating the strategies. Ultimately the strategies are misunderstood by them. 2.5 Evaluation and Control: Implementation of strategies are evaluated and controlled by PIAs higher management but they are very much rigid in making adjustments in their overall strategies. 2.6 Vision: PIA Corporation has stated its vision as To be fiercely competitive, consistently exceeding customer expectations and be the choice employer that embraces modern technology in all spheres of its activities. INFLUENCE OF VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND GOALS OF PIA OVER ITS STAKEHOLDERS Mission, vision, values and goals for PIA have great influence over its stakeholders that involves: 3.1 Customers: In the vision and mission statements of PIA; their customers expectations and satisfaction is highly focused so they are increasing their market demand by offering different services such as: Magazines like hamsafar and newspapers are given to all customers of PIA Different flyer programs also attract customers as they can get free tickets and excess baggage vouchers etc PIA continuously changes its plane design after every 3 years as to gain more and more customer attention PIA also introduces cargo service namely PIA Speedex. PIA is also doing brand marketing through sponsorship to become more and more popular e.g. PIA is sponsoring Shandur polo gala, ABN Amro patrons trophy, destination Pakistan 2007 festival PIA also supports non profit organizations like Al Shifa trust, Zindagi trust etc. PIA is also maintaining high safety culture for its customers 3.2 Employees: PIA believes in team work and without that they cannot achieve their goals and mission but they do not empower their employees to participate in decision making process so they are not involved in setting goals, vision and mission for their company. 3.3 Shareholders: PIA does not focus on shareholders income or their satisfaction in its vision and mission statements which shows its low level of interest. And it is proved by the fact that it is not achieving its goals so facing financial crisis that results in loss for its shareholders as share price decreases from 3.17 to 2.61 and loss was PAK Rs.5822 million in 2009. SWOT ANALYSIS 4.1 (S)TRENGTHS: Leading Market Position: According to Annual report of PIA (2008), PIA is one of Pakistans leading air carriers, with more than 800 daily flights. Around 150,000 passengers fly a month on PIA, making it one of the major operators in the domestic market in terms of passenger destination. PIAs international market share was 43.5%, In the Domestic market, its market share was 69.4%. On a system-wide basis, PIAs market share was 51.2% at the end of year 2009. Its strong market position is driven by consistently low fares as well as reliable service, frequent and convenient flights, use of new technologies like e-ticketing and self check-in terminals, comfortable cabins and superior customer service. Superior Operating Structure: PIA has maintained its position as the low cost carrier. It has been first class Pakistani airline to use the latest technology. Factors contributing consists of different series of Boeing and Airbus and an efficient, high-utilization and point- to-point route structure. Network Presence: PIA enjoys a global strong network and international destinations. The companys network includes three the major airports in Pakistan, as well as major international airport such as Dubai International Airport. Having a strong network means that PIA can generate traffic feed for both its domestic and international Flights. Effective Use Of Technology: PIA has successfully incorporated latest technology in all its systems, giving it an edge over competitors. PIA takes credit for introducing most new technologies to the Pakistani market. It was the second carrier in Pakistan to incorporate the c-ticketing system and the second in South Asia to introduce self check in systems at the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. 4.2 (W)EAKNESSES: Worse Govt. Rules: The key policies, strategies and set of laws are designed by the upper management. The centralized system is one of the biggest obstacles of long term success of PIA. PIA centralizes structure lead to barrel between different level of management, decreased motivation, and hard access to information. Debt: PIA has a significant amount of 42 billion debts. Current and future debts could have important consequences for stakeholders of the company. Reliance On Oil Prices: PIAs sustainability, growth and revenues directly depend on oil prices. A steep rise in oil prices can seriously damage the long term viability of any airline. Recently many airlines around the world went bankrupt due to rising oil prices. Airlines need to hedge against this risk by taking proper measures. 4.3 (O)PPORTUNITIES: Having The Maximum Route And Fleet: PIA is having the maximum route and fleet domestic and international destinations network in Pakistan as compared to its Competitors. Route and fleet expansion will positively impact the companys operations by increasing revenues. Growing Demand For Low Cost Airlines: The growing demand for air travel is driven by lower fares and consumer confidence. A survey by International Aviation Authority showed that ticket price is the number one criterion for passengers when selecting a flight, well ahead of the availability of a non-stop service. Shifting Customer Needs: The needs of air passengers are increasingly changing, as they are becoming more and more price sensitive. If PIA succeeds in making its prices more competitive, then the company will be able to gain significant market share. Industry Recovery: Market analysts believe that the global airline industry will experience an upturn in fortunes over the next few years. This represents an opportunity for PIA, as it could generate increased revenues and command market share if it capitalizes on increases in demand. 4.4 (T)HREATS High Interest Rates: The past few years have seen State Bank of Pakistan impose high as well as low interest rates to check inflation and the overheating of Pakistani economy. Inflation in Pakistan may see another raise in the short-term. Strong Competition By Airblue: PIA is now competing against carriers such as Airblue and Shaheen Airline. PIA remains Airblues strongest competitor because of the huge market it has gained over time, strong brand image and customer loyalty. Interest And Foreign Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates can have a significant impact on PIAs earnings. For example, as PIA is providing its services to the UK. Negative or positive effects arise from exchange rate movements as change in expenses. PESTLE AND STEEP ANALYSIS PESTLE and STEEP factors including political, social, economic, technological, legal and environmental factors (Ireland R. et al 2008). (P)OLITICAL FACTORS: According to Ireland R. et al (2008), political factors always have a great influence on the way where businesses operate in the airline industry and the spending power of customers. Pakistan has achieved some political stability in recent years. If the management of PIA believes that the present government will perform well (consistently), then there will be more investment in the form of purchase of new airplanes and latest technology. (E)CONOMIC FACTORS: Currently, Airlines industry has three major players: PIA, an Airblue, Aero Asia and Shaheen Airlines. Their target market includes domestic travellers as well as Pakistanis living abroad particularly in the UK and USA. Economically, the new millennium has been highly volatile; the September 11 attacks revolutionized the whole world. Consequently, there was a global depression in the North America, South America, Australia and Europe. (S)OCIAL FACTORS: Customers are more aware of market conditions and available options and want to get best value for their money (Johnson Scholar, 2001). They spend considerable time and money on entertainment hence increasing the need of in-flight entertainment systems. Hajj attracts a huge number of customers. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS: Major technological changes are taking place in the airlines industry with innovations in the reservations and booking systems. In-flight entertainment systems and auto check in counters are two examples of such innovations. Internet plays a key role in e-ticketing as consumer can easily reserve tickets or check the status of the flight. (L)EGAL FACTORS: Airlines legislations and policies have a direct impact on the performance of PIA. PIA has attacked new  legislation which will force them to pay greater compensation to customers in the event of overbooking, cancellations and delays. (E)NVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: PIA, as a symbol of national pride, should be a choice airline operating profitably on modern commercial concepts, capable of competing with the best in its entire international and domestic markets, consistently exceeding customer expectations. It should be a choice employer deploying modern technology in all spheres of its activities. APPROACHES TO HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO AID THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS STRATEGY With an understanding that global economic downturn and ever rising operating costs further exacerbated by fluctuating crude oil prices. According to Greg J. et al (2009), human resource practices should be focused in PIA to address whether a brighter future is possible through management practices that fully engage employees and achieve genuine partnerships with their unions to rescue an ailing airline. Failure to elicit employee commitment through human resource practices could mean that PIA is doomed to fail in competitive aviation industry in which private sector is increasing its market share by catering to customer satisfaction. Creating a culture in which employees are close-knit and where top management focuses on its personnel asset by taking care of them so that they are ready to face and respond to every days job challenges wont be easy unless PIA starts building better relationship at various levels within its hierarchical organization. When an organization nurtures values of friendliness and loyalty among its staff then eventually customers benefit from improved service quality and creating a customer-centric culture becomes relatively easy. High employee morale and high quality delivery of service to customers are both inter-related and inter-dependent variables and airlines like Southwest Airlines, SWA, that based its business model not only on its customers but also its employees satisfaction have seen its profits growing when others were all losing revenues in post 9/11 period. Human resource management department of PIA could be used as a valuable agent of change that creates a strategic partnership among different levels of management and improves collaboration between different departments by defining policies and procedures that eventually results in a higher level of service throughout the organization. Properly trained human resource professionals that not only understand intricacies of organizational culture but also possess knowledge of global aviation industry can create a work environment that promotes dignity and respect and prepares PIA for 21st century challenges. Turnaround of Continental Airlines that used human resource management as a tool of corporate strategy to alter its work and communication practices throughout the organization is another example of the pivotal role that human resource department in PIA can play to improve its brands strength and reverse its financial losses (Carrig 1997). To remain competitive in global market where technology can perform many of the operations traditionally performed by human agents, PIA needs to take some measures to reduce its workforce by utilizing technology to its benefit. Moving to online ticketing save us at least 8-9 per cent in costs, the managing director of PIA once said. This partially resolves over-employment that burdens companys dire financial condition. The next step should be online check-in for domestic and international flights. PIA should invest further in its website to offer options to amend itinerary as and when required. Political influence and interference that affects fairness of recruitment policies poses challenges for human resource management when they are forced to make decisions that does not align with PIAs strategy but serves political purposes. I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of transparent recruitment. PIA needs to learn the importance of hiring as its success depends on the ability and style of its people. An organization that is in desperate need of leadership and role models should decorate its headquarters walls by photographs of employees who conform and promote company policies by achieving excellence in their respected roles. This practice would encourage healthy competition within employees and they would work with more dedication to get recognized. PERFORMANCE AND REWARD MANAGEMENT INCLUDING THE ROLE OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL Nowadays according to my point of view any type of reward plays a vital role in employee performance either it is financial or non-financial .Financial includes increase salary benefits like medical, travel, children benefits , pension etc and non-financial are personal recognition , appreciation , promotion etc. PIA must conduct a employee survey in which first they identify the needs of different employees like what type of rewards PIA should provide them so that they can motivate and perform better to make it first choice . Performance Appraisal or Career development discussion is method by which the job performance of an employee is evaluated in term of qualitative, quantities, cost and time typically by super ordinate boss or supervisor Performance appraisal is a part of guiding and managing career development .It is the process of obtaining, analysing and recording information about the relative worth of an employee to the organization. Performance appraisal is an analysis of an employees recent success and failures personal strengths and weaknesses, and suitability for promotion or further training. It is also the judgement of an employees performance in the job based on considerations other than productivity alone. Its a tool by which management can give feed back on employees performance identify his/her training needs .Facilitate communication between employee and administration/management .It improve performance through counselling , coaching and development . Simply when ever you tell any body about his/her weakness strengths you he/she will perform better towards achieving organizational goals. STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT The study is intended to check the development of employees in the organization. A good development program and procedure are essential to achieve goal of the organization. To cope with poor performance and to retain employee and always keep them sustainable we have lots of strategies but what I found in my research that not all are play a vital role but someone plays a significant role (Svend Hollensen, 2005). Decentralization Employee will better develop in decentralized decision making where they feel they are part of team whenever you involve employee in decision making you can easily achieve you desire objective in better way (Jeston J. Neils J., 2006). If we talk about PIA (Pakistan international Airline) in PIA delegation of authority is limited due to centralized decision making .The authorities reserve the right to make decisions in Board meeting or you can say that only top level management can make decision in board meeting. The middle and lower level management is not allowed to speak for against the top level management whatever top level make or implement they have to follow the decision Job Rotations According to Price A. (2005), job rotation is organic part of development; it is practiced to allow qualified employees to gain more insights into the processes of a company and to reduce boredom and increase job satisfaction through job variation. More rotation more satisfies an employee. Job Rotation is not common in PIA (Pakistan International Airline) thats why PIA employees are not fully satisfy Feed back Feedback plays a vital role in development and Redevelopment of employee and retains them on the job (Mercer, 1996). People need feedback.Most people do not see themselves as others see them. Feedback is essential to learning. If people dont fully appreciate their strengths, how can they use them to their advantage? People who take a professional attitude toward their work want feedback. If we talk about PIA quarterly employee co-ordination meeting are held where all employees can share their views with their bosses and subordinates and subordinates take feedback from super ordinates it helps to reduce the conflicts within the organisation and employee satisfaction. Training and development Programs Training leads towards development and when employees skills more develop organisation can easily achieve its objectives training is essential to make employee more dynamic to perform task (Price A. 2005). Training is strategy to retain an employee in the organisation it is duty of top level management to review the performance appraisals of employee and if they feel lack any where they should provide proper training to cope with that problem. This strategy is some sort of investment on employee. When employee feels that company is investing on he/she they always try to perform better. Analysis of the Liquidity Ratio: It is apparent above chart that the PIA is running with a negative working capital in both financial years. Similarly the percentages of current quick and cash ratio are also very low that reveals the fact that the current asserts of the company is not enough to meet its current liabilities. Either it should be equal or above the maiden industry level or it should be in Positive Percentage. Leverages ratio shows the amount of debt utilized by the firm to finance its asserts (Wight R. et al, 2009). It can be either by using share holders equity or by the amount of borrowing. Leverage ratio of the PIA shows the greater amount of debt to finance its asserts. The figures of the activity ratio indicate the low credibility of the PIA in utilizing its assets to generate the sales. As it is apparent from the fact that ratios for both the years are quiet low and the company will require a greater period of time to convert its assets to generate sales. Analysis of Profitability Ratio: The financial statement shows a slight decline in the gross profit margin in the 1st quarter of year 10 over the previous year. Similarly there is slight increase for the Return on equity ratio, though it is low but as an investor it is somehow encouraging. On the other hand operating profit, net profit margin and return on assets are in real bad condition as they are in negative. CONCLUSION: Reason for PIA down fall is that the company is goal oriented instead of focusing on means used to achieve those goals. So the problem comes at the implementation stage as they are not people oriented, mean the company does not involve its middle and lower management in decision making. That is the reason weaknesses occur and they fail to cope their upcoming threats and unable to create competitive edge in their respective PIA has boosted in last few years. Corporate level is planning forward for next upcoming years. PIA has to changed organisational structure so that it can bring a change and motivation in employees. This will solve all the problems and conflicts among the company structure from corporate level down to the lower level. They should motivate their employees and as well as less the over head cost expenses and other expenses like labour cost .It should be like less input and high out put to improve the corporate level they should heir responsible people so that they are good in decision making and strategic planning. This can be only done by good marketing policies.

Ancient Egypt :: World History

Ancient Egypt The Egyptians were the first to make bread that is soft, light and filled with air. They also made the first ovens, because they need a different way to bake the larger mass of dough used for this new kind of bread. The Egyptians used mud bricks that have been dried in the sun to make houses. The sun is shining on our backs. In town ,we shall be paid fish for our barley. That was a song of Egyptian farmers , more than 3,000 year ago. Wall paintings in ancient tombs show farmers at work in their fields. The early Egyptians had hundreds of signs for words or for parts of words. Like other ancient people, the Egyptians often wrote on clay tablets or stone. It was from one such stone, the Rosetta Stone, that we learned ancient languages. Cheops was the name of a king in ancient Egypt who wanted a place to stay when he died. So he ordered his men to build a huge stone house in the shape of a pyramid. A pyramid looks somewhat like a giant tent. The base of this pyramid is almost big enough to fill ten football fields. Its peak is as high as a stairway with more than eight hundred stairs. Kings of Egypt used to be buried in great tombs with jewels and golden vases, and even thrones and chariots. The tombs had so many valuable things in them, that thieves used to break into them and steal their treasures. So later kings decided to hide their tombs. They left orders for their burials to be in a secret place called the Valley of the Kings. The graves were not to be marked. But, still, the jewels in golden vases and thrones and chariots were stolen. When historians checked it out they found out who stole the treasures, that’s right the men who were supposed to guard the tombs. The Great Sphinx The Great Sphinx was built almost 5,000 years ago , when Khafre was king of Egypt. It had a human head and a lions body. It stands 66 feet high and more than 240 feet long. Both head and body were carved from solid rock. The head of the Sphinx has been damaged more than once by people who destroy things on purpose. Over the centuries, desert sand storms have also warn away some of the stone. Ancient Egypt :: World History Ancient Egypt The Egyptians were the first to make bread that is soft, light and filled with air. They also made the first ovens, because they need a different way to bake the larger mass of dough used for this new kind of bread. The Egyptians used mud bricks that have been dried in the sun to make houses. The sun is shining on our backs. In town ,we shall be paid fish for our barley. That was a song of Egyptian farmers , more than 3,000 year ago. Wall paintings in ancient tombs show farmers at work in their fields. The early Egyptians had hundreds of signs for words or for parts of words. Like other ancient people, the Egyptians often wrote on clay tablets or stone. It was from one such stone, the Rosetta Stone, that we learned ancient languages. Cheops was the name of a king in ancient Egypt who wanted a place to stay when he died. So he ordered his men to build a huge stone house in the shape of a pyramid. A pyramid looks somewhat like a giant tent. The base of this pyramid is almost big enough to fill ten football fields. Its peak is as high as a stairway with more than eight hundred stairs. Kings of Egypt used to be buried in great tombs with jewels and golden vases, and even thrones and chariots. The tombs had so many valuable things in them, that thieves used to break into them and steal their treasures. So later kings decided to hide their tombs. They left orders for their burials to be in a secret place called the Valley of the Kings. The graves were not to be marked. But, still, the jewels in golden vases and thrones and chariots were stolen. When historians checked it out they found out who stole the treasures, that’s right the men who were supposed to guard the tombs. The Great Sphinx The Great Sphinx was built almost 5,000 years ago , when Khafre was king of Egypt. It had a human head and a lions body. It stands 66 feet high and more than 240 feet long. Both head and body were carved from solid rock. The head of the Sphinx has been damaged more than once by people who destroy things on purpose. Over the centuries, desert sand storms have also warn away some of the stone.