Syllabus
College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Semester: Spring 2009
Course Number and Section: TRM490 A
Course Title: Tourism Economics
Credit Hours: 3
Classroom: Vini 311
Meeting Times: MWF (10:10am -11:05pm)
Required Text: Lundberg, Stavenca, and Krishhamoorthy. (1995). Tourism Economics. John Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 0-471-57884-3
Supplemental readings: Vanhove, Norbert. (2005). The Economics of Tourism Destinations. Elsevier. ISBN:0-7506-6637-4
Other Required Materials: handouts
Instructor Information:
Name: Zongqing Zhou, PhD
Office Hours: MF: 12:30-3:00pm W: 12:30-4pm
Office Location: Vini 412
Office Phone: 286-8271
Fax Number: 286-8277
Faculty E-Mail:
Faculty website address: http://purple.niagara.edu/zhou
College Website: http://www.niagara.edu/hospitality
Course Description:
This course examines the fundamental economic principles as they apply to the tourism industry and explores the impacts of leisure and tourism on regional and national economics. Applications of economic analysis to recreation and tourism include, but not limited to, estimation and prediction of demand and supply, forecasting tourism market trends, estimating and forecasting or recreation and tourism use and demand, economic impacts of recreation and tourism, sources of capital provision, application of conversion studies techniques, and the use of economic analysis in management, marketing, financial, and policy decisions.
Prerequisites: None
Methods Of Instruction:
A number of teaching methods will be applied that include:
1. Lectures
2. Class and group discussions
3. End of the semester presentation.
College of Hospitality and Tourism Management Education Goals:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through a balance of oral and written communication skills
2. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills
3. Students will be exposed to the social values of ethical decisions making s well as apprised of the costs to society of unethical decisions
4. Students will acquire practical industry related skill sets
5. Students will find success in job placement commensurate with their interests
6. Students will be afforded opportunities to work and study in environments containing diverse groups of people in multicultural/international settings
Course Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. identify and evaluate trends in tourism demand and their relevance for local economic development.
2. understand and assess impact(s) of tourism upon local economies and factors likely to affect the extent of these impacts.
3. evaluate published studies and economic arguments in order to make sound decisions that incorporate economic analysis.
4. select and apply appropriate economic methods to recreation and tourism problems and decisions.
5. gain a comprehensive understanding of the economics in various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry.
6. distinguish between economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Assessment Measures:
Specific course objectives / Assessment Methods / College goals1. identify and evaluate trends in tourism demand and their relevance for local economic development. / class discussions
final paper
oral presentation / 1, 2, 4
2. understand and assess impact(s) of tourism upon local economies and factors likely to affect the extent of these impacts. / class discussions
term paper
tests / 1, 2, 4
3. evaluate published studies and economic arguments in order to make sound decisions that incorporate economic analysis. / term project
classroom demonstrations
class assignments / 4, 5
4. select and apply appropriate economic methods to recreation and tourism problems and decisions. / presentation
term project / 2 and 5
5. gain a comprehensive understanding of the economics in various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. / Class discussions
tests / 2,5
6.distinguish between economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts. / Class discussions
Tests
Oral presentation / 2,3,5
Grading System:
Final grade will be based on the following:
Class attendance, participation and initiative 10%
Tests (three quizzes: 15% each and final: 20%) 65 %
Course project (paper and presentation) 25 %
Grading Scale: (Grade is based upon % of total points accrued based on above weighting)
A+ = 97-100 / A = 93-96 / A- = 90-92 / B+= 87-89 / B = 83-86 / B- = 80-82 / C+= 77-79 / C = 73-76 / C- = 70-72 / D+ = 67-69 / D = 63-66 / D- = 60-62 / F = 59 belowTerm Project:
Objective: The purpose of this project is to give students an opportunity to apply what they learn in class to solve practical economic decision-making problems.
Requirements:
What to do: write a paper on the topic: Economic Impact of the New Casino to Be Built in Buffalo
Group size: 2
Basic requirements:
1. Provide a list of arguments for and against the building of the new casino in Buffalo based on research from speeches, articles, radio and tv shows and ads, newspaper reports that are directly related to the Buffalo casino. In addition, cite other sources on similar topics that cover casino pros and cons in general. Be specific and clearly marked which items are direct reference to the buffalo casino and which items are general statements.
2. Provide your own list of arguments for or against the new casino (pick your own stand).
3. Support your arguments with evidence (such as from the local existing Casinos, literature, facts, class discussion and book or testimonies).
4. Be sure to clearly explain your arguments by outlining the consequences such as crime (how is crime rate related to economies?) , low paying jobs, real estate value decline (if you are against it) or the benefits such as employment, tax revenues for government, tourism income increase (if you are for it).
5. Assuming that you are a leader of a group (either opposes or supports the casino), how do you convince the general public that the casino is either good or bad (depending on your argument). Make the case with a powerpoint presentation.
Minimum Pages: 7 (double space, 12 point)
Maximum Pages: 10 (same standard as above)
Due date: see class schedule
Class Policies and General Administrative Practices
1. Attendance: as you might have noticed that I count your attendance as part of your grade. It is important to note here that your attendance includes participation in class discussions, which means that you are expected to do the readings before each class. If you don't read prior to the class discussion, you risk losing a significant amount of course credit because you are unprepared to participate in class discussions. Missing classes more than three times will result in the loss of your entire attendance grade and adversely affect your total class grade. You are required to inform your instructor, prior to the class meeting, if you cannot attend class. If you need to be absent on a test or exam day, you will take a test or exam prior to the day on which you will be absent. You need to take the initiative to arrange for a time convenient for all involved. . Please remember: A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on the part of your instructor.
2. Extra credit: Extra credit assignments are not available.
3. Papers and Presentations: It is important that you are responsible for proper spelling and neatness. You are expected to demonstrate in an all of your assignments and presentations a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
4. Due Date: Unless written permission is received in advance of the due date, all assignments have to be turned in on the day they are due. Assignments must be submitted on the day they are due and at the hour for which they are assigned. Should classes be cancelled by the institution due to weather or any other occurrence, assignments, exams, etc. are due at the next class meeting. When classes are canceled by your instructor due to professional obligations, you will be informed in advance and a special task will be assigned.
5. Tests and Exam Policy: contents of the tests are non-redundant and non-repetitive, which means that chapters that are covered in the previous will not be included in the later tests. However, the final exam will include all materials except the chapters covered in the first quiz and midterm. It is important to note that contents of the tests and the exam will include materials from the textbook and from handouts as well as from whatever is covered by the instructor in the class. Taking notes in the class is very important and is greatly encouraged.
Academic Honesty
Please review the Academic Honesty statement in the catalogue and be familiar with the definitions of Cheating and Plagiarism as well as procedures related to a violation of the academic honesty code of ethics.
Academic Honesty
The integrity of an academic community necessitates the full and correct citation of ideas, methodologies, and research findings. In addition, each student can promote academic honesty by protecting his or her work from inappropriate use. Academic honesty is essential to ensure the validity of the grading system and to maintain a high standard of academic excellence. The principal violations of academic honesty are cheating and plagiarism.
Cheating
includes the unauthorized use of certain materials, information, or devices in writing examinations, or in preparing papers or other assignments. Any student who aids another student in such dishonesty is also guilty of cheating. Other possible forms of cheating include submitting the same work in more than one class without permission.
Plagiarism is the presentation of ideas, words, and opinions of someone else as one’s own work. Paraphrased material, even if rendered in the student’s own words, must be attributed to the originator of the thought.
Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of an evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible in the semester, preferably no later than the first week of the semester. Students must also register with Diane Stoelting, Coordinator of Specialized Support Services (286-8076, ) in order to facilitate the provision of needed accommodations.
Counseling Services and Academic Support
The strains and workload of student life can sometimes feel overwhelming and it is easy to lose perspective when faced with academic, social, and personal demands. The staff of the office of counseling services in the lower level of Seton Hall and the Academic Support staff in the Learning Center in Seton Hall are here to help students manage the stresses of university life. All private consultations are confidential and free of charge. Appointment can be scheduled by calling 286-8536 (Counseling) or 286-8072 (Office of Academic Support).
Chronological Outline of Topics to be Covered:
Week / Day / Date / Topic / Assignments and Due Dates1 / W / Jan. 14 / Syllabus and Course Overview / Will assign teams and set presentation sequence
F / Jan. 16 / Introduction to Tourism / Chap. 1
2 / M / Jan. 19 / NO CLASS / MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY
W / Jan. 21 / Introduction to Tourism / Chap. 1
F / Jan. 23 / Introduction to Tourism / Chap. 1
3 / M / Jan. 26 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
W / Jan. 28 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
F / Jan. 30 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
4 / M / Feb. 2 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
W / Feb. 4 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
F / Feb. 6 / Economics as applied to Tourism / Chap. 2
5 / M / Feb. 9 / Economic Impact of Tourism / Chap. 7
W / Feb. 11 / Economic Impact of Tourism / Chap. 7
F / Feb. 13 / Economic Impact of Tourism / Chap. 7
6 / M / Feb. 16 / First test
W / Feb. 18 / Test result return and analysis
F / Feb. 20 / Hotel Economics / Chap. 3
7 / M / Feb. 23 / Hotel Economics / Chap. 3
W / Feb.25 / Restaurant Economics / Chap. 4
F / Feb. 27 / Restaurant Economics / Chap. 4
Sat. / Feb. 28 / Winter recess begins
8 / M / Mar. 2 / No school
W / Mar. 4 / No school
F / Mar. 6 / No school
9 / M / Mar. 9 / Second Test
W / Mar. 11 / Second Test result return and analysis
F / Mar. 13 / Airline Economics / Chap. 5
10 / M / Mar. 16 / Airline Economics / Chap. 5
W / Mar. 18 / Airline Economics / Chap. 5
F / Mar. 20 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
11 / M / Mar. 23 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
W / Mar. 25 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
F / Mar. 27 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
12 / M / Mar. 30 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
W / Apr.1 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
F / Apr. 3 / Economics of other sectors / Chap. 6
13 / M / Apr. 6 / Third test
W / Apr. 8 / Third test result returned and analyzed / Easter recess begins after the last class
F / Apr. 10 / No school / No school
14 / M / Apr. 13 / No school / No school
W / Apr. 15 / Project evaluations / First draft due (in class discussion)
F / Apr. 17 / Forecasting Tourism Demand / Chap. 8
15 / M / Apr. 20 / Forecasting Tourism Demand / Chap. 8
W / Apr. 22 / Analysis of Tourism Projects / Chap. 9
F / Apr. 24 / Analysis of Tourism Projects / Chap. 9
16 / M / Apr. 27 / Presentation
W / Apr. 29 / Presentation
F / May 1 / Presentation
17 / M / May 4 / REVIEW
Tu. / May 5 / Exam week begins. FINAL / See final exam schedule below
SAT / May 9 / Semester ends. / Have a great summer!
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
MWF at 10:10 a.m. / Tuesday, May 5 / 10:10-12:00 p.m.
Bibliography