...Classic Airlines Marketing Solution October 14, 2012 MKT/571 Introduction Classic Airlines is facing both and internal and external marketing crisis. The CEO, Amanda Miller and CFO, Catherine Simpson are basically asking the team led by CMO, Kevin Boyle to revitalize the frequent flyer program without making further discounts to fares while also cutting the marketing budget by an 15% over the next 18 months. Utilizing the nine step problem solving model we will analyze possible solutions and choose the one that will best meet the needs of Classic Airlines and its customers. Defining the problem One of the basic and core concepts of marketing is identifying and meeting the needs, wants and demands of the customer. Needs are basic human requirements like air, food and shelter. Needs can also extend to education, recreation and entertainment and become wants when directed to specific objects that satisfy the need and demands are simply wants backed up by the ability to pay (Kotler & Keller, 2006). When needs, wants and demands are met, customers are more likely to be loyal to the airline. This in turn creates the potential for free word of mouth advertising as the loyal customer shares his or her experience with everyone around them (Anuwichanont, 2010). Classic Airlines seems to be lacking in meeting the needs, wants and demands of their loyalty customers and their loyalty program has seen a decline of 19 percent by January 2006 (University of Phoenix, n.d.)....
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...Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Introduction The world economy is increasingly been fuel by Service businesses, with stiff competitions, most companies are finding it difficult to differentiate their physical products. To have that competitive edge over competitors, it is critical for service businesses to understand the special nature of services (Kotler, & Keller). One such company that is finding it difficult to understand the nature of services is Classic Airlines. The company is the world’s fifth largest airlines, they operates in 240 cities with an impressive 2,300 daily flights (University of Phoenix, 2012). The company’s financial report shows it earned $10 million on $8.7 billion in sales last year. Regardless of the profits, Classic has been on a downward trend, factors influencing this trend are; the rising cost of fuel and labor, negative media reports, and a constant decline of its stock prices. The Board of Directors are requiring a 15% cost reduction over the next 18 months, employees morale is low, and there is a lot of negative feedback from its customers in regards to the service provided by the company. I will implement a nine-step problem solving method that I will use to identify the problems at Classic Airlines, what opportunities the market has and create effective marketing solutions with a desirable end results to restore customer loyalty, employee morale, and entice investors’ to increase the company’s market value. Step 1: Define/identify...
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...Presently Classic Airlines is one of the largest airline carriers in the world. Last year the company had a net income of $10 million dollars on operating revenues of $8.7 billion. The year before the company had a net income of $71 million on 8.5 billion of operating revenues (Classic Airline Scenario, 2010). The net income has decreased $61 million in one year. One of the reasons for the huge decrease in net profit is because of marketing strategies. The company needs to take three stepsto turn the company around. First it needs to analyze the internal and external pressures that has created the present crisis. Second it needs to formulate a problem-solving method, and third it needs to apply the problem-solving method to the current crisis. Analyze current situation Rising costs, particularly of fuel and labor, have limited Classic Airlines to compete for the valued frequent fliers (Classic Airline Scenario, 2010). To protect the company from possible bankruptcy, a 15% cost reduction has been implementedover the next 18 months. Each department will have cuts, with marketing hardest hit at 21.5% reduction versus sales and operations at 11.5% (Classic Airline Scenario, 2010). The following shows the cost reduction goals by department (Classic Airline Scenario, 2010). To make sure Classic Airlines does not go into bankruptcy, the marking department needs to focus on three issues. First, the internal and external pressures causing the decrease in net income needs to be identified...
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...Classic Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline with a fleet of more than 375 jets serving 240 cities with 2,300 daily flights. The company currently employs more than 32,000 employees, still maintaining profits of over $10 million in the current year. Although profits are not as viable, there is a lack of customer use in the airline industry since 911. Stock prices have declined 10% because customers are not as secure with flying as they were before the 911 tragedy causing shareholders to keep Classic under scrutiny to make changes. Classics’ Classic Rewards membership has declined 19 % and a 21 % decrease in flights per remaining customer which has caused concern for Classic Airlines. (University of Phoenix, 2012) Another problem for Classic is rising costs of labor and fuel has placed limitations on how Classic competes for frequent flyers. The board of directors has mandated a 15 % across-the-board cost reduction over the next 18 months. The information in this paper will discuss a nine-step problem solving strategy to help Classic Airlines regain customer confidence and satisfaction. The main problem addressed in this paper is maintaining a viable rewards program to lure frequent flyers back to Classic Airlines. Framing the Problem Classic Airlines must first understand that most of the problems the company faces are uncontrollable. Classic needs to determine why the company has been losing rewards members. One of the first steps would be to establish a survey...
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...` Soaring Above Classics’ Issues Meredith Simmons MKT/571 September 24, 2012 Heidi Kelley Soaring Above Classics’ Issues Classic Airlines (CA) has historically held an impressive market share, as it has experienced tremendous growth coupled with over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry. However, like many of its competitors, CA has recently been plagued with internal and external issues which could easily pose threats to its survival. In efforts to deal with these obstacles effectively, it is necessary to assess CA’s predicament, discuss and decide on corrective action to prevent any further decline, and review the implemented plans to determine how CA will thrive in the future. In essence, the appropriate parties must comprehend how the company ended up in this situation in efforts to formulate a good plan to rise above it. CA must address these problems swiftly by using the basic problem-solving method. The company must use their marketing resources, as well as some external marketing options, to determine a profitable solution. This paper will demonstrate how the nine-step process can be used as a means to return Classic Airlines back to its place as a major contender in the airline industry now and in the future. The Situation According to the University of Phoenix scenario (2010), some of the challenges are increased hesitation about flying...
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...Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Classic Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world. Their routes include more than 240 cities and more than 2,300 flights a day. In 2004, they had a net operating income of $10 million dollars (Classic Airlines Scenario, 2011). Despite this achievement, Classic Airlines has been experiencing many challenges in operations that are threatening their profitability. These challenges include increased competition, higher overhead costs, decreased employee morale, dwindling stock prices, shrinking consumer confidence, market uncertainty, and customer dissatisfaction. Classic Airlines could use the nine-step problem-solving model to find the true cause of these symptoms and rectify the problem. Profitability will increase once the true problem is solved effectively. According to the Critical Thinking textbook, “Problem solving is applying critical thinking to achieve the goals and personal harmony that are important in our personal and professional lives” (Kirby & Goodpaster, 1999, p. 251). There are many approaches to problem solving. We will use the nine-step model described in Problem Solving-Based Scenarios (Problem Solving-Based Scenarios, 2011). The first step is to describe the situation. Classic Airlines has experienced a 10% decline in share prices. Customer surveys show that they are becoming dissatisfied with the airline’s customer service and frequent flier program, Classic Rewards. Rewards membership has decreased...
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...RUNNING HEAD: CLASSIC AIRLINES MARKETING SOLUTION Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Shelley R. Brothers MKT/571 Marketing University of Phoenix This paper will break down the problems that Classic Airlines are facing with so many pitfalls in their airline. With using the proper product launch plan, Classic Airlines should be operating up to stands if all goes well. Classic Airlines, a 25 year old airline, is ranked the world’s fifth largest airline consisting of more than 375 jets that makes over 2,300 flights daily to 240 cities. The airline has grown into a 32,000 employee airline and has earned $10 million on $8.7 billion in sales last year (Classic Airline Scenario, 2010). Although Classic Airlines have been profitable, like other airlines, they have struggled through several marketing problems in the past year which has caused them to fall short of hitting rock bottom lowering employee morale and customer loyalty. As the economy continues to struggle Classic’s Board of Director have insisted on a 15% across-the-board cost reduction over the next 18...
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...Classic airlines is one of the largest airlines and commands a fleet of more than 375 jets that serve 240 cities with over 2,300 daily flights (University of Phoenix Material, 2009).They continue to be a very profitable company, but with rising overhead costs and the current state of the economy, classic airlines has experience some set back. There are many internal and external pressures that contribute to Classic Airlines current crisis. In order to address this crisis, Classic Airlines must use the basic problem solving method. They must also utilize their internal marketing resources and explore external marketing options to find a profitable solution. Below is a diagram of the problem solving method (BPI Consulting, 2004): The first step is to define the problem. “Step 1 is a critical step in the problem solving process; it determines the overall focus of the project (BPI Consulting, 2004)”. Classic Airlines is a profitable company, however, they have experienced a decline in their market shares. This decrease in shares has resulted in negative press from the media and heavy criticism from market shareholders. These results have greatly affected employee morale, which can influence productivity. Another problem is the rising overhead costs which includes fuel and labor cost. Classic Airlines has implemented a cross-company budget cut for all departments. Classic Airlines has also seen a decrease in the enrollment of their classic rewards program. This means that...
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...This paper will cover a full scale and analysis of Classic Airlines, a 25 year airline organization. Classic Airlines demand is over 375 jets that serve 240 cities with more than 2300 daily flights making it the fifth largest airline in the world (University of Phoenix, 2007). Classic Airlines has grown from a small business to an organization of 32,000 employees and earned $10 million on $8.7 billion in sales (University of Phoenix). A general problem-solving process or framework provides leaders with a way to begin managing and understanding a wide range of decisions to be made, problems that needs attention, and concerns that arise from internal and external customers. According to University of Phoenix Week Three Scenario (2011), “Classical Airlines has seen a 10% decrease in share prices in the past year,” (para 2.) With this decrease in share prices the rising cost (fuel and labor) have hit the organization hard. The employees’ morale is at a low and Classic’s financial strain the corporate culture is under pressure. The board of directors for Classic Airlines has mandated a 15% cost reduction over the next 18 months. This cost reduction brings some challenges for all departments including finance, human resources, marketing, and customer service. From a marketing point of view, Classic is challenged with increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction, while decreasing expenditures. The first step of the problem-solving method is a key question to ask, “Is all the...
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...Marketing Solution MKT/571 Marketing April 25, 2011 Dr. Bea Bourne Marketing Solution Classic Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the country, “commands a fleet of more than 375 jets that serve 240 cities with over 2,300 daily flights” (University of Phoenix, Classic Airline Scenario, 2011) and has gained 32,000 employees with earnings of $8.7 billion in sales. September 11, 2001 was the start of the economic crisis for the airlines, along with the rising costs of operations. Classic Airlines has internal and external factors, which also contribute to the airline’s crisis. Addressing the crisis, Classic Airlines should consider using a ten-step basic problem-solving method as well as seek suggestions from the airlines internal and external resources. Define the Problem The first step in the method is defining Classic Airlines problem by determining the purpose of the project. Classic Airline’s shares are declining even though the airlines still earn a profit. A problem found is Classic Airline’s reward program offered to customers has declined, which could be because the customers are traveling less because of the economic times or the customers are traveling on other airlines. The decline could also be linked to the lack of customer satisfaction. Employee morale is another contributing factor to the airlines problems. The morale has decreased because of the September 11, 2001 attacks, referred to as 9/11. After 9/11 the airline was criticize...
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...Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Michael R. Engler MKT571 7 May 2012 Professor Alan Mandel Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Classic Airlines is currently in a state of declining demand and the marketing team has been given the mandate not only to identify the underlying problems but also to find a workable solution that meets the company’s objectives (University of Phoenix, 2005). The marketing team has decided to use an aggressive problem-solving model that includes the following nine-step process: * Describe the situation * Frame the right problem * Describe the end-state and goals * Identify alternatives * Evaluate alternatives * Identify and assess risks * Make the decision * Develop and implement the solution * Evaluate results (University of Phoenix, 2004). The following paragraphs discuss each step taken through the problem-solving process and presents the final solution. Step 1. Describe the Situation Accurately describing the situation facing Classic Airlines requires reviewing the scenario, collecting information from available sources including stakeholders, and creating a problem statement that reflects the reality of situation. It is necessary to explore the whole picture and understand the context without making assumptions to paint a true picture of the situation (University of Phoenix, 2004). As a result of reviewing the available information, the marketing team has determined that Classic Airlines...
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...Running Head: Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Gabrielle Plooy Marketing/ 571 January 10, 2011 Alan Mandel Introduction Classic Airlines one of the world’s largest airlines is experiencing setbacks that will either reside with proper application of marketing techniques and skills to stabilize current profits while opening the way to future profit gains. In addition to staying profitable the company must rebuild customer confidence and secure the loyalty of the client base while building new ways to improve customer retention as well as attraction of new clients. Building a better way for the company to operate and grow will take the efforts of all employees and department and dedicated efforts of thoroughly reviewing and changing programs that have become stale and unproductive. Monitoring and tracking of the results of the changes will also need to be a focus and priority for the company to turn around the client’s loyalty and rebuild company image in the industry. Introduction of new programs that can grow with the company, development of the cut backs the company must impose to stay liquid, and the monitoring of activity to give vision to where more changes are needed and when needed is imperative for Classic to rebound. Identifying the Issue Classic Airlines is facing a steady decline in loyal frequent flyer customers who have consistently stayed with the airline in the past but have begun to stray to the competition. Through...
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...Introduction In the past 10 years, the airline industry changed dramatically. To remain in existence in this unpredictable market Classic Airlines and its competition must constantly implement changes by design or by market events instigated by its competitors. Classic Airlines has become the fifth largest airline company since its establishment 25 years ago among its competitors. The firm’s fleets consist of more than 375 aircrafts, which fly to 240 cities, and have more than 2,300 scheduled flights daily. Classic Airlines in the past have done very well for itself infiltrating the market. The firm recently earned $10 million on an $8.7 billion in sales. This financial stability and wealth has permitted the firm to grow/employ 32,000 employees to operate/manage the organization’s daily operation. Although the firm is profitable, it is no stranger to challenges that have bestowed a level of uncertainty on the organization, which has affected the firm’s stock prices. More and more customers are choosing different companies to fly with, mostly due to better offerings and promotions. The rising cost of fuel and labor has put a strain on the firm’s operation. For Classic Airlines to maintain and enhance on its existing situation as the fifth largest airline, the firm will need to make some difficult decisions/changes. Issues and Opportunity Identification In the previous year the company was profitable although it saw a 10% decrease in the market share prices. The fault is...
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...Classic Airlines Marketing Solution MKT/571 June 11, 2012 Karlene Swalley Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Classic Airlines is facing numerous internal and external issues both internal and external. The external and internal marketing problems are affecting the needs and wants of the customers, stakeholders, and the profitability of the company. It is the responsibility of the Marketing department to review and come up with a sound marketing solution to assist with combating the poor sales, and reduced profits of the company and to win back and connect with its customers. The marketing department will employ a problem-solving model to solve Classic Airlines marketing problems. The model will consist of nine steps and it will assist the marketing department with identifying and defining the problem. Then, applying the problem solving process, it will help to aide with the comeback of the company to a thriving business. To be an effective marketing team it is imperative that the stakeholders are involved and that a plan of action is utilized to research the problems that are identified. The following nine step approach to problem solving by Management-Hub (2012) is an effective tool to assist the marketing department. • Develop a problem statement • Identify the potential cause of the problem • Gather data and verify the likely cause • Identify possible solutions • Evaluate alternative solutions • Determine the best solution • Revise the project plan ...
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...Classic Airlines marketing Solution Student Name MTK/571 Marketing University Name April 2011 Instructor Name Classic Airlines Marketing Solution Classic Airlines is the fifth largest airlines in the world. The company services 240 cities worldwide commanding 2,300 flights daily and has over 375 jets. Classic Airlines has increased the number of its employees to 32,000 over the past 25 years. Classic Airlines earned $10 million on $8.7 billion in sales last year. Competition and the need to gain customer satisfaction necessitated the creation of innovative products and marketing techniques such as frequent flyers and reward programs. Classis Airlines faces increasing challenges similar to all other airlines. Like all other airlines, the challenges range from rising fuel costs, economic turndown, customers’ increased ambiguity about flying, and scrutiny from all sectors including Wall Street, the public, and media. Despite the company’s efforts to reduce cost by employing price cuts, these challenges continue to affect the corporation’s profitability (University of Phoenix, 2011). Furthermore, Classic Airlines’ corporate culture has become dysfunctional. The company stood stagnant while looking for ways to implement new strategies particularly when faced with challenges. To be successful and to meet the challenges, Classic Airlines will need to use the problem solving approach, which will entail employing the nine-step model. The company will need to use its internal...
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