Tourism studies MA, Tourism Management and Economics, 7,5 credits

Aim

This course introduces, explores and critically examines state-of-the art knowledge in management and economics of tourism with a specific focus on the interrelationship between businesses and tourists. Students are introduced to theories, models and methodologies which can engage students in the contemporary discourses of management and economics in tourism and thereby critically reflect upon the global tourism system as well as the underlying assumptions of theories, models and methodologies.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course students are expected to demonstrate:

- A comprehensive theortical understanding of the main state-of-the-art theories and models in management and economics in tourism
- Critically analyze the process of co-creation in tourism
- Critically analyze tourism supply and demand both at the micro and macro level
- Identify and comprehend the core components of economic conceptualization of tourism
- Comprehend and be in a position to critically assess the various dimensions of the interrelationship between businesses and tourists
- Capacity to apply quantiative techniques relating to the management and economics of tourism

Content

The course is organized into two key parts, which include theoretical frameworks and methods that relate to the management of tourism as a co-created service experience (the business and the tourist) and the supply and demand economics of tourism.

The first part (A) introduces and explain as well as critically discusses the assumptions and limitations of the micro and macro economic analysis of tourism demand and supply based on theoretical models and methodologies. The micro economics of tourism include behaviour and performance by tourism businesses and the macro economics of tourism include growth theories as well as effect and impact models.

The second part (B) introduces and critically reflects on theories and methodologies of co-creation of tourism experiences from a managerial and consumer perspective. Management principles such as strategic positioning, branding, service process design, service encounter layout, and location considerations are explored. Models and methodologies related to the management of tourism such as yield management, capacity planning, service process optimization and measurement of customer experiences are introduced and discussed.

Entry requirements

Bachelor exam in human geography, tourism studies or similar disciplines. TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 on a paper-based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, or 213 on a computer-based test and not below 4 on Essay Rating, or a minimum score of 79 on internet based test and not below 17 on the TWE.
- IELTS (Academic Training) with a minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.0

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Lectures, tutorials, peer learning through group assignments.

Examination form

Individual written test and home assignment.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.