1. Choose and calculate three ratios for this company for the last two years. Make sure to select ratios that you think would be impacted by starting service to a new destination, and explain your reasoning. Identify two competitors of LUV and contrast the ratios. Explain why you selected those competitors. Describe how the decisions made by management, marketing and operations functions of the company can impact, and hopefully improve, these financial ratios.
2. Boris Jankowski is a salesperson for a manufacturer of equipment used in beer-making. He discovers that a regional microbrewery is going to expand into another state. It has created a buying center to purchase the needed equipment. Boris's first job is to _____.