Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- evaluate the characters of a destination
- describe tourism business models and customer segments
- apply business understanding to developing sustainable tourism services

Teaching methods

Please note that as part of the course you should be able to visit MATKA Nordic Travel Fairs during 20.-22.1.2022 independently.

A Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation, but it is important to take part in teaching and guidance on campus according to schedule. The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher, and working life or peer feedback may also be utilized.

Location and time

[This field is not used at Laurea.]

Learning materials and recommended literature

Materials are described in Canvas learning environment.

Literature will be based mainly on academic journals, such as Annals of Tourism Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management & Tourism Management. Material from Visit Finland will be used.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the studies or another person designated to the position. The assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria and, as a rule, same grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit or module. The student is entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence regardless of where, how and when the competence has been acquired. The student may also seek accreditation of competence to be acquired on the job as part of their degree (work-based learning). ... The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence and for providing sufficient information.

Important dates

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. Please send an email to the teacher in charge BEFORE the first meeting if you are not able to participate.

Please note that as part of the course you should be able to visit MATKA Nordic Travel Fairs during one day between 20.-22.1.2022 independently.

Forms of internationality

The study unit is suitable for exchange students
Previous tourism studies (Discovering tourism or similar) needed.

Students workload

One credit equals approximately 26.7 hours of work performed by the student, 5 credit 135 hours of work.

Esitimated division of hours:
The study unit includes weekly lectures (20 hrs)
Visit to MATKA travel fairs + individual assignment (40 hrs)
Development work with pairs/ groups (75 hrs)

Content and scheduling

Basic structure of the course is that lecture days include introduction lecture and active group work. Therefore active attendance is expected. Students review literature and other information sources for more detailed information.

Content of the course:
- Characteristics of a destination
- Role of destination management organization
- Tourism ecosystems
- Tourism business models
- Sustainable tourism business

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Bachelor's level education.

According to the degree regulations (section 18) "students must be present for the first contact teaching session, or they must notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm they intend to participate in studies, Alternatively, the teacher can specify a different manner for the student to confirm that they intend to participate in the studies. The completion of these measures can be required within a week of the studies having begun. The application of the aforementioned approach requires that the teacher notifies the students accepted to the study unit of the practice and that the practice is specifically mentioned in the study unit’s implementation plan.

If the student has a justified reason for not attending the first contact teaching session or for not notifying the teacher of their intention to be involved in studies in the manner required by the teacher, the student must contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the studies. Their registration for the study unit will be rejected, of the student does not notify the teacher of being absent from the first contact teaching session or the reason for their absence cannot be considered justified, Another student who is in line for the study unit can be selected in their place."

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

“The evaluation of competence is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula, and the level of competence is assessed according to the evaluation criteria listed in the implementation plan for the studies.” (Laurea degree regulations).

Evaluation is based on individual assignment and group work. Self and peer evaluation is utilized.

In this study unit the assessing of the competences will be done by using the criteria set for requirement level II.

All staff and students of Laurea are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, which includes appropriate referencing. Familiarise yourself with the practices and, if needed, ask for more information. All study assignments are to be done as individual work unless otherwise instructed. If Ouriginal is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

“Students who has failed to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the approved level must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit. Laurea provides examination retake dates. Students must register for these examinations no later than 10 days before the retake date. A failed exam or other study attainment can be retaken twice. A failure to attend an actual examination is considered to be one completion attempt." (Laurea degree regulations.)

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Professional knowledge basis, information searching and reporting
To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- use professional concepts in a consistent manner and demonstrate their familiarity with the knowledge basis
- report and communicate in a professional manner

Professional practice and workplace development
To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- act independently taking into account the operating environment
- take responsibility for interaction with customers and/or co-operation partners and for responding to their needs

Teamwork, skills, leadership, and responsibility
To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- describe the significance of their actions for successful co-operation
- describe their competence in relation to the learning outcomes

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Professional knowledge basis, information searching and reporting
To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- critically evaluate information and justify their actions with science-based knowledge

Professional practice and workplace development
To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- propose creative solutions at work
- promote professional co-operation and enhance customer and partner relationships

Teamwork, skills, leadership, and responsibility
To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- act in a manner that promotes the team’s entrepreneurial and responsible approach to work
- describe the development of their competence in relation to the learning outcomes

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Professional knowledge basis, information searching and reporting
To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- analyse the acquired information, draw conclusions and combine theoretical knowledge with experiential knowledge

Professional practice and workplace development
To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- evaluate the applicability of produced knowledge, skill or idea to other contexts as well as their impact
- anticipate needs of customers and/or co-operation partners

Teamwork, skills, leadership, and responsibility
To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- evaluate and develop the team’s entrepreneurial and responsible approach to work
- evaluate the possibilities for utilising competence and plan their personal development and development of the team