Diploma in Tourism Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in Tourism Management is to equip learners to be competent in a variety of technical, managerial, personal and operational skills in the running of a tourism enterprise. The successful student will have developed a sound foundation for progression into entry level and leadership positions, and to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities.

Rationale

The South African tourism industry shows continued growth with a clear demand for well- qualified staff within the corporate and entrepreneurial sector. There was therefore a need for a qualification to take advantage of the employment opportunities and to ensure that learners are equipped and competent in consistently using a variety of technical, managerial and personal skills and strategies in the everyday running of a tourism enterprise. University lecturers, industry players (e.g. Tour Operators, travel agents, events co-ordinators, airlines, professional bodies) and external academic peers have played a role in programme design. Guest lecturers from industry to gain real life experiences, enable successful learners to enter a number of career paths and to apply their learning to particular employment contexts from the outset. Guest lecturers from industry are also used to communicate the module specific application within the tourism environment. Tourism is not a single industry but rather a multi-faceted industry comprising of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, such are public sector, private sector, private-public partnerships, communities, and tourists. Tourism industry comprises of various sectors and sub-sectors such as the accommodation section, transportation sector, services and facilities sector and tourist attraction sector. Due to a broad spectrum of tourism stakeholders, learners who complete this qualification can be employed in the National Department of Tourism (NDT), Provincial departments of tourism, as municipal tourism managers, as developers and/or managers and/or tour guides at tourist attractions ranging from nature based to cultural heritage attractions. Moreover, graduates can also be employed by travel agencies, tour operators, and event companies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL takes place in accordance with the Faculty Rules and Regulations.

In terms of admission to the qualification, prior learning is recognised as follows

Learners who have extensive and appropriate work experience in a specific field in the tourism sector may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Credits towards, or a complete module, may be awarded to the learner using RPL. Learners who do not meet the criteria for admission may be granted access to the qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirement

Access to the Qualification

The qualification is open to any learner in possession of a

National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

A relevant Further Education and Training Certificate.

Or

National Certificate (Vocational), at NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma Studies.

Modules at Level 5

• Communication 1A, 8 Credits.
• Communication 1B, 8 Credits.
• Marketing 1A, 16 Credits.
• Marketing 1B, 16 Credits.
• Culture in tourism 1A, 8 Credits.
• Cultural attractions development 1, 8 Credits.
• Travel and tourism management 1A, 12 Credits.
• Travel and tourism management 1B, 12 Credits.
• Tourism system 1, 12 Credits.
• Impact of tourism, 12 Credits.
• Travel operations 1A, 12 Credits.
• Destinations: Africa and Indian ocean islands, 8 Credits.
• Marketing 2A, 16 Credits.
• End-user computing 1A, 8 Credits.
• Marketing for tourism 2B, 16 Credits.
• Management and human resources, 16 Credits.
• Financial management component, 16 Credits.
• Tourism information management 1B, 16 Credits.
• Tourism planning 2, 12 Credits.
• Sustainable and responsible tourism, 12 Credits.
• International fare calculation 2, 12 Credits.
• Destinations: Americas and Europe, 12 Credits.
• Travel and tourism management 3A, 10 Credits.
• Travel and tourism management 3B, 10 Credits.

Modules at Level 6

• Work integrated learning 3, 60 Credits.
• Destination development 3A, 10 Credits.
• Research for tourism development 3B, 10 Credits.
• International fare calculation 3, 12 Credits.
• Destinations: middle and far east, 8 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 5

• Cultural and heritage in tourism, 8 Credits.
• Community based cultural tourism 2B, 8 Credits.
• Business tourism 1, 8 Credits.
• Event management 1, 8 Credits.

1. Perform the functions required of a Tourism Manager directed at developing and promoting tourism in niche markets and changing environments.
2. Gather and analyse tourism information to address the management needs of industry.
3. Perform appropriate practical skills and expertise in a professional service component of the tourism industry.
4. Perform the necessary technical and operational tasks in a tourism enterprise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify opportunities to grow their own business in the tourism industry.
• Develop business plans for tourism enterprises correctly.
• Market tourism products, attractions and South Africa as a tourism correctly; and destination.
• Plan, organize and execute an event correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify needs of tourists and learn how to satisfy those needs correctly.
• Make appropriate recommendations to address management needs of the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Attend to client needs and make bookings/reservations accurately.
• Plan and execute an appropriate tourism packages by providing a professional service in the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a logistics plan which will demonstrate knowledge of the logistics for a tourism enterprise.
• Develop effective annual stock and logistic objectives, policies, strategies, action plans and a logistics budget.
• Design and implement an effective technical control system.
• Compile appropriate policies to ensure the successful running of a tourism enterprise.

Integrated Assessment

This Diploma uses a variety of assessment methods during the semester, the marks achieved are calculated to a percentage and the learner has to achieve a minimum of forty percent to gain entrance to the examination. This counts 50% towards the final mark. A final pass mark of 50% has to be achieved in order to pass the module. Various assessment tasks are used for the various modules. Each of these is stipulated in the learning guide for each module. The assessment tasks range from individual and group written assignments, presentations, semester tests and examinations. Assessment practices in all modules are effective and reliable in measuring and recording learner performance of learning outcomes. Learning activities and assessments are aligned with learning outcomes at a modular level. Learning outcomes, assessment criteria and their link are communicated to learners. A range of appropriate and effective assessment tasks are provided.

For formative assessments and summative assessments at first and second year level, internal moderators are used while exit level summative assessment requires external moderators. Subject specialists within the STH are used to conduct the internal moderation and all exit level summative assessments are externally moderated. Moderators are required to be experts in their field and experienced assessors with knowledge of the subject matter, in whom other assessors have confidence and who are experienced moderators or have undergone training in moderation. These moderators should also have an equal or higher level qualification than the qualification being moderated.