module specification

The role of this module is to introduce the role of strategic analysis and planning for airlines and airports to determine a sustainable future for these partners. The module will explore the academic literature on the concepts in particular of Professor Michael Porter and his conceptual analysis of industry sectors linked to competition.  In addition, there will be a focus on the alternative academic strategic thinking linked to the resourced based view of strategic management.

At its heart the nature of understanding the external environment and the opportunities for growth and development depending on internal capabilities and the external environment.

The module aims to provide students with an:
• understanding of the importance of strategic management opportunities for airlines based on environmental scanning and analysis
• appreciation of the internal factors that allow companies to capitalise on external market opportunities
• understanding of the vital nature of ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ and ‘market positioning’ features for airlines for strategic development
• review the concepts of simulation of the commercial airline environment using an airline simulation tool
• creatively design and evaluate the creation of a new commercial airline operation using software approved for this purpose
• show creativity and innovation in managing the costs and revenues of airline simulation tool to create a profitable airline operation

NONE

The external environment for airline formations and strategic options – the State versus private sector environments and the implications for airlines LO1

The internal dynamics of businesses and how businesses have to deploy resources and capabilities for airline development LO1

The academic theories of airline strategic positioning and development linked to external environment and the internal capabilities of airlines LO1

Development of an airline using ‘vision’, mission and values for airline simulation tool LO2

The development of a clear strategy for the new airline based on academic principles LO2

Evaluation of the airline simulation results and actions taken LO3

Assessment and reflection of the results from airline simulation tool LO3

Analysis of alternative cabin layouts, products, services embedded in aircraft for new routes LO3

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.

Upon completing successfully this module the student will demonstrate capability to:
LO1: Assess airline and airport strategic management opportunities resulting from the academic approach of Professor Michael Porter and the resource-based school of strategy
LO2: Evaluate how to create a new airline operation using the airline simulation tool and successfully launch operations balancing revenue and costs
LO3: Assess the innovation used in the airline creation using the simulation tool and results from the    simulation

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/0D480A5B-4E1E-0CA4-AE9A-C7A4EDE03C94.html?lang=en-GB

Core Readings
Strategic Management and Policy in the Global Aviation Industry. Advances in Logistics, Operations, and Management Science by Kurnaz, S., Rodrigues, A. and Padhra, A. (eds.) (2024).
Strategic management for tourism, hospitality and events, by Nigel Evans, 2019
Strategic management in the aviation industry, edited by Werner Delfmann; Sascha Albers; Herbert Baum; Stefan Auerbach, 2017

Recommended Readings
The global airline industry, by Peter Belobaba et al; 2015
Air transport management: an international perspective, edited by Lucy Budd; Stephen Ison, 2020
The airline industry: challenges in the 21st century, by Alessandro Cento, 2009
Airline operations and management: a management textbook, by Gerald N. Cook; Bruce G. Billig, 2023
The airline business, by Rigas Doganis, 2006

Journals
Journal of Airline and Airport Management
Journal of Air Transport Management
Journal of Air Transportation
International Journal of Civil Aviation
International Journal of Transport Management
Examples of Industry Sources :
Air Transport World:  http://atwonline.com/
IATA :  International Air Transport Association:  http://www.iata.org
ICAO : International Civil Aviation Organization. https://www.icao.int/about-icao
MarketLine Airlines Industry Profile
Mintel  Academic: latest aviation industry analyses