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Read the information supplied and answer the questions which follow - Leaving Cert Business - Question 4(A) - 2018
Question 4(A)
Read the information supplied and answer the questions which follow. Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, has apologised for the cancellation of flights. The airline admit... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the information supplied and answer the questions which follow - Leaving Cert Business - Question 4(A) - 2018
Step 1
Illustrate your understanding of the term contingency plan.
Answer
A contingency plan is essentially a backup plan that prepares an organization for unforeseen events that can disrupt operations. It entails a set of procedures and responses that an organization can activate when things do not go as planned, ensuring continuity of operations.
For example, in the case of Ryanair, a contingency plan should have been in place to address the situation where pilots are unavailable due to holiday schedules. This backup plan could include measures such as hiring temporary pilots or rescheduling flights to manage passenger expectations effectively during peak travel seasons.
Step 2
Outline the importance of planning for an airline such as Ryanair. Refer to strategic, tactical and manpower planning in your answer.
Answer
Planning is crucial for an airline like Ryanair as it directly impacts operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning involves long-term decision-making aimed at achieving the airline's major objectives. This may include expanding routes or acquiring new aircraft to enhance service offerings. For instance, Ryanair could consider increasing its fleet size to manage peak travel times better and avoid cancellations, which directly affects customer loyalty.
Tactical Planning
Tactical planning breaks down the strategic objectives into shorter plans devised by middle management. For instance, introducing new routes or checking in online could be tactical responses to enhance customer experience and operational flow. By optimizing operations, Ryanair can address service delays and improve its overall efficiency during busy periods.
Manpower Planning
Manpower planning pertains to preparing a workforce capable of meeting the goals of the organization. Ryanair must ensure that it has the right number of staff available during peak seasons to avoid situations where flights are canceled due to pilot shortages. Inadequate manpower planning was evident when pilots went on holiday without sufficient backup, demonstrating the need for careful scheduling to meet operational demands.