A 15 min group-based poster presentation, including a 2000 word feasibility study (100%)

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of the nature, role and management of theme park/visitor attractions to provide the context for business development strategy and decision making. It will also build on the students’ knowledge and understanding of the concept of the visitor attraction product/experience.

Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: the planning and development of new visitor attractions; concept and types of visitor attraction development; motivation for development; market analysis; agents of development; development team/project management (in-house or consultants); consultant commissioning; development process; timescales; role of feasibility studies; feasibility study objectives, process and content; site/location selection criteria; funding and financial viability; operational planning and delivery issues; criteria for evaluating success; visitor attraction marketing; managing visitor flows; sales management; upsales/cross-promotions; visitor attraction quality schemes and benchmarks.

1. Analyse the internal and external environmental factors influencing new visitor attraction development decisions
Knowledge & Understanding
Analysis

2. Identify the main design and operational features of a new visitor attraction
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving

3. Produce and justify a feasibility study on a specific aspect of a new attraction.
Analysis
Application
Communication

Blackboard website

Clav, S A (2007) The Global Theme Park Industry; CABI

Fyall A, Garrod B, Leask A & Wanhill, S (2008) Managing Visitor Attractions; Butterworth Heinemann

Swarbrooke J (2011) The Development and Management of Visitor Attractions; Routledge

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In this module students take on the role of a business entrepreneur. The students will be pushed to fully explore the skills and abilities to be able to manage their creative, teamwork, passion and problem-solving skills. Students will cover all areas of setting up a new business, from concept ideas, straight through to opening season. Students will work in teams to present their business idea and produce a feasibility report.