SITTPPD002A
Research tourism data

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct formal tourism research. It requires the ability to identify research needs, conduct the research and accurately analyse and interpret the data. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit describes a key research function for a diverse range of tourism and hospitality products and services and applies to the full range of industry sectors.

Research may be primary or secondary and may be conducted to inform a range of activities and planning processes. It may be required to assist with customer service, planning and product development, sales and marketing and sales.

Researching tourism data would normally apply to senior tourism and hospitality industry personnel who operate autonomously and have a strategic management role. Research could be undertaken by those who operate with some level of autonomy or under limited supervision and guidance from others, e.g. senior operative personnel and supervisors.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Identify research needs.

1.1

Identify specific research needs based on current business focus and needs of the organisation.

1.2

Develop objectives for the research in consultation with relevant colleagues and authorities.

2

Conduct research.

2.1

Select research method according to objectives and available resources.

2.2

Prepare accurate documentation that incorporates sound research methodologies where appropriate.

2.3

Identify the need for and obtain specialist assistance where appropriate.

2.4

Identify and use appropriate information sources and technology to assist in the research process.

2.5

Conduct research within agreed timeframes and according to agreed methodology.

2.6

Identify the need for adjustments to the research process and make them when required.

3

Interpret and apply research results.

3.1

Analyse and interpret data accurately.

3.2

Use results to inform current activities and future planning.

3.3

Communicate research results containing recommendations and observations to appropriate colleagues and external agencies in a timely manner.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

critical thinking skills to facilitate rational and logical analysis of all research information collected

high-level communication skills to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of complex research data and to communicate research findings in plain English to colleagues and external agencies

high-level literacy skills to read complex tourism research documents that relate to such things as tourism trends, market statistics, information on market preferences and product performance

numeracy skills to interpret and analyse complex tourism data.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

typical research methodologies used in a tourism industry context

types of technology used in the conduct of research projects

role of research within the tourism industry and major research bodies

common sources of tourism research data.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to research, interpret and apply results for a specific tourism purpose

knowledge of research techniques and methodologies

project or work activities conducted over a commercially realistic period of time so that the research and analysis aspects of this unit can be assessed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a fully equipped office environment using appropriate computers, communication technology, information programs and publications to facilitate the processes involved in conducting research of tourism data

access to current tourism industry data and information sources

access to an operation to allow the candidate to fully research, interpret and apply data results to an operational activity or to comprehensive and sufficient information about that tourism operation.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

research project and report for a tourism industry organisation

case study of a given tourism scenario and review of research and resultant report

case studies to assess the candidate's ability to apply research and differing methodologies to different tourism industry activities

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of research methodologies and tourism data sources

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SITXCCS003A Manage quality customer service

SITXMGT004A Develop and implement a business plan

SITXMPR004A Coordinate marketing activities

SITXMPR005A Develop and manage marketing strategies.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Research may relate to a range of data, including:

customer preferences

general visitation patterns

success of marketing initiatives

distribution networks.

Research methods may include:

questionnaires and surveys

face-to-face and phone interviews

focus groups

electronic counters

evaluation of secondary data

desk research.

Information sources may include:

government agency websites and tools, such as the online tourism data warehouse Decipher

industry associations

regional, state or territory, and federal tourism marketing agencies.


Sectors

Sector

Tourism


Competency Field

Planning and Product Development


Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.