Aviation Career: Decision Making, Skills, and Action Plan

This report provides a self-reflective analysis of career management within the aviation sector, specifically focusing on an operations role at Canada Air. It examines the impact of digitalization and technology on the aviation industry, highlighting key trends and future work opportunities. The report includes a SWOT analysis to evaluate current skills, identifying strengths such as decision-making and adaptability, and weaknesses like leadership and time management. Furthermore, it outlines an action plan to address these weaknesses and develop necessary future skills, such as enhanced leadership abilities and time management proficiency. The ultimate goal is to become an efficient and successful professional in the dynamic aviation industry. Desklib offers a variety of resources including past papers and solved assignments to aid students in their academic and professional development.

RUNNING HEAD: DECISION MAKING AND CAREER MANAGEMENT
RUNNING HEAD: DECISION MAKING AND CAREER MANAGEMENT

Executive Summary
Technology and digitalization has impacted industries around the globe. Aviation
industry remains most affected from technological and digital innovations. Online booking
system adopted by the aviation industry has revolutionized travel. In this current scope of self-
reflective analysis Operations role in Canada Air is undertaken. Skills and competency analysis
in the current domain is evaluated along with future skills that might be necessary. Through a
designated plan of action, it will be possible to overcome areas of weakness and become an
efficient professional in this industry.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Section 1: Impact of Digitalization and Technology.......................................................................4
Impact of the use of technology and digitization.........................................................................5
Key trends of Aviation Industry...................................................................................................6
Future Work in Aviation..............................................................................................................6
Section 2: Reflective Evaluation of Skills.......................................................................................7
Reflection of Current Skills.........................................................................................................7
Strengths...................................................................................................................................7
Weaknesses..............................................................................................................................9
Opportunities............................................................................................................................9
Threats....................................................................................................................................10
Reflection of Future Skills.........................................................................................................10
Section 3: Action Plan...................................................................................................................12
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................14
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Introduction
Career management is integral for any individual who is aspiring to take up roles within
an industry (Mavin & Roth, 2014). Prior to selecting a suitable industry to work in one has to
ascertain the various factors that are prevailing in the industry. In the current scope of analysis
career management in the Aviation sector has been selected and thereafter determined. The
aviation sector is one of the major areas that have continued to make remarkable progress across
the world. It is vital to note that the sector has contributed immensely in the job creation where a
large percentage of people across the globe have benefited by simply working in the airports and
also, as aircrew. Additionally, the airline business has contributed largely to the growth of the
world economy by promoting commercial and industrial activities by providing carriers for
cargos and business people across the world. The automation of processes has decentralized the
system of service delivery which has purportedly resulted in the rapid growth and development
of the sector (Kanki, 2017). In connection, the Canada Air being one of the iconic air carriers in
the world has invested heavily in technological developments. The company has expanded its
technological infrastructure with the primary objective of satisfying the clients and in the long
run make numerous profits. The trend of technological developments in the aviation sector has
spread across the board whereby each airline is in the race of adapting the new technology and
innovations as it has been confirmed to be effective for the business. The current scope of career
management deals with career management in the aviation sector in operations role opting for
Canada Air as a future company (Darcy, McCarthy, Hill & Grady, 2012).
Section 1: Impact of Digitalization and Technology
Technological and digital impacts have led to development across various sectors,
especially in the aviation industry. The airline business has fuelled the rate at which international
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trade is taking place because of the invention of local carriers that have facilitated the rapid
movement of people and goods from the production site to the market without delays (Degryse,
2016). The efficiency of the sector has however improved the rate at which the tourism sector is
growing simply by providing a means of transport to those who are willing to explore the
different parts of the world. In conjunction with the airlines, the tourism sector has developed
appropriate means of hotels and events bookings due to the availability of transport services. The
growth of other sectors in the world of business and industrialization has however been linked to
the rapid growth and development of the aviation sector. However, the development of the
digital age has further boosted the expansion of the airline industry simply by digitizing various
systems with the primary objective of promoting its growth. Canada Air has invested heavily in
the technology and recent report from the international airline association has confirmed that the
company is making wide profit margins in contrast with other companies and this has been as a
result of the company’s management decision to invest in the technological innovations
immensely.
Impact of the use of technology and digitization
In the aviation sector, the digital migration has been effective such that the airlines have
modernized their products and service delivery with digital functions by combining additional
digital solutions in the existing portfolio a strategy that has been used to enhance competition in
the industry (Lamb, 2018). Companies like Canada Air have adopted the system of digitization
and they have made remarkable progress. The e-booking services have enhanced prior booking
of flights when the clients are at home a factor that has reduced the possibility of having
congestion in the airport. In connection to e-booking, the airlines have enhanced reliability to
their clients by simply displaying possible flights and routes in their webpages a factor that has
enhanced punctuality in departure because the clients are in full knowledge of the time they are
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expected in the airport. Nonetheless, the online booking of flights has enhanced client's
satisfaction by providing choices and options side by side with their required charges unlike
before when the clients were unable to view the current carrier that in which they will travel
with. In addition, online booking has reduced the stressful conditions that the clients and the
airline personnel were experiencing in the airport trying to process the travel documents. The
digitized system has the potential to swiftly verify, identify and authorize travel documents of
passengers simultaneously in a short period of time. Incorporation of information and technology
in the aviation sector has led to its further growth and development. It has allowed tremendous
reduction in costs allowing for catering to customers at cost effective rates. Reduction in costs
for airlines has led to offering air tickets at low cost.
Key trends of Aviation Industry
Aviation industry is dynamic in nature and accommodates various innovative processes.
A key disruption that is reshaping the existing products and services in aviation sector is
automation of the booking procedure (Telfer & Moore, 2017). Customer connectivity is getting
enhanced by means of direct interaction of customers with the airline. Most airlines are
developing their own portals where customers might place their bookings and conduct any types
of changes thereof. Rapid customization of the booking system is transforming cost of products
and is making services visible to customers. The entire supply chain processes within the
industry is accommodating responsiveness and visibility in their services to enhance customer
satisfaction.
Future Work in Aviation
In my future work role, I am to work in the Aviation sector in the Operations department.
I am to take up a job role in back office operations in the management division, where all
services for the organization is integrated (Cappellen & Janssens, 2010). Back office operations
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are integral in the aviation sector as currently there are multiple booking avenues from where a
client can book tickets. With multiple partners in the supply chain of the aviation sector, there
needs to be present an integrated management of inventory or ERP (Enterprise Resource
Manager) who will coordinate with the bookings and supply of tickets procedures. This will
entail smooth flow of operations without hindrance. In order to take up such a role, I would
require possessing a degree in Management. A degree in Management with Professional
Competency related to task management within specific timeline is crucial (Savickas & Porfeli,
2011). Moreover, I will need to possess skills relative to managing diversified tasks from varied
department. With knowledge in management and development of skills of the industry, I will be
easily able to become an efficient person in the industry.
Section 2: Reflective Evaluation of Skills
Reflection of Current Skills
Analysis of self-reflection is crucial to be able to undertake roles within industry. Self-
reflection allows opportunities to learn and improvise any areas that might require attention.
Evaluation of skills and competencies can be best analysed through a SWOT (strength,
weakness, opportunity and threat analysis) (Colquitt, Lepine, Wesson & Gellatly, 2011). In order
to evaluate current skill set a SWOT has been conducted so as to find a match with competency
in the aviation industry.
Strengths
My key strengths include my Professional Skills. I possess decision making capabilities which
are integral in the aviation sector. As the management needs to undertake various decisions
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related to bookings that they will hold, sale period, supplier prioritization and many more.
Self-motivated is an integral skill in most jobs. Especially in the aviation sector with less
opportunities and more competition, there has to be present motivation for remaining
committed to the job role. Adaptability is crucial in aviation industry as there are frequent job
transfers. I am able to cope up to new situations well, with my adaptability skills (Littlepage,
Hein, Moffett III, Craig & Georgiou, 2016). I have excellent communicating skills. As
personnel in management in the aviation sector, an individual need to possess good verbal as
well as non-verbal skills. I feel I possess good verbal communication skills.
My Capabilities includes that I am good at management, as I am able to undertake lot of
tasks and give equal attention to each of them. Management is an integral skill while in the
aviation sector as it allows handling work pressure from multi-tasking well. Uniqueness of
Capabilities includes that I am very hard working and determined. I can take up challenges and
then make efforts to accomplish the same. I feel others of my age or capabilities cannot be so
much determined as I am. Such determination often leads to an organization’s success and is
integral for its future.
My Personalities is that I possess a societal personality. I am easily able to interact with
people and make friends. My pleasing personality is an added advantage in the aviation sector as
it is attached to the tourism sector. My unique resources consist of my psychological strength
and determination in undertaking my self-directed career goal. I am extremely ambitious and will
undertake any measures to achieve my career goal.
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Weaknesses
My current skill evaluation reveals that I do not possess leadership skills. While taking up
tasks during my University course, I was unable to demonstrate leadership skill, which is very
crucial in the aviation industry. A good decision can be taken but applied well only in the
presence of a capable leader. I feel that I need to work upon my leadership skill such that I am
able to become an effective leader within my team in my career (Rottinghaus, Buelow, Matyja &
Schneider, 2012). I am equally bad at time management. While handling difficult and crucial
tasks, I am unable to undertake effective management of time; this often creates challenge for
me. I often remain burdened with lots of tasks and am unable to complete them within a
designated time frame. Importance of time management is crucial for any career related
performance. I will need to work on time management skills such that I am able to take up
projects and complete them within the designated time frame.
Though I have a few weaknesses, I am afraid that I will not be able to overcome them
easily. Lack of self-confidence has often deterred my efforts to take up challenging tasks which
remains to be a big blockage in my career. I have a wrong mindset that if once I believe I will not
be able to accomplish a task then I generally leave working on that task. This deters my success
and is a major weakness in my mind set.
Opportunities
The University in which I am enrolled offers various short term courses alongside
professional courses. These courses offer opportunities for fresher within an industry to pursue
new skill and become an effective person in the industry. I feel I can easily opt for such short
duration courses and enhance my professional capabilities. I also aim to pursue post-graduation
degree after 5 years of experience. This education combined with my professional knowledge
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and skills will allow me to become an efficient person in the industry. I plan to get enrolled for
any short duration courses or trainings that are offered in the aviation industry as well, which
will provide an enhancement of my career. These short term trainings will benefit me immensely
to become industry ready and cater to bets practices to the organization. I am sure with these
skills; I will find a suitable placement in Canada Air.
Threats
I have made various plans in order to accomplish my career goals; however there are
certain obstacles in the same. My mentality of low self-confidence will deter me from
undertaking a successful career role and pursue success (Greenhaus, Callanan & Godshalk,
2010). My competitors are my classmates and other experienced personnel within the industry,
who plans to take Operations role in the aviation sector. I need to enhance my knowledge and
skill set such that I am able to become a more effective personnel compared to the competitions.
I have not yet mastered the several Statistical Software such as SPSS and Rapid Minor and many
more that are currently used in the industry. This software would allow me to become more
efficient in the sector.
Reflection of Future Skills
The above description of skills and competencies reveal various current skills set
evaluation. However, in the future career set, there will be needed more skills for the purpose
finding a suitable position in the aviation sector. The most integral skill set that needs to be
possessed by me is working in team’s capability. While working within organisations it becomes
crucial to be able to work in teams and assists one another. Learning from several case studies I
found this to be an integral future skill that I need to develop. Moreover, I will need to find my
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position within team roles such that I am able to contribute in a sportive manner. Secondly most
crucial role is of conflict resolution (Patton & McMahon, 2014). A most integral soft skill is
presence of conflict resolution procedure. While employees work within teams in organisation,
they often face vast amounts of conflicts within teams that need to be resolved. I will need to
diagnose my role in the conflict resolution process such that I am able to negotiate the process
well and apply the best possible outcome for a conflict. I can even devise my role to act as a
mediator in my future organisation. This crucial skill is integral in the aviation sector which deals
with large number of varied skilled employees. I will also need to work towards my low self-
esteem such that I am able to become more confident in my future career role. Enhancement of
self-confidence is integral as in absence of confidence, I will not be able to take up challenging
roles and gain success in the same.
Other integral skills needed for the aviation industry includes critical thinking capability.
Along with conflict resolution, one needs to be able to think critically such that they can resolve
problems. As the industry is dynamic in nature and gradually revolutionizing, one needs to
resolve various challenges that might appear day to day. In order to do so thinking critically is
needed. I feel that honesty is another personal attribute that have capabilities to take a person to
great heights. A future skill within the industry is honestly pursuing career goals and skills; it
will allow becoming a capable leader or manager someday. Good people skill or customer
handling skills are also required for anyone in the aviation industry. Though I will take up roles
in the operations segment yet sometime or the other I will need to handle customer. So, along
with communication capabilities, one needs to possess skills in people handling. I will also need
to become a good team player such that I can contribute to my team in an effective manner.
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Section 3: Action Plan
Analysis through personal SWOT reveals prevalent of various weaknesses (Strauss,
Griffin & Parker, 2012). Through identification of these weaknesses it is possible to design an
action plan to overcome them. I will undertake short term courses in leadership and time
management. The short term courses will help me gain necessary knowledge regarding
leadership and time management. These skills are integral to become efficient person in the
aviation industry. Through leadership, I will manage my team members and undertake various
projects for my team. It will also provide me ways to undertake coordinate team efforts, by
directing towards a specific goal. Time management is extremely crucial in the aviation industry
as slightest amount of discrepancy in time might lead to huge losses for the organization.
Therefore, I will need to acquire this skill for contributing to my organization.
I will overcome of short temperament by way of practicing meditation. Short
temperament can harm my career in the Operations role and can lead me into taking wrong
decisions. Hence, I feel that through meditation I will be easily able to get control over my mood
swings and direct the energy in a positive way. Along with meditation, I will practice yoga which
will help me maintain a good balance of the body and mind. I will undertake interaction with
people that I do not know such that I develop people handling skills. I will also practice
accomplishing small goals in personal life so as to enhance my self-confidence.
I will undertake guidance from my professor to understand easiest ways through which I
can attain to these defined goals in my career plan (Ripoll-Bosch et al, 2012). I feel as an
Undergraduate, my professor will be the best person who will be able to assist me in an
appropriate manner. I will also take assistance from self-help books in the library, which will
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