module specification

The future of the aviation industry is likely to be turbulent as a new wave of technological change and innovation unfolds. This module looks into some of the technologies that airlines are using in order to remain competitive. As social attitudes change and a new generation of travellers come online, there will be increased demands on airlines and airports to adapt their offerings. The module explores the need for collaboration between people and automated technologies to boost efficiency, effectiveness and enhancement of passenger experience. There is need for the workforce to be flexible and responsive to demands of the fast-changing business environment. There is no doubt that technology is driving the non-aeronautical revenues of airlines and airports.

Like most emergent technologies, the constraints and hurdles will vary but there are issue around the implementation of technology into an existing infrastructure and existing human factors such as workplace procedures and cultures will also be explored.

The module also looks into the increasing automation of the flight deck and the processes and challenges that this produces. The role of pilots is changing from flying aircraft to managing and supervising its systems. Aviation managers should look into ways in which they can use automation to improve safety and reduce costs.

With advancements in technology and changes in learning styles of younger generation of aviation professionals, the design and delivering of training is rapidly changing. The module looks into how airlines and airports can make use of games and simulation to develop greater critical thinking and problem-solving skills of their employees.

The module aims are therefore to evaluate how managers can make use of innovation and new technologies to improve productivity, customer service through digitalisation and also how training effectiveness and safety can be improved by technology. It will also look at how technology is providing airlines and airports with better control over the customer experience and service proposition.

The syllabus will look at how airlines and airports have integrated greater technology and e-systems into their daily operational framework. LO1
Specific issues will investigate how airlines process passengers in the digital age. LO1
Automisation of the flight deck and the processes and challenges that this presents together with an evaluation of automated flight planning and rostering capabilities. LO2
Recurrent training and the use of interactive technology for (remote) personnel management LO1
Using technology to manage remote or diverse work-forces and international operations. LO1
Ramp and baggage handling and the use of integrated technologies is increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations LO1
Managing customer relationships in a digital age LO1
Ownership structures and business models of airlines and airports – their organisational implications LO3
The relationship between large airlines and large hub airports – the business air traveller challenge LO1,LO3
Non-Aeronautical Revenues and their significance to airlines and Airports LO3

The delivery of teaching and learning will be based upon 3 hours contact with the student per week.  Contact time may be divided into sections whereby a formal lecture or student led seminar may take place. Individual or group tutorials may also take place in this time.  Teaching and learning may also include guest speakers, case studies, videos/cdrom presentations as well as formal lectures. Students will also be required to undertake self-directed learning in preparation for seminars and class based or web-based discussion and debate forums.

On successful completion of the module students will have knowledge of or be able to:

1. Synthesise ideas to generate transformative solutions for airlines and airports to effectively integrate technology into their daily operational and customer focused framework.
2. Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities presented by the automation of the flight deck.
3. Critically analyse how technology is driving the non-aeronautical revenues of airlines and airports

Summative assessment of this module is to be by a group project, whereby students are asked to develop and create a technology implementation strategy for a new airport development which demonstrates alignment to key aspects of the value chain for airlines and airports.

Students will also have do complete an individual research report focusing on e-systems and new technologies and an unseen exam.

CORE TEXT
Baldwin, R. (2016) Developing the Future Aviation System, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

Ancillary Reading
Clark, P. (2010) Stormy Skies, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot
Eaton, J. (2016) Globalization and Human Resource Management in the Airline Industry, Ashgate, Aldershot
Graham, A. (2018) Managing Airports an International Perspective, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford
Lumpé, M. (2008) Leadership and Organization in the Aviation Industry, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot,
Rhoades, D. (2014) Evolution of International Aviation, Ashgate Publishing , Aldershot
Taneja, N. (2010) Looking Beyond the Runway, Ashgate Publishing, 2010
Taneja, N. (2014) Fasten Your Seatbelt: The Passenger is Flying the Plane, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot, 2008
Taneja, N. (2017) Driving Airline Business Strategies through Emerging Technology, Ashgate publishing
Wu, C. (2010) Airline Operations and Delay Management, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

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 Education
Airline Business
Airport Business etc.  

There are also industry data bases to access which provide
current industry information on the aviation sector.