module specification

The aviation industry has a huge number of interdependent factions within it and this leads to vast operational complexities. This together with a highly regulated industry, a competitive and dynamic external environment and a substantial level of Government involvement has the potential to expose airlines and airports alike, to a vast array of risks and uncertainties, both internally and externally.

This module examines the key aspects of safety, security and psychology issues as they pertain to the aviation accidents including regulations and processes currently employed in the sector. It examines the role of regulators and relevant Government agencies in promoting effective safety and security management through SMS.

The aim is for students to have an understanding of current best practice as it pertains to the aviation sector and the issues that arise from implementing this both in the UK, EU and globally. The module will also provide students with knowledge and understanding of the systems and procedures used to make commercial flying an exceptionally safe form of transport via an understanding of safety management systems and human factors analysis in accidents and incidents. This module also aims to provide an insight into current threats and risks to security, and their management.

The regulatory framework for safety and security
Regulation organisation and rule making
Recording and reporting on safety data LO1,LO3
Review of safety statistics  LO1,LO3
Accident causation models LO1,LO3
Human factors in aviation safety LO1
Aviation and psychology  LO4
Air traffic safety systems LO4
Airport / airline safety – health and safety at Work Act LO1
Aviation security - the role of Dept. for Transport (TRANSEC) LO2
Airline security methods LO2
Airport security methods LO2
Airline safety and safety management systems including all the necessary structures LO3
Reporting Systems LO3

The formal delivery of the teaching and learning will be based on three contact hours per week. This will involve workshops, lecture/seminar periods but also will consist of formal and guest lectures, case studies, panel discussions and debates, films and DVDs, and 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 backgrounds 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 to ensure that they fully understand the concepts discussed and can participate fully in debates and discussions. This will be via Weblearn (VLE).

Tutors 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 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 will consider their approach to tasks and discussions whilst simultaneously reflect upon informal feedback from lecturers on ideas and concepts spoken in class and on assessments submitted.

Upon Completion of this module the student will be able to do the following:

1) Critically assess the regulatory framework that affects the air transport sector with regard to health, safety and security.
2) Explore new and existing information on contemporary issues in aviation security and the importance of national and international co-operation with a view to identifying new patterns of thinking and relationships.
3) Evaluate the structure and importance of implementing safety management systems in aviation
4) Analyse human factor limitations and aviation psychology in minimising incidents and accidents

The assessment strategy will be based on 3 elements including 2 elements of coursework and 1 presentation as follows:

• A group presentation on health and safety and regulations
• A report into improvements in airline and airport security in Europe and USA
• Case study report into safety management systems, human factors and aviation psychology issues for a given accident

Assessment of this module will take the form of a group presentation on health and safety regulations in groups of 5 students, a case study analysis on the changes that have taken place in aviation security since 9/11 and a case study report into safety management systems in aviation.
Assessing, managing and mitigating risk relies heavily on teamwork, communication and understanding and hence the group presentation will test the students’ understanding of regulations used in aviation to safeguard and improve health and safety. The report on aviation security will test the students’ knowledge of the changes that have taken place since the events of 9/11 and also the importance of technology in this area. The final presentation tests the students’ knowledge on ICAO annex 19 and the benefits of safety management systems, human factors and psychology in minimising accidents.

Recommended texts:
Ballesteros, J. (2007) Improving Air Safety Through Organisational Management. Ashgate.
Godstone, J. (2003) Unsafe at any Height. Ashgate
Goeters. K-Martin (2004) Aviation Psychology: Practice and Research, Ashgate
Harris. D & H, Muir (2005) Contemporary Issues in Human Factors and Aviation Safety. Ashgate
Hawkins F. (1987) Human Factors in Flight. Ashgate
Wells, T. (2010) Commercial aviation safety (4th Edition), Mc Graw-Hill
Duffey, R. (2008) Managing Risk: The Human Element. Wiley Blackwell
Garlick, A.R. (2007) Estimating Risk: A Management Approach. Gower
Wells, A. and Chadbourne, B. (2000) Introduction to Aviation Insurance and Risk Management. Krieger
http://www.ukresilience.info/ccact/index.htm - 'responding to emergencies', guide to civil contingencies act 2004
http://www.www.caa.co.uk - publications section with particular emphasis on CAP 642/576/168

We also advise you to look up information on high profile air accidents, their causes and their effects so as you will be able to contribute to seminar discussions

Journals
Transportation safety and security