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 will be able to:

- Understand the main state-of-the-art theories and models in management and economics in tourism.
- Identify and comprehend the core components of economic conceptualization of tourism.
- Comprehend and critically assess the various dimensions of the interrelationship between businesses and tourists.
- Comprehend major quantitative techniques applied in the domain of management and economics of tourism.
- Critically analyze the process of co-creation in tourism.
- Critically analyze tourism supply and demand both at the micro and macro level.
- Critically reflect upon ontological and ethical foundations of contemporary economic and management paradigms in 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

A bachelor' s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) and English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

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 work.

During examinations, attendance is compulsory.

Teaching and feedback can be in English.

Teaching will be through the Mid-Sweden web-based system.

Examination form

0010: Individual written test, 5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

0011: Home assignment, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Individual written test and home assignment. At home examinations or other written assignments, a complementary oral presentation may be requested by the teacher. The student should hence demonstrate the necessary knowledge to ensure that the student is the actual sender and the author of the written work.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University's disabilities adviser.

Grading system: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

Examination restrictions

Students admitted to the previous version of this course have the right to graduate 3 times within 1 year according to that syllabus. Thereafter the students are transferred to this syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

Teaching takes place in English. The course is given within the program Master in tourism science, 60 credits, Master in tourism, 120 credits and Master by research specialization in tourism science, 120 credits.

Course certificates, credits, appeals etc. are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.