Swot Analysis of Carnival Cruiselines

Strategic management is important to the success and expansion in most businesses. What is Strategic management? It is the art and science of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross-functional decisions that enable an organization to achieve its objectives (slide 1-4, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management). Why would this information be vital to Carnival Cruise? The annual revenue for just the U. S economy was 37. 85 billion dollars and the annual increase for the company is 7. 4% (Cruise Ship Industry Statistics).That is a huge profit margin and is vital reason why the cruise industry takes strategic management so seriously. Strategic management also helps companies figure out how to create better and more profitable business strategic plans. This helps Carnival Cruise make tough decisions biased among many decisions. Let’s start with Strategy formulation. It starts with the company having a vision and mission statement. It also helps identify the strength s, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) (slide 1-8, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management).Why does a successful company need this? It helps determine what ventures to leave behind or enter. It helps reduce wasting resources and helps improve how companies operate. It also can prevent hostile takeovers and guide paths in international markets or expanded operations to diversify. Strategy implementation also called the action stage going to help Carnival develop annual objectives, policies, motivation tactics, and allocate resources (slide 1-10, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management). Strategy implementation is very important stage. Only 19. 9% of the U. S. opulation has taken a cruise and of that 19. 9% the average age of a passenger is 50+ years old (Cruise Ship Industry Statistics). To maintain a high profit margin a company needs to find ways to save on expanses and entice new customers. It is especially important in today’s economy because many people are saving and not spending on luxury items. Strategy evaluation is how companies can review external and internal factors that are the bases for current strategies, measuring performance, and taking corrective actions (slide 1-11, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management).Carnival Cruise understands this and uses it to gain a competitive advantage. Let’s start with the company’s vision statement. â€Å"To consistently provide quality cruise vacations that exceed the expectations of our guests† (Carnival Team). This helps a company figure out what path it wants to take. Many companies view this as the first step in strategic planning (slide 1-16, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management). Vision statements are underestimated in many businesses. It can help draw the team together and provide a universal goal.Carnival Cruise’s vision statement is short, sweet and direct to all who read it. A mission statement provides identifi cation for many companies and answers the question of, â€Å"what does our business portray or do? † Carnival’s mission statement is, â€Å"Our mission is to take the world on vacation and deliver exceptional experiences through many of the world’s best-known cruise brands that cater to a variety of different geographic regions and lifestyles, all at an outstanding value unrivaled on land or at sea. † They have one of the better mission statements compared to other competitors.It lets all know who the customers are (everyone in the world are customers), what products are offered (vacations), and what markets (different geographic regions) and technology (best-known cruise brands). It does all this while identifying Carnival’s philosophy and self-concept. The mission statement does not cover survival growth, public image or concern for employees. Leaving these areas out of their mission is hurting the company especially concern for survival and grow th. There are many individuals that want to go on a cruise but choose not to.Not being concerned with survival and growth limits future customers. The mission statement wants to be a value unrivaled on land or sea but does not want to bring in new customers. Having an amazing deal but not tempting new customers really does no good. It will bring returning customers back but it needs to work on bringing in new financial opportunities.Carnival Cruises can prove they understand the importance of Vision and Mission statements because of their success record. It is important for the company to really change with the times and entice passengers to partake on one of their cruises. 36 million Americans have an intention to cruise in the next three years (Cruise Lines International Association). The average money spent per person per week on a cruise is $1,770. 00 (Cruise Ship Industry Statistics). Carnival can really increase their profit margin and gain loyal and satisfied customers just b y individuals that are already planning on taking a cruise.Those customers just need to choose which cruise they want to take. In order to have a happy and returning customer, Carnival Cruise needs to create their shared vision. This helps employees understand a mission and create opportunity and challenges within their work. Vision and mission statements should create an â€Å"emotional bond† and â€Å"sense of mission† between the organization and its employees (slide 2-11, chapter two of The Business Vision and Mission). A mission statement does not suppress management and employee creativity, but creates a guideline by identifying a generalization of the company’s mission.A SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) is also a very important concept for Carnival cruise. According to the â€Å"2011 Cruise Market Profile Study conducted by TNS; Carnival had a 94% satisfactory rating among its customers and 82% of the ship passengers feel that a cruise i s the best way to sample destinations (Cruise Line International Association). In order to keep up a positive customer image is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a company. Here is an example of Carnival’s SWOT: (Carnival Cruises SWOT Company Profile)Strengths Carnival is one of the world's largest cruise operators, has a large fleet capacity and operates 11 of the most recognizable cruise brand names.Their portfolio of brand names appeals to almost every niche market, from budget minded, contemporary to luxury cruises.They are such a large company that they have significant cost advantages over most of their competitors.Carnival is one of the profitable cruising companies. The company's average net income (FY2005 to FY2009) amounted to 18. 1% compared to the industry standard of 6. 3%.Carnival aggressively and effectively invests in print and television media. Their promotions target the lifestyles of each group of customers.   Carnival are â€Å"Fun Shipsâ₠¬  Holland America, a premium cruise, is promoted through the tagline â€Å"a signature of excellence† Seabourn, projects itself as â€Å"intimate luxury† while the Ocean Village projects as â€Å"the cruise for people who don't do cruises†.Carnival has a 47% market share in the UK, 68% in Italy, 51% in Germany and 45% in France.Weaknesses The net profit was $1,790 million in FY2009, a decrease of 23. 2% as compared to 2008.Carnival derives a majority of its revenue (nearly 52%) from US customers. In 2009 the revenue from the North American market registered a double digit decline.   The over-dependence on the US market makes Carnival vulnerable to the economic fluctuations of the American economy and this company is dependent on customers’ disposable income.Another weakness is that Carnival reports their financial statements in dollars. About half of their revenue is generated in a non-US currency, but is reported in terms of US dollars. The value of the dollar against Euro appreciated from 1. 60 in January 2010 to 1. 53 by April 2010 against the Pound. If the dollar strengthens it would record a lower revenue than is actually earned.In the middle of economic uncertainty Carnival has 13 ships under construction as of November 2009, and the estimated cost of all this growth is around $8. 2 billion. It is difficult at best to justify such a huge cash outflow in the middle of economic instability. This may result in consequences like huge debt burden on the balance sheet and reduced profitability.Opportunities The cruise industry has grown considerably in the past 10 years but still occupies a very small proportion of the global vacation market. Cruise lines accounted for only 4. % of the $542. 2 billion worth of the travel industry in 2009. While the revenue for cruises has declined in the US, it is growing in Europe and Asia, leading to more opportunities for Carnival to expand in these regions.They are planning to increase berth capacity for the European market 37% by 2012.Customers in Asia are now looking for luxurious cruises as a vacation option. Disposable income of the Chinese consumer has grown annually by 10% a year. The total number of passengers sourced from China increased approximately 74% in 2009 so the Costa Classica was launched specifically for this market.They are also planning to introduce the larger cruise liner Costa Romantica in 2010.Trends have shifted in the cruising industry towards the 45-60 year old age group. As this age group grows in population, Carnival can take advantage of the economies of scale and offer them the best prices.In July 2009, Carnival announced the union of Costa Europa with Thomson Cruises, a British Travel Company, under a 10-year bareboat charter beginning in April 2010. ThreatsCarnival has been taking advantage of special tax loopholes to avoid paying US corporation taxes. In 2009 the US government decided to look at closing those loopholes. If these loophol es are closed, it could affect their financial statements and fiscal bottom line in the future.The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has changed laws to reduce the sulfur content (emission) in fuel oil used aboard ships. This increases the demand for lower sulfur fuel, which raises the prices of the fuel. Carnival may have to deal with a significant increase in fuel prices.In 2009, Carnival experienced bad press when three passengers fell off ships in a three week period. There were a total of 22 incidents of passengers falling overboard in 2009. As of December 2009, Carnival was not required to report such incidents. Such events reflect negatively on the company and the industry.In December 2008, passengers on the Carnival owned Oceania cruise ship were attacked by Somali pirates. The ship sped away and no one was injured, but the threat of terrorism and pirates overtaking cruise ships is a concern for companies in this industry, and also negatively affect consumers’ per ceptions of cruising. The SWOT of a company is extremely important. It helps identify the strategic-management model. What is a strategic management model?It helps identify better strategies through the use of a more systematic, logical, and rational approach to strategic choice (slide 1-28, chapter one of The Nature of Strategic management). This all leads to a higher financial profit and happier customers for Carnival. Strategic planning is beneficial in so many ways. It helps improve communication, understanding and improving commitment. This all leads to a stronger company with a larger financial backing and loyal customers. Knowledge is power and it creates a high-performing firm or in this case a cruise company.

Favorite Food

My favorite food is chicken fettuccini pasta. I prefer this dish because of the great taste. It consists of a magnificent sauce, tender chicken, and mixed vegetables. This blend of ingredients contributes the flavor, texture, and appearances of the pasta. Just because the sauce isn’t an attractive color, which is an dull white with drops of grey from mushrooms and specks of green from the broccoli . The creamy fettuccini sauce itself is so tantalizing it’s truly what I call the cream of the crop. Added to the sauce is a mixture of mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone cheese along with sauteed mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. As I twirl the fork of noodles against the spoon, the expectation of silky smooth noodles gliding down my throat salivates the glands on my tongue. While eating such a well desired meal it’s easy to forget my manners, I may slurp the noodles so fast that the sauce may end up on my face. I do use napkins but remember I’m lost into my dream world. The chicken is a substantial filling for pasta. My philosophy is no meal is complete without a thick savory meat. There are many ways to cook chicken to add into fettuccini pasta. My favorite is Cajun deep fried chicken breast that’s tender and juicy, cut into thin strips. It has a crunchy golden brown spicy flavored batter. I prefer my chicken cooked to be crispy on the outside, yet not too dry so that the inner part will be stringy in the inside (kind of like pulled meat) therefore; it’s like pulling layers away from the inside of the chicken breast. A whiff of the welled seasoned chicken is finger licking good! It’s then sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, while covered in steamy sauce it’s so invigorating. Vegetables help completes pasta with its healthy nutritious. It includes steamed broccoli, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, with a hint of garlic; it is a tasty way to live healthy. Broccoli accents the color scheme throughout the meal, rather its laying near a noodle itself or in between a gap in my teeth. The green small crunchy tree- like shaped vegetable doesn’t make me feel guilty about my favorite meal because every bite is filled with specks of broccoli so the health factor is definitely included. I know I’m getting my proper amount of vegetables. The succulent tan chewy mushrooms provides an excellent source of potassium, also an interesting fact (mushrooms helps with migraine headaches. ) The sundried tomatoes are sparingly sprinkled throughout the dish because the flavor is quite intense, concentrated and slightly salty so a little goes along way. Many vegetables give pasta the picture perfect look. When eating this incredible tasting pasta I understand what it takes to make food so inviting. It has many different yet, incredible savory sauces and different ways of being crafted it can easily be adapted in diverse culture which makes pasta that more interesting. The pasta dish has come a long way from its original creation in the 18th century with its ingredients that consisted of only egg , flour, cheese, and cream; however, it has evolved into a food of art that has my taste buds more in-tact. Its roman herbs and spices give me a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness at the time of eating. Food of this stature should be a crime given my opinion because of the texture and taste only keeps me coming back for more. This pasta comes second to none; it’s my choice over all when it comes to my favorite supper. Favorite Food That's My Boy (2012 film) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article is about the 2012 film. For other uses, see That's My Boy. |[pic] |This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and | | |making it more concise. (January 2013) | That's My Boy | |[pic] | |Theatrical release poster | |Directed by |Sean Anders | |Produced by |Adam Sandler | | |Allen Covert | | |Jack Giarraputo | | |Heather Parry | |Written by |David Caspe | |Starring |Adam Sandler | | |Andy Samberg | | |Leighton Meester | | |Susan Sarandon | | |Ciara | | |Luenell | | |Vanilla Ice | |Music by |Rupert Gregson-Williams | |Cinematography |Brandon Trost | |Editing by |Tom Costain | |Studio |Happy Madison Productions | | |Relativity Media | |Distributed by |Columbia Pictures | |Release date(s) |June  15,  2012 | |Running time |114 minutes[1] | |Country |United States | |Language |English | |Budget |$70 million[2][3] | |Box office |$57,719,093[3] |That's My Boy[4] is a 2012 American comedy film starring Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. The script was written by David Caspe and directed by Sean Anders. The film was produced under Sandler's production company Happy Madison, and shot in Massachusetts, around Boston, Everett, Peabody, Lynn, Brockton, Stoughton and Cape Cod. [5] The film was released on June 15, 2012,[6][7] and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The film received very negative reviews from critics and is nominated for eight Golden Raspberry Awards, ultimately winning in the categories of Worst Actor and Worst Screenplay. The film has been subject of controversy and criticism due to its comedic portrayal of pedophilia, incest and statutory rape. 8] It is the sixth Sandler film to be rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. That's My Boy was a box office failure, grossing $57. 7 million worldwide, thus failing to reimburse its $70 million budget. | | Plot In 19 84, 13-year-old Donny Berger begins a sexual relationship with his teacher Mary McGarricle. When the two are discovered having sexual intercourse on a piano during an assembly, she is sentenced to a lengthy prison term where it is revealed she is pregnant; Donny is left to raise their son, who he names Han Solo Berger. By 2012, Donny (Adam Sandler) is an alcoholic slacker, who spends his time with his friends, bartender Brie (Ciara) and stripper Champale (Luenell).Donny is estranged from his son, who, embarrassed by Donny's immaturity, has changed his name to Todd Peterson and managed to become a successful businessman. He has recently arrived at the Cape Cod house of his boss, where he is to be married to Jamie (Leighton Meester). Donny learns from his lawyer, Jim Nance, that he owes $43,000 to the IRS in back-taxes and will be imprisoned for three years if he doesn't repay the money by the end of the weekend. He visits TV producer Randall Morgan, who had produced shows for Donny d uring his brief period of celebrity, and Morgan offers him $50,000 if he can organize a reunion with Han and Mary McGarricle at the women's prison. Donny arrives at Cape Cod to try to convince Todd to participate.Because he had previously told people that his parents had died, Todd introduces Donny as an old friend; Donny elaborates with a heroic backstory and, despite his extremely crude behavior, quickly becomes well-liked by the other guests, at the expense of Todd's popularity. Donny tries to convince Todd to come to the women's prison to see his mother, without revealing that it is for a tv show, but Todd refuses. Todd fights constantly with Donny about his father's immaturity, both now and during his childhood. Donny admitted he was wrong for his actions and should've stopped him, but he didn't know how to be a father. Donny joins Todd and his friends at Todd's bachelor party, a relaxing day at a spa. However, Donny offends the employees and guests and eventually convinces the wedding party to attend a strip club where Todd bonds with Brie. The group gets drunk and high and commits various acts of debauchery.Over the course of the evening, Todd bonds with his father and agrees to meet Mary McGarrigle at the prison. Donny, knowing that a tv crew will be waiting, tries to stop the meeting from happening, but Todd goes to the prison anyway. Todd, Donny, and Mary are ambushed by the film crew and a disgusted Todd leaves without signing a release form, leaving Donny without any money. Donny overhears Jamie on the phone saying that she has been having sex with Todd's boss. He tries to warn Todd, but Jamie comes up with a convincing cover story. Later, Donny discovers Jamie having sex with her brother. She pays Donny the money he needs in order to keep him quiet. After receiving a conciliatory present from Todd, Donny decides that he has to stop the wedding.At the ceremony he reveals himself to be Todd's father and rips up Jamie's check, and forces her to admit her infidelity to Todd. A disgusted Todd breaks up with Jamie and quits his job, acknowledging Donny as his father and even taking back his birth name of Han Solo Berger. The following day at the strip club, Han reveals that he is dating Brie. He offers Donny the money to help pay for the unpaid taxes, but he refuses stating that it's time for him to grow up and accept responsibility. Donny is preparing to go to prison when a bet he placed wins him enough money to satisfy the IRS. The film ends with Donny and Todd celebrating with the rest of their friends. †¢ ProductionThe film was originally titled I Hate You, Dad, and then changed to Donny's Boy before the producers finally settled on That's My Boy. [9][4] Promotion A red-band trailer was released on March 1, 2012. [7] A green-band trailer was later released on March 5, 2012. On June 1, 2012, the whole cast sat down with MTV on the City Walk stage to discuss the film, their individual upcoming projects and also participated in a Q&A with the audience. The film was also promoted through the 2012 MTV Movie Awards, where Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Leighton Meester were presenters for Best Kiss. A spoof trailer was posted by Samberg on The Lonely Island's YouTube account on June 1, 2012. [10] Reception Box-officeThe film opened on June 15, 2012 with $4. 6 million and was expected to earn $13 million for its whole weekend debut which would be Sandler's worst opening weekend since Reign Over Me in 2007,[11] which had a significantly lower budget. The film grossed $13,453,714 in its opening weekend, ranking #4 behind the second weekends of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted and Prometheus, and the opening of Rock of Ages. [12] As of November 24, 2012, the film has grossed $36,931,089 domestically and $57,719,093 worldwide and failing to recoup its $70 million budget making it a box office flop. [3] Critical reception Reviews for That's My Boy were very negative.Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a â€Å"ro tten† score of 21% based on reviews from 109 critics, with an average rating of 3. 4/10. The consensus states, â€Å"While it does represent a new foray into raunch for the normally PG-13 Sandler, That's My Boy finds him repeating himself to diminishing effect – and dragging Andy Samberg down with him. â€Å"[13] Metacritic gives it a weighted average score of 31% based on 27 reviews, indicating â€Å"generally unfavorable reviews†. [14][15] Online review show Half in the Bag called the film â€Å"pathetic†, it went on to criticize Sandler as a comic, including his inability to create real humor that isn't based on childish jokes. 16] Bob Fishbach from the Omaha World Herald gave the film one out of four stars, saying it was â€Å"worse than Sandler's previous stinker, Jack and Jill†. [citation needed] Richard Roeper gave the film an â€Å"F† rating, calling it â€Å"an ugly, tasteless, deadly and mean-spirited piece of filmmaking,† while Alonso Duralde gave the film a scathing review, calling it â€Å"vulgar, trite, sexist, misogynist, hacky, tacky, gross, sentimental and stupid, with occasional flourishes of racism and veiled homophobia thrown in to boot. â€Å"[17] The film has been criticized for its comedic portrayal of statutory rape, pedophilia, and incest. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]