INNOVATIONS IN AVIATION - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module aims to develop students’ ability to explore and evaluate concepts and applications of innovations in aviation management and operations. In this module, students will explore the foundations of innovation theories, and apply concepts to the aviation sector. Real-world case examples of innovative processes, technologies and policies are drawn upon to develop students’ understanding of opportunities and challenges in implementing innovation within the aviation context. Students will develop an understanding of the crucial role innovative thinking plays in addressing sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion within aviation. The module will equip students with the critical skills to evaluate successes in aviation innovations and identify barriers to future development in the sector.

Module provider

Surrey Hospitality & Tourism Management

Module Leader

COCOLAS Nicole (Hosp & Tour)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative module content includes:

• Introduction to strategic innovation.


• Types of innovations and their application to the aviation sector.


• The innovation process in aviation.


• The role and applications of EDI in aviation’s innovation processes.


• Navigating innovation implementation in the aviation context.


• Opportunities and challenges for innovation in aviation.


• Emerging technologies and innovations in aviation.


• The role of innovation in aviation’s response to global challenges.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

In cases where the original group presentation is not suitable for re-assessment (for example, only one student needs to retake the failed group presentation), an individual essay of 2,500 words will be assigned.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the space travel sector.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Case Study (Individual Assignment) (LO 1,3,4 and 5)

• The Individual Assignment consists of a case study. Students must identify and evaluate one relevant case study of an innovation in aviation. This could be policy, technological or process based. Students must evaluate how this innovation emerged, and identify successes and challenges in its implementation

• Working in groups, students must propose an innovation that addresses an issue within the aviation sector. The innovation can reflect a process, thinking, technology or a policy. Students must present from the perspective of either a consulting company, or a start-up proposing a solution for the sector.

Module aims

• Develop knowledge of theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of innovation as applied to aviation.
• Apply the theoretical models of innovation to real world aviation case studies.
• Develop a critical understanding of the opportunities and barriers to successfully implementing innovations in aviation.
• Explore the role of innovation in improving sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion within aviation.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to provide students with an overview of innovations in aviation. The strategy is also designed to encourage students’ independent thinking and critical reflection on opportunities and challenges of implementing innovations in the aviation sector. 
The teaching and learning methods include lectures designed to provide a framework of knowledge; exercises to provide opportunities for students to gather and interpret their own material; and classroom-based discussions and tasks to challenge their thinking. There will be a lectures and seminars each week.
The assessment methods are designed to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and critical analysis of issues relating to space tourism development. Assessment is also designed to enable students to demonstrate their creative and independent thinking skills in terms of identifying avenues for innovation in the sector.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3249

Other information

Global and Cultural Capabilities: The module focuses on strategic innovations within the aviation industry, as part of the capacity development of the aviation sector. Students will develop an understanding of the influence of different global regulations and contexts in the management and deployment of aviation innovations. The module will draw on case studies at global and local levels to explore different approaches to innovative practice in aviation. Since students are from different countries with diverse cultural backgrounds, class discussions and seminar exercises will be used to reinforce students’ global and cultural capabilities.

Digital Capabilities: Teaching and learning materials are provided in several formats, and students are encouraged to use discussion boards for communication. Students will be provided instruction on digital literature review searches that support their development of independent learning and successful assessment preparation. Students will use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), SurreyLearn, and video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams to facilitate their learning.

Employability: Real-life case examples are used throughout the module to demonstrate the applicability and importance of innovative practices in aviation. Students will gain knowledge on innovative processes, and also on barriers and challenges to implementing innovation within the sector. The assessment strategy is also designed for employability within the industry by equipping students with knowledge of case examples of innovative practices in aviation as well as learning the process of developing an innovation for the industry.

Sustainability: This module motivates students to critically evaluate the implementation of innovations in aviation on society, the natural environment and the economy through examining case examples and through class discussions. Students will be encouraged to think holistically about the sustainability implications of innovative practices in aviation, and whether these implications are intended or unintended. Students are encouraged to draw on their knowledge of the principles of sustainability in evaluating the benefits and challenges of innovations in aviation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion is embedded across the content on innovations in aviation. Opportunities for innovations in catering for people with disabilities and neurodiversities, and also addressing barriers for minority groups to progress in aviation, will be central in discussions on the role of innovations in the aviation sector. Requirements in innovation to expand accessibility and inclusion for both the workforce and passengers, through design, will be explored. Students will therefore be encouraged to think critically about the benefits of innovative practices in a holistic manner.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The assessment strategy is designed to empower students and foster critical analysis through the process. The second assessment of proposing an innovation is designed to help students develop their independence and entrepreneurial skills through presenting their ideas for innovations within aviation. Students are encouraged to make informed decisions from a range of options as to which aspect of their work they would like to request feedback. The critical nature of the in-class discussion will help foster openness by encouraging students to understand and discuss contrasting benefits and challenges of innovations implemented across the aviation sector.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.