REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HONOURS DEGREE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING (BS14)
| Duration: | Four Years |
| Credit load
Minimum Credit Load: |
540
480 |
| Maximum Credit Load: | 540 |
| Maximum MBKS Credit Load: | 384 |
| ZNQF Level:
Accreditation |
8
Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education |
| 1. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
|
| · To develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of Sustainable Tourism.
· To prepare students to be policy makers and experts in current and future urban and rural tourism planning. The programme equips students with knowledge and skills in establishing sustainable tourism businesses at local, regional and international levels. 2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 2.1 Normal Entry To qualify for normal entry into the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Sustainable Tourism Management degree programme, a candidate, in addition to satisfying the minimum requirements as prescribed under the General Regulations and the Faculty Regulations for English and Mathematics at `O’ Level, must have obtained at least two passes at `A’ level in Business and Science-related subjects. 2.2 Visiting School/Harare Weekend School Programme To qualify for the visiting school programme, a candidate in addition to satisfying the minimum requirements as prescribed under the general and faculty regulations for English and Maths at `O’ Level, must have the following: Either: passes in at least 2 `A’ Level subjects in any commercial subjects and/or any related subjects in the Science or humanities Or: A National Diploma in Travelling and Tourism or equivalent relevant qualification And: Confirmation of employment in a Tourism or hospitality organisation 2.3 Special Entry Candidates who have successfully completed Higher National Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality; Conservation; Environmental Management or have obtained equivalent qualifications may apply for direct entry into Level 2 of the degree programme. Candidates admitted under above regulation will normally be exempted from Level I on a module-by module basis.No candidate may complete the degree in less than three academic levels.Successful completion of Work Related Learning component at Level III is compulsory for all students 2.4 Mature Entry Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations. 3. PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS Areas of study:Tourism, Environmental management, Game parks, Destination marketing, Conservation management, Ecotourism, Community development, Community-based tourism, Natural resources governance, Sustainable tourism and Tourism project management. Specialist focus: Sustainable Tourism management Orientation: Research and innovation oriented Distinctive features: The degree programme is industry driven and wide consultations are made to ensure programme relevance in the ever changing and competitive business environment. The sustainable tourism management degree programme is the only learning option in the country. 4, CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION The following are possible areas of employment for the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Sustainable Tourism graduates; National Parks, Museums, Destination Marketing, Safari Operations, Environmental Organisations, Conservation Organisations, Community Development Organisations; Non-Governmental Organisations and the academic world. Students can enrol for Masters degree in Sustainable Tourism management and other related higher qualifications. In addition, with the emphasis today on small businesses, many graduates find great success in starting their own businesses. 5. PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching and Learning methods: lectures, tutorials, group work, industrial visits, work related learning, research project and innovation/ dissertation and individual independent study 5.2 Assessment methods: written, practical and oral examinations, in-class tests, assignments, presentations, work related learning report,final year research project. 6. LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of the programme, a graduate will be able to: |
| · demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of management and planning fundamentals in tourism organisations and destinations. |
| · Understand the global tourism value chain in terms of the practices, technology applications and services. |
| · Identify challenges in nature-based tourism, sustainable tourism, environmental management and develop solutions to mitigate them. |
| · research on sustainable tourism, environmental and development issues. |
| · Develop new and sustainable tourism practices and technologies that enhances tourism development while promoting environmental management. |
7 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Refer to faculty and general regulations
- 8. PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
8.1 Evaluation of students shall normally be based on continuous assessment as well as formal university examinations that are held at the end of each semester.
8.2 Continuous Assessment will account for 30% of the overall assessment. No continuous assessment shall be carried over to the next semester.
8.3 Final examination accounts for 70% of the overall assessment.
8.4 The department shall determine which items will be included in the continuous assessment and shall define the relevant weighting to each item.
8.5 To be admitted to the examinations, a candidate must;
8.5.1 be a registered student of the University in accordance with the General Regulations
8.5.2 have satisfactorily attended and completed the approved modules of study. completion of modules shall require submission of all written assignments and tests that constitute the continuous assessment
8.5.3 have attended and participated in seminars, tutorials and practical classes, presentations and other activities as required by the Department.
8.5.4 Candidates shall be informed in advance of the deadline of submission of dissertation or project. Unless the Academic Board has granted prior permission for an extension of this deadline any candidate who fails to meet this submission deadline shall normally fail the dissertation or project. In such cases, on the recommendation of the Examiners, candidates may be permitted to resubmit the dissertation or project at a later date, normally within three months of the original submission deadline. Unless otherwise determined by Senate, the maximum mark allowed for such work should be 50%
- PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION: refer to faculty and general regulations
- 10. FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS– Refer to general regulations
- GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION– Refer to faculty regulations.
- DEGREE WEIGHTING-Refer to faculty regulations.
- 13. AWARD OF DEGREE– refer to general regulations
- PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
CODE MODULE DESCRIPTION CREDITS
LEVEL 1 Semester 1
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
EC131 Economic Principles 1 12
THM 136 Introduction to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry 12
STM101 Principles of Sustainable Tourism Management 12
LEVEL 1 Semester 2
Quarter 1
THM138 Principles of Tourism Marketing 12
EC134 Economic Principles 11 12
STM103 Global Environmental Issues and Tourism 12
Quarter 2
STM102 Natural Resources Governance in Tourism 12
STM104 Principles of Ecotourism 12
ACC138 Financial Accounting for Business 1B 12
LEVEL 2 Semester 1
Quarter 1
THM 233 Regional and International Tourism 12
STM202 Political Ecology 12
STM203 Tourism Policy and Development 12
Quaret 2
STM204 Community Tourism Management 12
LEVEL 2 Semester 2
Quarter 1
ENT131 Entrepreneurship 12
THM 236 Tourism Research Methods 12
STM205 Culture and Heritage Management 12
Quarter 2
STM 206 Tourism and Environmental Law 12
STM207 Risk and Disaster Management 12
STM401 Destination Management 12
LEVEL 3 Semester 1 Work Related Learning
Quarter 2
STM 340 Work Related Learning Preliminary Report 30
Level 3 Semester 2
Quarter 2
STM 341 Work Related Learning continuous assessment 45
STM 342 Work Related report 45
LEVEL 4 Semester 1
Quarter 1
THM 434 Hospitality and Tourism Innovation 12
STM403 Earth, Climate and Ecological Systems in Tourism 12
STM404 Environmental Impact Assessment 12
Quarter 2
STM405 Conflict Management in Tourism 12
BM438 Strategic Management 12
LEVEL 4 Semester 2
Quarter 1
STM406 Parks and Wildlife Management 12
STM407 Rural and Urban Development Management 12
Quarter 2
STM408 Political Tourism Geography and Development 12
STM409 Research Project/ Dissertation (THM236 pre-requisite) 24
MODULE SYNOPSES
THM 136 Introduction to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
An introductory module, which sets the foundation for the Sustainable Tourism management degree program. The module explores the nature, structure, historical development, and economic and social aspects of the tourism and hospitality Industry. The module also traces key issues and trends affecting the tourism industry such as the new tourist, globalisation, climate change, global pandemics, digital marketing and virtual tourism..
STMP 101 Principles of Sustainable Tourism
In this module students learn how to plan, assess and implement sustainable tourism. The role of government, development agencies, tourism industry, private sector, and local communities in sustainable tourism management is investigated from a conservation perspective. The module provides a firm understanding of tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, and the environment and host communities.
THM 138 Principles of Tourism Marketing
The module introduces students to the marketing principles of tourism and hospitality products in a competitive marketplace. The module covers marketing functions, the broad marketing environment, marketing information systems and marketing research, the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, the social responsibility of marketing, internal marketing, relation marketing, e-marketing, segmentation, branding, and the major marketing methods.
THM 233 Regional and international tourism
This module analyses key tourism trends and impacts at sub-regional, continental and global scale. It seeks to familiarize learners with regional tourism product/resource bases, and introduces concepts such as regional cooperation, integration and tourism development initiatives. In addition, the module proffers an understanding of the international dimension of tourism within the delimitation framework of the United Nations World Tourism Organization through a thorough examination of principal players in the regional and international tourism system.
STMP 103 Global Environmental Issues and Tourism
This module explores the relationship between global environmental issues and tourism. The relationship between the tourism industry and natural disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, climate change, deforestation, land degradation, overfishing, and air pollution is examined in this module,
STMP 104 Principles of Ecotourism
The module provides a detailed description and analysis of ecotourism in the context of environmental conservation and sustainability. It also equips students with the analytical skills and methodologies required to effectively manage ecotourism in natural areas. The module also provides theoretical and practical issues relevant to community-based nature tourism by exploring relationships between hosts and guests from cultural and socio-economic perspectives..
STMP 201 Natural Resources Governance in Tourism
The module explores the concepts of natural resources development and conservation. The module aims to provide an understanding of current issues in tourism and environmental policy and the development of resource management systems. Students are expected to understand the use of natural resource management policy and legislation in resource usage and management..
STMP 202 Political Ecology
This module introduces students to the study of political ecology, and its usefulness in understanding the geography of human-environment relations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The module examines alternative approaches and strategies to local or community development in Africa. The political ecology of conservation and tourism will be used to understand how key actors shape environmental activities and their spatial configurations and outcomes.
STMP 203 Tourism Policy and Development
This module provides students with an understanding of the role and function of tourism policy in the development of tourism. It also discusses empirical examples of tourism policies with the aim of drawing out best practices.Students will explore and debate the key pillars of arguments on various policy frameworks and implementation gaps.
STMP 204 Community Tourism Management
This module provides a basic understanding of community management as it relates to tourism by outlining the main approaches taken to date and describing the organisations involved. The module covers components of management and approaches to planning. The module will discuss the role of communities in tourism planning, impacts of tourism on communities and communal leadership.
STMP 205 Cultural and Heritage Management
The module exposes learners to culture and heritage as a finite tourism product highly sought after globally. The module also focuses on the economic significance of cultural and heritage tourism to national development, evaluation of cultural and heritage tourism resources of the regions, development of master plans and conservation plans for cultural and heritage resources and the diversification of tourism attractions.
THM 236 Tourism Research Methods
The module is designed to give students the necessary competencies that will allow them to undertake tourism research. In order to fulfill this objective, the module covers the formulation of a research project, literature review, tourism research methodologies, data analysis and presentation of results as well as research ethics. Students will be exposed to a variety of research papers and exercises in this module.
STMP 206 Tourism and Environmental Law
The focus of this module is not only on the law as written rules but also on customary law, norms, practices and issues of enforcement in relation to development. It discusses human rights such as the right to a clean environment as third generation rights. The module also analyses prevailing environmental legislation and their implications to the tourism industry.
STMP 207 Risk and Disaster Management
The module provides a firm understanding of the risk and disaster management processes in the tourism industry in light of the ever changing internal and external operating environment. The module covers the importance of information sharing and experiences of crises amongst tourism destination operators, crises management frameworks, tourist destination post disaster recovery strategies, investment in risk and disaster mitigation strategies.
THM 239 Sustainable tourism
Tourism relies on the quality of the environment so the careful management of businesses, people and places is a critical issue for the sector. This module offers critical insights into the evolution of sustainable tourism; the impact on tourism on some variety environments; and the emergence of more sustainable forms of tourism like ecotourism, green tourism, culinary tourism, among others. The module offers the student an opportunity to develop a detailed and critical awareness of the theoretical and practical issues that influence how the principles of sustainable development are applied in tourism.
STMP 301, 302& 303 Work Related Learning
Work related learning exposes students to professional working life and give them adequate exposure to relate theory to real life situations in industry. The student is expected to be exposed to all functions of an organisation. The student is also expected to produce two reports during the work related learning period. In addition, the employer is also required to assess the student’s performance.
STMP 401 Destination Management
This module provides knowledge on how destinations compete to provide the highest quality of experience for visitors and to manage the impacts of tourism on host communities and environments. The modules helps students to appreciate best practices in Destination management by drawing on empirical examples and relevant theories . The roles of private sector and public sector organisations in destination marketing are also explored in this module,
STMP 403 Earth, Climate and Ecological Systems in Tourism
The module explores issues related to climate change. It informs students of the impacts of climate change and earth changes on tourism. Ecological, social and economic aspects related to climatic change, modelling, projections, and impacts of future climatic on tourism are also a focus of this module as are the. impacts of climate change on community-based tourism and land resources.
STMP 404 Environmental Impact Analysis
This module equips students with knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques. The module covers environmental appraisal and management; assessment, planning, management and response strategies; environmental policies and practices and risk assessment, impact assessment, audits, environmental information systems and environmental data analysis techniques. Emphasis will be placed on environmental impact analysis (EIA), strategic environmental assessment (SEA), sustainability assessments and sustainability indicators, cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis.
STMP 405 Conflict Management in Tourism
This module explores why conflict emerges in communities and community groups, how to minimise, deal with, ‘manage’, or solve community and group conflict. Students are expected to understand how conflict is used by groups as a strategy to attain desired changes.
STMP 406 Parks and Wildlife Management
This module provides students with the skills to determine and consider ways in which environments and ecosystems can be protected. The module provides students with information on the status of wildlife populations in national parks and devising effective conservation strategies. Empirical examples of best practises are emphasised in this module so as to equip students with the requisite skills.
STMP 407 Rural and Urban Development Management
The module introduces students to aspects of urban and rural geography, with the aim to enable sustainable planning of rural and urban spaces as tourist destinations. It discusses trends of urban and rural development in the context of tourism, urban and rural theories, functional differentiation within the city/rural, inner city problems; urban and rural governance and waste management.
STMP 408 Political Tourism Geography and Development
The module examines elements of political geography: the spatial dimension of politically organised units from the local state and international scales; colonial policies and their impact on the development of emergent African political boundaries.. Problems of national integration; regional and international organisations as instruments of political liberation and stability; and how politics informs tourism geographies.
STMP 409 Research Project /Dissertation (THM 236 pre-requisite)
The supervised dissertation will be at least 15000 words. This research project allows the student to explore in depth subjects of specific interest to him/her. The main requirement of the dissertation is that it should engage with a problem of relevance in the sustainable tourism domain. Students should draw out practical, and feasible recommendations that are resonate with their findings in this research project.
THM 434 Hospitality and tourism innovation
This module examines the concepts and processes in evaluating and determining the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation within the Tourism and Hospitality sector. This module gives students the opportunity to address the key issues of business start-up growth and long term survival, considering the concept of innovation and creativity in relation to the tourism industry. The module examines the internal and external factors influencing change in the tourism industry and how experience with the industry impacts demand and the need for New Product Development. The importance of innovation in tourism and hospitality industry as well as an assessment of new forms of tourism will also be explored.
ACC135 Financial Accounting 1A– Refer to Accounting Department
ACC138 Financial Accounting 1B– Refer to Accounting Department
BM131 Principles of Business Management– Refer to Business Management Department
BM438 Strategic Management– Refer to Business Management Department
CS131 Basic Communication Skills– Refer to Communication Skills Centre
HSC135 Introduction to Information Technology– Refer to Information Systems Department
EC131 Economic Principles 1– Refer to Economics Department
EC134 Economic Principles 11– Refer to Economics Department
MM135 Quality Management– Refer to Marketing Department
GSB211Gender Studies for Business– Refer to Gender Studies Institute.
ENT131 – Refer to Centre for Entrepreneurship