http://hdl.handle.net/2436/68425 Sun, 19 May 2013 04:12:59 GMT 2013-05-19T04:12:59Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/81874 Title: The foundation degree in travel operations management – a reflective perspective Authors: Robinson, Peter Abstract: In September 2007 60 students from TUI, the UKs largest tour operator, enrolled on an innovative new Foundation Degree in Travel Operations Management, delivered online by University of Wolverhampton, University College Birmingham and Coventry University. The FD was developed as part of University of Wolverhampton’s response to the Governments drive for ‘new, innovative awards at sub‐degree level’ launched in 2000. It is managed through the Department for Leisure and Lifestyle Industries Management (LALIM) as the lead partner in the group of HEIs, working under the umbrella of UKTEP, the UK Travel Education Partnership. A project steering group involving staff from each HEI, the employer and Foundation Degree Forward, monitors the programme. The long‐term aim is for the programme to become the National Standard for the Travel Industry and the first 60 students are the pilot for this programme. Eight months on this article reflects on the progress of the students and considers some of the challenges for the future. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/81874 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/80773 Title: The Case for community-led tourism development: engaging & supporting entrepreneurial communities Authors: Robinson, Peter Abstract: This paper critically assesses a case study approach to community-led tourism development based upon reflective observational research carried out by the author between 2004-2006. The paper establishes the ad-hoc nature of stakeholder and volunteer led development projects and identifies a lack of available resources in either academic or practical fields to support individuals and groups involved in these projects. Often these are good examples of community entrepreneurship or are a reaction to the often-missed opportunity to encourage tourist spend. Projects discussed in the paper include interpretation, product development and community enterprise initiatives. The research is underpinned by observational and experiential reviews of work delivered through innovative methodologies to inform community consultation and subsequently supported by the development of strategies that lend a clear vision to the community aim. These developments often have considerable potential to make a significant impact on local economies and community socio-economics and strengthen public sector relationships through strategic clarity. Often they only come about through professional input at a regional level and are still delivered through a top-down approach, even though their altruistic vision and successful community engagement is bottom-up in ideology. Further research identifies a similar trend in Asia and Africa where community led tourism projects are considered a key catalyst for economic regeneration. In all the cases discussed there is a clear lack of accessible information and it is the overall aim of this paper to highlight a greater need to reflect upon existing case studies, to address the theoretical perspectives of sustainable development in this context, and to create a toolkit for potential sustainable communities. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/80773 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/80753 Title: An innovative delivery of foundation degrees; but not without its problems! Authors: Robinson, Peter; Wiscombe, Caroline Abstract: After three years of development in partnership with two other HEI's, employers and related organisations the University of Wolverhampton launched its Foundation Degree in Travel Operations Management in September 2008. The course was designed to be a pilot for a national programme and the institution is now leading the Curriculum Development element of the national product, in partnership with FDF. This workshop explores the journey so far and the trials and tribulations of developing a work based Foundation Degree in association with two other HEI’s, employers and related organisations. It is delivered on-line using Pebble Pad technology and supported by a face to face induction with ongoing email and telephone tutorials. The first cohort of 60 students is nearing the end of the first year of the programme, and the process has highlighted a number of difficulties including resources in planning and developing on line learning materials (both the materials themselves, the costs of technical expertise and ongoing Technology Supported Learning (TSL) training). In addition agreeing the programme regulations (including the size of modules); agreements in financial arrangements between employers and the HEI partners (each of which have different rates of pricing for FD); preparing industry personnel for their mentoring and coaching roles and changing personnel in supporting organisations contributed to the issues. Finally ensuring compliance with sector skills organisations who have not yet written their FD frameworks; industry partners frustration in timely decision making processes through the complicated list of personnel involved in agreeing decisions at different strategic levels of the university structures contribute to periods of frustration. By sharing these experiences and the current experience of being involved in the development of a wider partnership the authors hope to prevent future problems that may arise in innovative developments and to share the good practice that the programme has so far established, and which will from September 2008, be delivered using a broader national model. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/80753 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2436/68573 Title: An innovative delivery of foundation degrees; but not without its problems! Authors: Wiscombe, Caroline; Robinson, Peter; Wale, Debra Abstract: This observational study explores the trials and tribulations of developing a work based Foundation Degree (FD) in Travel Operations Management in association with two other HEI’s, employers and related organisations. It is delivered on-line using Pebble Pad technology and supported by a face to face induction with ongoing email and telephone tutorials. Whilst a first cohort of 60 students is now enrolled and progressing with their first modules, it has not been an easy two year developmental journey. The process has highlighted a number of difficulties including resources in planning and developing on line learning materials (both the materials themselves, the costs of technical expertise and ongoing Technology Supported Learning (TSL) training). In addition agreeing the programme regulations (including the size of modules); agreements in financial arrangements between employers and the HEI partners (each of which have different rates of pricing for FD); preparing industry personnel for their mentoring and coaching roles and changing personnel in supporting organisations contributed to the issues. Finally ensuring compliance with sector skills organisations who have not yet written their FD frameworks; industry partners frustration in timely decision making processes through the complicated list of personnel involved in agreeing decisions at different strategic levels of the university structures contribute to periods of frustration. By sharing these experiences the authors hope to prevent future problems that may arise in innovative developments. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2436/68573 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z