Master of Commerce: Tourism Management

Purpose

The Degree is aimed at preparing graduates for managerial roles in international and national hospitality and tourism organisations, such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, theme parks and cruise lines. Graduates research and study the management, marketing and development of hospitality and tourism industry organisations at the regional, national and international level. They conduct research to resolve typical problems and provide scientifically grounded management and financial guidelines and directives for future development, leadership and decision-making in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. They also analyse current investment patterns of hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and resorts to discover potential tourism markets and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Rationale

The Hospitality and Tourism Industry has been earmarked as one of the main drivers of the future economy of Southern Africa, which has become a world class tourism destination. The hospitality and associated industries have experienced exceptional growth. Thus there is great demand for appropriately trained managers and researchers in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. The proposed research Master's Degree presented here has the full support of the local chamber of commerce and industry and a number of prominent hotel groups, as it is attuned to identify the needs of the hospitality industry in future.

Learners are expected to show

• Understanding of the relevant theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
• Ability to critically review gathered information and apply management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
• Specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and appropriate methods.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL, provided a proper assessment of the prior learning has been conducted. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant institutional RPL Policy.

Access to the Qualification

A Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree: Tourism and/or Hospitality Management, or its equivalent, at NQF Level 8, with an aggregate pass of 60%.

The qualification consists of one compulsory module at NQF level 9, worth 180 Credits.

Module

• Hospitality and Tourism Management: Dissertation.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, insight and understanding of the principles, practices and procedures prevalent in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, especially applied to a developing and emerging market context such as that of South Africa.
2. Apply newly acquired insights, techniques and procedures in a professionally competent manner.
3. Conduct independent research and present the findings in a form that can be disseminated effectively to others.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Specialist knowledge of the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management is applied.
• The most prevalent theories, fundamental concepts and principles as well as their current applications are evaluated and critiqued.
• Clear and coherent understanding of the processes and procedures related to Hospitality and Tourism Management are used during interactions.
• Appreciation of the business dynamics that exist in Hospitality and Tourism as manifested in the private sector of the economy is expressed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Current processes and methods of knowledge production are evaluated.
• Strategies for the processing and management of information for purposes of review and insight are designed and implemented.
• Combined efforts to address common issues are applied.
• The impact of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry on the economic development of the region is analysed.
• Appropriate responses to external and internal forces affecting the Hospitality and Tourism Industry are implemented.
• Principles and procedures to identify potential in a business fairly, promptly, impartially, reasonably, consistently and without discrimination, are applied.
• Systems to ensure that proceedings and actions taken are ethical, in accordance with specific requirements, are monitored and that confidentiality is maintained as required.
• Circumstances where professional advice should be called upon are identified/recognised and suitably reffered.
• Relevant information and the grounds on which to proceed are compiled, based on the available information and supportive of the monitoring processe.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Research methods, techniques and technologies are selected to show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
• Information retrieved from resources of academic and professional discourses generated in the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management are collected, produced and communicated to a range of audiences.
• Research reports that critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations, are presented.
• Specialised skills are applied to make interventions and to address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.

Integrated Assessment

All internal and external assessment and moderation takes place in accordance with the institutional policy document. Candidates are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report. Programme coordinators are responsible to ensure that assessment practices are explicit, valid and reliable, in line with the policy. Assessment will focus on learners' ability to identify and collect information effectively that they will analyse and present. Assessment will also look into the application of knowledge in different situations and develop strategies and approaches to addressing specific problems in the Hospitality and Tourism environment.