Module Details

Module Code: HOSP8007
Title: Hospitality Problem Solving
Long Title: Hospitality Problem Solving
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8110 - Hospitality
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will apply problem-based learning (PBL) to the hospitality industry. This approach will provide students with case studies based on business problems which they are required to solve. The approach requires ingenuity and creativity and teaches students to collaborate as a group and develop (sometimes) non-standard solutions.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply problem-based learning to analyse, diagnose, solve and respond to real world industry issues and scenarios related to the hospitality sector.
LO2 Interpret and combine data and information from various disciplines to provide effective solutions.
LO3 Initiate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders drawing on existing knowledge base and undertake research as required to communicate and effect solutions to scenarios presented.
LO4 Analyse and discuss the main stages in problem-based learning and their application and relevance to the hospitality industry.
LO5 Evaluate the role of leadership in managing change and delivering sustainable PBL solutions.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to PBL
Stages involved - development of tasks and goals. Problem tasks. Discussion tasks. Strategy tasks. Study tasks. Application tasks. Action tasks.
Report Writing and Presentation
Analysis of key problem-solving techniques and strategies for hospitality professionals. Identify priorities and improving processes.
Application of PBL in Hospitality Business Scenarios
Determination of task and central concepts. Defining the problem. Analysing the problem. Inventorying and structuring systematically the outcomes of previous stage. Formulating learning objectives. Consultation outside PBL group. Synthesis and testing of information - clarification of problems, presentation of solutions.
Hospitality Environment
Examination of operations, marketing, finance, human resources, leadership and change, management and sustainability in PBL applications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
A case study based on an industry problem to be explored e.g. Operations, HRM. Learners will write a report outlining the industry problem concerned, the research they conducted and their conclusions/recommendations. The written report will be a maximum of 2,000 words.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
A case study based on an industry problem to be explored e.g. Finance, Acquisitions Mergers. Learners will write a report outlining the indusrty problem concerned, the research they conducted and their conclusions/recommendations. The written report will be a maximum of 2,000 words.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Learners will write an essay on an aspect of change management or leadership. Learners should critically review the theories, concepts and literature on the topic and also examine and reflect on their own leadership style and on their own learning in the context of change management. The essay will be a maximum of 2,000 words.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
In-Class Test e.g. problem, discussion, strategy
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Applying PBL to Hospitality scenarios and case studies Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Reading & Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Applying PBL to hospitality scenarios and case studies. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Reading and Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Terry Barrett. (2017), A new model of Problem Based Learning, All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE), Maynooth, [ISBN: 9780993525469].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Eugene O'Loughlin. (2009), An Introduction to Business Systems Analysis, Problem Solving Techniques and Strategies, The Liffey Press, [ISBN: 9781905785612].
  • John Eric Adair. (2019), Decision making and problem solving, 4th. Kogan Page, London, [ISBN: 9780749492809].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, [ISSN: 1938 9663].
  • International Journal of Hospitality Management, [ISSN: 0278 4319].
  • International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, [ISSN: 0959 6119].
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_OHMGT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Hospitality Management 8 Elective