TO2051: Innovation for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Futures Assessment 1 – Workbook (40%)

ASSESSMENT 1: DESCRIPTION

“Everything’s science fiction until someone makes it science fact.” ~ Marie Lu, Science Fiction Writer. Watch the recorded presentation on Assessment 1 to get more information on this assessment.

You will be required to choose one of the following two options:

1. Read one science fiction book from the list provided in Assessment 1 folder

2. Read the set of short science fiction stories provided in Assessment 1 folder

You will then have to answer the following questions aligned with the first 4 topics, analysing what these future visions of THE are and how current trends can alter the THE futures. Each answer should be between 500 and 1200 words. You should attempt to demonstrate that you have listened to and read the relevant recorded lectures and readings set for each topic. A tip is to link your answers to relevant literature from beyond the set readings.

Questions for Option 1

(I expect more depth in the analysis but the overall answers will be more descriptive)

1. Explain the type of future tourism that is being described in the science fiction novel you read. You should describe it briefly in general and then label it using the categories described in Topic 1

before setting out the main features of the tourism being described. You should also describe the core features of the larger world that tourism exists within.

2. Describe the similarities and differences between current and future tourism in your story. What assumptions have been made about tourism that underpin the similarities and differences? What current trends have been used to generate the future described?

3. Describe the main ways in which tourism is influenced by the larger system it is within. Discuss how the future tourism portrayed has impacts on the larger world.

4. Decide if the tourism future you are analysing is desirable or not. If it is not, use backcasting to map out what actions could be started and/or taken now to avoid it. If it is, use backcasting to map out what actions could be started and/or taken to move towards it.

Questions for Option 2

(I expect less detail for each tourism future but more analysis based on comparing and contrasting the examples)

1. Explain the type of future tourism that is being described in each of the stories you read. You should describe it briefly in general and then label it using the categories described in Topic 1 before setting out the main features of the tourism being described. You should also describe the core features of the larger world that tourism exists within.

2. Select 3 stories and for each of them, you should:

a. describe the similarities and differences between current and future tourism.

b. determine what assumptions have been made about tourism that underpin the similarities and differences.

c. discuss what current trends have been used to generate the future described.

3. Describe the main ways in which tourism is influenced by the larger system it is within in each story. Discuss how the future tourism portrayed has impacts on the larger world.

4. Decide if the tourism future in each story you are analysing is desirable or not. If it is not, use backcasting to map out what actions could be started and/or taken now to avoid it. If it is, use backcasting to map out what actions could be started and/or taken to move towards it.

The assessment must be presented with the following sections and the exact headings as set out in the following list:

1. Cover Page – include Student Name and ID, class, name of the book and films and/or stories that were read/watched and the option that you are writing on.

2. Question 1: Description of Tourism Futures Portrayed

3. Question 2: Comparisons and Assumptions

4. Question 3: Underlying Systems

5. Question 4: Backcasting to achieve or avoid the portrayed future tourism scenarios

6. Conclusion – 200-500-word reflection on what you have learnt about tourism from this analysis of tourism futures represented in science fiction.

7. References – APA format, including set readings and other materials used.

Assessment 2: Report Part 1 (30%) Individual

ASSESSMENT 2: DESCRIPTION

A list of trends is provided below. The trends are grouped according to major themes. You should select one of these trends. You may modify the topic or choose a specific topic within the trend. The report should focus on the current situation and/or near future (up to 2027). This assessment is linked to Assessment 3. Think of how you will develop the topic from Assessment 2 to 3.

You will be required to:

1. seek relevant literature (minimum of 5 sources including academic papers and industry/government reports) to investigate this chosen megatrend

2. explain the trend including the forces that have given rise to this trend and the key characteristics (500-750 words)

3. analyse the impacts of the trend on the chose sector and geographical areas (500-750 words)

List of Trends

Demographics

1. Global ageing population

2. Urbanisation and population loss in regional areas

3. International migration including modern nomads

Social

1. Rise of post-modern values of quality of life and memorable experiences

2. Expansion of social-economic inequalities

3. Ethical consumption

Political

1. Rise of nationalism

2. Increasingly challenging bilateral and multi-lateral relations

Environment

1. Growing frequency of extreme weather and natural disasters

2. Current mass extinction, rapid loss of biodiversity

3. Influence of climate change on business operations

Economics

1. More flexible and less secure work patterns

2. Less predictable patterns of economic growth

3. Asia as an economic centre of the world

Technology

1. New industrial revolution through automation

2. Data-driven and connected world: big data, machine learning and internet of things

3. Innovation and investment in transportation

Suggested structure of the report:

1. Introduction (150-200 words)

2. Why is this happening? Factors that give rise to the trend. (200-350 words)

3. What is happening? Explain the trend. What are the key characteristics? (250-400 words)

4. How is this impacting THE? At this stage, you do not need to think about long-term futures; focus on the current situation and near future (up to 2027). (400-650 words)

5. Conclusion. Summarise the main idea of the report. (100 words)

Make sure that all your arguments are support by relevant academic literature, industry reports or news media. Do not forget to question the accuracy of the information. Industry reports may have vested interest while news media tends to focus on more sensational material.

Assessment 3: Report Part 2 (30%) Individual

ASSESSMENT 3: DESCRIPTION

You will take the topic from Assessment 2 and carry out further analysis using futures thinking techniques to do the following:

1. Identify the desirable future outcome for this trend (with argument for to whom it is desirable, that is, in what ways will be benefit/impact key stakeholders in the THE system, and why it is desirable. (200-350 words)

2. Analyse how to achieve this desirable future by creating a detailed futures wheel with backcasting at least 3 levels and short explanations of the main elements of the futures wheel. (500-750 words)

3. Identify what changes should be made in the present government policy and/or industry practice related to this trend in order to realise the desired future. (500-750 words)