Research methods are the systematic, structured procedures used to collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer research questions, bridging theory and evidence. They include qualitative (words, meanings), quantitative (numbers, statistics), and mixed-methods approaches. Key types include surveys, experiments, observations, and interviews, selected based on the research objective.

Module Description:

This module provides an in-depth understanding of tourism planning, policy formulation, and development processes within the East African Community (EAC). It examines how tourism policies are designed, implemented, and coordinated among partner states, emphasizing sustainable tourism practices and regional cooperation. The module covers key areas such as tourism policy frameworks, institutional structures, tourism development strategies, challenges and opportunities in EAC member states, and the role of public and private stakeholders in promoting tourism integration. Learners will explore case studies across East Africa to understand the relationship between tourism planning and socio-economic development, environmental management, and cultural preservation.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Explain the concepts, principles, and significance of tourism planning and policy within the East African context.
  • Identify and analyze the major components and processes involved in tourism policy formulation and implementation.
  • Examine the institutional and legal frameworks governing tourism development in the East African Community.
  • Assess the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism development in EAC partner states.
  • Explore strategies for sustainable tourism planning and cross-border collaboration among EAC member countries.
  • Evaluate the role of public and private sector actors in promoting regional tourism integration and competitiveness.
  • Develop policy recommendations and planning models that enhance tourism development and regional cooperation in East Africa.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Define tourism planning, policy, and development concepts within the East African context.
  • Describe the key stages and actors involved in the tourism policy-making process.
  • Analyze existing tourism policies and strategies of EAC member countries.
  • Apply principles of sustainable tourism in planning and policy development.
  • Assess the role of EAC institutions and regional agreements in shaping tourism growth and integration.
  • Identify and address challenges affecting tourism policy coordination and implementation in the region.
  • Propose practical strategies for inclusive and sustainable tourism development within the EAC framework.
  • Demonstrate analytical and communication skills in evaluating tourism policy documents and development plans.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of tourism planning, policy formulation, and development within the East African Community (EAC). It explores the principles and frameworks that guide sustainable tourism development, emphasizing regional cooperation, policy harmonization, and economic integration.

Course credit: 10

Pre-requisites : None

Academic year 2024-2025

Lecturer: Dr. Denys Uwimpuhwe

Course content

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION

UNIT II: Market failure and the reason for public/Government intervention 

Unity III: Theories in the field of “Public Policy”

UNITY IV: TYPES OF PUBLIC POLICIES

UNIT V: POLICY MAKING PROCESS (Policy cycle)

UNIT VI: ACTORS IN THE TOURISM POLICY PROCESS

VII: Tourism Planning

VIII: Tourism Development in East African Community


INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM PLANNING, POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT IN EAC

What is tourism policy and planning?

These two terms are largely interchangeable.

Tourism policy can be defined as;

A set of rules, regulations, guidelines, directives, and development/promotion objectives and strategies that provide framework within which the collective, as well as individual decisions directly affecting long-term tourism development and the daily activities within a destination are taken

Planning can be defined as;

The process of making decisions for the future, and not simply the physical preparation of a ‘plan’; planning involves implementing decisions and monitoring the outcomes.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand Tourism Planning Concepts
  • Analyze Tourism Policies
  • Develop Tourism Policy Recommendations

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • Provide an Understanding of Tourism Planning
  • Examine Tourism Infrastructure and Investment
  • Address Challenges in Tourism Policy Implementation

Module Title: Front office operations II

Module Code: Module Code: BLTH3503

 

Level:  8                Semester:              2                                  Credits:             15

 

Lecturer: Dr Ernest Safari

 

Phone: 0786056050

 

 

Email:ernestsafari2020@gmail.com

 

 

 

1.1. Brief description of aims and content (not more than five lines)

For the acquisition of knowledge and skills regarding front office operation II the students will be introduced to theory and practical components of handling guest bookings, registration & check outs, receive payments and deposits, performing record keeping, carry out night audit, and prepare performance reports

6.2 Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

LO1: Have Knowledge about the preparation of performance reports accordingly.

LO2: Know how to handle guest bookings, check in and outs for the visitors

 

Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to: LO3: Practically handle guest bookings.

LO4: Receive payments and deposits

LO5: Keep records for the hotels or guest houses

LO6: Prepare performance reports as may be required

 

 

Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

 

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

 

LO7: Convey complex ideas of Cost Accounting in a well structured and coherent form

LO8: Use a range of forms of communication effectively in both familiar and new contexts

 

General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

-    Be able to work with little or no supervision.

-    Be able to work with others to achieve defined objectives

-    Be able to take responsibility for their own work.

-    Be able to take a leadership role in group work.

 


1. Module Title: Tourism Operations and Management

2. Module Code:-BLTH 3202

 

Level:  8           Semester:         2                          Credits:         10     `

 

Lecturer: Dr Ernest Safari

Phone: 0786056050

Email:ernestsafari2020@gmail.com

 

Allocation of study and teaching hours See Notes of Guidance                                                              

Total student hours  100 Hours

Student

Hours

Staff

Hours

Lectures

30

30

Seminars/workshops

8

8

Practical classes

6

3

Structured exercises

10

2

Set reading etc.

6

2

Self-directed study

16

4

Assignments – preparation and writing

12

4

Examination – revision and attendance

10

3

Consultation:

2

2

TOTAL

100

58

 

Brief description of aims and content

3. Target Audience

- Tourism and hospitality students

- Community tourism operators

- Frontline staff in tour agencies, hotels, and visitor centers

4. Module Aim

TO DEVELOP LEARNERS’ COMPETENCIES IN PLANNING, MANAGING, AND EVALUATING TOURISM OPERATIONS, WITH A FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND DESTINATION MANAGEMENT.

THIS MODULE WILL EQUIP YOU WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO OPERATE AND MANAGE BUSINESSES WITHIN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY. THE TOURISM OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CULTIVATES SKILLED PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN DESIGN, MANAGE, AND MARKET EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.  THIS PROGRAM EQUIPS YOU WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TO THRIVE IN THE DYNAMIC TOURISM INDUSTRY, FOCUSING ON PLANNING AND DELIVERING TOURS, COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS.

MARKETING AND SALES STRATEGIES: LEARN TO EFFECTIVELY PROMOTE TOURS THROUGH TARGETED MARKETING CHANNELS, CONVERT INQUIRIES INTO BOOKINGS, AND LEVERAGE DIGITAL TOOLS FOR SUCCESS AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: GAIN EXPERTISE IN MANAGING FINANCES, CUSTOMER SERVICE, LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS, AND UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY TO STREAMLINE TOUR OPERATIONS.

5. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

LO1. Explain the key concepts of tourism operations and management.

LO2. Identify different types of tourism operations and their functions.

LO3. Describe the roles of various players in the tourism industry.

LO4. Analyze the factors that contribute to successful tourism operations.

LO5. Develop and manage tourism products and services.

LO6. Apply marketing and sales strategies to promote tourism businesses.

LO7. Manage tourism operations effectively within a budget.

LO8. Prioritize and deliver exceptional customer service to tourists.

LO9. Identify and mitigate risks that could affect tourism businesses

This course introduces learners to cashiering functions within the front office department of hotels and hospitality businesses. It emphasizes the responsibilities and procedures related to guest billing, payments, financial reporting, and transaction accuracy. The course also focuses on maintaining guest satisfaction through efficient service, while ensuring compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and hospitality protocols. Through both theoretical and practical exposure, students gain critical skills needed to handle check-ins, check-outs, audits, and financial interactions professionally.

Objectives: 
  • Understand the structure and role of the cashiering section in front office operations.
  • Learn the procedures for handling guest accounts, billing, and payment processing.
  • Develop the ability to operate Property Management Systems (PMS) or manual recording systems.
  • Ensure accuracy and integrity in financial transactions and documentation.
  • Recognize and apply ethical and professional standards in cash handling.
  • Understand the relationship between the front office and accounting departments

Learning Outcomes: 
  • Describe the key functions of a cashier in the hospitality industry.
  • Post guest charges, credits, and adjustments accurately.
  • Handle a range of payment methods including cash, credit cards, mobile money, and traveler’s cheques.
  • Maintain and reconcile guest accounts and generate final bills during checkout.
  • Prevent and detect errors or fraud in financial transactions.
  • Communicate effectively with guests during billing and resolve disputes professionally.
  • Perform night audit procedures and report discrepancies to management.

Course Code: BLTH 3104

Credits: 10

Academic Year 2024-2025

Lecturer: