Air Transport Management and Strategy (M03EDM)

1         Introduction

The assignment is an important part of this module’s assessment scheme. It counts 70% towards the overall mark. You are required to read carefully the case study provided. In order to prepare your assignment and on the top of the information provided, you should also read a couple of additional reference materials.

Remember: assignments are individual pieces of work that should reflect your own opinions. You should therefore restrain from getting outside assistance or copying and pasting material from the internet or other sources in order to construct your arguments. Assignments are checked for plagiarism as part of the submission process.

2         Background

The case study selected for this assignment focuses on the strategic plan to improve aviation safety in Ireland. You must read the two documents provided:

1. 1.       Ireland Aviation State Safety Plan 2017 – 2020
2. 2.       Annual Safety Review of Aviation in Ireland 2016

The first document is a high level 4-year strategic plan to address the topical issues of air transport safety in Ireland. The second document is a comprehensive review of aviation safety issues occurred in Ireland in 2014. One complements the other.

By studying this case, students will learn how strategic thinking and management concepts can be applied to aviation safety at a national level.

3         Key Points

Read carefully the two documents provided. You must prepare a report with your own views, addressing the following key points:

1)      Strategic position and critical analysis

a)      What is the current strategic position regarding aviation safety in Ireland?

b)       Are the deficiencies highlighted in the “Safety Performance Review 2016” adequately addressed in the 4-year strategic plan?

c)       If you consider the strategic plan falling short of expectations, what other measures/ initiatives should have been included in there?

2)      Strategic choices & Best Practices

a)      Perform additional research on ICAO, IATA, EASA plus a few other aviation leading nations regarding the guidelines, best practices and recommendations to be followed in order to produce effective national aviation safety plans.

b)      In your opinion, does the Irish Aviation Safety Plan adheres to such guidelines and industry best practices? Justify.

Note: For this assignment, please, focus your attention on commercial air transport and systemic issues, only. Kindly ignore all facts and comments related to general aviation.

4         Learning Objectives

This case is an interesting opportunity for students to further explore and acquire extra knowledge on critical analysis, strategic thinking and strategic implementation in the context of aviation safety.