Abstract: The air transport industry in Greece has been experiencing a significant growth. However, higher education has missed so far this export opportunity. Public universities and technological educational institutes have very limited undergraduate offerings in the fields of aeronautical engineering and aircraft maintenance technology, respectively. These programs are offered only in the local language, practically restricting them to the indigenous market. Postgraduate offerings are currently inexistent. This study proposes a generic model for undergraduate and postgraduate aviation programs. This model, aligning with the world’s best practice in aviation education, would have to be adjusted to meet the Greek aviation industry. A preliminary investigation to identify the characteristics of the model was conducted in the Greek aviation industry, through a survey supported with in-depth interviews. The research findings suggest that it is necessary to invest in the strengths of the Greek aviation industry (aviation services and aircraft maintenance) and the strategic advantages of the country (climate favorable for flight training and touristic attractiveness). The need for a postgraduate aviation program is highlighted, in contrast to the introduction of an undergraduate program, which came up as less desirable. Moreover, the need for export-driven target-oriented synergies between industry and academia has been a key observation.

ABSTRACT: This study explores the potential deployment of small satellites for maritime interdiction and security applications by investigating the available solutions and formulating a generic proposal to optimize the use of those short-lived space assets in support of these operations. The operational background is analyzed with respect to the potential use of these systems by field officers. An analysis for operational micro and picosatellite characteristics is executed, and a brief outlook on the vulnerabilities of those for Low Earth Orbits is given. Moreover, a real scenario has been implemented, and the obtained computational results provide useful insight into how these space systems can be used for maritime security operations. Particular reference is given to the state-of-the-art status of propulsion systems capable of enhancing the lifetime of the satellites. Similarly, a literature survey has been conducted collecting all available picosatellites in orbit today that deal with maritime security applications. The study also explores the application of Lambdasat picosatellite (currently in orbit) to demonstrate the capability of exchanging alert messages between ground stations in Greece and in the US and vessels in the middle of the ocean. With these experiments we will demonstrate the ability magnitude of a picosatellite to support maritime operations.

This study critically examines the transition process followed by a state-owned airline in a major IT migration project (introduction of novel electronic services). The change management process proposed by Kotter (1995) is examined in relation to the different phases identified, based on an interview based qualitative research. Focusing on the project team leaders a set of results is identified / determined, which provides significant insight into the key factors, deficiencies and outcomes of the project, with reference to the characteristics of a state-owned company. Further elaboration of the proposed methodology is deemed to be applicable in the identification of the weak and strong points of similar change projects.