Tourism, Leisure and Event Management in the World of Soft Systems Term Paper

Tourism, Leisure and Event Management in the World of Soft Systems - Term Paper Example In the second phase you will work with collaborative group of colleagues to bring together your very different views and perspectives, and will need to enter a research cycle in which you shape and refine your mutual understandings, and select a client and project for investigation, supported and approved by your Tutor. You will undertake a ‘mini’ research project leading to the development of a presentation through which you enable your selected client or stakeholders to understand on their own terms ‘that which is obvious’, keeping in mind that the SSM process is about a process through which the client comes to understand for themselves ‘that which is obviouse’. When the client (or other stakeholders) view the work generated by the project, it should be clear to them ‘what needs to be done’. Whilst there is scope for creativity and imagination, the Overall Aim: To analyse, through Systems thinking, a real Hospitality, Tourism and Event environment, evaluate issues arising from the organization of systems and structures, and appreciate the complexities and interrelatedness of real human situations. This includes the development of appropriate tools and the presentation of findings in a way which recognizes the needs of the client, and through the broad application of systems thinking, and soft systems tools and methods. You should draw on learning from other courses, as appropriate, including MVS and OMTL. Task 1 Requirements: Preliminary Workbook (Individual) Weighting 30% For this first part of this study you will need to prepare the ground for assignment to your project group by conducting your own initial desk research enquiry in tandem with your final semester project. Following Soft Systems Methodology you will analyse your experience using the workbook provided (six diagrams), and including a written evaluation (one A4 sheet, 750 words) of issues relevant to the project based on business, location, an d/or online and social media analysis. The workbook may be competed manually or electronically. The grading for each section will reflect: Depth of insight/development, use of systems concepts and conventions, content Deadline TBC , 3:00 PM Student Name: ___________________________________________________ Student Score: / Student grade: / 10 Part A (40 Marks) 1a) Use a Rich Picture to represent the component parts and dynamics of the situation that you perceive as the basis of your final semester research paper. Your diagram must be appropriately labelled and follow the conventions for systems diagrams (20 Marks) 1b) Use any other formal diagram of your choice to represent the component parts and dynamics of the situation that you perceive as the basis of your final semester research paper. Your diagram must be appropriately labeled) and follow the conventions for systems diagrams (20 Marks) 2a) Complete the following grid for five possible (basic) root definitions for a ‘rele vant system’ from which you might ‘derive learning’ about your research context: (pass/fail) What is to be done by the system (P) By what means or approach the system is to do P (Q) The greater purpose to be achieved by the system (R) 1. Provide employment for local citizens

Small and Medium Enterprises in an International Cont Essay

Small and Medium Enterprises in an International Cont - Essay Example After 2 years, she moved to a new place in the same locality of North Yorkshire where there was a separate place for showcasing the new designs and she had a workshop for stitching. She had hired tailors and bought new machines and had started to produce dresses for various sizes. Now in 2007, Noni has a team of designers working for her for which she is the creative head. She has a tailoring place, where she has a group of tailors to bring her designs into form and shape. The total employee strength had become 75. The development of her business was financed through bank and Noni was able tor repay all of her bank loans within a period of eight years and by 2000 the business was established with steady profits. But recently there is a lull in the business. She had a few competitors in the area like the Jesslyn and the Mctavish families who were also making wedding gowns along with other gents and ladies formal wear. But Noni's designs, price and quality was much appreciated by the residents and in spite of the competition she was able to grow. Analysis of the reasons for recent slump in business showed that it was because of the e- commerce. After the advent of the internet, people were exposed to a lot of online sources, it was easier for people to buy new and used wedding gowns at very competitive prices. Though Noni believed that her gowns were of better quality compared to those sold online for the same prices as hers, the preference of people to buy online has increased. Hence, Noni has to devise a strategy to survive this competition from the virtual stores. Until now, Noni was concerned about the tastes and preferences of her immediate community which was her market. Also she was taking into account only the competition of her neighboring stores. But now anybody from across the world who has the taste to design gowns can start an online business and can steal a customer from Noni. Also, another factor which Noni has to consider is that, because of the advent of the information technology, consumers are flooded with information. People can easily access to fashion and trends in the major fashion capitals and they are very knowledgeable about the technicalities of making a dress. Hence, the expectation of the consumers has increased a lot. They compare the designs and costs from various shops not only in the neighborhood but also in US or in Europe and they know whether they are getting a deal or not. Hence, to survive and grow in this kind of an environment is a real challenge for Noni and her Best Bride. Survival strategy The strategy Noni thought about is that she wanted to carryout and extensive market research covering her whole neighborhood, but the dependency of the business on her and her financial conditions did not permit that. Instead she listed the strengths of Best Bride. These strengths were the factors which made her business grow in the first place. So she wanted to find out whether she had deviated from the factors which had contributed her growth. The two Ps she was concerned about like most of other SMEs were the Price and Product. It was true that her business was dependent on her and she was just tackling the everyday problems which had added to her strength in the area of designs and quality of the product. To tackle the competition from virtual stores Noni, thought about the following strategies: 1. Concentrate on the promotion 2. Enter new