Programme Overview

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Management is a four-year degree programme that is designed to prepare students for developing management careers in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment in the travel and tourism industry. In full recognition of the globalisation of the tourism phenomenon and business opportunities, the programme gives equal attention to local, regional and global contexts and advocates fosters students' adaptability in working for a wide spectrum of culturally diverse tourism settings. Compared with other tourism and hospitality programmes offered at IFTM that commonly concentrate on a specific area of contact between businesses and tourists, the TBM programme concerns the entire process of tourism production and consumption and associated business opportunities.

Being an interdisciplinary programme, it focuses on the core and interrelated areas of tourism studies and business management. Specialised courses on tourism highlight developing a holistic perspective of the tourism system, interdependence of its various components, and the roles played by key stakeholders. Students will gain a deep understanding of the functioning of the operating sectors, such as tour operators, travel agencies, attractions and transportation, be well-informed of the service nature of tourism products, and master the skills in regard to creating satisfying and memorable experiences for guests. It is also essential to manage the impacts of tourism business activities on the broader community and ensure that they are in compliance with ethics and the principles of sustainable tourism. Business management courses cover management units on the organisational structure of the modern firm, including human resources management, strategic management, accounting, financial management, and marketing. These courses are tailored to reflect the specific needs in the management and operation of tourism businesses. In addition to the above core intellectual areas, the programme offers information technology, research and language courses for developing knowledge and skills essential for the highly demanding professional world. Cultural exchange is encouraged, and students can choose to complete a part of their courses in many of IFTM's institutional partners outside Macao. They also have the opportunity to select several elective courses to fulfill their particular interests.

The programme places an emphasis on the integration of theory and practice, and learning is not confined to the classroom. All students are required to complete a practicum in their first year of study and a six-month internship in the third year. In the final year, they are required to complete a thesis or a project.


Curriculum

Programme Aim

The programme aims to become a premier choice of higher education in tourism business management that develops students into professionally sound and socially responsible individuals suitable for taking managerial and leadership roles in the travel and tourism industry.

Programme Objectives

  1. To provide students state-of-the-art knowledge concerning the functioning of the operating sectors of the travel and tourism industry, and build up their ability to identify, assess and pursue emerging business opportunities
  2. To equip students with the concepts and skills of sustainable development, management and operation of tourism businesses
  3. To prepare students as socially responsible professionals by thinking globally, deciding locally and acting ethically

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor in Tourism Business Management programme, students will be able to:

KnowledgeExpand / Collapse
  • K1: Explain the importance of tourism for individuals and society, and recognise the wide spectrum of business opportunities embedded in local and external tourism markets
  • K2: Describe the role and contemporary business practices of primary operating sectors in bridging tourism production and consumption
  • K3: Develop, sell and serve tourism products in accordance with the needs and behaviours of target customers
  • K4: Demonstrate the ability to select and apply fundamental business management theories and concepts to the development, management and operation of tourism businesses
  • K5: Adapt business practices to the trends of the travel and tourism industry as well as the changes in the internal and external environments
SkillsExpand / Collapse
  • S1: Design and execute a research or evaluation project related to problems, challenges, and issues in the context of tourism businesses
  • S2: Integrate multiple sources of information (such as numerical, financial, and graphical data) to formulate a consolidated business analysis
  • S3: Demonstrate cultural intelligence and communication effectiveness during interactions with other people
Attitudes and valuesExpand / Collapse
  • A1: Practice autonomy in determining and achieving personal outcomes
  • A2: Adhere to the principles of business ethics and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
  • A3: Be mindful of the social, cultural and environmental impacts of tourism business practices

Programme Structure

Tourism Business Management (academic year 2020/2021 and before)Expand / Collapse
Tourism Business Management (effective from academic year 2022/2023)Expand / Collapse

IFTM reserves the right to change, adapt, or replace certain courses in the programme depending on resources and industry needs.