Module: Aviation Business Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Aviation Business Management
Module Code	MNA1097 (ITS: MT327)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module examines aviation businesses and spans both airlines and non airline aviation organisations. The module analyses the organisational structures of different aviation organisations in the sector. An aim of the module is to provide students with management skills and techniques applicable to the aviation industry and in doing so both aviation tactical and strategic/corporate management techniques are analysed.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1 Describe the structure of aviation entities and assess the management practices applicable to each organisation n/a C1, C2
2. Be able to discuss the variety of aviation business models and key considerations in developing long range strategic plans n/a C1, C2, C3
3. Develop an understanding of planning and the annual budgetary process n/a C1, C2, C3
4. Be able to illustrate the components of the revenue pipeline; (1) make products available for sale (scheduling and pricing), (2) distribute and sell products (marketing and distribution) and (3) fulfil the customer experience (service delivery and product development) LO5 discuss the key d n/a C1, C2, C3
5. Be able to discuss key developments in the global aviation business and examine the current issues relevant to the commercial airline/airport community

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Outline of theory and practical elements of aviation management
Independent Study	42	Exam preparation
Directed learning	56	Preparation for and follow up after class - including reading
Independent Study	80	Reading, problem solving and library work
Assignment Completion	50	Research, data collection and write up of assignments
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	20743	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Cathal Guiomard	Module Teacher	Simon Fagan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	New airline start-up project; each project team (comprising five students), will submit and present plans covering their individual areas of responsibility	50%	Week 4
Formal Examination	n/a	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Management
General management principles/techniques

Corporate culture and management styles

Organisational Structures
Generic structures (PLC v Private)

Passenger airlines, freight entities, air traffic services, airports, MROs, lessors

Strategic and Corporate Management
Business models, consolidation, alliances and joint ventures

Financial reporting and liquidity

Long range planning

Annual budgetary process

Cost control

Foreign currency and fuel hedging policies

Investment appraisal / Economic analysis

Asset management / Fleet planning

Crew establishment / Resource planning

Partner relations

Brand management

Tactical management
Network development (airports and airlines) Scheduling

Revenue management and pricing

Ancillary revenue

Marketing, advertising and loyalty (FFP)

Distribution (GDS, Res, Online Booking Engine)

Product development and service delivery

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Wensveen, J. 2011, Air Transportation. A Management Perspective, 7 Ed., Ashgate Publishing, 232110
0: O’Connell, J. & Williams, G. 2011, Air Transport in the 21st Century. Key Strategic Developments, Ashgate Publishing, 232111
0: Doganis, R. 2006, The Airline Business, 2 Ed., Routledge London., 232115
0: Shaw, S. 2007, Airline Marketing and Management, 6 Ed., Ashgate Publishing, 232116
0: Rhoades, D.L. 2008, Evolution of International Aviation, 2 Ed., Ashgate Publishing,

Articles:

0: Various business articles and case studies may be circulated or mentioned in class helping to apply each week's material to current industry trends,

Other Resources

website: CAPA, centre for aviation, http://centreforaviation.com
website: Air transport world, Air transport world, http://atwonline.com

At the moment, the text is silent on the programme in which the module is delivered, and the assessment page has the two assessments but does not seem to add these up to 100% I will see if I can find out how to correct these points. Cathal