PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The Events Planning and Management Certificate Programme seeks to employ an interdisciplinary approach which focuses on classroom student centered and experiential learning. The graduates of this program will contribute immediately to the workplace. They will demonstrate awareness of the importance of professionalism, business ethics, be well rounded, creative and flexible in meeting the needs of a diverse clientele.

PROGRAMME GOALS

 The goal of this programme is to produce graduates at the certificate level who will exhibit skills and competencies which will afford them the opportunity to function as assistants to supervisors and managers in events planning. Job opportunities for graduates from this programme could include assistant to the entertainment supervisor/manager, assistant to the corporate meeting planner, assistant to the events coordinator/manager and assistant to the wedding planner/coordinator.

The programme is designed to:

• Instruct current industry employees responsible for planning and managing   events in the skills necessary for successful meetings and events.

• Produce certificate graduates with the required knowledge, skills and competencies to assist in planning events.

• Provide skilled human resources for an emerging market.

• Produce flexible graduates capable of properly

  functioning and fulfilling professional roles in the

  growing industry of events planning and management.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

Graduates of the certificate programme will gain the necessary skills to efficiently execute their duties within organizations; especially those focused on events planning and management.

Upon successful completion of this programme graduates should be able to:

•  Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the area of events planning and   management  

•  Assist with the planning of events

•  Demonstate efficiency and accuracy in completing Events Orders

•  Event Orders and/or EO' S-Event Orders

• Utilize effective oral and written communication skills in assisting with the planning and management of events.

• Function as a competent liaison with clients as it relates to events

PROGRAMME Design

This is a two years part-time, year-round modular designed programme. The four (4) modules will have an estimated time frame of 36 weeks for completion of classes plus a ten (10) week internship. Courses will be offered in the evenings throughout the year in sequence. Individuals desirous of taking SELECTED courses may do so for personal/professional development and will receive a “Certificate of Participation.” Students taking selected courses for Personal/Professional development will not be required to take examinations. However, a” Certificate of Participation” will only be awarded to students who have attended a minimum of 50% of classes.

A certificate of “Certification in Events Planning and Management,” will only be given after the successful completion (course work and examinations) of the entire 39-credit Programme in sequence and the 400-hour required internship. It is preferable that this internship takes place immediately after completion of classes. This specialised internship is required although students have worked in the industry. Work experience WILL NOT be allowed to substitute for the internship. Students taking courses for “Certification” will qualify to be placed for the internship after they have successfully completed a minimum of three (3) modules. “Certificate of Participation” students will not be required to do an internship and thus will not be placed.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Job opportunities for graduates from this program could include assistant to the entertainment supervisor/manager, assistant to the corporate meeting planner, assistant to the events coordinator/manager and, assistant to the wedding planner/coordinator.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have

• Three (3) C.X.C. subjects at the General Proficiency Level passes at the general proficiency level at either grades I, II or III (as of June 1998) or its equivalent. Subjects must include English Language and Mathematics

• Pass an admissions interview

• Have a minimum of three years full-time experience in the hospitality and tourism industry

PROGRAMME GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this programme graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the area of events planning and management;

• Assist with the planning of events.

• Demonstrate efficiency and accuracy in completing BEO’S-Banquet Event Orders and/or EO’S-Event Orders.

• Utilize effective oral and written communication skills in the assisting of the planning and management of events

• Function as a competent liaison with clients as it relates to events

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

CERTIFICATE IN EVENTS PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Module 1

Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism (3 Credits, 30 Hours)

This course is designed to present an overview of the hospitality and tourism industry to students. It reviews the history and includes the discussion of different segments of the industry, current issues and trends, dynamics of the industry and introduces students to realistic career opportunities and challenges of the industry. Presentations by industry representatives will also take place.

Fundamentals of Communication (2 Credits, 30 Hours)

This course is designed to increase the students’ capacity to read and write correctly and logically in order to facilitate work with academic materials. It includes three modules Reading, Writing and Grammar. Although each module has its own focus, all three are interrelated.

Computer Applications for the Hospitality Industry (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

In this course, students will examine the current applications of the computer in the hospitality industry.  Emphasis will be on the role of computer as a management tool in both the lodging and food service sector of the hospitality industry.  All computer applications are examined    (from reservations to the back office) through a series of assignments and projects.

Module 2

Oral Communications (2 Credits, 30 Hours)

The focus of this course is to help students improve speech habits and develop strategies for effective oral communication

Customer Service (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

This course will examine the many facets of receptive and customer services within the context of the Hospitality and Tourism industry. Discussion of the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for the implementation will take place, as well as the discussion of the development of policies, procedures, service systems and strategies that will ensure high standards, customer satisfaction and the creation of a service-oriented environment in the organization.

Mathematics (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

This course examines basic arithmetical skills, which provide the basis for the subsequent study of accounting, food, beverage and labor cost control and the organization and management of hospitality systems.

Module 3

Food, Beverage and Labor Cost Control (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

Students will explore the systematic process of resource control to employ to reduce costs in Hospitality operations. They will be taught the complexities of controlling food, beverage, labor costs, sales income/cost control as well as control systems and the basics of computer applications in planning and control functions.

Negotiation Techniques (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

The course is designed to give students step-by-step guide to effective negotiations. Students will be guided on the skills necessary to establish formal planning processes to prioritizing issues. Students will learn the art of mastering persuasion techniques and the communication styles to effective communications.

Risk Management: Legal and Ethical Standards(3 Credits, 45 Hours)

This course is designed to outline the possible risks that events managers may confront.  Students will learn of the unique risks and challenges associated with the events industry; and their obligation as events managers to minimize or prevent all aspects of danger to their patrons.

Module 4

Tourism Events Planning and Attractions Management (Project)

 (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

Management and development of tourism events and attractions will be the main focus of this course. Students will visit attractions and assess and evaluate conditions such as environmental, health and safety issues surrounding Tourism events and attractions. Students will identify strengths and deficiencies of attractions and examine the licensing process as administered by Tourism product development (TPDCo.)

Meeting and Convention Planning (3 Credits, 45 Hours)

This course offers students the fundamentals of the meeting and convention planning process. In this course students will examine the different types of meetings, determine the appropriate format for different types of meetings, investigate the importance of clear objectives and how to establish goals as it relates to meeting and convention planning. Students will also examine factors affecting site selection, food choices, and transportation and accommodation needs while planning meetings.

Internship
(8 Credits, 160 Hours)

The student work experience programme is a structured industry experience in which the student is rotated through a minimum of three functional areas. The program places the student in a working-learning environment to receive on-the-job training in a particular field of study prior to graduation.