The Effects of Strategic Implementation of Safety Management Systems on Aviation Business Compliance: a Case Study of Cmc Aviation, Kenya

Abstract

The research is on the effects of strategic implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) on aviation business compliance. It is carried out through a case study approach by using CMC Aviation Ltd for the case study. Stolzer et al (2010) gives a comprehensive definition of SMS as a dynamic risk management system based on quality management system (QMS) principles in a structure scaled appropriately to the operational risk, applied in a safety culture environment. In the aviation industry, this concept of SMS is widely regarded as an extremely innovative concept that has unparalleled contribution to the overall levels of compliance for an aviation entity that successfully implements this system. Whiles the benefit of SMS has been discussed in various manuals on SMS, the objective of this research project is to determine the effects of strategic implementation of safety management systems on aviation business compliance. Data has been collected from seven interviewees composed of the heads of key departments in the organization. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis. The findings were compared with the existing literature and found to support the research topic that SMS does help aviation organizations in the improvement of their various compliance levels. Recommendation for policy and practice has been done after data analysis. The limitations of the study as well as suggestions for further research have also been covered in chapter five.