Management in Hospitality and Tourism

Management in Hospitality and Tourism

The Management in Hospitality and Tourism program, as a new field of study in Kosovo, is dedicated to young people who wish to gain qualifications and contribute to the development of this sector. The program content is largely the result of labor market reforms and the need for leaders at different levels of business.

Within this program, courses with contemporary and flexible content are offered, along with practical work in businesses, that effectively respond to the demands of the local  and international economy, preparing qualified professionals for the local, regional, and global labor market.

Purpose

This program aims to prepare students to carry out various activities professionally in business enterprises within the tourism and hospitality industry

Expected learning outcomes

After the successful completion of this program, the student will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to:

• Develop social and intercultural skills;
• Apply marketing instruments and technical skills in the sale of hospitality and tourism products;
• Use modern technology (applications and software related to information management in hospitality and tourism);
• Demonstrate skills in hospitality and tourism business management;
• Calculate and analyze business activities in order to maximize the effectiveness of decision-making;
• Identify industry trends and analyze the external and internal business environment to implement business strategies effectively in the tourism and hospitality industry;
• Know and understand the management of operations in hospitality and tourism services and their importance in the business environment of Kosovo.

Specific learning outcomes (hotel management)

Upon completion of the studies, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of food safety and beverage management;
2. Demonstrate communication and interpersonal relationship management skills;
3. Implement asset management processes in hospitality (SPA, swimming pools, clubs, etc.).
4. Know the event management process.

Specific learning outcomes (tourism)

Upon completion of the studies, the student should be able to:

1. Know the types of tourism and multicultural perspectives;
2. Identify tourism potentials;
3. Know the development process of rural tourism;
4. Know the process of managing tourist destinations.
5. Develop communication skills.

Teaching Methodology:

Teaching and learning are carried out using modern teaching tools, including smart board technology, technological equipment that enables virtual reality, and IT laboratories. These are complemented by a scientific approach to problem-solving, both theoretical (through the analysis of case studies) and practical (in the University’s Innovation Center, laboratories, and partner businesses with which USHAF has cooperation agreements).

Theoretical instruction is mainly conducted on university premises, while practical training is organized partly at the university and partly in enterprises with which the Faculty has cooperation agreements.

Assessment Methods: These are described in the Student Handbook and, more specifically, in the course syllabus. Also, based on the Regulation on Bachelor Studies, the following methods are applied for determining academic success:

1. Exam
2. Colloquium
3. Seminar paper
4. Professional practice
5. Practical test during exercises

The following grades are applied to describe success in exams:

• 90–100 points: 10 ‘A’ (Excellent)

• 80–89 points: 9 ‘B’ (Very Good)

• 70–79 points: 8 ‘C’ (Good)

• 60–69 points: 7 ‘D’ (Satisfactory)

• 50–59 points: 6 ‘E’ (Sufficient)

• 0–49 points: 5 ‘FX/F’ (Fail)

Future employment opportunities

With the knowledge gained in this program, students will be able to work in:

• Government institutions (central and local level);
• Hotel companies as a manager;
• The hospitality and tourism industry, as a specialized agent;
• Developer/manager of the Hotel and tourism product/service
• Tourism companies, as a general manager;
• Self-employed and entrepreneur;
• Project manager;
• Tourism Cicero.

Duration of Studies: 3 years, six semesters

Credits earned: 180 ECTS

Qualifications provided: Title awarded to the student “Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management”, and depending on the profile, which is chosen in the third year of studies, the profile Hospitality Management, or Tourism Management is also mentioned. (Level 6 of the Kosovo National Qualifications Framework)

Program passing rates:

As part of the continuous improvement of teaching quality, the Faculty of Tourism and Environment holds regular meetings with the Program Committee of the BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management. During these meetings, among other matters, pass rate reports for each examination session, as well as student evaluations of courses, teaching staff, and the study program, are reviewed.  Additionally, prior to the beginning of each semester, the Program Committee approves any necessary changes to the course syllabi.

Student pass rates are systematically analyzed each semester through reports generated by the Student Management System. These reports provide a clear and objective overview of student performance and help identify trends, challenging courses, and the need for academic interventions.

Key performance indicators show that:

• Student satisfaction with the program has reached 78%, exceeding the target of 75%;
• The graduation rate within four years is 72%, surpassing the set target of 50%;
• The progression rate presents challenges, particularly in the transition from the first to the second year, where the result is 03% compared to the target of 75%;
• The exam pass rate shows a positive trend, with results exceeding the targets set for each examination session:
  • First session: 18% (target 35%)
  • Second session: 70% (target 25%)
  • Third session: 41% (target 15%)

In cooperation with the Program Committee, the Dean specifically analyzes the results of courses where performance is lower and takes concrete measures such as:

• organizing additional classes;
• identifying and addressing students’ difficulties;
• improving teaching materials;
• updating syllabi and teaching methods.

This dynamic approach ensures that the program remains aligned with quality standards, while students are provided with continuous support to enhance their academic success.

Available Services and Facilities:

1. Laboratories:

The Faculty of Tourism and Environment uses two computer labs equipped with computers, has licenses for the use of software or uses the school version with a free license for academic purposes and each classroom is equipped with a latest generation Smart Table.

2.  Library and student spaces

The University Library has 1433 different types of publications, some with more than one copy, has 8 reading seats for students and has an area of ​​48.36m2. There is also a reading room with 40 seats. Students also have access to electronic libraries, through the official UASF link: https://ushaf.net → Students → e-Library.

3. Electronic systems

For student data management, UASF uses the Student Information Management System (SMIS) at the link: smis.ushaf.net.  For the institutional e-mail system, the Outlook platform is used at: outlook.ushaf.net. For online learning, students use the Microsoft Teams platform, while for academic work and access to institutional applications, they have access to Office 365, with all the services and platforms included.

4. Facilities for students with disabilities

The university has access for people with disabilities, and has also installed an elevator for access for people with special needs on all floors of the building.

5. Student Regulations

The Faculty of Tourism and Environment uses the following regulations, as well as the student handbook:

• Student Handbook
• Regulations for Basic Studies (Bachelor)
• Regulations on the Code of Ethics
• Regulations for Student Internship
• Regulations for Student Transfer
• Regulations for Student Elections at UASF
• Regulations of the Student Parliament Work at UASF
• Other regulations

6. Career Center

The Career Center at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj has these main functions:

• Helps students in professional orientation (choosing a career path, individual counseling)
• Organizes workshops and trainings such as CV writing, interview preparation, soft skills
• Mediates professional internships by cooperating with local, national and international companies
• Organizes Job and Career Fairs where students connect directly with employers
• Promotes employment and internship opportunities through official university announcements
• Supports alumni (graduates) in finding work and further professional development

7. Scholarships offered to students and study fees:

Student scholarships are allocated for each academic year, based on the regulation of the Governing Council for the allocation of financial resources from the category: Subsidies and transfers. The amount of financial resources for the allocation of scholarships is determined by a separate decision by the Governing Council for each fiscal year.Study fees for students are determined by a special Administrative Instruction of the Ministry of Education and UASF applies the fees determined according to the Administrative Instruction of the Ministry of Education.

8. Open Doors Day

As part of the “Open Doors” activity, the university opens its doors to welcome Kosovo high school graduates, to inform them about the conditions offered by the university, about the programs and laboratories, as well as other spaces that contribute to the acquisition of professional skills Open Doord Days.

9.  Informational materials

• Link for brochures