David Leslie

Tourism and cooperative education in UK undergraduate courses:: are the benefits being realised?

Abstract This article presents a critical appraisal of the extent to which students primarily, but also host Departments and employers in the tourism sector, are realising the benefits attributed to cooperative education in course design and delivery in undergraduate tourism management courses. Although the study is based on research in the UK, it is argued that the discussion and findings are of relevance and potentially applicable to similar courses irrespective of where they are delivered. The article draws extensively on the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the planning, practices and outcomes of the most frequently practised form of cooperative education, namely student work experience. Key outcomes of this study are presented and in the process comparisons drawn with the results of earlier studies. In the light of the results and given contemporary developments in higher education and in business practices in the 1990s the authors question whether any real progress has been made in realising the benefits of this substantial element of cooperative education since the late 1980s. Recommendations to address this are presented.

Northern Ireland, tourism and peace

Abstract The ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland is considered by a variety of commentators to hold substantial prospects for increasing visitor numbers, growth in business activity and an expanding economy. Albeit early in the process the indications are that such prospects are well founded. This article explores some of the issues and wider implications for tourism development arising from the development of peace and economic growth. Areas considered are changes in the traditional market structure of tourist arrivals, the range and quality of the product and grant aid.

TQM and Student Work Experience (SWE)

Explores the need for the application of a TQM approach to student work experience. Questions the value of traditional approaches, arguing for the introduction of a quality approach the benefits of which are succinctly identified. Outlines salient weaknesses and issues. Discusses the value of applying TQM to the process and presents advantages. Considers the implications of adoption, within which the centrality of the student in the process is accentuated and further recognized through highlighting the value of learning contracts. Raises the need for increased commitment and resources. Draws extensively on research findings in the area.

Tourism and the impact of the foot and mouth epidemic in the UK: reactions, responses and realities with particular reference to Scotland.

SUMMARY This article aims first to establish an overview of the reactions to the impact on tourism of the Foot and Mouth disease [FMD] and ensuing crisis in the UK leading on to consider the reaction and responses of the Government and leading players. The focus then turns to Scotland to explore and develop the theme of the impact of FMD on rural tourism and the responses of key public sector organisations involved. In furthering the analysis, the author draws on the findings of empirical research undertaken to investigate the actual impact of FMD on tourism enterprises in a rural area of Scotland. The outcomes of this study not only bring into question the impact portrayed through the media but more significantly, raise issues as to the way government agencies and professional organisations involved in tourism responded to the crisis engendered by FMD. In concluding, a number of key lessons are identified.

Foreign Language Skills and Tourism Management Courses in the UK.

The key issues underpinning this article are increasing globalization, development and expansion of the European Union, and the ease of and demand for international travel. These factors collectively are generating greater numbers of international travellers and thus an increasing recognition of the need for multilingual staff. This is perhaps most manifest in the service industries and, it is argued, particularly in tourism. The availability of multilingual staff is, partly at least, a function of education. This article examines the role and position of foreign languages skills in undergraduate tourism management degree courses. The findings of an investigation into the attitudes and perceptions of students of such courses in relation to the study of foreign languages are presented, complemented by the outcomes of a survey of tourism employers. While it is established that the development of foreign languages skills is recognized as an invaluable outcome of these courses, it is surprising that their acquisition is not always compulsory. Limitations in the study of languages are identified as well as key differences between the perceptions of students and those of employers, which highlight critical issues and the need for further research.

Quality assurance and student work experience

This article is based on the premise that owing to the substantial attention given to quality assurance and related initiatives in higher education in recent years, the management, and related practices involved, of student work experience will have improved. To investigate this hypothesis a comparative analysis of the findings of two major research projects, involving similar methods, into student work experience is undertaken. The two studies are discussed, criteria for comparative analysis are identified and key findings presented. This leads to the conclusion, that while there is evidence of substantial improvement in the probability of students gaining experience in the preparation of curricula vitae and of interview situations, little progress has been made in enhancing the realisation of the many other benefits attributable to student work experience. Recommendations to address the identified weaknesses in the system are proposed.

Foreign languages and the health of UK tourism

Deplores the decline of domestic trips, in the short‐term, in the UK, owing to various prohibitive events taking place such as petrol strike action, foot and mouth and even the 9/11 atrocity. The vulnerability of tourism in the face of such events, to a particular destination, means the tourism sector must be competitive as there are many more places to go. Posits the UK’s backward position with regard to language skills among both tourism enterprises and organizations. Concludes UK tourism as a whole will continue to be under attack unless simple things such as foreign language skills are properly addressed.

Agenda 21, local authorities and tourism in the UK

The United Nations World Congress on the Environment and Development witnessed the launch of Agenda 21, accepted by over 150 States and local governments throughout the globe. Such support is essential to the realization of this Agenda and nowhere more so than at the local level. This is explicitly recognized in the Agenda by Chapter 28 which outlines the role and objectives for local authorities-in particular local authorities were asked to prepare plans for a local Agenda 21 (LA21) by the end of 1996. This paper reports on a study, initiated in 1995, which investigated the extent to which tourism, as one domain of overall local environmental management had been incorporated into the implementation of Agenda 21. Preliminary findings suggest little awareness of the significance of LA21 to policy development in tourism and of an institutional separation between the local authority management of LA21 and tourism.

Taking leisure seriously

Abstract A Report on the World Leisure and Recreation Associations (WLRA) World Congress: ‘Leisure, Tourism and Environment — Issues for Human Development’ held in Jaipur, India, 5–10 December 1993

The Application of Computers in the Control Function

Increasing emphases on effective and efficient use of resources make it imperative that the potential of any one resource is maximised. In addressing the application of computers in the control function the value of a more holistic role for microprocessors in the hospitality industry is discussed. The possible enhancement in reporting quality, quantity and rate in a number of areas of hotel operations are outlined as well as the application and implications of microprocessors as planning aids in the formulation and attainment of managerial objectives.