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MBA in Aviation And Airport Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Aviation and Airport Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Aviation and Airport Management program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on equipping future leaders with comprehensive knowledge and skills required for the dynamic aviation sector. With India''''s rapidly growing air traffic and infrastructure development, the program addresses the crucial demand for skilled professionals in airline operations, airport management, and air cargo logistics, positioning VISTAS graduates at the forefront of this burgeoning industry. The curriculum is designed to provide a holistic understanding of both the strategic and operational aspects.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into the thriving aviation sector, offering a specialized pathway to managerial roles. It also suits working professionals from other industries looking to upskill or transition into aviation, leveraging their existing management acumen. Graduates from any discipline with an interest in air transport, operations, logistics, or airport functions will find this program beneficial for a specialized career in India''''s booming aviation market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles in airport operations, airline management, cargo logistics, aviation safety, and regulatory affairs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories in major Indian airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, airlines such as IndiGo or Air India, and global logistics companies operating in India. The curriculum aligns with ICAO and DGCA standards, enhancing professional readiness and global career prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Business Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Focus rigorously on core MBA subjects like Managerial Economics, Accounting for Management, and Business Statistics. Understand how these foundational principles apply to the unique context of the aviation industry. Form study groups to discuss concepts and solve case studies from diverse business sectors.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on foundational management, Harvard Business Review case studies, Institutional library resources
Career Connection
A solid grounding in general management is essential for any leadership role, including those in aviation, enabling better decision-making, cross-functional understanding, and strategic thinking.
Initiate Aviation Industry Research- (Semester 1)
Beyond coursework, actively research current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Indian aviation and airport sector. Follow industry news, read aviation magazines, and attend webinars to build context before specialization subjects begin, gaining insights into policy changes and technological advancements.
Tools & Resources
CAPA India reports, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) publications, IATA industry outlooks, Aviation news portals like Livemint Aviation
Career Connection
Early industry knowledge makes specialization subjects more relevant, aids in identifying internship interests, and prepares students to articulate informed opinions during interviews and professional discussions.
Cultivate Professional Communication Skills- (Semester 1)
Engage in public speaking, presentations, and mock interviews to refine communication and presentation skills. Participate in university clubs, debates, or student management events. Clear, concise, and professional communication is vital in high-stakes aviation environments and global interactions.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International clubs (if available), University language labs, Online communication courses from platforms like Coursera
Career Connection
Effective communication is crucial for leadership, team collaboration, stakeholder management, and client interactions in airport and airline operations, enhancing employability and career progression.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Aviation Specializations- (Semester 2-3)
Actively engage with specialization subjects like Airport Management, Aviation Economics & Finance, and Airline Operations. Seek opportunities to visit local airports, interact with aviation professionals, and understand operational complexities firsthand. Analyze real-world case studies from the Indian aviation context.
Tools & Resources
Guest lectures from industry experts, Airport field trips (if organized by institution), Industry association events like AAI workshops
Career Connection
This practical engagement translates theoretical knowledge into applied understanding, crucial for securing roles in specific aviation domains and excelling in technical interviews, demonstrating practical relevance.
Secure a Meaningful Summer Internship- (Semester 3 (after Semester 2))
Proactively search for and secure a summer internship in an airport, airline, or aviation logistics company. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like ground operations, cargo handling, customer service, or aviation finance. Document learnings thoroughly for the internship report and future reference.
Tools & Resources
University career services portal, LinkedIn Jobs, Industry contacts and professional networking events, Aviation-specific job portals
Career Connection
An internship is vital for practical exposure, network building, and often serves as a direct pathway to pre-placement offers or full-time employment upon graduation, providing a significant career advantage.
Network with Aviation Professionals- (Semester 2-3)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and alumni events specific to aviation. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, seek informational interviews, and build a strong professional network that can offer mentorship, industry insights, and future career opportunities within India''''s aviation sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn professional networking platform, Industry events like Aero India, Wings India, VISTAS alumni network and career fairs
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for understanding industry trends, discovering hidden job opportunities, and gaining insights that can accelerate career growth in the competitive Indian aviation sector.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Research- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the final Project Work. Choose a relevant and impactful research topic within aviation, apply rigorous research methodology, and present findings professionally. This showcases problem-solving abilities, specialized knowledge, and analytical acumen to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Academic research databases (JSTOR, Scopus), University research guides and methodology workshops, Faculty mentorship and statistical analysis software
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates independent research, critical thinking, and expertise in a specific aviation area, making candidates stand out to potential employers and indicating readiness for complex roles.
Master Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, mock interviews, and resume building workshops. Tailor resumes and cover letters to specific aviation roles, practice group discussions, and prepare for technical and HR rounds, focusing on aviation-specific scenarios and current industry affairs.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell services, Online interview practice platforms (e.g., InterviewBit), Professional resume builders and LinkedIn profile optimization
Career Connection
Strategic preparation maximizes the chances of securing desired roles in top aviation companies and ensures a smooth and successful transition from academics to a professional career in the highly competitive aviation industry.
Pursue Relevant Certifications and Skill Enhancement- (Semester 4 and ongoing)
Identify and pursue additional certifications relevant to specific aviation functions (e.g., IATA certifications in cargo, dangerous goods, or airport operations). Develop soft skills like crisis management, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication, which are highly valued in the global aviation industry.
Tools & Resources
IATA training programs and certifications, Online learning platforms (Coursera, edX) for soft skills, Professional development workshops offered by industry bodies
Career Connection
These certifications and enhanced skills provide a competitive edge, demonstrating specialized competence and commitment to lifelong learning, opening doors to more senior or niche roles within aviation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category). Students appearing for final year examinations can also apply.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 91 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BM101 | Management Principles and Organizational Behavior | Core | 4 | Management theories and functions, Organizational behavior concepts, Motivation and leadership, Group dynamics and team building, Organizational change and development |
| 21BM102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Demand and supply analysis, Production and cost analysis, Market structures and pricing strategies, Macroeconomic environment, Economic forecasting for business decisions |
| 21BM103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 4 | Financial accounting principles, Cost accounting concepts, Budgeting and budgetary control, Financial statement analysis, Management control systems |
| 21BM104 | Business Statistics | Core | 4 | Probability and probability distributions, Hypothesis testing and estimation, Correlation and regression analysis, Data interpretation and visualization, Statistical tools for business decisions |
| 21BM105 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research design and types, Data collection methods and tools, Sampling techniques and size determination, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and presentation |
| 21BM106 | Business Ethics & Values | Core | 4 | Ethical theories and decision making, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical dilemmas in business, Organizational values and culture, Corporate governance and sustainability |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BM201 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing mix strategies, Consumer behavior analysis, Market segmentation, targeting, positioning, Product and brand management, Promotion and distribution strategies |
| 21BM202 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Capital budgeting decisions, Working capital management, Cost of capital and leverage, Financial markets and instruments, Dividend policy and valuation |
| 21BM203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HR planning and recruitment, Training and development, Performance appraisal systems, Compensation and benefits management, Employee relations and retention |
| 21BM204 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Production planning and control, Inventory management techniques, Quality management and control, Supply chain management basics, Lean manufacturing and JIT |
| 21BMAA205 | Airport Management | Specialization Core | 4 | Airport systems and infrastructure, Airside and terminal operations, Airport planning and design, Ground handling services, Airport safety and security |
| 21BMAA206 | Aviation Economics & Finance | Specialization Core | 4 | Air transport economics, Airline financial management, Airport revenue generation models, Aviation insurance and risk management, Capital budgeting in aviation projects |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BM301 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Strategic analysis and formulation, Environmental scanning and SWOT, Strategy implementation and control, Competitive advantage, Corporate governance and ethics |
| 21BM302 | Management Information System | Core | 4 | Role of information systems, Database management systems, E-business and e-commerce, Decision support systems, IT strategy and implementation |
| 21BMAA303 | Airline Operations Management | Specialization Core | 4 | Airline industry structure, Fleet management and scheduling, Flight operations and control, Crew management and rostering, Airline revenue management |
| 21BMAA304 | Aviation Safety Management | Specialization Core | 4 | Safety management systems (SMS), Aviation regulations and standards, Risk assessment and mitigation, Accident investigation, Emergency response planning |
| 21BMAA305 | Logistics & Supply Chain Management in Aviation | Specialization Core | 4 | Aviation logistics principles, Air cargo and freight operations, Warehouse and inventory management, Supply chain networks in aviation, Multimodal transport in air logistics |
| 21BMAA306 | Summer Internship (Industrial Training) | Project/Internship | 2 | Practical industry exposure, Application of theoretical knowledge, Project report writing, Skill development, Professional networking |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BMAA401 | Air Cargo Management | Specialization Core | 4 | Global air cargo market, Air cargo regulations and compliance, Documentation and procedures, Cargo handling and warehousing, Freight forwarding and logistics |
| 21BMAA402 | Aviation Law and Policy | Specialization Core | 4 | International aviation law (Chicago Convention), National civil aviation policy (India), Air transport agreements, Regulatory bodies (DGCA, AAI), Consumer protection in aviation |
| 21BMAA403 | Aviation Marketing and Branding | Specialization Core | 4 | Aviation market research, Airline and airport branding, Customer relationship management (CRM), Digital marketing in aviation, Service quality management |
| 21BMAA404 | Project Work & Viva Voce | Project | 12 | Research problem identification, Methodology design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and presentation, Viva voce examination |
