Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Meeting The Moment With Ai-Employer Informed Education, Brent Terwilliger, John Faraca

Publications

As artificial intelligence transforms aviation, aerospace, and autonomy-related sectors, higher education must adapt to meet evolving workforce demands. This session shares emerging findings from a nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, focused on employer perceptions of AI adoption, responsible use, and workforce preparedness in domains including uncrewed systems, space systems, robotics, and advanced air mobility. Based on a structured survey and follow-up interviews, the presentation explores how organizations are using AI tools, from generative platforms to enterprise systems, and defining effective and inappropriate use in operational contexts. Participants will gain insight into critical concerns (e.g., data privacy, compliance, security, …

From Reactive To Predictive: A Hybrid Trust-Mediated Adoption Framework For Data-Driven Maintenance In Distributed-Authority Aviation Environments, Dustin J. Foote

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Modern aviation maintenance operates within increasingly data-intensive technological environments, yet the operational integration of predictive maintenance into routine decision-making remains inconsistent across sectors. Contemporary aircraft incorporate centralized maintenance computers and condition monitoring architectures capable of fault aggregation, exceedance capture, and trend-based data collection. Although prognostics and health management research continues to advance detection and prediction methods, implementation outcomes often depend on factors beyond analytical performance alone.

This paper examines predictive maintenance adoption in distributed-authority aviation environments and argues that constraints emerge less from sensing capability than from organizational structure, decision authority dispersion, and institutional trust dynamics. For purposes of analysis, …

Determinants Of Future Suas Adoption: An Empirical Analysis Of Organizational And Behavioral Factors Within The Commercial Aviation Maintenance Enterprise, Jordan Baus

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The adoption of small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) represents a significant technological shift within the commercial aviation maintenance enterprise, offering the potential to improve inspection accuracy, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance-related risk. Despite these anticipated benefits, adoption intentions remain vague, influenced by a complex interplay of organizational structures, behavioral factors, and workforce perceptions. Limited empirical research has examined how these dynamics shape the willingness to adopt sUAS within highly regulated and institutionalized aviation maintenance environments. This study investigates the determinants of future sUAS adoption through an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT …

Strategic Analysis Of Digital Transformation Capabilities: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Evaluation Of Low-Cost Airlines, Mehmet Sahin Durak

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This study comparatively assesses the digital transformation capabilities of low-cost carriers (LCCs) operating in Turkey through the lens of dynamic capabilities. Based on a literature review and expert input, a hierarchical set of sensing, seizing and transforming sub-dimensions was defined. Criteria weights were obtained using the Best–Worst Method (BWM), and airline performance was evaluated and ranked with the WASPAS technique. The empirical application—covering Pegasus, SunExpress and Ajet—reveals that digital seizing capabilities (notably strategic digital agility, digital strategy development, and resource prioritization) carry the greatest weight. Pegasus scores highest overall, indicating a more institutionalized and holistic digital transformation approach; SunExpress shows …

Pestle Analysis Of A Seaplane Transport Network In Greece, Dimitrios V. Siskos, Alexander Maravas, Jordan Karatzas

Publications

Seaplane operations connect remote areas, promote tourism, and provide unique transportation solutions. After many years of preparations, commercial seaplane operations on a network of 100 water airports and 200 waterways in Greece are about to commence. The network can serve the needs of 1.6 million permanent residents of the Greek islands, the inhabitants of the mainland, and over 35 million annual tourists. This paper aims to conduct a PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis to identify the factors that have delayed operations and those that will affect the success of future operations. As such, 26 factors are …

Integrated Qfd-Triz Optimization Method For Satellite Solar Array Design In Cost-Sensitive Environment, Hongyi Zhang, Liang Su

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

With the rapid evolution of commercial space markets in the new space era, satellite design philosophy is transitioning from "performance supremacy" toward "cost-effectiveness priority." This research concentrates on solar arrays, a critical component representing 15%-20% of satellite costs, addressing limitations in traditional design methodologies that inadequately coordinate user requirements and lack systematic frameworks for cost-performance collaborative optimization. We propose a solar array optimization methodology predicated on the integration of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). This methodology incorporates cost dimensions through an extended QFD matrix, employs TRIZ to resolve technical contradictions, and develops a …

Green Skies Over Akron: “Revolutionizing Cak With A $20m Sustainability Blueprint", Oluwasemilore A. Akintelure, Kyle Rediger, Katie Horn

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

Our groundbreaking research at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) proposes a transformative $20 million electrical master plan, designed to revolutionize the airport into a sustainable aviation hub and an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) leader - a unique stance compared to similar airports in its economic corridor. This initiative, poised to impact millions of travelers, integrates cutting-edge solar panel installations and infrastructure for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Our comprehensive analysis, encompassing energy consumption, economic impacts, and risk assessments, underpins this ambitious project. The implementation of green energy solutions is projected to substantially reduce CAK's carbon footprint, leading to a healthier …

Performance Prism: A Comprehensive Framework For Performance Measurement In Aircraft Maintenance, Mohammed Timjerdine, Saoudi Taibi, Younes Moubachir

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Aircraft maintenance is governed by rigorous safety requirements and high operational complexity, demanding robust performance measurement frameworks to ensure optimal maintenance practices. This paper investigates existing performance measurement methodologies within the sector, highlighting their limitations and the need for a more structured evaluation system. Through this critical analysis of current literature, the paper proposes the Performance Prism (PP) framework as a novel and potentially robust solution for assessing and enhancing aircraft maintenance performance. Because the PP framework integrates multiple dimensions of evaluation, it provides a holistic assessment of aircraft maintenance performance, thereby enhancing reliability, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. Using examples …

A Tale 3 Airlines: Customer Service In Summer 2022, John C. Griffith, Donna Roberts

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Does customer service - good or bad - really matter? Customer surveys from Ryanair, Southwest and Spirit Airline passengers were examined to determine their perceptions on customer service for May through September 2022. Ryanair (n=71) and Southwest (n=102) were rated significantly higher than Spirit Airlines (n=263) in overall rating (p

Just Culture In Aviation: A Metaphorical Study On Aircraft Maintenance Students, Ramazan Çoban, Cengiz Mesut Bükeç

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Just Culture, a sub-dimension of safety culture, has been a prominent and debated topic in aviation safety in recent years. Just culture signifies a work environment where employees are motivated to provide essential safety-related information, but a clear distinction must be made between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. The aim of this study is to examine the fundamental characteristics of just culture in the aviation sector. The phenomenology method, one of the qualitative research designs, has been adopted in the study. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of participants, with the sample consisting of 78 students studying in the aircraft …

Examining The Influence Of Adoptability, Alignment, And Agility Approaches On The Sustainable Performance Of Aviation Industry: An Empirical Investigation Of Supply Chain Perspective, Sonia Nazeer, Hassan Mujtaba Nawaz Saleem, Muhammad Shafiq

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

In a continuously changing environment, the aviation sector faces the challenge of balancing adaptability to technological changes, alignment with environmental and social considerations, and agility in responding to unforeseen challenges. Keeping in view these challenges this study has explored the impact of the adaptability, alignment, and agility approaches on the sustainable performance of the aviation industry operating in Pakistan. Applying the empirical and quantitative methods the data has been collected from the professionals of the aviation industry supply chain and operations field and assessed the influence of Adoptability, Alignment, and Agility on sustainable performance indicators, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, …

Managing Uncertainty In The Airline Industry: The Interaction Of Strategic Flexibility, Organizational Learning, And Dynamic Capabilities, Mehmet Sahin Durak, Ferhan Sengur Prof. Dr.

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The airline industry is one of the sectors characterized by being highly competitive, dynamic, and uncertain. In addition, the constantly renewed, growing structure and vulnerability to conjuncture of the sector usually renders the sector unstable and unpredictable. In such this environment, one of the most important strategic tools airline companies can use to keep their activities sustainable is increasing their strategic flexibility levels. In this context, this study aims to reveal whether dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between organizational learning and strategic flexibility in the airline industry. In the research model, the Process Macro plugin, which was developed by Hayes …

Risk Identification And Assessment In The Digital Transformation Of Aerospace Enterprises: A Combined Qualitative And Quantitative Approach, Hongyi Zhang, Yu-Shan Xu, Yu-Kang Li

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

With the rapid advancement of China's aerospace industry, aerospace enterprises are actively adopting next-generation digital intelligent technologies, facilitating a transition from traditional planned management to a collaborative development model of multi-satellite systems. While this digital transformation process can optimize the entire lifecycle management of aerospace products, it simultaneously introduces potential risks. This study aims to systematically identify and assess risk factors in the digital transformation process of aerospace enterprises, providing a scientific basis for formulating effective intervention measures. Employing a comprehensive approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, this research systematically summarizes the risks, their sources, and anticipated impacts in …

Justifying The Cost Of Implementing Contactless Travel In Non-Primary Airports: A European Perspective, Sumeet Hassan Anwar Mr., Humna Asad Miss

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry faces an unprecedented push towards digital transformation. This paper delves into the economic, operational, and safety imperatives of implementing contactless travel solutions in Europe's non-primary airports. By juxtaposing the substantial upfront costs against the long-term operational savings and improved passenger experience, the study presents a compelling financial justification for such investments. Drawing on case studies and current trends, the research demonstrates that, despite initial expenditures, the adoption of contactless technology is a prudent strategy that aligns with evolving consumer preferences and the heightened need for efficiency and safety. The paper …

The Impact Of Corporate Social Responsibility On Airline Reputation And Passenger Satisfaction And Loyalty, Tamilla Curtis, Scott Ambrose, Wilfred S. Manuela Jr.

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Aviation is a driving force of economic and social progress but has negative externalities such as carbon emissions and noise. This paper investigates passenger perceptions of airline corporate social responsibility and its impact on airline reputation and passenger satisfaction. Over 1,300 passenger responses were analyzed using the partial least squares model. The results indicate that the perception of corporate social responsibility influences airline reputation, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, customer loyalty. The findings suggest that focusing on corporate social responsibility initiatives leads to enhanced likeability among airline passengers above and beyond offering quality service. Moreover, likeability is the key aspect of …

Taking Flight Or Taking A Pass? Exploring Factors Influencing Consumer Willingness To Pay For Evtol Travel, David C. Ison

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is experiencing significant growth due to technological advancements and increasing demand for efficient travel experiences. The market is expected to reach $45 billion by 2030, with major players like Joby, Archer, Beta, and Wisk dominating. This study aimed to assess public willingness to pay for AAM services using eVTOLs, using Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. The survey yielded a response rate of 85.8%, with 1,622 completed surveys. The study found that younger urban consumers were more willing to pay higher prices for AAM electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft trips than older participants, possibly …

A Comparative Analysis Of School Choice Factors Influencing Non-Collegiate Flight School Selections Between Groups Of Nontraditional, Traditional, And Teenage Student Pilots, Jingmin Jin

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

To assist with exploring strategies for effectively promoting vocational noncollegiate flight schools to diverse student markets of nontraditional student pilots, traditional student pilots, and teenage student pilots, this study compared and analyzed school choice factors of marketing approaches, relevant people, institutional features, and training program features that influenced these three groups of student pilots’ school selections. The study data was collected via a survey questionnaire, and the sample included 176 participants. There were 42 choice factor survey items, and the participants were guided to rate the level of influence of each factor on their school choice decisions. Descriptive statistics and …

Assessing Past Airworthiness Directives And How Safety Management Systems May Benefit Aviation Product Design And Manufacturing, Damon Lercel, Manoj Patankar, Richard Steckel

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to promulgate Safety Management Systems (SMS) across aviation organizations when it recently issued SMS requirements for EASA certificated Part 145 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations and Part 21 Design & Manufacturing (D&M) organizations. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has no such rule in place for these U.S.-based organizations, which may challenge those doing business in countries where EASA policies apply. Given that a majority of the United States’ D&M and MRO population is made up of smaller organizations, it is likely a U.S. SMS regulation will require justification of the …

Career Choice Motivation For Professional Pilots, Brett Watts, Tamilla Curtis, Scott Ambrose

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study identified key motivational factors of current flight training students to better understand how individuals are motivated to pursue a career in aviation. The theoretical framework used in this study was based upon self-determination theory, as originally introduced by Deci and Ryan (2000).The research approach for this study was a semi-structured interview process where students were asked eight foundational career motivation source questions and their responses were organized into career choice motivation categories. Results showed most participants became motivated to pursue a piloting career at a very young age. This early motivation was largely due to influence from third …

Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa Aguiar, Carolina L. Anderson, Dothang Truong, Gregory S. Woo, Kenneth Byrnes

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The purpose of the research was to create and validate a safety performance decision-making tool to transform a reactive safety model into a predictive, decision-making tool, specific to flight training organizations, to increase safety and aid in operational decision-making. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the study conducted simulation runs based on operational ranges to simulate the operating conditions with varying levels of controllable resources in terms of personnel (Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Instructor Pilots) and expenditures (active flight students and available aircraft). Four What-if Scenarios were conducted by manipulating the controllable inputs. Changes to the controllable inputs are reflected by variations …

Overview Of Low-Cost Carriers In Russia And Post-Soviet States, Tamilla Curtis, Dawna L. Rhoades

Publications

The low-cost carrier's model made remarkable gains across the globe in the prior decade, although growth was uneven domestically and intraregionally. Within this region, there are significant differences in overall country size, the size of the domestic aviation market, and the number of carriers serving the market. The largest and most developed market is in Russia, but rest of the region also experienced growth in economy airlines' activity as they discovered the power of the model to expand aviation access and lower costs. The success of low-cost carriers, however, has been halting and hampered by government decisions on foreign investment, …

Employability Of The Graduates From 14 Cfr Part 147 Schools: Understanding The Critical Factors Using Covariance-Based Sem, Christine T. Kelley

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Certified aviation mechanics are crucial to maintaining a healthy aviation industry in the United States. To fulfill this need, 14 CFR Part 147 aviation mechanic schools educate students under the supervision of the FAA. Though the demand for mechanics is projected to increase over the next 20 years, the supply is not expected to meet this demand. Therefore, the research discussed in this paper addressed this potential deficiency by asking two research questions. The first related to the factors students feel affect their employability, and the second was used to analyze whether the students learned these skills at school or …

Development Of A Safety Performance Decision-Making Tool For Flight Training Organizations, Marisa D. Aguiar Phd, Carolina L. Anderson Phd

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

The purpose of the research was to create and validate a safety performance decision-making tool to transform a reactive safety model into a predictive, decision-making tool, specific to large, collegiate Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141 flight training organizations, to increase safety and aid in operational decision-making. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the study conducted simulation runs based on true operational ranges to simulate the operating conditions possible within large, collegiate CFR Part 141 flight training organizations with varying levels of controllable resources in terms of personnel (Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Instructor Pilots) and expenditures (active …

Training And The Pilot Shortage, Geoff Murray

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

For the past few years, securing a pipeline of new pilots has been a primary concern for airlines around the world. In an Oliver Wyman poll of flight operations leaders, 62 percent listed a shortage of qualified pilots as a key risk. The root cause of the coming shortage varies by region: In the United States, it’s an aging workforce facing mandatory retirement, fewer pilots exiting the military, and barriers to entry, including the cost of training. In China and other regions where a burgeoning middle class is demanding air travel, the struggle is to expand capacity fast enough.

The …

Connecting Organizational Learning Strategies To Organizational Resilience, Stephanie Douglas, Gordon Haley

Publications

The objective of this study is to analyze the conceptual and domain overlap of organizational learning and organizational resilience; specifically, the adaptation or renewal domain in organizational resilience. From the findings, strategies to foster collective learning leading to organizational resilience are identified and outlined.

Aviation Fuel Tankering And Sustainability: The Brazilian Scenario, Peter O'Reilly, Fabricio Sulzbacher, Diogo Jardim Coutinho, Maria Petrescu

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This research project aims to investigate fuel tankering practices in the aviation industry, exploring their relation to carbon emissions and evaluating the Brazilian fuel tankering scenario in comparison to global and national policies and regulations. The study recommends sustainable national measures and compares global practices for minimizing the higher emissions due to fuel tankering. The results of the study show that the Brazilian aviation industry can sustainably neutralize the carbon emissions from the fuel tankering practice. The study recommends that airlines allocate part of the savings generated to purchasing carbon credits to offset the carbon emitted. Future research should focus …

The Influence Of Marketing Communication Approaches On Student Pilots’ Choices Of Flight Schools, Jingmin Jin

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

As the U.S. domestic commercial aviation activities have been recovering and will continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic over the next few years, a trend of the shortage in the regional airline pilot workforce is noted. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the reservoir of pilot candidates to sustain the industry’s pilot occupation rigor. To assist advance flight schools’ recruitment of new pilot candidates, this study examined how various marketing communication approaches influenced student pilots’ selections of flight schools. This study also further investigated how student pilots’ preferences in accessing school information differed in accordance with their different demographic …

Experience Levels Forcing A Change In Aviation Planning, Jason A. Powell, Elizabeth Crockett

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This theoretical article evaluates the changing dynamics caused by high turnover in aviation and how the lower level of experience impacts aeronautical companies' organizational planning and partnerships. The aviation organization must adapt managerial practices and alter training capability and procedures to ensure appropriate skill levels. Without proper planning, the company will have an imbalance of skills and accept more risk to operations. The aviation organization may be unable to adapt current scheduling practices to properly prepare the aircrew for challenging situations or sufficiently train maintenance personnel. The result is a need to leverage strategic partnerships, alter management practices toward personnel …

Insights From The Field: Project Execution Success And Failure, Tracey M. Richardson, James W. Marion Jr, Vittal S. Anantatmula, James R. Gibson

Publications

Project execution plays a decisive role in project success, but past research did not focus on the project manager’s perspective of what needs to be accomplished to achieve success. In this study, the authors used qualitative techniques to look for reoccurring themes related to 44project managers’ responses to interview questions associated with successful project execution and failed project execution. The study found that despite the project management profession growth, professional associations’ efforts, and their professional development endeavors, project management execution seems to be concerned with what has happened versus what is happening in a project. This study provides a conceptual …

Retention Of Qualified Cybersecurity Professionals: A Qualitative Study, Andrew Ishmael, Leila Halawi

Publications

The current endeavors to retain cybersecurity professionals are not enough to sustain the needs of the U.S. workforce. The researchers aim to explore retention strategies for qualified cybersecurity professionals supporting U.S. government contracts at a leading global security company. The researchers interviewed a sample of qualified cybersecurity professionals supporting U.S. government contracts to get essential information on retention in the cybersecurity profession. The researchers proposed four distinct pillars to make up the strategic framework for retaining qualified cybersecurity professionals.