School of Travel Industry Management

Administration

George Hall 346
2560 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8946
Fax: (808) 956-5378
Email: timinfo@hawaii.edu
Web: shidler.hawaii.edu/tim/

Dean: V. Vance Roley

Faculty

*D. Spencer, PhD (Director)—tourism policy, planning and management
*L. Shulga, PhD (Director of MS Program)—hospitality management
*J. Agrusa, PhD—hospitality
*A. Berbekova, PhD—tourism
*J. Chi, PhD—transportation economics, transport policy, applied economics
*I. Lin, PhD—hospitality marketing and management, and consumer behavior
J. Patoskie, PhD—community/resort planning, tourism marketing
*K. Seo, PhD—hospitality finance and accounting
*Y. Xu, PhD—hospitality
*H. Wen, PhD—information technology systems, e-commerce, e-consumer behavior, e-marketing, hotel operation management, supply chain management

Emeritus Faculty

D. J. L. Choy, PhD
F. Collison, PhD
J. Liu, PhD
P. Sheldon, PhD

* Graduate Faculty

General Information

The School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) is recognized as a leading educational institution in hospitality, tourism, and transportation management. TIM pioneered the concept of integrating all aspects of the travel industry under a single discipline. Built on a foundation of management science, TIM draws on a broad range of disciplines to provide high-quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels to current and future professionals.

The visitor industry in Hawaiʻi provides TIM students many opportunities to gain experience in the field and to study applications of theory to practical business situations. TIM works closely with local, national, and international business organizations, as well as with various government and private professional organizations.

In addition to Hawaiʻi’s travel industry environment, students benefit from a curriculum that has an international perspective with special emphasis in the Asia-Pacific region. The global importance of tourism and the increasingly interdependent nature of economic and political systems require a fundamental and multidisciplinary understanding of international issues. TIM’s distinctive curriculum and outstanding faculty, the success and importance of tourism as the leading industry in Hawaiʻi, and the international focus of the programs provide students a unique educational environment and experience.

Mission

As a professional program within a land-grant institution, the School of Travel Industry Management has linked its mission with the state’s economic interest in tourism, Hawaiʻi’s largest economic sector. The mission of TIM, as a leading regional professional institution, is to develop and disseminate hospitality, tourism, and transportation concepts, knowledge, and skills through global leadership in teaching, research, training, and outreach. These activities contribute to economic, sociocultural, and environmental sustainability, including supporting and enriching host cultures.

With this mission, the school’s objectives are threefold: (a) to prepare individuals for leadership and professional positions in the travel industry through education and training, (b) to generate new knowledge in the travel industry through research and graduate education, and (c) to provide service to the community, nation, Asia-Pacific region, and beyond.

Goals

Within its mission and objectives, TIM strives for the following goals:

Instruction—to provide high-quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels on a statewide basis;
Research—to conduct basic and applied research relevant to the travel industry; and
Service—to be the leading travel-industry center for information resources and continuing professional education and training serving the state and the Asia-Pacific region.

Accreditation

TIM is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Schools of Business (AACSB).

Advising

TIM Office of Student Academic Services
George Hall 346
2560 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8946
Fax: (808) 956-5378
Email: shidler.hawaii.edu/tim/
Website: shidler.hawaii.edu/tim/advising/

Academic advisors assist students with the selection of courses appropriate to their career goals, identifying career goals that are appropriate to their interests, understanding UH Mānoa policies and procedures, and identifying co-curricular activities and/or work experiences to help them develop skills and abilities outside the classroom.

Mandatory academic advising is required for all freshmen, sophomores, and new TIM students. All students are encouraged to see an advisor at regular intervals to plan for graduation in a timely manner. For graduate advising, see Director of TIM MS Program.

Seniors

Seniors must complete a pre-graduation check and file a diploma application prior to their final semester. Individual advising sessions for graduating seniors are held each semester.

Academic Policies

Good Academic Standing

Undergraduate TIM students must meet the following requirements to maintain good academic standing:

Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for all courses attempted at UH Mānoa for a grade. Transfer credits and courses completed under the CR/NC option are not included.
A GPA of at least 2.0 in the upper division TIM core and 2.0 in the TIM emphasis.
Satisfactory progress toward completion of degree requirements. This means students must enroll in courses required for the degree and complete these courses with acceptable grades.

Probation

A student who fails to meet any one of the academic standing requirements at the end of any semester is placed on probation. Probationary students must achieve a current (semester) GPA of at least 2.0 to be allowed continued registration. Failure to correct academic deficiencies may lead to suspension and eventual dismissal from UH Mānoa.

Withdrawal from Courses

Withdrawal deadlines are specified by UH Mānoa each semester, and students should take note of the relevant deadlines at the start of the semester.

Undergraduate Program

Concentrations

TIM offers three areas of emphasis within the BS program: hospitality management, tourism management, and transportation management. These concentrations are a selection of courses, which constitute a more focused study in one area of travel industry management of interest to the student. The undergraduate instructional program is committed to the development of competent management personnel for the travel industry through a curriculum that enables students to develop leadership abilities to solve problems in a dynamic industry. The global nature of the curriculum provides insight into the role and responsibilities of the industry within state, regional, national, and world perspectives, as well as the nature of service-based enterprises, business ethics, and societal constraints. In addition, practical knowledge regarding operational aspects of the industry enables students to develop “reality skills” within the field.

Hospitality Management

The hospitality management concentration is intended to provide students with the ability to apply problem-solving, decision-making techniques, and critical-thinking skills to meet current and future industry challenges. Students will study the relationship of the various constituencies (customer, owner, staff) in the management and operation of hospitality businesses, including lodging and food service establishments, as well as event management enterprises. Courses in this area cover the following areas: management of hotel and food & beverage establishments; food quality management; hospitality financial control; events management; principles of sales and marketing in hotels and resorts with a focus on public relations; advertising, pricing, and yield management; operating a commercial food-service facility either as a freestanding operation or as a part of a hotel, club, entertainment/recreation complex, or institution; resort development and management of hotel facilities and design; resort development and management and quantity/quality of food productions.

Graduating seniors take a capstone course in strategic management in the travel industry.

Tourism Management

The tourism management concentration prepares students for careers in travel arrangement and attraction and destination management, working for such entities as travel agencies, tour operators, attractions, and destination management organizations. Coursework provides an understanding of, and skills in, such areas as sustainable tourism policies and practices, and destination development, management, and marketing.

Graduating seniors take a capstone course in strategic management in the travel industry.

Transportation Management

In the transportation management concentration, students will gain an understanding of the characteristics and importance of transportation systems (both domestic and international); major transportation modes; operation and planning mechanisms; traffic policies; government promotion and regulation; the role of transportation in tourism; the transportation systems that impact the sustainability and economies of both Hawai’i and the U.S.; supply chain management; and management of multimodal transportation. Course topics include government regulation and promotion, distribution, and industry trends; tourist-related transportation systems; conventional surface passenger transportation systems; emerging transportation systems and their applications; air transportation; and the cruise business.

Graduating seniors take a capstone course in strategic management in the travel industry.

Program Learning Objectives for the BS Degree

Knowledge and Global Perspective
Identify and demonstrate skills relevant to the operational areas of hospitality and tourism management.
Effective Communication
1. Demonstrate effective written communication skills.
2. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
Leadership and Teamwork
1. Demonstrate effective leadership skills, or traits of a leader.
2. Work productively, respectfully, and professionally as a team member.
Critical Thinking
1. Analyze situations and develop alternative options to resolve identified issues.
2. Synthesize appropriate information to develop reliable, valid, and logical arguments.
Ethics and Stewardship
1. Apply ethical behavior.
2. Evaluate the importance of host cultures to the global hospitality industry and utilize sustainable practices.

Admission Requirements

Change/Declaration of Major

Applications are available on the TIM website: shidler.hawaii.edu/tim/undergraduate. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for all work attempted at UH Mānoa.

New Freshman and Transfer Applicants

New students must meet UH Mānoa admissions requirements. Please refer to the admissions website: manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions.

Transfer Credits Policy

Please refer to the UH Manoa Policy for Transfer Credits at policies.html#mini-three.

Definition: Transfer credits are credits received for previous courses completed at another institution of higher education that articulate with UH Mānoa courses.

Eligibility: Declared majors may request an evaluation of credits taken at other institutions of higher education through the Office of Admissions and Office of the Registrar.

All students are reminded that:

A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at UH Mānoa.
All courses at the TIM school that are designated at the “upper division” (300/400 level) cannot be satisfied with a course transferred from a two-year school.
A minimum of 25 upper division TIM credits must be taken at UH Mānoa.

Application Procedures

Application information, including deadlines and requirements, is available on the TIM undergraduate website: shidler.hawaii.edu/tim/undergraduate.

Multiple Majors and/or Degrees

TIM students may pursue a multiple major/degree in the Shidler College of Business or another UH Mānoa college/ school. Applicants for multiple major/degrees must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and submit a statement of purpose and academic plan. Applicants must apply separately and be accepted to both colleges and/or schools. For more information, contact a TIM advisor.

Graduate Program

The master of science (MS) degree program in travel industry management is designed to provide a specialized education through course work and research to master a broad set of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. Students develop analytical abilities and the critical thinking skills necessary for careers in the travel industry. Students are also expected to engage in understanding and execution of research activities.

The program prepares students for careers and leadership roles in the travel industry, including tourism, hospitality, and transportation management, as well as areas covering the entire industry such as information technology, international hospitality management, strategic marketing, and global tourism analysis. Students can also explore specific topics of interest, including sustainable tourism, electronic commerce, services marketing, and management, among others. In addition, the program and faculty have a strong emphasis and expertise in travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Students come from diverse academic backgrounds, which contributes to a rich and stimulating classroom environment. There are, however, certain subjects that students must be familiar with in order to work from a common knowledge base in our courses. These subjects are: 1) introductory economics, 2) introductory financial and managerial accounting, and 3) introductory statistics. Completion of these courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level is required for graduation but not admission, and options are available for meeting this requirement.

Admission Requirements

The MS in travel industry management is designed for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree and a demonstrated interest in the travel industry.

Minimum admission standards include a GPA of at least 3.0 in the baccalaureate work and in the last two years of undergraduate work. Applicants must attain a satisfactory score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GMAT is preferred. Students should take the GMAT unless it is not available. Where applicable, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) also is required. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 560.

Three letters of reference are required addressing the ability of the applicant to succeed in graduate study and to make future contributions to the travel industry. In addition, two years work experience or equivalent is preferred.

Instructional and Research Facilities and Programs

Professional Development Programs

The TIM school’s professional development programs are designed to improve managerial skills, exchange professional experiences, develop interrelationships among sectors of the travel industry, and increase awareness of the social, cultural, and economic implications of policy decisions. The Executive Development Institute for Tourism (EDIT) is held each year offering an intensive two-week program for executives and professionals in international tourism. TIM invites industry professionals to continuous learning by participating in the Hawaiʻi International Hotel and Hospitality Institute (HIHI) offering series of three days to one-week courses, occasionally held, for those with one or more years of experience in the hospitality field. TIM services also include planning, coordinating and conducting custom short-and long-term education and training programs for tourism and hospitality professionals, government leaders, universities and Edutourism programs to expand on participants’ travel and learning experiences while in Hawaiʻi and within the Asia Pacific region.

Gee Technology Learning Center

The TIM school’s state-of-the-art information technology center houses an executive video conference suite, a multimedia IT training lab, and the Leong Hop and Bernice C. Loui computer lab.

The Sunset Reference Center

With more than 10,000 items, including books, reports, statistical publications, article reprints, and subscriptions to more than 200 periodicals, the Sunset Reference Center has a comprehensive collection of specialized resource material on tourism in Hawaiʻi. The Sunset Reference Center provides research material for students, supports the research activities of faculty, and serves as a major resource center for the Asia-Pacific region.

ECO-Hawaiʻi Educational & Community Outreach

ECO-TIM is designed to extend TIM’s expertise in and commitment to responsible tourism to the broader community in Hawaiʻi through community outreach, service, and continuing education. This program works with community associations, individuals, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and government organizations to provide outreach services and continuing education activities. Activities include outreach projects, lectures, courses, exhibits, forums, conferences, briefing notes, and internet-based information exchange.

Student Organizations

The TIM school has eight student clubs that provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers, meet industry leaders, and practice management skills through a wide variety of activities. These clubs are Travel Industry Management Student Association, Club Managers’ Association of America (UH Chapter), Pacific Asia Travel Association (TIM Satellite Chapter), Young SKAL, American Hotel & Lodging Association Student Chapter, Eta Sigma Delta, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Student Chapter, and Meeting Professionals International Student Chapter.

Honors and Awards

The TIM school provides scholarships and awards to qualified students. For a list of these scholarships, see the “Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid ” section of the Catalog as well as the STAR scholarship website.

Eta Sigma Delta

Membership in this international honor society for hospitality management is available to undergraduate and graduate students who have achieved outstanding academic records.

Outstanding Student Awards

These awards are given annually to students who have achieved outstanding academic and service performance. Awards include: Distinguished Student in TIM, Special Senior in TIM, Special Junior in TIM, and Outstanding Graduate Student in TIM.

Honors

For Honors Program information, see the “Honors” section of this Catalog. Students may apply for UH Mānoa undergraduate research awards.

Dean’s List

For Dean’s List information, see the Academic Honors in the “Undergraduate Education ” section of this Catalog.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Travel Industry Management, MS

Doctorate

Travel Industry Management Concentration, PhD

Undergraduate Certificate

Travel Industry Management, Certificate

Combined