Aviation Management: A Discipline in Crisis?

Abstract

This article presents a detailed description of the key attributes of undergraduate aviation management programs. This exploratory research provides insight into key program issues in a manner designed to stimulate meaningful dialogue among aviation management faculty based on a study of 56 collegiate aviation baccalaureate programs. This investigation resulted in a taxonomy of aviation management curricula that examines: (1) breadth of curriculum, (2) science foundation, and (3) curriculum structure. Research results show that two primary dimensions emerged. The first is an operational vs. business processing oriented dimension. The second is a functional vs. asset understanding oriented curricula. The findings reveal that most programs are clustered around operational process–asset understanding. The authors advocate a need for increased business management oriented curricula focused by industry perspective and participation.