Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct tourism research. It requires the ability to identify research needs, conduct research, interpret the data, and apply the results.
The unit applies to all industry sectors, and to individuals who have senior operational or management roles. Research may be primary or secondary and conducted to inform a range of activities and planning processes. It may be required to assist with customer service, planning and product development, or sales and marketing.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify research needs. | 1.1.Identify research needs based on organisational or situational analysis. 1.2.Develop and define research objectives in consultation with relevant colleagues and authorities. |
2. Conduct research. | 2.1.Select research and data collection methods according to objectives and available resources. 2.2.Evaluate the need for specialist assistance and obtain as required. 2.3.Identify and use appropriate information sources and technology to assist in the research process. 2.4.Conduct research within agreed timeframes and methodologies. 2.5.Identify and action the need for adjustments to the research process as required. |
3. Analyse information. | 3.1.Analyse and interpret data for key messages and information, using reliable methods of data analysis. 3.2.Ensure that assumptions and conclusions used in analyses are clear, justified, supported by evidence and consistent with research and organisational objectives. |
4. Present and apply research results. | 4.1.Present recommendations and issues in an appropriate format, style and structure using suitable organisational technology. 4.2.Use results to inform current activities and future planning. 4.3.Communicate research results to appropriate colleagues and external agencies with recommendations and observations. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
identify and plan a tourism research project, based on an organisational or situational analysis that includes at least two of the following research objectives:
comparative analysis
competitor activity
customer preferences
distribution networks
hypothesis testing
identification of trends
industry pricing policies
visitation patterns
conduct above tourism research project, showing effective application of:
research and data collection methods
information from suitable range of sources, including as appropriate:
government agency websites and tools
industry associations
regional, state or territory, and federal tourism marketing agencies
reliable data analysis
research presentation techniques.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
role of research for different purposes in a tourism industry context:
product development and innovation
marketing
sales
research techniques and methodologies and their application to different industry situations
ethical research practices related to intellectual property, confidentiality and privacy
research and data collection methods, their features and suitability for different purposes:
desk-based research
electronic counters
evaluation of secondary data
interviews:
face-to-face
telephone
virtual
focus groups
information from other organisations
observation and listening:
questionnaires and surveys
methods of data analysis:
data sampling
feedback on results
peer review
review of previous research
statistical analysis
major tourism research bodies, types of research produced by those agencies and its value to different tourism operators
types of technology used in the conduct of research projects.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in an operational tourism environment. This can be:
an industry workplace
a simulated industry environment set up for the purposes of assessment.
Assessment must ensure access to:
an organisation for which tourism research can be conducted
current information and communications technology
current tourism industry data and information sources.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:
have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | analyse and interpret complex tourism research documents and statistical data select, synthesise and evaluate information from primary and secondary sources. |
Writing skills to: | organise research findings in a manner that supports the purpose and intended use of information. |
Oral communication skills to: | communicate research findings in plain English. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret and apply complex tourism data in order to make recommendations with regard to activities and planning. |
Problem-solving skills to: | develop recommendations in response to the analysis of complex information and make observations about its significance. |
Planning and organising skills to: | coordinate the practical aspects of the research process. |
Technology skills to: | use current research technologies. |
Sectors
Tourism
Competency Field
Planning and Product Development