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Biznesa augstskola Turba

Translated from Latvian

School of Business Administration Turba

Professional master Studies program in

STRATEGIC TOURISM MANAGEMENT

MATERIALS

ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION

Riga

2005

Thoretical

optional study

courses

20%

Training practice

15%

Theoretical

obligatory study

courses

40%

Scientific,

research work

25%

Sabiedrba ar ierobeotu atbildbu "Biznesa augstskola Turba"

Re. Nr.000313588, Graudu iel 68, Rg, LV - 1058, tlrunis 7622551, 7619008, fakss 7619152, e-pasts: [email protected]

Riga

School of Business Administration Turba submits for accreditation

Professional master Studies Program in

Strategic Tourism Management

Program description

The Professional master studies program in Strategic Tourism Management

Education classification code

4634517

Length and scope of the Program implementation

2 years, 80 CP

2.5 years, 100 CP (in dependence of previous education)

Requirements for the Program mastering commencement

2nd level professional higher education or bachelor's degree in the fields, connected with tourism

Degree and qualification to be obtained

The professional masters degree (MBA) and qualification Manager of companies and institutions

Name of the higher school

Limited Liability Company

School of Business Administration Turba

Program implementation place

The School premises at

68 Graudu iel, Riga, LV-1058

Program implementation form

Full-time studies

Number given to the School in the Republic of Latvia Register of Educational Establishments

No. 3343800213

Legal address

58 Graudu iel, Riga, LV-1058

Founder

SIA Birznieka biznesa centrs,

LKCS Turba,

SIA Ave Astra

Sources of financing

Ownership capital

Total number of students of the School

4572

Telephone No.

7607661

Fax No.

7619152

E-mail address

[email protected]; [email protected];

[email protected]

Program Director

Dr.geogr. Maija Rozte

Person authorized to regulate the accreditation related matters

The Dean of the Faculty of International Tourism Zinaida Melbrde

Table of Contents

51.Decisions on the program implementation commencement

62.License

83.Documents of the education continuation guaranteeing

83.1. Stability of the School

93.2. Possibilities of the education contuniation guaranteeing

94.Description of the studies program and its incorporated lecture courses, classes and seminars

135.Advertising and reference works on the opportunities for studies

146.Program projection

146.1. Program conformity to the educational standards and standards of the professional higher education

146.1.1. Program conformity to the second level professional higher education national standard

156.1.2. Program conformity to the fifth level professional qualification "Company and agency manager's profession" standard

186.2. Employers' references

197.Evaluation of the studies program

197.1. Program objectives and tasks

197.2. Comparison with the programs of same level implemented in other countries

197.2.1. Comparison with the Maastricht Hotel Management School study program

217.2.2. Comparison with the Hochschule Bremen, Bremen University of Applied Sciences study program

237.3. Studies program organization

247.4. Practical implementation of the studies program

247.4.1. Methods and forms of the studies

257.4.2. Training practice

257.4.3. Involvement of students in the scientific research projects

257.5. Evaluation system

257.5.1. Criteria of evaluation of the acquired education

267.5.2. Forms and procedure of control

277.5.3. Students' progress analysis

297.6. Students

297.6.1. Dynamics of the number of students

327.7. Academic personnel engaged in the studies program

327.7.2. Qualifications of the academic personnel

357.7.3. Scientific work of the teachers engaged in the program implementation

447.7.4. Academic personnel training and development policy

447.8. Sources of financing and infrastructure support

447.8.1.Material resources of the School of Business Administration Turba

457.8.2. Technical security for the studies

467.8.3. Information-methodological cover

487.9. External relations

487.9.1. Relations with employers

487.9.2. Cooperation with similar studies programs in Latvia and abroad

497.9.3. Academic personnel who have worked in foreign educational establishments and carried out scientific work abroad

497.9.4. Number of visiting lecturers in the program

497.10. Quality guarantees

498.Studies program development plan

Enclosures

Enclosure No. 1. Authorization

Enclosure No. 2. Extract from the Senate decision

Enclosure No. 3. Balance sheet

Enclosure No. 4. Documents of the education continuation guaranteeing

Enclosure No. 5. Programs of incorporated lecture courses

Enclosure No. 6. Enrolment requirements

Enclosure No. 7. Employers' references

Enclosure No. 8. Cooperation contracts

Enclosure No. 9. Training practice program and form of training practice contract

Enclosure No. 10. Academic personnel Curriculum Vitae

Enclosure No. 11. Documents of the membership in professional associations

Enclosure No. 12. System of personnel training

Enclosure No. 13. Agreements for cooperation with high schools abroad

Enclosure No. 14. Recommendations for Masters paper

Enclosure No. 15. The statute for personnel election

Enclosure No. 16. Academical personnel certificates acquired abroad

1. Decisions on the program implementation commencement

On January 29, 2003, the Senate of the School of Business Administration Turba approved the program of studies for the professional master's degree of management (MBA) in business management "Strategic tourism management".

Above decision of the Senate was approved at the meeting of the Board of the School of Business Administration Turba on January 31, 2003 (See Enclosure No. 2).

2. License

3. Documents of the education continuation guaranteeing

It is stated in the School of Business Administration Turba Constitution: The School guarantees with all its property that, in case of dissolution of a particular program, an opportunity shall be provided to the relevant program students to continue their education after other program of studies or in other higher school.

The guarantees could be examined in two aspects stability of the School (quality of the teaching process, provision with academic staff, financial situation, development opportunities and undertakings, etc.) and accredited program correlation with similar programs, opportunity for education continuation if the program is closed (See. Enclosure No.4).

The first aspect allows predicting how much probable is a situation when the program is dissolved and the School has to provide the students with an opportunity to continue their education.

3.1. Stability of the School

School of Business Administration Turba has operated since 1994 (initially as the Training Centre Turba) every year providing for its dynamic development new studies programs are established, programs are accredited, other educational levels are introduced, the number of students and teachers grows, its turnover and profit increase.

School of Business Administration Turba was among the first higher schools in Latvia, which were accredited and Accreditation Certificate No. 002 (Accreditation Certificate No. 001 was issued to Riga School of Economics) was issued to it. The academic staff composition becomes more and more stable and the specific gravity of the persons employed for their main work keeps growing every year. In 2004/2005, teachers employed for their main work provide for 70% of the teaching load.

Rector of the School of Business Administration Turba concludes an agreement with each student, which provides not only for rights and obligations of the School but also its responsibility. The School provides the students with a teaching process both in a particular academic year and for mastering the entire program of studies. A new agreement is concluded for each period of studies. The student has a certain guarantee in the form of the tuition fee payment system, which allows for monthly payments.

Financial position of the School of Business Administration Turba is explicitly stable. BAT ownership capital, real estates, profit and development investments are higher than of all other Latvian private higher schools together. The School completes each financial year with profit starting from the year of its establishment. It is due to the School's successful economic activities and deliberate and purposeful activity in the sphere of education. Before 2000, the entire profit of the School was invested in its development (material and intellectual resources), but from 2000, the School promoters started receiving dividends in accordance with the Charter not holding up investments in the School development.

Financing plan for each year is stipulated by the School budget. The revenues are formed with the tuition fees, seminar participation fees, earnings from the hotel services and other economic activities. In proportion with revenues, the budget plans for expenses, which major items are the personnel remuneration, social security payments, room maintenance costs and payments for public utilities, teaching process costs, purchase of new equipment as well as reconstruction and repair of the rooms. In the financial year 2002/2003, the net turnover equalled to LVL 3 225423, gross profit - LVL 1 573321, but the accounting year profit after taxation was LVL 1 141009. According to the balance sheet as at 30.06.2003, the fixed capital balance was LVL 1 500000 but the total ownership capital - LVL 3 248775. (See the balance sheet of the School of Business Administration Turba for the period from 01.07.2002 to 30.06.2003 in Enclosure No. 3.)

It should be concluded upon evaluation of the financial stability of the School of Business Administration Turba and its work organization arranged at a very high level that there is no threat for the School to terminate its activity in the nearest future.

3.2. Possibilities of the education continuation guaranteeing

The second aspect gives an idea of the extent to which the education continuation after a similar program in other higher school is possible for the students in terms of its content should the program be dissolved. Whether the studied courses, its content and acquired credit points fit for the continuation of studies after other programs.

Structure and content of the accredited program are equivalent to the master's degree program "Strategic tourism management" of the Vidzeme Higher School; therefore, students of the School of Business Administration Turba have an opportunity to continue their studies in other higher school, when required (see Enclosure No.4). BAT program of strategic tourism management is very similar to the BAT professional master's degree program "Business management". 70% of the delivered study courses are identical or very similar in both programs. In case of dissolution of above program, the students shall have an opportunity to continue studies in the same school after other program.

4. Description of the studies program and its incorporated lecture courses, classes and seminars

The master's degree program Tourism Strategic Management is designed so as to assure the independent research and completion with the scientifically original and secure result gaining in the sub-field of science.

During studies for the master's degree, working out of the master's paper should be provided along with the study of theoretical courses and training of skills:

Study and use in practice of the latest research methods of the sub-field of science;

Study of the latest information technologies and data presentation approaches;

Thorough study of theoretical subjects of the sub-field of science;

Participation with essays in the international scientific conferences;

Writing of scientific papers;

Pass of tests and examinations.

Program content

Professional master studies program Strategic Tourism Management

Education classification code 4634517

Preliminary education - in fulfilment of the requirements of enrolment for a relevant master's studies program, educate persons having the professional bachelor's degree or academic bachelor's degree or professional qualification (obtained in 4 year programs in the fields connected with tourism) can be matriculated to it.

Program amount 80 (100) CP

Length of studies 2 years and 2.5 years

Final examination state examination including the master's paper writing and defence as a component

Degree to obtain - professional master's degree in the business management

Qualification to be obtained Manager of companies and institutions

Table 1

Programme of Professional master studies in Strategic Tourism Management

No

Course description

Department

Credit points

Obligatory courses (Part A)

64

A1

International tourism business environment

Tourism

4

A2

Strategic tourism marketing

Tourism

4

A3

Financial management

Economics

4

A4

Social psychology

Management

2

A5

European Union law

Public Law

2

A6

Strategic tourism planning

Tourism

4

A7

Risk analysis and management

Economics

4

A8

Strategic tourism management and forecasting

Management

4

A9

Process optimization in tourism

Informatics

4

A10

Training practice

Tourism

12

A11

Masters paper

Faculty of International Tourism

20

Optional courses (Part B)

16

B1

Quality systems

Management

4

B2

Regional economics

Economics

4

B3

Commercial law

Private Law

2

B4

Sustainable development and tourism

Tourism

2

B5

Personnel management*

Management

2

B6

Hotel system management

Hospitality

2

B7

Business English

Languages

4

B8

Project management in tourism

Tourism

4

B9

Management information systems

Informatics

4

B10

Scientific research

Tourism

2

B11

Tourism business*

Tourism

2

B12

Marketing of tourism and hospitality*

Tourism

2

B13

Theory of economics*

Economics

2

B14

Macroeconomics*

Economics

2

B15

Training practice in tourism company**

Tourism

20

Total scope of the Programme

80 (100)

* The course is obligatory for the students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism.

** The training practice in tourism company (14 Credit points) is obligatory for students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism.

The Program is worked in compliance with the second level professional higher education national standard (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 481, 20.11.2001) and in compliance with the professional competence requirements for manager of companies and institutions standard (approved by the republic of Latvia ministry of education and Science regulation No. 283 of may 16, 2002). As well as using the principles and experience of designing of the accredited master's programs in the business management implemented by the School of Business Administration Turba and academic and professional master's studies programs in tourism and hospitality of the foreign (Swedish, French, Italian, Swiss, UK, German, Dutch, US and Australian) higher schools. The Program provides for an opportunity to acquire the education improving the knowledge and skills of tourism specialists and required for the further development of Latvia that is based on the management theoretical foundations and practical application.

Selection of the courses within the master's program, content and scope of the courses as well as content of work placement are stipulated in the Profession Standard in accordance with the degree to be conferred upon (See Table No 4.).

Two blocks form the program: obligatory (80 % of study programme) and optional courses of studies (20%) (See Table 1, Fig. No1.).

Obligatory

study

courses

80%

Optional

study

courses

20%

Fig. 1. Percentage ratio of the Program obligatory and optional parts

The obligatory part incorporates:

Studies courses in the amount of 32 CP

Work placement in the amount of 12 CP

State examination in the amount of 20 CP

The optional part incorporates:

Optional studies courses in the amount of 26 CP are offered, of which the candidate for a master's degree should select courses in the amount of 16 CP.

The complication of the professional optional courses (Part B) depends on previous education of students and the Enrolment requirements confirmed at the Senate (See Enclosure No 6.).

After completion of the master's degree program, the degree of professional master in business management is conferred.

The professional master's degree shall entitle to continue studies after the doctoral program having met the requirements to the enrolment for a relevant doctoral program.

The study programme is implemented according to the Plan for studies (see Table 2.)

Table 2.

The Plan for Studies

No

Study Courses

Credit

points

Test

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

1st

semester

2nd semester

3rd semester

4th

semester

5th

semester

CP

Test

CP

Test

CP

Test

CP

Test

CP

Test

Obligatory courses (Part A)

64

11

16

5

8

2

8

2

0

2

A1


4

1

4

1

A2


4

1

4

1

A3


4

1

4

1

A4

Social psychology

2

1

2

1

A5

European Union law

2

1

2

1

A6


4

1

4

1

A7


4

1

4

1

A8


4

1

4

1

A9


4

1

4

1

A10

Training practice

12

1

12ned.

IE

A11

Masters paper

20

1

20

1

20*

1*

Optional courses (Part B)

16

5

4

1/2

12

4/5

B1

Quality systems

4

1

4

1

B2

Regional economics

4

1

4

1

B3

Commercial law

2

1

2

1

B4


2

1

2

1

B5

Personnel management *

2

1

2

IE

B6


2

1

2

1

B7

Business English

4

1

4

1

B8


4

1

4

1

B9


2

1

2

IE

B10

Scientific research

2

P

2

P

B 11

Tourism business*

2

1

2

1

B 12


2

1

2

1

B13


4

1

4

1

B14

Training practice in tourism conpany**

20

1

20

weeks

IE

Total Scope of the

Programme

80 (100)

16

(18)

20

6

(7)

20

6

8

2

32

2

20

1

P publication

* The course and masters paper is obligatory for the students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism.

** The training practice 20 CP in tourism company for the students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism .

Programs are worked out for the courses of studies (See Enclosure No.5). Each program has its objective defined; the required preliminary knowledge for the course completion is determined. The number of obligatory control papers and independent papers and form of knowledge assessment is stipulated in the programs. Specialists took part in the design of each program; they were discussed and approved at the meetings of the chairs. It is specified in the programs how many lectures, seminars and classes should be held.

The Program shall be implemented during 2 years of full-time studies - in the evening and on Saturday.

Contact hours are envisaged for 3 semesters. In the 4th semester, the candidate for the master's degree shall take field studies and carry out research asking the master's paper supervisor for tutorials.

Correlation of the theoretical knowledge and practice shall be provided by:

Classes, seminars and discussions scheduled within the course programs;

Innovative field studies in a company;

Scientific conference of the master's degree holders;

Masters paper writing.

Research shall be carried out by way of writing independent course papers, preparing scientific publications and working out the master's paper.

5. Advertising and reference works on the opportunities for studies

The program of studies for master's degree is promoted actively in mass media. The promotion aims generally to giving information about opportunities to study, about quality and time of studies. Promotion of studies for master's degree in the strategic tourism management is not distinguished in particular from the promotion of the School, Faculty of International Tourism and their programs in general. Table 2 below gives an overview of advertising activities in 2003, within which the program of studies for master's degree in the strategic tourism management is also promoted. All authentic advertising materials are available in the library of the School of Business Administration Turba. Studies programs of the Faculty of International Tourism were promoted additionally in the international tourism exhibitions Balttour-2003 (Riga, 2003.02.14-16) and Balttour 2004 (Riga, 2004.02.13.-15).

Table 3

Information about opportunities to study

After the program Strategic tourism management

In 2003-2004

No.

Medium

Advertising purposes

Time period

1

Izgltba un Kultra

Studies

25.03.2004

2

Augstk izgltba Latvij un rzems

Studies

2004

3

Catalog "Kur mcties tlk?"

BAT promotion

2004

4

Liepja Secondary School No. 5 Year-book

BAT promotion

Academic year 2004/2005

5

Catalog "Izgltbas cevedis"

BAT promotion

2004

6

Catalog "Zas lapas Rga 2004"

BAT promotion

2004

7

Catalog "Msu Latvija 2003/2004"

BAT promotion

2003/2004

8

Sestdiena, Diena, Lauku avze

Studies

04.08.2003-17.08.2003

9

Diena

Studies

12.08.2003-16.08.2003

10

Diena, NRA, Dienas Bizness

Studies

25.08.2003-28.08.2003

11

Privt dzve

Studies

19.08.2003

12

ZL Hot-line Business Information Portal

BAT promotion

24.07.2003-24.07.2004.

13

Diena

Studies

17.06.2003

14

Diena, Sestdiena, Dienas Bizness, Msmjas, Klubs, Mris, Santa, Ieva, Privt dzve, Mjas viesis, Lauku avze

Studies

09.05.2003- 03.08.2003

15

Diena

Studies

14.06.2003

16

Magazine "S"

BAT promotion

July, 2003

17

Magazine "Cosmopolitan"

BAT promotion

July, 2003

18

Liepja Secondary School No. 5 Year-book

BAT promotion

2003

19

Diena

Studies

01.04.2003

20

Information Catalog "118 2003/2004

BAT promotion

2003-2004

21

Catalog "Kontakti"

BAT promotion

2003

22

Diena

Studies

04.03.2003

23

Catalog "SMAILS"

Studies

2003

24

Catalog "Kur mcties tlk?" 2003.g.

Studies

2003

25

Catalog "Kontakti"

BAT promotion

10.12.2002- 10.12.2003

26

Catalog "Augstk izgltba Latvij"

BAT promotion

04.10.2002- 05.03.2003

27

Catalog "Zas lapas 2003"

Studies

18.09.2002- 01.01.2003

29

Catalog "Visa Latvija"

Studies

20.08.2002- 31.12.2003

40

Catalog "Msu Latvija 2003"

BAT promotion

2003

The School and the studies program are promoted in more than 30 mass media. The School was advertised in the largest magazines: the Diena, Bizness un Baltija, Dienas Bizness, Latvijas avze, Neatkarg rta avze, Izgltba un kultra, Rgas balss, etc. Of magazines, those are selected that are read by the target group, such as: Kapitls, Santa, Una, Klubs, etc.

6. Program projection

In accordance with the general strategic goals and tasks set in the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 481 "Regulations on state standard of the second level professional higher education" of November 20, 2001 and requirements to the tourism education set in the National program of development of Latvian tourism for 2001 - 2010, the objective of the implemented program of studies is to train highly-qualified specialists of hospitality and tourism who are capable of the foundation and management of hospitality, tourism and public catering establishments, of planning of the development strategy for above establishments, of the formation and management of the personnel.

Mainly small- and medium-scale enterprises operate in the tourism branch in Latvia. Upon joining the European Union, a growth of the number of tourists is forecast, which shall effect the establishment of new hotels and tourism companies. Such companies shall need professional company managers.

The studies program shall provide the students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of tourism as a branch of economy and its place in the national economics. The tourism and hospitality company manager's skills and abilities, knowledge of the tourism product formation, development and marketing, tourism company and location development planning and strategy building as well as tourism project development is specially underlined.

6.1. Program conformity to the educational standards and standards of the professional higher education

6.1.1. Program conformity to the second level professional higher education national standard

The program objectives and tasks are in compliance with the national education standard (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 481, 20.11.2001).

The scope of the professional master's studies program determined in the standard is at least 40 credit points (CP). The scope of the BAT offered master's studies program is 80 CP, the length of studies program determined in the standard is at least 1 year, and the Strategic Tourism Management programme is 2 years programme. The 2-year period of studies provides deepest studies in the field of management theories, research field, creative work and acquiring the skills of project work for students with professional education. Complectation of professional optional courses (see Enclosure No 6) and work placement at the tourism business 14 Credit Points provides possibility to obtain the requisity professional qualification.

Table 4. Master's studies program conformity to the second level professional higher education national standard

No

Study courses

Standard demand CP

CP at master's studies program

Form of evaluation

Study courses providing for mastering the latest achievements in the branch theory and practice

At least 7

28

A1


4

exam.

A2


4

exam.

B3

Commercial law

2

exam.

B4


2

exam.

A5

European Union law

2

exam.

A6


4

exam.

B2

Regional economics

4

exam.

B7

Business English

4

exam.

A8


4

exam.

A9


4

exam.

B 11

Tourism business *

2

exam.

B 12


2

exam.

B13


4

exam.

Scientific work, creative work, courses of designing and management

At least 5

18

A3


4

exam.

A7


4

exam.

B8


4

exam.

B9


4

exam.

B5

Personnel mangement*

2

test

B1

Quality systems

4

exam.

B6


2

exam.

B10

Scientifics work

2

publ.

Courses in pedagogy and psychology

At least 2

2

A4

Social psychology

2

exam.

Training practice outside the educational establishment

At least 6

12

A10

Training practice

12

test

B15

Training practice in tourism company**

20

test

Final examination a component of which is a master's paper writing and defense

At least 20

20

A11

incl. The Masters paper

20

defence

Total

At least 40

80 (100)

* - the course is obligatory for the students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism

** - The work placement in tourism business is obligatory for the students who have completed the academic program of studies in the fields connected with tourism, according to the individual plan

It should be admitted upon analysis of information generalized in Table 4 above that the studies program offered by the School of Business Administration Turba complies in full with the second level professional higher education national standard. The amount of credit points in many items exceeds considerably the demand of minimal credit points (Study courses providing for mastering the latest achievements in the branch theory and practice, Training practice outside the educational establishment). Theoretical knowledges and skills students prove at their independent scientific work to work out and defend the masters paper (see Enclosure No 13).

6.1.2. Program conformity to the fifth level professional qualification "Company and agency manager's profession" standard

The master's studies program is designed so that the knowledge and skills acquired and gained by the students conform in full to the demands fixed in the "Company and agency manager's profession" standard (registr. No PS 0070, approved with the Republic of Latvia Ministry of Education and Science Regulation No. 283 of 16.05.2002).

Profession standard is implemented in the program making it specialized in content in the tourism branch (see Table 5). Essential functional spheres of the commercial activity are studied in the courses: Strategic tourism marketing, Financial management, Personnel management, Risk analysis and management, Management information systems, Quality systems, Commercial law, Project management in tourism. Understanding and study of theoretical economics and management are provided in the courses: Regional economics, International tourism business environment as well as different management courses widely represented in the program. Integrating knowledge and skills are provided in the study courses: Strategic tourism management and forecasting, Strategic tourism planning, Sustainable development and tourism, Process optimization in tourism, EC law, and the general knowledge and skills Business English and Social psychology. Training practice in tourism companies of the student's for master's degree is of great importance for the formation of professional, general and specific skills.

Table 5

Comparison of the professional studies program with the relevant profession standard

N

r

Profession standard demands

Study courses which ensures the implementation of demands

1

Duties and tasks

to analyse and assess the economical environment, trends of market development, competition

- Strategic tourism marketing

- Theory of economics

- International tourism business environment

- Regional economics

to define the main goals and guidelines of company or institution

- Tourism business

- Project management in tourism

to estimate the main economic indicators of company

-Theory of economics

- Tourism business

- Financial management

to estimate and approve business plans of company

- Strategic tourism planning


- Tourism business

to identify changes in the economic environment and market situation, to assess the necessity of changes in the goals and plans of company


- Tourism and hospitality marketing

- Risk analysis and management

to form and correct the plans



to inform staff about companies goals and tasks

- Personnel management

- Social psychology

to plan, manage and coordinate the function of company, to organize harmonic and rational work of company

- Tourism business



to manage and control the main functional fields of company

- Process optimization in tourism

- Tourism business

to analyse and evaluate the operation and results of company

- Quality systems

to ensure the procedure of information and consultations with representatives of employees or trade unions

- Social psychology


to follow by the national and international law requirements and standards

- European Union law

- Commercial law

to replace the managers of company or its branches for short period




2

Skills

2.1. Common professional skills

to understand actual economical development regularities and principles



- Strategic tourism management and forecasting


to understand current processes in the economics and to make a decision according to the situation





- Tourism business

to apply economic-mathematic methods in the process of management


- Management information systems


- Hotel system management

to apply theoretical and practical knowledges for effective management of company


- To work the Masters paper

- To write a publication

- To have training practise in tourism company

2.2. General skills

to work at the team, to be the leader, to coordinate the execution of duties


- Social psychology

to plan and organize the work effectively, to communicate


- Personnel mangement

- Personnel mangement



to analuse and systemize information, to apply modern methods of information gathering and processing



- Quality systems


to obtains the abilities to act according to the low and ethical demands

- European Union law


- Commercial law

2.3 Specific skills for the profession

to understand the companies business interconnection, to analyse the work of company, to identify main issues and work out solutions for them

to define the main goals of company or institution, to make the strategic plan for development

to analyse the current processes in the dynamic economic environment, to make an appropriate decision

to make and implement the marketing plan

to understand the behaviour of customer

to recruit and motivate staff, to organize and manage the personnel

to analyse, asses and plan companies finances

to understand the main principles and methods of production

to understand the main indicators of business financial operations, to make decisions for business optimization

to use management information systems in companies management process

to introduce progressive solutions and methods in the main fields of company

to be competent in the law requirements and standards

to apply effectively the newest forms of business operation and computer technology

- Tourism business


- Sustainable development and tourism

- Tourism strategic planning




- Social psychology




-Financial management

-Process optimization in tourism


- Quality systems


- Commercial law

- Training practice in tourism company

- Training practice

3

Knowledge

3.1. Essential functional spheres of business activities

Management of marketing

management of finances

management of personnel, management psychology

organizing of production, management of quality systems





- Social psychology


- Quality systems



3.2. Knowledge assuring the comprehension and study of theoretical economics and management





3.3. Integrating knowledge and skills

-Strategic tourism management and forecasting


-International tourism business environment

3.4. General knowledge and skills

- Business English

- Social psychology

It could be concluded upon analysis of the comparisons that the Strategic tourism management program complies in full with the profession standard, that knowledges and skills acquired during the study process is sufficient to obtain the necessity qualification and to fulfil successfully duties and tasks of manager according to the professional standard demands (See Table 5, The programmes of the study courses at the Enclosure No 5).

The conferred degree allows continuing studies under the doctoral studies programs having fulfilled the requirements of enrolment for the relevant doctoral studies program.

6.2. Employers' references

First graduates from the Strategic tourism management program shall only appear in spring of 2005. Therefore, we cannot evaluate the employers' references in connection with the knowledge, skills and competitiveness of the students for master's degree. The tourism branch administrators and employers have evaluated the BAT Strategic tourism management program and given their references (see Enclosure No. 4). It is stated in the reference given by the Tourism Department (until 2003, VARAM) that the commenced professional tourism program for master's degree is a significant contribution to the Latvian tourism development national program implementation. It shall facilitate the training of highly qualified, competitive and targeted to the sustainable development specialists in the tourism branch that are wanted in the European Union.

It is underlined in the reference of the National Agency of Tourism Development that the School of Business Administration Turba studies program meets the labour market demands and professional education standards, that it offers the field studies, which improve the theoretical knowledge and contribute to the future specialist's competitiveness on the labour market.

V.Jermolovia, Director of SIS REHO and Hotel Konventa sta states in her reference that the tourism branch needs qualified specialists who are able independently to evaluate the company and branch and forecast the company place in the branch and that the Strategic tourism management program is targeted to training such specialists.

Having analyzed the studies program, the travel agency Latvia Tours director G.Zeltia states that it provides for the scope of knowledge necessary for the modern tourism company manager. She underlines that it provides for mastering required studies courses such as Social psychology, Risk analysis and management or Quality systems and that thee studies program is actual and useful to the tourism branch (see Enclosure No 7).

7. Evaluation of the studies program

Approved

By the Senate Meeting

Of the School of Business Administration Turiba

03.11.2004

Protocol No 9

7.1. Program objectives and tasks

The main objective of the Program is to train the students for working as managers and leading specialists in the tourism branch, to supplement and expand their knowledge and improve their skills in management and tourism.

It is an objective of the Program to provide a candidate for master's degree with an opportunity to continue studies for doctor's degree upon completion of the Program; to support competitiveness of a candidate for master's degree in variable social-economic conditions and facilitate the progress of a candidate for master's degree into a developed, free, responsible and creative personality.

The Program incorporates the elements, which facilitate the student's personality growth, involvement of the students in the studies process and build-up of responsibility, abilities to work in a team and comprehension of the tourism branch problems in global terms. To facilitate the achievement of the studies program objectives, the School offers a stimulating environment for learning new knowledge and using it in practice in an innovative and creative form meeting sustainable demands of the tourism branch companies.

To achieve above objectives, the studies program tasks are as follows:

to organize and update an arranged and precise system of studies;

to develop and improve the information and material support of the educational process;

to motivate a candidate for master's degree to work in the selected profession;

to develop abilities and skills to acquire, process and use information in the daily educational process.

The specialists who have completed the Program shall be not only employers - they shall be also able to set up new jobs and become employers so badly wanted and missed today in the country. First graduates from the Strategic tourism management program for master's degree shall are expected by spring of 2005.

Urgency of the program for master's degree "Strategic tourism management" is determined by the tourism education and research sub-program tasks and development trends formulated in the "Latvian tourism development national program for 2001-2010". Upon growth of significance in the national economy structure of the tourism branch, forecast of its further development and increase of the branch capacity, demand for comprehensively trained hospitality and tourism specialists in Latvia has grown which makes the urgency of the implemented program even stronger. The Program acquires special urgency in the situation when the tourism and hospitality specialists have the labour market of the branch open up to them at the EU scale.

7.2. Comparison with the programs of same level implemented in other countries

7.2.1. Comparison with the Maastricht Hotel Management School study program

(information from www.mbahoteltourism.com)

Maastricht Hotel Management School and European Center of Studies in the Netherlands offer a one-year program of studies for the professional master's degree in the English language "MBA Hotel & Tourism Management". Full scope of the studies program is 48 credit points (40 hours). The program is intended for the students holding the bachelor's degree or highly qualified professionals having relevant professional education.

Table 6

Comparison of BAT studies program with Maastricht Hotel Management School (MHMS) program of studies Hospitality and Tourism for master's degree

BAT

Study courses

Credit points

MHMS

Modules/study courses

Credit points

General management courses

18

General management courses

16

Study courses similar in the content

Social psychology

Intercultural communication


Financial management and policy

Management information systems*

E-commerce


Personnel management

Quality systems*

Quality management

Study courses different in the content


Organization structure

Hotel and tourism management courses

18

Hotel and tourism management courses

18


International tourism business environment; Tourism business

Latest tendencies in hospitality and tourism

Sustainable development and tourism*

Sustainable developments


Operational management



International hotel business

Special study courses

10

Special study courses

8


Hotel system management*

Hotel management

Social psychology

Communication and corporate culture

Theory of economics

Commercial activity in Europe

Strategic tourism management and forecasting; Process optimization in tourism

Hospitality management strategies


Business English*

Catering in hospitality and tourism

European Union law

Casino management

Commercial law*

Project management in tourism*

Regional economics*

Scientific work

22

Scientific work

6

Inc. Master's paper

Scientific work*

Training practice

12

Total:

80

Total:

48

*- optional courses

The studies programs are similar in the content of study courses but distinctive in terms of length of studies and in terms of field studies. The Maastricht program is implemented through full-time studies during 1 year making 48 credit points, but the Turba program - during 2 years making 80 credit points. The Maastricht program of studies for master's degree does not provide for field studies, but the BAT program provides for field studies equalling to 12 credit points. Therefore, the BAT Program "Strategic tourism management" is more practically oriented, as the knowledge acquired during initial 3 semesters is consolidated in practice in the 4th semester. It is an essential advantage of the program, as the student has an opportunity within his field studies to get familiarized with actual operation of companies and write the master's paper making use of and proceeding from the knowledge and experience gained during his field studies.

Both programs provide students scientific work, but the Maastricht program evaluates it only with 6 credit points. Thus, the students of the Turba Program "Strategic tourism management" have better opportunities to make prepared for further doctoral studies.

Maastricht program of studies for master's degree "Hotel and tourism management" is divided structurally into study courses of 3 forms: General management, Hotel and tourism management and Special study courses.

According to such division of courses, BAT tourism program of studies for master's degree offers the General management courses of equal scope (see Table 5) of 20 credit points (8 of them are attributed to optional courses). Its scope in the Maastricht program "Hotel and tourism management" is 16 credit points. The Financial management course is provided in both programs. Descriptions of particular courses differ. For instance, the Intercultural communication course is provided in Maastricht, while its content is partially similar to the BAT Social psychology course. E-commerce is distinguished as a particular course in the Maastricht program, while the given issues are studied in a number of courses of the BAT program (such as Management information systems, International tourism business environment, Strategic tourism marketing).

The Hotel and tourism management study courses offered in both programs are similar by scope and content. For instance, such courses as Personnel management, Quality management, and Sustainable tourism are provided in both schools or similar ones: International tourism business environment (BAT) Latest tendencies in tourism and hospitality (MVVS); Strategic tourism management (BAT) Operational management (MVVS).

The Maastricht studies program, as it is showed by the first word of its name "Hotel and tourism management", is oriented more to the hotel management. That is why such courses as Hotel management, Catering technology and service or Casino management are offered in the block of Special courses. The School of Business Administration Turba studies program "Strategic tourism management" is more universal and better fit for the Latvian labour market, as it offers knowledge also in the operation and management of other companies of the tourism branch.

7.2.2. Comparison with the Hochschule Bremen, Bremen University of Applied Sciences study program

(information from www.mtm.hs-bremen.de)

School of International Business (SiB) of Bremen University of Applied Sciences offers the program of studies for master's degree "International tourism management" in the English language. The program scope is 60 ECTS, or 40 credit points after the Latvian system of higher education.

The studies program is formed by 16 study courses and the master's paper, which is not assessed in credit points but assessment of which makes 23% of the final examination mark (the total final examination is expressed as 100%, of which 77% is made with the mark of examinations on the study courses).

Table 7

Comparison of BAT studies program with the program of studies for master's degree "International tourism management" of International Business of Bremen University of Applied Sciences

BAT

Study course

CP

ECTS

Bremen SiB

Study course

ECTS



4

6

Economics of tourism and its industries

4

Tourism business*

2

3


4

6

Specific management functions in tourism

6


4

6

Marketing research in tourism

4

Tourism and hospitality marketing

4

6

Tourism marketing

4


4

6

Strategic planning in tourism

6


4

6

Tourism and its systems

4

Project management in tourism*

4

6

International project management

4

Social psychology

2

3

Culture and cross cultural management

4

Business English*

4

6

German as the second language

AC

Management information systems*

2

3

E-Tourism

4

Scientific research*

2

3

Masters' seminar

AC

Master's paper

20

30

Master's Thesis

Hotel system management*

2

3

International and global tourism management

6

Quality systems*

4

6

Business policies and ethics

4

Tourism business

2

4

Tourism demand

4

Sustainable development and tourism*

2

3

Environments of Tourism

6


Commercial law*

2

3

Communication

**AC

Regional economics*

4

6


4

6


4

6

European Union law

2

3


2

3

Practical training; Practical training in tourism company*

12

20*

18

30*

Total:

80

(100)

120

(150)

Total:

60

*- optional courses

** AC - Attendance Certificate

For the program of studies for master's degree "International tourism management", Bremen School of International Business matriculates persons holding a business relate academic degree and two-year experience of professional work.

Scope of the tourism program of studies for master's degree offered in Germany is twice less (60 ECTS) than in the School of Business Administration Turba (120 ECTS). The Bremen studies program does not provide for field studies nor general business management courses, as persons having business education and two years of professional experience are matriculated. Students holding the academic bachelor's degree also in other tourism-related spheres are matriculated for the BAT "Strategic tourism management" programs and provided with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of business management in various study courses and train skills during field studies in tourism and hospitality companies.

Both programs offer similar study courses. 7 of the 13 study courses incorporated in the SiB program are identical to the courses offered in BAT by content and amount of credit points (Strategic tourism planning, International project management, Tourism marketing, International tourism management, Tourism environment, Economics of tourism and its sectors, Specific functions of tourism management, see Table 7 above).

The master's degree is conferred in both programs upon master's paper defence. The difference is that the mark received in examinations on the study courses is included in the master's paper final mark in Germany.

The more essential difference of the studies program of BAT is in its total scope 120 ECTS, which is twice bigger than in relevant higher schools of the Netherlands and Germany. It is because the latter matriculates students for the program of studies for master's degree who have also acquired higher education in a relevant specialty (business management, economics, tourism), but the studies for master's degree offered by BAT are intended for all persons having the 2nd level professional higher education, also those holding the bachelor's degree.

7.3. Studies program organization

The professional master's degree studies program Strategic tourism management is implemented in accordance with the program submitted for licensing on January 21, 2005, No ..

The master's degree studies program is designed so as to assure the working out of a scientific paper and completion with gaining the scientifically original and proved result in the sub-branch of science.

Theoretical studies should be held and practical skills should be trained along with the master's paper writing during the studies for master's degree. The program provides for:

Study and use in practice of the latest research methods of the sub-branch of science;

Study of the latest information technologies and data presentation approaches;

Extended study of theoretical subjects of the sub-branch of science;

Participation with essays in the students' scientific conferences;

Preparation of research papers.

The program consists of obligatory (32 CP) and optional (16 CP) study courses as well as training practice (12 CP) and master's paper (20 CP). Scope of the offered optional courses is 28 CP.

Fig. 2 The structure of the study program

Thoretical

optional study

courses

20%

Training practice

15%

Theoretical

obligatory study

courses

40%

Scientific,

research work

25%

Correlation of the theoretical knowledge and practice is assured with:

classes, seminars and discussions scheduled within the course programs;

innovation in the training practice in a company;

working out of the master's paper.

Scientific work is conducted by way of writing essays and reports in the study courses, developing tourism projects, preparing scientific publications and working out the master's paper.

The professional studies program Strategic tourism management is implemented in accordance with the School of Business Administration Turba mission - to provide for the modern, career- and prosperity-facilitating multilevel education.

7.4. Practical implementation of the studies program

7.4.1. Methods and forms of the studies

According to the Higher School Act, the teachers of the higher school are entitled freely and purposefully to select and use the most optimal teaching methods. The Program is implemented by employing creatively both traditional and recent teaching methods:

1) The method of lectures is used as the basis for quite all the study courses so that the students could clarify the theory of different subjects, get familiarized with the latest achievements that are not reflected sufficiently with the published literature, such as Risk analysis and management, Strategic tourism management or study courses where the method is most efficient, such as European Union law, Commercial law. The method allows for organizing lectures together with Business management program students.

2) The method of dialog is used for the courses where communicative abilities are also improved for acquiring the related knowledge, such as Social psychology, Personnel management, in the Business English course for learning foreign languages as well as for seminars in other courses.

3) In the study of professional specialization courses, a large specific gravity is attributed to practical classes. Classes in the Management information systems are held in the BAT computer classes.

4) Methods of the team (group) work are employed for the Tourism project management, International tourism business environment and Hotel system management courses and seminars.

5) Training excursions aim to make the students familiarized with the tourism and hospitality company's operation organization. For the study course Hotel system management, training excursions are arranged in the leading Latvian hotels: Hotel de Rome, Gtenbergs, Grand Palace Hotel, Reval Hotel Latvija.

6) Public lectures, in which the leading Latvian and foreign businessmen and specialists in tourism and hospitality take part, provide the students for master's degree with information about national and international urgent issues in different spheres of commercial activity.

7) Seminars as a method of studies are practiced quite in all the study courses. They allow the students improving their speech habits and developing their abilities to defend their standpoint reasonably and the skill to present derived information.

About 60% of contact hours of full-time studies are implemented in the form of lectures, 20% - seminars and 10% - group work.

Forms of studies are in accordance with those provided by BAT: full-time, evening and correspondence studies.

The organization and run of studies is regulated by the following documents:

Studies program

Study course programs

Academic year curriculum

Calendar schedule of studies

Regulations of studies

Control regulations

Regulations of training practice.

Above documents of the educational process are publicized in the Student's Manual and BAT Internet homepage.

The methods of independent and group work in such study courses as Strategic tourism marketing and International tourism business environment were specially underlined in the judgment of students in the academic year 2003/2004. The essays compiled during the course learning helped in mastering the Strategic tourism planning and Personnel management. The students for master's degree appreciated highly discussions in the study courses Strategic tourism marketing and European Union law. Also seminars in the Personnel management and Strategic tourism planning and working out project in the study course Project management in tourism helped the students in the course mastering.

7.4.2. Training practice

Field studies occupy a significant place in the educational process (12 CP). Within the studies for master's degree, field studies are organized in different companies and organizations related to the tourism business: hotels (such as Rga, Konventa sta, Hotel de Rome), travel agencies (such as Eurotravel), government institutions (such as the National Agency of Tourism Development) and public organizations (such as Kurzeme Tourism Association), which allows the students for master's degree to acquire practice and skills in the tourism management. Field studies and scientific work of the students for master's degree are incorporated in the Program as an integral component of professional education. Cooperation contracts are concluded with a number of companies - potential places of field studies (Enclosure No. 7). Tasks of the field studies are defined in the Field studies program.

The Strategic tourism management Program provides for an opportunity for the students holding the academic degree to have their field studies (20 CP) in a parallel with their studies (learning after individual plan). That is, meeting the requirements set forth in the Regulations of the second level professional higher education national standard (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 481 of 20.11.2001), to pass the field studies with the scope of 32 credit points.

7.4.3. Involvement of students in the scientific research projects

The students conduct their research within the frame of the optional course "Scientific work" and their master's paper. Students' scientific conferences have already become a good tradition of the School of Business Administration Turba. In 2004, the Students' scientific conference was also held within BAT 5th International scientific conference "Business opportunities, problems and solutions in globalization conditions" (22.04.2004). Two students for master's degree after the Strategic tourism management Program (A.Rengarte, A.Gustovskis) took part in it with their essays. In 2004, BAT issued for the first time a collection of papers of masters "Development of business environment in Latvia: tendencies and opportunities". It is foreseen that the 2nd collection shall also include papers of the student's for tourism master's degree.

7.5. Evaluation system

7.5.1. Criteria of evaluation of the acquired education

Basic principles of the education evaluation are as follows: control

principle of summing up of positive achievements;

control obligator ness principle;

evaluation transparency and clearness principle;

evaluation form diversity principle;

control accessibility principle.

To assure that the students are kept informed about conditions and requirements of the final examination in the study courses, about field studies programs and requirements to the field studies report defence:

1) conditions, requirements and questions for final examinations on courses are publicized in the School of Business Administration Turba internal computer network - in the place accessible for all students;

2) conditions, requirements and questions for examinations are made known to the students at the first class of the course;

3) a student's record book is given to each student starting an academic year, which contains studies regulating documents (Regulations of studies, Regulations of examinations, Regulations of writing and defending student's papers, Regulations of field studies, etc.) as well as study course programs, in which consecutive check-ups and final examinations on the course are designated.

The final examination, a component of which is the master's paper defending, is evaluated after the ten-point scale.

Criteria for evaluation of the master's paper and its defence are as follows:

1) systematization, consolidation and expansion of theoretical knowledge and skill;

2) independent study of literature and other information sources, also in foreign languages;

3) skill in theoretical formulation of tasks and settlement of researched problems incorporating individual and complex summaries and novelty elements;

4) analysis of pressing applied problems;

5) development of practical solutions in the form of advises and propositions;

6) development and consolidation of the skill to carry out an independent applied research and ability to defend the gain practical outcome.

The master's degree diploma is issued to the student who has completed the program and passed the final examination being given a mark not lower than 5 (fair).

7.5.2. Forms and procedure of control

Basic forms of the program mastering evaluation are the examination and test to be passed on the completion of each study course. The form of control is stipulated in the studies program.

In the examination, the student's knowledge of the program is evaluated after the 10-point scale in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Science Instruction No. 208 "On unified record of evaluation of results of studies" of 14.04.1998.

The study course teacher conducts the examination or other teacher appointed by the head of the chair. The examination is passed if the student receives a mark not lower than 4 (quite fair) points.

In the test, the student's knowledge of the program is evaluated after the two-part evaluation scale "tested" or "not tested" showing in brackets a mark after the 10-point scale. The study course teacher conducts the test. Apart from the final check-up, regular checks control papers, reports in workshops, essays or group work presentations are also possible within each study course. Such regular activities are stipulated in the study course programs.

Training practice are evaluated after the two-part evaluation scale "tested" or "not tested". Training practice (12 CP) incorporated in the program of studies for the masters paper pre-defence board evaluates masters degree.

A master's paper is to be defended on the completion of studies.

This is the procedure for the master's paper working out and defence:

1) The student for master's degree shall work out the master's paper independently in the second year of studies under supervisor's supervision.

2) Master's paper is worked out on an urgent subject either proposed by the student for master's degree or selected from the list of themes for master's papers not later than the second semester of studies for master's degree.

3) A relevant profession specialist holding a master or doctor's degree can be the master's paper supervisor. An adviser can be invited in particular cases.

4) The master's paper theme, instruction and supervisor are approved by the Council of the Faculty of International Tourism of the School of Business Administration Turba proceeding from a written application of the student for master's degree.

5) Master's paper on the Strategic tourism management shall reflect a qualified and publicly defended research that is foreseen for the master's degree award.

6) Total scope of the master's paper is 20 credit points.

7) The supervisor's detailed judgment on the paper and the paper writer is required for the master's paper to be submitted for defence.

8) The masters paper shall be work out according to the requirements.

9) The student for master's degree - paper writer shall be responsible for the correctness and accuracy of information produced and calculations and propositions made in the master's paper. Master's paper is submitted for defence having been duly executed.

10) Master's paper shall be reviewed.

11) A person holding a master or doctor's degree can be the reviewer.

12) The written review shall reflect the theme urgency, obtained scientific and practical result, its advantages and drawbacks, urgency, novelty, theoretical and practical value as well as give a judgment on the professional master's degree award. The reviewer shall be entitled to participate in the master's paper defence procedure.

13) For the purpose of defence of master's papers, the School shall duly establish a final examination commission of at least five members. Chairman of the commission and at least 2 members shall be representatives of employers or professional organizations. The commission shall operate in accordance with the regulations approved by the Senate.

14) The commission shall discuss the defence results at a close meeting upon public defence of master's papers. The commission shall decide on the marks given to the master's papers and propositions on the master's degree award by a working majority with the commission members taking an open vote and recording it in the minutes of the meeting to be signed by the chairman and all members of the commission. If the paper supervisor or reviewer is unable to participate in the work of the commission, his, as a member of the commission, points of view and evaluation expressed in the written judgment or review are taken into consideration.

7.5.3. Students' progress analysis

In the 1st year of studies, the student's for master's degree after the strategic tourism management program demonstrated a great progress. It follows from the examination marking analysis that in average 10-13% of the total number of students in the group were not admitted or did not attend the examinations. The biggest number of students (18%) not passing examination was in the course International tourism business environment (see Table 8 below). Most students received the mark "very good" and "good" in the examination. The highest average assessment was received in the study course Project management in tourism 8.1 points, Strategic tourism marketing (7.9) and Personnel management (7.9). The poorest progress was demonstrated in the study course Risk analysis and management where the examination average mark was 6.4 points.

Table 8

Progress of the Tourism strategic management program students in the academic year 2003/2004

Study course

Examination mark (in points) /

number of marks

Aver. mark

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

N


1

9

11

7

4

7

6.9


5

7

9

9

2

3

4

7.9


1

10

14

4

1

4

5

7.8

Social psychology

1

3

13

10

6

1

5

7.4

EU law

3

5

17

9

5

6.9


1

9

12

7

4

1

5

7.8


1

2

5

5

11

10

1

4

6.4

Regional economics

3

13

13

5

5

7.4


2

9

10

3

4

7.6


4

7

7

5

3

2

2

7.9


8

7

9

2

7.7

Business English

1

1

8

6

7

3

4

7.0


8

9

6

3

8.1

Total:

14

64

120

112

58

28

1

55

% BAT

20

30

28

15

7

% as compared with ECTS scale

10

25

30

25

10

N- not admitted, not attended

Having compared the students' progress with the progress ECTS scale, the BAT students for tourism master's degree received a higher average mark in the 1st year of studies. There is an essential difference in the number of students who have received the mark "very good", "excellent" and "outstanding" (ECTS 35% of the total marking; BAT- 58% of the total marking). It could be explained with the high motivation of the 1st year students, as the students master above program who have been working for years in the tourism branch and who have chosen studies for master's degree in order to acquire required theoretical knowledge. It should be admitted that probably the teachers of particular study courses were not exacting enough while evaluating the students' knowledge reading new study courses in the first year of studies.

Fig. 3. Evaluation of the BAT Tourism strategic management program students' progress in the academic year 2003/2004 as compared with ECTS scale

E D C B A

Obligatory

study

courses

80%

Optional

study

courses

20%

ECTS 10% 25% 30% 25% 10%

BAT 7% 15% 28% 30% 28%

5 6 7 8 9, 10

7.6. Students

7.6.1. Dynamics of the number of students

In the academic year 2003/2004, 43 students for master's degree, 2004/2005 36 students were matriculated for the program Strategic tourism management. As far as the program is to be implemented in 2 years of study, no students have completed the program as yet. 36 students completed successfully the first year of studies.

To evaluate the attitude of the students for master's degree towards the studies in the School of Business Administration Turba and after the program Strategic tourism management, students of above program were interviewed in May of 2004.

As it is showed by the students' interview input, most students are satisfied completely with the studies program, School material support, educational process organization in the School and range of textbooks and auxiliary literature offered by the library. See Fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Fig. 4. Are you satisfied with the studies program in the Strategic tourism management realized by BAT?

93%

7%

Yes, comletely

Partly

Fig. 5. Are you satisfied with the material support of studies offered by the School?

92%

8%

Yes, comletely

Partly

Fig. 6. Are you satisfied with the educational process organization in the School?

80%

20%

Yes, comletely

Partly

Fig. 7. Are you satisfied with the School library stock (textbooks and auxiliary literature) in terms of content?

87%

13%

Yes, comletely

Partly

The strategic tourism management master's degree students are mostly unsatisfied with the quantitative supply of textbooks available in the library (see Fig. 7). In their interviews, 70% of the students stated that there is deficit of textbooks quoted in the studies program in the BAT library handbook delivery room, especially during examination sessions.

Fig. 8. Are you satisfied with the School library stock in terms of quantity (available number of textbooks)?

13%

27%

60%

Not satisfied

Yes, comletely

Partly

7.6.2. Cooperation of the students in the educational process improvement

The students are given an opportunity to be continuously involved in the educational process improvement. The students are active in it taking part in polls conducted by the School. There are three types of polls conducted in the School:

1. The poll organized by the School on the academic year completion in order to learn whether the students are satisfied with the School operation organization, library activities, services of the catering establishments, etc.

2. The poll organized by the chairs upon each study course final control in order to evaluate the course implementation quality, teacher's teaching style and quality.

3. Polls organized by the faculty in order to determine the students' urgent problems during studies.

All the poll data are processed and conclusions are made on the basis of information derived and relevant measures are taken in order to meet the students' reasonable demands and maximum improve the educational process.

The students' self-government operates in the School. The students' self-government has an opportunity to express its standpoint in the Senate, meeting of the Council of the Faculty of International Tourism and Constituent Assembly.

Cooperation of the students in the educational process improvement allows evaluating the implementation quality for each study course. Analysis of results allows detecting drawbacks in the course content or teaching methods. The student poll of the academic year 2003/2004 allows to conclude that in general the study course content and implementation level is good enough and the students have no serious objections against class subjects, nor teaching nor knowledge control forms (see Table 9 below).

The students for master's degree evaluated most highly the study courses Regional economics read by associate professor S.Keis, Strategic tourism marketing read by lecturer A.Van der Steina and Strategic tourism planning read by associate professor M.Rozte. Almost a half of the interviewed students (47%) were partially satisfied with the study course International tourism business environment read by lecturer A.Mackevis. Major objections were not against the study course content but the course presentation form (the lecturer should improve the course teaching methods).

The students made a number of propositions for the study course teaching improvement during their interviews. Most of the students want that the teachers offer more distributed teaching aids during the study course implementation. Part of the students want that the study course lectures are available in the electronic form.

Table 9

Evaluation of the study courses (results of interviewing the students)

Study courses

Number of answers, %

Number of persons interviewed

good

satisfactory

unsatisfactory

The highest evaluation:

Regional economics

100

0

0

6


94

6

0

31


94

6

0

22


90

10

0

20


85

15

0

13


85

11

4

27

Business English

81

14

5

21


77

24

0

17

The lowest evaluation:


68

26

5

19


53

47

0

19

7.7. Academic personnel engaged in the studies program

7.7.1. Academic personnel manning level and manning table

Composition of the academic staff of the School of Business Administration Turba has been formed since 1994. The teachers engaged in the Strategic tourism management program implementation have been working since 1995 in the International Tourism School the successor to which is the School of Business Administration Turba. As in many other higher schools, there is a noticeable fluctuation of the academic staff in BAT, but the situation has made more stable recently, and 68% of the teaching load is now performed by the academic staff having the School of Business Administration Turba as their main working place.

Academic personnel of the School of Business Administration Turba is elected by the School Senate in accordance with the Higher School Act and Regulations of election of academic personnel. The School announces a competition before election. Elections of academic personnel at the Senate meetings are closed, the election procedure and results are recorded. Upon election, the School of Business Administration Turba concludes labour contracts with its academic personnel.

There are 19 teachers, including 7 doctors of science and 2 teachers working for doctor's degree, engaged in the Strategic tourism management program implementation. The number of teachers could be increased in the course of the program implementation, as it is necessary to engage a number of teachers for each course. It shall increase in the academic year 2004/2005 when not only the BAT teachers reading courses within the said program are engaged in the master's paper supervision but also lecturers from other chairs having relevant scientific or professional qualifications.

7.7.2. Qualifications of the academic personnel

68% (13 teachers) of the teaching staff engaged in the program has the School of Business Administration Turba as their main working place. 6 teachers work by holding more than one office, 3 of them are highly qualified professionals in their branch (see Table 11 below).

Table 10

List of teachers engaged in the studies program

No.

Name, surname

Scientific or academic degree

On the staff/ holding more than one office

Study course

1. 1.

Aldis Balodis

Dr.ing.

On the staff

Quality systems (4 CP)

2.

Aldis Baumanis

Dr.paed.

On the staff

Strategic tourism management and forecasting (4 CP)

3.

Imants Bergs

M.Jur., studies for doctor's degree

On the staff

European Union law (2 CP)

4.

Ainrs Brencis

M.soc., studies for doctor's degree

On the staff

Project management in tourism ( 4CP)

Tourism business (2 CP)

5.

Jnis Endzi*

M.jur.

Holding more than one office

Commercial law (2 CP)

6.

Baiba Kazka

M.math.


Risk analysis and management (4 CP)

7.

Staislavs Keis

Dr.oec.

On the staff

Regional economics (4 CP)

8.

Antons Kienko

Dr.ing.

On the staff

Process optimization in tourism (4 CP)

9.

Laila Kle*

M.env.

management


Sustainable development and tourism (2CP)

10.

Guna Liepia

M.paed.

On the staff

Social psychology (2 CP)

11.

irts Lcis

MBA


Hotel system management (2 CP)

12.

Aivars Mackevis*

Dipl.geogr.


International tourism business environment (4 CP),

Strategic tourism management and forecasting (4 CP)

13.

Oskars Onevs

Dr.ing.

On the staff

Management information systems (2 CP)

14.

Maija Rozte

Dr.geogr.

On the staff

Strategic tourism planning (4 CP)

15.

Aija van der Steina*

M.geogr.

On the staff

Strategic tourism marketing (4 CP)

Marketing for tourism and hospitality (2 CP)

16.

Vaideeswaran Sundar

M.comp.

On the staff

Business English (4 CP)

17.

Krlis Andersons

M.sc.finance and intern.business


Financial management (4 CP)

18.

Ligita Zlte

M.paed.

On the staff

Personnel management (2 CP)

19.

Ugis Gods

Dr. oec.

On the staff

Microeconomics (2 CP)

Macroeconomics (2 CP)

*- highly qualified professionals in their branch

Academic personnel employed on the staff provide for 78% (28 credit points) of the teaching load of the basic courses of the program and 67% (20 CP) of the teaching load of the optional courses (see Table 11 below). The invited teachers (L.Kle, .Lcis) are highly qualified professionals in their branch and allow offering interesting, modern and professional optional courses (such as Hotel system management or Sustainable development and tourism).

Table 11

Specific gravity of the teachers engaged in the studies program who work on the staff

Teaching load form

Teaching load scope

CP

Specific gravity of the teachers working on the staff

CP

%

Obligatory study courses

36

28

78

Offered optional courses

30

20

67

Training practice, master's paper

32

In the educational process, there are engaged 7 doctors of science, including in the engineering sciences - 3, economics - 2, pedagogy - 1, geography - 1. The Director of Studies M.Rozte obtained the degree in geography having defended her promotion paper "Urban tourism, its development and spatial expressions in Riga".

The teachers holding the doctor's degree provide for 40% of the total teaching load, including 37% of the obligatory courses (12 CP) and 41% of the offered optional courses (14 CP) (see Table 12). Therefore, the School performs the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 442 (16.10.2001) on accreditation of the higher educational establishments and studies programs while implementing the program Strategic tourism management.

Doctors of science and the teachers studying for doctor's degree (there are 2 teachers studying for doctor's degree engaged in the program) provide for 55% of the total lecturing load, including 50% of the obligatory courses and 59% of the offered optional courses.

As far as the doctors of science and teachers studying for doctor's degree are engaged in the master's paper supervision and field studies supervision, it is planned that above qualified teachers shall provide for 65% of the total teaching load.

Table 12

Study courses provided by teachers enga