The MSc International Hospitality Management Program

Master of Science International Hospitality Management Annex E (Programme Specification) Programme Code: MN2BB Programme valid from September 2012 Valid for delivery at: University of Derby

Table of Contents Page Number Section 1 General Information 2 Section 2 Overview and Programme Aims 3 Overview 3 Programme Aims 3 Section 3 Programme Learning Outcomes 4 Section 4 Programme Structure 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 9 Work Placement 9 Section 5 Programme Delivery 10 Learning and Teaching Methods 10 Assessment 12 Section 6 Admissions 12 Section 7 Student Support and Guidance 13 Section 8 Post Programme Opportunities 14 Section 9 Employer Links 14 Appendix 1 Mapping of Programme Learning Outcomes 15 MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 1

SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Programme Title MSc International Hospitality Management Award title MSc International Hospitality Management Interim Awards Postgraduate Certificate in International Hospitality Management Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management Mode of Study Full-time Part-time Programme start date Start date: September 2012 Period of Validation: Indefinite Awarding Institution University of Derby Department Managing the Programme Department of Hotel Resort and Spa Management Institutions Delivering the Programme University of Derby Swiss Hotel Management School Relevant external subject benchmark statement QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for specialist Masters`s Degrees in Business and Management (2007) External Accreditation/Recognition N/A JACS Code N862 Programme specification last updated November 2013 May 2014 MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 2

SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS Overview The MSc International Hospitality Management aims to meet the needs of a dynamic international industry and its professionals, who seek a formal qualification to enhance career progression, and students progressing from undergraduate degrees. The Council for Hospitality Management Education reports that qualifications have a strong impact on the career development of managers and as their roles in hospitality organisations become more complex, the nature of those roles will increasingly require the skills and knowledge that postgraduate studies develop. The industry requirement for increasing numbers of qualified employees, to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment, will be served by graduates of the programme who possess experience and knowledge of the industry, supported by a qualification that will enable them to develop both individually and in their careers. The degree forms part of a portfolio of Masters programmes within the School of Culture and Lifestyle. Each programme follows a specialist route that culminates in an Independent Scholarship module in the subject area chosen by the student, and researched independently with the help of a personal supervisor. The programme includes business modules that enable students to build upon and strengthen the acquisition or consolidation of critical management knowledge and principles. The MSc International Hospitality Management provides students with an understanding of operational, tactical and strategic issues, coupled with the necessary management tools to allow them to apply theories in the workplace. The intention is to develop skills and awareness of the role of the various management functions as part of the total business structures in a variety of organisations. The international nature of the industry requires graduates to have an understanding of globalisation and the impacts of a multicultural workforce, often transient in nature, which provides management with organisational and operational dilemmas as the concepts of service quality and customer satisfaction change rapidly in the market place. Programme Aims This programme aims to: Provide an intensive and balanced academic and practitioner-relevant programme of study for entry level and career development in the field of international hospitality management. Develop Masters level skills and techniques in identification, problem solving and developing strategic and operational plans for management of hospitality related organisations. Provide the international dimension to the study of strategy and risk in the hospitality industry. Focus on the changing consumer in relation to the concepts of customer satisfaction and consequent product development. The MSc International Hospitality Management seeks to fulfil these aims by providing an intellectually challenging postgraduate learning opportunity that enables students to progress in their chosen career and to enhance their opportunities for advancement in the widest range of industry organisations. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 3

SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES In line with the Framework for Higher Education Qualification at level 7, the programme is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate: knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed related to the field of hospitality management; Critically review the current methodologies for assessing service quality and customer satisfaction within an international dimension. Critically evaluate the functional role of operations within the hospitality industry. Explore the cultural dimensions of managing a multiracial, global workforce that is highly mobile and increasingly highly educated. Explore the use of information within research in providing strategic planning and industry focus. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will develop skills in the following areas: Intellectual Skills -Students will be able to: Think critically and be creative; Solve complex problems and make decisions; Evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations; Extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice; Conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies. Practical and Subject Specific Skills -Students will be able to: Apply relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations, taking account of their relationships and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation; Acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations. Transferable Skills - Students will demonstrate: Numeracy and quantitative skills including the development and use of relevant business models; Effective use of ICT; Effective two-way communication: listening, effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media; High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience; Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management; Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 4

SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Curriculum The MSc International Hospitality Management is undertaken over one year full time and up to a maximum of two years if the Work Placement Independent Scholarship module is chosen )or part time up to a maximum of six years. There are two main entry points for students, in September and January. The modules will be taught within the academic year (September through to July), but the pattern of delivery will be dependent upon cohort, industry and university input. This may include weekends, a block study week or weekly during the academic year. The emphasis is on the concept of flexible learning. In order to obtain the Masters Award students must obtain 180 Postgraduate Credits, 60 at the Certificate Stage, 60 at the Diploma Stage and 60 at the Masters Stage. Standard modules are 20 credits each, which are each equivalent to 200 learning hours. Each module is taught on an individual basis by using a blend of lectures, tutorials, personal and professional workshops, and self-study. This is supported through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard (LEARN), and text based resources. The following diagrams specify the programme structure according to the modes of study offered: Full-time September start; Full-time January Start; Part-time Sept Start and Part-time January Start. Full-time, September/ January start Programme Structure: During this semester students will study three core modules of 20 credits each, Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience, Operations and Project Management and Research Methodologies. In the second semester students will study the Integrated Business Management module, worth 40 credits and the 20 credits module Strategic Directions. Independent Scholarship Options (Full-time students only) During the Masters stage students can choose between studying a traditional Independent Scholarship module worth 60 credits and complete their programme by the end of the third semester or undertake a Work Placement Independent Scholarship module which includes a placement of a minimum of eight months and a maximum of twelve months. Students will be supported in securing a suitable placement by their supervisor, in addition the student, the placement provider and the University, will agree the term of the placement period prior to the student commencing the placement. The work placement approach would benefit those students who wish to further develop their sector specific work experience and the work placement will also enhance students employability, as well as potentially providing a route into employment.. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 5

Full-time, September / January start (MN2BB) Certificate Stage Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience Operations and Project Management Research Methodologies Diploma Stage Integrated Business Management Strategic Directions Masters Stage 40 Credits (Core) Independent Scholarship 60 Credits (Optional e) Work Placement Independent Scholarship 60 Credits (optional) MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 6

Part-time, September Start Programme Structure: In the first semester of year one, students will normally study one subject specific module, either Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience or Operations and Project Management and Research Methodologies. In the second semester, students will normally study one business specific module, either Integrated Business Management worth 40 credits or Strategic Directions worth 20 credits. In the first semester of year two, students will normally study one subject specific module, either Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience or Operations and Project Management. In the second semester of year two they will normally study one business specific module, either Integrated Business Management worth 40 credits or Strategic Directions worth 20 credits. In year three students will normally study the through module Independent Scholarship Students may elect to study the Independent Scholarship module in the first semester of year two only if they have successfully completed Integrated Business Management in year one. Year 1: Part-time, September Start (MN2BB) September: Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience Operations and Project Management Research Methodologies January: Integrated Business Management Year 2: 40 Credits (Core) September: Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience January: Integrated Business Management Year 3: 40 Credits (Core) Strategic Directions Operations and Project Management Strategic Directions September Independent Scholarship 60 Credits (Core) MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 7

Part-time, January Start Programme Structure: In the first semester of year one students will normally study one business specific module, either Integrated Business Management, worth 40 credits or Strategic Directions worth 20 credits. In the second semester students will normally study one subject specific module, either Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience or Operations and Project Management and Research Methodologies. In the first semester of year two students will normally study one Business specific module, either Integrated Business Management worth 40 credits or Strategic Directions worth 20 credits. In the second semester of year two students will normally study one subject specific module, Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience or Operations and Project Management. In year three, students will normally study the through module Independent Scholarship. Students may elect to study this module in the first semester of year two only if they have successfully completed Integrated Business Management in year one. Year 1: Part-time, January Start (MN2BB) January: Integrated Business Management 40 Credits (Core) Strategic Directions September: Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience Year 2: Operations and Project Management Research Methodologies January: Integrated Business Management 40 Credits (Core) September: Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience Year 3: Strategic Directions Operations and Project Management January: Independent Scholarship 60 Credits (Core) MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 8

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Students are introduced to CPD at the application stage to help to identify those areas within the degree that will be a matter of up-skilling, those that are re-skilling and those that are introducing new skills. They will then be able to prepare their own portfolio, discuss key areas that may benefit both themselves and their employer where appropriate and begin the research process. At induction, and prior to enrolment, the team will revisit those initial discussions and confirm student aspirations. This may need re-visiting at stages in the programme as students acquire new knowledge and skills that they would like to develop further. The degree is designed to be experiential at a company and person level. For those students who have not elected to undertake the work placement option; the team will normally use the Integrated Business Management and the specialist modules or work within the School s commercial hospitality facilities to ensure the learning is within a real environment and relevant to the Hospitality industry By the Independent Scholarship (Masters) stage of the programme, students will have the knowledge, skills and application necessary to undertake a major piece of investigative and reflective research. As such, students will work closely with their dissertation supervisor to produce a report that should encapsulate all of their learning, but one that is industry based and a major part of their CPD. The CPD element does not finish with the completion of the degree because it should be a springboard for further personal development. The student will have a final CPD meeting before they leave to reflect on their journey through the programme and identify the changes that occurred. This is useful for their personal development, but also for our programme development and student experience feedback, so we will have a continuous review of the modules and be able to relate teaching that achieves learning. As this degree is about a partnership between the learner, the School and industry the team ensures reflective practice is embedded throughout the degree. Work Placement: Students will be assisted in finding a placement and supported from the onset and throughout the placement by the module leader and dedicated department placement officer. Placements may be with host organisations in the UK. The primary responsibility for sourcing work placements lies with the Department Work Placements Officer. However, MSC Programme Leaders and other members of the Tourism, Hospitality, Events and Spa (THES) team may, through their industry links, also identify and propose placement opportunities to the Placements Officer. In addition, students may propose placement opportunities, e.g. through current or past employment contacts. Irrespective of whether placements are identified by the Placements Officer, Programme Leaders, members of the THES Team or students, the final approval of each placement is the joint responsibility of the Placements Officer and the MSc Programme Leader. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 9

The general requirements of a placement, together with the specific requirements of a placement commensurate with post-graduate study, are set out in the MSc Work Placement Agreement The Work Placements Officer and the MSc Programme Leader will only approve a placement when they are satisfied that the requirements set out in the Work Placement Agreement have been met in full. SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods The learning and teaching focus of the programme is on an integrated teaching, learning and assessment strategy which is explicit and demonstrates that the learning and teaching methods used in relation to the intended learning outcomes and skills being developed are appropriate; linked to the mode of delivery and to the student s personal profile. All modes within all modules are expected to develop an independent learning culture and to be a challenging learning experience. The key skill is to provide integration between theory and practice according to the modules learning outcomes; simultaneously building sets of transferable skills and knowledge within the programme and, where relevant, across the suite of Masters programmes. For example, the shared Integrated Business Management module is designed to review the business practice in a consultancy environment/case study. Where students have relevant industry experience they will be encouraged to draw on this and share their experiences with peers, all students will conduct research to inform changes in business policy for specific service based organisations. Key business areas and functions such as HR, marketing, operations management, financial planning and analysis are contextualised for each subject area, but also applied by using business modelling. The integration of the subject areas is manifest within the teaching and learning and assessment tasks. The formal lectures, seminars, workshops, small group exercises, visits and guest speakers are increasingly supplemented by the introduction of business games, consultancy opportunities, personal and professional training opportunities, e-tutoring and industry led forums carried out over weekends. Students will be using current business plans based on existing strategies which will then show the evolution of the organisation. The Strategic Directions module challenges current thinking and modelling of the business process, it may or may not confirm those models or paradigms. The development of students as independent learners is the focus of the strategy and students are encouraged to develop critical thinking in the programme reflecting on real situations and contexts. All students, irrespective of whether they are taking the work placement based approach, or the on-campus approach, participate in a bespoke level 7 Induction programme immediately after enrolment. This induction programme introduces students to essential information about being a successful MSc student. Students receive a Programme Handbook that contains essential information about university regulations and online support facilities. Students are also encouraged to MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 10

communicate using the learning environment tools and seek support at an early stage to improve technical competence and maintain motivation. In addition, students undertaking the work placement based delivery of the Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience module will receive a module induction prior to the placement period to prepare them for the module delivery and assessment processes. During the placement period students will access the module content through online Live WIMBA Classroom Sessions. Students will be guided and supported through on-line tutorials, and will engage with other participants via web-based discussion forums. To ensure equality of access to learning resources, all students irrespective of whether studying on-placement or on-campus have access to the UoD Electronic Library, as well as the physical library. Furthermore, all students are able to apply for SCONUL Access which gives them access to 170 HE libraries in the UK and Ireland. Students studying on-placement can also register with UoD InFocus which gives them access to the UoD Distributed Learning postal service for books and documents. To further ensure equality of access, all on-line course resources such as WIMBA Classroom recordings and tutor created resources will be made available to students studying on-campus and on-placement. The QAA benchmarks require that participants to capitalise on their current and prior experiences and that the assessment strategy should make opportunities available for them to reflect on their knowledge, experience and practice. The uses of consultancy documents, briefing statements, debates and risk assessments are undertaken within students own subject specialisms with a supportive peer. This then leads to students being able to modify and develop their own, and others', business practices. In particular students will be expected to: Develop analytical skills Any work, whether this is contribution in seminars or written submissions, is expected to show evidence that students understand a particular issue or problem and that they can propose a number of options indicating how to solve it. In addition they need to show that they have read what other researchers have written and that they can evaluate whether their contribution is relevant to the particular issue they are trying to explain or solve. Manage learning effectively This includes managing the balance of study and leisure time effectively, identifying any particular weaknesses in their study skills and developing through practice, reading of appropriate self-help resources and discussion with relevant peers or staff, their managerial skills and competencies Work effectively in groups Part of the learning will involve group discussion, often outside the programme's timetabled hours, sometimes via e-mail. It is the students responsibility to ensure that they communicate effectively with their study group. We encourage students to form their own, small study groups in which they might discuss their readings, their approach to dealing with a particular piece of assessment, share textbooks and other resources and provide mutual support when things get tough. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 11

Become an independent learner A wide range of electronic resources are available via the Library, including one-toone advice sessions with the subject specialist, online material, journals and textbooks. It is up to each student to identify their learning needs, to seek relevant information on how to meet these needs, and to manage the acquisition of any new skills through practice. For instance, there are videotapes, textbooks and audiovisual facilities to help students improve presentation skills. Similarly, online and printed material can be used to answer queries on how to write and structure a report, how to write an executive summary etc. It is up to students to practice with the help of these resources. Assessment This programme operates within the University s Postgraduate Regulatory Framework and conforms to these regulations on assessment. The assessment strategy includes a mix of formative and summative assessments from the development of research strategies to the step stage process of the Independent Scholarship. The assessment vehicles provide the variety and appropriateness to reflect the nature of the skills students will require for the hospitality industry, hence the inclusion of pitches, consultancy documents, briefing papers and the use of Project Management software packages. The key to success is to ensure that students understand both the process and the intended outcome for each vehicle of assessment. These are detailed in the module handbooks, and students will be introduced to them during teaching of the module. Feedback from assessment, both formative and summative, is integral in promoting further personal learning and development, including that beyond the learning outcomes identified. Students will receive feedback from assignments within three weeks of submission, and it is up to them to talk through the feedback with the tutor. At the Masters level the focus is on developing theoretical perspectives in analysis, intellectual skills and knowledge and ability in relevant analytical methods. This requires self-directed study and self-regulated learning with guidance from the teaching team. All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Up-to-date information is available on the University s website at: http://www.derby.ac.uk/general-entry-requirements Students electing to study the work placement based delivery of the Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience module can only commence the programme in May and are required to specify this in their initial application to join MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 12

the programme. Opportunities to study via this route may be limited by the availability of work placements. SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE The programme team provides personal support and guidance to students and advice on access to the University s student support services. An induction programme is provided before study begins where students will receive a programme handbook that contains essential information about study and support. They will also receive information about the electronic library services, data resources, and module support information online as well as other University support services and issues relating to University regulations. The programme team consists of the Programme Leader and Module Leaders at each stage and all the team will provide students with appropriate support and guidance related to their activities. Further academic support may be accessed from the Devonshire Library team, who can help students to get the best out of the library and the University s online academic resources. The Student Wellbeing Service provides accessible and confidential support for all students, staffed by Advisors, Nurses and Counsellors. It can provide an array of support including financial, welfare and disability support. It also provides support for students with additional needs and works with students to ensure arrangements and reasonable adjustments are made. Students who have a disability, long term health condition or specific learning difficulty are invited to a two day event which aims to give them the best possible start to their studies at the University of Derby. In addition, the School also offers a Programme Advisory Service which can give students help and guidance throughout their course, advising about progress and support with any programme queries, and a Student Liaison Officer who can provide them with information about how the University works and help them find the most appropriate source of specialist advice. The School offers a comprehensive range of support for international students including; personal and academic counsellors and a dedicated International Student Advisor to help with any issues international students may face. The Chaplaincy provides support to people of all faiths or those who have no faith and offers general support, encouragement and a confidential listening ear as well as individual opportunities for prayer and spiritual help. Students seeking advocacy and representational support can access the Students Union, an independent organization that offers pro-active opportunities to maximise and enhance the student experience. Students from outside the UK seeking advice and guidance relating to studying and living in the UK are able to access the services of a dedicated Department International Student Advisor. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 13

All of the above support services are available to students, irrespective of whether they are studying on-placement or on-campus SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES There is demand from the industry for postgraduates at Masters level who have the relevant quantitative and qualitative skills, business and researching skills and strategic capability. This programme is designed to provide students with these skills, and the knowledge to make them immediately employable within the hospitality industry or enhance the career prospects of those already employed in the industry. By taking advantage of the opportunities throughout this degree to apply new knowledge in a variety of contexts, for example, the University s commercial hospitality facilities, students will be building additional credence to their CV. The degree is an excellent means of professional development of the individual so the opportunities must therefore be student specific. SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS The School has established strong links with industry partners, many of whom have been consulted in the development of this programme. At a national/international level, these include: - The Marriott Hotel group; Hilton Hotels; Gleneagles Hotel and Danubius Hotels. At a local level industry contacts include: - The Bibury Court Hotel; Stapleford Park Hotel; Lady Bamford s Estate and other local hotel businesses. Feedback from these industry contacts has resulted in a programme that develops knowledge and understanding in - Business Management and Leadership; The Management of Information; Change Management; Project Management; Sustainability; Marketing; Strategic Management. MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 14

Integrated Business Management Managing the International Hospitality Service Experience Operations and Project Management Research Methodologies Strategic Directions Independent Scholarship Work Placement Independent Scholarship W Appendix 1 Mapping of Programme Learning Outcomes Intellectual Skills Think critically and be creative Solve complex problems and make decisions Evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations Extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice Conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies. Knowledge and Understanding Systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed related to the field of hospitality management Critically review the current methodologies for assessing service quality and customer satisfaction within an international dimension Critically evaluate the functional role of operations within the hospitality industry. Explore the cultural dimensions to managing a multi racial, global workforce that is highly mobile and increasingly highly educated. Explore the use of information within research in providing strategic planning and industry focus. Practical and Subject Specific Skills Apply relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationships and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation Acquire and analyse data and information; to evaluate their relevance and validity; and to synthesis a range of information in the context of new situations Transferable Skills Numeracy and quantitative skills including the development and use of relevant business models Effective use of CIT Effective two-way communication: listening, effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring MSc Int Hosp Mgt MN2BB Prog Spec VSept14 final 15