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 to give students 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 as far as the environment and sustainability are concerned.

Review of global scientific data on global warming and climate change LO1

Review the documentation issued by the United Nations ( IPCC) on the contribution of aviation to green-house gases LO2

Review the strategic positions taken by airlines and airports as highlighted by the various organisations involved LO1

Governmental policy and planning impacts for aviation infrastructure – UK case study
UK White papers on airport development – UK case study LO1,LO2

Determine the key aspects of the solutions to reducing the negative impacts of aviation operations from the airline, airport and aircraft manufacturing perspectives LO1

Evaluate the role of stake-holder engagement in aviation sustainability goals – the challenges for manufacturers, aero-engine, airports, airlines and ATC  LO1,LO2

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

Environmental Management Systems  LO1,LO2

The formal delivery of the teaching and learning will be around three-hour weekly workshops involving lecture/seminar periods, and include lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions, panel discussions and debates, film and DVDs, as well as scenario-based activities and simulations.

Within the module, there is significant opportunity to participate in proactive learning activities via the use of Weblearn (VLE) 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 are responsible for preparing for forthcoming lectures to ensure that they fully understand the concepts discussed and participate constructively in debates and discussions.

Tutors will provide an indication of forthcoming lecture content at the end of each preceding lecture. The student should then research articles and appropriate readings 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 assessment.

At the end of this module, Students will be able to:

• Critically assess how improvements in aircraft design, airline and airport operations may meet International environmental standards (LO1).
• Evaluate and analyse the management challenges of maintaining industry regulations and corporate goals to enhance sustainability (LO2).

Assessment of this module will take the form of a group presentation that looks into how different stakeholders in the aviation industry are working towards the environment and sustainability agenda. There is also a report that looks into the management challenges of maintaining corporate and international goals on sustainability.

Core text :
Daley, B. (2010) Air Transport and the Environment, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

Janic, M. (2007)The Sustainability of Air Transportation, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

Recommended reading:
Baldwin, R. (1999) Developing the Future Aviation System, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

Clark, P. (2010)Stormy Skies, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

Hoppe, E. (2011)Ethical Issues in Aviation, Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot

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

Websites:
www.caa.co.uk
www.iata.org
www.eurocontrol.int
www.aef.org.uk

Specific Aviation Journals:

There are a range of e-journals of management generally and the aviation industry to access via the online library facilities for this module, e.g. The Journal of Air Transport Management, Aviation Management and Education, Flight International.