SWA scheduling system "best in the world"
12-28-2022, 10:44 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,264
SWA scheduling system "best in the world"
This doesn't seem like it aged well.
From Bloomberg article, Southwest Chaos Is Told-You-So Moment After Warnings on Old Tech
I don't know. Maybe we need a new, different savior. Maybe AW is part of the whole SWA exceptionalism problem.
From Bloomberg article, Southwest Chaos Is Told-You-So Moment After Warnings on Old Tech
Improving the operation is one the top five priorities Jordan has set through 2026, but at a media day on Nov. 30, the CEO said he couldn’t put a price tag on the cost of slow modernization. At the event, executives discussed the $2 billion being spent to improve passengers’ in-flight experience — wifi systems, power outlets at seats, etc. They also talked about improving aircraft productivity and flight operations, without much detail on the costs.“We’re behind,” Jordan said at the time. “As we’ve grown, we’ve outrun our tools. If you’re in an airport, there’s a lot of paper, just turning an aircraft there’s a ton of paper. If you took our crews, we have a lot moving all over the country. If they get reassigned, someone needs to call them or chase them down in the airport and tell them.”
But at the same event, even some of Jordan’s top lieutenants rejected the idea that Southwest has been slow to adopt new technology. “That’s a leftover image from decades ago — I don’t think it’s true,” Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said in an interview. “Our scheduling system is the best in the world.”
But at the same event, even some of Jordan’s top lieutenants rejected the idea that Southwest has been slow to adopt new technology. “That’s a leftover image from decades ago — I don’t think it’s true,” Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said in an interview. “Our scheduling system is the best in the world.”
12-29-2022, 10:04 AM
#3
Spikes the Koolaid
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Position: 737
Posts: 403
This doesn't seem like it aged well.
From Bloomberg article, Southwest Chaos Is Told-You-So Moment After Warnings on Old Tech
I don't know. Maybe we need a new, different savior. Maybe AW is part of the whole SWA exceptionalism problem.
From Bloomberg article, Southwest Chaos Is Told-You-So Moment After Warnings on Old Tech
I don't know. Maybe we need a new, different savior. Maybe AW is part of the whole SWA exceptionalism problem.
If he was talking about our crew scheduling systems, I agree, he's got some serious splainin' to do, because that would REEK of SWA exceptionalism.
Bob Jordan doesn't get a similar chance to explain. He das VP of Technology. No excuse.
12-29-2022, 01:46 PM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,124
A VP by definition should have tools, and funding, to make necessary improvements, as well as innovations. And should be naturally inclined to to innovate and improve. Also needs a voice (that's heard) at budget time. Otherwise you're just a glorified middle manager.
Some companies simply appoint VP's to execute the top dog's plan, within strictly prescribed lateral limits. If they fail due to inadequate resources, they revert to their secondary function as sacrificial anodes. That way the top boy can make a blood sacrifice to the gods (BoD and wall street) to preserve his own position.
Word to wise CEO's: Don't appoint high visibility DEI picks to key executive scapegoat positions... they can be hard to fire when the time comes.
12-29-2022, 04:24 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2018
Posts: 388
A VP by definition should have tools, and funding, to make necessary improvements, as well as innovations. And should be naturally inclined to to innovate and improve. Also needs a voice (that's heard) at budget time. Otherwise you're just a glorified middle manager.
Some companies simply appoint VP's to execute the top dog's plan, within strictly prescribed lateral limits. If they fail due to inadequate resources, they revert to their secondary function as sacrificial anodes. That way the top boy can make a blood sacrifice to the gods (BoD and wall street) to preserve his own position.
Word to wise CEO's: Don't appoint high visibility DEI picks to key executive scapegoat positions... they can be hard to fire when the time comes.
Some companies simply appoint VP's to execute the top dog's plan, within strictly prescribed lateral limits. If they fail due to inadequate resources, they revert to their secondary function as sacrificial anodes. That way the top boy can make a blood sacrifice to the gods (BoD and wall street) to preserve his own position.
Word to wise CEO's: Don't appoint high visibility DEI picks to key executive scapegoat positions... they can be hard to fire when the time comes.
Can’t help but think of this scene every time I hear of “exceptionalism” and “failure” in the same utterance(s). Especially when those same folks start saying “a VP couldn’t have known”.
Not that I support summary execution or any of that nonsense…but if that happens to someone’s C-suite career in light of all this. Well I guess that a sounds about right.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AC9SF7TOyHQ
12-29-2022, 06:12 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 176
“Our scheduling system is the best in the world.” Obviously not. And given that he believed that I'm sure he felt no urgency to improve upon or advocate for it. Effective change will require new leadership, leadership that both acknowledges past mistakes and that will wholeheartedly embrace the changes that are now necessary.
12-29-2022, 07:18 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 752
I don’t believe either of us are SWA (and know I’m not), so I’ll reserve specific judgement. But specifically to you points, “winning matters”. A movie quote comes to mind about abject failure: “You know, in certain older civilized cultures, when men failed as entirely as you have, they would throw themselves on their swords.”
Can’t help but think of this scene every time I hear of “exceptionalism” and “failure” in the same utterance(s). Especially when those same folks start saying “a VP couldn’t have known”.
Not that I support summary execution or any of that nonsense…but if that happens to someone’s C-suite career in light of all this. Well I guess that a sounds about right.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AC9SF7TOyHQ
Can’t help but think of this scene every time I hear of “exceptionalism” and “failure” in the same utterance(s). Especially when those same folks start saying “a VP couldn’t have known”.
Not that I support summary execution or any of that nonsense…but if that happens to someone’s C-suite career in light of all this. Well I guess that a sounds about right.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AC9SF7TOyHQ
A competent VP would have spent every day screaming to those above them that the system was broken and in dire need. If not, then that person is not a competent VP and shouldn't have that position.
One legacy GK left SWA with is a hugely bloated and ineffectual middle management core that is all about lip service.
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