Postgraduate Modules

Professor Papatheodorou has taught twenty-nine (29) postgraduate modules in seven (7) countries (Greece, Germany – India, Egypt, Hong Kong SAR, Ivory Coast, United Kingdom) and twelve (12) academic institutions. In particular:

University of the Aegean, Greece: Interdepartmental Programme of Postgraduate Studies in Planning, Management and Policy of Tourism / Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations and Hospitality Enterprises (4)

1. Module Convenor: Transport for Tourism/Air Transport and Cruise Management

This module examines the prevailing business environment and trends in transport for tourism. If focuses on air transport and the cruise sector. The module aims at transferring theoretical and empirical knowledge that highlights the implications of transport for tourism development and regional growth. Moreover, the module discusses issues related to market structure, conduct and performance in the transport for tourism sector under different regimes (regulation and deregulation). It presents alternative corporate strategies in the area of transport for tourism and analyses issues of vertical integration. Finally, the module suggests suitable policies to alleviate the emerging problems at both micro and macro levels. The module was taught in Greek in the academic years 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Since the academic year 2018-19 the module has become a core one and offered with a new title, i.e. Air Transport and Cruise Management in the context of the renamed MSc Programme now entitled Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations and Hospitality Enterprises.

2. Module Convenor: Tourism Development and Policy/Tourism Strategy and Policy

Successful development of tourism depends on the relationship between the public and private sectors. A key element in this is the design of policies for tourism that can meet the needs of the stakeholders by establishing valid planning goals and instruments. Tourism Development and Policy explores such policies and considers their formulation from a regional development perspective. The course aims to examine the position and priorities of the stakeholders in tourism, to outline the principles of policymaking and to discuss planning processes and tools. Students are expected to critically analyse planning and policymaking outcomes in different situations. Case studies and business game simulations from various tourism sectors such as air transport, hospitality and travel distribution enable students to fruitfully apply the theoretical concepts in real world situations, to synthesise the derived conclusions from a managerial perspective and to propose several meaningful initiatives in tourism development and policymaking. The module was taught in Greek in the academic years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Since the academic year 2018-19 the module has been offered with a new title, i.e. Tourism Strategy and Policy in the context of the renamed MSc Programme now entitled Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations and Hospitality Enterprises.

3. Module Co-Convenor: Tourism Economics / Economics of Tourism and Revenue Management for Tourism Enterprises

This module applies the theories of microeconomics and macroeconomics in the context of international and domestic tourism. Demand and supply conditions are first discussed, followed by an analysis of market equilibrium under different market structures. These set the theoretical foundations for the subsequent study of corporate practices in tourism and their implications for tourism development. Empirical studies are presented using cases from the civil aviation, hospitality, and travel distribution sectors. The theory of revenue management is also thoroughly discussed predominantly with respect to airlines and hotels. The module was co-delivered in Greek as “Tourism Economics” during the academic years 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18 and as “Economics of Tourism and Revenue Management for Tourism Enterprises” during the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.

4. Module Convenor: Economics of Tourism Enterprises

This module applies the theory of microeconomics and industrial organisation in the context of tourism enterprises. The course discusses first the demand and supply side of tourism followed by an analysis of market equilibrium under alternative market structures. Subsequently, the module sets the necessary framework to understand corporate practices in the marketplace. It applies the above concepts primarily in the areas of commercial passenger aviation industry, hospitality sector and the travel distribution system. The module also addresses the implications of vertical integration in the tourism industry and suggests policy measures for the alleviation of emerging problems. The module was taught in Greek in the academic year 2004-05.

Hellenic Open University, Greece: Postgraduate Programme in Management of Tourism Enterprises (1)

5. Module Convenor: General Principles of Management, Tourism Legislation and Structure of Employer and Collective Organizations (core module – MSc Programme in Tourism Business Administration, Hellenic Open University, Greece)

This distance learning module applies the principles of management in tourism by primarily focusing on issues related to planning and programming, leadership and control, motivation, and promotion. It also discusses the structure of national and international tourism organizations and the role played by the various stakeholders in forming tourism policy and in affecting labour conditions in the sector. Finally, the module analyses topics related to tourism legislation in Greece and its implications for both consumers and producers. The module was taught in Greek in the academic years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Technological Educational Institute of Athens – University of West Attica, Greece: Interinstitutional Postgraduate Programme in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Tourism (1)

6. Module Co-Convenor: Tourism Policy/Tourism Development and Policy

Harokopeio University of Athens, Greece: Interinstitutional Postgraduate Programme «International Master of Sustainable Tourism Development: Cultural Heritage, Environment, Society» (1)

7. Module Co-Convenor: Economics of Tourism

Grounded in economic theory and application the module analyses tourism demand, supply and impacts of tourism on the host community, investigates issues of market regulation and liberalization and identifies factors which can increase economic and sustainable development such as trade relationships. It also analyses issues of management and their implications for the economic performance of the tourism sector. The module was taught in English in the academic years 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Technological Institute of Thessaloniki / International Hellenic University, Greece: Postgraduate Programme in Management of Tourism Enterprises and Organizations (1) and MSc in Sustainable Development (1)

8. Module Convenor: Management of Travel Services and Air Transport Enterprises

This module examines the prevailing business environment and trends in the air transport sector. It presents alternative business models in the airline and airport industries and analyses corporate strategies related to market structure, conduct and performance under different regimes (regulation and liberalisation). The module also highlights the implications of air transport management for tourism and regional growth. Finally, the module suggests suitable policies to alleviate the emerging concerns such as environmental pollution. The module was taught in Greek in the academic year 2016-17 and 2017-18.

9. Module Co-Convenor: The Economics of Sustainable Tourism

The module aims to critically explore how tourism economic development can move closer to a sustainable ideal from a firm economic analytic anchor. Grounded in economic theory and application it analyses tourism demand, supply and impacts of tourism on the host community, investigates issues of market regulation and liberalization and identifies factors which can increase economic and sustainable development such as trade relationships. It examines the impact of tourism on natural resources and the environment and also the impact of environmental degradation on tourism, both at the local and global level. It examines the impact of environmental policy on tourism. It reviews various alternative models of tourism’s development and investigates the economic and social effects of adopting a sustainable tourism strategy, emphasizing the case of Greece. The module was offered in English as an elective in the academic year 2014-15.

Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece: Postgraduate Programme in International and European Economic Studies (1)

10. Module Contributor: Economic Geography of Europe

This module discusses the theories of regional growth and development in the empirical context of the European Union. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the various conceptual frameworks in regional economics, industrial geography, political economy and development. Professor Papatheodorou contributed to this module with lectures in Greek on the economic geography of aviation and the travel distribution system in Europe in the academic year 2001-02. He then gave similar lectures in the context of the module Microeconomic Aspects of European Integration over the academic years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05.

National School of Public Administration: Department of Tourism Economy and Development (2)

11. Module Convenor: Tourism and the Greek Economy

This module examines the role of tourism in the Greek economy as a propulsive mechanism of growth in the context of sustainable development. The evolution and structure of tourism demand and supply in Greece are analysed focusing on strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats in each case. Subsequently, the module highlights the importance of cultural tourism as an alternative or even a complement to the mass tourism product in Greece. Efficient management of transport for tourism is also discussed and policy suggestions to raise competitiveness of the Greek tourism product are made within the framework of an integrated quality strategy. The module was taught in Greek in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

12. Module Convenor: Introduction to Tourism Economics

This module applies the theories of microeconomics, macroeconomics and industrial organization in the context of tourism enterprises. Demand and supply conditions are first discussed, followed by an analysis of market equilibrium under different market structures. These set the theoretical foundations for the subsequent study of corporate practices in tourism and their implications for tourism development. Empirical studies are presented in the context of civil aviation, hospitality and travel distribution. The module was taught in Greek in 2007.

Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, France : Advanced Master in Air Transport Management (4)

13. Module Convenor: Air Transport Market and Airline Distribution

This module discusses first the foundations of distribution channels in aviation focusing on the involved service providers in Tourism Distribution Channels (TDCs) and the role of Global Distribution Systems (GDSs). It then analyses the fundamentals of airline distribution strategy in terms of an airline’s competitive position in the market; the role of sales organisation, corporate accounts and tripartite agreements; the importance of ancillary revenue, integrated websites and linked travel arrangements; as well as the significance of NDC, m-commerce and social media. Subsequently, the module studies different airline business models and their distribution characteristics. The module was taught in English in October 2018 (Hong Kong SAR), August 2019 (Hong Kong SAR), July 2020 (online), October 2021 (online) and October 2022 (online).

14. Module Convenor: Air Transport Strategy

The objective of this module is to introduce, both theoretically and through case studies, the strategic management foundations in the airline industry. At the end of the lectures, students will be able to discuss and critically evaluate the main strategic management models as applied in the context of the airline industry; describe and analyse the short, medium and long-term strategies of airlines (for example: price and revenue management, choice of network, alliances, fleet choice) in the light of different airline business models as well as market developments and interactions with air transport stakeholders; propose and justify a cost reduction and enhanced pricing/revenue management strategies taking into account the constraints of the sector; diagnose the strategies currently being developed by airlines or other main players in the market; and propose improvements, using the concepts of industrial economics and the strategic management tools analysed in the module. The module was taught in English in August 2019 (Ivory Coast) and April 2021 (online).

15. Module Convenor: Air Transport Marketing

This module aims at introducing students into the main marketing concepts as applied in the context of air transport. Further to an analysis of the evolving airline marketing and business environment, principles of strategic marketing management in the airline sector are discussed. Subsequently, the module explores issues of marketing planning, research and the role of ICTs and analyses different aspects of the (external and internal) environment. Market segmentation, targeting and product positioning are then presented, followed by an examination of pricing and revenue strategies; relationship marketing, advertising, and promotion; traffic forecasting; fleet planning and the implementation of marketing plans. The module was taught online in English in November 2019 (Ivory Coast) and June 2021 (online).

16. Module Convenor: Air Transport Economics and Financial Management

This module aims at introducing students into the main air transport and financial management concepts as applied in the context of air transport. The course contents include an analysis of the contemporary air transport business environment, principles of production and cost theory in economics, cost reduction strategies in the airline sector, principles of consumer demand theory, pricing and revenue management issues in the airline sector, principles of economic externalities, air transport and environmental economics aspects, principles of regulatory and competition policy in air transport, key financial statements and financial ratios for airline companies, principles of aircraft finance, principles of investment, risk and asset appraisal in air transport and principles of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Air Transport. The module was taught online in English in May 2020 and September 2021.

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Germany: ΜΒΑ in Aviation and Tourism Management (5)

17. Module Convenor: Applied Regional Analysis and Spatial Economics

This module is based on three major pillars. First, the theoretical background focuses on the regional impact of air transport with emphasis on the concepts of linkages, leakages, and displacement effects; the regional multiplier; the external benefits and costs of air transport; the implications of air transport for land use; the relationship between air transport, new economic geography, accessibility and spatial interaction and the emergence of core and periphery at different spatial levels. Subsequently, several applied topics are studied such as competition issues in air transport; the airline-airport relationship and the importance of Public Service Obligations (PSO) routes for regional economic development. Finally, a set of spatial economic analysis tools are explored in the context of air transport such as spatial concentration indexes; traffic forecasting; and catchment area analysis. The module was taught in English in the academic years 2012-13 (Frankfurt), 2013-14 (Frankfurt, Bangalore, Mumbai, and New Delhi – in collaboration with the University of Petroleum Studies, India), 2014-15 (Frankfurt), 2015-16 (Frankfurt), 2016-17 (Frankfurt), 2017-18 (Frankfurt), 2018-19 (Frankfurt), 2019-20 (Frankfurt), 2020-21 (Frankfurt) and 2021-22 (Frankfurt).

18. Module Convenor: Strategic Business Travel Management

The module discusses the role of business travel as a management function in companies highlighting among others the emerging leadership challenges. Moreover, it focuses on the evaluation and optimization of processes among travel management companies, service providers and companies. It also examines global market development and trends in the MICE sector and stresses the importance of corporate accounts in the airline industry. The module was taught in English in the academic year 2017-18 (Frankfurt) and 2020-21 (online).

19. Module Convenor: Strategic Tour Operations Management

This module examines the global market development of the tour operations business. It evaluates the different tour operator business models (traditional, building block tour operators, vertical and horizontal concentration) and underlying competitive strategies and business segments. It also discusses the strategic success factors and leadership challenges (brand policy and brand management, ICT – Information and Communication Technology, CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility, crisis management, demand changes). The module was taught in English in the academic year 2017-18 (Frankfurt) and 2020-21 (online).

20. Module Co-Convenor: Strategic Destination Management

The module analyses the global development of international tourism and destinations. It stresses the importance of strategic positioning of destinations and competition analysis as well as the role of strategic quality management in destinations. It studies strategic product development and modification in destinations in the global competitive environment and highlights the role of destination marketing in this context. The module was offered in English in Athens, Greece in the academic years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 (online), 2020-21 (online) and 2021-22.

21. Module Co-Convenor: Strategic Tourism Marketing and E-Business

The module explores the role of tourism marketing as a special case of services marketing. It highlights strategic success factors in tourism marketing and highlights future trends and challenges in tourism marketing. The module also discusses strategic information management in tourism and the impact of information and communication technologies on the formation of e-business strategy in tourism. Finally, the module examines the importance of online- and social media management in tourism; e-business applications in tourism; as well as future trends and challenges in e-business. The module was offered in English in Athens, Greece in the academic years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 (online), 2020-21 (online) and 2021-22.

University of West London, United Kindgom: MA in International Tourism and Aviation Management (1)

22. Module Convenor: Aviation Operations (core module – MA Programme in International Tourism and Aviation Management, University of West London, United Kingdom)

The module analyses the structure and organisation of the aviation industry and key operational practices therein. The module also delivers the knowledge and understanding of operational management within aviation and provides awareness of the aviation business operating environment. It develops and understanding of aviation operational strategy as well as skills to recognise the quality of service delivery through operations management. The contents of the module include: introduction and understanding operations management; the nature of operations management, processes, services and systems; competition and how operations management used effectively can win customers; operations processes and lifecycles, process types, the service firm lifecycle; locating, designing and managing facilities, the selection of locations, trends, capacity, layout, servicescape for aviation operations; managing capacity and demand capacity management in customer processing operations, strategies to manage capacity and revenue management, queue management; managing quality and operations strategy; quality defined, gap analysis, strategies for quality, competitive advantage, business models. The module was taught in English in the academic year 2015-16.

Helwan University, Egypt in collaboration with the Arab Air Carriers Organisation and Egyptair: Masters in Air Transport Management (2)

23. Module Convenor: Marketing of Services

The module aims to deepen the conceptual and practical understanding of the broad range of issues challenging the service manager; to broaden the appreciation of initiatives and experiences in the service sector and to encourage critical evaluation of these experiences and initiatives in the light of conceptual issues and home-country conditions; and to enhance the professional skills applicable to the field of service marketing with the aim of improving personal effectiveness. The module was taught in English in the academic years 2009-10 and 2011-12.

24. Module Convenor: Principles of Economics in the Air Transport Industry

The module initially discusses fundamental concepts of air transport economics. It then focuses on issues of costs and revenue management and concludes by analysing topics related to network planning, scheduling and traffic forecasting. The module was taught in English in the academic years 2009-10 and 2011-12.

University of Surrey, United Kindgom: Master Entry Programme / MSc in Tourism Management (5)

25. Module Convenor: Competition Issues in Tourism

The module applies the theory of spatial industrial organisation in the context of tourism. First, a comprehensive toolkit necessary for the understanding of corporate practices and the performance of competition analysis in the marketplace is provided. Subsequently, several competition issues are examined in the areas of commercial passenger aviation industry, hospitality sector and the travel distribution system. Finally, the study of the implications of vertical integration addresses the tourism industry holistically. The required policy measures for the alleviation of the emerging problems are explicitly discussed. The module was taught in English during the academic years 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.

26. Module Convenor: Group Project

This is a seminar-based module that culminates in the oral and written presentation of a report. Selection of topics and groups is made by the students, subject to the approval by the module tutor. The module was taught in English in various formats during the academic years 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.

27. Module Contributor: Tourism Theory and Practice

Tourism Theory and Practice introduces tourism in the form of an organising framework. It presents and examines the main theories and disciplines that underpin and explain tourism. The module provides knowledge and understanding but also gives the students the opportunities to analyse and evaluate the state of knowledge about tourism. Professor Papatheodorou contributed to this module with a discussion of issues related to regional development and transport for tourism during the academic years 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.

28. Module Contributor: Examples in Tourism

Examples in Tourism concentrates on specific practices in tourism and hospitality. It aims at encouraging the students to be alert to the key current issues in their chosen area of study; to provide them with an opportunity to analyse these issues critically; and to encourage them to relate their knowledge, experience, and interests to their studies. Dr Andreas Papatheodorou contributed to this module with various workshops including Integrated Quality Management (IQM) in coastal and urban tourism destinations of the European Union over the academic years 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04.

29. Module Co-Convenor: Economic Environment

The rise of complexity in the sectors of the tourism industry over the last two decades renders necessary the explicit study of the various corporate practices and their implications for the functioning of competition. Economic Environment aims at covering these issues from several different perspectives by applying economic theory in the context of tourism. A comprehensive toolkit that is necessary for the understanding of business practices and the performance of economic analysis in the tourism marketplace is provided. Moreover, several specific issues are examined in the areas of transport for tourism, hospitality sector and the travel distribution system. The macro-implications of tourism for wider economic and regional development are also addressed in an integrated manner. Dr Andreas Papatheodorou contributed to this module with lectures on the microeconomic aspects of tourism in the academic year 2000-01.