Module Booklet Qualification BTEC HND in Travel and Tourism management Unit 14 Unit Tour Operations Management QCF level 4 Unit code T/601/1753 Term Start Date 12/09/2016 Teaching period 7 Weeks Assignment support 3 Weeks Guided Learning Hours 60 Module Leader Dr. Joanna Voulgaropoulou Tutor: Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 Aim of the unit 3 Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria: 3 Unit content: 4 Scheme of work 5 Recommended text and links: 10 Assessment: 15 ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 16 INTRODUCTION Learners will investigate the tour operators industry of the travel and tourism sector, including the different types of operators, their products and services, the scale of the industry and how it has been affected by trends and developments. Management issues will be covered by examining strategic and tactical decision making in order to develop learners’ decision-making skills. Learners will explore the stages involved in creating a holiday and develop skills associated with determining a selling price for a holiday from given information. The role of the brochure will be reviewed against the introduction of new methods of promoting holidays. Learners will also review distribution methods used by tour operators to sell holidays, including the traditional use of travel agencies and the emergence of methods such as the internet and television. Aim of the unit This unit enables learners to gain understanding of the tour operators industry, the stages involved in creating holidays, brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays, strategic and tactical decision making. Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria: LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector P 1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry. LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays: P 2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays P 2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator P 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information. LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays P 3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure P 3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operator P 3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators P 4.1 evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator P 4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations Unit content: LO 1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector Tour operators: as defined by EU Package Travel Directive; different types of tour operators including outbound operators, domestic operators, incoming operators, specialist operators, direct sell operators Industry: identification of major tour operators including their origins, ownership, market segments, competition, identification of specific operators within each category; scale e.g. number of passengers carried, market share, turnover; products and services to meet different markets; vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators; impact of integration; European and global links; trends to include changing trends in holidays (e.g. mass market tourism to customisation, product range, all-inclusive holidays), expansion of the cruise market; environmental awareness of tour operators, responsible tourism; effect of economy and other external factors e.g. discounting, emergence of e-commerce, budget airlines; The role of trade bodies including The Travel Association (ABTA), Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Federation of Tour Operators (FTO), UK inbound, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays Stages: steps e.g. market research; planning and scheduling; forecasting; contracting e.g. allocation, commitment, ad hoc, time series charters, split charters, ad hoc chartering, scheduled services, using air brokers; costing the holiday (fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect costs, load factors, mark-up, profit margins, seasonal flexing, competitive pricing, skimming, special offers, discounting strategies, currency exchange e.g. forward buying of currency, interest earning, cash flow); timescales. LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays Brochures: recognition of the planning issues including deciding the format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product, target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run, multiple editions; timescales and stages of production including creative brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof, printing; brochure launch; recognition of legal implications; other formats e.g. CD, video, internet, intranet, television; examination of distribution channels e.g. direct mail, specialist carriers, haulier, consolidated delivery companies, travel agencies, intensive/selective distribution systems; racking agreements Methods of distribution: methods e.g. direct sell, agencies, call centres, internet, teletext, telephone. LO4 Understand the strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators Strategic: examination of strategic decisions e.g. volume, pricing strategies, surcharge policy, positioning and image/branding, choice of product in relation to customer portfolio, distribution decisions; investment funded by capitalisation e.g. cruise ships and aircraft Tactical: responses e.g. triggered by competition, price wars, external factors; decisions e.g. fluid pricing, yield management, maximising occupancy of contracted beds, utilisation of coach and aircraft seats, consolidations; tactical marketing e.g. discounting, late sales Scheme of work Awarding Body: Pearson BTEC Course: BTEC HND IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT Unit14: Tour Operations Management Wk. Lecture Schedule Outcome of session By the end of the session learners are expected to be able to: Activity/seminar and formative assessment Resources 1 AM Introduction to the course programme Mode of assessment, awareness of the awarding body, assessment criteria and the mode of assessment Role play and individual induction, helping to know each other. Unit specification handouts. PM LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector Define tour operators Define a tour package defined by EU Package Travel Directive; Identify and explain different types of tour operators Identify the type of services offered by the different types of tour operators Group work Analyse of advertisements of tour operators Power point Magazines, travel suplements, advertisement 2 AM Continuation with the LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector Identify and analyse different tour operators Types of tourism Understand vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators Identification of major tour operations in UK Identify major tour operators including their origin, ownership, market segment, competition, Identify specific operators within each category based on scale, products and services offered to meet different markets Identify some of the leading operators involved in vertical and horizontal integration One hour workshop addressing AC1.1 Activity Tour operators advertisements of news papers Power point slides White board Internet Worldwide map PM Continuation with the LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector Integration of major tour operators: vertical and horizontal integration in leading operators, impact of integration; European and global links Understand the impact of integration on the tour operations industry Identify the European and global links of major tour operators Analyse of the trends to include changing trends in holidays (e.g. mass market tourism to customisation, product range, all-inclusive holidays), expansion of the cruise market; environmental awareness of tour operators, responsible tourism; effect of economy and other external factors e.g. discounting, emergence of e-commerce, budget airlines; One hour workshop addressing AC1.1 Group discussion Case study Individual presentations Reflective question at the end of the class Practical discussion Group discussion Power point slides White board Module hand book and assignment for the purpose Assignment brief Video Thomas Cook Internet 3 AM LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays Analyse the different stages in creating holidays : e.g. market research; planning and scheduling; forecasting; contracting e.g. allocation, commitment, ad hoc, time series charters, split charters, ad hoc chartering. Workshop In class activity PowerPoint slides Case study PM Continuation of LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays Analyse and prepare the costing the holiday (fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect costs, load factors, mark-up, profit margins, seasonal flexing, competitive pricing, skimming, special offers, discounting strategies, currency exchange e.g. forward buying of currency, interest earning, cash flow); timescales Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse tourist prospectuses from Thomas cook Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures 4 AM LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure including deciding the format (content, structure, style, paper quality, size), based on product, target market and budget, determining print specifications, print run, multiple editions; Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse tourist prospectuses from Thomas cook Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures PM Continuation of LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays Analyse of the timescales and stages of production including creative brief, copywriting, proofing, colour proof, printing; brochure launch; One hour workshop addressing AC3.1 Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse different tourist brochures from Thomas cook, Thomson Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures 5 AM Continuation of LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays Working towards task 3 Evaluation of legal implications; Explore other formats e.g. CD, video, internet, intranet, television; examination of Analyse f different distribution channels e.g. direct mail, specialist carriers, haulier, consolidated delivery companies, travel agencies, intensive/selective distribution systems; racking agreements One hour workshop addressing AC3.2 Q&A Group work presentations Prospectuses Textbook Gillian (2010) TRAVEL AND TOURISM PM Continuation of LO 3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays Methods of distribution: methods e.g. direct sell, agencies, call centres, internet, teletext, Telephone Assignment – revision for task 3 , Q&A One hour workshop addressing AC3.3 Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse tourist prospectuses from Thomas cook Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures 6 AM Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators Evaluate Strategic decisions made by different tour operators such as : volume, pricing strategies, surcharge policy, positioning and image/branding, choice of product in relation to customer portfolio, distribution decisions; investment funded by capitalisation e.g. cruise ships and aircraft Workshop students to work with case studies and analyse tourist prospectuses from Thomas cook Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures PM Continuation of LO 4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator One hour workshop addressing AC4.1 Workshops Individual work Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures 7 AM Continuation of LO 4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations such as: response triggered by competition, price wars, external factors; decisions, such as fluid pricing, yield management, maximising occupancy of contracted beds, utilisation of coach and aircraft seats, consolidations; tactical marketing e.g. discounting, late sales One hour workshop addressing AC4.2 Workshops Individual work Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures PM Workshop and revision Revision addressing LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 Assignment Support towards task 4 Handouts Power Point Travel Brochures 8 Assignment Support 9 Assignment Support 10 Assignment submission week Recommended text and links: Learners should use the latest edition if available. Cooper et al (2008) Tourism Principles and Practice, 4th edition, Pearson Education: Essex Galle, D. (2010) BTEC Travel and tourism, book 2, London: Pearson Holloway, J C (2009) the Business of Tourism, 8th Edition, Longman. Laws E (1997) Managing Packaged Tourism: Relationships, responsibilities and service quality in the inclusive holiday industry, International Thomson Business Press. Middleton, Victor T C and Clarke J, (2009) Marketing in Travel and Tourism, 4th edition. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Further reading ABTA/AITO Code of Conduct ABTA Handbook ABTA Information Bureau Holiday Statistics International Passenger Survey Package Travel Regulations Thomascook.co.uk Thomas cook prospectuses Air Tours Signature from Thomas Cook Magazines, journals and newspapers The Financial Times and other daily newspapers which contain a business section and market reports Travel Trade Gazette Travel Weekly The travel supplement – The Guardian newspaper The travel supplement - The Times The travel supplement – Daily Mirror Websites www.abtanet.com Association of British Travel Agents www.aito.co.uk Association of Independent Tour Operators www.caa.co.uk Civil Aviation Authority www.firstchoiceplc.co.uk First Choice Holidays www.fto.co.uk Federation of Tour Operators www.thomascook.com Thomas Cook www.tui.com TUI Group www.bized.ac.uk Provides case studies appropriate for educational purposes Wk. Session Update Date Signature 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lecturer: Contact details: Teaching and Learning Activities The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business environment. 2.3 Teaching Ethos The college’s approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote success in both their academic studies and subsequent career. 2.3.1 Methods of Delivery: LECTURES: These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their private study time more effectively. SEMINARS: These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral communication skills. CASE STUDIES: An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learner’s ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work. Plagiarism: Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.) Assessment: The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Pearson BTEC. Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified. Contribution: 100% of the module Outline Details: Details enclosed in the assignment brief ASSIGNMENT BRIEF Unit Number and title Unit 14 Tour Operations Management Qualification BTEC HND Travel and Tourism Management QCF Level 4 Start Date 12/09/2016 Issue date 19/09/2016 Deadline/ Hand-in 20/11/2016 Assessor Purpose of the assignment The aim of this assignment is to enable learners to exhibit an understanding of the tour operators industry, the stages involved in creating holidays, brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays, and strategic decision making. Task 1 (LO1, AC1.1) Assuming that you work in the product development department for a leading tour operator based in London, United Kingdom. Your line manager has asked you to prepare poster presentations to be presented to the product development team analysing the effects of the current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry (1.1). Therefore, you need to conduct detailed research by using supportive materials such as tour operator’s prospectuses, textbooks and online resources but above all conduct some field trips and visits to travel agencies and tour operators. LO1. Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector: P1.1 Analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry. Task 2 (LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3) Your second task is to understand the stages involved in creating a tour package. For the purpose of this, you need to assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays, evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator and also to be able to calculate the selling price of a holiday. Please address the LO2 and the assessment criteria P2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 by using the scenario as specified below. Scenario for Task 2 Having analysed the contemporary trends within tour operator’s industry, you next task is to create a sightseeing tour for Chinese students from London, United Kingdom to Paris, France. As you have found in your industry report, tour operators need to expand their target markets and offer new products to their consumers. Therefore, your task it to propose a detailed plan for student group tour starting from the summer vacation in August 2018. The proposed group size is 45 students and the tour should last for no more than 5 days. The detailed proposal should be submitted in a professional written report format 2.1 & 2.2 Your manager has requested a detailed proposal so you have to assess the timescales involved in developing this holiday (2.1) and also to evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday (2.2) (e.g. transport, hotels, attractions). 2.3 Fortunately, your travel agency has an established network of partners in France and a special rate for your group has been proposed by St Michelle Hotel - 54 euros for a twin room (2 adults sharing) on a room-only basis. Supplement for BB is 12 euros per person/per night. You have also been able to negotiate a special rate with your transportation company. The price is £5,400 for a 50-seater luxury coach and that includes two drivers, fuel and all road and ferry taxes. However, you still need to find a local tour guide who will charge you a flat sum of £900 for the duration of your stay in Paris. Your company expects a profit margin of 20%. Your task is to calculate the selling price of the tour from the information given above (2.3). LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays 2.1 Assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays 2.2 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator 2.3 Calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information below. Task 3 (LO3, AC3.1, 3.2, 3.3) Having done a good job with the Chinese students, your next task is to work with the Marketing Department of the company where your task is to work in a team where you will evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a new brochure for adventure holidays. Your task is to evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of the brochure (3.1), assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional printed brochure (3.2) and evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday (3.3) for different types of tour operators (mass tour operators and specialised tour operators. Your written report should have valid theoretical standpoints, academic sources and industry examples. You must take two brochures from two different types of tour operators and compare how they plan their brochures, what kind of brochures they use and what distribution methods they use to sell their holidays. 3.1 Evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure 3.2 Assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operators and recommend the most appropriate for your tour package. 3.3 Evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator and recommend the most appropriate for your tour package. Task 4 Your last task is to write a draft article to be published in a specialised travel magazine. This article has to evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operators (4.1) and to compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations (4.2). For that purpose, you need to select at least one mass tour operator (e.g. Thomas Cook, Thomson) and one specialised tour operator (e.g. Cox & Kings, Kuoni) to evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operators and to select to one tour operator and compare the tactical decisions that could be made in different situations by your chosen tour operator. LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators 4.1 Evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator 4.2 Compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations Assignment Guidelines:  Use a standard report structure where requested, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size 12.  Produce evidence as specified for each task.  Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.  It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline. Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating circumstances supported by valid evidence.  Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.  Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.  Your research should be referenced using the Harvard referencing system.  In order to pass you need to address all the LO  In order to get a merit you need to first pass and then address the characteristics of M1, M2,M3 In order to get a Distinction you need to first pass, address all the merit Plagiarism: Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework from another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.) Commonly use command words Analyse These tasks require you to explore the different aspects of an issue, considering the relative significance of each. You would normally need to explore causal relationships, examining how an action will lead to a particular reaction. This type of task would not normally require you to make judgements, but rather to drill down into an issue, exploring relationships in depth. Assess This requires you to weigh up the positive and negative aspects of something. Alternatively it might require you to explore the important and unimportant aspects of an argument. You should build these strands into a balanced argument before reaching a final balanced conclusion. Calculate Generate a numerical answer with workings shown. Compare Identify similarities and differences between two or more factors Critically analyse This is a term you are unlikely to have seen before on your Level 3 or A level courses. This is when you have to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the ideas of a theorist or claims made by a professional body before reaching a final, balanced conclusion. You would normally begin by presenting the initial idea and arguments in favour of it, before introducing contradictory arguments. When you present the arguments, you should present their relative merits (e.g. their strengths and weaknesses) before summarising your arguments and reaching a final conclusion. Evaluate This type of question will require you to give an opinion on an issue, which you should support with relevant evidence. You should ensure that your response provides a balanced view of the issue, exploring points for and against your argument. This should lead to an overall conclusion where you summarise your main arguments and explain how you have come to your final decision. Justify This requires you to provide arguments in support of a particular interpretation of or perspective on something. This should be based on the use of theoretical justifications applied to normal business practice. Learning outcomes Assessment criteria for a pass Task LO1 Understand the tour operators industry within the travel and tourism sector 1.1 analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry 1 LO2 Understand stages involved in creating holidays 2.1 assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays 2 2.2 evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator 2 2.3 calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information 2 LO3 Be able to review brochures and methods of distribution used to sell holidays 3.1 evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure 3 3.2 assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operator 3 3.3 evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator 3 LO4 Understand strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators 4.1 evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator 4 4.2 compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations Guidance in addition to the Pass criteria’s, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit evidence in order to achieve the following Merit and Distinction grades. Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction: Outcomes/criteria: Indicative characteristics Possible evidence Contextualisation In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Merit Description: M. Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions. . Effective judgments have been made. To achieve M1, You will make effective judgements in order to identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions for example in methods of contracting used by different types of tour operators (2.2, planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure (3.1) suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure (3.2), suitability of different methods of distribution (3.3) and evaluation of strategic decisions made by different types of tour operators (4.1) M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques. .A range of sources of information used. To achieve M2, you have used a range of sources of information and thoroughly referenced for example to analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry (1.1), the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operators (3.2). M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings. .Logical and coherent arguments have been presented To achieve M3, you have used appropriate structure in all tasks and present logical and coherent arguments evaluating the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operators (1.1,3.3, 4.2) Distinction Description: D1. Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusion. . Synthesis has been used to generate and justify valid conclusions To achieve D1, you will demonstrate relevant skills to synthesize and generate appropriate conclusions across the assignment such as in Task 2 and 3. D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities. Autonomy/independence demonstrated To achieve D2, your work will exhibit a sense of responsibility towards managing and organising the activities where autonomy and independence is demonstrated while creating the tour package (2.1 and 2.3) D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied To achieve D3, you will demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking in understanding strategic and tactical decision making for tour operators (4.1 and 4.2) Evidence checklist Summary of evidence required by student Evidence presented Task 1 Poster presentation Task 2 Written report Task 3 Written report Task 4 Draft magazine article Achievement Summary The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor: Qualification HND Travel and Tourism Management Assessor name Unit Number and title 14 Tour Operations Management Student name Criteria Reference To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the student is able to: Achieved? (tick) 1.1 analyse the effects of current and recent trends and developments on the tour operators industry 2.1 assess the stages and timescales involved in developing holidays 2.2 evaluate the suitability of different methods of contracting for different components of the holiday and different types of tour operator 2.3 calculate the selling price of a holiday from given information 3.1 evaluate the planning decisions taken for the design of a selected brochure 3.2 assess the suitability of alternatives to a traditional brochure for different types of tour operator 3.3 evaluate the suitability of different methods of distribution used to sell a holiday for different types of tour operator 4.1 evaluate the strategic decisions made by different types of tour operator 4.2 compare the tactical decisions that could be taken by a selected tour operator in different situations Higher Grade achievements (where applicable) Grade descriptor Achieved? (tick) Grade descriptor Achieved? (tick) M1: Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions D1: Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions M2: Select / design and apply appropriate methods / techniques D2: Take responsibility for managing and organising activities M3: Present and communicate appropriate findings D3: Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking