What will I study during this BSc (Hons) Airline, Airport and Aviation Management course?

This multidisciplinary course will focus on giving you a firm academic base in the core disciplines of aviation management, with a particular focus on the international business setting. It will help you develop an understanding of the global business environment in which airlines and airports operate through the study of economics, human resources, marketing and finance. You will learn about the latest systems and technologies of aviation, ensuring you have the most up-to-date knowledge, in a sector that’s constantly evolving.

Exploring the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles is a key benefit of studying this programme. This is an important area of increasing scrutiny for airlines and airports.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Air Cargo Services and Operations
This module will give an overview of the modern-day cargo industry and its operational challenges and opportunities. The module will focus on how the industry has evolved and who the key players are within it. It will examine trends in existing and emergent markets and the increasing role of technology within the sector. The module will also look at relevant key pricing aspects as they relate to both normal cargo and, abnormal outsize cargo. The Module will also look to study patterns in traffic flows and, a study of topical issues applicable to air cargo managers in today’s turbulent trading environment

The module aims to provide students with:
1. An understanding of the importance and relevance of cargo to the aviation industry in terms of traffic movements, key players and contribution to GDP.
2. Knowledge of how the cargo industry has evolved and, the operational and resource requirements of the sector as we move towards increased technological implementation and electronic documentation.
3. An ability to understand trends, specialist freight movement requirements and market characteristics of the industry
4. To comprehend how costs and prices work within the sector
The module also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular: academic study skills; IT; literacy; applied analysis; entrepreneurship, critical thinking; interpersonal and team-working; communication, including oral presentation; and problem solving
Airport Management
This module will provide an overview of the important functions of airport management for the seamless operation of the aviation system. Airports have a vital role in processing of air passengers and air cargo to ensure that the aviation system functions safely and securely. Airports are complex businesses and have a range of attributes including being land-lords, providing infrastructure (terminals and runways), providing retailing environments, providing the operational environment for airlines. Of course, there are many different types of commercial airports, small (local) airports, regional airports, international airports and global hubs etc.

The focus of this module is management issues facing airport operators and these operators differ in their ownership structures, management structures and regulatory frameworks. It is therefore important to set the ‘management’ of airports in the context of global development of the aviation system and to distinguish airports operating in the ‘private’ sector and those in the ‘state’ sector and various positions in between. Globally there has been a trend in developing the ‘privatisation sector’ of airports (due to state decisions to ‘sell off’ operations in various countries). This trend was first seen in Europe in the U, however, it can now be seen across the globe.

The module aims to provide students with:
1. An understanding of the importance of airports to the economic well-being of regions and countries as vital growth poles and as a result the significance to the country involved.
2. Knowledge of the key features and interfaces for airport ‘management’
3. Understanding of the important performance benchmarks for airports
4. Comprehension of the issues of service quality and the airport passenger experience
5. The need for airports to provide commercial facilities such as retailing environments
6. Airport competition and the role of airport marketing and master planning for development
Fundamentals of Airline Management & Operations
Understanding the Business and Economic Environment – The Aviation Industry

The focus of this module is to equip students to understand organisations within the aviation sector in contexts past, present and future, and enable them to analyse the macro, micro, internal and external business and economic environments in which they operate. An understanding of the environments will facilitate the interpretation of situations and enable decisions that add value for businesses. The focus of the module is on the external and internal influences on organizations and the effect these have on business practices.

A range of examples, illustrations and case studies will be drawn the Aviation industry sector including Airports, Airlines, Leasing, and Manufacturing. This will enhance the ability of students to understand particular business problems and aspects of the business and economic environment. Topics and case studies will cover business issues that are contemporary and relevant to the real world within Aviation.
Principles of Marketing for Aviation
The module aims to provide an understanding of the marketing management process in aviation sector and in the context of tangible goods and services. The Aviation sector accounts for a significant proportion of GDP and employment in most developed economies and therefore it becomes essential for students to gain insight within the area. Aviation enables $3.5 trillion in global GDP. If aviation were a country, it would be the 17th largest economy in the world, supporting 87.7 million jobs and nearly 3 trillion Euros in economic impact. An enabler of tourism, 58% of all international tourists travel to their destinations by air. In this module, students are introduced to a range of marketing theories such as the marketing concept, consumer behaviour, business environmental analysis, marketing research and consumer insights applicable to aviation.

The module aims to:
- Provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical application of marketing in Aviation Sector
- Provide an understanding of contemporary issues in marketing as related to the aviation sector.
- Develop students’ academic writing, application of knowledge and interpreting data skills.
- Develop students’ researching and analyzing skills.
Understanding and Managing Data

Data analysis is a top business priority. It drives the opportunity for performance improvement and, with advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever increasing rate. As such, it is not surprising business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers today. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of quantitative and statistical analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

The module introduces data-based decision making and performance measurement and provides students with the practical experience of using Excel to transform data into meaningful information. It further introduces students to forecasting, target setting and project management. As such, it provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making. In doing so, it provides the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance measurement
Principles of Management in Aviation Context
The focus of this module is management and the development of students as managers. Managers are crucial to getting things done, for example, they plan, organise, lead and coordinate the work of others in order to meet organisational goals efficiently and effectively. The challenges of managing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly uncertain, complex economic environment requires managers to have the knowledge, ability and skills to take action, such as managing information, delegating tasks, setting goals, building teams, motivating others and, along with numerous other activities, achieve organisational success.

The traditional view of the purpose and role of management in the world of work was to seek stability and efficiency in a top-down hierarchy aimed at achieving bottom-line results. In contrast, the contemporary management approach expects managers to engage in motivating people and harnessing their creativity, sharing information and power, leading change, and finding shared vision and values in an increasingly diverse and complex workplace.

Today’s managers require the knowledge and ability to draw on both traditional and contemporary approaches to management when formulating workplace decisions. They also need the skills, tools, and techniques to manage their own career trajectory based on the acquisition of sound employability skills and accompanying behaviours.

In addition to knowledge, the module focuses on developing students as managers which involves the ability to interact with, and motivate, a diverse range of people.

The module aims are to:
- enable students to identify and explain major developments in the history of managerial thought.
- provide students with the opportunity to develop management, leadership and employability capability to enhance their individual potential;
- develop students appreciation of the different management approaches that can be used when managing in uncertain and complex environments;
- enable students to develop their management and employability skills, such as critical thinking and writing, interpersonal skills, self-management, communication, team-working, problem solving, and presentation skills, in order to maximise their competitive edge in the business world.
Study Skills for Success in Higher Education (15 Credits)
Learning Outcomes of this module are:
1. Demonstrate ability to evaluate and plan for development of study skills and monitor achievement.
2. Reference other people’s work in a precise and systematic way.
3. Demonstrate ability to source appropriate information and reference.
4. Reflect on learning and personal experiences as a student to foster a professional identity.
5. Use digital tools to complete and submit assessment components.

Airline Commercial Planning
The module introduces the key themes and understanding for the development of new routes. The importance of route development cannot be underestimated for commercial airlines and is a combination of issues such as the markets available and the ability of the airline to launch operations into the market successfully by understanding the critical factors such as aircraft selection and performance and finance.
1. The industry structure and outlook are critical to understanding how airlines assess their market opportunities, so this requires global knowledge of the industry.
2. The management of commercial airline operations is the heartbeat of the ability to grow a profitable network and the module introduces an understanding of the specialist functions within the department.
3. The steps of route planning process are critically important to the development of profitable route networks and this is central of the commercial airline sustainability.
4. Aircraft performance features are again critical to the development of sustainable commercial airline operations and the module will evaluate these features of aircraft.
Airline Revenue and Pricing Management
All successful airlines need to master their market position and technical competencies to ensure success and the management of ‘fares’ is central to this. Pricing and revenue management are at the heart of every airline’s competency and thus of paramount importance. Strategic positions require airlines to understand the competitive environment and the ‘price’ points for both leisure and business travel segments. Pricing and revenue management are therefore critical to survival in the global air travel market.

The module aims to provide students with:
- An understanding of the importance of the ‘pricing’ airline products and balancing revenue against costs
- Development of the pricing strategies and revenue management strategies for different types of airlines business models
- To appreciate the opportunities for new revenue streams from ancillary revenues and the de-bundling of airline products
Aviation Psychology And Human Factors
Human factors (HF) and our understanding of its effects on safety performance continues to evolve and develop. The human element is vital to the safe and efficient operations of all aspects of the aviation industry. Recently, a better understanding of human behaviour has resulted in significant safety benefits with human factors discipline forming a cornerstone of every aviation safety management programme. This module looks into how an understanding of operational personnel attitudes, behaviours and mental wellbeing can help reduce HF risks to aviation safety.

Another interesting area which explains some of the reasons why operational personnel make errors is Aviation Psychology. Aviation psychology involves the study of human behaviours, actions, cognitive and emotional processes in the aviation field and also investigates the psychological problems encountered in the work place. In this module psychological principles will also be applied to the aviation industry to look into the effects of sleep patterns, central nervous systems, mental functioning etc. on the behaviour and performance of operational personnel.

The module aims to provide students with:
1. an understanding of elements of aviation psychology and human factors and their application in the aviation industry
2. knowledge on some of the issues facing crew interaction within the commercial aviation industry
3. Knowledge to apply models to identify enabling factors which might lead to aviation incidents and accidents
An understanding of factors which affect the mental stability of operational personnel
Safety And Security For Aviation Systems
The aviation industry has a huge number of interdependent factions within it and this leads to vast operational complexities. This together with a highly regulated industry, a competitive and dynamic external environment and a substantial level of Government involvement has the potential to expose airlines and airports alike, to a vast array of risks and uncertainties, both internally and externally.

This module examines the key aspects of safety and security issues as they pertain to the aviation accidents and incidents including regulations and processes currently employed in the sector. It examines the role of regulators and relevant Government agencies and international organisations in promoting effective safety and security management through the use of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Security Management Systems (SeMS).

The module aims to provide students with:
1. an understanding of current best practice that is being promoted by competent regulators and international aviation organisations in enhancing safety and security of the industry.
2. knowledge and understanding of the systems and procedures used to make commercial flying an exceptionally safe form of transport via an understanding of SMS.
3. tools that can be used to select and implement techniques for the identification, quantification and management of hazards, threats and risks.
4. to comprehend how SeMS procedures can be integrated into airport and airline operations.
Risk and Crisis Management
The aviation and travel industry has a huge number of interdependent factions within it and this leads to vast operational complexities. This together with a highly regulated industry, a competitive and dynamic external environment and a substantial level of Government involvement has the potential expose this sector and, airlines and airports alike, to a vast array of risks and uncertainties, both internally and externally. Because of the very nature of those risks, there are many uncertainties and disruptive events and this module seeks to understand how to put in place a co-ordinated, effective response that mitigates the effect of such events and minimises harm to an organisation’s stakeholders.

This module will explore the types of risk that the aviation and travel sector are exposed to and, what possible solutions might be put forward to mitigate against these. The module also seeks to understand what crisis management is and how to effectively apply it to the aviation industry.

More specifically the module will help develop the students understanding of how to assess, evaluate, mitigate and monitor risks as they pertain to the sector.

The module aims are as follows;
- to develop students understanding of theoretical modules for risk and crisis management
- to allow students to identify good practice and lessons learnt from both the sector itself and, related industries.
- to build a practical knowledge base of the resource requirements and facilities necessary for airlines, airports and the travel industry to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in sub optimal business environments
- to enable students to assess risks and develop robust business contingency plans to mitigate against such risks
Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas.

The module offers an opportunity for students to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake a final year project / dissertation module
Sustainability, Business and Responsibility
This module will address the critical issue of how current thinking on climate change and sustainability will impact on businesses and organisation. The need to create more sustainable organisations and businesses is fundamental to current and future organisational development strategies. It is necessary for students to understand the growing influence of the sustainability agenda on industry. This influence takes on many forms, from government policies and international agreements to the measuring the impacts of organisational practices on the ecology and communities. In the future, organisations, businesses, communities and individuals will be expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental and social impacts. This module will examine the current and future challenges. It will equip students to deal with the challenge of creating sustainable forms of business that operate within ecological and socio-economic limits.

It will explore the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles.

The overarching aim of the module is to ensure that students develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles and how these principles are applied. It will explore the varied tools and techniques used to apply sustainability principles, by governments, business and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present. Such appreciation will be developed progressively via more specific aims which are:
- To engage with the growing international debate and practice around sustainability, business and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
- To evaluate how this will challenge organisations and business.
- To examine tools and techniques for evaluating and implementing of sustainability
- To analyse the evolving policy frameworks within which business operates.
- To understand how changing environmental realities may affect business practice.
Developing Inclusive Organisations

We live in a more diverse society than ever before. Structural changes in labour markets have led to increasing numbers of women, older workers and disabled people in employment, with fewer younger people in many industrialised economies. Globalisation and migration has also lead to greater ethnic diversity. We are also clear about the business for diverse workforces, and the benefits this can bring to society.

However, there is a question as to whether a diverse workforce always equals inclusion. There is evidence that many of these groups are marginalised and face employment disadvantages in practice. The aim of this module is to illuminate some of the inequalities experienced by these groups, and then to examine theoretical perspectives helping explain these and provide insights into how these can be better remedied in practice.

Whilst arguably the principles of inclusion transcend the protected characteristics (Equality Act, 2010), it is clear that these groups tend to suffer more inequalities in the workplace than others (despite law that protects against this). This module will therefore look at the meaning of inclusion and how it differs from concepts of equality and diversity – what it adds and where it might be lacking. We will examine closely the different dimensions of diversity (gender, age, race/ethnicity and so forth) in order to understand the specific barriers these groups experience, and what methods organisations can develop to ensure more inclusive workplaces – so that everyone feels valued regardless of identity or background.

A broader aim of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to ‘step into the shoes’ of diverse marginalised groups and the specific barriers they face, so they are better prepared to identify and promote inclusive workplaces, as social justice champions of our future. This is something our society needs and Portobello Institute is passionate about developing – values driven graduates who make a positive contribution to the world.

Airline and Airport Strategic Management
The role of this module is to introduce the role of strategic analysis and planning for airlines and airports to determine a sustainable future for these partners. The module will explore the vital nature of understanding the external environment and the opportunities for growth and development depending on internal capabilities and the external environment.

The module aims to provide students with an:
- understanding of the importance of strategic management opportunities for airlines and airports
- appreciation of the internal factors that allow companies to capitalise on external market opportunities
- understanding of the vital nature of ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ and ‘market’ features for air travel for strategic development
Airport Planning and Development
The module introduces the key themes and understanding for airport planning and development which is a complex agenda that requires strategic over-sight. Airports are unique businesses that have many stakeholders and uniquely require local support as well as government support to succeed. They also have a unique relationship with airlines as they are symbiotic operators with airlines.

The module aims to provide students with:
- An understanding of the context for airport planning and development
- The role of master planning and reasons for this process
- The importance of stakeholders in the aviation airport planning process
Financial Decision Making in context for Aviation

Financial decision-making is important for any and every business. This natural mental process needs to be informed to select a course of action from several alternative options. One of the most essential elements that help to facilitate the implementation of the business strategy in an organisation is Finance. The financial manager of an organisation plays a central role in making decisions on optimum utilisation of financial resources and assess the implications for shareholders and other stakeholders, and the need for effective corporate governance. Therefore, managers require critical understanding of key financial management issues, aviation performance indicators and methodologies relating to financial management frameworks. Managers use these tools when they are faced with making financial decisions in the aviation business environment. This module provides students with knowledge about financial decision-making approaches and control systems aviation businesses use to make managerial decisions.

The module also provides the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the impact of financial decisions. It enables learners of today, who are managers of tomorrow, to participate in decision making processes concerning the utilisation of finances in investment, financial and risk management, and the delivery of value for money in achieving the objectives of the business. Although managers are not always required to perform detailed financial analysis, they need to have a clear understanding of how the process of financial management and decision-making work to ascertain that decisions are properly made and implemented and that apposite risk management systems are in place.

The module focuses on fundamentals of aviation financial management, the need for accounting and finance, financial governance, making capital investment decisions, balancing risk and return, tools of financial analysis, interpretations and planning, reading financial reports, cost challenges in decision making, working capital management, sources of finance, cost- passenger volume-profit analysis and its use in managerial decisions and planning
Brand Management in Aviation
This module provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding on brands, brand equity and strategic brand management. It outlines the concepts and framework of branding, which are crucial in designing, implementing marketing campaigns as well as activities to build, measure and manage brand equity. It provides students with the tools and techniques to improve long-term profitability via creating effective brand strategies.

Aims of the module:
- Explore the role of branding from a corporate and consumer perspective.
- Examine the theory of branding.
- Develop students’ understanding of the role played by marketing communications in the building and maintenance of brands in the Aviation industry.
- Develop students’ researching and analysing skills.
- Develop students’ critical writing, application of knowledge and decision-making skills.
Leading Innovation in the Aviation Industry
This final-year core module “Leading Innovation in the Aviation Industry” aims to enable students to study and apply in practice:
- a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership style relevant to the industry
- a range of leadership theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation practice, and organisations in a range of industries engaged with innovation practice in the Aviation industry
- a range of innovation theories and techniques to critically evaluate contemporary innovation processes, and organisations in the Aviation industry
- the synergies between leadership and innovation in the context of the Aviation industry.
The Module will be based around two themes:

(i) Theme 1: Leadership, where they will study, reflect on, and use leadership theories and techniques to assess and develop their own personal leadership style. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating classic and contemporary theories, and directly applying the ideas from these theories to their own experience and ambitions in general and the Aviation industry in particular.

(ii) Theme 2: Innovation, where they will study, analyse, and evaluate the innovation processes of selected organisations and industries (by critiquing, for example, Case Studies), and how innovation is achieved and operates within the contemporary economy (by critiquing, for example, classic and contemporary examples). In addition, students will study the synergies between leadership and innovation, an emerging area in academic research and in practice. By doing this, students will be closely engaging with and evaluating innovation practice and performance, informed by the leadership theories and techniques covered in Theme 1.

Each theme will conclude with an assignment:

Theme 1 will conclude with a team-based formative assignment, and Theme 2 will conclude with a pairs/Trios-based summative assignment. Once complete, this Module aims to enable students to understand a long-term time line. Firstly, students will ‘look back’ and be exposed to classic and contemporary leadership texts, so they can critically evaluate and develop their own personal leadership style. Secondly, they will ‘look forward’ and critically evaluate how innovation can further emerge in the economy and society, and how contemporary and future organisations and industries can ensure sustainability through enhanced innovation, blended with enhanced organisational leadership.
Dissertation – UG Aviation

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.
Service Excellence for Aviation

‘Service Excellence for Aviation’ investigates practices and strategies used in managing exceptional relationships between customers and service providers. Consistent delivery of high-quality service increases customer loyalty, businesses reputation and competitive advantage, hence the module focus lies in the exploration of all aspects of excellent service delivery.

The aim of the module is to provide students with understanding of the importance of service excellence, including reflection on their own professional conduct practices, and equip them with analytical ability to assess and improve service delivery

Programme Manager

Derek Fox

Derek Fox is a man whose experience spans many industries. He leads Portobello Institute’s MSc in Aviation Management and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

He has worked directly with companies such as Aer Lingus and the Dublin Aviation Authority, playing a key part in providing consultancy and strategic advice during an important transitional period for the airline.

He is a lead facilitator and director of DFLeap consulting and has previously worked as a senior specialist in the area of management, leadership and communications with the IMI (Irish Management Institute).

With over 30 years’ experience in learning design, management, coaching and development he has spent 15 years in a large multinational corporation and has worked in both business and academia across Europe, Asia, and America.

“I began my career as an Engineer but became passionately involved in Psychology in my twenties. This led me to work as a trainer/lecturer in leadership and management where I enjoy working with individuals and organisations to unlock their full potential.

“I have published a number of books including the popular ‘Discovering your Style and Dealing with Difficult People’ and am a regular contributor to business and press publications,” he said.

Derek is the program leader of our MSc in Aviation Management so students will get the chance to learn from him in key areas such as “understanding how to do a dissertation, what ethical research is, how to develop research questions and objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies to inform and address your answering of the research question and how to draw conclusions based on your primary research. Not to mention statistical analysis,” he said.

Derek is ambitious for his students and the opportunities Aviation Management can bring to their careers.

“We have students across multiple sectors of the aviation industry. Our aim is to reach aviation sectors like engineering, fleet management, fleet rentals, all that kind of stuff, on top of airlines and airport operations.

Qualifications Held

MSc Organisational Behaviour
MA Psychology
BA People Management
Level A and B Psychometrics
CiPD Certificate in Training Practice
Sports Psychology
Master Trainer Program

Personal Academic Tutor

Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.

This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.

Dermot Hardy

Position: Business Management Lecturer

“There is nothing more satisfying than explaining some theory to students, applying it to a real life example and then watching everyone nod as they get a real understanding of the issue .”

About Dermot Hardy

I feel very strongly that the level of talent and expertise in Ireland in is comparable to that available in other leading financial centres and the lecturing and training I provide reflects this. I really enjoy the teaching as I feel it gives me a chance to share my experiences with the students so that they can benefit from my real-life experiences. It also shows that you don’t have to go abroad to become an expert in your field, through hard work and study you can achieve that easily in Ireland.

Qualifications

M.A. Degree
Associate Member of the Corporate Treasurers
Irish Securitisation Forum (ISF)
Irish Securitisation Working Group
IFSC Banking & Treasury Committee (A sub-committee of the Clearing House Group under the auspices of the Department of An Taoiseach. )

Tony O’Gorman

Position: Senior Lecturer

“We are dealing with unprecedented change in our industry. It is imperative therefore to keep upskilling, networking and seeking new ways to deliver FM in the most efficient and effective manner.”

About Tony

I have worked in engineering, maintenance and management roles for the last four decades, in a variety of senior roles for multinationals, the not-for-profit sector, various parts of the public sector in addition to running my own successful businesses in the technical consulting, training and industrial maintenance sectors. I have worked in Ireland, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, United States and Ireland. I bring this wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom.

Tony’s Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is based on early and continual engagement with students across the duration of their studies. I have witnessed the transformative effect that a successful learning experience has on the lives of students and has a particular interest in supporting adult learners returning to the classroom by utilizing learning sessions as forums for students to learn by solving real-world problems using practical work experiences. I have a wide range of teaching experiences in both public and private education institutes. I lecture in the areas of FM Asset Management, Risk, Health & Safety , Strategic Management, People and Change and Project Management.

Qualifications

MBA Henley Management College/University of Reading
M.A Health Services Management. UCD Whitaker School of Government and Management.
Master of Engineering, Open University
B. Eng. (Hons) in Environmental & Public Health Engineering. Open University
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Technology Management. IT Tallaght
PMI PMP certification
Doctoral Candidate – Doctorate in Business
Administration (principal area of research is the area of organisational performance measurement and management)

Fabio Grassi

“My entire purpose for what I do in all these kinds of endeavours is to inspire change for others. Anybody that does the program, I want to inspire them to make change for themselves. That’s my ultimate goal all the time.”

A jack of all trades is a phrase used to describe someone with a broad range of talents and skills. It’s a phrase that would not look out of place when describing Portobello Institute lecturer Fabio Grassi.

Previously roles in his long and varied career include being a head chef and a freelance English/Italian translator as well as a brief stint in the cadet school of the Italian army. And for almost three years he has taught on Portobello’s BSc in Workplace and Facilities Management in the area of Leadership and Change.

Throughout these varying roles, Fabio has developed a strong “personal passion” for helping others develop their talents.

He served as an Education and Training Consultant at IBM for nine years before joining the Irish Management Institute as Executive Learning Director, a role he has held for over 16 years.

Never satisfied with standing still, Fabio has taken on many ventures including his current one with Portobello. He began working with Core Ideas as an Executive Coach and Facilitator, rising to the role of Managing Director in the meantime. Since May of 2020, he has worked with EMCC Ireland in Research and Development.

Fabio’s experience spans countries and continents and one trip, in particular, had a big impact on his professional philosophy.

“My personal journey into the development of the self took a sharp focus 15 years ago when I went to California to learn about Emotional Intelligence with the 6 Seconds Emotional Intelligence Network. The 3-legged process of Know Yourself, Choose Yourself and Give Yourself became the guiding framework for my self-development and work. Over the years it became clear to me that to be the best we can be we must constantly question our perspectives, remain open to possibilities, and clearly define our ethical stand,” he said.

Fabio brings all of this knowledge and experience to the BSc in Workplace and Facilities Management, and he has very much enjoyed his time in Portobello thus far.

“You get interesting people coming through. Quite a wide variety. I’ve been here for the past 15 years with the Irish Management Institute. Portobello is very specialised. It had been a very generic focus. Now with the leadership in the sector, it’s more specific settings and content. I really enjoy it,” he said.

And while the FM sector is forever changing and adapting, Fabio’s goals for the outcomes of his teaching remain consistent.

“I guess it’s always the same outcomes that I’m looking for. My entire purpose for what I do in all these kinds of endeavours is to inspire change for others. Anybody that does the program, I want to inspire them to make change for themselves. That’s my ultimate goal all the time.”

Find out more about our Facilities Management courses here.