Module Identifier RD20820  
Module Title VISITOR MANAGEMENT  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Mr Ian P Keirle  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Other   2 x 3 hour visits during semester  
  Seminars / Tutorials   2 x 2 hour workshops  
  Lecture   1 x 2 hour lecture per week  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Assignment: Recreation plan Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  50%
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4  50%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) that resulted in failure.100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
Describe and utilise the marketing process in relation to countryside recreation management.
Performance criteria:
a. An understanding of the marketing mix is demonstrated
b. An understanding of target audiences and market segmentation is demonstrated.
c. An understanding of sites as products is demonstrated.

Outcome 2
Evaluate the issues concerned with the management of a countryside recreation site and to plan the management of a site accordingly
Performance criteria:
a. The ability to plan for recreation is demonstrated.
b. The provision of infrastructure on a given site is planned in relation to visitor and site needs.
c. An understanding of how to improve access at recreation sites is demonstrated.

Outcome 3   
Assess the use made of countryside recreation sites through the use of recreational survey techniques.
Performance criteria:
a. A method of assessing the condition of a recreation site is demonstrated.
b. An appreciation is shown of the direct methods available to survey site usage.
c. An appreciation is shown of the indirect methods available to survey site usage.

Outcome 4
Discuss and interpret legislation concerned with access to the countryside.
Performance critieria:
a. An understanding of the legal history of countryside access is demonstrated.
b. The relevance of case law is described and appreciated.
c. Key relevant laws and sections are identified and explained.
d. Different types of accessible land are recognised and understood.
e. The powers available to optimise access and to monitor and enforce infringements are understood.

Brief description

This module looks at the methods available to manage recreation in the countryside in such a way as to maximise the benefits and minimise potential conflicts. A marketing approach is used as the underpinning theme of the module with recreation sites considered as products and visitors as customers. The module considers the role played by management techniques such as signposting, site infrastructure, information, use of the media transport, erosion control and disabled access in the management of recreational sites. Linear and area access provides the ways by which people gain access to the countryside. The legislative and managerial framework associated with access will be considered.

Aims

The module aims to teach students to:

Develop an appreciation of marketing and its value as an approach to the management of countryside recreation
Develop an understanding of the methods available for the management of recreational visitors to the countryside
Develop an understanding of the legal and managerial framework asociated with access into the countryside

Module Skills

Problem solving This will occur within the assignment  
Research skills The assignment may require primary research to be conducted  
Communication Report writing skills will be developed within the assignment  
Improving own Learning and Performance This occurs through feedback from the assignment  
Team work The module features a number of group work sessions within the teaching  
Information Technology In the assignment IT skills will be required  
Application of Number The assignment may require some survey work that will include a need for numeric skills  
Personal Development and Career planning This module provides a range of skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the countryside job market.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Bell, S (1997) Design for outdoor recreation E and F N Spon
Curry, N R (1994) Countryside Recreation, Access and Land Use Planning E and F N Spon
Hammitt, W E (1987) Wildlife recrecreation, ecology and management
Jobber, D (1998) Principles and practice of marketing McGraw-Hill
Riddall, F and Trevelyan, J (1992) Rights of way: a guide to law and practice
Sports Council (1995) Good practice in planning and management of sport and active recreation in the countryside Sports Council
Veal, A J (1992) Research methods for leisure and tourism Longman/ILAM
** Recommended Text
Broadhurst R (2001) Managing environments for leisure and recreation Routledge
Keirle, I (2002) Countryside recreation site management: a marketing approach Routledge
Sharpley, R (2002) Tourism and leisure in the countryside 3rd edition. Elm Publications

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5