Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) in Airport Surface: Europe vs usa implementations, challenges and best practices

The purpose of this study is to explore the current status and future challenges of Airport/Surface - Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) implementations, explain the diversity of experiences and different managerial approaches that are mediating in the implementation processes in Europe and the US and propose a framework of best practices for the future. This is done by comparing past historical, operational, and cost-benefit analysis approaches in both continents. The main differences in implementation processes are examined in order to identify common and differentiating aspects in terms of factors of influence. At the backdrop of this study, the authors recognize how many initiatives have been slowed down or stalled due to lack of agreement, communication, or accountability of the involved actors. In order to capture the varying outcomes of past experiences, his study has followed a multi-case study design methodology with various data sources. Findings show different perceptions on implementation factors and motivations for success in both continents, and also between different industries. Results show that a number of issues are inherent to the technological complexity and structural organizations in specific aerospace organizations, but some major aspects as communications, leadership, funding and operation maturity are common to all of them. Finally, a set of recommendations is proposed based on change management techniques to improve CDM implementation in the future.