Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management is designed to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in tourism management. It will enable tourism professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systemic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in tourism as an area of specialisation. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts in order to undertake professional or highly-skilled work within the tourism industry. This qualification includes conducting and reporting research under supervision with a research proposal as an outcome.

The Exit level Outcomes of this qualification are aligned to the level descriptors at Level 8 .This was done according to the ten categories used to describe applied competencies across the ten levels.

The Exit Level Outcomes have been structured to be aligned to the purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management in that the relevant use of technology and the outcomes related to entrepreneurial skills have been integrated in the qualification. The Research module included in this qualification provide students with an opportunity to pursue further learning in the field of tourism management to conduct relevant research and promote innovation, engagement and social enterprise.

Rationale

The tourism industry globally and in South Africa has shown continued growth. In South Africa Tourism numbers have grown. The contribution of tourism to the economy of South African can be depicted in the steady growth of tourism numbers to the country. While there has been a slight decline in the number of domestic tourism numbers, international arrivals to South Africa have increased steadily from 6.5 million in 2003 (South African Tourism (SAT), 2003) to just over 9.6 million in 2013 (SAT, 2013). The World Travel and Tourism Council has predicted that in South Africa tourism will contribute 11.5% of GDP and employ over 1.7 million people by 2021 (WTTC, 2011). As a service industry, the growth of tourism numbers supports an ever-increasing requirement for labour. As a result, there is a requirement for the development of well-qualified staff to support corporate tourism business and to advance entrepreneurship. The demand for advanced education in tourism is increasing as more and more prospective learners realise the opportunities a career in tourism offers. Tourism is a dynamic global phenomenon requiring advanced skills and knowledge to enable individuals to capitalize on the career opportunities rendered by this industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning. Candidates who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

Entry Requirements

• Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management or an appropriate qualification at Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8

Compulsory Modules

• Tourism Business Leadership.
• Tourism Business Ethics.
• Advanced Research Methodology.

Elective Modules

Learners must choose a minimum of one module from the following electives

• Event Planning V.
• Tourism Development V.
• Adventure Leadership V.

1. Develop a research proposal with a topic related to issues within the field of tourism management.
2. Evaluate tourism development strategies for rural and urban areas.
3. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate bioethical principles in the development and operation of a tourism entity.
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of leadership and knowledge management in the effective running of an adventure tourism enterprise.
5. Analyse leadership theories, perspectives and challenges as applied in the tourism industry.
6. Develop a plan for a small-scale event and execute it.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Develop a quality research proposal that meets the requirements for access into a Master's Degree.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Examine the tourism development process (from planning to implementation and monitoring).
• Examine tourism development strategies and implications for rural and urban destinations.
• Report on the relevance of tourism development objectives in relation to community needs.
• Evaluate tourism development planning pitfalls are evaluated and propose possible solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate historical perspectives of bioethics.
• Evaluate the various ethical perspectives that have an influence on the individual and the community.
• Develop an ethics code for a tourism business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply the principles of visionary leadership in the adventure tourism sector are applied.
• Apply the principles of knowledge management to adventure leadership are applied.
• Critique the models of adventure leadership and management.
• Apply adventure leadership skills to relationship management.
• Apply the principles of situational leadership to an adventure tourism business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Evaluate the historical perspectives of leadership.
• Evaluate the various theoretical perspectives of tourism business leadership.
• Evaluate leadership from the perspectives of the individual, organisation and society.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the major challenges facing leadership in tourism.
• Evaluate the role of leadership in mentorship.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Conceptualise the event.
• Identify the relevant stakeholders and roles.
• Complete logistical planning of the event.
• Develop a staging of the event.
• Conclude a marketing and sponsorship of the event.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring.

Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes.

The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the learners. In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective examinations learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.