Business and Hospitality (MSc)

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Glossary of Terms

Credits

You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.

Module

An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.

Optional

A module you may choose to study.

Required

A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).

Semester

Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredSC6120: Business Analytics Fundamentals

SC6120: Business Analytics Fundamentals

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Business Analytics is the process by which businesses use statistical methods and technologies for analysing historical data to gain new insight and improve strategic decision-making. This module introduces studetns to a range of business-analytic concepts, methodologies, techniques, and practices typically employed in a range of business contexts that turn Data into information.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the role and importance of Business Analytics as a key strategic function supporting decision-making activities.
2. Locate Business Analytics in the wider context of Business Intelligence, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics.
3. 3. Evaluate the pillars of analytics: Descriptive, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics.
4. Explore industry-standard frameworks (eg. CRISP_DM) used in knowledge discovery and business analytics projects and apply this to a large data set.
5. Explore and apply a range of statistical concepts and techniques to real-world data sets.
6. Learn how to utilise a range of popular tools (commercial and Open Source for analysing data sets (eg. Microsoft Excel, KNIME Data Analytics Platform).

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  FINIAN O'DRISCOLL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6120: "Business Analytics Fundamentals" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6103: Performance and Revenue Management

SC6103: Performance and Revenue Management

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The objective of this module is to develop the skills necessary to appraise financial and non-financial performance in a hospitality organisation, along with the ability to devise revenue management strategies to improve an organisation's performance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the performance information needs of users in hospitality and other business contexts and understand the key performance indicators in the hospitality sector.
2. Appraise and interpret the financial performance and contrast performance with competitors and assess the non-financial performance of a business and consider different performance measurement models.
3. Understand the importance of cost control and recommend cost reduction strategies in different business situations.
4. Understand the modern role of revenue management in the hospitality sector and its importance in business decision making.
5. Apply Revenue Management models and tools to help implement strategies to improve business performance.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  ADRIAN SYLVER 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6103: "Performance and Revenue Management" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6101: Global Business and International HRM

SC6101: Global Business and International HRM

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

We exist in a global business world today, and it could be argued that no other industry sectors are more global that the hospitality and tourism sectors. The success of all businesses is based on the quality of its people management strategy and its ability to show leadership so as to maximise organisational performance, whilst valuing and rewarding their contributions. This module presents an overview on the concepts and theories of globalization and explores the response of the hospitality industry to global and economic pressures from a human resource management perspective. In particular, the cycle of recruitment, selection, reward, employment terms and conditions, development and retention strategies in an international context will be discussed with respect to the corporate social responsibilities of the business.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate how globalization and international forces shape and impact organisational design, structures, processes and strategies.
2. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the nature of employment in a global industry such as the structure and characteristics of the international hotel industry.
3. Understand, analyse and critically explore the process of employee resourcing and development with respect to planning, recruitment, selection, retention and rewarding of the the workforce.
4. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the employment relationship with particular emphasis on quality in the workplace, learning and development, employee wellbeing and the corporate social responsibilities of the organisation.
5. Understand, analyse and critically evaluate the importance of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) as a critical managerial function within and across Multinational Enterprises (MNE's).

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  FINIAN O'DRISCOLL 🖂
  
•  KATE O'CONNELL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6101: "Global Business and International HRM" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6102: Information Technology for Hospitality

SC6102: Information Technology for Hospitality

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to equip hospitality business leaders with Information Technology knowledge, awareness and skills to inform business decisions and practices.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Investigate the benefits and challenges of IT for Hospitality Marketing, service contracts, and return on investment.
2. Develop an understanding of the scope and potential of hospitality data, IT practices, systems and devices for hospitality businesses.
3. Enhance skills in writing hospitality business cases for new IT implementations or upgrades.
4. Develop new practical IT skills to craft business presentations.
5. Reflect on current presentation skills and integrate new theories to enhance effectiveness and boost confidence.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  DANIELLE MARTIN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6102: "Information Technology for Hospitality" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6116: Intercultural Communication for Business

SC6116: Intercultural Communication for Business

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will enable the students to recognise, understand and reflect on issues related to intercultural communication in global business settings. It comprises three core areas of study: intercultural communication and cross-cultural management, human resources management in a global context, and global leadership. The objective of this module is to enable students to recognise and understand the importance of culture and its impact on business communication and management across cultures reflecting on the need to increase their own level of intercultural sensitivity and competence, in order to succeed as managers of global teams. The manner in which cultural differences impact on communication and human resources practices and policies will be discussed and evaluated. Following this, the needs and challenges of becoming a successful global leader will be analysed; considering difference cultural settings and work scenarios, as well as the student's own culture.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and reflect on the intercultural communication theories in order to evaluate the manner in which they contribute to the understanding of global business communication.
2. Critically discuss the role of culture and its impact on business communication in a global context.
3. Analyise critically published research on intercultural communication in the field of business management and global leadership.
4. Identify and describe the intercultural competencies of successful global managers.
5. Reflect on the importance of developing intercultural communication competence and intercultural sensitivity in order to succeed in global business management.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  MARIA PALMA-FAHEY 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6116: "Intercultural Communication for Business" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6108: Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality

SC6108: Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The objective of this module is to expose the student to key strategic management frameworks, models and theories that they can then adapt and apply to the world of business in order to foster innovation. A key task for the student is to understand how strategy is crafted in response to the changing business environment. Students are expected to play an active role in the learning process by engaging with academic literature to further their knowledge of strategy, so as to improve their organisational awareness. The overall aim of this module is to challenge the student to think differently.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of strategic thinking in the business environment.
2. Identify key issues for an organisation to foster a culture of innovation.
3. Appreciate the importance of people in formulating, implementing and evaluating strategy.
4. Understand the key drivers of innovation in organisations.
5. Be able to apply the principles of a strategy-focused organisation to the running of a simulated business enterprise.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  Sean Ruane 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6108: "Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6107: Project Management

SC6107: Project Management

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to provide an opportunity to apply the process of project management to a specific hospitality business project. Topics covered include project definition, planning, execution, basic feasibility models, management, control and implementation. This will involve the application of a formalised and structured project management process and the development of proposals demonstrating appreciation of the practical and consumer based contexts of the organisation. Specifically defined outputs in response to a client brief or organisational scenario will be expected. In arriving at outcomes, consideration will be given to the need for appropriate innovation and creativity whilst ensuring realistic application.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand project management development processes, design and associated techniques.
2. Analyse the implications, challenges and opportunities of organisational dynamics with regard to project management.
3. Understand how to manager project cost, quality and delivery.
4. Align available resources for effective project implementation.
5. Recognise and mitigate the early seeds of failure in a project life cycle.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  SARAH RYAN 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6107: "Project Management" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSC6105: Hotel Asset Management

SC6105: Hotel Asset Management

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Hotel Asset Management will provide the framework, knowledge and tools to manager hotel assets strategically. This module will enable students to develop analytical capabilities to enable them to evaluate opportunities and make decisions related to the management of hotel assets. Also assessed will be management contracts between owners and operators, and the complexities involved in handling multiple stakeholders in Hotel Asset Management contracts.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the latest Hotel Asset Management techniques and analyse management contracts from owners and operators.
2. Understand how to administer and renegotiate management contracts.
3. Evaluate capital expenditure decisions and manager their execution.
4. Benchmark a property's revenue and expense performance against the market.
5. Provide a set of practical tools and tactics that asset managers can use to achieve strategic performance.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  KATE O'CONNELL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  ADRIAN SYLVER 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6105: "Hotel Asset Management" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6109: International Entrepreneurship in Hospitality

SC6109: International Entrepreneurship in Hospitality

12 months long | Credits: 5

The objective of this course is to gain an insight into entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial management from a strategic perspective.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a range of diagnostic, analytical and decision-making skills necessary for the formulation, development and evaluation of a business start up/strategy to grow and develop a business opportunity.
2. Critically assess the principal techniques and concepts necessary in setting up an international business enterprise.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  CELINE RYAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6109: "International Entrepreneurship in Hospitality" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6110: Management of Organisational Change

SC6110: Management of Organisational Change

12 months long | Credits: 5

To understand and recognise the various levels of change within an organisation and to appreciate the impact change can have on staff and on the motivation and productivity of a group. Students will be required to engage and reflect on events happening in the business world around them, and to produce creative solutions to challenges emerging.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss and analyse the impact of Change Management as a key contemporary business skill.
2. Define organisational change, and discuss change levers and interventions.
3. Apply change models and frameworks to different situations and contexts.
4. Identify the most appropriate style of management when faced with a set of circumstances.
5. Interpret attitudes and behaviours towards organisational change and identify problems facing change agents.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  CELINE RYAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6110: "Management of Organisational Change" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6111: Organisational Behaviour

SC6111: Organisational Behaviour

12 months long | Credits: 5

Organisational behaviour is presented as an overarching framework which investigates the impact that individuals, groups and structure have on behaviour within organisations for the purpose of applying such knowledge towards improving an organisations effectiveness. Indicative topics include: understanding individual differences and personality, employee motivation, the organisational socialisation process, job satisfaction and organisational commitment, the psychological contract of the employee-organisation relationship, Social Cognitive/Social Learning Theory, managerial efficacy, the psychology of decision making. The emphasis for this module is on acquiring 'self-knowledge' to better appreciate and understand the attitudes and behaviours of individuals in the work environment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the anchors and models on which organisational behaviour knowledge is based.
2. Evaluate the role of the Manager/Leader/Supervisor in the management of employee/interpersonal relations.
3. Focus on a range of individual and organisational processes that are prevalent in all 21st century organisation.
4. In-depth discussion on a number of work related attitudes and behaviours (Job Satisfaction, Organisational Commitment, Perceived Organisational Support, OCBs).
5. Explore the nature of effective Leadership and the role of Emotional Intelligence.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  FINIAN O'DRISCOLL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6111: "Organisational Behaviour" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6112: Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions

SC6112: Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions

12 months long | Credits: 5

Quantitative analysing is the scientific approach to managerlal decision making. The module emphasises the importance of accessing, analysis and reporting on quantitative information that can assist in making the best possible management/business decision. Topics include: describing business data both visually and statistically; exploring the statistical relationships between variables through correlation analysis; predicting the influence of variables with regression analysis and decision trees; conducting business sales/demand forecasting with time series analysis; measuring and interpreting the probability of business decisions that are quantitatively based.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the role and importance of data analysis in the wider context of Business Intelligence.
2. Conduct comprehensive exploratory data analysis on a real world data set and communicate findings.
3. Apply a range of forecasting techniques and evaluate the merits of such methods.
4. Apply probability theory to business decision making.
5. Portfolio and Risk Analysis.
6. Practical application of data analysis software.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  FINIAN O'DRISCOLL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6112: "Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6114: Business Negotiations

SC6114: Business Negotiations

12 months long | Credits: 5

Negotiation is a dialogue to discover common ground among parties with differing aims, needs and perspectives in order to achieve a solution. the aim is to seek a process by which parties may pursue a mutually acceptable outcome, which typically involves an element of compromise. Business Negotiations explore how two or more parties with competing interests discuss and manage issues so as to attain an agreement, settle a matter of mutual concern, or resolve a conflict. Negotiation is a valuable leadership and management skill, which is employed in a wide range of business contexts, such as contracts, deal-making, employment discussions, team building, and disputes. Negotiations occur in commercial, non-profit and governmental organisations.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Theoretical Competency - Comparing distributive and integrative negotiations - Identifying the sub-processes of negotiations - Distinguishing between interests and positions - Outlining the elements of principled negotiations - Summarising the seven elements framework.
2. Skills Development - Applying active listening techniques - Investigating the joint outcome space through BATNA, ZOPA and anchoring - Exploring the agent-client dynamics in negotiations - Crafting solutions via standards and persuasion - Managing hardball tactics and non-engagement - Identifying ethical issues in negotiations.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6114: "Business Negotiations " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6115: Lean Principles for Hospitality Managers

SC6115: Lean Principles for Hospitality Managers

12 months long | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to develop a deep understanding of lean principles as a basis for driving transformation change that meets the needs of business stakeholders as they seek an agile and progressive response to a changing marketplace. This practical module blends theory, immersive experiential learning and industry practitioner input in a dynamic learning experience. The module will stretch and challenge participants to enhance and develop their own problem solving, internal consultancy, and change management skills through the internalisation of Kaizen - continuous improvement.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Lean theory.
2. Differentiate between Lean as a set of tools and techniques and Lean as a philosophy and articulate the significance of this differentiation.
3. Assess and critically evaluate the value of Lean and the challenges associated with Lean implementations in multiple orgainisational contexts.
4. Critically evaluate the value of a Lean Principles approach to management.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6115: "Lean Principles for Hospitality Managers" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6113: Business Consultancy Project

SC6113: Business Consultancy Project

12 months long | Credits: 15

This major applied project will be undertaken on a small group basis, acting in a consultancy role for a hospitality related business. Projects must be based on a substantial topic in the field of hospitality. Skills developed and topics may include: business consulting negotiations and agreement; environmental analysis; project management; market research and marketing/promotional related activities; and analysis and evaluation of business opportunities. Also evaluated will be creative thinking and problem-solving, report writing and business presentations of developed recommendations. The objectives are to: integrate acquired discipline-based skills; to apply student knowledge, expertise and experience in the context of a real business situation; and to further develop the interpersonal skills needed for effective cross-functional teamwork. Successful project requirements include: research; reporting skills; analytical and problem-solving capabilities; a value-added focus; a multi-disciplinary perspective; critical evaluative thinking; application of the principles, concepts, theories, techniques and systems of strategy and business disciplines; and the ability to work in partnership mode in a team setting.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Analysis of the client's current business strategy, along with market conditions and demands.
2. Develop scenarios and solutions for client brief and answering current organisational needs.
3. Evaluation of alternative courses of action and negotiation with client towards optimum outcome for the company from the consulting project.
4. Summarie and self-evaluate the work completed and the potential value added to the project by the contributions made by members of the team towards the client report.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  CELINE RYAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6113: "Business Consultancy Project" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6118: Research Thesis

SC6118: Research Thesis

12 months long | Credits: 30

The MSc research thesis presents a substantial piece of guided independent research on a topic agreed between the student and thesis advisor. It typically involved a literature review and an appropriate form of critical analysis of sources of primary and/or secondary data; it may also involve field work. The submitted thesis must demonstrate evidence of expansive reading and understanding of the central topic/research area, provide critical analysis and appropriate use of relevant/advanced research techniques.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Plan, and engage in, an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic.
2. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, apply appropriate data collection and analytical techniques from which to derive appropriate conclusions.
3. Engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
4. Appropriately apply qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation processes to original data.
5. Understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources.
6. Communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  FINIAN O'DRISCOLL 🖂
  
•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6118: "Research Thesis" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalSC6121: Internship Business and Hospitality

SC6121: Internship Business and Hospitality

12 months long | Credits: 30

The aim of the internship is to support the students learning requirements, nurture their professional development as contribute to their personal growth and confidence. The objective of this internship is to provide students with an opportunity to develop their professional skills and work expereience in an areas they wish to build their careers in. By completing the internship, students will have improved their employability in the areas of business and hospitality and will have had an opportunity to build a network for future employment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Have an understanding of the day to day operation of the department that they have worked in.
2. Develop their personal and professional life-skills through on-the-job interactions with colleagues and customers if in a customer facing department.
3. Have an awareness of how the different departments work together to be a successful business with specific attention to how their managers/supervisors run their departments.
4. Improve their customer care skills.
5. Improve their communication skills and emotional intelligence in the work environment.

Assessments

• Department-based Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  MARY BRENNAN 🖂
  
•  Deborah O'Hanlon 🖂
  

The above information outlines module SC6121: "Internship Business and Hospitality" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.