UKCBC TOM Course Module Booklet

UK COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

Module Booklet Course: EDEXCEL BTEC

Group: Edexcel HNDTTM Group

Module: Unit 14–Tour Operations Management

Module type: Optional Unit

Module Code: T/601/1753

Module Credit: 15

Teaching Period: (15 weeks)

QCF Level: 4

Contact Hours: (15*3 + 6*3 = 63)

Lectures: 15 weeks

Revision: 3 weeks

Feedback and assignment guidance: 3 weeks

Lecturer: Mr Taiwo Olajumoke

Start date: 30/09/2013

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Time: 10.00am-5.00pm

Room: Wentworth House

Term: Sept 2013 – Jan 2014

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS

• READING AND COURSE PREPRATION

• LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES

• ASSESSMENT DETAILS

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INTRODUCTION

Learners will investigate the tour operators industry of the travel and tourism sector, including the different types of operator, their products and services, the scale of the industry and how it has been affected by trends and developments. Management issues will be covered by examining strategic and tactical decision making in order to develop learners’ decision-making skills.

Learners will explore the stages involved in creating a holiday and develop skills associated with determining a selling price for a holiday from given information.The role of the brochure will be reviewed against the introduction of new methods of promoting holidays. Learners will also review distribution methods used by tour operators to sell holidays, including the traditional use of travel agencies and the emergence of methods such as the internet and television.

Aim:

This unit enables learners to gain understanding of the tour operators industry, the stages involved in creating holidays, brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays, strategic and tactical decision making

Key Objectives:

LO 1. To understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector

LO 2. To understand stages involved in creating holidays

LO 3. To be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

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LO 4. To understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators.

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:

LO1Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector

P1.1 – Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry.

LO2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays:

P.2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays

P.2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator

P. 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information.

LO3. Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

P.3.1- Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure

P.3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operator

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P.3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator

LO4. P4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

P. 4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator

P.4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations

Indicative content guideline of the module and for the completion of the Assignment:

LO 1Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector

Tour operators: as defined by EU Package Travel Directive; different types of tour operators including outbound operators, domestic operators, incoming operators, specialist operators, direct sell operators

Industry: identification of major tour operators including their origins, ownership, market segments, competition, identification of specific operators within each category; scale e.g. Number of passengers carried, market share, turnover; products and services to meet different markets; vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators; impact of integration; European and global links; trends to include changing trends in holidays (e.g. mass market tourism to customisation, product range, all-inclusive holidays), expansion of the cruise market; environmental awareness of tour operators, responsible tourism; effect

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of economy and other external factors e.g. discounting, emergence of e-commerce, budgetAirlines;

The role of trade bodies including The Travel Association (ABTA), Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Federation of Tour Operators (FTO), UKinbound, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

LO 2Understand stages involved in creating holidays

Stages: steps e.g. market research; planning and scheduling; forecasting; contracting e.g. allocation, commitment, ad hoc, time series charters, split charters, ad hoc chartering, scheduled services, using air brokers; costing the holiday (fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect costs, load factors, mark-up, profit margins, seasonal flexing, competitive pricing,Skimming, special offers, discounting strategies, currency exchange e.g. forward buying of currency, interest earning, cash flow); timescales.LO3Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

Brochures: recognition of the planning issues including deciding the format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product, target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run, multiple editions; timescales and stages of production including creative brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof, printing; brochure launch; recognition of legal implications; other formats e.g. CD, video, internet, intranet, television; examination of distribution channels e.g. direct mail, specialist carriers, haulier, consolidated delivery companies, travel agencies, intensive/selective distribution systems; racking agreementsMethods of distribution: methods e.g. direct sell, agencies, call centres, internet, Telexed, telephone.

LO 4Understand the strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

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Strategic: examination of strategic decisions e.g. volume, pricing strategies, surcharge policy, positioning and image/branding, choice of product in relation to customer portfolio, distribution decisions; investment funded by capitalisation e.g. cruise ships and aircraft.

Tactical: responses e.g. triggered by competition, price wars, external factors; decisions e.g. fluid pricing, yield management, maximising occupancy of contracted beds, utilisation of coach and aircraft seats, consolidations; tactical marketing e.g. discounting, late sales

Programme Specification

Accrediting Body: EDEXCEL

Course: BTEC HND IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Unit14: Tour Operations Management

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Lecture Schedule

Outcome of sessionBy the end of the session learners are expected to be able to:

Activity/seminar and formative assessment

Resources

1 Introduction to the course programme

Introduction to the LO 1 Understand the tour operators

Mode of assessment, awareness of the awarding body, assessment criteria and the mode of assessment

Role play and individual induction, helping to know each other.

Group work

Analyse of

Unit specification hand-outs.

Power point Magazines, travel

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industry within the travel and tourism sector

Define tour operators Define a tour package defined by EU Package Travel Directive; Identify and explain different types of tour operatorsIdentify the type of services offered by the different types of tour operators

advertisements of tour operators

supplements, advertisement WorldwidemapTour operators prospectuses

2 Continuation with the LO 1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector

Identify and analyse different tour operatorsTypes of tourism

Understand vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators

Identification of major tour operations in UK

Activity

Tour operators advertisements of news papers

Power point slides White boardInternetWorldwide mapTour operators prospectuses

3 Continuation with the LO 1 Understand the tour operators

Identify major tour operators including their origin, ownership, market segment,

Group discussion Case study, Reading, individual presentations

Power point slides, White board, Case study, videoModule hand

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industry within the travel and tourism sector

Integration of major tour operators: vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators, impact of integration; European and global links

competition, Identify specific operators within each category based on scale, products and services offered to meet different markets

Identify some of the leading operators involved in vertical and horizontal integrationUnderstand the impact of integration on the tour operations industryIdentify the European and global links of major tour operators

Reflective question at the end of the class

book and assignment for the purpose

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Continuation with the LO 1 Understand the tour operators industry within the

Analyse of the trends to include changing trends in holidays (e.g. mass market tourism to

Case study

Practical discussionGroup discussion

Analysis of

Power point slidesWhite boardComputer lab

Assignment brief

Video Thomas

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travel and tourism sector

customisation, product range, all-inclusive holidays), expansion of thecruise market; environmental awareness of tour operators, responsible tourism; effect ofeconomy and other external factors e.g. discounting, emergence of e-commerce, budgetairlines;

Revision of task 1

Prospectuses

videos

cook

5 Introduction. to LO 2Understand stages involved in creating holidays

Analyse of the different Stages in creating holidays : e.g.market research; planning and scheduling; forecasting; contracting e.g.allocation, commitment, ad

WorkshopActivityProspectuses

PowerPoint slidesWhite boardCase studyInternet

Module hand book and assignment for the purpose

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hoc, time series charters, split charters, ad hoc chartering,scheduled services, using air brokers

6Cont. to LO 2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays

Deadline to submit draft of task 1

Analyse and prepare the costing the holiday (fixed and variable costs, direct andindirect costs, load factors, mark-up, profit margins, seasonal flexing, competitive pricing,skimming, special offers, discounting strategies, currency exchange e.g. forward buying ofcurrency, interest earning, cash flow); timescales

Revision,

Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse tourist prospectuses from Thomas cook

Hand-outPPTActivitiesHand-outsprospectuses

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correction and support for task 1

7Introduction to LO 3Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

Analyse several tour operators. Brochures: analyse and recognition of the planning issues including deciding the format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product, target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run, multiple editions; Analyse of the timescales and stages of production including creative brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof,



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printing; brochure launch;

Working towards task 3 , P3.1

8 Cont. to LO 3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

Deadline to submit a draft of task 2

Analyse several tour operators. Brochures: analyse and recognition of the planning issues including deciding the format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product, target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run, multiple editions; Analyse of the timescales and stages of production



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including creative brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof, printing; brochure launch;

Deadline to submit a draft of task 2, revision and support

9 Cont. to LO 3Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

Working towards task 3

Evaluation of legal implications;

Explore other formats e.g. CD, video, internet, intranet, television; examination of

Analyse of different distribution channels e.g. direct mail,

Q&AGroup workpresentations

ProspectusesTextbook Gillian (2010) TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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specialist carriers, haulier, consolidated deliverycompanies, travel agencies, intensive/selective distribution systems; racking agreements

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Cont. to LO 3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

Revision of task 2

Methods of distribution: methods e.g. direct sell, agencies, call centres, internet, Teledex,Telephone

Assignment – revision for task 3 , Q&A

Revision of task 2 , students to submit a draft of task 2 , assignment revision and support



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Introduction to LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

Analyse of

Strategic decision making for tour operators such as : examination of strategic decisions e.g. volume, pricing strategies, surcharge policy,

positioning and image/branding, choice of product in relation to customer portfolio,

distribution decisions; investment funded by capitalisation eg cruise ships and aircraft



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Cont. to LO 4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

Mid-term Assessment

Deadline to submit a draft of task 3 Assignment support

Workshops Individual work

TextbooksCMBAssignmentPPTHand-outsThomas cook brochuresAir tours brochures

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Revision task 3

Christmas Holidays

Christmas Holidays

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Cont. to LO 4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

Analyse ofTactical decision making for tour operators such as: responses

Examples of these are triggered by competition, price wars, external factors; decisionsSuch as fluid pricing, yield management, maximising occupancy of contracted beds, utilisation of

coach and aircraft seats, consolidations; tactical marketing e.g. discounting, late sales

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Working towards Task 4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

To analyse the course unit specifications and the pass criteria for P4.1 as stated below:P4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator

P4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations.

Analyse and activities in the classroom to work towards task 4

Hand-outsPPTtextbooks

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Revision task 4 Assignment support task 4

Assignment support and revision for task 4 Deadline submissiondraft for task 4

Recommended text and links:

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Learners should use the latest edition if available.

Cooper et al 2008, Tourism Principles and practice, 4th edition, Pearson Education, Essex

Galle, D. (2010) BTEC Travel and tourism, book 2, London: Pearson

Holloway J C 2009, — The Business of Tourism 8th Edition, Longman,

Laws E, — 1997, Managing Packaged Tourism: Relationships, responsibilities and service quality in the inclusive holiday industry, International Thomson Business Press,

Middleton, Victor T C and Clarke J, 2009, — Marketing in Travel and Tourism, 4th edition

Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford.

Yale P — 1995, the Business of Tour Operations Longman, Essex.

www.bized.co.uk/16-18/educators/tourism

Further reading

ABTA/AITO Code of Conduct

ABTA Handbook

ABTA Information Bureau Holiday Statistics

International Passenger Survey

Package Travel Regulations

Thomascook.co.uk

Thomas cook prospectuses

Air Tours

Signature from Thomas Cook

Magazines, journals and newspapers

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The Financial Times and other daily newspapers which contain a business section and market reports

Travel Trade Gazette

Travel Weekly

The travel supplement – The Guardian newspaper

The travel supplement - The Times

The travel supplement – Daily Mirror

Websites

www.abtanet.com Association of British Travel Agents

www.aito.co.uk Association of Independent Tour Operators

www.caa.co.uk Civil Aviation Authority

www.firstchoiceplc.co.uk First Choice Holidays

www.fto.co.uk Federation of Tour Operators

www.mytravelgroup.comMy Travel Group

www.thomascook.com Thomas Cook

www.tui.com TUI Group

www.bized.ac.uk provides case studies appropriate for educational purposes

www.ft.com The Financial Times business sections

www.books.google.com/booksGoogle books

www.airtours.co.uk Air tours – part of the Thomas Cook group

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Lecturer: Taiwo Olajumoke

Campus: Wentworth house

Contact details: UKCBC switchboard,support during the class time.

Teaching and Learning Activities

The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and

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discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business environment.

2.3 Teaching Ethos

The college’s approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote success in both their academic studies and subsequent career.

2.3.1 Methods of Delivery:

LECTURES:

These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their private study time more effectively.

SEMINARS:

These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral communication skills.

CASE STUDIES:

An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learner’s ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study

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serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work.

Plagiarism:

Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct).

Assessment:

The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel.

Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.

Contribution: 100% of the module

Outline Details: Individual report approx. 4500 words. Details enclosed in the assignment brief.

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ASSESSEMENT and ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Unit 14: Tour Operations Management UNIT CODE: T/601/1753Learning Hours: 63 Hours. Self-learning hours: 87 hours.Course: HND Travel and Tourism Management– Level 4 Credits: 15Term: Lecturer: Mr Taiwo Olajumoke Verifier:

Learners NameRegistration NumberLearners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:Signed:Hand out Date: Submission Date:

The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:Centre Name: UKCBCCentre Number:

Please note that the assessor’s signature below denotes conformation that he/she has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:

Assessors Name: Mr Taiwo OlajumokeAssessors Signature:Has the unit been Internally Verified? Y/NDate of verification:Internal verifiers signature:Internal verifiers assignment brief:

Due DatesIssue DateDue Task- 1 9/11/13 Final Due

date14 MARCH 2014

Due Task- 2 23/11/13Due Task- 3 20/12/13

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Due Task - 4 24/1/14

Unit 14 Tour Operations Management

Outcomes

Outcome Evidence for the criteria to pass.

Feedback Assessors decision

Internal verification.

TASK 1

After finishing your BTEC HND in Travel and tourism management course you have found a job within a medium-size independent tour operator in LONDON, specialising in Eastern Europe and worldwide destinations. They have a keen interest in developing the weddings niche of market.

You have been asked to research the tourism and travel industry in terms of the current and recent trends in the tour operation’s industry and to analyse its impacts in the development on the tour operator’s industry.

Research by using supportive materials such as tour operators prospectuses, textbooks and online resources but above all conduct some field trips , visits to travel agencies and tour operators, and provide feedback on the findings relate it to the case study above, and for the purpose answer the following questions:

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LO 1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector:

P1.1- Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry.

P1.1(P,M,D)

P1.1(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 1 (reflecting 1.1 Pass merit and distinction.) IV comments towards Task 1

. TASK 2

You work for the operations and planning department for Thomas Cook in the ‘’Signature’’ packages/products department. Your manager has offered you the position of Team Leader and has made you responsible for assessing, evaluating and researching the stages involved in creating two new package tours as follows:

• A wedding package tour of 7 seven days in Las Vegas , USA where the wedding ceremony takes place in a helicopter sightseeing tour (see Thomascook.co.uk)

b) Walking tours in the VIA ALGARVIANA, Algarve, Portugal (green tourism)0020 a 7 days. (see http://www.viaalgarviana.org/index.php/the-

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track/?lang=en), and http://www.viaalgarviana.org/?lang=en).

For the purpose write your report answering the following questions:

P2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays

P2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays

P2.2 For this task you need to evaluate and compare two different tour operators (e.g.Air tours – all inclusive summer 2014 prospectuses and Flight centre – South America prospectuses.), and for the purpose answer the question below:

P2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator

P2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information below.

This case study is based on Air Tours part of the Thomas Cook group, mass market tour operator based in UK. The company operates a time-series charter travel to Rhodes, Greece and specialises in seven days and fourteen days all inclusive tours to Rhodes. This is a short haul journey of approximately three hours from London Gatwick. The company will charter Thomas cook airlines a Boeing 737-800 with seating capacity of 180 seats.

You are going to use the services of a local agent Rhodes and he has been able to offer contract rates for 3 and 4 star hotels in different resorts. You must choose one hotel and resort for your programme and decide on the board basis and method of contract

B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Avra Beach Hotel, Rhodes-twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed guaranteed contract = 30 euros.

B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Rodos |Princess Hotel

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Kiotari

, -twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed allocation contract = 38 euros.

Supplement for half board for both hotels 15 euros.

Assume that the passengers will travel by air with Thomas cook airlines from Gatwick each Saturday and stay for 7 nights. You have a fixed contract for 80 seats. The agreed rate is £130 per person return, including all taxes. You will have to pay in advance for 80 seats on each flight even if you have no bookings made.

The agent has quoted a rate of 10 euros per person for the return transfer by coach between Rhodes airport and any of the hotel resort chosen by you, or 35 euros return trip by taxi. He will also charge a flat sum of 100 euros for each group to cover the cost of a local representative making a daily visit to the hotel.

TIPS: use the internet to help you choose which resort to offer.

LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays

P2.1- Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays

P 2.1(P,M,D)

P2.1(P,M,D)


P2.2(P,M,D)

P2.2(P,M,D)

P2.3 Calculate the P2.3 P2.3

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selling price of a holiday from given information

(P,M,D) (P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 2 (reflecting 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, Pass merit and distinction.) IV comments towards Task 2Task 3

You work for Thomas Cook group and recently you have been appointed to work for the Marketing Department of the company where your main job is to work in a team where you will evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure of Thomas Cook group. You will work in a group of maximum of four students and will provide an oral presentation (you need to discuss the dates and times with your Lecturer/ tutor). You will also need to submit a written work for task 3 which covers all the pass criteria’s mentioned below as follows:

LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of

P3.1Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure

P3.1(P,M,D)

P3.1(P,M,D)

P3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for the following tour operators of

P3.2(P,M,D)

P3.2(P,M,D)

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distribution used to sell holidays

the THOMAS COOK group:Air Tours , Summer 2014THOMAS Cook Cruises Summer 2014.P3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator within the THOMAS COOK group.

P3.3(P,M,D)

P3.3(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 3 (reflecting 3.1, and 3.2, Pass merit and distinction.) IV comments towards Task 3

TASK 4

You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc. and to evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator, compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations. In your report, please answer P4.1 and P4.2. Please give a feedback of the findings on P4.1, P4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the travel and tourism sector. Answers without relevant examples will be marked as a fail.

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LO 4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators

P4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator

P4.1(P,M,D)

P4.1(P,M,D)

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P4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations

P4.2(P,M,D)

P4.2(P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 4 (reflecting 4.1, and 4.2, Pass merit and distinction.) IV comments towards Task 4

Merit grades

M1

M2 M3

P1 P2

P3 P4

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awarded Distinction grades awarded

D1

D2

D3 RS: Resubmit :

Any other comments

Grade given by the tutor:

Pass Merit Distinction

Tutors Signature: Date:

IV Grading Check: Comments if any:

Agree

Disagree Modify grade to

IV signature:

Date:

Student feedback:

Student signature:

I assure that this is my work. Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

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ASSIGNMENT

TASK 1

After finishing your BTEC HND in Travel and tourism management course you have found a job within a medium-size independent tour operator in LONDON, specialising in Eastern Europe and worldwide destinations. They have a keen interest in developing the weddings niche of market.

You have been asked to research the tourism and travel industry in terms of the current and recent trends in the tour operation’s industry and to analyse its impacts in the development on the tour operator’s industry.

Research by using supportive materials such as tour operators prospectuses, textbooks and online resources but above all conduct some field trips , visits to travel agencies and tour operators, and provide feedback on the findings relate it to the case study above, and for the purpose answer the following questions:

LO1. Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector:

P1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry.

TASK 2

You work for the operations and planning department for Thomas Cook in the ‘’Signature’’ packages/products department. Your manager has offered you the position of Team Leader and has made you responsible

33

for accessing, evaluating and researching the stages involved in creating two new package tours as follows:

• A wedding package tour of 7 seven days in Las Vegas , USA where the wedding ceremony takes place in a helicopter sightseeing tour (see Thomascook.co.uk)

• Walking tours in the VIA ALGARVIANA, Algarve , Portugal (green tourism) a 7 days. (see http://www.viaalgarviana.org/index.php/the-track/?lang=en), and http://www.viaalgarviana.org/?lang=en).

For the purpose write your report answering the following questions:

LO2. Understand stages involved in creating holidays

P2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays

P2.2 For this task you need to evaluate and compare two different tour operators (e.g.Air tours – all inclusive summer 2014 prospectuses and Flight centre – South America prospectuses.), and for the purpose answer the question below:


P2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information below.

This case study is based on Air Tours part of the Thomas Cook group, mass market tour operator based in UK. The company operates a time-series charter travel to Rhodes, Greece and specialises in seven days and fourteen days all inclusive tours to Rhodes. This is a short haul journey of approximately three hours from London Gatwick. The company will charter Thomas cook airlines a Boeing 737-800 with seating capacity of 180 seats.

You are going to use the services of a local agent Rhodes and he has been able to offer contract rates for 3 and 4 star hotels in different

34

resorts. You must choose one hotel and resort for your programme and decide on the board basis and method of contract.

B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on AvraBeach Hotel, Rhodes-twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed guaranteed contract = 30 euros.

B&B rate per person inclusive of taxes on Rodos |Princess Hotel Kiotari, -twin room (2 adults sharing) fixed allocation contract = 38 euros.

Supplement for half board for both hotels 15 euros.

Assume that the passengers will travel by air with Thomas cook airlines from Gatwick each Saturday and stay for 7 nights. You have a fixed contract for 80 seats. The agreed rate is £130 per person return, including all taxes. You will have to pay in advance for 80 seats on each flight even if you have no bookings made.

The agent has quoted a rate of 10 euros per person for the return transfer by coach between Rhodes airport and any of the hotel resort chosen by you, or 35 euros return trip by taxi. He will also charge a flat sum of 100 euros for each group to cover the cost of a local representative making a daily visit to the hotel.

TIPS: use the internet to help you choose which resort to offer.

Task 3

You work for Thomas Cook group and recently you have been appointed to work for the Marketing Department of the company where your main job is to work in a team where you will evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure of Thomas Cook group. You will work in a group of maximum of four students and will provide an oral presentation (you need to discuss the dates and times with your Lecturer/ tutor). You will also need to submit a written work for task 3 which covers all the pass criteria’s mentioned below as follows:

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P3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays:

P3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure

P3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for the following tour operators of the THOMAS COOK group:

Air Tours, summer 2014

THOMAS Cook Cruises Summer 2014.

P3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator within the THOMAS COOK group.

TASK 4

You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc. to evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator, compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations. In your report, please answer P4.1 and P4.2. Please give a feedback of the findings on P4.1, P 4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the travel and tourism sector. Answers without relevant examples will be marked as a fail.

P4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators:

P4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator

P4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator.

Assignment Guidelines:

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Assignment Guidelines:• Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use

Times New Roman script of a proper font size 12.• Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word

limit as instructed.• Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.• The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.• Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a

soft copy on the submission date. • It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline • Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted

unless mitigating and may be entitled for a late fee. • Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.• Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered.

Highlight each question clearly.• Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the

Harvard referencing system. • All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources

must be fully acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of visit), etc.

• Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication

• In order to pass you need to address all the LO• In order to get a merit you need to achieve a pass and address the

characteristics of M1, M2,M3 • In order to get a Distinction you need to achieve a merit and

successfully address the characteristics of D1, D2 and D3. Use a common format for the questions, for example:• Introduction (analyse the question.)• Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)• Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)• Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole

scenario keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)

Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction:

Name: Registration Number:

Unit 14: Tour Operations Management

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Outcomes/criteria: Indicative characteristics

Possible evidence

Feedback

P1. Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector:

P2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays

P3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays

P4. Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operator

As per the assessment criteria specified for pass

Do

Do

Do

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Task 4

Merit Description:

M. Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions.

. Relevant theories and techniques have been applied.

. Effective judgments have been made.

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. Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored.

. An effective approach to study and research has been used.

M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques.

. A range of methods and techniques has been applied.

. A range of sources of information used.

. The selection of methods and techniques justified.

. Complex information/data have been synthesized and processed.

.Appropriate learning methods/ techniques applied.

M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings.

. Appropriate structure and approach has been used.

. Logical and coherent arguments have been presented

. Technical language accurately used.

. A range of methods of presentation has been

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used.

. Familiar and unfamiliar contexts have been used.

. It is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences.

Distinction Description:

D1. Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusion.

. Synthesis has been used to generate and justify valid conclusions

. The validity of results has been judged. Self-criticism of approach has taken place.. Evaluation has taken place using defined criteria

. Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.

D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities.

Autonomy/independence demonstrated

Substantial activities/projects or investigations have been planned, managed and

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organized.

The unforeseen has been accommodated.

The importance of interdependence has been recognized.

D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking

Ideas generate and decisions taken

Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied

Capacity for innovation and creative thought has been used.

Receptiveness to new ideas has demonstrated.

Unfamiliar contexts have been applied.

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Documents

UKCBC TOM Course Module Booklet