Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Learners will gain experience in all aspects of the research process and will develop a deep and current understanding of the theories, ideas, and practices in their area of specialisation. Learners will progress to doctoral studies and undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge or seek employment.

The qualification is suitable for learners who are interested in developing their research skills. The qualification targets mature learners who are in employment and want to progress in their careers. The qualification will attract learners who are working since it will be offered on a part-time basis. Due to the nature of tourism and hospitality, it is expected that graduates will find work in a wide range of careers including in governmental and non-governmental organizations, in the private sector, work for themselves as entrepreneurs, as researchers, or may continue to doctoral studies with possible employment in academia.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
• Engage critically with current research in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, especially in a developing and emerging market context that currently exists in South Africa.
• Explore the boundaries, interconnections, value, and knowledge creation systems in Tourism and Hospitality, critically evaluate these boundaries and select an appropriate research paradigm to use in the research project.
• Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question.
• Act reflectively, ethically, professionally and with integrity and be accountable for own work, actions, decisions, and learning.
• Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialisation.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology.
• Defend new ideas using logical argumentation which is supported by data.

Rationale

The National Tourism Sector Strategy 2016 - 2026 (NTSS) sets a target to increase direct jobs from 702 824 in 2015 to 1 million in 2026. Aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP), the NTSS is being implemented to increase direct jobs supported by the hospitality and tourism sector from 702 824 in 2015 to 1 million in 2026. About 3 000 full-time jobs were created in the 2018/2019 financial year to achieve 4331 full-time jobs in this financial year. The NTSS aims to develop and promote the sustainable tourism and hospitality sector which will encourage the establishment of new jobs. The NTSS suggests that the educational system could be improved in developing basic and technical skills, especially for historically disadvantaged individuals. The report adds that more training is required for the employed and unemployed. The training should be relevant and improve the employability and career progression of participants. As a result, the NDP identified tourism and hospitality as a labour-intensive sector with the capacity to create new jobs.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC, 2021) noted that the contribution of the tourism and hospitality sector in South Africa accounted for 2.8% of real GDP in 2018, which amounts to R139 billion, and this was projected to grow to R145.3 billion in 2019. The indirect contribution of the tourism sector to the economy's GDP in 2018 stood at 8.2%, which captures the strong economic links to the supply and demand the sector has with other sectors of the South African economy (Stats SA, 2020). The tourism sector's direct employment accounted for 4.2% of total employment in the South African economy in 2018 and this increased to 709 000 jobs in 2019, while tourism's indirect contribution to total employment stood at 9.2% for 2018. Tourism and hospitality currently sustain 700 000 direct jobs and 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly.

Tourism and hospitality can also contribute positively to youth employment targets and transformation since it has been shown to absorb higher numbers of women than in other sectors (Ntshona, 2020). Research by the WTTC revealed that the female share of employment in travel and tourism in South Africa (53.7%) is higher than the proportion of total female employment in the economy (43.7%) a trend echoed in 10 other G20 countries. Tourism is a significant employer in the economy and faster growth in the sector is seen as positive for job creation (Stats SA, 2020).

The Mpumalanga Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) identified hospitality as a priority sector in the province. The province is known for the natural and cultural resources upon which to develop a sustainable industry and take advantage of the expanding markets for international and domestic travel. The Mpumalanga Province is home to several natural and culturally important attractions, and the Tourism and Hospitality industry is a key contributor to the South African economy. The qualification was developed to address the demand for the tourism and hospitality industry.

The need to develop and enhance intellectual competencies and research capacity, and to accommodate the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), in the fast-growing and fast-changing tourism and hospitality industry is widely accepted and essential. Decisions about future directions for tourism and hospitality must be evidence-based and it is research that will provide the necessary evidence. The qualification will afford learners an opportunity to apply and refine their research knowledge and skills and to integrate theory and practice through the medium of an independent research project completed under supervision. The research will emphasise a problem-solving orientation to encourage thinking, collaboration, and relevance to the contemporary tourism and hospitality environment. The qualification will assist in the continuing professional development of managers and leaders in the sector.

In addition, research is a powerful tool for the institution to become relevant to its surroundings and engage with its context. Research assists learners in the creation of a research culture and acts as role models for younger learners; postgraduate learners serve as demonstrators and tutors and provide very important support for undergraduate teaching and learning. Graduates will progress to the Doctoral degree. Since a doctoral degree is necessary for a career in academia, the qualification will contribute to the production of the next generation of academics.

Learners will benefit through the development of specialist knowledge and research skills development resulting in the improvement of employment opportunities. Since the tourism and hospitality sector is an important driver of socio-economic development, the research will identify new opportunities which will allow learners to maximise the possible returns from the sector. The cross-cutting nature of the tourism and hospitality industry will ensure that graduates and their future work will bring economic benefits to the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Tourism Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Recreation and Tourism, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Recreation and Tourism, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Research Dissertation. 180 Credits.

1. Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and the ability to engage critically with current research in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, especially applied to a developing and emerging market context which currently exists in South Africa.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value, and knowledge creation systems in Tourism and Hospitality and the ability to critically evaluate these and select an appropriate research paradigm to use in the research project.
4. Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question.
5. Draw appropriate conclusions based on the outcomes of the research and propose interventions at a policy or management level that address the problem being researched, and fully discuss possible negative consequences.
6. Act reflectively, ethically, professionally and with integrity and be accountable for own work, actions, decisions, and learning.
7. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to the field of specialisation.
8. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data.
9. Develop personal organization skills, work independently, and incorporate feedback into one's work, taking full responsibility for allocated resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Decide on and describe the project question and scope.
• Conduct the comprehensive literature review, draw information from a range of primary sources, and critically evaluate that information.
• Develop a comprehensive and achievable project plan and adhere to the required format.
• Select the research methods, techniques, and technologies and show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
• Consider and address ethical issues.
• Collect and analyse data or information in accordance with the project proposal plan.
• Interpret data and integrate it into the existing knowledge.
• Clearly formulate and support the recommendations by the data and apply specialised skills to make interventions and address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
• Prepare the dissertation according to the prescribed format, write in appropriate academic language and include no evidence of plagiarism.
• Keep a reflective journal and attend meetings with the supervisor to demonstrate intellectual independence and self-management of learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically evaluate and discuss in detail current and contemporary concepts, theories, and methods in the dissertation.
• Skilfully incorporate own results from the research project into the existing canon of knowledge in the dissertation.
• Integrate and use knowledge from the major disciplines within the area of specialisation to sustain and support a discussion in the dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse and apply different research paradigms in the dissertation.
• Evaluate the nature, strengths, and limitations of research paradigms in the dissertation.
• Correctly justify and properly implement the research process or paradigm selected for the appropriate project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Fully justify research methods selected for the project.
• Carefully apply research methods and provide reliable results.
• Discuss the potential weaknesses in the chosen methods and account for them in the analysis of the results.
• Correctly interpret and report the statistical analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Successfully manage the uncertainty, incomplete data, and limited information in the decision-making process.
• Balance and fully support decisions and recommendations using the results.
• Discuss the recommendations and conclusions by highlighting possible negative consequences and provide comprehensive mitigating measures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Reflect on social and ethical issues, include in all recommendations, and propose solutions to the identified problem.
• Obtain ethical approval before research begins.
• Seek feedback and engage positively and constructively to improve work.
• Meet the deadlines and submit all assignments in accordance with the provided guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Design and implement strategies for processing and managing information for review and insight purposes.
• Use the references in the dissertation and include the most recent work.
• Critically review and analyse the existing knowledge in the introduction and discussion chapters of the dissertation.
• Critically access and evaluate the information from a wide range of sources and include it in the dissertation.
• Consider and balance contradictory information and manage alternative viewpoints and conclusions reached.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Communicate the results from the research project to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate language and technology.
• Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
• Complete clear and engaging presentations within the given time.
• Use the appropriate academic language, present the dissertation in the approved style, and adhere to norms for scientific writing.
• Accurately and consistently use the standard referencing styles in the dissertation.
• Avoid plagiarism in the dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Critically analyse written and verbal feedback and incorporate it into drafts of the dissertation.
• Complete the research project in accordance with the agreed project plan.
• Use responsibly allocated resources with minimal wastage.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The institution's Assessment Policy and Practices promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, learner-centred learning and assessment and the importance of feedback to enhance learner engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable, and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards. Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment and takes the form of both formative and summative assessment methods.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. The Master's and Doctoral Degrees Policy that governs all aspects of postgraduate studies sets out minimum requirements for meetings and reporting. Formative assessment consists of the following variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study:

• The research process includes several formal stages including submission of a research proposal, submission of a literature review and submission of regular progress reports.
• Preparation of the dissertation requires submission of drafts of the chapters.
• Learners will receive verbal and written feedback (formative assessment) on their work and their progress.
• All learners will present a research seminar at least once each year and this will be another opportunity for critique and feedback.
• All learners will participate in at least one Community of Practice, and this will be another opportunity for critique and feedback. While these assessment activities are not credit-bearing, they will ensure that learners are regularly assessed on progress.
• Learners will be encouraged to make presentations at local conferences.

Summative Assessment

The final summative assessment is based on the dissertation. Assessment will be done by two external examiners. The research dissertation is the most appropriate tool to assess the achievement of the exit-level outcomes and will allow learners to demonstrate their ability to integrate their knowledge and skills and complete a piece of independent research under supervision.