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Tourism: An International Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 54 No. 3, 2006.

Professional paper

Decision making: Tourism and hospitality game

Alina M. Zapalska ; U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, USA
Dallas Brozik ; Marshall University, Huntington, USA
Magdalena Niewiadomska-Bugaj ; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, USA

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page 259-270

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Abstract

This paper introduces the reader to an experiment that proposes an expanded format of cooperative learning techniques with sets of pedagogical innovations to better meet the teaching outcomes. In this
context the paper presents a decision-making game where Tourism and Hospitality students are fully involved in the educational process via active participation in the Tourism and Travel Game. The game
demonstrates decision-making processes that must be taken within competitive environment with imperfect information. The individual components of the game allow players to explore the effects of production capacity, production costs, market demand, and government controls within a competitive market. Students are expected to develop various skills and competences during game. The paper presents an assessment instrument in order to provide a feedback if students benefited from opportunities that replaced a lecture with active participation by using the Tourism and Travel Game. An assessment instrument allowed us to evaluate the students' opinion on their knowledge acquisition and retention rate. Each student was given the same questionnaire that evaluated how teaching with Tourism Game had influenced each area of the students' learning outcome: positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual accountability, group processing of the group learning experience, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making ability, aptitude for detail, oral communication, written communication, knowledge of information, ability to organize and analyze, comprehension, application, synthesis and evaluation. Obtained results indicate a strong support for using the game as a pedagogical tool rather than a traditional lecture.

Keywords

tourism and hospitality education; decision making; competitive environment; globalization; information

Hrčak ID:

161480

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/161480

Publication date:

8.9.2006.

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