Units of Assessment

Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)

 

In-class Tests (4x15%)

60

Group Assignment

40

Alternative Assessment If students fail the in-class tests, they will be assessed through a final exam (60%); If students fail the group assignment, they are required to submit individual assignment (40%; 1000 words of conceptual paper and annotated bibliography).

Qualifying Condition(s) 

  A weighted aggregated mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

The hospitality industry is unique in terms of its labour market and labour force compositions, requiring special attention to human resources management issues; potential employees and employers are required to assess this distinctive environment to allow them to adapt to the environment successfully and to adopt the most appropriate human resources management approaches effectively. This module provides students with the big picture of the hospitality employment from strategic and international perspectives. It also prepares students entering into their first graduate employment in the field by having a complete understanding of both views: as a potential employee and employer in the hospitality industry.

This module aims to synthesize new and prior knowledge and skills gained from previous Human Resources and/or Hospitality related modules and provide students with opportunities to reflect on their work experiences to date as preparation for their entry into the hospitality industry.

On successful completion of this module, the students will be able:

 To critically evaluate Human Resources Management in the context of the Hospitality Industry.

The module focuses on the following topics:

 HRM and Strategic HRM in the International Hospitality Industry  

Training and Developing Hospitality Employees

 Managing and Appraising Hospitality Employees

 Leading, Communicating and Motivating Hospitality Employees

 Critical Issues and Challenges of HRM in Hospitality Industry

Preparation towards Graduate Hospitality Employment

Teaching and Assessment Strategy:

 The teaching, learning and assessment strategy considers the above intended learning outcomes and includes interactive lectures, round table discussions as well as self-reflection and career path preparation.

Following the first introduction to the module in Week 1, students’ understanding on the topics will be assessed regularly through a series of in-class tests (multiple choice and short answers) between Weeks 2 and 6. In addition, students are also assessed through a group assignment based on their ability to apply theoretical knowledge (as discussed through lectures in Week 2-7) to their previous working experiences to date (if applicable). Students are given the opportunities to discuss their topic through round table discussions and will receive formative feedback from other students and lecturer (Week 8-11). An integrated part of the group assignment requires students to research, plan and prepare for their graduate employment. The group assignment, which consists of three components: 1500 words of written assignment, annotated bibliography and attachments as evidence of individual contributions, is to be submitted in Week 12.

 Alternative Assessment Instrument:

 If students fail the in-class tests, they will be assessed through a final exam (60%); If students fail the group assignment, they are required to submit individual assignment (40%; 1000 words of written assignment and annotated bibliography). If students do not have any previous working experiences to date (e.g. professional training, part-time work, or equivalents), readings on hospitality biographies and autobiographies will be assigned as alternatives.

Essential Reading

 Nickson, D., (forthcoming 2011). Human Resource Management for the Hospitality, Tourism and Events. (2^nd ed.) Oxford : Butterworth-Heinemann.

 Recommended Reading

 Baum, T., (2006). Human Resource Management for the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Industries: An International Perspective, London : Thompson Learning.

 D’Annunzio-Green, N., Maxwell, G. A. & Watson, S., (2002). Human Resources Management, International Perspectives in Hospitality and Tourism, London : Thomson Learning.

 Background Reading

 Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly

 International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

 International Journal of Hospitality Management

 Tourism and Hospitality Research

 Human Resource Review

 Human Resource Management Journal

 International Journal of Human Resource Management

 Further specific recommended and background readings will be provided for each lecture.