Bachelor of Tourism Development and Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Tourism Development and Management is to provide graduates with information and skills within an inter-disciplinary tourism environment to be able to demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills. The students will be prepared to enter both the public and private tourism sectors as entry-level non-professionals. They will be able to utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within a tourism development and management environment.

Students will be able to demonstrate current and future tourism trends; apply marketing, financial and human resource management principles; demonstrate and understand how to plan, organise, lead and control entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism; and differentiate and apply different research methodologies within tourism settings.

Rationale

Essentially, tourism is a growing field which faces complex problems in terms of achieving sustainable development. Tourism development managers need to have an opportunity to equip themselves for better strategic positioning in the tourism industry and there is currently a shortage of tourism development managers. The South African government indicates that tourism is one of six growth pillars that can contribute to poverty alleviation and job creation.

Therefore, this qualification will deliver learners to satisfy the growing need of tourism developers and managers in the industry and develop professionals who are versed in research and practical grounding. The qualification is designed in consultation with relevant industry partners to ensure the qualification meets the needs of the industry. Also, the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) has built partnerships with academic and professional bodies to ensure that the qualification is relevant to both practice needs and theoretical development.

The qualification is uniquely positioned since it combines elements of Tourism Management for increased understanding of tourism as a multifaceted environment and links thereof. The qualification will provide learners with research skills and placement opportunities within specific tourism industries in the final year. Learners that complete the qualification successfully can pursue a career primarily within research institutions, policy institutions, government, tourism and hospitality industries and civil society organisations. Essentially both the public and private sectors have expressed a need for highly specialised professionals with a multidisciplinary background.

This qualification articulates into the existing Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism Development.

The qualification will provide benefits to the learner, society and the economy. The Bachelor in Tourism Development and Management will provide learners with knowledge and skills within an inter-disciplinary tourism environment of development and management to demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills. The learners will be prepared to enter both the public and private tourism sectors as entry level non-professionals. They will be able to utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within a tourism development and management environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

Prospective students may apply for RPL by following the Institutions procedures. There are no differences in the RPL processes and procedures (as per policy) between the distance education mode and the existing accredited qualifications that the institution offers.

The following principles are relevant

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty.
• RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements.
• In accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University; is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience; is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required Level.
• Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification and is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee and is finally decided upon by the Dean's Committee.
• Where an applicant's academic qualification does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements, the applicant may apply for admission through RPL, and an application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 396 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 5, 140 Credits

• Tourism Management 1A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Marketing 1A, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Development 1A, 16 Credits.
• Cultural Tourism 1A, 12 Credits.
• English 1A, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Management 1B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Marketing 1B, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Development 1B, 16 Credits.
• Cultural Tourism 1B, 12 Credits.
• English 1B, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 6, 136 Credits

• Tourism Management 2A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Marketing 2A, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Development 2A, 16 Credits.
• Cultural Tourism 2A, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Destinations A, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Management 2B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Marketing 2B, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Development 2B, 16 Credits.
• Cultural Tourism 2B, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Destinations B, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 7, 120 Credits

• Tourism Management 3A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Development 3A, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Tourism Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Tourism Management 3B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Development 3B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Research Project A, 16 Credits.
• Tourism Research Project B, 16 Credits.
• Enterprise Development, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate evidence of independent cognitive and applied research skills in the inter-disciplinary tourism environment.
2. Utilise and apply critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques within a tourism development and management environment.
3. Demonstrate current and future tourism trends; apply marketing, financial and human resource management principles; demonstrate and understand how to plan, organise, lead and control entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism; and differentiate and apply different research methodologies within tourism settings.
4. Understand and apply the sustainable tourism planning principles.
5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sustainable tourism management strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate applied research skills within tourism environments.
• Show an understanding of the basic meaning of the principles of quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Apply research methods appropriately to solve problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Solve problems and make strategic and operational decisions using critical and creative thinking in the field tourism environment.
• Produce research reports that will inform decision making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply knowledge and skills within diverse tourism sectors and be able to plan and organise tourism events and business initiatives.
• Apply qualitative or qualitative or mixed methods to tourism environments.
• Apply appropriate research techniques to solve research problems in a tourism environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse the principles that govern tourism planning in various geographical settings.
• Analyse the strategic importance of tourism planning to achieve sustainable tourism development.
• Analyse and evaluate specific case studies relating to tourism development for weaknesses and strengths.
• Compare and contrast tourism planning guidelines for different tourism niche markets such as ecotourism, mass tourism, and adventure tourism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply appropriate managerial and practical skills and expertise.
• Apply appropriate marketing strategies and fundamental techniques.

Integrated Assessment

The number and type of tests/assignments/projects/case studies will be addressed per module and by the lecturers concerned as formative assessments. Final examinations are conducted as summative assessment. 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 students understand more advanced principles of tourism, which are applicable to all fields related to tourism development and management. Internal and external moderation of examinations to be done. Internal moderation must be done by the module or programme head or lecturer of the next level. Internal moderation is normally conducted for 1st and 2nd year levels. Through the work placement learning (i.e. as under Tourism Research Project A), learners will be assessed by way of presentation of a portfolio of evidence and a presentation of work and experiences gained. By also identifying a research problem in the industry, the learner will also write up a final research project assessment as part of the assessment for Tourism Research Project B.