module specification

The aviation industry is one of the highest profile industries that are subject to extreme environmental constraints.  There are many reasons for this situation but airlines and airports must adapt policies that allow them to thrive in the long term and achieve goals linked to sustainability.

The module aims include the development of an appreciation of just how critical environmental management is to the aviation business for long term sustainability.  The reality is that already airlines and airports are constrained in an operational setting because of their negative environmental impacts and the industry sector is now engaged in a vital campaign to re-assure the public that they have their house in order.  The module therefore highlights the current approaches needed to manage the expectations of society.

Review of global scientific data on global warming and climate change
Review the documentation issued by the United Nations ( IPCC) on the contribution of aviation to green-house gases
Review the strategic positions taken by airlines and airports as highlighted by the various organisations involved
Governmental policy and planning impacts for aviation infrastructure – UK case study
UK White papers on airport development – UK case study
Determine the key aspects of the solutions to reducing the negative impacts of aviation operations from the airline, airport and aircraft manufacturing perspectives
Evaluate the role of stake-holder engagement in aviation sustainability goals – the challenges for manufacturers , aero-engine, airports, airlines and ATC 
Assess the problems of global control of aviation environmental impacts
Review governmental financial techniques for managing environmental impacts of aviation
Determine if there is a step change in aviation technology to assist the sector
Latest developments in technology and fuels for the sector

The formal delivery of the teaching and learning will be based on three contact hours per week. The contact hours will be formed of a three hour lecture.

Within this module there is a heavy emphasis on case studies and DVD’s within the lectures so as to emphasize the impact of aircraft accidents and emergencies / emergency scenarios and security issues. This is done with a view to learning from past operational problems and analysing the impact of operational decisions. Most of the emphasis therefore will be on teaching via lectures and case studies although  The teaching and learning techniques employed on the module may consist of the following also;

• Presentations by guest speakers
• Panel discussions and debates
• Films / DVD’s
• Scenario based activities

Within the module there is significant opportunity to participate in proactive learning activities via the use of Weblearn facilities which promote inter-active discussions between both peers and lecturers and enables learners to share resources and access links to external journal articles, websites and other sources.

Discussion and debate are actively encouraged both within the classroom context and via Weblearn. Students participating in this degree come from a variety of background s and often have a wealth of industry experience upon which to draw. It is useful to access this via proactive and inter-active classroom management.

Students have a responsibility to prepare for forthcoming lectures so as to ensure that they fully understand the concepts discussed and, so as they can participate fully in debates and discussions. This can be done via accessing the module specifications on-line or via Weblearn, and ascertaining the forthcoming weeks lecture content.

If unavailable on Weblearn the lecturer will provide an indication of forthcoming lecture content at the end of each preceding lecture. The student should then research articles and textbooks as appropriate around these themes so as to contribute fully to discussions and inter-active Question and Answer sessions within the lecture.

Opportunities for reflective learning will be available throughout the module as students are given the opportunity to consider their approach to tasks and discussions whilst simultaneously having the opportunity to reflect upon informal feedback that may be given from lecturers on ideas and concepts spoken of in class and, on assessments submitted.

1. Critically evaluate the issues with unconstrained aviation growth versus the call for global constraints on the growth of aviation for environmental reasons.
2. Critically assess the management challenges of maintaining corporate goals involving the sustainable development of aviation operations.
3. Critically evaluate the practical environmental activities that are now part of the management of the aviation sector.
4. Critically assess whether aviation can achieve the dramatic improvements required in environmental performance by innovation in aircraft design and airline and airport operations.

The module will be assessed by 2 elements including an individual presentation and a piece of coursework as

follows:

• Individual presentation
• Coursework report

Core text :
Baldwin, R. (1999) Developing the Future Aviation System, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Clark, P. (2010)Stormy Skies, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Daley, B. (2010) Air Transport and the Environment, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Hoppe, E. (2011)Ethical Issues in Aviation, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Janic, M. (2007)The Sustainability of Air Transportation, Ashgate Publishing, Aldersho
Lumpé, M. (2008)Leadership and Organization in the Aviation Industry, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot,
Taneja, N. (2008)Flying Ahead of the Airplane, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Taneja , N. (2010)Looking Beyond the Runway, Ashgate Publishing, 2010
Taneja, N. (2008) Fasten Your Seatbelt: The Passenger is Flying the Plane, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot, 2008

There are a range of e journals of management generally and the aviation industry to access via the online library facilities for this module.  For example – The Journal of Air Transport Management , Aviation Management and Education, Airline Business, Airport Business, Flight International etc.   There are also industry data bases to access which provide current industry information on the aviation sector.