Airline, Airport and Aviation Management (including foundation year)BSc (Hons)

Foundation Year Programme

In this module you will explore a broad range of social science and current affairs issues. You’ll reflect on the qualities needed to be a successful student in Higher Education and identify your own strengths and areas for development. You’ll be guided to investigate and conduct research on a topic of interest to you in greater depth.

1. You will learn to access sources, recognise and analyse arguments, and critically engage with source material.
2. You will explore some principles of research and develop research skills.
3. You will develop digital and academic communication skills, including integrating source materials with your own voice into written work.
4. You will develop oral, written and visual communication skills to produce work in a range of formats.
5. You will critically engage with current, social, and ethical issues, in the context of the Education for Social Justice Framework and your subject area
6. You will contribute to building a sense of belonging, and a respectful learning community, where students collaborate, share knowledge and ideas and work effectively as a team.
7. You will be encouraged to explore and build on prior knowledge and experiences to prepare you for further study in your subject area, professional behaviours and your chosen career
8. You will reflect on your learning journey, build your confidence, and take ownership of your motivation.

Air Cargo Services and Operations

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

Airport Management

This module provides an overview of the key functions of airport management essential for the seamless operation of the global aviation system. Airports play a critical role in processing both air passengers and cargo, ensuring that aviation activities are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently. Airports are multifaceted businesses with diverse responsibilities. They act as landlords, provide core infrastructure such as runways and terminals, host retail environments, and support airline operations. The scale and scope of these activities vary across different types of commercial airports, ranging from small local facilities to regional airports, international gateways, and major global hubs.
The focus of this module is on the management challenges faced by airport operators. These challenges are shaped by differing ownership models, management structures, and regulatory environments. As such, understanding airport management requires consideration of broader trends in the global development of the aviation sector.
One significant trend in recent decades has been the shift towards the privatization of airports. While this movement began in Europe—particularly in the United Kingdom—it has since gained momentum worldwide. Today, airports operate under a variety of ownership models, from fully state-owned to fully privatized, with many falling somewhere in between.
By examining these global developments and varying operational contexts, this module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, financial, and regulatory considerations that influence modern airport management.

The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. Recognise the strategic importance of airports in supporting regional and national economic development, functioning as vital growth hubs with significant impact on a country's economy.
2. Identify and analyse key components and interfaces involved in effective airport management, including operational, regulatory, and commercial dimensions.
3. Understand and evaluate performance benchmarks used to assess airport efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness
4. Examine the factors influencing service quality and gain insight into the passenger experience as a critical aspect of airport operations.
5. Appreciate the commercial role of airports, including the provision of retail, hospitality, and other non-aeronautical revenue-generating services.
6. Assess the dynamics of airport competition and understand the strategic roles of airport marketing and master planning in long-term development.

Fundamentals of Airline Management and Operation

The module introduces the fundamentals of Airline Operations, current issues, and their applications in the industry. Airline operations present a striking dichotomy: each day, airlines safely transport millions of passengers around the world, yet they often fail to deliver on more routine aspects—such as ground crews arriving late to open aircraft doors, lost baggage, or millions of pounds lost due to chronically underutilised aircraft.

Airlines have not traditionally applied factory-like, industrial-engineering scrutiny to their operations. A high percentage of an airline’s cost structure involves maintenance, ground handling, in-flight services, call centres, and aircraft acquisition. There is a significant opportunity to reduce overall costs by using labour, materials, and assets more efficiently, thereby enhancing service reliability.

This module explores the extent of these operational problems and how airlines work to solve them within the regulatory and economic constraints of the industry. Its aim is to provide students with a solid grounding in certification, rules of the air, cost structures, profitability issues, and the complex activities required for an aircraft to fly from point A to point B. The module also examines the interrelationships between various stakeholders in the industry.

The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. examine the key operational challenges faced by airlines and explore how these can be addressed within regulatory and economic constraints.
2. understand aviation certification, rules of the air, and regulatory compliance.
3. analyse airline cost structures and profitability issues, highlighting the complex processes involved in day-to-day operations.
4. explore the roles and interrelationships of various industry stakeholders in ensuring efficient and reliable airline operations.

Introduction to Air Transport Economics

This module serves as a comprehensive exploration and elucidation of the fundamental principles that underpin both micro and macroeconomics, essential for grasping the intricacies of airport and airline operations. Within this framework, the module delves into the analysis of supply and demand, explores the principles governing costs, revenue, and pricing dynamics, and explains concepts related to the productivity and performance of airlines and airports. Additionally, the module will introduce the concept of market failure and look into the economic facets specific to the airline and airport industries, incorporating industry benchmarks crucial for evaluating their overall performance.

The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. Acquire systematic knowledge and a profound understanding of both microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, fostering the capability to adeptly apply these concepts within the unique context of the aviation sector.
2. Discern and differentiate between the diverse costs inherent to airlines and airports, with a keen awareness of how these costs intricately influence overall profitability.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in comprehending and manipulating data from diverse sources to critically evaluate performance within the aviation sector.

Introduction to the Aviation System

The module is designed to acquaint students with the concept that the aviation sector functions most effectively when viewed as an intricate system, where various components are interdependent. This interdependence highlights the crucial role played by all stakeholders in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services. The perspective adopted by the Civil Aviation Authority, conceptualizing the aviation industry as a comprehensive 'aviation system,' underscores the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Successful service delivery necessitates each stakeholder's professional commitment.

Within the module, students will delve into the nature of key 'stakeholders' and the collaborative 'system' they operate within. This understanding forms a fundamental link between service management and the aviation sector, shedding light on the essential actors in the industry. From highly technical roles like piloting aircraft to the safety and security responsibilities of cabin crew, and the various tasks in between, aviation encompasses a diverse range of functions. It is imperative for every individual to comprehend their role within the aviation system and recognize the significance of their contribution to its safety and security.

Principles of Management (in Aviation Context)

The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers. Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, organise, lead and coordinate the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively. The challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action, such as managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and, along with numerous other activities, achieve organisational success.

The traditional view of the purpose and role of management in the world of work was to seek stability and efficiency in a top-down hierarchy aimed at achieving bottom-line results. In contrast, the contemporary management approach expects managers to engage in motivating people and harnessing their creativity, sharing information and power, leading change, and finding shared vision and values in an increasingly diverse and complex workplace.

Today’s managers require the knowledge and ability to draw on both traditional and contemporary approaches to management when formulating workplace decisions. They also need the skills, tools, and techniques to manage their own career trajectory based on the acquisition of sound employability skills and accompanying behaviours.

In addition to knowledge, the module focuses on developing students as managers
which involves the ability to interact with, and motivate, a diverse range of people.
The module aims are to:

• enable students to identify and explain major developments in the history of managerial thought;
• provide students with the opportunity to develop management, leadership and employability capability to enhance their individual potential;
• develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex environments;
• enable students to develop their management and employability skills, such as critical thinking and writing, interpersonal skills, self-management, communication, team-working, problem solving, and presentation skills, in order to maximise their competitive edge in the business world.

Principles of Marketing: for Creative Industries and Aviation

The module aims to provide an understanding of the marketing process in contemporary organisations and in the context of tangible goods and services. The service sector accounts for a significant proportion of GDP and employment in most developed economies and therefore it becomes essential for students to gain insight within the area. In this module, students are introduced to a range of marketing theories such as the marketing concept, consumer behaviour, business environmental analysis, marketing research, consumer insights applicable to tangible goods and services marketing.
The module aims to:
● Provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of marketing
● Provide an appreciation of contemporary issues in marketing.
● Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and data interpreting skills.
● Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.

Understanding and Managing Data

Data analysis is a top business priority. It drives the opportunity for performance improvement and, with advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever increasing rate. As such, it is not surprising business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers today. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of quantitative and statistical analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

The module introduces data-based decision making and performance measurement and provides students with the practical experience of using Excel to transform data into meaningful information. It further introduces students to forecasting, target setting and project management. As such, it provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making. In doing so, it provides the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance measurement.

Airline Commercial Planning

The module introduces the role of commercial planning for commercial airlines and in particular the evaluation of new air route development. The importance of route development cannot be underestimated for commercial airlines, but this can only be achieved by the careful evaluation of airline aircraft operations and fleet management.
Commercial planning requires all departments to engage with the objective of growing the airline network as follows-

1. Commercial airline planning requires and understanding of airlines see the growth prospects for their route networks
2. Forecasts of passenger demand are critical to the evaluation of the development of new routes at both the macro-scale and micro-scale.
3. Fleet management and the development of a long-term fleet acquisition is critical for long term objectives.
4. A focus on network development versus point-to-point networks or hub and spoke versus linear development.
5. The steps of route planning process are critically important to the development of profitable route networks, and this is central of the commercial airline sustainability.
6. Aircraft fleet management and aircraft performance features are again critical to the development of sustainable commercial airline operations and the module will evaluate these issues.

Airline Revenue and Pricing Management

All successful airlines need to master their market position and technical competencies to ensure success and the management of ‘fares’ is central to this. Pricing and revenue management are at the heart of every airline’s competency and thus of paramount importance. Strategic positions require airlines to understand the competitive environment and the ‘price’ points for both leisure and business travel segments. Pricing and revenue management are therefore critical to survival in the global air travel market.

The module aims to provide students with:
• The global management of air travel demand by understanding concepts such generators of air travel demand linked to the growth of global wealth creation
• An historic perspective in the development of revenue management tools and distribution for commercial airlines
• An appreciation of the manipulation of air travel demand based upon the tools of revenue management including concepts of high season demand, shoulder and low seasonal demand
• An understanding of the importance of the ‘pricing’ airline products and balancing revenue streams in complex systems such as full network airlines
• Development of the pricing strategies and revenue management strategies for different types of airlines business models including low-cost carriers
• To appreciate the opportunities for new revenue streams from ancillary revenues and the de-bundling of airline products

The module also aims to develop students' skills, in particular: academic study skills; IT; literacy; applied analysis; entrepreneurship, critical thinking; interpersonal and team-working; communication, including oral presentation; and problem solving.

Aviation Psychology and Human Factors

Human Factors (HF) and our understanding of its effects on safety performance continue to evolve and develop. The human element is vital to the safe and efficient operation of all aspects of the aviation industry. Recently, a better understanding of human behaviour has led to significant safety benefits, with the discipline of human factors forming a cornerstone of every aviation safety management programme. This module explores how an understanding of operational personnel's attitudes, behaviours, and mental wellbeing can help reduce HF-related risks to aviation safety.
Another key area that helps explain why operational personnel make errors is aviation psychology. This field involves the study of human behaviour, actions, and cognitive and emotional processes in the aviation context, as well as the psychological challenges encountered in the workplace. In this module, psychological principles will also be applied to examine the effects of sleep patterns, central nervous system activity, mental functioning, and more on the behaviour and performance of operational personnel.
The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. Understand elements of aviation psychology and human factors, and their application in the aviation industry.
2. Identify key issues affecting crew interaction within the commercial aviation industry.
3. Apply models to recognise enabling factors that might contribute to aviation incidents and accidents.
4. Assess the factors that affect the mental wellbeing and stability of operational personnel.

Risk and Crisis Management

The aviation and travel industry has a huge number of interdependent factions within it and this leads to vast operational complexities. This together with a highly regulated industry, a competitive and dynamic external environment and a substantial level of Government involvement has the potential expose this sector and, airlines and airports alike, to a vast array of risks and uncertainties, both internally and externally.

This module aims to explore the types of risk that the aviation and travel sector generally sector is exposed to and, what possible solutions might be put forward to mitigate against these.

More specifically the module will help develop the students understanding of how to assess, evaluate, mitigate and monitor risks as they pertain to the sector. This can be further broken down into developing an understanding of the areas such as
A second aim of this module is to build a practical knowledge base of the operational requirements for airlines and airports and wider industry sectors, to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in sub optimal business environments or, due to unforeseen or unstoppable events.

Safety and Security for Aviation

The aviation industry comprises a vast number of interdependent factions, resulting in significant operational complexities. This, combined with a highly regulated environment, a competitive and dynamic external landscape, and substantial government involvement, exposes both airlines and airports to a wide range of internal and external risks and uncertainties.
This module explores key aspects of aviation safety and security, particularly as they relate to accidents and incidents, including the regulations and processes currently in place. It also examines the roles of regulators, relevant government agencies, and international organisations in promoting effective safety and security management through the use of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Security Management Systems (SeMS).
The module aims for students to be able to:
1. develop an understanding of current best practices promoted by competent regulators and international aviation organisations in enhancing safety and security in the industry.
2. gain knowledge and of the systems and procedures that contribute to making commercial aviation an exceptionally safe mode of transport, with a particular focus on SMS.
3. acquire tools and techniques for identifying, assessing and managing hazards, threats and risks.
4. understand how SeMS can be integrated into airport and airline operations.

Sustainability, Business and Responsibility

‘Sustainability, Business and Responsibility’ addresses the critical issue of sustainability, explaining why the current human lifestyle is unsustainable. It shows the consequences of humanity’s exploitation of planetary resources and the impact it has on humans, the planet, and businesses. The module focuses on understanding how businesses affect sustainability and how sustainability affects businesses, in order to recognise the fundamental need to change business models into more sustainable ones.

Sustainability has become the essential focus of governments, global financial institutions, and international organisations. Post COP-21 in Paris (2015), organisations, businesses, communities, and individuals are expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental, and social impacts. It isn’t a “nice to know about” subject anymore; it is an essential aspect of business education, growing in importance to recruitment, career prospects, and professional development

The module tries to shift the focus from the negative, overwhelming inertia to the positive changes leading to a more sustainable future, learning how multiple individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses innovate to reach the set sustainability goals of Net-Zero by 2050.

Aim of the module:
You will develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles, and how these principles are applied.
You will recognise perspectives of governments, business, and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present.
You will explore the varied tools and techniques used to assess sustainability in business.

Creating a Winning Business 1

Why do some companies succeed while others fail? Are some business ideas fundamentally better than others? How can you tell which ideas and/or solutions are worth investing time and money in and which are not?

This module is a key introduction to identifying, critically assessing and developing new business opportunities. The approaches and processes covered can be applied equally to new commercial ideas, social enterprises or new ventures within an existing business.

The foundation of the module is a live client brief with a real organisation, where you will develop your own solutions leading to a presentation and designing a consultancy type. At each stage you will learn the concepts covered in the module by applying them to the brief.

This module will be delivered through weekly lecture/seminars. The sessions will consist of a combination of theoretical input and problem-based tasks, supported by multimedia, including videos, case studies and student-centred discussions. You absolutely need to attend regularly each week to keep up.

Students will be able to receive support from the work placement team at the University for how to identify a relevant business for the assessment tasks.

The Student Enterprise at London Met will provide guidance to any student considering setting up their own business or wishing to utilise their knowledge to work as a freelancer.

The module is particularly relevant to anyone engaged in business or working at setting up his/her own business. Those considering starting their own business, working for an SME or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a large organisation will find application and a plethora of take-aways.

Please note:
● International students on a Student Visa must ensure their placement meets UKVI monitoring requirements. This includes:
• Prior approval of consultancy dates and hours by the Module Leader and the University Visa Compliance Team.
• Submission of timesheets signed by a line manager/supervisor.

Learning through Work

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

Please note:
● Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing a Placement in good time.
● Students are responsible for applying for opportunities and to engage with the Module Team/Employer Engagement and Placements Team to assist them.
● The suitability of any opportunities sourced by the student will be assessed by the Module Team/Employer Engagement and Placements Team and all placements must meet Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Placements.
● Students on a Student Visa must ensure their placement meets UKVI monitoring requirements. This includes:
• Prior approval of placement dates and hours by the Module Leader.
• Submission of timesheets signed by a line manager/supervisor.
• Ongoing engagement with the Module Leader and the International Student Support Team.

Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake the final year dissertation modules.

You will have an opportunity to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources.

The Practice of Consultancy

Imagine yourself stepping into one of the most dynamic and influential sectors: consultancy. This field is booming, with a strong growth trend that shows no signs of slowing down. In the UK alone, you will find an industry that employs over 255,000 professionals and is valued at an estimated £16 billion per annum, making it the second largest consultancy hub in the world after the US.

As a management consultant, you actively engage with stakeholders to deliver objective, specialist advice. You diagnose issues and inefficiencies, solve problems, improve performance and implement solutions that drive complex change, maximise growth and create value for organisations.

In the Practice of Consultancy module, you gain the practical research and consultancy skills essential for a successful consulting career while preparing for your final-year Consultancy Project. This module introduces you to key research methods, equipping you with a hands-on understanding of the tools and techniques for problem analysis and issue clarification.

You will apply a range of frameworks to structure your diagnostic analysis and strategic thinking. Management consulting encompasses a wide array of activities, and as a consultant, you must be both client-oriented and solution-focused. In this module, you will develop expertise, resourcefulness, critical analysis, creative thinking, relationship management, empathy and communication skills; each essential for building trust and ensuring your recommendations are implemented effectively.

Advances in technology now provide organisations with unprecedented access to vast amounts of data that you can harness for evidence-based consultancy. You will explore how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, are transforming traditional consultancy practices. You will learn to integrate these tools with conventional desk research to validate and contextualise your data findings, thereby enhancing the robustness and relevance of your recommendations. You will also explore hypothesis testing to uncover actionable insights from data and drive evidence-based decision. This hands-on experience equips you with both critical analytical skills and the ability to communicate your insights effectively, ensuring you remain competitive in the dynamic world of business consulting.

In summary, this module aims to:

1. Develop your diagnostic ability to identify and clarify root issues within an organisation;
2. Hone your skill in applying appropriate methods to solve complex consultancy challenges;
3. Strengthen your ability to combine analytical frameworks, AI-supported insights and independent analysis to assess market opportunities and formulate actionable recommendations, and
4. Cultivate the capability to critically interpret statistical outputs and effectively communicate your findings to support robust, evidence-based decision making.

Cultural Tourism Management

‘International tourist arrivals reached 1.5bn in 2019, and the proportion of these said to be cultural tourists is 40% and rising. Many more are incidental cultural tourists, engaging with culture on a more casual level. Most governments have specific cultural tourism strategies and are looking to develop their cultural tourism offer and find new ways of communicating that to potential visitors.

Cultural Tourism Management explores the growth and increasing diversity of this cultural tourism market, and the governance of cultural tourism at different spatial levels from the global to the local. It examines critical issues related to the cultural tourism product, including tangible and intangible cultural heritage, contemporary culture, contested meanings, authenticity, identity, and the commodification of culture. It identifies the current trends in creative and experiential tourism and how this impacts communities. It considers how many cities have reinvented themselves as leisure and recreation consumption centres, using cultural infrastructure investment, heritage commodification, events, and festivals to boost cultural and creative industry investment and the potential for cultural tourism.

This module provides an understanding of the key role that tourism plays in the cultural and creative industries, how culture is turned into tourism products, and how destinations attempt to package those products for the growing cultural tourism market.

This module aims to:
1. Equip students with a basic understanding of the interplay of culture and tourism, the motivations of cultural tourists and trends in their patterns of consumption and the cultural tourism product
2. Demonstrate how the arts, museums, galleries, heritage sector, contemporary and local cultures are mobilised for the leisure economy and international tourism
3. Increase awareness of the sensitive issues surrounding the commodification of culture
4. Provide an understanding of the practical problems of ‘managing’ cultural tourism in dynamic urban and semi-urban contexts
5. Develop skills in practical research, observation, creative thinking, and fieldwork, recording and communicating findings

Developing Inclusive Organisations

We live in a more diverse society than ever before. Structural changes in labour markets have led to increasing numbers of women, older workers and disabled people in employment, with fewer younger people in many industrialised economies. Globalisation and migration have also led to greater ethnic diversity. We are also clear about the business for diverse workforces, and the benefits this can bring to society. However, there is a question as to whether a diverse workforce always equals inclusion. There is evidence that many of these groups are marginalised and face employment disadvantages in practice. The aim of this module is to illuminate some of the inequalities experienced by these groups, and then to examine theoretical perspectives helping explain these and provide insights into how these can be better remedied in practice.

Whilst arguably the principles of inclusion transcend the protected characteristics (Equality Act, 2010), it is clear that these groups tend to suffer more inequalities in the workplace than others (despite law that protects against this). This module will therefore look at the meaning of inclusion and how it differs from concepts of equality and diversity – what it adds and where it might be lacking. We will examine closely the different dimensions of diversity (gender, age, race/ethnicity and so forth) to understand the specific barriers these groups experience, and what methods organisations can develop to ensure more inclusive workplaces, so that everyone feels valued regardless of identity or background.

A broader aim of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to ‘step into the shoes’ of diverse marginalised groups and the specific barriers they face, so they are better prepared to identify and promote inclusive workplaces, as social justice champions of our future. This is something our society needs and London Metropolitan University is passionate about developing values driven graduates who make a positive contribution to the world.

Fundamentals of Project Management

Projects come in many shapes and forms, from small to large, familiar to unfamiliar, simple to complex, urgent to non-urgent and widely supported to strongly resisted. Anyone undertaking the sponsorship, governance or management of a project needs to recognise that there are risks to its completion on time, to budget and to the customer’s satisfaction. They should therefore know that it may be unsuccessful in some way, or even fail completely.

It is easy to find examples of such failures; the current Crossrail project, the delayed opening of the Berlin International Airport, the chaos when Heathrow Terminal 5 opened, the government’s failure to meet its targets for Corona Virus testing, and the countless software development projects that have been late, failed to meet user needs or been riddled with bugs.

There are various bodies of knowledge specific to managing Programmes, Projects and Portfolios of Projects that seek to provide the methods and tools to manage projects successfully. These are necessary but not sufficient; they do however go a long way towards improving project success rates. Organisations like the Association for Project Management and the Project Management Institute continue to work to improve the status and competency of project managers, as well as the competency of organisations.

This module introduces students to the role of the project manager, the nature of projects and how to manage them successfully, focusing on the linear project in which the project output is clearly defined at the commencement of the project. Such projects are typical in the construction industry but can be found widely in business organisations. You will also look at the way Agile projects change the approach to project delivery to deal with uncertainty in the product to be delivered and to accept changes in requirements or circumstances.

The module aims to enable students to:

• assess projects to determine the approach most likely to succeed
• contribute to the design and development of effective project organisations that provide governance, assurance, support and direction to the project team
• plan and manage simple projects using both linear and agile methods
• prepare key project documents
• create project plans using project management software including the use of Gantt charts
• communicate project management plans, risks and issues effectively.

International Selling and Negotiation

Selling is an essential function of business. This module provides you with the opportunity to gain and develop essential selling and negotiation knowledges and skills. It will particularly consider the international perspective in selling to prepare you for the importance of taking into account the richness of our current global context. The module supports several courses, as it addresses an important marketing management function that includes understanding the selling function and developing it to improve the overall business effectiveness. There has been regular research confirming employers’ need for employees with selling skills as they argue that ‘selling is a lifeblood of businesses’ since businesses cannot survive without effective results from this important function. Accordingly, the understanding of this business function should give all students the edge over other students without such knowledge when seeking employment opportunities. Past students of this module have confirmed the importance of undertaking this module in helping them find a job. Additionally, selling has a broader perspective as it enables students to learn how to be more persuasive while remaining ethical in their business transactions.

Airline and Airport Strategic Management

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

Airport Planning and Development

The module introduces the key themes and understanding for airport planning and development which is a complex agenda that requires strategic over-sight. Airports are unique businesses that have many stakeholders and uniquely require local support as well as government support to succeed. They also have a unique relationship with airlines as they are symbiotic operators with airlines
The module aims for students to be able to:
1. An understanding of the context for airport planning and development
2. The role of master planning and reasons for this process
3. The importance of stakeholders in the aviation airport planning process

Brand Management in Aviation

This module provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding on branding services and strategic brand management. It outlines the concepts and framework of branding, which increasingly is the ‘face’ of corporate strategy. So, when an airline such as British Airways announces a £7 billion investment programme this links to the management of the brand. Brand management is the interface between the consumer of airline services and the organisation and the multiple touch points that facilitate air travel.

It provides students with the tools and techniques and concepts to improve long-term profitability via creating effective brand strategies.

Aims of the module:
• Explore the role of branding from a corporate and consumer perspective for airlines and airports.
• Examine the theory of branding for airlines and airports.
• Develop students' understanding of the role played by brand audit and communications in the building and maintenance of brands in the Aviation industry including airlines and airports.
• Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.
• Develop students’ critical writing, application of knowledge and decision-making skills

Financial decision - Making in context for Aviation

Effective financial decision-making is a critical capability for managers operating within the complex and capital-intensive aviation industry. While decision-making is often an intuitive process, in the context of aviation finance it must be grounded in robust analysis and strategic insight. Finance plays a central role in executing organisational strategy, and financial managers are key to ensuring the optimal allocation of financial resources while also balancing the needs of shareholders, stakeholders, and regulatory frameworks.
This module introduces students to the core principles, tools, and frameworks of financial management within the aviation sector. It equips learners with the skills and knowledge required to support informed financial decisions in areas such as investment planning, risk assessment, cost control, and value creation. Students will explore the role of finance in ensuring corporate sustainability, operational efficiency, and effective governance within aviation businesses.
The module highlights the application of financial concepts in real-world aviation contexts, emphasising performance indicators and sector-specific financial methodologies. Through a practical and analytical lens, students will examine how aviation managers approach key financial decisions—ranging from capital investments to working capital management, and from financial reporting to risk-return analysis.
Although aviation managers may not perform detailed financial analysis themselves, a comprehensive understanding of financial processes is essential. This module enables future aviation professionals to critically interpret financial information, participate meaningfully in financial planning discussions, and ensure that strategic decisions are financially sound and aligned with long-term business objectives.
The module aims for students to be able to:
1. Use the concept of ‘time value of money’ to synthesise and compare alternative outcomes for the corporate decision-making process
2. Evaluate various corporate strategic decision-making techniques to a variety of long-term planning scenarios
3. Compare and assess the performance of the aviation industry both historically and currently
4. Appraise financial statements such as balance sheets, financial ratios, etc. and evaluate how theses statements and ratios are used in evaluating the financial health of a company
5. Give an appraisal of financial plans and long-term business viability

Leading Innovation in the Aviation Industry

This final-year core module “Leading Innovation” aims to enable students to study and apply in practice, a range of innovation theories and techniques. It will also allow students to critically evaluate contemporary innovation processes, and organisations in a range of aviation organisations

The Module will be based around two themes:
Theme 1: Innovation, where students will study, analyse, and evaluate the innovation processes of selected organisations and industries (by critiquing, for example, Case Studies), and how innovation is achieved and operates within the contemporary economy (by critiquing, for example, classic and contemporary examples). In addition, students will study the synergies between leadership and innovation, an emerging area in academic research and in practice. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating innovation practice performance.
Theme 2. Students will then evaluate how this innovation can be used to solve real world problems in the aviation industry to lead to sustainable corporate growth.

Each theme will conclude with one overarching single assignment covering both themes that will comprise of 100% of the marks available for this module.

Consultancy Project

The Professional Consultancy / Project module serves as a capstone experience, requiring students to undertake a business-focused project designed to enhance their employability and support ongoing professional development.
As part of this module, you will complete and document an individual project that not only consolidates your learning throughout the programme but also allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world context. It provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the professional competencies you’ve developed over the course of your studies.
If you are currently employed, you may choose to base your project on a work-related consultancy initiative, subject to your employer’s approval. Alternatively, you may opt for a research-based project.
You will present your project through an online presentation. This module offers a platform to showcase your professional credibility while applying your academic, business, and technical skills in a practical setting

The Professional Consultancy Project aims to:
1 , Demonstrate the ability to utilise and contextualise knowledge by applying analytical skills to a business situation or problem
2 , Demonstrate the ability to assemble a coherent and sustained piece of writing that evaluates a business/project problem/solution
3 , Create an opportunity to continue the development of a range of skills associated with research, including analysis, interpretation, written expression, formal report writing, and self-managed study
4 , Engage students in a complex, integrated activity that will consolidate and integrate previous skills and learning
5 , Provide students with a ‘showcase’ opportunity that allows them to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a significant and specialised task

Those studying on a Student Visa will only be able to complete work-based project option of this module if it meets UKVI monitoring requirements including: approval of the placement dates and hours by a Placement Officer prior to starting the placement, submission of weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken, signed by their contact at the business and continued engagement with the Placement Officer as well as the International Student Support and Compliance Team.

Dissertation

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

Personal Finance

This module has been nationally promoted by the UK financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA), [now Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)], as a ‘unique idea’ in their ‘National Strategy for Financial Capability in Higher Education’ (2009), and disseminated to all universities as an exemplar for raising student interest, expertise and enthusiasm in personal finance. FSA refers to London Metropolitan University as one of only four universities awarded the FSA Curriculum Development Grant for “unique ideas” put forward for the creation of a financial capability module, the unique idea for this University being the innovative Competency Based Action Learning (CoBAL) curriculum which is the outcome of doctoral level research conducted in collaboration with real-world organisations such as the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the FSA, and the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC).

The module underlines the role personal judgement plays in personal finance, and the many perspectives that inform personal judgement, enabling the student to formulate and employ Action Learning strategies for the development of knowledge, skill and attitudinal competencies in personal finance, and for increased ability and confidence in dealing with the complexities of making financial decisions in the five domains of financial capability identified by the FSA.

This is an option for all GSBL courses, and is also an Extension of Knowledge (EoK) module which any student on any course in the University is able to take as an option module subject to their course incorporating a relevant slot in their course structure. The module’s EOK status recognises the need for students of all subjects to have a good grasp of Personal Finance.

Service Excellence for Creative industries

‘Service Excellence for Creative Industries and Aviation’ investigates practices and strategies used in managing exceptional relationships between customers and service providers. Consistent delivery of high-quality service increases customer loyalty, businesses reputation and competitive advantage, hence the module focus lies in the exploration of all aspects of excellent service delivery.

The aim of the module is to provide students with understanding of the importance of service excellence, including reflection on their own professional conduct practices, and equip them with analytical ability to assess and improve service delivery.