Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Tourism Management

Services - Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification, closely linked to the rationale, serves to consolidate, advance and deepen learner expertise and enable advancement in a career as a tourism manager. Furthermore, this qualification aims to develop skills and capabilities to conduct research in the area of tourism management. The qualification also aims to develop entrepreneurial skills in postgraduate learners, enabling them to start their own businesses and create jobs. In this regard, the qualification serves to educate and train researchers who can potentially contribute to the development of the profession at postgraduate level, leading to enhanced career and employment prospects. The qualification provides qualifying learners with a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge base, as well as theory and methodology of tourism management that enables them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional context.

Rationale:

The Rationale for the qualification is to provide in-depth, specialised education, training, and scholarship in the field and practice of tourism management at the postgraduate level. Tourism is one of the country's most dynamic and lucrative sectors. However, the ever-changing needs that characterize dynamic and turbulent societies with their demands and growing competition worldwide are putting pressure on South Africa to have skilled managers who are able to plan and implement strategic management and responsible tourism practices. Therefore, there is a demand from both the private sector and public sector for this postgraduate qualification in Tourism Management.

The qualification aims to improve the learner's ability to research, analyze and deal with complex real-world problems, as well as identify global trends and tourist needs and motives in the specialist areas. The need for research is highlighted in the National Tourism Sector Strategy. The requirement to develop specific skills in tourism management and to prepare learners to conduct research is the primary reason for offering this qualification. These skills are also crucial prerequisites for admission to Master's Degree studies in this field.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria are used in an integrated manner to determine competence against the Exit Level Outcomes in the field of tourism management:

Review of Current Research: Conducting independent reviews, critiques, and evaluations of current research and multiple sources of scholarly or professional literature in a sound theoretical manner.
Problem Identification and Formulation: Accurately identifying, formulating, critically reviewing, evaluating, and interpreting complex problems in tourism management, considering socio-economic, socio-political, and legal contexts.
Application of Standard Procedures: Applying standard procedures, processes, or techniques to deal with unfamiliar, complex, abstract, or real-life problems in tourism management.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Independently conducting analyses and interpretations of theoretical, quantitative, and qualitative data and information.
Insightful Arguments: Demonstrating coherent and critical insight through theory-driven, evidence-based arguments and self-reflection.
Articulation of Judgements: Clearly articulating judgements and conclusions based on collected data in writing.
Self-Assessment: Engaging in critical self-assessment to reflect awareness of personal activities, ethical behavior, and professional development in tourism management.
Engagement with Scholarly Insights: Reflecting on the viewpoints, insights, and ideas of scholars and professionals in the tourism management environment.
Ethical Decision-Making: Acknowledging ethical decisions that impact knowledge production or professional issues, and recognizing the consequences of such decisions.

Integrated Assessment for Qualification:

Successful completion of compulsory/core and elective modules.
Approval of a research proposal and completion of a research report under guided supervision in a chosen area of specialization.
Demonstrating evidence of learning competency, including knowledge, skills, attitudes, and expertise required for the qualification.
Comprehensive and integrated assessment through a variety of formative and summative methods such as written assignments, portfolios, examinations, and research project supervision.

This integrated assessment approach ensures that learners are equipped with the necessary competencies and skills to excel in the field of tourism management and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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UNISA

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UNISA, short for the University of South Africa, is a distance education institution based in South Africa. It is the largest university on the African continent and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. UNISA provides flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The university is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. UNISA also conducts research and collaborates with other institutions to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in South Africa and beyond.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.