BA (HONS) INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

At level 6 students are expected to become more independent learners. At this strategic level students should be able to demonstrate the ability to critically review and analyse theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments and to synthesise and evaluate information from a wide variety of sources in relation to the hospitality industry.

The diverse assessment strategy combines: case studies; essays; reports; the compilation of a portfolio; a consultancy project; and the opportunity for self-assessment and reflection. The assessment regime is designed to test students’ ability to identify, analyse, critically evaluate and reflect on management issues and challenges with which the hospitality industry is confronted.

The Consultancy Project requires students to produce a major piece of written work based on their research of a relevant topic of their choice. Submission, marking and feedback on student assignments is facilitated electronically. Students, who require guidance in relation to academic writing and the preparation of assignments, will have access to the materials developed by, and support from, the Learning Development Unit (LDU) and electronically to the services of tutors within the LDU. Students will also have opportunity for ongoing interaction, via blogs and the discussion board, with the Course Leader and module tutors.

Learning at Level 6 is structured to ensure that students are engaged in subject-specific contexts. Students are afforded the opportunity to interact with and research diverse aspects of the hospitality industry by virtue of fieldwork, practical application through the use of training facilities located at Missenden Abbey and the completion of their Consultancy Project.

Modules enable students to develop key skills which are aligned with both QAA and QCA. Programme outcomes are mapped against QAA hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism subject benchmarks whilst the modes and scope of assessment have been formulated with reference to the learning outcomes for each module.

Students receive study materials by means of timetabled lecture and seminars, but will also have access to Webex, podcasts, vodcasts and other appropriate VLE tools and interact with their tutors on-line through the use of discussion boards, blogs and wikis. Resources and activities in the modules will be made available via the VLE; these may include references to papers, case study analysis, debates and/or discussions on relevant themes and contemporary issues in relation to the global aviation industry. Students are also introduced to directed reading, including relevant websites and journal articles that will enable them to apply the concepts covered to the aviation industry. Students are encouraged to use the Discussion Board feature to discuss issues raised in lectures, case studies and directed reading and are expected to contribute their ideas using the online forum, the discussion being facilitated and guided by the module tutor.

Use of the VLE further allows students to develop and demonstrate competence in the area of information technology. Support for the planning, implementation and presentation of the research project is provided through on-line action learning sets conducted via Blackboard through the use of discussion groups, blogs and, where appropriate, video conferencing. In the action learning sets participants work within a small, mutually supportive group facilitated by a member of the programme team.

Students are allocated a consultancy project supervisor, appropriate to the topic/work experience selected, who advises and supports students in the completion of the project. The Course Leader functions as personal tutor to students enrolled on the programme. A review of students’ progress is undertaken after each module in order to monitor progress, identify incipient problems and, where necessary, take remedial action

Subject Benchmark Statement:

QAA Benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (2008)