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MBA in Tourism at Pondicherry University
Puducherry, Puducherry
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About the Specialization
What is Tourism at Pondicherry University Puducherry?
This MBA (Tourism) program at Pondicherry University focuses on developing skilled professionals for the dynamic global and Indian tourism and hospitality sectors. It provides a comprehensive understanding of tourism management, policy, and operations, preparing students for leadership roles in an industry critical to India''''s economic growth and cultural exchange, while emphasizing sustainable practices and leveraging India''''s vast tourism potential.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into the vibrant tourism and hospitality industry, particularly those interested in travel agencies, tour operations, destination management, or eco-tourism. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill for managerial positions, and career changers looking to transition into a sector with significant growth potential and diverse opportunities in India''''s booming tourism landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in tourism marketing, destination planning, hotel management, and travel agency operations, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. Roles include Tour Manager, Destination Marketing Executive, Hotel Operations Manager, and Tourism Consultant, aligning with professional growth trajectories in Indian companies and potentially leading to entrepreneurial ventures.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Management & Tourism Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate ample time to understanding fundamental management theories (HR, Finance, Marketing) and core tourism concepts. Utilize textbooks, case studies, and online resources like NPTEL lectures to build a strong theoretical base. Actively participate in class discussions and seek faculty mentorship to clarify doubts and deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL Management Courses, Harvard Business Review case studies, Pondicherry University library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust understanding of basics is crucial for all future specializations and forms the bedrock for analytical thinking required in managerial roles in the dynamic Indian tourism industry.
Develop Quantitative and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on excelling in Managerial Economics and Quantitative Techniques. Regularly practice problem-solving and engage with statistical software for data analysis introduced in Research Methods for Business. Participate in small research projects or data analysis exercises to build practical application skills.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel for data analysis, SPSS (if available/taught), Khan Academy for quantitative concepts, Academic journals on tourism research
Career Connection
Strong analytical and research skills are highly valued for market research, financial forecasting, and strategic decision-making in the data-driven tourism industry, enabling evidence-based planning.
Early Industry Exposure & Networking- (Semester 1-2)
Actively attend guest lectures, webinars, and workshops organized by the department or local tourism bodies. Network with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals via LinkedIn or university events. Seek out opportunities for short-term internships, volunteer work, or informal informational interviews during breaks to gain early insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Pondicherry University alumni network, Local tourism board events (e.g., Puducherry Tourism), Industry association websites (e.g., IATO, FHRAI)
Career Connection
Builds early industry awareness, creates valuable contacts for future internships/placements, and helps in identifying specific career interests within the diverse tourism sector of India.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives & Practical Application- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into chosen tourism electives (e.g., Tourism Marketing, Eco-Tourism). Actively seek projects related to these specializations, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, simulations, or mini-projects. Participate in inter-college competitions or business simulation games relevant to tourism.
Tools & Resources
Industry reports from UNWTO, WTTC, Tourism-focused academic journals, Online courses on specific tourism niches (e.g., sustainable tourism), Business simulation games for tourism management
Career Connection
Develops in-depth expertise in a specific area of tourism, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles and advanced studies within the Indian tourism ecosystem.
Pursue Industry-Relevant Certifications- (Semester 3)
Complement academic learning with professional certifications recognized in the tourism and hospitality sector, such as Global Distribution System (GDS) training (Amadeus, Galileo), or certifications in digital marketing for tourism. These practical skills enhance immediate employability.
Tools & Resources
IATA training courses for travel professionals, Specific GDS provider websites for certification, Google Digital Garage for digital marketing skills, HubSpot Academy for inbound marketing
Career Connection
Enhances employability by providing practical, in-demand skills immediately applicable in travel agencies, airlines, online travel platforms, and hotel marketing teams in India.
Engage in Extensive Field Study & Project Work- (Semester 4)
Approach the mandatory Field Study and final Project Work as a significant opportunity for practical learning and industry engagement. Choose a relevant and challenging topic, conduct thorough research, and engage deeply with industry stakeholders. Aim to present innovative solutions or insights that can add value to the sector.
Tools & Resources
Research methodologies handbooks, Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Sheets, basic statistical software), Interview techniques and survey platforms, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Develops independent research skills, problem-solving abilities, and showcases practical application of knowledge, critical for both placements in research/consulting roles and entrepreneurial ventures in tourism.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Degree (with 10+2+3 or 11+2+2 or 11+1+3 or 10+2+4 pattern) from any recognized University and qualified in Management Aptitude Test (MAT/CAT/XAT/ATMA/CMAT etc.) or Pondicherry University Admission Test is eligible for admission. The minimum marks for admission shall be 50% for unreserved categories and 45% for OBC/EWS/SC/ST categories in the qualifying degree.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 90 credits Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR 501 | Management Concepts and Organisational Behaviour | Core | 4 | Management Evolution, Planning and Decision Making, Organising and Staffing, Directing and Controlling, OB Foundations, Personality, Perception, Motivation, Group Dynamics, Leadership |
| TOUR 502 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Nature of Managerial Economics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structure and Pricing Policies, Profit Management, Capital Budgeting |
| TOUR 503 | Accounting for Managers | Core | 4 | Financial Accounting Concepts, Journal, Ledger, Trial Balance, Final Accounts, Financial Statement Analysis, Cost Accounting Fundamentals, Budgeting and Budgetary Control |
| TOUR 504 | Quantitative Techniques for Managers | Core | 4 | Introduction to Quantitative Techniques, Probability and Probability Distributions, Sampling and Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Linear Programming, Transportation and Assignment Problems |
| TOUR 505 | Fundamentals of Tourism | Core | 4 | Tourism Concepts and Definitions, History and Evolution of Tourism, Components and Types of Tourism, Tourist Motivations and Barriers, Economic Impacts of Tourism, Socio-Cultural and Environmental Impacts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR 506 | Research Methods for Business | Core | 4 | Research Process and Ethics, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods (Questionnaire Design), Scaling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| TOUR 507 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing Concepts and Environment, Consumer and Industrial Buyer Behaviour, Market Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning, Product and Pricing Decisions, Channels of Distribution, Promotion Decisions |
| TOUR 508 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Goals of Financial Management, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Capital Structure Theories, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy, Sources of Finance |
| TOUR 509 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HRM Functions and Objectives, Job Analysis and HR Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Compensation, Industrial Relations and Employee Welfare |
| TOUR 510 | Destination Management | Core | 4 | Destination Concepts and Life Cycle, Destination Planning and Development, Destination Marketing and Branding, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), Stakeholder Management in Destinations, Sustainable Destination Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR 601 | Legal Aspects of Business | Core | 4 | Indian Contract Act, 1872, Sale of Goods Act, 1930, Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, Companies Act, 2013, Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Intellectual Property Rights |
| TOUR 602 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Operations Strategy, Process Design and Layout, Facility Location and Layout, Inventory Management, Quality Management and TQM, Project Management and Supply Chain Management |
| TOUR 603 | Information Systems for Managers | Core | 4 | Role of Information Systems, Data Management and Business Intelligence, Decision Support Systems (DSS), MIS, ERP, CRM and SCM Systems, E-commerce and Mobile Commerce, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security |
| TOUR 604 | Entrepreneurship and Project Management | Elective | 4 | Entrepreneurship Concepts and Theories, Business Plan Development, Forms of Ownership and Funding Sources, Project Identification and Formulation, Project Appraisal and Implementation, Project Monitoring and Control |
| TOUR 605 | Tourism Marketing | Elective | 4 | Tourism Marketing Mix, Market Segmentation in Tourism, Tourism Product Development, Pricing Strategies in Tourism, Distribution Channels and E-marketing, Promotion and Branding in Tourism |
| TOUR 606 | Tourism Policy and Planning | Elective | 4 | Tourism Planning Concepts, National and International Tourism Organizations, Tourism Policy Framework, Planning Models and Approaches, Master Planning for Tourism, Regional and Rural Tourism Planning |
| TOUR 607 | Travel Agency and Tour Operations Management | Elective | 4 | Travel Agency Business, Tour Operators and Types of Tours, Tour Packaging and Itinerary Planning, Pricing and Marketing of Tours, Role of Technology in Travel Operations, Legal Aspects and Crisis Management |
| TOUR 608 | Eco-Tourism | Elective | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Eco-tourism, Types and Components of Eco-tourism, Impacts of Eco-tourism, Eco-tourism Planning and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife Tourism, Community Participation and Case Studies |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUR 609 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Strategic Management Process, Vision, Mission, Objectives, Environmental Analysis (External & Internal), SWOT Analysis and Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control and Business Ethics |
| TOUR 610 | Human Resource Management in Tourism | Elective | 4 | HRM in Tourism Sector, Job Analysis, Recruitment, Selection, Training and Development in Tourism, Performance Appraisal in Hospitality, Compensation Management, Industrial Relations in Tourism |
| TOUR 611 | Tourism Products of India | Elective | 4 | Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Adventure and Wildlife Tourism, Medical and Spiritual Tourism, Beach and Coastal Tourism, Regional Tourism Circuits in India, Product Development and Promotion |
| TOUR 612 | Air Cargo Management | Elective | 4 | Air Cargo Industry Structure, Freight Forwarding Operations, Customs Procedures and Documentation, Air Cargo Safety and Security, Hub Operations and Warehousing, E-commerce Logistics and International Regulations |
| TOUR 613 | Tourism Entrepreneurship | Elective | 4 | Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Tourism, Business Plan Development for Tourism Ventures, Funding Sources for Tourism Startups, Legal Formalities for Tourism Businesses, Marketing Strategies for Tourism Entrepreneurs, Innovation and Case Studies |
| TOUR 614 | Hospital & Hotel Management | Elective | 4 | Hospitality Industry Structure, Hotel Operations (Front Office, Housekeeping), Food & Beverage Management, Hospitality Marketing and HR, Financial Management in Hotels, Introduction to Hospital Administration |
| TOUR 615 | Field Study | Practical/Non-Credit (Mandatory) | 2 | Industry Visits and Exposure, Data Collection Techniques, Observation and Interview Skills, Report Writing and Presentation, Practical Application of Concepts, Understanding Industry Operations |
| TOUR 616 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Findings, Discussion and Conclusion, Report Writing and Viva-Voce |
