module specification

This module will give an overview of the modern-day cargo industry and its operational challenges and opportunities. The module will focus on how the industry has evolved and who the key players are within it. It will examine trends in existing and emergent markets and the increasing role of technology within the sector. The module will also look at relevant key pricing aspects as they relate to both normal cargo and, abnormal outsize cargo. The module will also look to study patterns in traffic flows and, a study of topical issues applicable to air cargo managers in today’s turbulent trading environment.

The aim at the end of this module is for students to understand current issues as they pertain to the cargo sector and the issues that arise from implementing decisions both in the UK, EU and globally

NONE

The Industry in Perspective – An overview of the industry and its contribution to the aviation sector. (LO1)

History and developments within the cargo industry (LO1)

Who’s who in the aviation industry (LO1/2)
Types of cargo operators 
Freight forwarder
Integrators

Routes, viability and network of air cargo operators LO1 / 2

Appropriate documentation and labelling LO1

Pricing and revenue structures within air cargo operations LO2

The impact of technology implementation within the sector. (To include e-cargo initiatives and the development of internet/intranet systems to support operational aspects.LO3

Regional case studies (Asia and ME) LO1,2,3

Regional Case Studies (USA and EU) LO1,2,3

Dangerous goods, outsize cargo and specialist transportation requirements.LO1

Cargo Operations – Designing the appropriate facilities LO1

The social, economic and environmental impact of cargo operations.LO2

The future of air cargo operations, Trends forecasts and new initiatives.LO3

The future challenges and opportunities of e-commerce and cargo operations LO3

The impact of retail developments / Trends in consumer purchasing on cargo operations LO2 and 3

The threat of other transport modes or operational methods (ie drones) to the air cargo industry LO3

The long-term viability and sustainability of air cargo Operations LO1,2 and 3

The formal delivery of teaching and learning for this module will comprise an average of three contact hours per week across 12 teaching weeks, supplemented by additional enrichment weeks throughout the semester. Each week will typically include a two-hour interactive session employing a range of teaching and learning strategies. These include workshops, lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions, panel debates, video analysis, as well as scenario-based activities and real-time simulations. Peer-to-peer learning is embedded within the module, as students collaborate to develop practical solutions and critically assess their impact.
Group work is a core component of the learning experience, encouraging active engagement as students share their knowledge and experience through discussion and collaboration. In addition, a one-hour seminar each week will adopt a more focused, discussion-led approach to explore current themes and emerging trends within the aviation industry. This will be further enriched through input from alumni, who will offer career insights, and guest lecturers who provide industry-specific context.

The module also makes extensive use of interactive learning spaces, supporting dialogue between students and staff, and facilitating access to a range of academic resources, including journal articles, professional websites, and external materials. Active participation in class discussions and debates is encouraged, recognising the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences that students bring to the programme.
Students are expected to prepare in advance for each session by reviewing the module schedule, which will be shared online and summarised by tutors at the end of each lecture. This preparation involves independent research and reading around the weekly themes to enable meaningful contributions to class discussions and Q&A activities.

Opportunities for reflective learning are embedded throughout the module. Students are encouraged to consider their approaches to tasks and discussions, and to reflect on informal feedback received during lectures and in relation to their submitted assessments.

At the end of this module, students will be able to:
LO1 Illustrate the operational aspects of the modern-day cargo industry as it relates to the
       airline and airport industry in a variety of world regions.
LO2 Interpret trends, opportunities for development and challenges within the sector

LO3 Interpret new initiatives and innovations in light of strategy, management concepts and
        changing international role and responsibilities in the cargo industry

Link to Reading List:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/30083680-6412-EB80-326C-273FC41F9CB6.html

Core Textbooks:
Sales, M. (2023). Air Cargo Management. Routledge
Sales, M. (2013). The Air Logistics Handbook. Routledge
Sales, M. (2016). Aviation Logistics – The Dynamic Partnership of Airfreight and Supply Chain. Kogan Page.
Ancillary Texts:
Morrell, P. (2011). Moving Boxes By Air. Routledge
Merkert, R. (2018). Air Cargo and Logistics. Classic and Contemporary Practice. Academic Press.
Kodovanta, B. (2017). Air Cargo Operations. Lambert Academic Publications.
Erdogan, D. (2017). Understanding of Air Cargo to Provide Customer Satisfaction. Lambert Academic Press.
Kinley, P. (2013) Air Cargo Freight. Amazon Media
Hellerman, R. (2009) Capacity and Revenue Management. Theory and Application in the Air Cargo Industry. Springer Publishing

Websites:
Aircargoweek.com
Aircargo.com
Aircargoworld.com
Fedex.com
Dhl.com
IATA.org

Other essential sources of information:
1) The Financial Times
2) The Economist
3) Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin

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.  For example – The Journal of Air Transport Management, Aviation Management and Education, Airline Business, Airport Business, Flight International etc.    of Air Transport Management, Aviation Management and Education, Airline Business, Airport Business, Flight International etc.