Friday, December 27, 2019

The Interactions Between Inmates - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 747 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/10/30 Category Culture Essay Level High school Tags: Subculture Essay Did you like this example? The interactions between inmates within a prison, and the behaviors thereof, has always held a special level of interest to psychologists. Sure, institutions are developed such that there are set strict rules to provide structure to the inmates. From limited access to the outdoors or cafeteria, to which jobs which inmates can have, the rules should be the end-all be-all for residents of the institution. However, there is one set of rules and expectations that is even more valued than those set forth by correctional officers. Though there is some debate about how and why it is developed, most prisons have an unwritten and informal, however desperately important, prison code. How inmates adopt these unwritten rules and the behaviors required by them is referred to as prisonization. Prisonization and the prison subculture developed as a result have piqued the interest of many psychologists within the past 80 or so years, yielding an extensive amount of research and two prevailing theories as to why this happens. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Interactions Between Inmates" essay for you Create order The first theory that describes why a prison code would develop and why inmates would prisonize to the code even if they were processed post-code-formation is the deprivation theory. This theory holds that inmates are generally all fairly affected by the depriving nature of the rules and conditions of prisons. A prison code, then, is formed to cope with the lack of liberty, autonomy, security, goods and services, and heterosexual relationships. In some ways, this is a genius coping mechanism, in which humans in adverse conditions develop their own set of rules to understand their unique situation. It forces inmates to solve problems collectively and develop a society amongst themselves. The prevailing idea as to why this happens is that prison changes people, and their behavior is a direct effect of the fact that they have been put in prison. The second theory as to why prisonization occurs is a criticism of the deprivation theory. Understanding that not every inmate becomes highly prisonized, the importation theory maintains that inmates are more or less themselves within a prison, and they do not have to alter their behavior to adopt the code. In fact, their receptivity and willingness to adapt to the code is shaped by how the inmates were socialized before they ever came to prison. This means that age, race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, criminal records, and even attitudes towards the legal system on the whole, can all affect how well an inmate will prisonize. Instead of holding to the idea that inmates are changed by prison, the importation theory holds that who you are in prison is a reflection of who you are in other scenarios, but prison cannot make you a different person. In my opinion, prisonization is actually a result of both theories. While some inmates may be processed into a prison with a violent record or a desire to be at the top of the food chain, others will follow along with the rules simply to survive. Prison can change people and make them act in ways that they have never imagined they would have, but some people fully embrace themselves and their internal natures in prison. Both are valid arguments, which lead to the same end. In that case, the reason for which some inmates prisonize differently than others is because they could be experiencing the prisonization process differently. Its either eat or be eaten, or strictly a method of survival. No matter how they come about, prison codes hold a great level of influence over the inmates in a prison. There are expectations for behavior, who certain individuals can talk to, how one is expected to treat a correctional officer, and an acceptance of homosexual relationships between inmates which could have otherwise been frowned open in general society. Furthermore, these social rules can lead to intense feelings of loyalty to certain leaders of prison society, and even the development of gangs within the prison. Prison codes also yield their own economy, generally based on what is offered in the commissary. In the past, many prisons held an economic system based on cigarettes, as they held their value for long periods of time, and had different denominations (single, pack, carton) within the system. The value that each denomination had was largely based on those higher up in the societal chain, who could determine how much a cigarette was worth. This system was obviously not put into place by correctional officers or other prison officials, but was legitimate nonetheless.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The History Of Western Music - 1381 Words

The History of Western Music Throughout history all cultures have been influenced by music. Before the Baroque era in music there were many forms of western music. Most of this music was monophonic, sung in chant used mostly for religious purposes. During the previous millennia most music was sung in chant form with very little accompaniment, save a harp or a violin. In these times music was a simple art, sung by the people to praise the Lord. Eventually polyphonic music developed, first starting as monophonic chant sung in thirds and fifths, and later contrapuntal music was created. During this time the music notation system was standardized, originally a modified Greek system; music notation evolved into the notation that is used today. Having the use of music notation set the foundation for Baroque music and for all music after that. In the late sixteenth century and early seventeenth century the Baroque style of music started in Italy. Italy, where the renaissance started, was able to create a new type of music rich in feeling, but less intricate than much of the previous renaissance music that was centered towards the north (France and the area now occupied by the Netherlands). New ideas, like interplay between the various instruments in an orchestra, became prevalent, unlike the monophonic music of previous years. As new instruments were incorporated into orchestras and compositions became increasingly more instrumental interplay had an increasing new role in the newShow MoreRelatedMusic And Painting From 20th Century Western Music History1118 Words   |  5 PagesYaojun Song Mus114 Sam Music and Painting During the study of 20th-century Western music history in this class, I found out there are may same movements of art and music. I took 20th century Art history as well so there is always the comparison of them in my mind. Music and art appear to be two different art forms. 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Ever since the Silk Road was established, China has been trading with other Western countries and exchanging aspects of their cultures with one another. One of these aspects is music. But how exactly has Western music influenced Chinese music? In order to understand this, we must look at the history of Western encountersRead MoreEssay on Chinese Music631 Words   |  3 PagesChinese music is described as a unique form of art. Even today, the Modern Chinese music has a Western Modern Music style. The music has its own characteristics and is very much distinct. History Chinese music dates back to 1000 BC. A man named Ling Lun created the first of the musical instruments in China. Ling Lun developed a set of 60 bells. From these bells, he created a mathematical method for creating pitch pipes to tune the bells. One of the first instruments created was a bamboo pipeRead MoreThe Jazz : A Music Genre1078 Words   |  5 PagesName: Sofia Endara Research Paper Jazz The Jazz is a music genre that was developed from the traditions of West Africa, Europe and North America. It arises specifically in New Orleans, Louisiana, home of musical style, where was a large consignments of slaves, mainly western Africa. That is why the jazz comes from the combination of three traditions: the native American, African and European. The African-American community in South America developed its musical expression through creative improvisationRead MoreSacred Music in the Age of Rebirth Essay1251 Words   |  6 Pages The Renaissance has not ceased to be an age of discussion and debate among historians throughout the recent centuries. The vibrant nature of the era marks it as a most fascinating period of history. The Renaissance can be described as an age carrying the essence of â€Å"self-discovery and fulfillment, of recognition of human worth, and a dynamic outpouring of artistic activity.† This new world flourishing with art and creative optimism was also steeped in a spirit of â€Å"revolt of the Medievalists.† Read MoreClassical Music Vs. Contemporary Music1113 Words   |  5 PagesBy universal, they mean that music exists in every culture. However, the meanings and emotions attached to the music are interpreted differently depending on the listener. People will associate different meanings and feelings with a musical performance based on their cultural upbringing and life experience. When we categorize music, we use terms such as â€Å"classical,† â€Å"folk† or â€Å"popular† to distinguish different types of music. However, using labels is problematic because there can be stereotypingRead MoreThe Development Of Chinese Popular Music And The Legend Pop Star Jay Chou1627 Words   |  7 PagesChinese Popular Music and the Legend Pop Star-Jay Chou Name: Zichao Lan Instructor: Erica Jones Teaching Assistant: Dhiren Panikker Course Title: Popular Music of the World Date: 7/24 /2015 Introduction When talking about China, people from other countries associate China with the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Summer Palace, other landmarks. Chinese music is as an important part of Chinese history and cultureRead MoreThe Concert Hall At The University Of Evansville Hushed1743 Words   |  7 PagesUniversity of Evansville hushed as the conductor tapped his baton on the music stand in front of him. Raising both hands in the air, scanning the performers of the orchestra to make sure everyone had their instruments in place and appeared ready, he took a quick breath to cue the orchestra to start playing. Out of the many concerts that I have attended throughout my lifetime, especially since becoming a music student studying music, this particular concert was different. I found myself listening for

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

World Without Aids Essay Example For Students

World Without Aids Essay Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Today, despite the continuing production of better antibiotics since the discovery of penicillin, we are facing an infectious disease against which all these drugs are virtually powerless. This disease is spreading inexorably, killing more people and more people each year. AIDS does not know no national boundaries and does not discriminate by race or sex. It is rampaging not only throughout the United States, but also through Africa, India, China, Russia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean countries. Even infants and children are at risk. AIDS is similar to the bubonic plague or the BLACK DEATH that killed perhaps one-third in Europe in the 14th century. Yet, the difference from the Black Death and AIDS is that it is in slow motion because the infectious agent that causes AIDS can remain dormant in a persons body for several years before it causes illness, and because death from AIDS can be slow and drawn out once symptoms appear. AIDS is essentially a disease of the immune system. The bodys defenses are destroyed and the patient becomes prey to the infections and cancers that would normally be fought off without any trouble. In 1984 it was proved that AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A virus is a minute infectious particle that enters and kills the immune cells, or lymphocytes. Because it destroys the very mechanism humans rely on for protection, prior to 1996 contracting Aids was considered a death sentence. For many years, 85 to 90 percent of all AIDS patients died within three years. They might have recovered from one infection only to succumb to another a few months later. Between infections they remain weak, emaciated and unable to work or carry on normal activities. In late 1996, almost 15 years after the first reported AIDS cases, researchers made the discovery that a certain combination of newly developed drugs could substantially prolong life in some AIDS patients. But AIDS i s a fiendish virus. When researchers cleared it out of a patients bloodstream, it hid in the lymph nodes. Scientists, figured out how to banish it from the lymph nodes, they found the virus lurking in the brain. Although, there is hope for a cure because they have done some experiments isolating a gene and it has had good results in some people infected with AIDS. The area that many people are concerned is with Southeast Asia-particularly India. At 900 million, Indias population is almost double that sub-Saharan Africa, which, with 13.3 million HIV-positive adults, accounts for 60 percent of the worlds total adult infections. The major reasons for such spread in India and following Africa is the high rate of their population, poverty rate, and other risk factors all point to a likely explosion. The number of HIV infections worldwide doubled between 1991 and 1996-and that number is expected to double again by the year 2000. By the turn of the century, about 44 million people will hav e fallen victim to the virus that causes AIDS. The signs of hope do not stop by the reason of Prevention Programs which they have succeeded in reducing HIV-infection rates dramatically among young men in Thailand and young women in Uganda-two of the countries hit hardest by the3 disease. The rate of new infections have also dropped sharply among gay men in the United States, Australia, Canada, and western Europe. However, many ingredients of the AIDS epidemic are still mystery. The cause of AIDS remained uncertain for several years after its discovery. Even now, there are questions about how efficiently the AIDS virus spreads, whether it will kill everyone who gets it, and why the virus is do devastating to the immune system. Its initial spread was in the United States was among groups that are frowned upon by society-homosexuals and intravenous(drug users)- AIDS has a stigma associated with it. This makes the disease difficult to confront rationally. However, people are terrified even by the word of AIDS. The virus does not get transmitted by any body contact neither through the air. However, the disease does not pass from one person to another through the air, by sneezing, on eating utensils, by shaking hands, or through body contact in sports. There are only four ways it can be spread: through injection with a needle contaminated with HIV, which it can happen when drug addicts share needle s; by receiving a transfusion of contaminated blood; or-in the case of infant with an HIV-positive mother-having the virus transmitted through the placenta before birth, or the mothers milk after birth. For years, some people to refused to admit AIDS was a problem. Although, the disease first received national attention in 1982, when the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) noticed an alarming rate of rare cancer (Kaposis sarcoma) in otherwise healthy gay men. SOUNDING THE FIRST ALARMThree patients examined by Dr.Gottlieb were very ill. Interestingly, they had several striking features in common. All had unusual infections such as thrush, which is the growth in the throat of a fungus called Candida; or a rare type of pneumonia caused by a parasite called Pneumocystis. Also, they had been infected by less-common viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, or by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Taken together, the infections pointed to a serious defect in the patients immune systems. Sure enough, when Dr. Gottlieb drew a vial blood from each patient and measured special kind of immune cell called a T-helper lymphocyte, all three patients tests gave the same startling result. They were virtually devoid of T-helper cells, Dr. Gottlieb found. It was clear that they had seriously deficient immune systems. The three men had something else in common: they were all homosexuals. At that time it was not clear that the patients homosexuality was related to the illness; a patients sexual preference had never before been considered the determining factor of a medical disorder. That situation was about to change radically. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AIDSEarly symptoms of HIV, lasting between one and four weeks, can mimic that of mononucleosis, with symptoms such as swellings of the lymph nodes, headache, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating and sore throat. Often of these symptoms are mistaken for the flu or another viral-type infection, so people may not even be aware that they have been infected with HIV. Even if the patient has seen a doctor, the physician may dismiss the symptoms as a viral infection. In nearly all the cases, this stage dissipates due to the healthy immune systems ability to fight the initial infection. Early symptoms may include:*Herpes zoster (shingles), a skin rash that appear on the chest, abdomen, and/or back. *Herpes simplex, a common sexually transmits disease that affects the rectal, genital, esophageal regions of the body. Painful lesions can erupt into ulcerations of the area. In HIV/AIDS patients, this may become a chronic condition. *Thrush, a white coating on the walls of the mouth, gums, and on the tongue, that is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. *Excessive bruising and bleeding that occurs when a person develops antibodies which attack the bodys platelets-cells which help blood to clot. This condition can go unnoticed, and is often not detected until a routine blood test is performed. *Chronic or intermittent diarrhea, found both in early and late stages of HIV infection. As the immune system becomes increasingly compromised, the body is not able to fight off more serious infections that a normal intact immune system could suppress. Some of these life threatening infection include:*Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by parasite called pneumoncytis carinii. Symptoms include fever and respiratory complications that often lead to death. *Kaposis sarcoma, a condition in which tumors of the blood vessels develop on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, lungs, groin, brain liver, and lymph glands. The mall, nonpainful lesions usually are a red, brown, or purple color. *Tuberculosis (TB), which can occur in both early and late stages of HIV. Symptoms include night sweats, fever, cough, and weight loss. One of the major problems with this aspect of the disease is the development of TB strains resistant to drugs, making it harder and harder to treat. *Mycobacterium avium complex, which produces fatigue, chills, night sweats, fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. *HIV related lymphoma, swollen lymph glands in the neck, groin region, or under the arms. This requires radiation and chemotherapy treatment. *Toxoplasmosis encephalitis, caused by a parasite, which produces an infection in the brain leading to neuro logical impairment and seizures. Symptoms include headaches, fever, lethargy, confusion, and loss of balance or coordination. Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Observation Evaluation EssayBut with the regard of the two ways that AIDS is transmitted, blood and sex, it is clear the illness does not select particular groups to afflict. It does not matter if you whether you are a man or women, or what type of lifestyle you practice. If you are injected or transfused with contagious blood or take into your body other contagious bodily fluids, such as vaginal secretions or semen, you run a high risk of getting AIDS. Minute amounts of these fluids pose very little threat to transmitting the virus, and most nongenital fluids, such as saliva, are currently thought to pose no risk whatsoever of transmitting it. There is, however, a theoretical risk involved when any fluid is passed from an infected person, though the relative risk is extremely small. Research is still being done to prove these conjecture. 80 percent of babies HIV positive did not develop AIDS although, their mother had AIDS. HEMOPHILIACSThere are several diseases in which the blood does not clot properly. Those born with these conditions lack one of the many elements in the blood that are essential to stop bleeding. Hemophilia A is an inherited clotting disorder that afflicts men almost exclusively. In a person with severe hemophilia A, internal bleeding or bleeding into joints can lead to serious complication, possibly even death. Even small cuts clot slowly. It was persons with severe hemophilia A who were at highest risk to get AIDS. To control their bleeding tendency, hemophiliacs inject themselves with a concentrated preparation made from the blood of persons with normal clotting ability. This preparation, called Factor VIII, is credited with increasing the life expectancy of hemophiliacs in the last two decades from 35 to 55 years old. Some hemophiliacs have a mild disorder and use Factor VIII only when they actually have a bleeding episode. But all hemophiliacs depend on it at some point. Factor V III, which was life saving for hemophiliacs, suddenly turned to be an instrument of death. The preparation is made by pooling blood collected from 2,000 to 5,000donors, then concentrating it, quick-drying it, and putting it in vials. Because so many peoples blood was represented in each vial of Factor VIII, the possibility existed that at least one donor had AIDS or was harboring the AIDS organism-especially because drug users (until concerns were raised about infected donors) often sold their blood for cash. And because each hemophiliac uses 20, 30, or 40 vials of Factor VIIII each year, there was a good chance that he would encounter a contaminated vial sooner or later. IDENTIFYING THE VIRUSIn particular, no known infectious agent was capable of producing the specific destruction of the immune system that AIDS causes. Underlying all the symptoms of AIDS is one primary defect: loss of a pivotal type of white blood cells called the T4 helper lymphocyte(The role of T4 lymphocytes is to help other types of immune cells become active and do their job. Without the T4 helper cells, the immune system virtually shuts down. And in some AIDS patients there was an almost complete loss of T4 helper cells. Viruses are the most minute form of life. Some people would not even call viruses living organisms. They are many times smaller than bacteria, the other cause of human infectious disease. Whereas bacteria are independent, able to grow and reproduce outside cells of the organism they infect, viruses are parasites. In order to make more of their kind, viruses must enter the cells of the creature they infect and take over the cellular machinery. They subvert its p roductive power by making more of their own kind. The cell dies, but the virus thrives. The virus is an intracellular parasite because its structure, unlike that of a bacterium, is too rudimentary to sustain itself-it must live within another cell (Bacteria are internally complex, containing all the equipment necessary for life). Viruses contain only the genetic material necessary to propagate themselves and a tightly wrapped protective coat of proteins. These differences lead to a crucial medical distinction between bacteria and viruses. Twentieth-century medical science has developed many antibiotics drugs, such as penicillin, to combat bacterial infections. But viruses are more difficult to kill. Because they reproduce inside of our own cells, it is difficult to find a drug to stop the virus from reproducing without harming the host cell. Progress against diseases caused by viruses-such as small pox, mumps, measles, and polio-has come through vaccines, which prevent infections. Latency, means that the infection stays in a persons body for a while before it causes clinical illness. Because viruses can lie dormant inside cells, they can have long latency periods. The latency periods for AIDS-the time between exposure to the infection and the first symptoms-may be as long as eight years, but it is usually three to five years. In children the latency is much shorter, and in women it may be shorter than in men. Persistence refers to how long the infectious agent remains after it starts the disease. With AIDS it is most likely that the agent stays for the persons remaining lifetime. Despite treatment of each opportunistic infection, the immune system remains impaired. As fast as new immune cells are made they are destroyed. One tentative conclusion is that a viral ancestor of HIV evolved in Africa millions of years ago and affected monkeys. Gradually it changed to the form of HIV we see today. But this still does not explain why the virus suddenly started causing human disease in the last quarter of the 20th century. THE OFFICIAL U.S. DEFINITION OF AIDSThere are two factors which determine the category: T-cell count and history of disease of symptoms. The T-cell (officially called CD4+T-lymphocyte) is the vulnerable immune system cell the HIV virus attacks, then uses as a breeding ground. Eventually, the T-cells killed by the virus. As a persons T-cell count decreases, the risk of severe disease, or opportunistic illness, increases. The three official levels of T-cell counts are:Level 1: a T-cell count greater than 500cells/mlLevel 2: a T-cell count between 200-499 cells/mlLevel 3: a T-cell count less than 200 cells/mlThese categories are based on the lowest T-cell count registered by a person. For example, someone who once tested at 180 but later received a boost in T-cells from a new protease inhibitor would still be considered level 3. To determine the three official government classifications, symptoms are also a factor. For example, a patient is in AIDS category 1 if he or she is asynmptomat ic (no symptoms) and has a level 1 T-cell count. An AIDS category 2 patient has a level 2 T-cell count and at least one of the early stage illness but has not developed a later-stage disease, such as pneumonia or Kaposis sarcoma. In category 3-full-blown AIDS-the T-cell count has dropped below 200 and the patient has developed a later-stage disease. TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGHSThere have been so many attempts to find a solution to end with AIDS but its too complex and we know little of it, therefore its difficult to find a solution. Although, many experiments have been made for example the cocktail. Its a treatment of vaccines that combine with an AZT. However, this vaccines does work for some but for others it does not do anything. Yet, the newest discovery is that some people are born with a certain type of gene that does not develop AIDS but has the virus. So this person may pass on the Virus and have it himself but it will not affect him at all. TABLE OF CONTENTS1-INTRODUCTION2-WHAT IS AIDS?3-WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AIDS4-KAPOSIS SARCOMA5-WHY HOMOSEXUALS?6-PUZZLING SYMPTOMS7-INTRAVENOUS DRUG USERS8-HEMOPHILIACS9-IDENTIFYING THE VIRUS10-THE OFFICIAL U.S. DEFINITION OF AIDS11-TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGHSBIBLIOGRAPHY Check, William. The Encyclopedia of Health AIDS. Chelsea House Publishers; Philadelphia: 1999 Encarta Encyclopedia 97AIDS Microsoft Windows. Center For AIDS Prevention Studies:www.caps.ucsf.edu(March 1, 2000) JAMA HIV/AIDS Information center:www.ama.assn.org/special/hivhome.htm(March 1,2000) International Association Of Physicians in AIDS Care:www.iapac.org/ (March 1,2000)Science Essays

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Essay Example

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Paper Strategic Analysis Of JetBlue Airways Executive Summary This report on JetBlue identifies how they have become an innovator in the airline industry by targeting customers who value a low-cost, customer conscious airline. They have formulated strategies that have enabled them to operate in a highly efficient and effective manner while realizing the importance of aligning their strategies with their environment. The report thoroughly discusses the strengths and weaknesses that the company possesses in their internal environment, followed by an in-depth analysis of the threats and opportunities of existing within their external environment. The strategy of the company is analyzed in comparison with both their internal and external environment in order to formulate possible strategic recommendations. Proper implementation strategies of the recommendations are also given to identify how the company can be better aligned with its environment and continue to grow as a highly successful company in the airline industry. Strategic Analysis of JetBlue Airways This report is an extensive analysis of JetBlue’s overall corporate strategies and how well they are aligned with their internal and external environments. It will focus on the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that exist as well as identify possible ways in which they can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. As a relatively new airline JetBlue has redefined the industry by utilizing a combination of low-cost and differentiation as their core strategy. Since the company’s inception in 1999 they have become an innovator of new ideas and have led other airlines to follow some of their own practices due to the overall success of the company. We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue Strategic Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Jetblue Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer JetBlue has succeeded as an airline that targets travelers who want a low-fare, high-value, customer service oriented flight to and from specific locations in popular metropolitan areas. To comprehend the success of the company, there are key factors that must be analyzed thoroughly in order to understand what allows them to be a competitive, profitable, and successful organization. To begin to understand JetBlue’s success as a newcomer to the industry you have to analyze their internal and external environments in comparison to their overall strategy. Strengths JetBlue’s strategy is focused on keeping costs low, while also utilizing new technology and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. The company’s strengths are what set them apart from other airlines. JetBlue’s long list of strengths begins with their pricing strategies. The customer value that is created by the company has proven to be a huge part of their success. In order to be a cost leader they started by purchasing only one model of aircraft which allows for easier and less expensive repairs and maintenance costs. Their low cost strategy also stems from the idea of eliminating any unnecessary operating costs, such as having paperless cockpits and not offering meals during flight. Differentiation has also allowed them to gain a notable advantage over the competition by realizing that customers are the most important part of the company. Customer satisfaction is a top priority within the company and all employees are instructed to make sure that all of their customers are happy at all times. The ways in which they have distinguished themselves include assigning seats with more legroom and satellite TV for all seats, offering complementary snacks and beverages, and also promoting online ticket sales and flight check-in. The organizational culture within the company is one that exhibits values, integrity, and empowerment which is a strength that most of the competition does not possess. Employees are hired based on their competencies and motivation to work in a customer-oriented environment. The company is also committed to their employees’ satisfaction and rewards are given to those who show initiative on the job. Another highly important strength is the executive level of management, which is comprised of experienced, knowledgeable people who have great leadership skills and are focused on their growth strategy and the sustainability of the company. JetBlue’s strengths are easily recognizable and they all integrate well with their corporate strategy. Weaknesses Although JetBlue is considered successful this is not to say that they do not have weaknesses that exist within the company. The small size of the company in comparison to other airlines is a major weakness that they have. Because JetBlue is relatively small they have to focus more on differentiating themselves in the industry, which could effectively lead to less popularity as the competition increases. Due to the fact that they are such a small company they also have a limited number of locations throughout the nation. Following their functional strategy of providing cheaper costs at underserved airports, they have effectively limited their potential to target customers in return. This leaves a question to be asked, if they are successful at their current locations that may not be heavy traffic areas, why could they not be just as, if not more successful in larger, higher traffic locations? Although they have expanded their hubs in a few regions since inception they have done so at a slow pace. Another weakness that should be recognized is the lack of marketing and promotion. JetBlue does use some marketing strategies within the markets that they operate in, yet very few media or publication advertisements are seen outside of those markets. Opportunities The weaknesses of JetBlue could also be considered opportunities to the company. The opportunities that exist are all great ways to improve profitability and brand image, which would be consistent with their own operational strategy. Expansion into other locations including international regions is perhaps their biggest opportunity for growth. Due to the deregulation of international air travel, it would be easier to implement the same low-cost strategy for operating outside of the United States. Another idea would be to create a joint venture with another international airline in order to take advantage of the international market, which would lower risks and investment capital. Technology and the Internet can both be beneficial to their strategy. Airplane technology continues to improve in design, safety, and maintenance. These improvements allow for less fuel consumption, lower repair costs, and fewer mechanical failures. These advancements in technology would be an excellent opportunity to lessen the operating costs associated with using older models. The Internet also offers a great way to market them as being a low-cost, high-value industry leader who actually values their customers’ satisfaction. The Internet has proven to be the cheapest, most profitable form of advertisement that reaches more people than any other form. By promoting the use of the Internet for automated sales and utilizing the available technology, they can lower labor costs and increase value even further for customers. Threats Altogether the airline industry has seen increased threats from the external environment in recent years, by not formulating and implementing strategies to effectively handle the threats that JetBlue is faced with currently and in the future, they will most likely have a negative impact on the company’s sustainability. A major threat that should be of concern is the fierce competition in the industry, and the possibility of other low-cost strategies being implemented by much larger companies. The imitability of both their differentiation and cost strategies are rather high and practically any competitor can easily implement both, forcing JetBlue to sustain a competitive advantage. Due to their small size and little brand recognition they must be effective in preventing the competition from overtaking their target market. Along with the substantial threat of entry into the low cost arena, there is the rising costs of fuel and high bargaining price of suppliers in the industry. The increased inflation rates of products, as well as the economic downturn are subsequently huge threats that should be considered when implementing their future financial strategy. Security threats and increased government regulations throughout the industry create a new threat to all airlines. This has increased costs and lowered the profit margin for JetBlue and limits their ability to maintain the low cost structure as well. These threats can all have a critical impact on the company, but if they are properly planned for there is a much greater chance to succeed in the future. Strategic Recommendations After analyzing JetBlue’s internal and external environment and contrasting them with their corporate strategy, this report concludes that overall they are an efficient company that needs little improvement. Aside from the recommendations discussed above there are a few more that might slightly improve their future sustainability. Their core competencies easily distinguish them from most of the competition and those strengths are what gives them the competitive advantage to become more successful. JetBlue’s low prices are what define them and it is necessary to keep their prices low and keep the customers happy as the company grows. The first recommendation would be that in-depth appraisals in all areas of the organization should be performed non-stop. The information gained should immediately impact any area that is falling behind, and the necessary changes should be made. As mentioned before, expanding to other markets is a strategy that should be implemented quickly, but considering the needs of business travelers would also be an opportunity to attract a larger market. Maybe they could include power outlets, unlimited wi-fi access, and noise cancelling headphones all of which would appeal to both business and regular customers. A marketing strategy that emphasizes their luxurious amenities offered compared to the low-cost flights, would be an extremely effective campaign especially once the target market is expanded. Another idea might be to consider venturing into a partnership that might include a website similar to Travelocity. com allowing consumers to find hotels, restaurants, and flights from other airlines and comparing their prices to JetBlue’s. Growth is limited to the resources available, so in effect they should ensure that all their resources are utilized to the upmost efficiency. Consideration of implementing the above recommendations and continuing the practices currently in place should allow JetBlue to continue to be an innovator and a successful company in the future. They have great management, an excellent workforce, and are highly concerned about their customers’ satisfaction, all of which are aligned with the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization.