Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management

Purpose

The institution seeks to offer a relevant future-oriented study of tourism from reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing, qualified learners will undertake a complex level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence to acquire in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives on the management of tourism.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of tourism management. Upon completion of the qualification, learners should be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, and appropriate skills to interrogate and analyse business-related problems and develop appropriate solutions. The qualification also promotes the progression of learning by developing the learner's ability to undertake scientific research. Moreover, the qualification will contribute to the personal development and growth of learners and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic, challenging and increasingly complex organisational and business environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualified learners should possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a strategic level in a wide variety of sectors within the tourism industry; among other things, accommodation establishments, airlines, events and conferencing, tour guiding, travel and tours, recreation and leisure, casinos and gaming, theme parks, entertainment and sports, cruise liner companies, coaches and car rental services, and game reserves, theme parks and national parks.

Rationale

"Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income." In support of the above statement, the National Development Plan (NDP) asserts education the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. Also, education defines the learners' identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families. In the above regard, the qualification enhances the learners' specialist knowledge and career progression in the tourism sector.

Following the development of a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management at the institution, the need arose for the development of a qualification. Moreover, following the requirements of the revised Higher Education Qualification Sub-ramework (HEQSF), the minimum admission requirements for a Masters qualification at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 9 is an appropriate NQF Level 8 qualification.

The qualification targets those in full-time employment or in self-employment who want to familiarise themselves with contemporary theories, thinking and practices in the strategic management of tourism establishments. Also, a 'Research Methods and Design' module (12 Credits), as well as an 'Applied Business Project' module (16 Credits), are included in the qualification to facilitate the progression of learning (to a Masters qualification, and ultimately, to a Doctor.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) receives the RPL applications. The learners are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the relevant academic department for evaluation receives the portfolio. The department's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. Some modules in the qualification attain credits/exemption, and admission into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualification Framework Level 8 totalling, 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Research Methods and Design, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Strategic Marketing for Tourism Management, 12 Credits.
• Crisis and Disaster Management in Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Facilities Management for Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Applied Business Project, 16 Credits.
• Managerial Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues in Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Applied Tourism Development, 16 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the tourism sector.
2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic management and market development in the tourism sector.
3. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the tourism sector.
4. Identify a real-world problem in the tourism sector, and prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
5. Manage the learning and assessment tasks attached to all the modules in the qualification autonomously, professionally and ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify operational and management problems and challenges.
• Analyse and interpret tourism management information extracted from data.
• Identify business problems and challenges and propose solutions using critical thinking and creative skills.
• Apply management tools, processes and procedures to tourism management solutions.
• Defend the design of tourism management solutions through informed judgement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and critique relevant theories and principles about tourism and its management.
• Challenge assumptions to embrace new thinking.
• Examine and critique contemporary issues about tourism.
• Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of market development in tourism appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Deliver written and oral communication to meet the requirements of the target audience.
• Communicate academic and professional information effectively using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, communicated.
• Present convincing and persuasive arguments that are grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.
• Develop a business research report using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a research proposal.
• Undertake a literature review.
• Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
• Present, analyse and discuss the results of the study.
• Propose recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Execute learning tasks are independently or collaboratively.
• Observe Professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments in the qualification.
• Observe Issues about plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.

Integrated Assessment

Aligned to the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the institution

• The assessments are in line with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification;
• Appropriate assessment tools will establish if learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;
• Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and
• The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

The 'Applied Business Project' module will serve as an integrated assessment, as learners will be required to investigate a tourism-related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. Also, the 'Managerial Information Systems' and 'Advanced Strategic Marketing for Tourism Management' modules will include integrated assessments. These integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied and reflective competencies, and may include written assignments/projects; written tests; case studies, and examinations.