The independent portfolio of 4000 words (100%) will assess all Learning Outcomes

This module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the concepts, model and theories for managing service operations in a practical tourism and events context. It takes an integrated approach to the area by mixing the theoretical with the applied, through the use of fieldwork in the form of a "real-world" study visit, which is supported by prior application in the form of case studies. Topics covered in the module will be drawn from a broad spectrum of Operations Management literature and will include the following in a tourism and events context:


- Understanding and defining the role and context of operations: effective operations management - the activities of operations management
- the strategic role of operations
- The design of products and services: designing processes - the volume variety effect on design - from concept to specification.
- Planning and control of resources: the nature of planning and control - capacity management, inventory control, and supply networks
- Workforce management and Job design: the design of jobs - behavioural approaches to job design
- Operations improvement: measuring and improving performance - quality management and excellence models
- The external setting - operations Challenge: globalisation - social responsibility - environmental responsibility


To support the fieldwork, students will be provided with knowledge and understanding of selected observational and field-based methodologies and techniques used in collecting, analysing and presenting tourism and events information as well as the project management skills needed to effectively research.

Details of specific visit locations, activities and the content of the residential field trip ( for UK students) will be included in the module handbook annually.

1. DEMONSTRATION KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT WITHIN A TOURISM AND EVENTS CONTEXT
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

2. EVALUATE THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORGANISATIONS SERVICE ENCOUNTER AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CONSUMERS AND TOURISM AND EVENTS SERVICE PROVIDERS
Analysis
Application

3. APPLY SELECTED PRACTICAL AND FIELD BASED TECHNIQUES TO COLLECT INFORMATION WITHIN SPECIFIC CONTEXTS OF TOURISM AND EVENTS SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Application
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding

4. EXPLAIN, EVALUATE AND PRESENT RESULTS OF PRACTICAL FIELDWORK AND RELATE THESE RESULTS TO EXISTING BODIES OF TOURISM AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE
Analysis
Communication
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding

5.MEET AND ENGAGE WITH TOURISM AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO EXAMINE ISSUES IN TOURISM AND EVENTS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Communication
Problem Solving

72 contact hours will be delivered through a mix of formal lectures, workshops and tutorials designed to develop and support independent learning. There will be a continued use of tourism and events case studies to underpin and illustrate the theoretical aspects of the module.

A further 228 hours of independent study, which will include (for UK students) the residential and other visits, will require students to read, think about and evaluate a range of tourism and events management issues which will form the basis of the class discussions and visits/residential agenda. In addition, students will be expected to take responsibility for visit planning and organisation and to observe and record tourism and events management activities, look at tourism impacts and talk to tourism providers.

Information and Library Services
Internet
PC with Office software

Specific sources of information and reading lists appropriate to the visits and residential fieldtrip will be issued during the first meeting with each student cohort.

FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS ONLY

Cooper C et al (2008) Tourism: Principles and Practices. Longman
Johnston R & Clark G (2008) Service Operations Management Improving Service Deliver. FT Prentice Hall
Lennon, B & Cleves, P (2001) Fieldwork Techniques and Projects. Collins
Page S, J (2009) Tourism Management: Managing for Change. Butterworth Heinemann
Slack N Chambers S and Johnston R (2007) Prentice Hall
Williams C & Buswell J (2003) Service Quality in Leisure and Tourism. CABI Publishing Bowdin, G et al (2006)