Module BUSI43H15: International Tourism (ONLINE)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI43H15: International Tourism (ONLINE)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• BUSI43N15: International Tourism (Taught)

Aims

• To engage in a critical analysis of the range of public and private sector organisations with a stake in the global tourism industry
• To develop an understanding of, and ability to critically examine, the key strategic issues and challenges faced within the tourism sector, with a particular emphasis on the environmental sustainability agenda
• To equip students with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed by managers in the tourism sector

Content

• The tourism industry and its systems
• Why travel? - tourist motivation and consumer behaviour.
• Tourism demand - international flows and trends - new markets and competitors, seasonality, causes, consequences and solutions
• Tourist destinations and sustainability – impact of tourism, economic, environmental and socio-cultural consequences, sustainable tourism – key 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?
• The future of tourism

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should:
• have a critical understanding of the development and structure of the tourism sector and its role in the global economy;
• have a grounded understanding of current strategic issues and trends;
• have a critical appreciation of the environmental and sustainability agendas.

• By the end of the module students should:
• have developed specialist skills in the planning, marketing and management of tourist-related products and services;
• be able to source and interpret a range of relevant data;
• be able to forecast trends in demand, growth and impact.

• Effective written communication skills
• Planning, organising and time management skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• The ability to use initiative
• Advanced skills in the interpretation of data
• Advanced computer literacy skills

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

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
• The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.

■ 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