### Evaluation of Preventative Measures for JetBlue

$**1.$ Proactive Decision Making and Planning:$**$

JetBlue should have followed the example of other airlines by proactively canceling flights based on weather forecasts. This would have mitigated the immediate impact on passengers and operations, preventing the chaos that ensued. Effective risk management, including a decision$-$making protocol for severe weather events, would have been crucial.

$**2.$ Scalability of Information Systems:$**$

JetBlue's reservation system had a known limitation of handling up to $650$ agents simultaneously. To prevent bottlenecks, JetBlue should have had a more scalable system in place that could dynamically adjust to handle peak loads. Implementing a cloud$-$based solution could have provided the necessary flexibility and scalability.

$**3.$ Online and Kiosk Rebooking Systems:$**$

The absence of online and kiosk rebooking options significantly contributed to the crisis. Implementing these systems beforehand would have allowed passengers to rebook flights without overloading the call centers, reducing frustration and wait times.

$**4.$ Integrated Baggage Tracking System:$**$

JetBlue's lack of a computerized baggage tracking system exacerbated the issue of misplaced luggage. Implementing an integrated baggage tracking system would have streamlined the process of identifying and reuniting passengers with their luggage, reducing delays and customer dissatisfaction.

$**5.$ Improved Communication Systems:$**$

JetBlue's failure to effectively communicate with passengers was a major flaw. Implementing a robust communication system that could send real$-$time notifications via email, SMS$,$ and the Web about flight statuses would have kept passengers informed and potentially prevented the influx of passengers to the airports.

$**6.$ Enhanced ERP System Utilization:$**$

While JetBlue had recently completed an ERP installation, it did not extend to critical areas like baggage handling and real$-$time resource management. A more comprehensive use of the ERP system to include these functionalities could have mitigated many of the issues faced.

$**7.$ Contingency and Disaster Recovery Plans:$**$

JetBlue needed a comprehensive contingency plan for IT systems that included redundant systems and a disaster recovery strategy. Regular drills and updates to these plans would ensure that employees were prepared to handle crises efficiently.

$**8.$ Vendor Collaboration and Support:$**$

Having stronger relationships and agreements with software vendors to ensure rapid support and scalability during peak times would have been beneficial. JetBlue could have negotiated SLAs $($Service Level Agreements$)$ to guarantee timely assistance.

$**9.$ Data Analytics for Predictive Insights:$**$

Utilizing data analytics to predict and prepare for potential disruptions could have provided JetBlue with the insights needed to make more informed decisions. Predictive models could help anticipate the impact of weather events on flight schedules and operations.

$**10.$ Employee Training and Empowerment:$**$

Training employees to handle emergency situations and empowering them to make decisions would have helped manage the crisis more effectively. A well$-$trained workforce, familiar with emergency protocols and systems, can make a significant difference during such events.

By addressing these areas, JetBlue could have significantly mitigated the impact of the Valentine's Day disaster, ensuring smoother operations and better customer satisfaction. parphrase