It is official BA's strike is off at the moment - that's sweet music to my ears. After the heavy negotiations over the weekend a deal was struck. Still I'm not sure what the deal - the cost; who blinked first. It is interesting because both parties were adamant on their positions.
I found something cheeky today from Virgin Airlines - they have a history when it comes to BA. They are offering first class train tickets to disappointed BA customers - not good enough for me. Is Branson just being a pain in BA's backside or does this lead anywhere?
Market Follower strategy? But they are antagonistic - I thought they should be following and exploiting BA's weaknesses silently.
I'm more interested on the impact of this scenario on the company's performance - or even worse dis this the end of BA's continued struggle with industrial issues. Time will tell what the cost is.
By the way I hope the virgin trains run on time - pray that its not windy and the leaves are not on the tracks!
'When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other'
- Eric Hoffer (American Philosopher)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Race row
Fresh from the Celebrity Big Brother race row that engulfed us in recent weeks another incident occur ed this week that failed to reach the headlines.
First let me confess I don't know why but it is very difficult to find any black business leaders here in the UK. It never really seriously occur to me until someone challenged me why is it the papers I read do not have a single black face (not counting the sports pages!)
That changed this week when I got to read about the high flying insurance executive - Tidjane Thiam from Ivory Coast and now Chief Executive at Aviva Europe. The 44 year old used to be Minister of Planning in Ivory Coast before a military coup in 1999. A role model?
True we need more colour in this papers otherwise probably my friend wouldn't be too hard on me. But is it any different elsewhere? Even in Kenya?
Back to the Standard Life boss - Trevor Matthews he apparently used the N word during a staff meeting. The Australian who heads the company's UK Life and pensions division. His response - typical - 'I deeply regret saying what I did - it is not in anyway a reflection of what I think...I had made a serious mistake by using a colloquialism that is not in any way acceptable today'. All the same - what Jade Gooding said and now Jo O'Meara (both are celebrities I made to understand
Well he has the full backing of the company.
I got the comment from one of the many free newspapers flying around in London. No one else has bothered to follow up the story - the silence is very reassuring indeed.
CNBC
I've been waiting for 'breaking' news from CNBC on the events during the week of the departure of top executive at Citigroup. How impartial that such a scandal that it involved its star reporter is still not newsworthy - but I'm not disappointed I always knew that news media organisations are impartial.
Who needs the news if they decide what is good for us?
There is a press release where the CNBC have backed Maria Bartirono - her closeness to news makers does not in anyway interfere with her judgement. Why am I not surprised?
Reminds me an auditor should not only state his/her independence - he should be seen to be independent too!
My vision is blurred in this case.
Who needs the news if they decide what is good for us?
There is a press release where the CNBC have backed Maria Bartirono - her closeness to news makers does not in anyway interfere with her judgement. Why am I not surprised?
Reminds me an auditor should not only state his/her independence - he should be seen to be independent too!
My vision is blurred in this case.
And it goes on
The weekend and I'm still following the saga at BA. Breath taking!
I finally told mum I might travelling soon depending on the outcome of the strike by BA cabin crew. I was thinking of giving them a very short notice - well actually I know the flight will arrive in Nairobi very late and didn't want to make people stay up waiting for me.
But then I realised I actually prefer someone coming to pick me up. I'm not very comfortable with taking a taxi on my own. Last time at JKIA I was so suspicious of the taxi driver with so many thoughts going through my mind - I can't risk it anymore. I 'negotiated with one fella, and stroke a deal - he went to get the car around only to realise he was just a broker! So I get in this cab the driver is double parked and of course on the look out for cops - I jumped in after much assurances. The driver kept jumping lanes as we were leaving the airport - that's when I thought supposing he was not what I thought he was - he was avoiding the cops. When he locked all the doors I quickly stared at him thinking if he makes the wrong move its war. I felt so vulnerable.
Luckily there was heavy traffic - I relaxed - even if it was a hijack it would take him forever to disappear. All along he kept moaning the traffic was heavy, he must have been a matatu driver at least part time.
Anyway I'm too old for that at the moment - I will call someone to come and pick me up.
Tuesday and Thursday: Flights cancelled from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports - the negotiations are continuing through the weekend. (Fingers crossed)
I finally told mum I might travelling soon depending on the outcome of the strike by BA cabin crew. I was thinking of giving them a very short notice - well actually I know the flight will arrive in Nairobi very late and didn't want to make people stay up waiting for me.
But then I realised I actually prefer someone coming to pick me up. I'm not very comfortable with taking a taxi on my own. Last time at JKIA I was so suspicious of the taxi driver with so many thoughts going through my mind - I can't risk it anymore. I 'negotiated with one fella, and stroke a deal - he went to get the car around only to realise he was just a broker! So I get in this cab the driver is double parked and of course on the look out for cops - I jumped in after much assurances. The driver kept jumping lanes as we were leaving the airport - that's when I thought supposing he was not what I thought he was - he was avoiding the cops. When he locked all the doors I quickly stared at him thinking if he makes the wrong move its war. I felt so vulnerable.
Luckily there was heavy traffic - I relaxed - even if it was a hijack it would take him forever to disappear. All along he kept moaning the traffic was heavy, he must have been a matatu driver at least part time.
Anyway I'm too old for that at the moment - I will call someone to come and pick me up.
Tuesday and Thursday: Flights cancelled from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports - the negotiations are continuing through the weekend. (Fingers crossed)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Femme fatale?
So Citigroup had to suddenly part ways with Todd Thomson (sacked?) for his failure to 'manage' his relationship with Maria Bartiromo. A glamorous financial news reporter at CNBC - never knew we could describe a financial news reporter like that. I'm sure that is why she pulled all the guys in the US to look forward to the financial news!
She hit the headlines again last year when disclosed 'private' comments by Ben Bernanke that hit the Dow Jones Industrial Average (?). She has always enjoyed privy information I guess pushing up her TV ratings good for her. She has covered Citigroup for years, was close Sandy Weill the former chairman - she actually broke the news in 2005 that he was leaving Citigroup. Back to Thomson - he spent company money on functions involving Bartiromo and the two flew back together from a business function to Asia.
Thomson bites the dust - he was once tipped as a potential chief executive of Citigroup - too bad though I am sure he won't be tarmacking for long. I can understand Thomson's tribulations though it doesn't make us right.
I can't wait to listen to inside scoop on what next for Thomson - Maria give us a hint you are up to the task. This builds my confidence in the media the maarket is perfect - nothing like insider information.
On the plus - Citigroup is looking for CFO - and chances are he/she will not be an insider.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Willie Walsh's Judgement Day
Known as a cost-cutter or the slasher BA's CEO arrived in 2005 from Aer Lingus the Irish airliner where he was successful in making one of the most profitable airline in Western Europe. He also has a reputation of being a union basher - just what BA needed given its history with unionism. He was also expected to streamline the relaxed, long established working practices like the contentious sick leave.
Why are they bent on spoiling my valentine?
As a customer I confess I am selfish I don't really care what the staff are going through (especially when I am so looking forward to seeing my family after two years!). I read somewhere that those who have already purchased tickets may have to find alternative dates (fingers crossed I hope some sense will prevail in all this madness)
Even BA's major critic Ryan air's Chief has backed the BA CEO - is he trying to tell his staff something?
So what's the problem?
Top as I say - Sick leave. The management has managed to cut off sick days from an average of 22 days p.a. to 12 days yet the average for private companies is 7 days. Ungrateful lot?
As it normally goes other issues have crept up too - pay (they thought they should throw that in just in case people like me thought they were ungrateful)
In all this confusion how do the staff gain when the customers are suffering - the egos are well displayed.
Next Monday therefore things will turn nasty if the cabin crew go ahead with their threats. Am I not justified to be selfish and expect nothing but value for money?
It' still on
Why are they bent on spoiling my valentine?
As a customer I confess I am selfish I don't really care what the staff are going through (especially when I am so looking forward to seeing my family after two years!). I read somewhere that those who have already purchased tickets may have to find alternative dates (fingers crossed I hope some sense will prevail in all this madness)
Even BA's major critic Ryan air's Chief has backed the BA CEO - is he trying to tell his staff something?
So what's the problem?
Top as I say - Sick leave. The management has managed to cut off sick days from an average of 22 days p.a. to 12 days yet the average for private companies is 7 days. Ungrateful lot?
As it normally goes other issues have crept up too - pay (they thought they should throw that in just in case people like me thought they were ungrateful)
In all this confusion how do the staff gain when the customers are suffering - the egos are well displayed.
Next Monday therefore things will turn nasty if the cabin crew go ahead with their threats. Am I not justified to be selfish and expect nothing but value for money?
It' still on
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Countdown
It is countdown.
I'm keeping it on the down low - no one has know this secret. The worst part about telling people you are travelling and they have all this stuff they want you to deliver. I've learnt the hard way. Two years ago I ended up being an errands boy. I ended up running up and down Nairobi just delivering this and that. It's not amusing when you have your own plans and have been away from home for such a long time.
I'm not heartless I know we have people who for some reason or the other cannot travel, but all the same I believe there are better and more secure ways of communicating with people at home.
Now what should I buy for mum and sisters?
My presence should be enough - I think after two years.
After two years!
I'm keeping it on the down low - no one has know this secret. The worst part about telling people you are travelling and they have all this stuff they want you to deliver. I've learnt the hard way. Two years ago I ended up being an errands boy. I ended up running up and down Nairobi just delivering this and that. It's not amusing when you have your own plans and have been away from home for such a long time.
I'm not heartless I know we have people who for some reason or the other cannot travel, but all the same I believe there are better and more secure ways of communicating with people at home.
Now what should I buy for mum and sisters?
My presence should be enough - I think after two years.
After two years!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
....Incoherent
I hate talking about people when they are not around!
This past week everybody has been discussing David Beckham's new upcoming contract with a club in the US. Outrageous, scandalous, obscene.
Gone are the days when players were played to play football - it's a whole new ball game! Anyway I'm not hating - I think it was his only way out (Brand Management 101). I wish you would read the UK press especially the tabloids.
The thing that strikes me is the fact that if it was an executive (not that they are better that other mortals) I'm sure a commission would have been set up.
One thing I quickly realised immediately I arrived in the UK is the we express ourselves differently - look at 'The Apprentice' it's all about me and I. 'The Art of being shameless'
There is a racial debate on Big Brother that has got everyone talking (even Blair possible replacement) It hurts me even to comment on the show. It is interesting because in the office that's what we are talking about so I can't ignore the 'hot topic'. I know it is only a show fixed for that matter what was the response of the channel execs when everyone was complaining 'make your views known by voting!'. Are actually going to fall for that? Wait and see.
Why don't they put all this reality shows on one channel - it would be easier to avoid them! Discussing all this has gotten the better of me. I should stop here.
And get ready for the weekend.
This past week everybody has been discussing David Beckham's new upcoming contract with a club in the US. Outrageous, scandalous, obscene.
Gone are the days when players were played to play football - it's a whole new ball game! Anyway I'm not hating - I think it was his only way out (Brand Management 101). I wish you would read the UK press especially the tabloids.
The thing that strikes me is the fact that if it was an executive (not that they are better that other mortals) I'm sure a commission would have been set up.
One thing I quickly realised immediately I arrived in the UK is the we express ourselves differently - look at 'The Apprentice' it's all about me and I. 'The Art of being shameless'
There is a racial debate on Big Brother that has got everyone talking (even Blair possible replacement) It hurts me even to comment on the show. It is interesting because in the office that's what we are talking about so I can't ignore the 'hot topic'. I know it is only a show fixed for that matter what was the response of the channel execs when everyone was complaining 'make your views known by voting!'. Are actually going to fall for that? Wait and see.
Why don't they put all this reality shows on one channel - it would be easier to avoid them! Discussing all this has gotten the better of me. I should stop here.
And get ready for the weekend.
BA
Another week's gone.
I'm back at work in full swing hoping I will not forget my new years resolutions. I started Monday calling in sick because of an 'emergency'. At my place of work you get an extra 2 days on your annual leave for 100 per cent attendance, yet you can call in sick for a continuous 4 days, still get paid no questions asked, wait another 13 weeks and do the same thing! (that's 16 days 'free'!). Let's forget about that.
I was looking at the fares to Nairobi on BA's website and found a ticket for £368 return ticket at the end of February. To me that's a bargain and it has given me ideas I have applied for a couple of days at the end of February - I will know my next step on Monday (hoping the tickets will still be available).
I wish I could lie and say it is just to go home for a holiday. I consider it a business trip - career wise I have ideas crossing my mind plus my sisters are coming up with business ideas I need to look at. (Growing up is so hard!)
There is a rumour that BA unionisable employees are calling for industrial action - I don't need that now. And someone is telling me that the there is an ongoing dispute on airport tax here in the UK. It shouldn't be a problem I think but you never know.
Let me see whether I can get the tickets first.
I'm back at work in full swing hoping I will not forget my new years resolutions. I started Monday calling in sick because of an 'emergency'. At my place of work you get an extra 2 days on your annual leave for 100 per cent attendance, yet you can call in sick for a continuous 4 days, still get paid no questions asked, wait another 13 weeks and do the same thing! (that's 16 days 'free'!). Let's forget about that.
I was looking at the fares to Nairobi on BA's website and found a ticket for £368 return ticket at the end of February. To me that's a bargain and it has given me ideas I have applied for a couple of days at the end of February - I will know my next step on Monday (hoping the tickets will still be available).
I wish I could lie and say it is just to go home for a holiday. I consider it a business trip - career wise I have ideas crossing my mind plus my sisters are coming up with business ideas I need to look at. (Growing up is so hard!)
There is a rumour that BA unionisable employees are calling for industrial action - I don't need that now. And someone is telling me that the there is an ongoing dispute on airport tax here in the UK. It shouldn't be a problem I think but you never know.
Let me see whether I can get the tickets first.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
....Recovery Plan Underway...
Festive season is over now back to business.
While most people contemplate, agonise and regret about the their spending over the period, it's time for the high street to reveal winners and losers.
M&S is still breathing fire, Stuart Rose (CEO) has for the first time has conceded it is on a state of 'recovery'. He has for long avoided that word charging that the company 'is out of the intensive care'. This for a man who has just recently been under pressure for BHS's take over bid.
M&S strength was assisted by its impressive online sales especially on women's clothing (now that's a new one!)the same reason why NEXT is right behind them. Like for like sales rose by 5.6 per cent more than analysts expectation - 5 per cent. Suddenly I'm not hearing anything about BHS no more - Phillip Green is quiet for now. The morale is high especially since staff are also having a slice of the good fortune (Shame on all you fat cats!)
It is not all rosy on the high street even though sales within the retail sector were high - Jessops has some bad news and I think it will get tougher. The photographic equipment store apparently had problems with deliveries - in December of all the months! I think they should look at the competition - the market is now wide. Change of strategy needed here? I mean I got a mobile phone that can take pictures upload them on the computer and they are as good as anything else - the only problem for Jessops - I don't need to pay for it. (Maybe they should discover a camera which can also play music and access the internet!)
HMV is another store that is suffering music sales are not doing well - people buy singles online (or illegal downloads) therefore album sales are not the in thing.
Call it what you may but I have come to believe in the performance measurement metrics that have for long been kind of ignored in the Kenyan market. Although looking at Safaricom's website I notice they have an opening that has something to do with the Balanced Scorecard - interesting. I remember long time ago someone in the press accused individuals going abroad and thinking everything they learn there is applicable in the Kenyan context. That is a universal thought one of my lecturer's here believes the Chinese economic boom is a bubble - wait till this whole mob of Chinese students stream back to China to 'manage'.
Positioning and re-positioning - is that not a good resolution this year implement my recovery plan.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
What!?
Happy new year!
Yeah we made it!
Some people just know how to suck the joy out of something new (like a brand new year!). For the second time in like 3 months my bank has raised the overdraft rates! And even worse the bank has 'admitted' to encouraging shoppers to go deeper into the red by increasing their overdraft limits. Imagine just after 'we've' spent so much during Christmas!
Wise move that's all I can say.
This hits me since I have a rather large overdraft facility which though has helped me a couple of times I think it is time I considered ways of reducing this luxury.
From 14.96 per cent to now 17.44 per cent annually!
Yeah we made it!
Some people just know how to suck the joy out of something new (like a brand new year!). For the second time in like 3 months my bank has raised the overdraft rates! And even worse the bank has 'admitted' to encouraging shoppers to go deeper into the red by increasing their overdraft limits. Imagine just after 'we've' spent so much during Christmas!
Wise move that's all I can say.
This hits me since I have a rather large overdraft facility which though has helped me a couple of times I think it is time I considered ways of reducing this luxury.
From 14.96 per cent to now 17.44 per cent annually!
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