Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module BUSI5F615: STRATEGIC ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT (CARIBBEAN)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI5F615: STRATEGIC ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM MANAGEMENT (CARIBBEAN)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap
Tied to N1KJ17
Tied to N1KA17

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide relevant knowledge and skills for managers in companies and public sector organisations with a stake in the tourism sector.

Content

  • Introduction: tourism industry and systems; why travel - tourist motivation and consumer behaviour.
  • Tourism demand: international flows and trends - understanding the statistics; new markets and competitors; seasonality, causes, consequences and solutions.
  • Tourist destinations and sustainability: tourism impacts: economic, environmental, socio-cultural; sustainable tourism concepts, conflicts and policies.
  • The travel sector: competitive strategies, price wars, low cost airlines; mergers and vertical integration; the small country/small business response.
  • Tourism marketing: Understanding the consumer; Market segmentation and positioning for destinations and companies; Branding - does it work?
  • Conclusions: Tourism futures; Impact of information technology.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have an up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the structure, trends and strategic issues in international tourism.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have developed specialist skills in international tourism management planning, marketing and negotiation;
  • be able to source and critically analyse essential data for tourism management.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 28
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students receive feedback on their contributions to the workshops.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University