Business Decision-Making in Tourism

Year 1

Quantitative Methods In Scientific Research (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable students to independently design, apply, and critically evaluate advanced quantitative methods in various types of scientific research, while consistently adhering to statistical and ethical standards.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

design an appropriate experimental or observational study and calculate statistical power;
apply regression, variance (ANOVA), multivariate, and structural equation models;
analyze datasets using SPSS, R, or Stata, interpret results, and assess limitations;
visualize findings and prepare the statistical section of a scientific paper or doctoral dissertation in accordance with academic standards;
draw conclusions and present findings in an ethical and reproducible manner.

Contemporary Trends and Strategies in Tourism Development (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to provide doctoral students with an in-depth understanding, analytical insight, and the ability to integrate contemporary theoretical and practical approaches in tourism, through a comprehensive analysis of current global trends, strategic approaches to the development and management of tourist destinations, as well as the impact of digital transformation, sustainability, and geopolitical factors on tourism.

Learning outcomes:

students will be able to critically analyze and interpret contemporary trends in the global tourism market;
students will be able to assess and develop strategic approaches for the development and management of tourist destinations in the context of global competition, climate change, and socio-economic challenges;
students will be able to identify innovative models and practices in tourism that contribute to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the sector;
students will be able to formulate and argue their own research questions related to contemporary challenges and future perspectives of tourism development, using relevant scientific literature and empirical data.

Research Project 1 (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable doctoral students to independently apply previously acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge through the preparation of their first verification research paper within doctoral studies. The paper is developed with mentor support and is focused on the analysis of complex and practically relevant problems in the areas covered by the courses Quantitative Methods for Scientific Research and Contemporary Trends and Strategies in Tourism. Special emphasis is placed on developing the ability for critical reflection, systematic analysis, and interdisciplinary interpretation of complex phenomena in tourism, while adhering to academic standards and methodological rigor.

Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the research paper, the doctoral student will be able to:

independently formulate and analyze a research problem based on a thorough review of relevant literature;
apply theoretical and methodological knowledge in the fields of planning, development, and business operations in tourism to specific situations;
develop an analytical approach to identifying and interpreting complex phenomena and relationships in tourism practice;
demonstrate research maturity through critical interpretation of data and well-argued conclusions;
prepare a paper in accordance with scientific, methodological, and ethical standards of academic writing;
demonstrate the ability to independently plan research activities within a defined topic.

Scientific Research Aspects of Business Decision-Making in Tourism (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable doctoral students to conduct theoretically grounded and methodologically rigorous analyses of business decision-making processes in tourism, through the integration of scientific research approaches and decision-making models. Particular emphasis is placed on developing the ability to identify relevant research problems, apply contemporary research methods, and interpret results in order to improve strategic decision-making in tourism.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

critically analyze and evaluate theoretical frameworks of business decision-making in the context of the complexity of the tourism system and the specificities of the tourism market;
identify and formulate research problems related to business decision-making in tourism, using relevant theories and models from management, economics, and tourism;
apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze decision-making processes at strategic, tactical, and operational levels in tourism organizations;
develop and test decision-making models based on empirical data, using contemporary tools and decision-support methods;
critically interpret research results in the context of practical application in tourism, with a focus on improving management practices, policies, and competitive strategies.

Elective course 1

Contemporary Theories and Methods in Strategic Marketing (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to:

equip doctoral students with the ability to critically understand and integrate contemporary theoretical concepts of strategic marketing;
develop the ability to apply advanced models, tools, and techniques for strategic-level marketing decision-making;
analyze and evaluate strategic growth and development alternatives in different organizational and market contexts;
enable understanding of the interconnection between marketing strategy and decision-support systems in complex business environments;
encourage independent research and the development of innovative approaches to the formulation and implementation of marketing strategies at both micro and macro levels.

Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

critically analyze and interpret contemporary theoretical concepts and models of strategic marketing in the context of various market and organizational structures;
apply advanced analytical tools and methods in the process of strategic marketing decision-making;
independently identify, evaluate, and propose appropriate strategic alternatives for business growth and development in complex and dynamic market conditions;
integrate marketing strategies with decision-support systems and other aspects of business management;
formulate and conduct original scientific research in the field of strategic marketing, applying contemporary methodological approaches and critical thinking.

Financial Analysis and Business Performance Assessment (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to develop doctoral students’ ability to conduct in-depth analysis of financial statements and integrate quantitative and non-financial indicators for an accurate assessment of a firm’s value and performance. Particular attention is given to the critical evaluation of data quality, risk modeling, and ethical reporting. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

apply vertical, horizontal, and trend analysis, a wide range of financial ratios, and advanced performance measurement systems such as DuPont, EVA, and CFROI;
assess firm value using discounted cash flow models, market multiples, and advanced bankruptcy prediction tools (Altman’s Z-score, logistic regression, or machine learning algorithms);
integrate ESG metrics into financial diagnostics;
conduct sensitivity analysis across different scenarios and interpret findings in light of industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic constraints;
present results transparently, with reproducible code in SPSS, R, or Stata.

Year 2

Elective course 2

Strategies and Models of Sustainable Development in Tourism (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to develop students’ ability to apply sustainable development policies that balance economic, socio-cultural, and environmental protection goals in tourism planning, through an interdisciplinary approach to assessing opportunities and potentials for sustainable development, as well as the design of evidence-based development policies. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

identify and determine all relevant factors necessary for the development of high-quality, evidence-based plans that integrate diverse societal interests and support sustainable tourism development and its overall contribution to the sustainable development of the target territory;
align tourism development policies with overarching sustainable development policies;
design development models based on critically evaluated examples of good practice in sustainable development, grounded in scientific knowledge and international policies, and adapted to specific local conditions;
assess the potential contribution of strategic tourism plans to economic and social systems at both global and local levels, as well as to global sustainable development goals.

Crisis Management and Safety in Tourism (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to provide knowledge on risks, causes, and symptoms of crises in tourism, as well as strategic measures aimed at addressing root causes and mitigating the consequences of crises. The course also focuses on forms of crisis management, particularly at the level of tourist destinations and tourism enterprises, in order to effectively respond to crisis situations. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

anticipate, analyze, and manage tourism companies and destinations in order to prevent crisis situations;
apply appropriate knowledge and strategies for successfully resolving crises and enabling companies and destinations to achieve long-term growth and development in the tourism market, based on the principles of sustainable tourism development.

Elective course 3

Tourism and Cultural Heritage (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to provide doctoral students with a deeper understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to studying the relationship between tourism and cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on strategies for sustainable development, management, and interpretation of cultural assets in the context of contemporary tourism flows. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

critically examine and analyze contemporary theoretical concepts related to tourism and cultural heritage;
apply advanced methodological approaches in cultural tourism research;
evaluate the impact of tourism on the preservation, transformation, and accessibility of cultural heritage, and propose measures for the sustainable management of cultural assets in the context of tourism development;
critically assess global trends and their implications for local and national cultural resources;
independently design and conduct research on the role of cultural heritage sites in positioning destinations in the tourism market.

Digital Transformation and Contemporary Business Models (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to develop an understanding of digital transformation as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that redefines contemporary business models. The course aims to build students’ critical ability to analyze, evaluate, and anticipate the impacts of digital technologies on business decision-making strategies, service innovation, competitive advantage, and sustainable development. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

analytically examine theoretical frameworks of digital transformation and the digital economy;
classify and evaluate contemporary digital business models (platforms, social networks, peer-to-peer models, etc.);
explore and apply digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data analytics, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Internet of Everything (IoE);
analyze structural changes and design and recommend innovative digital transformation strategies based on empirical data and scientific models;
develop research capabilities in the field of digital transformation through the formulation of research questions and the application of appropriate methodologies.

Scientific Research Project (10 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable students to expand their existing knowledge and gain experience in addressing specific scientific research problems within their chosen field of study. Through the study research project, the candidate’s ability to independently analyze complex problems is assessed, based on the application of fundamental theoretical-methodological, scientific-professional, and applied knowledge and methods. By reviewing relevant literature and applying scientific methods, the project fosters creative solutions to research tasks that may also have practical applications. The study research project represents a continuation of the study research work from the second semester. Learning outcomes: By completing the study research project, the student will be able to:

address a scientific research problem in accordance with general theoretical and methodological frameworks of scientific research;
conduct independent research;
apply acquired knowledge in practice;
present and communicate the results of their work..

Elective course 4

Scientific Research Project with Methodology in the Field of Tourism Planning and Development (30 ESPB)

Course objective is to equip doctoral students for independent, critically grounded, and methodologically sound scientific research in the field of tourism planning and development. Through the implementation of an individual research project, candidates gain experience in formulating a doctoral dissertation research problem, selecting and applying appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches, and interpreting findings in the context of contemporary tourism development policies. Particular emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary approach, the application of scientific methods to real-world development challenges in tourism, as well as the development of research autonomy and scientific argumentation. Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the doctoral student will be able to:

formulate and structure a relevant scientific research problem in tourism, with a focus on planning and development aspects;
apply appropriate methodological approaches in studying complex spatial, economic, social, and environmental aspects of tourism development;
critically analyze relevant scientific and professional literature and develop a theoretical framework for research;
interpret results in the context of contemporary tourism development policies and strategies at local, regional, national, and international levels;
propose innovative and applicable solutions to specific tourism planning and development problems;
demonstrate research maturity, academic responsibility, and the ability for independent scientific work in the field of tourism.

Scientific Research Project with Methodology in the Field of Organization and Business Operations in Tourism (30 ESPB)

Course objective is to equip doctoral students for independent, critically grounded, and methodologically rigorous scientific research in the field of organization and business operations of tourism enterprises. Through the implementation of an individual research project, candidates gain experience in formulating a doctoral dissertation research problem, selecting and applying appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches, and interpreting findings in the context of contemporary business and organizational challenges in the tourism sector. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection and application of appropriate research methodologies, the integration of theory and practice in business decision-making in tourism, and the development of research independence, critical thinking, and scientific argumentation. Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the doctoral student will be able to:

independently formulate and structure a relevant research problem in the field of organization and business operations of tourism enterprises;
apply appropriate scientific methods in analyzing complex organizational and managerial processes in tourism;
interpret research results in light of contemporary theoretical frameworks and management practices in tourism;
propose well-argued, innovative, and applicable solutions to specific problems in the tourism industry;
develop critical thinking, scientific argumentation, and academic communication skills within multidisciplinary research contexts;
demonstrate a high level of research independence in planning, conducting, and presenting scientific work in accordance with academic and ethical standards.

Year 3

Doctoral Dissertation Research (30 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable doctoral students to apply fundamental theoretical, methodological, and scientific-professional knowledge and methods to solving concrete and complex problems within their chosen research area. Through the preparation of a study research paper, students thoroughly examine the problem, its structure, and complexity, and based on their analyses, formulate conclusions that lead to the development of strategic, tactical, and operational solutions. Additionally, through the critical review of relevant literature, students become familiar with contemporary methods and practices in addressing similar research challenges. Learning outcomes: Students are expected to be able to:

independently apply acquired knowledge to conduct a detailed analysis and systematic understanding of a research problem, with the aim of formulating possible approaches and solutions;
critically use and integrate relevant scientific literature to deepen their knowledge in the selected field;
conduct independent and thorough research in accordance with scientific methodology;
clearly and convincingly present the results and conclusions of their research.

Writing and Defense of the Doctoral Dissertation (30 ESPB)

Course objective is to enable doctoral students to acquire an in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of the structure, form, and procedures of writing a doctoral dissertation, as well as presenting the results of their own research. Through the preparation of the doctoral dissertation, students develop the scientific maturity necessary for creative and systematic research work, including problem definition, application of appropriate methods, analysis of results, and the formulation of original scientific contributions in their field. In addition, the course aims to develop candidates’ abilities for public presentation of results, well-argued responses to comments and questions during the defense, and preparation for professional scientific communication. Learning outcomes: Doctoral students will be able to:

approach the resolution of complex scientific and practical problems in their research area in a systematic and methodologically sound manner;
apply and integrate relevant knowledge from their own and related fields to develop innovative and creative solutions;
independently prepare a complete doctoral dissertation in accordance with academic and university standards;
prepare and present research results in a clear, precise, and scientifically grounded manner;
respond to critical comments and questions during the public defense, demonstrating scientific maturity and expertise.