TM9535 - Tourism Industry Operations and Management

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and a critical understanding of the management of tourism offerings both packaged and ‘depackaged’. The module analyses the pivotal role of principals, tour operators and destination management companies in the creation and distribution of tourism commodities. You will develop an appreciation of the complex management and operational challenges faced by managers when planning, marketing and operationalising components and packages responsibly in host destinations.

You will examine contemporary tourism products and you will develop your analytical skills by exploring a range of products and services in both the specialized and mass tourism markets, and links with other sectors and service providers in the industry. You will utilise the knowledge gained from a field trip on which you will apply your theoretical knowledge of business practice and reflection on the experiences.

The module commences with sector overview providing an understanding of the external environment, researching strategic opportunities for new products and developments. It addresses the key administrative, consumer and host destination supplier management challenges, within the political and legal constraints of tourism management in a global context. The creation of products offerings is examined, with particular attention being paid to the complex supply chain necessary in creating such products and events. The intricacies and relationships between these actors are analysed and you will develop a working insight into the business of tour operations and management organisations including the contracting of suppliers such as accommodation, transport and ancillary services. Your studies will highlight the importance of cost effective dissemination though e-mechanisms and traditional distribution agents. You will examine the key issues in management operations such as customer services and customer relations within the associated legal and regulatory frameworks.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered using lectures and seminars. The lectures will provide you with the theoretical underpinning of the module content and seminars will give you the opportunity to transfer and apply your knowledge to contemporary case studies and real-life examples.

You will take part in an experiential field trip/visit which will enable you to reflect on the structure, development and distributions of tourism components within the sector.

In order to maximise your learning, pre-reading and exercises will be available on the module’s e-learning portal. In addition a specially designed E reading list will provide you with focused contemporary material, including industry reports and academic research to further develop your knowledge of the sector and current practice.

Independent learning time is set aside for learning activities, self-identified by you to gain deeper and broader knowledge of the subject and recommended by the teaching team that you demonstrate a commitment to the sector by updating your industry awareness through the use of industry websites and newsletters such as Travelmole.com.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will be provided to you by a member of the academic staff leading the module. Support will include feedback from tutors during seminars for small – group based activity. Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which will house lecture material, seminar activities, assessment details and study support resources. You will be provided with an electronic reading list that comprises of book sections, journal articles and industry reports that will contribute to your understanding of the management practices and challenges within international hospitality and tourism.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Develop a critical understanding of the importance of the management role in the development, production, packaging and distribution of tourism products and to appreciate the different management approaches. (MLO1)
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role, function and structure of tour operations, travel distribution, accommodation, transport sectors, resort management and their inter-relationships. (MLO2)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the importance of research, development, planning and dissemination of tourism products. (MLO3)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Develop a responsible approach to business decisions pertinent to tourism products. (MLO4)

How will I be assessed?

This module is assessed by 2 pieces of work. The first assessment is a presentation based on first hand experiences of travel products worth 20% of the module assessing MLO3 and MLO4. The second assessment will be a written assignment (a business type report) that will require research and application skills; this will represent 80% of the total assessment of the module and will assess MLO1, MLO2 and MLO3.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

An experiential based module that reflects on the experiences of tourists in buying and consuming tourism by taking part in a field trip/visit. The module provides you with the opportunity to examine the management issues involved in the design, development, distribution, and operation of all-inclusive travel offerings. The module commences with an understanding of the growth of package travel globally and the alternative of self-packaging.
Utilising contemporary research, you will be able to identify new potential market segments and design and plan a new product to meet the needs of this market. You will develop an understanding of the financial and legal constraints in which tour operators’ function. Contractual agreements with service providers in transport, destination management and accommodation sectors are examined. The module investigates key issues in the management of these offerings including customer relationship management and quality control.
The module is underpinned by the philosophy of responsible management, and you will explore the implications of management decisions on suppliers and host communities.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 16 months

Location Singapore

City Singapore

Start September or March

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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