Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management is to provide learners with information and skills within an inter-disciplinary tourism environment so that they can demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills. The learners will be prepared to enter both the public and private tourism sectors. They will be able to utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques within a tourism management environment. The learners will be able to demonstrate current and future tourism trends; apply marketing and development principles; demonstrate and understand how to plan, organise, lead and control management initiatives in tourism; and differentiate and apply different research methodologies within tourism settings.

Rationale

The qualification meets the needs of the tourism sector. The qualification will contribute to national objectives regarding skills development and economic growth. This qualification is designed to assist the tourism industry. The tourism industry is a growing field that occurs year round and also faces complex management problems. Tourism management managers have an opportunity to equip themselves for better positions within the tourism industry. The South African government indicates that tourism is one of six growth pillars that can contribute to poverty alleviation and job creation.

The range of typical learners who graduate from this qualification will satisfy the growing need of tourism developers and managers in industry and professionals with an added interest in research and practical grounding. This is fast becoming the established trend internationally. Learners that complete the qualification successfully can pursue a career both in the public and private sectors. Both the public and private sectors have expressed a need for highly specialised professionals with a multidisciplinary background.

The qualification will deliver learners to satisfy the growing need of the tourism industry with an added interest in research and practical grounding. This is fast becoming the established trend internationally as well. Learners that complete the qualification successfully can pursue a career in research institutions, policy institutions, government, tourism and hospitality industries and civil society organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to the qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the institution's RPL policy, which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as basis for Faculty-specific RPL practices.

The Department follows the institution's RPL Policy, which requires the formation of a departmental RPL Committee to review RPL applications. The Committee compromises at least three appropriate members in a Department, including an Advisor, Assessor and Moderator. An advisor acts as a facilitator between the RPL role players or as an evidence facilitator who may or may not be the Head of Department (HOD). The functions of the committee are to:

• Monitor and review the RPL policy and procedures within the Department.
• Oversee the RPL process and establish quality management in the Department.
• Manage the administration of the RPL process according to the RPL sub-committee guidelines as approved by the Faculty.
• Advise the Faculty RPL sub-committee of the Department's recommendations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Any other Tourism/Management related Diploma, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 126 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 126 Credits

• Sustainable Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Development 4A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Development 4B, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Management 4, 16 Credits.
• Destination Competitiveness, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking relating to sustainable management in the tourism industry.
2. Manage resources contributing to process improvement through assessment and evaluation of the tourism industry.
3. Complete a tourism research project.
4. Demonstrate critical, analytical and innovative knowledge relating to research and research methodologies in the tourism Industry.
5. Successfully manage tourism projects according to project management fundamentals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Formulate organisational policies and an action plan to develop a sustainably tourism destination.
• Independently appraise and perform functions associated with sustainable tourism destination development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and analyse appropriate resources to improve the tourism industry.
• Use these resources (e.g. social, natural, economic) or a combination of resources and manage them appropriately for the benefit of the tourism industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

- Develop a detailed research report, which sections will include

> A clear background to the study and aims/objectives of the research.

> A detailed and appropriate literature review.

> An appropriate formulated methodology.

> Analysis of the findings and results.

> Appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify a topic related to the field of tourism (Capita Selecta), and address issues and propose solutions to the issues.
• Identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems and to communicate research industry results effectively to the tourism.
• The most appropriate research methodologies are employed to solve the research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop appropriate advanced marketing strategies and fundamental techniques for the tourism industry.
• Apply innovative marketing strategies and techniques to advance the competitiveness of the tourism industry.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification implements a formative assessment at the beginning of the module, two continuous assessment opportunities during the module and a summative assessment at the end of the module as the means of learning evaluation. The number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies will be addressed per module as formative assessments. Final examinations are conducted as summative assessment.

• Learners will be assessed using various methods (e.g. written, or presentation - at a group or individual level). In addition there will be semester tests and a final examination.
• Qualification specific Associated Assessment Criteria, rules and regulations, are communicated to learners in all learning guides.
• The development and implementation of assessment methods is based on the institution's and Faculty principles of assessment.
• A variety of 'fit for purpose' methods of assessment are used by the assessor/s within a module to assess the learners as defined by the learning outcomes.
• Assessments include the following outcomes based activities:

> Observation of real or simulated tasks, e.g. practical exercises/demonstrations, role-plays, presentations.

> Evaluation of a product after a task has been completed, e.g., projects, assignments, case studies, portfolios, artefacts, logbooks, reflective journals, etc.

> Questions, oral or written, used either separately or in combination, e.g., tests/examinations, including short or long questions, essays, multiple choice questions, etc.

• Lessons will make use of guest speakers, case studies and practical exercises.
• All assessment activities are accompanied by a memorandum/assessment marking guide.
• The number and range of assessment methods used are included in the learning guides. Every assessment opportunity carries a predetermined weight that takes the integration of the Exit Level Outcomes into account. The competences expected of the learners who successfully complete the qualification are made clear during and through the teaching and learning methods for modules to enrich the variety of learning experience in the classroom (i.e. group discussions, debates, class exercises, PowerPoint presentations), the mode of delivery (face to face) and learning guides. A critical competency expectation is to ensure that the learners understand the principles of tourism, which are applicable to all fields related to tourism development and management.

Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative assessment is synonymous with continuous assessment and is conducted during the course of teaching and learning. The purpose is to determine (i.e. judge) the learner's achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes.