Htmi) Switzerland

HospitalityInstitute Assured of Hospitality Scheme Pack The StandardAccreditation for Service Report and

Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Switzerland

August 2016 Accreditation Report, August 2016 Summary and Conclusions

The following programme was submitted by the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Switzerland for formal re-accreditation by the Institute of Hospitality:

• BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management

The programme is delivered through a collaborative partnership arrangement with Ulster University (Ulster) (the parent institution).

The application for accreditation was submitted with the approval and support of Ulster University.

The above programme was previously accredited as the BSc (Hons) International Hotel and Tourism Management by the Institute of Hospitality in July 2008 and was re-accredited in August 2011, with a change of title taking place in the 2013/14 academic year.

HTMi has met all of the criteria in relation to professional programmes and the above named programme has been unconditionally accredited for a period of five years, until August 2021.

Published by © Institute of Hospitality 2016 Trinity Court, 34 West Street, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1SH UK Company No. 478810 Charity No. 326180 www.instituteofhospitality.org

Summary and Conclusions 2

Section 1: Collaborative Partnership Accreditation 4 1.1 Accreditation for collaborative partnerships 4 1.2 The collaborative partnership between Ulster University and HTMi 4

Section 2: The Programme 5 2.1 Programme overview 5 2.2 Programme aims and learning outcomes 6 2.3 Admission requirements and selection procedures 5 2.4 Mode of study 6 2.5 Methods of delivery 6 2.6 Programme content and structure 6 2.7 Subject (unit) outlines by level of study 6 2.8 Specialised / professional skills development 6 2.9 Additional awards 6 2.10 Industrial placement / internship / work based learning 7 2.11 Assessment strategy 7 2.12 Panel findings 7 Comments and observations 7

Section 3: The Institution 8 3.1 Summary and background 8 3.2 Ownership structure 8 3.3 Organisation structure 8 3.4 Relationships with other organisations 8 3.5 Teaching / training staff, qualifications and experience 9 3.6 Teaching / CPD requirements for teaching / training staff 9 3.7 Support staff 9 3.8 Physical teaching / training facilities 9 3.9 Practical, professional and skills development facilities 9 3.10 Learning support facilities including electronic resources 9 3.11 Student support services 10 3.12 Promotional materials 10 3.13 Panel findings 10 Commendations 10 Comments and observations 10

Section 4: Quality Management Systems 11 4.1 Quality management policies and procedures 11 4.2 Student and staff feedback mechanisms 11 4.3 External reviews 11 4.4 Student performance and results 11 4.5 Sample certificates 12 4.6 Panel findings 12 Commendations 12

Section 5: Accreditation Recognition 13 5.1 Confirmation of accreditation recognition 13 5.2 Professional recognition 13 5.3 Accreditation logo 13 5.4 Accreditation renewal 14

1.1 Accreditation for collaborative partnerships The Institute of Hospitality offers an accreditation service for programmes delivered via a formal collaborative arrangement to enable a collaborative partner to access the benefits of accreditation.

A collaborative partnership is defined as any formal recognised partnership between academic institutions where one of the partners (the parent) ‘owns’ a programme of study that has been accredited by the Institute of Hospitality and offers that accredited programme through a formal collaborative arrangement with one or more collaborative partners.

A collaborative partner may submit an application for accreditation for: i) programmes that have been awarded Institute of Hospitality accreditation through the parent institution. ii) programmes validated by the parent institution where the parent does not necessarily offer a directly comparable programme.

The collaborative partner must have the approval and support of the parent institution in submitting their application.

Programmes are normally accredited in relation to the accreditation period granted to the parent institution or relative to the end date of the collaborative agreement between the parent and partner institutions.

1.2 The collaborative partnership between Ulster University and HTMi The partnership relationship for the programme accredited is between Ulster University (the parent) and HTMi in Switzerland (the collaborative partner).

The collaborative partnership, first established in 2004, grants HTMi the right to offer the final year of the Ulster Business School’s Level 6 of the BA (Hons) Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. The degree was changed to a BSc (Hons) Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management in 2007 in order to align the qualification with that offered by Ulster University. In 2013, Ulster revalidated their degree as a BSc (Hons) Degree in International Hospitality Management and it is this award that now forms the basis of the collaborative partnership.

The HTMi programme was last revalidated by Ulster Business School in February 2016 for a five-year period. The HTMi programme follows the same structure, content and assessments as that delivered at Ulster University at Level 6 of the degree programme.

2.1 Programme overview One programme is submitted for re-accreditation, the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management offered in partnership with Ulster University.

The programme is as delivered at the parent institution (Ulster) with variation in the mode of delivery to meet the semester pattern at HTMi, which has two intakes a year.

The programme comprises six 20-credit modules taken over 20 weeks of full- time study, representing 120 credits at Level 6. It is designed to serve as a ‘top-up’ programme to the HTMi Higher Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management and as a pathway for students wishing to continue their studies and enrol on an MSc programme that is offered in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University.

Whilst the documentation provided makes references to three other named BA degree awards offered by HTMi, these do not form part of this application and are not accredited by the Institute of Hospitality. However, the MSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management offered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.

2.2 Programme aims and learning outcomes The programme aims, as defined by the parent programme, provide students with the knowledge and understanding, managerial competencies, practical skills and professionalism necessary for a managerial position in the hospitality industry or for further study at Master’s level. The learning outcomes as defined by the Ulster University programme are directly related to this overall aim.

These defined outcomes are categorised according to whether they relate to students’ knowledge and understanding, intellectual qualities, professional and practical skills and transferable skills. The learning outcomes are mapped against the modules to ensure that they are all addressed within the programme.

2.3 Admission requirements and selection procedures Admission is dependent on the successful completion of the HTMi Higher Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management (with a 60% grade) and no module failures. Students with equivalent qualifications from other institutions are considered on an individual basis through ACPL and APEL against the admission criteria to ensure equivalency and their acceptance is subject to approval by Ulster University. Students must have a minimum of 43 weeks work experience and IELTS 6 (or equivalent) English language proficiency with no single band below 5.5. Students must also undertake an Ulster University programme of learning and assessment prior to admission. This assessment is conducted by the University on the HTMi campus.

2.4 Mode of study The BSc programme is offered in full-time mode only, for 20 weeks over one semester. There are two cohorts each year.

2.5 Methods of delivery The documentation identifies that a variety of methods of delivery are used including; lectures, blended-learning, tutorials, seminars, workshops, directed reading, videos, case studies, student presentations, tutorials, role-playing exercises, problem-based learning, research, structured debates and experiential learning.

Different methods of delivery are identified for each of the three categories of learning outcomes. Students are expected to consolidate their learning through appropriate reflection and assimilation within the programme and to demonstrate the ability to be independent learners. The module descriptions provide evidence that these are used.

2.6 Programme content and structure The programme as defined and delivered at Ulster University consists of six modules, each of 20 credits at Level 6. For the HTMi derivative there are no electives with six modules being compulsory. The parent programme offers the same modules but with two compulsory modules and a range of elective choices for the other four modules. Students do have a choice of subject matter when it comes to the research project.

Each module is delivered through a two hour lecture and one hour tutorial over the course of 20 weeks, in line with the parent programme, meaning that each student has 60 hours contact time per module. Each module requires 200 hours of student input through a blend of contact and independent learning.

2.7 Subject (unit) outlines by level of study The modules offered as the HTMi derivative include; Tourism Planning Development and Management, Service Marketing Management, Strategic Management in Hospitality, Leadership and Business Development, Tourism and the Business of Hotels and the Research Paper. There are appropriate reading lists for each module. These modules are the same as those offered with the suite of modules available at Ulster.

2.8 Specialised / professional skills development The documentation suggests that most of these will have been developed prior to this stage of the degree programme. That said, students have the opportunity to further develop their research skills at this stage and also professional skills related to leadership.

2.9 Additional awards The panel noted that both the website and the documentation makes reference to students who complete the BSC (Hons) International Hospitality Management degree (awarded through Ulster University) will also be

© Institute of Hospitality HTMi with Ulster University Page 6 of 14 Accreditation Report, August 2016 awarded the BA Degree in International Hotel and Events Management awarded by HTMi. Whilst the panel is aware that Ulster’s Final Validation Report dated February 2016 noted this arrangement, the accreditation sought in this application does not include any internally awarded BA, nor are the BA awards accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.

2.10 Industrial placement / internship / work based learning All students are expected to have completed at least 43 weeks work experience prior to admission to the BSc programme. Students who only have 24 weeks work experience are required to complete additional work experience following the taught element of the programme. This is a requirement of HTMi. The documentation states that ‘there is no additional work-based learning experience required by the Level 6 Ulster modules.’

2.11 Assessment strategy The assessment strategy is in accord with that of the parent institution and is consistent with UK standards, including the degree classification awarded.

Each module contains two pieces of assessment that test students’ achievement of the learning outcomes for the modules. Students are assessed through coursework only in four of the compulsory modules and by a combination of coursework and examination in Strategic Management and Services Marketing Management modules. Coursework assessments include essays, reports, case studies, literature reviews, the research paper and oral presentations. Both individual and group assessments are used.

A pass mark of 40% is required for successful completion of each module, consistent with the standard University practice. Formative assessment is provided on an individual, group or peer basis.

Students are informed at the start of a module of the assessment requirements and the deadlines. The assessment tasks are described clearly in the module descriptions appropriate for the learning outcomes. While the course documentation suggests that assessment criteria are available for all six modules, these do not appear to be included. The application checklist does not refer to these criteria and it is not included in the module descriptions as expected.

2.12 Panel findings Comments and Observations 1) The panel observed that the award of the internal qualification (BA in International Hotel and Events Management) whilst not the subject of this accreditation, appears to be based on the BSC programme in all respects. The panel considers this to be unusual in collaborative provision given that this does not appear to be part of a formal validated dual award. (2.9). 2) The provision of the assessment criteria for all six modules would be useful and should be included in the module descriptors as indicated. (2.11)

3.1 Summary and background HTMi is an international, privately owned and operated education and training provider of hospitality focussed management development courses. Established in Sörenberg in the Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland in 1999 it has been in operation as the School of International Hotel and Tourism Management since 2000.

In January 2016 HTMi opened a branch campus in Singapore.

The programmes the subject of this re-accreditation application are based in the School in Switzerland.

3.2 Ownership structure HTMi is privately owned and registered in Flühli with the purpose of providing hotel and tourism education under the registration number CHE-105.246.448. It has the legal status of a limited company and currently has a Managing Director (owner) and two registered directors.

3.3 Organisation structure HTMi is organised into five centres of excellence: The School of International Hotel and Tourism Management, the International Hospitality Research Centre, Switzerland, The Centre for Events Management Training, The Centre for Culinary Management and the Centre for Careers Management.

HTMi operates on conventional academic structural lines, under the responsibility of an Academic Director. Other key management activities and responsibilities lie with the Director of Operations, Registrar and Head of Administration, Training and Events Manager and Career Centre Manager.

There is an appropriate consultative academic process in addition to the executive responsibilities for the administration of the school. HTMi also has an advisory structure of senior academics to provide the appropriate academic input as required.

3.4 Relationships with other organisations HTMi has had an accreditation relationship with the Institute of Hospitality since 2008. Three HTMi programmes (Certificate, Diploma and Higher Diploma) and one collaborative programme (BSc) offered by HTMi in partnership with Ulster University were first accredited in July 2008.

One collaborative programme (MSc) offered by HTMi in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University was accredited by the Institute of Hospitality in November 2015 for a period of two years in line with the validation period.

HTMi has formal relationships with two other accrediting bodies, with EduQua in Switzerland and with the British Accreditation Council (BAC), both providing institutional rather than programme accreditation.

3.5 Teaching / training staff, qualifications and experience The organisation chart provides an overview of the human resources at HTMi and CVs were provided for key leaders and all academic staff. A combination of full-time and part-time academic staff constitutes the faculty at HTMi. All key specialisms are covered by full-time staff who have a range of professional, industry and educational qualifications appropriate to support the learning and teaching at HTMi.

3.6 Teaching / CPD requirements for teaching / training staff There is active CPD support and academic staff are encouraged to maintain their field of expertise, two staff are pursuing Doctorates and several staff engage in research publications at international conferences such as CHME and ICHRIE. All staff participate in the biannual HTMi International Research Conference.

3.7 Support staff Academic support staff are provided through the office of the Registrar whilst operational support staff are under the remit of the operations director. There is also a career office, IT support, housekeeping and maintenance as well as a dedicated events and training manager.

3.8 Physical teaching / training facilities HTMi operates a modern campus located in two Swiss hotels. The campus is well-resourced in learning and teaching facilities which include five classrooms (one of which is a computer room) with a total capacity of 195 students. All classrooms were refurbished in summer 2015 and are equipped with flipchart, whiteboards, beamer, Apple TV, electronic “Smartboard” and iMac computers.

3.9 Practical, professional and skills development facilities The School occupies two hotels, the Panorama Hotel and Mariental Hotel and uses the resources of the hotels to provide realistic work environments for training purposes. Accommodation is provided on-campus to 180 students in 80 bedrooms. The buildings have undergone major renovation and investment during the last three years.

The practical facilities available to students include;  a hotel lobby and front desk;  four food and beverage outlets (coffee shop, self-service, a-la-carte and fine dining);  a lounge and cocktail bar;  two modern production / research and development kitchens;  a commercial laundry;  conference / meeting rooms;  a Learning Resources Centre.

3.10 Learning support facilities including electronic resources The Learning Resources Centre contains hard copy materials and has a capacity for 40 students. There is a significant IT infrastructure that supports

© Institute of Hospitality HTMi with Ulster University Page 9 of 14 Accreditation Report, August 2016 the teaching and learning facilities. The Moodle platform is used as the VLE which provides access to online learning resources including databases, journals and e-books. Students are provided with an iPad mini. The range of electronic academic databases includes; Emerald, Ingenta and Sage. HTMi also contributes learning and teaching materials through iTunes U.

HTMi is a subscriber to the Institute of Hospitality Education Membership Scheme (EMS). The scheme provides free student membership and a range of benefits including access to an extensive collection of electronic resources including Hospitality magazine, e-books, e-journals, audiobooks, management guides, webinars, an online catalogue as well as a member only enquiry service.

The panel noted that Ulster does not permit students of HTMi access to their online resources. This is confirmed in the BAC report of May 2015. The report notes this could place students studying the same programme at HTMi at a disadvantage from those studying the programme at the University.

3.11 Student support services HTMi provides a range of student support services from careers guidance counselling as well as housekeeping and laundry facilities, leisure facilities including band room equipped with a variety of musical instruments.

HTMi has developed a series of apps to facilitate student support and improve practical support in daily life.

3.12 Promotional materials There is a very detailed brochure provided in the evidence base and this provides comprehensive information about the various courses on offer to students, with clear information about duration effort and costs. It clearly shows the different pathways to HTMi’s own awards, the BSc in partnership with Ulster University and the MSc in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University.

3.13 Panel findings Commendations 1) The panel noted the long-standing relationship with Ulster University.

Comments and observations 1) Given the commitment to research and professional development HTMi staff should be encouraged to contribute to knowledge by publishing in peer-reviewed journals and more widely beyond the internal conferences. (3.6) 2) HTMi should seek access to the University’s online resources to ensure that their students are not disadvantaged in terms of access to learning materials relevant to their programme. (3.9)

4.1 Quality management policies and procedures There is a structured and robust process for programme review and approval including an annual self-evaluation report required by Ulster University.

There is evidence of strong engagement with quality assurance; evidence of reflection and continuous improvement is provided by the Quality Assurance Handbook (QAH), minutes of meetings and External Examiner reports. This is further evidenced through the recent reports of both the British Accreditation Council and EduQua.

There are well-established and clear policies covering course review and modification, students and staff feedback mechanisms, regular evaluation of student results and attainment, engagement with External Examiners and processing and approving student awards.

Robust processes for teaching observation and student feedback are to be commended and follow from a professional quality culture within HTMi.

The engagement with Higher Education Institutions in the United Kingdom, and the adoption of many Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards and processes, strengthens the quality culture at HTMi and this is to be commended.

4.2 Student and staff feedback mechanisms There is a well-established structure of committees including Student Representative Committee SRC), Staff Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) and Course committees and staff meetings.

There is a clear process for receiving student feedback on the quality of teaching on the modules through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and there is evidence that this is formally analysed and acted upon.

4.3 External reviews There are a number of external quality reviews which provide rigorous and critical oversight of the institution, including the British Accreditation Council who recently re-accredited the institution for a period of four years from May 2015 and the Swiss EduQua certification who audited the institution and reported that it fulfilled the requirements of its certification in February 2016.

Under the collaborative partnership arrangements Ulster University appoints an External Examiner to ensure both comparability of standards and the integrity of the award.

4.4 Student performance and results Student performance is formally presented, discussed and ratified in the presence of both internal and external examiners, in line with the procedures in the (QAH). The evidence reveals careful presentation and consideration of students’ results, in presence of the External Examiner.

4.5 Sample certificates A sample certificate issued by Ulster University was provided which shows that the programme is offered by The School of International Hotel and Tourism Management, Switzerland.

The sample certificate is important as it allows the Institute of Hospitality to verify applications for membership from individual students and to counter fraudulent certificates.

4.6 Panel findings Commendations 1) The panel commends the comprehensive engagement with quality assurance processes and the mature approach to marking and feedback as remarked upon by External Examiners. 2) The panel commends the culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of HTMi operations and education. 3) The panel commends the positive external accreditation reports as evidence of the institutional commitment to accreditation and quality improvement.

5.1 Confirmation of accreditation recognition The Professional Review Panel members have concluded that the application meets the criteria for Institute of Hospitality accreditation and recommends that the programme detailed below is accredited unconditionally until August 2021.

Programme Institute of Hospitality HTMi in partnership with Ulster Accreditation Level University BSc (Hons) International Hospitality 4 Entry Level Management Management

HTMi will be entered onto the Institute of Hospitality register of accredited courses. The register is displayed on the Institute’s website and provides the general public with a list of accredited programmes.

If HTMi experiences a merger or acquisition by another organisation, the Institute of Hospitality must be notified of this change. A mandatory re-evaluation of the suitability of the accreditation will then take place and further fees and charges may be applicable.

The Institute of Hospitality maintains the right to remove accredited status under these circumstances, if the above guidelines are not followed.

5.2 Professional recognition Learners from HTMi who successfully complete the programme named in this report are eligible to apply for the Associate (AIH) grade of membership and following an assessment, may also meet requirements for the Member (MIH) grade.

5.3 Accreditation logo HTMi is permitted to display the accreditation logo on their certificates, promotional materials and website.

The logo can be used during the specified period of accreditation and relative only to the accredited programmes named in this report. It should be noted that the Institute of Hospitality does not accredit individuals or organisations. Misuse of the logo may lead to the forfeit of accredited status.

Guidance on the use of the logo is provided in a separate document issued with this report.

5.4 Accreditation renewal To apply for re-accreditation the programme must first be successfully re-validated with the parent institution, Ulster University.

Following this, an updated submission will be required from HTMi reflecting any changes to the organisation and to the accredited programme. A response to the panel findings may also be required.

A fee will be payable in accordance with the published range of fees and charges.

Disclaimer Whilst considerable care has been taken in compiling the material contained within this report, the Institute of Hospitality believes it to be accurate at the time of its publication, but does not warrant that it is accurate or up-to-date and will have no responsibility for any reliance on such material.

The Institute of Hospitality disclaims any and all liability to any third-party anywhere in the world for any injury, damage or direct or indirect loss resulting from reliance on information compiled in this report.