Business and Hospitality (MSc)

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

The programme is open to degree holders from a university or other recognised degree-awarding body. Applicants should hold an NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent; IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (60 Credits)

Graduates get jobs in a diverse range of industries, such as marketing, financial services, information systems and human resources. Graduates have been employed by Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland, Central Bank of Ireland, AVIVA and Jameson. Every year a number of graduates pursue further postgraduate study at master’s level, such as the MSc Marketing Practice, MSc Information Systems Management, MSc International Management and MSc Human Resources Management. 

*A 10% course fee contribution (€600) for graduate conversion courses is applicable for employed participants and recent graduates.

The formerly self-employed not in receipt of a DEASP payment must also pay 10%. This is payable directly to the provider.

There are no tuition fees for DEASP customers or Returners but any subsequent costs such as travel, and course materials must be borne by the participant 

For further details see https://springboardcourses.ie/faq

Further information on how to apply here

Contact us:
E: [email protected]

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%)

Module Director

• MARY BRENNAN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• FINIAN O'DRISCOLL:  Research Profile
• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• ADRIAN SYLVER:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• MARY BRENNAN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• FINIAN O'DRISCOLL:  Research Profile
• KATE O'CONNELL:  Research Profile
• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• DANIELLE MARTIN:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• MARY BRENNAN: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• MARIA PALMA-FAHEY:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• Sean Ruane:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• SARAH RYAN:  Research Profile
• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• KATE O'CONNELL:  Research Profile
• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• ADRIAN SYLVER:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• CELINE RYAN:  Research Profile

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%)

Module Director

• KATE O'CONNELL: Research Profile | Email

Lecturers / Tutors

• MARY BRENNAN:  Research Profile
• CELINE RYAN:  Research Profile

Applications and Selections

1. Minimum Academic Requirements

Applicants must present certified and translated copies of their undergraduate degree at a minimum of second class honours or equivalent in a related area.

2. English
A minimum IELTS band level 6.5 (no band lower than 6) or equivalent.

3. Personal statement 
Applicants must submit/upload a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why they wish to undertake the programme, outlining how it fits into their career objectives.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
Applicants are required to submit/upload a current CV (max. 2 pages).

5. References 
Applicants are required to submit/upload 2 references.  One must be an academic reference (in the case of applicants currently undertaking studies) and/or an employer (in the case of applicants currently in employment), and/or suitable personal reference.

6. Passport 
A copy of your passport must be submitted/uploaded.

7. Entrance Interview 
Suitable applicants must pass an entrance interview. Interviews are conducted by representatives visiting your country or through video conferencing (Skype).

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required SC6120: Business Analytics Fundamentals

Required SC6103: Performance and Revenue Management

Required SC6101: Global Business and International HRM

Required SC6102: Information Technology for Hospitality

Required SC6116: Intercultural Communication for Business

Required SC6108: Strategy and Innovation for Hospitality

Required SC6107: Project Management

Required SC6105: Hotel Asset Management

Optional SC6109: International Entrepreneurship in Hospitality