Operations and Disruption Management
Overview
The aim of this unit is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of key operational aspects of both airports and airlines. The unit discusses the many issues relevant to airport airside areas, and the inter-relationship between airport-related activities and airline operational requirements. A major thrust of the unit pertains to the objectives and functions of an airline’s Integrated Operations Control Centre. Using a scenario-based approach, students will gain key skills and knowledge of the principles and strategies typified in operational decision-making, and learn how to make effective decisions in complex, high-pressure operational environments. Students will build advanced communication skills, learn to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and apply macro-management strategies through collaboration, multi-skilling, and group synergy.
Requisites
31-May-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Outline the key principles of airport and airline operational philosophy, and assess factors affecting operational efficiency
- Recognise and gauge operational and financial risk to airlines, by analysing competitive factors, and operational opportunities and threats, and by evaluating the business costs
- Interpret aircraft characteristics, peculiarities and limitations, and apply relevant metrics to assess their impact on the operational schedule
- Construct a realistic multi-day forward aircraft utilisation, taking into account a range of key factors impacting optimal outcomes
- Examine and assess the impact of key factors affecting airline operations
- Using appropriate software, tools and resources, cultivate creative thinking techniques that will inform the decision-making processes necessary for managing an airline’s daily operations
Teaching methods
All applicable locations
| Activity Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
On-Campus |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-Campus Lecture |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
9.5 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| Total | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 30-40 % | 1, 2 |
| Assignment 2 | Group | 30-50 % | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20-30 % | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Content
- Airport and airline operational philosophy, objectives, and efficiencies
- Airport/Airline operational relationship
- Airline operations forward planning considerations and techniques
- Aircraft design considerations, performance and limitations
- Factors impacting current day normal and disrupted operations
- Information, Communications and Interpersonal Relationships
- Creative thinking techniques and decision-making styles and processes
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.