Operations Management

Course Description

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of operations management within the tourism and hospitality industry. There is a specific focus on the systems, processes, project and quality management skills associated with this function. Learners will develop the ability to apply operations management knowledge to tourism and hospitality businesses and have an in-depth appreciation of the value of the operations function.

Course Objectives

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of operations management within the tourism and hospitality industry. There is a specific focus on the systems, processes, project and quality management skills associated with this function. Learners will develop the ability to apply operations management knowledge to tourism and hospitality businesses and have an in-depth appreciation of the value of the operations function.

Key Topics

1. LO1: Know about the ways in which effective operations management can benefit tourism and hospitality businesses.
2. LO2: Understand processes, systems and planning methods used in operations management.
3. LO3: Understand the role of operations management in tourism and hospitality.
4. LO4: Understand the principles of visitor attraction management in the tourism industry.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Know about the ways in which effective operations management can benefit tourism and hospitality businesses.
2. 1.1 Describe the evolution of operations management from the manufacturing sector to the service sector.
3. 1.2 Explain how operations management has become a managerial function in the tourism and hospitality industry.
4. 1.3 Analyse the ways in which operations management can be used to create customer value and competitive advantage.
5. LO2 Understand processes, systems and planning methods used in operations management.
6. 2.1 Explain how systems design and process design relate to the tourism and hospitality industry.
7. 2.2 Evaluate the importance of ‘process’ and ‘product’ innovation as it applies to tourism and hospitality businesses.
8. 2.3 Describe the role and processes of logistics and the supply chain in the context of the tourism and hospitality industry.
9. LO3 Understand the role of operations management in tourism and hospitality.
10. 3.1 Assess the importance of external environmental factors in the context of operations management in the tourism and hospitality industry.
11. 3.2 Compare and contrast the operational activities of different businesses operating in the tourism and hospitality industry.
12. 3.3 Evaluate the existing and potential impacts of the virtual marketplace on the pattern of operational activities in the tourism and hospitality industry.
13. LO4 Understand the principles of visitor attraction management in the tourism industry.
14. 4.1 Explain what is meant by visitor attraction management.
15. 4.2 Examine the role of visitor attractions on the development of tourism destinations.
16. 4.3 Analyse how effective management and control systems can lead to competitive advantage for visitor attractions.